Exercise is a Healthier Alternative to SSRI Medication
Exercising serves as a natural form of SSRI alternative medicine and may act as a promising intervention for depressed individuals according to research published in the American Journal of Medicine.
Natural alternatives to antidepressants may include acupuncture,22 controlled breathing techniques,23 biofeedback,24 dietary changes and food therapy,9 nutritional therapy including vitamins,8 herbal medicine and herbal supplements like St John's Wort,8 exercise,5 animal or equine therapy, 25 yoga,26 reflexology,28 ...
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to naturally improve mood and decrease depression, according to research studies, including a 2009 analysis of 20 clinical studies. Similarly, a 2015 study concluded that omega-3 acids may help both adults and children with depression.
Higher intakes of both Vitamins B12 and B6 reduced depressive symptoms over time. Vitamin B12 levels were reported to be correlated with melancholic depressive symptoms more than non-melancholic. Supplementation of Vitamin B12 along with anti-depressant therapy greatly improved depressive symptoms.
Vitamin B-3 and Vitamin B-9 can help people with depression because B vitamins help the brain manage moods. Vitamin D, melatonin and St. John's Wort are recommended for seasonal depression. Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and vitamin C may also help with depression.
Based on available data, black cohosh, chamomile, chasteberry, lavender, passionflower, and saffron appear useful in mitigating anxiety or depression with favorable risk-benefit profiles compared to standard treatments. These may benefit cancer patients by minimizing medication load and accompanying side effects.
Increasing serotonin levels can be done naturally. The best ways to do this are eating well, getting out in the sun or supplementing with vitamin D, exercising, taking adaptogens, and managing stress. Serotonin can also be increased synthetically with antidepressants.
Herbal and natural supplements may work well for some people. However, they are not an adequate substitute for conventional treatment or for people who face a risk of suicide or self-harm.
Like the class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which includes fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), 5-HTP increases the levels of serotonin in the brain.
Other Zoloft alternatives for anxiety and depression treatments include targeted nutritional supplements and herbal remedies, such as valerian,16 kava,32 vitamin B12,24 chlorella,33 amino acids.
For people with chronic or severe depression, medication may be needed on a long-term basis. In these cases, antidepressants are often taken indefinitely.
Vitamin B-12 and other B vitamins play a role in producing brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. Low levels of B-12 and other B vitamins such as vitamin B-6 and folate may be linked to depression.
B12 acts as a cofactor in synthesis of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, thus B12 deficiency affects mood, emotions and sleeping and can lead to psychiatric disorders.
Valerian root
Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) is a well-known supplement for anxiety. Greek physicians realized it had calming effects back in 460 B.C. But the results are mixed with valerian root. Some studies show a benefit in treating anxiety but others don't.
Exercise is as effective as antidepressants in some cases. One in 10 adults in the United States struggles with depression, and antidepressant medications are a common way to treat the condition. However, pills aren't the only solution. Research shows that exercise is also an effective treatment.