Looking for a non prescription choice for your depression? Here are a few choices we tend to give everyone.
5-HTP
Elevated serotonin levels are also associated with an increase in mental
health and emotional well-being. For this reason, daily treatment with
5-HTP may be beneficial for people who have depression, a mental health
condition characterized by loss of interest in usual activities, fatigue
and feelings of guilt, sadness, worthlessness or unhappiness. More
robust studies examining the effect of 5-HTP treatment on depression
symptoms are needed. This supplement should not be used as a treatment
for depression unless explicitly recommended by your medical provider.
Helps with binge eating reduction and studies have also shown 5-HTP assists with migraine headaches.
SAMe
S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is
a naturally occurring compound that is found in almost every tissue and
fluid in the body. It is involved in many important processes. SAMe
plays a role in the immune system, maintains cell membranes, and helps
produce and break down brain chemicals, such as serotonin, melatonin,
and dopamine. It works with vitamin B12 and folate (vitamin B6). Being
deficient in either vitamin B12 or folate may reduce levels of SAMe in
your body.
SAMe is a conenzyme that is found in many protein foods, and it is
important to many bodily processes. It participates in over 40
essential biochemical reactions in the body. This naturally occurring
molecule is made by the body from methionine, an essential amino acid,
and is metabolized in the liver. SAMe is not abundant in the diet,
therefore its principal source in the body is through methionine
metabolism. SAME may benefit depression, arthritis, joint health,
fibromyalgia, and the liver.
Mucuna
Mucuna pruriens -- also known as cowhage seed or by its scientific name,
Dolichos pruriens -- is an herbal remedy that has been used to treat a
variety of mental and physical complaints for more than 4,000 years in
Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda is the traditional Indian medical system,
based on plant and herbal medicines, chakra treatment and natural
healing. Mucuna pruriens is a native tropical plant whose beans are used
as a dietary supplement in whole form or ground into powder for use in capsule form. It is
largely used to treat Parkinson's disease. The main benefit of Mucuna
pruriens is that the beans contain naturally occurring L-dopa, which is a
precursor to the brain chemical dopamine.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort
(Hypericum perforatum)
has a history of being used as a medicine dating back to ancient
Greece, where it was used for a range of illnesses, including various
"nervous disorders." St. John's wort also has antibacterial and
antiviral properties. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it
has been applied to the skin to help heal wounds and burns. St. John's
wort is one of the most commonly purchased herbal products in the United
States.
In recent years,
St. John' s wort has been studied extensively as a treatment for
depression. Most studies show that St. John's wort may help treat
mild-to-moderate depression, and has fewer side effects than most other
prescription antidepressants. But it interacts with a number of
medications, so it should be taken only under the guidance of a health
care provider.
And Lastly, Our fav vitamin brand, Innate created a blend called Mood Response. With a blend of Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, St. John's Wort, Lemon Balm, Rhodiola and Saffron extracts help to create a healthy mood and higher cognitive function.