| Depression affects many people at some point in | | | | supplement, particularly if you do not eat a lot of |
| their lives. It has a high cost to us emotionally and | | | | calcium rich foods. Add a fish oil supplement. Fish |
| physically, leaving us hopeless, anxious about the | | | | oil has anti-inflammatory properties and |
| future, unmotivated and low in physical energy, | | | | cardiovascular benefits, along with benefits to |
| and unfulfilled in relationships. Whatever the cause | | | | brain health. L-Theanine is a good anti-anxiety |
| of the depression - unresolved past grief, current | | | | supplement to try, in conjunction with 5 HTP |
| life challenges, brain chemistry issues - it is | | | | (hydroxytryptophan), which is a natural |
| important to address the problem. While it may | | | | antidepressant and precursor to the brain |
| be necessary in severe cases to resort to | | | | neurotransmitter serotonin, responsible for mood |
| pharmaceutical medications, many cases of milder | | | | regulation. |
| depression can be successfully addressed through | | | | 3. Exercise. Check with your doctor to determine |
| natural methods. | | | | an appropriate exercise program for you. The |
| Here are 5 steps to successfully treating | | | | ideal exercise program to alleviate depression |
| depression naturally: | | | | focuses on cardiovascular exercise. What you |
| 1. Address your diet. The mind and body are | | | | want is to choose activities that will raise your |
| inextricably linked together, and the health of one | | | | heart rate for a sustained period of time, so that |
| affects the health of the other. If you are eating | | | | endorphins are released. Ideally, you will work up |
| a lot of highly processed foods and sugar, try | | | | to 45 minutes of cardio exercise 5 times per |
| instead to focus your diet around fresh | | | | week. |
| vegetables and fruits, lean proteins, and whole | | | | 4. Talk out your problems. A professional |
| grains. Often appetite is impacted by depression. | | | | counselor you are comfortable with and with |
| If you find yourself losing your appetite, try | | | | whom you have a rapport can be an excellent |
| carrying around snacks and/or leaving them | | | | resource. You will get an unbiased and trained |
| around where you will frequently walk by them. | | | | perspective on your issues. Also, confiding in close |
| Grab a handful here and there. Try eating healthy | | | | friends and family can give you the emotional |
| snacks, particularly high protein snacks such as | | | | connection and support you need to overcome |
| jerky and nuts (almonds or cashews are a better | | | | your depressive symptoms. |
| choice than peanuts). If you tend to overeat, | | | | 5. Take small steps each day to honor and care |
| make sure you are not eating while distracted, i.e. | | | | for yourself. Create a list of multiple small |
| in front of the tv, and set a time in the evening | | | | pleasures you enjoy. Each day, make it a point to |
| past which you don't eat any more. | | | | do one of those kind things for yourself. When |
| 2. Try natural supplements. Start with a good | | | | you complete each activity, cross it off your list. |
| food based multivitamin, and a calcium | | | | When the list is exhausted, make a new one. |