There are so many products on the market that do not work.
It is amazing how much money is made on things that are supposed to help with depression- or obesity. There are many scams out there. There are also many things that you can do that can help you such as taking your B vitamins!
Here are a few tips from author Joan Larson, PhD., in her book: Depression free Naturally.
She has written many books on helpful, holistic ways to stay healthy in mind, body and soul.
THE B VITAMINS
Many people have heard about how important the B vitamins are to one’s health, but let’s stress it here. All the Bs including B1 ( thiamine) B2 Riboflavin, B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 ( cobalamin) and Folic acid.
B complex vitamins are essential to both mental and emotional well-being. Because of their water soluble nature, they cannot be stored in the body, therefore, you must replenish them to stay healthy.
Because of their water soluble nature, there is no danger of overdosing.
MINERALS NEEDED TO COMBAT DEPRESSION
Magnesium: This deficiency can lead to depression. This was first reported in 1973: The Journal of the American Medical Association.
Calcium: This deficiency affects the central nervous system which can cause nervousness, depression, irritability and apprehension.
Zinc: If you are deficient in zinc, it can result in apathy and lethargy. When zinc is low, copper levels in the brain can rise to a toxic state resulting in fearfulness and paranoia
Iron: Depression can be a symptoms of chronic iron deficiency. Other symptoms include general weakness, listlessness, exhaustion, lack of appetite and headaches.
Manganese: This metal is needed for proper use of the B complex vitamins and vitamin C. Manganese also helps to stabilize blood sugars, preventing hypoglycemic mood swings.
Potassium: Depletion is associated with depression, fearfulness, weakness and fatigue. A 1981 study showed that depressed patients were more likely to have decreased intracellular potassium.
Caution with mineral supplements: Minerals are not like the water soluble B vitamins, therefore you need to be cautious, following your MD guidance on all supplementation.
Taken in part from: Larson, J. (1999). Depression Free: Naturally. New York, NY. Random House Publishing Group