Depression affects many people around the globe especially men who are consuming a high amount of sugar. There are ways to deal with depression. Of course, diet is one of them.
For instance, experts recommend the D.A.S.H. diet for depression. It is highly important to address depression as early as possible as it can cause inflammation.
Of course, consulting your doctor is among the best route to address depression. Usually, doctors will prescribe antidepressants. However, long-term intake of antidepressants can have side effects.
It is clear that antidepressants may have benefits but only for a short time. Then, after that, patients have a high chance of experiencing a relapse. However, one study finds that taking certain supplements can help boost the positive benefits of antidepressants.
But before we go through these supplements, here are the common side effects of antidepressants particularly psychological ones.
Moreover, it would be worth knowing more about antidepressant drugs and their harmful side effects.
4 Supplements That Boost Antidepressants Effectiveness
Antidepressants are harmful when taken in the long-term, especially when one becomes dependent on it. But here’s the good news. In a press release of a study1 says that taking certain nutritional supplements along with antidepressants has benefits.
The researchers found the use of certain nutritional supplements increased the effectiveness of antidepressants in people with clinical depression. These 4 nutritional supplements are;
- Omega 3 Fish Oil
- S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)
- Methylfolate (bioactive form of folate)
- Vitamin D
The strongest finding from our review was that Omega 3 fish oil – in combination with antidepressants – had a statistically significant effect over a placebo. –Professor Jerome Sarris (lead author of the meta-analysis study), ARCADIA Mental Health Research Group at the University of Melbourne
On the other hand, antidepressants may not be harmful at all, especially for treating acute depression, although the results are only short-term. Moreover, Dr. Andrea Cipriani, lead author of the study, says that antidepressants should not always be the first line of treatment.
And, that other options including psychological therapies should also be considered.
Our study brings together the best available evidence to inform and guide doctors and patients in their treatment decisions. We found that the most commonly used antidepressants are more effective than placebo, with some more effective than others. Our findings are relevant for adults experiencing a first or second episode of depression – the typical population seen in general practice. Antidepressants can be an effective tool to treat major depression, but this does not necessarily mean that antidepressants should always be the first line of treatment.
Addressing and Preventing Depression Naturally
If the depression is severe and acute, it’s evident that medical help should be a priority. Indeed, antidepressant medications will be prescribed. However, during the gradual recovery, natural intervention should be considered.
Among the naturally potential solution include eating the right kinds of foods. Instead of consuming highly processed foods, focus on consuming mood-boosting foods. These foods will give the body its natural ability to increase energy levels, as well as boosts the body’s immune system.
Moreover, increasing the intake of these foods allows the brain to produce and increase the production of feel-good chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin.
Of course, a loving and compassionate act of hug and exercise are just as relieving to a person with depression.