Vitamins that Can Fight Depression

We all experience down times every once in a while, but for a percentage of us, those down times can become depressive times. While most individuals may seek out a prescription drug to help alleviate the blueness, vitamins can actually produce the same effect, but in a natural way. Vitamins help with hormone production, so if you have a vitamin deficiency, you could also be experiencing a hormone imbalance, which is one of the major contributors to depression. The items you will need are a folic acid supplement, a vitamin D supplement, an omega-3 supplement or a multivitamin, which contains ample amounts of the aforementioned vitamins.

Increase your folic acid intake. Folic acid is important in the production of SAMe (S-adenosyl methionine) which regulates the chemicals found within the brain. Folic acid is available in supplement form at your local health food or grocery store. You can also find folic acid in leafy green vegetables, so get your spinach.

Make sure you are getting your omega-3 fatty acids as well. In Susan Freinkel's article, Vitamin Cure, she notes how fatty acids are essential to mood: "Small studies have found patients with depression have reduced levels of these fatty acids in their blood. A variety of small clinical trials have also suggested that omega-3s (at doses ranging from one to four grams) may alleviate the symptoms of depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder, as well as improve patients' response to conventional medicines." You can increase your fatty acids through nuts and seeds, or through supplements, like flaxseed oil or salmon oil.

Vitamin D is necessary for combating depression too. Getting out in the sunlight for five minutes helps produce vitamin D in your body naturally, so go for a walk. This will lighten your mood and decrease the depressive effects. However, if your mood is still low, try incorporating more vitamin D into your diet, along with daily walks. Vitamin D supplements are readily available at any health food or grocery store.

It is important that you consult a physician prior to beginning any new treatment. If you want to treat your depression naturally, consult a homeopathic practitioner to ensure you are treating your condition appropriately.