Natural Options for Depression & Anxiety
As you read this article, more than 30 million American adults are suffering from depression. 15% of the elderly population experience depression at some point and up to 8% of adolescents suffer from it, as well.
Depression is often a result of a variety of physical, emotional and environmental triggers such as stress, genetics, hormonal imbalance, nutritional deficiencies, certain medications and even a toxic environment.
While many doctors are quick to hand out anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications, we firmly believe in a therapeutic lifestyle change which promotes a healthy diet, moderate excercise and replenishing your body with nutrients you may be deficient in.
Research has shown that inflammation plays a huge role in mood disorders, such as depression. In saying this, it is important that you follow a strict anti-inflammatory diet rich in salmon, sardines, fruits and vegetables. Other antioxidant packed foods you may want to consider are dark chocolate, berries and spices like curry and ginger. (Yes! We're giving you permission to
enjoy dark chocolate!) Also be sure to stray from processed fats, vegetables oils, and sweetened beverages...even the diet kind.
Of course, you always want to talk to your physician about balancing out your hormones but in the meantime, there are a host of supplements that we recommend for anxiety and/or depression.
The foundation to your regimen needs to be a high-quality multivitamin, such as Dr.
Hotze's Energy Formula. In addition to that, both
B12 and
vitamin D are essential as both of these are easily depleted which can be associated with depressed moods.
Magnesium is another vital supplement that helps you relax, both physically and mentally, and also helps to naturally reduce elevated blood pressure that can be related to depression and anxiety. Finally,
omega-3 essential fatty acids are key to helping reduce inflammation and nuture the brain.
If you, or someone you know, might be suffering from anxiety or depression, a therapeutic life change that promotes a healthy diet, moderate exercise and the supplements we've listed above may get you back on track to healthier, happier, brighter moods.
Per Dr. Sanje Guptn, CNN Chief Medical correspondent, anyone currently on an antidepressant should not suddenly stop taking them. This is apparently one of the triggers to violent behavior. I think these alternatives are a GREAT idea as long as a person consults their physician in order to "wean" off of antidepressants.
