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.
As Healthline explains: “folate [B9], B12, and B6, are needed for the production and regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and dopamine.” Further, research suggests that deficiencies in these vitamins may increase the risk of depression, and that “treatment with folate and/or ...
Is there a natural substitute for antidepressants?
Natural antidepressants include SAM-e, St John's Wort, and omega-3-fatty acids, among others. If a person thinks they have symptoms of depression, they should speak to a doctor before trying any natural antidepressants.
Eating these vitamins can help with depression, doctors say
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Is B12 a natural antidepressant?
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.
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.
Is there an over-the-counter anti depression medication?
Although prescription antidepressants have the most evidence for their use, there are over-the-counter medications and supplements that are recommended to treat the symptoms of depression. These include 5-HTP and SAMe, among others.
Vitamin D is a key nutrient for your mental and physical health. Studies have found that low vitamin D levels are linked to depression and that taking vitamin D supplements may help improve depression symptoms in people with low vitamin D levels.
Vitamin B6 helps your body make serotonin, a chemical that influences mood. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression, and some antidepressant medications work by raising levels of serotonin. Some researchers think that vitamin B6 might help reduce symptoms of depression.
Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to relieve depressive symptoms in patients with low levels [60]. It is important to note that these studies evaluated the effects of vitamin D supplementation alone, not compared with antidepressants.
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.
As of this writing, some of the anxiety medications with the fewest reported side effects and least risk of side effects include: Most Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium) Bupropion (Wellbutrin) Citalopram (Celexa - SSRI)
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.
Growing scented flowering plants, such as Lilacs, Lavender or Jasmine, can help you improve your mood, sleep better, and ease other depression symptoms.
