Depression

St John’s Wort: This well researched herb helps relieve mild depression, anxiety and sleep disorders due to its active constituent hypericin. The active compound in St John’s Wort helps to stop the breakdown of serotonin once it is at the receptor sites of the brain (an MAO inhibitor). Higher levels of serotonin are associated with an ability to cope with life and overall happiness.  Consult your GP before taking St John’s Wort with medication. Rhodiola Rosea is an excellent alternative to St John’s Wort, which offers mood boosting and stress reducing properties. Suggested intake: 2-3 a day away from food.

Essential fatty acids: Omega 3 fatty acids are essential for brain function. Individuals with depression are often low in omega 3 fatty acids. Supplement with Flax and also eat plenty of foods rich in Omega 3 EFAs like salmon and mackerel. Suggested intake: 1-2 tablespoons a day with food.

Antioxidants (A, C, E, Zinc, Selenium, glutathione, L-cysteine, carotenoids): Detox function, immune boosting and healing all help to clear general metabolic channels and allow the body to function properly. Circulation in the fine capillaries of the brain can also be protected from atherosclerosis, thereby allowing essential oxygen and nutrients through in the blood for a healthy brain.Suggested intake: 2-3 a day with food.

B Complex with C: A deficiency in certain B vitamins is characteristic in cases of depression.

B vitamins help maintain proper brain chemistry, especially in relation to the activity and metabolism of brain neurotransmitters. B5 deals with the causative factor of why someone is tired and stressed. It deals with cellular energy, and then nourishes the adrenal glands which support the body under stress. B6, B12 & Folic acid are also highly beneficial at changing an even nastier components in the blood stream, homocysteine, back into the harmless and beneficial amino acid methionine. Homocysteine can lead to the furring of capillaries and arteries leading to impaired brain function and subsequent depression as essential nutrients cannot get through to brain tissues. A B-complex is therefore essential for general good health, reducing chances of atherosclerosis, stress, inflammation and tiredness by helping the body release energy from food and nourishing all nerves. Suggested intake: 2-3 a day with food.

Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo helps to increase circulation through the small capillaries in the body and brain, which helps to flush oxygen and nutrients through tissues, enhancing normal brain activity and function. Twin with extra antioxidants to help reduce atherosclerosis of the brain capillaries (furring of the arteries), thereby enhancing the effect of the ginkgo. Suggested intake: 1-3 a day away from food.

Foods/lifestyle: Cut out or reduce sugars, caffeine, processed fats, alcohol and tobacco.