Antidepressant medications are one of the most common treatment options for those suffering from depression. Though typically effective, antidepressants can cause several side effects. There are a number of natural treatment options for depression ranging from lifestyle changes to dietary supplements, to ketamine infusions. SAM-e has been garnering attention recently as an effective alternative to…
The American Psychological Association defines stress as “the physiological or psychological response to internal or external stressors.” Everyone feels stressed from time to time, but chronic stress is more prevalent than ever in the 21st century. With longer work hours, less familial support, plus added economic tensions, it’s almost become normal to feel isolated, overwhelmed,…
Depression affects over 16 million American adults each year. It can have a variety of causes and can manifest in numerous ways. In modern psychiatry, treatment of depression often includes prescription antidepressant medications called “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors” (or SSRIs). The trouble is that many of these drugs come with negative side effects. Known side…
Several vitamins and dietary supplements can help to naturally reduce your stress levels in the short- or long-term. We’ve compiled a list of the best, including what foods they can be found in and what supplement forms to try. Our bodies can deal with acute (short-term) stress pretty well, such as everyday stressors related to…
As often as we talk about “gut instincts” and “gut feelings,” we shouldn’t be surprised to learn there is a substantial connection between our gut and our cognitive and emotional health. This connection is called the gut-brain axis. It is a complex system that oversees communication between the gut and the brain. How does your…
According to the ADAA, depression is one of the most devastating mental health and mood disorders in the United States. Affecting over 16 million Americans, it is the leading cause of disability in the country. While there are several holistic treatments to combat depression, such as meditation or TMS, some cases of major depression require…
Anxiety disorders affect millions of people every year. The ADAA cites anxiety disorders as “the most common mental illness in the United States.” Anxiety is often treated with anxiolytic benzodiazepines, medications that help to calm the mind. They do this by aiding production of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter that dampens neural activity. Unfortunately, benzodiazepines…
Modern psychiatry often treats mental health conditions with prescription medication. However, medication alone does not address the nutritional deficiencies that often play a part in mental and mood disorders. A randomized controlled trial in 2017 found nutritional counseling over the course of 12 weeks to help fight depression. For many, incorporating a healthy diet may…
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is an amino acid in the protein building block L-tryptophan. Found in foods like turkey and pumpkin, L-tryptophan is the main component in serotonin, which regulates sleep, body temperature, sexual behavior, and pain. Clinical studies show that 5-HTP supplements may lead to increased serotonin production. While our bodies produce 5-HTP, it can also…
Anxiety is a common issue facing many Americans. In the United States, anxiety disorders may affect more than 18% of adults every year. Any number of factors can lead to feelings of anxiety, including genetics and biology, environment, and lifestyle. Many natural treatments may reduce symptoms based on those factors. Let’s take a look! What…