So yesterday we spoke about the scientific cause and remedy for "depression".
But . . . as I stated . . . "depression" and its cause, goes way deeper than just that.
Even deeper than Alternative medicine.
In the Alternative world of Naturopathic, Holistic and Herbal healing . . . there are many ways to help with depression such as taking vitamin B12 and other B vitamins because they play an important role in producing brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. And low levels of these vitamins such as B6 and folate are linked to "depression" due to them helping the brain convert amino acids into mood-boosting brain chemicals such as "serotonin".
Another way to help relieve 'depression" is with exercise. Research suggests that regular exercise may be a more effective treatment for mild depression than even antidepressants. Exercise boosts levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain which can lift your mood.
And what about vitamin C??? This vitamin has been linked to mood also. And people that have vitamin C deficiency often also have depression.
So what about herbs? How can they help???
Well . . . St. John's wort and ginkgo biloba are the herbs most often used for treating "depression" in the Herbal world, due to their ability to reuptake inhibitors of serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline, which are chemicals in the brain that are linked to depression and anxiety.
And there's also "amino acids" that can help. I'm always talking about how important they are to our body and optimal health. Well . . . this would be no different.
Gaba's natural calming effect on the brain has lead to countless claims about its use to reduce stress. And as we know . . . too much stress is linked to poor sleep, a weaker immune system and a higher risk of "depression".
So what does Gaba really do? Well . . . it's a naturally occurring amino acid that works as a neurotransmitter in the brain. And these messengers have the ability to block or inhibit certain brain signals, decreasing activity in the nervous system.
The amino acid called "taurine" also significantly improves overall mental health. And Taurine has shown to improve many depression symptoms.
But . . . even with these methods, even though they're very helpful "naturally" . . .
They're still not fixing the root cause.
For that we need to talk about the "Brain" - "Gut" connection.
Tomorrow we'll put things back in perspective with the "true" reason we become "depressed".
As always, feel free to contact me here