Depression
Depression Alternative Ways to Help
St John Wort – Appears to be effective for the treatment of depression can be as good at lifting depression as drugs like Prozac.
Note: St. John’s wort can interfere with many medications. Also, avoid taking St. John’s wort while taking antidepressants
5-hydroxytryptophan (5-htp) – is related to serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood, sleep, and pain.
Note: could increase the risk of serotonin syndrome — a serious side effect — if taken with certain prescription antidepressants.
Niacin Vitamin B3 – Nicotinic acid (NA), often called niacin, a form of vitamin B3. Aids blood vessels dilation
Pyridoxine Vitamin B6 – aids in the production of hormones (serotonin, melatonin and
dopamine) which influence mood
Folate & B12 –
Magnesium (Chelate) –
L–tryptophan – Your body changes L-tryptophan into a brain chemical called serotonin. Serotonin helps control your mood and sleep. Low levels of L-tryptophan have been seen in people with depression.
Foods – Oats, Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, Chocolate, Bananas, Dates, Tofu, and Tree nuts, including peanuts.
Omega-3 fatty acids –
Theobromine – Chocolate – increase the serotonin in the brain, which decreases depression. Keeps the brain and heart active and stimulated
Theanine, also known as L-γ-glutamylethylamide – amino acid found in green tea and some mushrooms and shown to increase brain dopamine and serotonin levels
Caffeine – benefits and risks of caffeine
Chamomile (APIGENIN) –
Jujuba Fruit seed –
Lemon Balm Leaf –
DHEA. Dehydroepiandrosterone –
S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) –
Comment from Pubmed report “Based on available data, black cohosh, chamomile, chasteberry, lavender, passionflower, and saffron appear useful in mitigating anxiety or depression with favorable risk-benefit profiles compared to standard treatments. ”
Research Depression
Articles:
What effect does caffeine have on depression?
Research:
Psychopharmacology of theobromine in healthy volunteers
Effects of theobromine and caffeine on mood and vigilance.
Cocoa, Chocolate, and the Theobromine Effect
Vitamin B6 level is associated with symptoms of depression.
Treatment of depression: time to consider folic acid and vitamin B12.
Effects of chronic l-theanine administration in patients with major depressive disorder: an open-label study.