While antidepressant medications have been the go-to treatment for many individuals suffering from depression, there has been an increase in the use of supplements for depression over the past several years. The number of individuals purchasing supplements to use instead of, or in addition to, conventional medications may be attributed to several factors, including a desire for more natural treatment options, or frustration when traditional medications don't seem to work well. It should be noted, however, that depression can be a serious medical condition that should be treated by a physician, and any supplements should be reported to your doctor to avoid any complications or drug interactions. Currently, the top three supplements for depression include theanine, fish oil, and B-Complex vitamins. Below are the most commonly asked questions about the top three supplements for depression, to help you decide which one is right for you.
In scenarios where the brain experiences difficulty in transmitting signals between neurons, it is highly likely that the individual will lapse into depression. Fish oil contains omega-3 which greatly enhances the neural transfer of signals which reduces the chances of an individual being depressed. More efficient brain function significantly reduces stress levels in many people.
Theanine supplements are largely harmless when taken by mouth and have not been found to have any significant side-effects. Information concerning the effects it has on children and pregnant women is largely unreliable. However, most people do not use theanine for long periods of time and research done on it has not been comprehensive, so be sure to talk to your doctor before taking this supplement if you have concerns about possible side effects.
When Theanine is taken along with stimulant drugs, it gradually reduces their effectiveness. Stimulants excite the nervous system leading to a higher heart-rate, as well as an individual being jittery. Theanine has the opposite effect of slowing down the nervous system which cancels out the effects made by the stimulant.
Fish oil is largely safe when ingested by mouth. It, however, presents some side-effects if used in high doses. This includes belching, nausea, nosebleeding, rash, heartburn and bad breath. For most people, fish oil can be used safely with minimal side effects, however, and there are special formulas available that are designed to minimize unpleasant side effects.
While the majority of people have had a relatively safe experience with this supplement, some people have complained about experiencing eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. This is a condition where the sufferer exhibits muscle tenderness and a few blood abnormalities. Other accompanying side-effects may include sexual troubles and diarrhea.
The effect 5-HTP has on the body is the increased production of serotonin. In instances where a patient takes 5-HTP while using antidepressant medication, it is highly likely that the two will interact. They will increase the amount of serotonin to a level where it becomes harmful to the body. This can lead to shivering, anxiety and cardiac problems. It is, therefore, not recommended for people to do so. Always tell your doctor about any supplements you're taking, so you can avoid potentially serious drug interactions and side effects.
Fish oil reduces a person’s blood pressure. This can pose a big risk for individuals with hypertension who are already using medication meant to do the same. This can lead to the blood pressure dipping very low which can be dangerous. Birth control pills interact with fish oil, as well, when both are ingested together, which can reduce effectiveness of birth control. Always consult a doctor before taking fish oil or other supplements.
Theanine is most effective in individuals experiencing high levels of stress, as it produces feelings of relaxation and clear-headedness. This is evidenced by the presence of increased alpha wave activity in the brains of users of this supplement, which is a sign of relaxation.
One of the main causes of depression is the imbalance between neurotransmitters in the brain. Neurotransmitters are substances in the brain that aid in the transmission of neural signals while stabilizing a person’s mood in the process. What B-Vitamins do is conserve the amino acids responsible for the creation of these neurotransmitters, so as to avoid an imbalance.