Depression is a disabling condition that is characterized by unhappy feelings of hopelessness, which can result from stressful events, hormonal imbalances, or many other causes. Those people with depression tend to withdraw into themselves, get angry easily, and lose interests in things they once enjoyed.
There are a lot of ways to overcome depression, including a change in lifestyle, medication, counseling and taking specific vitamins. A change in lifestyle includes keeping healthy by eating well, taking proper exercise and taking vitamins for depression. The latter may work for some people, but definitely not for everyone especially if done in isolation.
There are actually several vitamin deficiencies that may lead to depression. The following are thought to have some effect on mood, and can be taken care of immediately by taking supplements.
Vitamin B-complex is important to keep us emotionally and mentally balanced. And since they cannot be stored in our body, we simply depend on our daily food and vitamin intake to replenish them. Unfortunately, B vitamins can easily be destroyed by alcohol, refined sugars, caffeine, and nicotine. Therefore, it is not surprising to know that many of us may be deficient in B-complex vitamins.
Vitamin B1 or Thiamine is utilized by the brain to convert glucose or blood sugar into fuel so it functions properly. Insufficient supply of this vitamin can lead to fatigue, depression, irritability, anxiety, or worse, negative thoughts of suicide. Also, deficiencies can result in memory problems, loss of appetite, trouble sleeping, and constipation. Consuming refined carbohydrates, like simple sugar eats away the supply of vitamin B1.
Vitamin B3 or Niacin deficiency can result in pellagra, which produces psychosis and dementia, and many other symptoms. At present, many commercial foods already contain niacin, keeping pellagra out of the picture. But, sub-clinical deficiencies in vitamin B3 may produce agitation and anxiety, and mental and physical slowness.
Vitamin B5 or Pyridoxine helps in the processing of amino acids, which are considered to be the building blocks of all proteins and other hormones. It is an essential element in manufacturing serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine. Although deficiencies in vitamin B6 are rare, it can result in impaired immunity, skin wounds, and mental confusion.
Vitamin B12 is essential to red blood cell formation. Therefore, deficiency in this will lead to an oxygen-transport problem, most commonly known as pernicious anemia. This condition can possibly cause mood swings, paranoia, dementia, hallucination, irritability, confusion, or mania and be eventually followed by loss of appetite, weakness, dizziness, shortage of breath, palpitation, and more.
Folic acid is needed for DNA synthesis and for the production of Sadenosyl Methionine. Usually this is taken together with vitamin B12.
Vitamin C is needed, especially if you are pregnant or lactating, or under a lot of stress.
Deficiencies in minerals such as calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and manganese can also lead to depression. So, make sure to take not only vitamins for depression, but also certain minerals.
As you can see, there are many vitamins for depression are available that you can use to avoid both deficiency and depression. You might want to start taking some to combat your condition but before you do, always seek medical advice.
Related depression help posts:
- Diet and Depression Basics Depression is a very disabling condition that affects millions of...
- Amoryn – A Natural Supplement To Aid Depression Amoryn is a natural mood enhancer that is becoming more...
- 5HTP As A Treatment For Depression 5HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan or 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan), is a natural supplement that converts...
- Acupuncture And Depression Women have a much harder time with depression symptoms than...
- Depression And Reflexology Depression affects the whole body, the nervous system, moods, thoughts,...