How to Cure Depression the Natural Way

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By gwenc
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Cure Depression the Natural Way

It is possible to cure depression without resorting to drugs. Depression is not just the usual melancholic feeling, it is far more serious and can be fatal. Taking prescribed drugs can cause harmful side-effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, anxiety, headaches, insomnia, hallucinations and epileptic attacks. There is an alternative treatment - to cure depression the natural way.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

herbals
healthy diet
exercise

Step 1

St. Johns Wort - studies revealed that this herb is a natural anti- depressant. It is as effective as Prozac. The Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Berlin, Germany conducted studies on the effects of St. Johns Wort. It was found that this herbal can prevent depression and if present, alleviate it.

The recommended dosage for St. Johns Wort extract is 600mg a day up to 1,800mg per day (in three divided doses) under your doctor's supervision. Effects are usually noticeable in two to three weeks of using the herb. Side-effects are very mild such as stomach upset, and in rare cases skin rashes.
Step 2

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) - this is an amino acid that enhances serotonin levels in the brain. The recommeded dose is 50mg three times a day. 5-HTP is effective alone but it works best if combined with St Johns Wort in severe cases of depression. This herbal if taken with prescription drug citalopram could quickly boost serotonin levels.
Step 3

DMAE (di-methyl-amino-ethanol) - element found in sardines can relieve depression. The recommended dose is 200mg a day. Individuals with epilepsy CANNOT use this herbal because it can increase epilepsy attacks.
Step 4

Vitamins B. Vitamin B group can alleviate depression. Vitamin B1 (thiamine) and B2 (riboflavin) deficiency can lead to depression, while vitamin B3 (niacinamide) is used to treat depression because it increases serotonin levels. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) converts aminoacid tryptophan to serotonin.
Step 5

Low carbohydrate diet - carbohydrates can induce a temporary high due to sudden increase of sugar in the blood. Once sugar concentration lessens, it will leave you feeling tired and depressed. So avoid carbohydrates when depressed.
Step 6

Exercise - natural anti-depressant because it can help release endorphins that gives a natural high.

Comments

Fuzer said

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on 12/20/2008 Being depressed can indicate that you're deficient in magnesium. Most people don't get enough. Don't bother with magnesium oxide which is not readily absorbed by the body. Magnesium citrate works very well. Using magnesium did wonders for my adult son.

WordWhizKid said

on 11/8/2008 Thanks for the suggestions! I've found that exercise elevates my mood more than anything else. It's a great way to start the day in a good mood;)