A Natural Cure for Depression?

For

Alternative Treatments for Depression

by: Alexander Matis, MSc

While prescription drugs in combination with psychotherapy are the standard treatment for the various kinds of depression, there are also many alternative treatments for depression available, that can either be used on their own, or preferably in combination with other treatments.

First to mind when thinking about a natural cure for depression come the herbal anti depressants, discussed in-depth here at BeatDepression.org. However, other alternative treatments for depression are also available:

SAM-e

SAM-e (S-Adenosyl Methionine) is an essential amino acid that is also naturally produced in the body and among other effects increases the level of neurotransmitters. This molecule has received some attention recently as a natural cure for depression, though it has actually been known since the 1970s. Some users of SAM-e report side effects such as headaches or nausea, while a small number even reported that SAM-e worsened their depression or anxiety. On the positive side many users of this alternative treatment for depression said that their depression disappeared totally or at least improved significantly. It is important to start taking this depression remedy at low dosages, since overdosage is commonly reported and often leads to the side effects mentioned above.

5-HTP

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), an amino acid that is converted into the neurotransmitter seratonin in the brain, is marketed as another natural treatment for depression. This natural cure for  depression is extracted from the seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia, an African tree. Similar to SAM-e, 5-HTP is effective in some patients but may have serious side effects when taken together with other drugs (such as other anti depressants), or when certain disease conditions pre-exist in the patient. It is also important not to overdose this alternative treatment for depression. 

Fish Oils / Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Fish oils and extracts of fish oils in particular Omega 3 Fatty Acids are increasingly marketed as a natural treatment for depression. While no convincing clinical data exists for the use of fish oils as alternative treatment for depression there is growing circumstantial evidence from depression sufferers who report about the positive effects this natural treatment for depression had on their lifes. It is very questionable whether fish oils alone will cure anxiety or depression. However it seems likely that fish oil (extracts) will have an alleviating effect on the depression patient and thus it is recommended to consider them as an addition to standard treatment. 

Life Style

While not a natural cure for depression in and by itself, the right life style will definitely alleviate your depression, while the wrong one will make conditions worse. Sports, lots of sleep, avoidance of stress, and a good and healthy diet are natural pre-conditions for an overall well-being of the depression patient. 

Conclusion

Apart of prescription anti depressants alternative treatments for depression are available. In any case before using any of those the depression patient should discuss his or her options with a medical professional, since even a natural treatment for depression commonly has side effects. In any case a healthy life style, while not being a natural cure for depression as such certainly is a natural way of tipping depression treatment in favour of the patient.