Natural cure to depression

Although medical therapy and medications are essential for treating depression, changes in general behavior and habits which include physical activity, diet and lifestyle can be a very effective way to defeat depression naturally.

Diet

Diet is important for treatment of depression. The choice of food is often determined by the current emotional state, but it goes the other way around - the food people eat affects the mood, so experts believe that the connection between diet and depression is underestimated.

There are many elements of nutrition which are connected with depression. It may occur due to the clinical deficit of some vitamins, especially vitamin B6. So it is very important to determine what diet may influence the development of depression in people.

Neurons communicate with each other through neurotransmitters, which are regulated by drugs in the case of depression. Experts say that level of neurotransmitter serotonin can be raised by increased intake of carbohydrates.

Also, numerous studies have pointed to the beneficial effect of omega 3 unsaturated fatty acids on state of depression.

Chinese medicine, among other things, highlights the garlic as a good cure for depression.

At the beginning of last century, American John Harvey Kellogg discovered that the elements which occur during the digestion of meat cause depression.

Experts recommend to patients suffering from depression and low stress tolerance the Mediterranean diet, which includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, legumes, nuts and almonds, olive oil, fish, seafood, and small amounts of red meat.

Doctors say that the assumption that a specific food can cure depression is wrong, although it can often be heard that chocolate treats depression. But that is not true. Chocolate or banana by different mechanisms can affect the mood, but they need to be viewed in the context of the overall diet.

Experts have also found that vitamin D deficiency can lead to very low calcium level in the blood, causing depression, while recent research has shown that the poor status of vitamin E and zinc increase the risk of depression.

Physical Activity

Patients are advised to stay physically active in order to struggle with depression, as exercising reduces stress and helps in its faster overcoming. Increased physical activity causes secreting a large quantity of endorphins, which promote good spirit.

Obesity

Scientists have found that the incidence of depression is higher among people with a desirable body weight than among obese people. But, among individuals who are in the process of obesity treatment, the frequency of this psychological disorder is more common than in others. It is also confirmed that depression occurs as a complication of obesity not only in adults but also among children and adolescents. Also it was found that depression appearing is related to the seasons - late fall and early winter, and the symptoms withdraw in the spring when the days become longer.

St John’s Worth

St John's Worth is often used to treat depression. It affects the level of serotonin (the hormone responsible for mood), but its intake should not be combined with some medications, especially those which are used in cases of severe depression because it reduces the effect of antidepressants, oral contraceptives and some drugs for heart.