Naturopaths and others who practice holistic medicine have suggested some supplements may help fight depression and symptoms of anxiety.
Here are 5 supplements that have been used for depression.
1. Omega-3s — Many doctors recommend fish oil, not only for a healthy heart but also for a healthy mind. The oil contains omega-3 fatty acids described by Bastyr University Professor Paul Anderson as "a major building block in optimal brain chemistry,"
according to The Better Health Store.
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2. Vitamin D — Psychology Today noted that Vitamin D is called the "Sunshine Vitamin," and one that as many as one-fourth of Americans are deficient in. Research has found links between low Vitamin D levels and depression. "The big question is still causality. Does one get depressed because of a deficiency of Vitamin D, or does
depression lower the vitamin level?" Psychology Today said.
3. St. John's Wort — This weed with small yellow flowers has been used for its healing properties for thousands of years. Researchers think there is some small support for its ability to relieve symptoms of
mild depression, WedMD reported.
One caveat, WebMD noted: "St. John's wort can interact with other medicines or supplements you may be taking and may have side effects."
4. Vitamin B12 — Vitamin B12 levels are crucial for mental health. "A severe vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to deep depression, paranoia and delusions, memory loss, incontinence, loss of taste and smell, and more,"
Harvard Health said.
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5. Probiotics — "It is crucial to keep your intestines in good shape because your brain is only as healthy as your gut. The nerve cells in our gut manufacture 80 to 90 percent of our body’s serotonin, the neurotransmitter we need to stay sane," wrote author and Beyond Blue
blogger Therese Borchard on Everyday Health.
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