| The interest in learning all about vitamins and | | | | According to the well renowned tome |
| herbs for depression has skyrocketed. Indeed, | | | | "Nutraceuticals - The Complete Encyclopedia of |
| depression is the most common of all mood | | | | Supplements, Herbs, Vitamins, and Healing Foods" |
| disorders affecting an estimated 17 million | | | | written by Arthur J. Roberts, M.D., Mary E. O'Brien, |
| Americans every year. Needless to say, many of | | | | M.D., and Genell Subak-Sharpe, M.S. who states: |
| us are very familiar with prescription drug | | | | "European studies show that SAMe can be faster |
| antidepressants, such as Zoloft and Prozac. | | | | and more effective in overcoming depression than |
| However, there are also natural substances that | | | | many standard antidepressant drugs. It is thought |
| can help counter depression. So, without further | | | | to work against depression by enhancing the |
| adieu, let's delve into vitamins and herbs for | | | | action of the mood-elevating brain chemicals, such |
| depression. | | | | as serotonin and dopamine." (Page 96). |
| St. John's wort is highly recognized as an herb | | | | Indeed, SAMe is one to consider even though it's |
| that can help brighten the moods of mild to | | | | not under the category of vitamins and herbs for |
| moderate depression sufferers. In addition, St | | | | depression. |
| John's wort has been found to ease anxiety. | | | | 5-HTP is said to boost levels of serotonin. It may |
| Although the exact way the herb works to | | | | be helpful for mild depression. |
| counter depression is not yet known, St. John's | | | | Essential Fatty Acids- Fish oils offer high |
| wart has been dubbed "nature's Prozac" because | | | | concentrations of omega-3-fatty acids that are |
| of its success. In general, it appears to boost | | | | needed for proper brain function. More specifically, |
| levels of the brain chemical serotonin, a powerful | | | | fish oils are a rich and direct source of two |
| brain chemical that is responsible for good moods. | | | | essential omega-3 fatty acids known as EPA and |
| In fact, many European studies have found that | | | | DHA. It's important to note that the brain is 60 |
| St. John's wort is even more effective than some | | | | percent fat and requires essential fatty acids, |
| prescription antidepressants and in Germany, St. | | | | especially DHA. Researchers have linked the lack |
| John's wort outsells pharmaceutical | | | | of omega-3 fatty acids to depression, and in |
| antidepressants. Indeed, St. John's wort is the | | | | particular DHA. |
| superstar when it comes to herbs for depression. | | | | Nutritional-Supplement-Educational Opinion On |
| Gingko Biloba is highly valued for its ability to | | | | Vitamins And Herbs For Depression |
| enhance circulation, especially to the brain. | | | | We believe you may want to consider a |
| Therefore, this herb may be helpful in combating | | | | comprehensive formula specifically designed to |
| depression if the depression is related to poor | | | | combat depression. In fact, a comprehensive |
| blood flow to the brain. | | | | formula using carefully selected ingredients can |
| Other herbs used for depression include: Damiana | | | | offer more therapeutic benefits, often better |
| and Yohimbe. However, unlike St. John's wort, | | | | than taking a single nutrient or herb on its own. |
| Damiana and Yohimbe do not have the research | | | | Therefore, it's important to understand the how |
| to support its medicinal claims. | | | | and why of what makes some these |
| That said, let's move forward on our topic of | | | | comprehensive depression products useful -- an |
| vitamins and herbs for depression. | | | | important factor in making an informed choice. |
| The B complex vitamins are recommended by | | | | Moreover, mixing and matching nutrients and |
| some experts because these vitamins are | | | | herbs on your own can be very dangerous to |
| necessary for the normal functioning of the brain | | | | your health as well as expensive. |
| and nervous system. Clinical depression sufferers | | | | However, make sure that the product is |
| often have lower levels of one or more of these | | | | professionally and scientifically formulated by a |
| important B vitamins. Keep in mind that most | | | | highly-credentialed scientific team that can ensure |
| multivitamins provide the recommended daily | | | | the proper blending of ingredients to maximize the |
| allowance. However, during times of emotional | | | | therapeutic benefits needed to combat |
| stress higher amounts are needed. | | | | depression. |
| In addition, the mineral zinc is often found to be | | | | Final note... |
| deficient in people who suffer from depression. | | | | It's important that you always speak to a |
| Zinc plays a role in aiding proper brain function and | | | | physician before taking any dietary and herbal |
| in promoting mental alertness. | | | | supplements. In addition, you should never stop |
| Although the following are not vitamins and herbs | | | | taking any prescribed medications to try any |
| for depression, we would be remiss if we didn't | | | | these nutrients, including vitamins and herbs for |
| mention a few other natural substances that may | | | | depression without talking to your physician and |
| be helpful in combating depression. | | | | or psychiatrist. |
| SAMe is an effective natural antidepressant. | | | | |