11 Natural Antidepressant Foods That Are Better Than Pills

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Depression is mainly a product of genetic factors, however the causes can also be due to the social and emotional life of a person. While most people with severe depression will take prescription antidepressants, but anti-depressant medications are pricey and they come with extreme side effects that can include suicidal thoughts, weight gain and personality changes. The good news some people with less severe depression may be able to treat their illness with natural antidepressants.

11 Natural Antidepressants Foods That Are Better Than Popping Pills

Broccoli

This might sound a little too simplistic, but believe it not, this humble veggie is great for your brain. It’s a great source of vitamin B6, protein, and calcium which all promote relaxation and a happy mood. Broccoli is also great to reduce anxiety, insomnia, and can help reduce sugary cravings.

Curcumin

The compound curcumin is found in turmeric, a spice commonly used in the Indian curry. It’s packed with antioxidants, which help reduce inflammation and free radicals in the body, and now it may help to ease depression symptoms as well.

Ginkgo Biloba

The anti-depressive effects of gingko biloba have been studied and has been proven to be effective in treating mild to moderate depression. Gingko Biloba helps to improve oxygen and blood flow to the brain, helping to reduce symptoms of cerebrovascular insufficiency (decreased blood flow to the brain) which normally results in tinnitus, headaches, depression, short-term memory loss, carelessness and lack of alertness.

Chia Seeds

Packed with Amino Acids, iron, and B vitamins which are must haves for the brain. They are a complete protein and assist with optimal neurotransmitter function and the production of omega-3’s and fiber. Omega 3’s help reduce depression, anxiety.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, a phytonutrient that helps combat inflammation, which has been linked to stress. Interestingly, you’ll get the biggest boost from eating cherry tomatoes, because most of the lycopene is in the skins, and the smaller tomatoes have a higher skin-to-middle ratio.

Eat Sushi

Research has shown that fatty fish oil can actually improve wellbeing. People suffering from depression have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood. Fish oil can be found in raw and cooked fish and can also be taken as a dietary supplement.

Sunflower Seeds

While the cheerful yellow flowers are practically a universal symbol of happiness, sunflower seeds are a great source of the amino acid phenylalanine which the body turns into the brain chemical norepinephrine—your own natural antidepressant.

Saffron

Saffron is a spice derived from a dried portion of a crocus, a flower in the iris family. According to a study in Alternative Medicine Review, taking saffron stigma has been shown to be effective in treating mild to moderate depression.

Bananas

Bananas contain a type of protein called tryptophan which helps the body generate serotonin, which is responsible for keeping you more happy, relaxed and less stressed and depressed. Studies have revealed that taking 1000 mg of tryptophan 3 times a day could boost your mood effectively.

Brown Rice

Brown rice is characterized by having vitamins B1 and B3. It also contains folic acid and is a food with a low glycemic index. Because it is low in sugar, this rice stops your sugar from going low and the mood swings that result because of this.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D acts as a powerful natural antidepressant, which is why light therapy is sometimes used to treat people who are chronically depressed. If you can expose yourself to natural sunlight, you’ll have a fighting chance against chronic or acute depression.

Sources:

http://livelovefruit.com/10-alternatives-to-prescription-anti-depressants/

http://bebrainfit.com/natural-antidepressants/

http://homeremediesforlife.com/depression-and-anxiety/

http://steptohealth.com/top-9-anti-depressant-foods/

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