Three Safe, Natural Ways To Supplement Your Depression Treatment
If you suffer from depression, it's important to be in a treatment program as recommended by your physician. But what can you do if, in spite of medications and therapy, you're still feeling a bit down in the dumps? Adding one or more of these natural depression treatments to your routine may help.
Visiting the Chiropractor
Since chiropractors are best known for treating back pain, the prospect of seeing one for depression may sound a bit strange. But in fact, research has shown that regular back adjustments can help improve the mood and alleviate symptoms of depression. It is thought that adjusting the spine triggers the release of endorphins, which are natural mood-boosting hormones.
Chiropractic care also leaves you feeling looser, more limber, and more balanced, which may make exercising easier. And exercising is surely good for warding off feelings of depression, too. Finally, chiropractic adjustments help alleviate pressure on nerves running through the spine, which may allow for better cognitive function. When you're able to think more clearly and logically, you may find yourself less apt to sink into depressive thought patterns. Contact a business, such as Stroud Chiropractic Clinic, for more information.
Spending Time Outside
Adopt an outdoor hobby like gardening, jogging, or hiking. The idea has not been fully researched, but there is some evidence to suggest that just being outside can boot your mood. Engaging in outdoor activities that require some problem-solving or deep thought, such as gardening or hiking, helps build your self-esteem and self-efficacy, which can help keep depressive thoughts at bay. When you spend time outdoors walking through cool grass or watching a brook babble by, you'll find that your emotions calm and stabilize – and that stability can stick around throughout the rest of the day.
Cleaning Up Your Diet
Switching to a healthier, more wholesome diet that consists of more natural, whole foods and fewer processed foods may help chase off those lingering depression symptoms. Stay away from sugary foods, as these can cause blood sugar spikes that affect your serotonin levels and may trigger depressive episodes. Instead, get your carbohydrates from whole grains and legumes. Eat plenty of foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish and nuts. Research has shown that people who have low omega-3 fatty acid levels are more likely to suffer from depression. Finally, make sure you're eating plenty of colorful fruits and veggies. These will provide you with the antioxidants your body needs to ward off cell damage, making for better overall health and mental health.
When conventional treatment alone is not fully alleviating your symptoms of depression, implementing one or more of the treatments above should help.