Depression

Symptoms

• Depression often, but not always, is linked to low blood pressure, low blood sugar, low thyroid functions and/or low adrenal gland function.
• if you are diagnosed with insomnia your risk of also being diagnosed with depression.
• Can be associated with Hypothyroidism.
• Can be associated with Adrenal Fatigue.
• Can be associated with Vitamin D Deficiency.

Home remedies

• Chronic depression is associated with a variety of nutrient deficiencies, including that of vitamin B6, vitamin B12,vitamin D, folate, choline, protein, and omega-3 fatty acids.
• Tyrosine rich foods like : alfalfa, almonds, apple, asparagus, avocado, banana, beet, carrot, cheese, cherries, chicken, chocolate, cottage cheese, cucumber, egg, fig, fish, leek, lettuce, milk, parsley, peanuts, poultry, spinach, strawberries, watercress, watermelon, yogurt.
• Tryptophan is the precursor to serotonin, which is a necessary neurotransmitter that can lift some types of depression. Food sources that contain tryptophan include fish, poultry, organic beef, eggs, broccoli, endive, fennel, sweet potato, carrot, barley, rye, oats, rice, hummus, lentils, hazelnuts, peanuts, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds.
• Dark Chocolate contains the mood-boosting compounds phenylethylamine, tyramine, tryptophan, and magnesium.
• For individuals over the age of 50, folic acid, Vitamin B6 and B12 are recommended to help in cases of depression or brain fog. This is because levels of Vitamin B are lower in older people for it is not very well absorbed.
• Foods high in Vitamin B5 include bean sprouts, beef, egg, haddock, salmon, sardines, mackerel, lobster, mushrooms, peanuts, pineapple and watermelon.
• Turmeric is used in Chinese medicine as a treatment for depression.
• St. John's wort: This popular herb has been used to treat depression for centuries. One major review found that it was as effective as standard drugs in many cases, although evidence suggests it’s not as helpful for people who are severely (compared to mildly) depressed. SJW may work by helping to rebalance levels of brain chemicals linked to mood, like dopamine and serotonin. The big warning sign with SJW, though, is that it interacts with many different medications (including some antidepressants), so you should always check with your doctor before you take it.
• Omega-3: Numerous studies have found that heart-healthy fish oil may also benefit your brain and mood. A big study in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that omega-3 intake significantly improved depression and certain other psychiatric conditions.
• Also omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid in walnuts are usefull. Depression usually results when there is deficiency in omega-3.
• Salmon and other cold water fish are rich in vitamin B12. The nutrient has a mood-elevating effect and it would be a good meal after a long day at work or a few hours in the gym.
• Bananas contain an amino acid called tryptophan (can also be found in turkeys) which can lead to an improved mood.
• SAM-e: Short for S-adenosylmethionine, this naturally occurring compound in your body helps boost brain chemicals serotonin and dopamine; low levels of both are implicated in causes of depression. Research shows SAMe is as effective as many antidepressant meds.
• Asparagus possess antidepressant and aphrodisiac qualities.
• The carbohydrates from oatmeal, when digested by the body, results to the production and delivery of the amino acid tryptophan to the brain. Tryptophan will then stimulate the production of a neurotransmitter called serotonin which results to a feeling of peacefulness and being able to better cope with things.
• Don't take life to serious !
  
• Shilajit can be used for those seeking to decrease inflammation in the body, as well as helping people to manage anemia, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, edema, depression, and mental stress.
• Gotu Kola is an herb that contains many nutrients and healing phytochemicals. As one of the primary energy herbs used by herbalists, gotu kola lessens fatigue and depression without the effects of caffeine. Actually, unlike caffeine that may keep you awake into the evenings, gotu kola actually helps improve sleep at night.
• Siberian ginseng is one of only a handful of herbs that is an adaptogen, which means that it works to normalize bodily functions. It inhibits the adrenal stress response and works as an immune stimulant, particularly for fighting the effects of stress and depression. It aids the liver in detoxifying harmful toxins, including chemotherapeutic agents and radiation. Siberian ginseng also stimulates the activity of several immune system components: B and T cells, making it excellent for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and other viral infections.
• Magnesium is a mineral that’s known for producing serotonin, the body’s feel good medicine. Good sources of magnesium include halibut, almonds, cashews, unprocessed peanut butter, spinach, black eyed peas, lentils, kidney and pinto beans, baked potatoes, and long grain brown rice. Bananas also aid the release of serotonin.
• Zinc supplementation or dietary intake (from milk, for instance) can help reduce feelings of anger, hostility, and depression.
• A selenium supplement or dietary intake (from whole wheat products) can improve the function of the thyroid gland, which in turn can help regulate mood.
• Sunflower seeds are a super source of folate and magnesium, two substances that play a significant role in regulating and boosting mood.
• Grapefruit oil lifts the mood and is used with great success to counter muscle fatigue and stiffness.
• Sandalwood oil reduces tension and confusion, is ideal for use in depression and calms one down after a day which leaves one feeling run down.
• Rhodiola is effective in treating: Fatigue, Poor attention span, Decreased memory, Low productivity, Concentration problems -- or "brain fog", Generalized weakness, Stress, Depression.
• Saffron, a popular Middle Eastern spice, may be effective for treating mild to moderate depression
• Melissa helps to improve levels of relaxation and better the mood.
• Bacopa is used to treat depression.
• Mangosteen could eventually be used to treat depression ... Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)... and social phobias.
• Add fruits and vegetables, beans, and whole grains to your diet.
• Eliminate alcohol : Alcohol is a depressant.
• SAM-e is widely prescribed for depression.
• exercise : Try to go for a brisk walk at least three or four times a week.
• the essential oil of basil, which is distilled from the leaves of the plant, is being used to lighten the body from anxiety, fatigue and depression.
• Ginkgo Biloba is used in several neurological health problems, such as memory loss, poor concentration, dizziness, Alzheimer’s disease and clinical depression.
• Lean chicken meats rich in protein and with the least amount of fat can stimulate the brain to produce more norepinephrine and dopamine; these are neurochemicals that keep you feeling alert and in good mood.
• Camu camu has adaptogenic properties that normalize bodily processes during stress, and help relieve symptoms of depression
• Ashwagandha, an Indian plant that has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine, contains powerful adaptogenic compounds that are known to relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• maca helps reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.
• Serotonin plays an important role in regulating happiness, problem-solving and concentration. Plums, pineapple, bananas and sour cherries can directly influence serotonin production.
• Studies have shown lemon oil to possess anti-depressant effects and concentration.
• Balancing Hormones: Supplementing with 2 to 4 grams of vitamin D daily can help with depression, because it helps the body make serotonin.
• Sunlight: We all know that getting moderate amounts of sunshine helps boost mood. It’s no different with depression.
• Exercise: People suffering from depression should also supplement their daily routines through more fresh air and physical activity. Exercise is a natural anti-depressant, and engaging in regular cardiovascular exercise like brisk walking or jogging is good for your body and mind.
• Dehydration: And as always, drink lots of pure water to avoid dehydration, which is frequently a factor in depression.
• Turkey contains tryptophan, a neurotransmitter that boosts serotonin to help us feel good. Milk does that also, but it's wise to find a raw milk source if you consume it. *High protein foods, including fish and eggs, boost dopamine and norepinephrine production, which is good for concentration, alertness, and stabilizing mood swings.
• safflower, parsley, kelp and sage are also said to help adrenal functions. A daily intake of garlic and sesame seeds can also be beneficial.

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.