Natural Nutraceuticals for Stress & Depression

"An emotional injury is like a physical injury—it takes time and attention to heal. There are alternatives to try before seeking a prescription for antidepressants. Nutritional deficiencies can be corrected, amino acids supplemented, herbal remedies used, and hormones balanced.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause depression and correcting these deficiencies is often a safe, fast, and inexpensive way to find relief. Alcohol, smoking, stress, and excess sugar accelerate the depletion of many key antidepressive vitamins and minerals from the body, as does depression itself. Deficiencies in any of the following vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids can contribute significantly to depression:

• Vitamins B6 and B12
• Folic acid
• Inositol
• Vitamin C
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Trace minerals
• Omega-3 fatty acids
• GLA (gamma-linolenic acid)

Supplementing with amino acids can help relieve depression.

• S-Adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe)—SAMe is a naturally occurring amino acid found in every cell of the body. It has a wide range of benefits, including protecting the liver and cardiovascular system. In addition, it has antidepressant action equal to and faster than many drugs and is essential for the synthesis of the hormone melatonin. Amounts required may vary from 200 mg to 3,000 mg a day. SAMe also assists with sleep disorders, particularly those that are induced by the side effects of pharmaceutical drugs. Note: SAMe is not appropriate for bi-polar disorder.
• Phenylalanine—Phenylalanine is an amino acid that is used by the body to make the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which is believed to be in short supply in the brains of people who are depressed. There is some evidence that taking in extra phenylalanine allows the brain to make more norepinephrine. There are also several studies that indicate that phenylalanine may work as well as antidepressant drugs. Although the studies are inconclusive, the anecdotal evidence is strong, and there are virtually no known side effects, so it’s worth trying. Begin with 100 mg twice daily, and increase gradually to a maximum of 1,000–1,500 mg three times daily. Reduce the dosage if you experience any increase in blood pressure, headaches, or insomnia. Do not use without a doctor’s permission and guidance if you are on any medication.
• Theanine—Anxiety is a close cousin to depression, and the two often go hand in hand. Many people report that 100–200 mg of the amino acid L-theanine works as well as prescription anti-anxiety medications, but it is not addictive or habit-forming. Studies have shown that theanine reduces stress and produces feelings of relaxation. It may do this by raising serotonin levels in the brain. Incidentally, theanine is commonly found in tea.
• 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)—5-HTP is an amino acid that occurs naturally in the body and is the final step in the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin. It is actually made in the body from L-tryptophan and like tryptophan is converted into serotonin in the brain. As such, 5-HTP can powerfully promote relaxation and counter depression. 5-HTP is special in that it can cross the blood brain barrier. It is extracted from the seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia, a tree grown mostly in Ghana and the Ivory Coast, but can also be made synthetically. 5-HTP has gained popularity in the treatment of insomnia, depression, and obesity, among other uses. [Please see our daily health tip on August 16th for more information about 5-HTP or click here.]
• GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid)—GABA is made in the brain from the amino acid glutamate with the aid of vitamin B6. It works to inhibit the transmission of neural impulses, thus working to balance out neural excitation. As such, it can help reduce restlessness, irritability, insomnia, seizures, and depression."

Like & Share (G.Shyam)