How Do I Choose the Best Depression Supplements?

Dealing with depression is a problem that can drain a person both mentally and physically. In the past, seeking professional help along with prescription drugs was a common treatment option. More recently, depression supplements have become another recognized and viable option. While there are numerous types of depression supplements available, it's usually recommended to stick with the ones that are more common and widely used. These include flaxseed oil, tryptophan, folic acid and St. John's wort.

Flaxseed oil is one of the more common types of depression supplements, and is derived from the seeds of the flax plant. While it's also used for other problems like heart conditions, flaxseed oil can help treat depression. In fact, consuming three tablespoons (1.56 ounces) daily has been known to elevate a person's mood and increase energy levels. Scientists believe flaxseed oil is beneficial because it provides the brain with the omega 3 fatty acids that it needs for optimal functioning. As a result, daily consumption is supposed to improve an individual's overall disposition and reduce depression symptoms over time.

Tryptophan is another of the depression supplements that many people in the United States know has been associated with the turkey usually served at Thanksgiving dinner. Since abnormal serotonin levels in the brain are thought to cause depression, tryptophan is helpful because it works to stimulate and restore serotonin back to its natural level. This is due to the amino acids that tryptophan provides, which help optimize brain functioning. In fact, some of the most widely used anti-depressants use tryptophan as a main ingredient.

Another supplement that should be helpful for many depressed people is folic acid. Some scientists believe that a deficiency in folic acid can lead to overall health problems and depression. Since many individuals don't receive enough folic acid in their diet, depression is often a symptom. Westerners in particular rarely consume enough folates. As a result, taking folic acid depression supplements has been known to increase folate levels and cure depressive symptoms.

Additionally, St John's wort is known to be an effective supplement for treating depression. St. John's wort comes from a yellow flowering herb and has been used in countless scientific studies for depression. Results have demonstrated that consuming this herb is substantially superior to placebos. In turn, St. John's wort is thought to be helpful for individuals experiencing mild to moderate depression symptoms.