Listen to “The Best Supplements for Depression”.
Depression is a serious mood disorder with symptoms that range from mild to debilitating and potentially even life-threatening. Medication and counselling are conventional ways to alleviate the symptoms of depression, however, some herbs and supplements may also help.
Melatonin
Sometimes we really just need a good night’s sleep. Our bodies never get a break. Even when we are snoring, the rest of the system is working on repairing cells, clearing out infections, and breaking down food particles. Not to mention, the gut needs us to sleep so it can create serotonin and immune cells. Once we stop distracting our body, we can get stuff done.
A huge part of the reason we can’t sleep is due to stress. Cortisol not only makes us feel anxious during the day, but it disrupts our sleep patterns at night. Therefore, it’s important to help your brain get back on track. Regulate your sleep cycle by taking melatonin a couple hours before bed. When you are at rest, your mind will be more relaxed and your body will be able to heal.
Magnesium
Magnesium is the 13th most abundant element on earth. Yet, up to 80% of people have a magnesium deficiency! Magnesium is essential for over 300 of our bodily functions. Is it any wonder that we feel so stressed when our bodies are always picking up the slack due to a lack of magnesium.
One of magnesium’s main tasks is to help us absorb Vitamin D.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is an essential vitamin that 50% of us are lacking. We get most of our Vitamin D from the sun. In fact, the sun is responsible for 90% of our Vitamin D intake. This is why most studies say that we feel less depressed when we are in nature.
Fish Oils
Omega-3 fatty acids are found primarily in fish oil and certain marine algae. Because depression appears less common in nations where people eat large amounts of fish, scientists have researched whether or not fish oils can prevent and/or treat depression and other mood disorders. Two omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, are thought to be the most beneficial for people struggling with mood disorders.
L-Theanine
L-Theanine is an amino acid that helps the brain trigger a neurotransmitter known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). GABA is known as our calming neurotransmitter. It promotes relaxation throughout the system, ultimately lowering symptoms of anxiety and levels of cortisol.
In supplement form, our body has trouble absorbing GABA, which is why L-Theanine is one of the best supplements for depression. Our bodies can easily absorb this amino acid which will also facilitate the growth of GABA.
Personalized Probiotics
Our intestinal flora has a lot to do with our mental state. Your gut is the center of your health. Thryve Gut Health Program created a personalized probiotic adapted from a sample of DNA aimed at targeting the gut.
The Thryve Gut Health Program send out discreet at-home microbiome testing kits. You simply have to collect a sample and send it back using all of the sanitary equipment they provide. From there, Thryve Program experts analyze the sample from your gut test kit to determine which stomach bacteria are in your system, both good and bad.
Based on the results from the gut bacteria test kit, Thryve formulate personalized probiotics. That way, you are consuming a probiotic that is targeted to rebuild gut flora in your system.
Although no single nutrient or eating plan can cure depression, good overall nutrition together with proper supplements is essential for your mental and physical well-being.
Incorporating a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy foods, and lean meats, poultry, and fish into your diet can help you stay healthy and energized.
