Beyond eating just a bit of comfort food after a long day, what we choose to eat can have a real impact on our physical and mental state. The health benefits of a healthy diet can help to keep the mind healthy. Similarly if your body is not feeling well it can drag your mind down. We have all had bad days. Sometimes it is just life stress, but other times your body may just be dragging because it is missing vital vitamins and nutrients.
While there is no magic diet to cure depression, by eating a healthy diet that gives you all the vitamins and nutrients you need and adding certain supplements to fill in the gaps you can help lift your mental state to a more positive place. Some of the most effective supplements for fighting depression include:
SAM-e- S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) is produced naturally in the body and helps to produce and regulate hormones as well as maintain cell membranes. Available as a dietary supplement in parts of the world, studies have shown SAMe some success in treating depression.
TMG (Trimethylglycine)
Commonly found in Broccoli, beets, and other vegetables, TMG is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and a natural energy booster. Studies show TMG may increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels which have a natural antidepressant effect.
St. John's wort
An all natural herbal remedy used for thousands of years in various parts of the world. As a natural alternative to prescription medication, St. John's wort is often taken as a capsule or may be dried to make an herbal tea.
5HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)
Produced from the seeds of a native African plant Griffonia Simplicifolia 5HTP is used to treat a variety of conditions including sleep disorders, anxiety, migraines, and depression.
Rhodiola rosea
One of the big names in herbal antidepressants, and in many cases is on the forefront of all natural treatment for depression and anxiety. Dozens of studies have shown Rhodiola Rosea can offer significant improvements in mental function.
Fatty acids (omega 3)
Fatty Acids are vital for your brain to properly function. Deficiencies in these acids can contribute to depression and suicidal thoughts. A healthy diet including Omega-3 in studies has shown to offer significant improvement to patients.
Tryptophan
An essential amino acid that our bodies cannot naturally create. We rely on a healthy balanced diet to supply our daily needs. After ingestion it is ultimately converted to serotonin, melatonin, and Vitamin B6 for use by the body. All three are vital for maintaining both a healthy body, and a healthy mind.
A precursor to norepinephrine and dopamine in the body. Tyrosine is a fast acting way to increase energy, alertness, and improve your mood. In doing so it can help relieve short term depression and assist in treating long term depression.
DPLA-DL-Phenylalanine
Used by your body to create a number of vital proteins, hormones, and neurotransmitters including dopamine, norepinephrine, and thyroid hormone. All of which can be important to maintaining not only a healthy body, but a healthy mind.
Found in many foods such as soybeans and egg yolks, lecithin is commonly taken to assist in managing Alzheimer's and depression. As part of a healthy diet lecithin can help to fight dementia, as well as certain types of depression.
Supplements
These supplements if used as part of a healthy diet can help people overcome both short, and long term depression. While each individual supplement can have benefits if taken alone, some of the best results have come from taking complimentary supplements together. Products such as Isotonix Tune Up are formulated to offer an increase in energy in addition to mental focus and cognitive health. Other products such as the vitamind Mind Enhancement Formula are tailored strictly toward improving cognitive function. Finally products such as the Bliss Anti-Stress Formula can help avoid you fight depression by attacking the negative impacts of stress.
We are what we eat, and the foods and vitamins we take in every day are what we use to build a strong foundation to support our healthy bodies and healthy minds.
