Depression, symptoms and natural remedies

Published: 01/08/2013 - Updated: 02/04/2018

Depression is common in our lives. It is usually due to an existential crisis, the loss of someone very dear, close friends getting away, disintegration of a marriage, and more. Almost any major change in our life creates stress. When depression caused by stress tease us for a long time and each time leaves us less able to play our normal activity, it is a serious condition and requires care.

Symptoms

  • Depressed mood throughout the day.
  • Altered eating habits or weight.
  • Sleep disturbance.
  • Psychomotor retardation or agitation
  • Loss of interest in pleasurable activities, inability to enjoy hobbies or normal activities
  • Energy or power loss
  • Feeling of not being useful, excessive guilt and / or inadequate
  • Difficulty concentrating or thinking clearly
  • Pessimistic thoughts or suicidal actions.

Natural Remedies

If you feel gloomy or have negative ideas, some fundamental techniques will help you shine these dark moments. Restructure your lifestyle with these natural remedies that alleviate depression:

Make a list of activities that make you have fun, then choose the ones you like and commit to do them, expending time in these activities will help you get out of melancholy.

Tell somebody, share your feelings with whom you feel comfortable and understands you, say what you have in mind, just because talking helps.

Avoid conflicts with others. Depression often is accompanied by irritability, it is recommended that you avoid the crowds, the arguments and discussions.

Avoid overeating. We often associate eating with a sense of well being, and therefore it is normal that when we are depressed, we want to abuse the chocolates, candies, or what makes us feel good, but remember, this is not good for your body and does not help your self esteem.

Nutrition for depression

If your brain lacks neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) such as norepinephrine and serotonin, is likely to feel depressed. Some foods may help to elevate the concentrations of these two amino acids to ingest as phenylalanine, and tryptophan. Foods that contain them are those rich in proteins, but are also available in supplements, do not forget to consult your doctor before opting for them.

Niacin helps to improve mood. This vitamin B complex produces energy in metabolism and is involved in the stimulation to produce brain chemicals. This vitamin ignores the tryptophan in the brain to produce more serotonin and relieve depression. Some foods that contain it are meat, beef, pork, chicken, turkey, as well as dairy products, other sources are, guts, especially blue fish.

Fighting depression with herbs

Kava Kava is a very potent anxiolytic complement effective to block the effects that induce stress which causes depression, but therefore it must be used properly. Only for the treatment of depression caused by stress. Not to be used for a long time and should not be used in conjunction with other antidepressants without first talking to your doctor.

St. John's wort, has lately gained much fame because of its few side effects compared to conventional treatments, and its effectiveness in treating depression, it is recommended that prior to use, check with your doctor, especially If you already have prescribed antidepressants. This is an herb (hypericum) now available in any pharmacy or health food store.

Valerian root is effective for the treatment of depression caused by a chronic anxiety. Beware! It has a sedative effect that causes sleepiness.

About the author
  • Miriam Reyes

    Miriam Reyes is a professional expert in nutrition and dietetics. She has more than 12 years of experience in caring for patients with overweight and eating problems. She studied at the Universidad del Valle de Atemajac (UNIVA), where she obtained a degree in nutrition. Linkedin profile.