Natural Remedies for Depression

Depression is rampant these days among moms, and we’re becoming disabled with depression at increasing rates and – according to researchers – at younger ages than in previous decades. Antidepressant medication is available but comes with its share of side effects that are sometimes extremely difficult to endure. Thankfully there are safer, and effective natural remedies for depression that you can investigate on your own or with the help of a trusted health care practitioner.

Exercise

Exercise has been proven in several studies to be just as effective for mild to moderate depression as antidepressant medication or therapy. Engaging in exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s happy hormones. Exercise also stimulates the brain. This research is very exciting and is ongoing. We’re really not 100% sure why exercise is so wonderful for our well being, but it is. Our bodies are meant to move, and we feel better when we do.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 fatty acids have shown to be effective as a natural remedy for depression. This is encouraging for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, who are concerned about the risks of antidepressant medications. While most antidepressants are safe for nursing moms, if a safer alternative can be used, it is preferable. Omega 3 fatty acids inhibit inflammation, which can play a role in depression. While you can obtain Omega 3s from foods such as salmon, grass fed beef and flax seeds, and supplementation is easy and inexpensive too.

Nutrition

Food plays a powerful role in our mood. Some foods help us keep a steady blood sugar level and contribute to a more balanced emotional state. If you think this may be contributing to your low mood, try eating a high protein diet with frequent small meals – such as every 3 hours. Focus on whole foods and avoid excessive caffeine and other stimulants. An excellent book that talks about this effect is The Good Mood Diet. One of the things the authors recommend is eating fish frequently, which comes as no suprise since fish contains Omega 3’s.

Some people have used aromatherapy and other herbal remedies to help them overcome depression. It’s definitely worth exhausting all the options so you can feel better.

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About Carrie

Carrie Lauth is a mom whose blog and podcast aim to educate families on natural living. Listen to her show at: www.NaturalMomsTalkRadio.com/blog


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Comments

  1. Besides Omega 3, my doctor has also suggested 20 minutes of sun light each day – without sunglasses. In order for the sun to help with your ‘mood’ it must get into the back of your eyes. Honestly, after just 2 weeks of doing this, I feel a difference!

    Oh and yes, my doctor suggests natural remedies. He tries to get patients to use them before a prescription, or as in my case, to compliment treatments.

  2. Stacey Taylor says:

    While I favor experimenting with my diet, I found that starting with an Omega 3 supplement can help. You can obtain them easily from a local health food store, like GNC, or you can get them online from companies like Pilgrim’s Pride or my company NutraPlanet.

    Thanks for the post!