"Let food be your medicine and your medicine be your food. Each one of the substances in a person's diet, acts upon the body and changes it in some unique way, and upon these changes the whole life depends, whether in health, in sickness or convalescent."  

Hippocrates 2 000 years ago.

Natural Help for Depression

A warm welcome to our website page on Natural help for Depression.

Are you feeling down in the dumps today? You have a deep feeling of sadness and you really don't even feel like getting out of bed, let alone getting out of your pyjamas?

The chances are that you ARE suffering from depression.

The above sounds almost lighthearted which is not our intention, depression coupled with low self esteem and lack of self confidence is like falling into a big black hole that you have trouble getting out of.

Morbid Thoughts

What is Depression?

  • Depression is a common mental health problem which seems to affect more women than men.

  • It is a psychological state which can be triggered by physiological reasons, hormonal or lifestyle factors.


What is causing my Depression?

  • Shock
  • Hereditary
  • Repressing of feelings
  • Relationship problems
  • Acting as a care giver for a long time
Lack of Sunlight

  • Financial worries
  • Lack of sleep
  • Bereavement
  • Big life changes i.e. divorce, job loss
  • Alcoholism
  • Thyroid problems
  • Vitamin deficiency especially the B Vitamins
  • Emotional Stress
  • Certain medications
  • Unresolved conflicts
  • Low blood sugar
  • Lack of sunlight - SAD

What are the Symptoms of Depression?

  • Mood shifts
  • Crying
  • No motivation
  • Lack of self-worth
  • Low levels of energy
  • No interest in anything
  • A deep sadness
  • Insomnia
  • Lack of self esteem
  • Loss of appetite
  • Guilt
  • Morbid thoughts
  • Anxiety

A deep, deep sadness and a feeling of low esteem.

In some people, depression can clear spontaneously after a few days, but in other cases it requires professional help and support.

Please see your Doctor or Health Care Provider if any of the above symptoms apply to you, and before you start any sort of self medication. 

Now we are going to show you some "god-given stuff" to help in the most natural way possible.

What Foods should I be eating to help prevent Depression?

Wild Salmon

Research shows that low levels of fatty acids may be a reason for depression, and this is the list of what you should be eating:

  • Sardines
  • Herring
  • Mackerel
  • Wild Salmon
  • Kippers


Vitamin B6 helps maintain a healthy nervous system, and a lack of this vitamin can cause depression, so add these foods liberally to your diet:

  • Brewers yeast
  • Eggs
  • Chicken
  • Fish
  • Liver
  • Kidneys
  • Peas
  • Spinach
  • Nuts
  • Bananas


People who exercise regularly will testify as to how frequent exercising can be an enormous mood enhancer.

So give it a bash, but remember to get checked out by your Doctor first and then start the process of getting into regular exercising slowly.

What Foods should I avoid to help with my Depression?



  • Wheat products
  • Alcohol
  • Caffeine
  • Processed foods
  • All forms of sugar
  • Foods high in unsaturated fats
  • Diet Sodas containing artificial sweeteners


Wheat Products

Herbs as Natural Help for Depression



St John's Wort

St John's Wort is used for relieving hangovers, sinus congestion and chronic coughing as well as been a natural anti-depressant and a natural help for depression.

  • It contains hyperforin and hypercin which it is believed will release neurotransmitters in the brain, one of them been serotonin, which as explained below is the one closely linked to moods.

Sage

Sage is useful for many ailments such as diarrhea, heartburn, flatulence, hot flashes and asthma, but it is also an excellent, and a very light natural anti-depressant.

  • Add a few leaves daily to your salads, soups or whatever you are eating.

Licorice has anti-spasmodic properties, is used to treat low blood pressure, and is most useful as an expectorant in treating bronchial disorders.

  • On the depression side, there is a school of thought that believes the physical cause of depression lies in the liver, so take yourself off to the health shop and get some licorice tea because research has shown that licorice not only helps the liver neutralize toxins it also contains a neurotransmitter called serotonin which is one of the neurotransmitters closely linked to moods.

  • Low levels of serotonin can lead to depression, anxiety and sleep disorders.

  • When the brain produces serotonin, tension is eased.



Licorice Root


Licorice Tea

Do not  use licorice if you have high blood pressure, liver, kidney or heart disease and if you are pregnant or nursing.

Ginger is used for easing colds and flu as well as the symptoms of bronchitis, and also for headaches.

  • It contains caffeic acid, melatonin and quercetin which enhance the mood.
Ginger Tea

Ginger is used for easing colds and flu as well as the symptoms of bronchitis, and also for headaches.

  • It contains caffeic acid, melatonin and quercetin which enhance the mood.

Chamomile Tea

Chamomile can be used to help ease sore throats, colic and nausea and is good for insomnia.

  • It will also help to lift the spirits because of the two antidepressant compounds it contains i.e. caffeic acid and quercetin.

Oregano will help relieve aching muscles, bruising, tonsillitis and anxiety. 

  • Because it also contains caffeic acid and quercetin it may also help with depression.

You might like these

Minerals as a Natural help for Depression

Zinc is often found to be deficient in people suffering from depression (see zinc deficiency).

Calcium is needed for the proper function of the nervous system     (see calcium deficiency).

Magnesium and calcium work together as a team so rather combine them (see magnesium deficiency).



Zinc Enriched Foods
Benefits of Beetroot


IMPORTANT NOTICE

Home Remedies Haven would like to reassure all the visitors to our site, that we respect your privacy and do not in any way sell personal information.