Better Health Food

Supplements for Depression

Understanding depression

Depression is a mood disorder in which people experience feelings of sadness, loneliness, and loss of interest for long periods of time. It is a fairly common condition in the United States. As many as one in 20 Americans from the age 12 and older report symptoms of depression, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

chemical imbalances: Your brain’s functions are carefully controlled by a delicate balance of chemicals and neurotransmitters. If these chemicals change, you may develop symptoms of depression.

hormone changes: Changes in hormones may cause symptoms of depression. Hormones may change because of thyroid problems, menopause, or another condition.

life changes: The loss of a loved one, the end of a job or a relationship, financial stress, or trauma may trigger depression.

genes: If a close relative has been diagnosed with depression, you may have a genetic predisposition to developing depression as well.

Possibilities for natural relief

Traditional depression treatment uses a combination of prescription medicines and counseling or therapy. Antidepressant medicines can help resolve underlying physical problems, such as a chemical imbalance. Counseling can help you address issues and situations that might be contributing to depression, such as life changes.

Though traditional treatments can be effective, you may also be interested in alternative options. Natural remedies for depression are the focus of ongoing research. Researchers have studied numerous herbs, supplements, and vitamins to determine if they can benefit people with depression. The results are mixed. Some alternative treatments hold a lot of promise. However, not every alternative treatment passes the rigorous tests of clinical trials. For that reason, many medical professionals may hesitate in their recommendation or support for these treatments.

In this guide, learn about the most widely studied alternative treatments for depression. Find out which ones show the best results, how they work, and how they’re produced.

Many herbs and supplements sold in the United States are not reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). That means these products have not been tested by the FDA for their safety and effectiveness. It’s possible that the product you buy will be unsafe, ineffective, or both. The product may also be fraudulent.

If you’re interested in trying an alternative therapy to treat your depression, talk with your doctor, therapist, or psychiatrist. These professionals can help you determine which supplements are best for you. Not all patients with depression will benefit from alternative treatments. Still, it’s important to ask if you are interested.

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a shrubby herb with yellow flowers. It grows wild throughout Europe, parts of Asia, parts of Africa, and the western United States. Both the leaves and the flowers are used for medicinal purposes.

For centuries, St. John’s wort has been used to treat a variety of health conditions, including depression and mental health disorders. The herb also has anti-inflammatory properties, as well as antibacterial and antiviral properties. People have used it to treat infections and wounds on the skin.

Research is mixed on the effectiveness of this herb for depression treatment. A 2009 study published in Evidence-Based Mental Health showed the herb to be beneficial. The study found that St. John’s wort may be more effective than a placebo. The herb also appears to cause fewer unwanted side effects than traditional depression medication.

However, two studies found that that St. John’s wort was not effective in mild and severe depression. The first study, published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, compared the herb to a placebo. The study found that the herb failed to improve mild depression. Interestingly, this study also found that the antidepressant citalopram didn’t work better than a placebo.

5-HTP

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a chemical the body makes from L-tryptophan. L-tryptophan, or tryptophan, is a protein building block.

Like SAMe, 5-HTP may help raise your brain’s serotonin level. Medications that increase serotonin tend to help ease symptoms of depression.

In addition to depression, 5-HTP has been used to treat several conditions, such as sleep disorders, ADHD, premenstrual syndrome, and Parkinson’s disease. Researchers believe changes in serotonin contribute to all of these conditions.

Healthy Foods

Health Claims About Astaxanthin

Fish oil isn't the only thing from the ocean that can improve function in the human body. Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment that’s found in trout, microalgae, yeast, and shrimp, among other sea creatures. It is most commonly found in Pacific salmon, and is what gives the fish its pinkish color.As you're probably aware, antioxidants are good for you. Astaxanthin's antioxidant properties provide the main source of the health claims and benefits of the supplement, particularly when used to help treat cancer.

Nutrition

Know Your Teas: Black Tea

Tea is a popular drink all over the world. It’s a mixture of dried tea leaves that, when combined with hot water, create a satisfying beverage at any time of day. Black tea has been a popular beverage for more than 500 years. It’s often stronger in flavor than other teas, such as green tea.Some teas can provide a kick of caffeine, while others have more calming effects. Some have effects that promote a healthy microbiome, making them good for the gut.Tea also contains flavonoids, which have antioxidant potential. Antioxidants can help keep your cells in good health, and they can also lower the risk of coronary heart disease and even some cancers. Green tea and black tea are prepared differently, which accounts for their differences. Green tea is made when tea leaves are dried.Green tea and black tea are prepared differently.

Health Benefits of Greek Yogurt

Greek, or strained, yogurt isn’t just a fad. This dairy product, which is different from regular, sweeter yogurt, has quadrupled in production from 2008 to 2013. Greek yogurt makers add an extra step to their process so that excess water, lactose, and minerals drain out.What’s left is a creamy, rich yogurt with less sugar, more carbs, and a tart taste. The acidity also makes it easier for your body to absorb other nutrients.Plain Greek yogurt is a nutrient-packed snack that has many health benefits. Read on to discover the benefits of adding Greek yogurt to your diet.A cup of plain Greek yogurt can help you meet the recommended.