Natural Supplements To Help Fight Depression

Clinical Depression (also known as Major Depression) is serious, debilitating, and sometimes even life-threatening. Many people who suffer from depression may respond very well to medications, while others may not. Each time someone tries a medication that does not work, the chances of achieving remission decrease dramatically. Luckily, there are alternative options available like, TMS, and natural supplements on the market shown to be highly effective.

#1.) L-Methylfolate

Clinical studies have linked folate deficiency and low folate status to depression and poor response to antidepressants.

Low folate levels have been detected in 15-38% of adults diagnosed with depression .Low folate levels have also been linked to reduced antidepressant response. L-methylfolate is a form of folate, or vitamin B9. This nutrient helps regulate the levels of certain brain chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine. Taking l-methylfolate may help with depression, and is recommended for those with folate deficiency or treatment-resistant depression.

Unlike other forms of this vitamin, l-methylfolate is methylated. This means it has undergone a chemical reaction that makes it bioavailable. Bioavailability refers to how easy it is for the body to absorb and use a nutrient. When a person gets folate from food, the body has to convert it into l-methylfolate to use it inside cells. However, when individuals take l-methylfolate in a supplement, this process is unnecessary. This makes l-methylfolate more bioavailable than other types of vitamin B9, such as folate or folic acid.

L-methylfolate is essential for:

cellular function
DNA synthesis
methylation, a process where a methyl group adds to DNA, proteins, or other molecules
producing neurotransmitters such asserotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine

The recommended daily intake of folate for most adults is 400 mcg.

There are prescription L-methylfolate options available. On the approval of a doctor, a person may wish to start a low dose and work upward slowly, increasing the dose once per week until they notice a difference. It may take several weeks for someone to notice any beneficial effects from L-methynfolate. If you have further questions about taking L-methylfolate, talk to your healthcare provider.

#2.) NAC

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant compound that has been suggested by early research to help people with depression.

NAC is a synthetic form of cysteine, a semi-essential amino acid. When consumed, NAC breaks down into cysteine, which is metabolized to glutathione. Glutathione is a vital antioxidant for proper immune system functioning and detoxification, as well as tissue building and repair.

NAC has been reported to potentially improve symptoms of depression and overall daily functioning within 3-6 months of use.

NAC is an amino acid, something present in many foods, but supplements give you a higher dose than you’d get in your daily diet. It is usually taken in doses from 1000 to 2000 milligrams per day—usually in 600-milligram capsules taken 2 to 3 times a day, and other than mild gastrointestinal side effects NAC is usually well tolerated.

#3.) L-Threonine

Threonine is an essential amino acid that plays an important role in regulating protein balance in the body. Because it’s considered an “essential amino acid,” that means the body doesn’t synthesize the amino acid, so we need to eat foods high in threonine to obtain it.

Researchers in Belgium found that changes in levels of threonine, aspartate, asparagine and serine may predict a patient’s response to treatment with antidepressants by modulating amino acid levels in the body.

L-Threonin is often used as a supplement to relieve signs of anxiety and depression. ‘Effects of chronic l-theanine administration in patients with major depressive disorder: an open-label study’ suggests that l-theanine administration is safe and has multiple beneficial effects on depressive symptoms, anxiety, sleep disturbance and cognitive impairments in patients with MDD.

The usual dose is between 100-500 mg per day. Up to three 500 mg capsules can be taken in one day if required.

#4.) B-12

Vitamin B12 is essential for the overall healthy functioning of the body. It is one of the eight B-vitamins that helps convert complex carbohydrates from your food into glucose. It plays a role in producing brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. A lot of research has been done on the effectiveness of Vitamin B12 supplementation in patients with major depressive disorder.

Vitamin B12 supplements may increase energy levels and reduce fatigue. It is recommended that those with vitamin B12 deficiency take 1 mg of vitamin B12 daily for a month, followed by a maintenance dose of 125–250 mcg per day. The recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms.

#5.) Vitamin D

Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin because your body can produce it when your skin is exposed to the sun.

This essential, fat-soluble nutrient helps keep bones healthy and strong, promotes cell growth, and benefits immune function. It may also help Depression. Researchers have found that many people who have depression also have low circulating levels of vitamin D in their blood, so it is possible that the two factors are related.

Studies have noted that various groups of people experience improvements in symptoms of depression after they start taking vitamin D supplements. Vitamin D levels can be changed by a blood test at your doctor’s office. Your doctor can advise you. If your vitamin D levels are very low they may prescribe high doses of vitamin D. Typical maintenance doses of vitamin D are 2000 IU a day.

Vitamin D supplements are found over the counter and can be purchased on Amazon.