Natural Remedies for Depression | Holistic Treatments & Supplements

Low BCAA Protein Diet

Posted by Lilac (New England) on 04/27/2016
★★★★★

I am tremendously helped with my chronic depression by a diet that cuts way down on Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAA's). That is because BCAA'S lower the serotonin and the dopamine in the brain. And you need serotonin and dopamine to feel good. Do your own research. Google "Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Depression."

To experiment with this, try this diet for a few days to a week and see if it works for you:

Vegan + no or very limited nuts, beans, & seeds. Simple.

Explained in more detail:

Vegan means no beef, chicken, lamb, pork, ham, cold cuts, turkey, eggs, dairy (no yogurt, cheese, milk, etc.) IN OTHER WORDS NO ANIMAL PRODUCTS OF ANY KIND EXCEPT HONEY AND GHEE ARE OKAY.

AS WELL, cut way down on these plant proteins: legumes, beans, lentils, peas, all nuts, all seeds. I remember the diet this way:

Vegan plus nuts, beans, seeds. So simple.

It's a limited diet, yes. But you may see good results, as I do. You will have more serotonin and dopamine, which will free your mind. It works for me.

Plus I uploaded my DNA results from 23andMe to Nutrahacker, and now I know what supplements/foods are good for me and which to avoid. For example I'm positive for the MTHFR mutation, so I take folate. Usually one with the MTHFR mutation takes methylfolate, but Nutrahacker tells me I don't tolerate methyl groups well, so It take folinic acid instead. Nutrahacker told me lots else, too. For example I have the CBS mutation, which means I must follow a low-protein, low thiols sulfur diet. No time to go into it all here. It will cost you around $199.00 for 23andMe plus around $35.00 for Nutrahacker. You will never regret it.

For me, my Nutrahacker results plus the low BCAA diet and low sulfur diet is great. Take it from someone who has searched high and low to cure my dysthymia, and doesn't like pharmaceuticals.

Azithromyacin

Posted by Anon (US) on 09/04/2014
★★★★★

I've had depression since grade school. Some years ago I got a virus or something and was given three big azithromyacin pills to take, one a day for three days. The depression went completely away for three days. I had a ton of energy, I felt happy, cheerful, outgoing, I could think clearly and remember much better. Much more relaxed and optimistic. Like everything was fixed.

The third day I took some psyllium fiber and it all came creeping back.

5-HTP

Posted by Gord235 (Vancouver, British Columbia) on 10/10/2017

Update: I just want to add that my dreams when doubling the dose to 100mg/day have been not so much weird but vivid and funny. I quite often find myself waking up laughing so that's okay. Obviously not everything affects everyone the same and 5HTP is a good example of this.

Hormone Related

Posted by Sue M. (Worden, Il, Usa) on 10/29/2012

When I started my downward spiral with depression, I never made the association of possibly being hormone related. After 5 yrs. of psychiatrists putting me on almost every drug combo to see if it would help, the next suggestion was ECT treatments.... I had 9. That may work for some people, but all it did for me was take away my memory recall.

My husband was the one who got me to go back and figure out where my depression started. I figured out it was hormone related. I called my GP... Got back on plant based hormone and within 2 weeks began to see the "fog" lifting. When I told my psychiatrist that I wanted her help to slowly get off the meds and get a regime of eating healthy, exercise and concentrated therapy, she became furious and refused to help me. She said that I would end up back in the hospital within 2 months and be worse off than I originally was. Well.... that has been 7 years ago and I feel great.

So.... I would suggest bloodwork, diet, exercise, and research, research. Everyone of us is different in what works for our bodies. Postings here on EC was lifesaving for me. Daniel Ahem's books are invaluable for educationing yourself about what you need to do when you start noticing a problem. Dr. Mercola just had an article on him a couple of days ago on his website. Please read his research.

I slowly weened myself off my meds. I would have loved to have had the support of my psychiatrist. All the drugs were taking away my life and I knew I had to take my health back into my own hands and not rely on someone else telling me they knew what was "best" for me. It was terrifying for me to take that step, but I'm so glad I did. I really hope this helps someone. I believe we're all guardian angels here on this site.....")

5-HTP

Posted by Steve (Las Vegas, Nevada) on 09/20/2011
★★★★★

For me it 5-HTP pulled me right out of a severe depression and the difference was immediate, like night and day. I took a 200mg Now brand 5HTP cap and put about half under my tongue for sublingual absorbtion. You can look at this reference for low serotonin levels as well as other neurotransmitters. http://www.hbcprotocols.com/chart.html

Peace, Steve

5-HTP

Posted by Joylie (Solana Beach, Ca) on 08/15/2011
★★★★★

I love 5-HTP. It has helped me while I've gone through some pretty tough times. I just take 50 mg. Every night. But even at that lowest dose, it has made a big difference for me. :-)

Fish Oil

Posted by Samantha (BC, Canada) on 04/12/2015
★★★★★

Yeah fish oils helped me too. I was taking Cod Liver Oil, about 1 Tablespoon per day, for other health issues and I noticed that I started laughing more, mostly during tv shows which I hadn't found "laugh out loud" funny before this so it was surprising. Maybe just after a few days too; its effect was pretty quick.

Blackstrap Molasses

Posted by Lisa (Jerusalem , Israel) on 08/19/2008
★★★★★

The Feb. 15 issue of Biological Psychiatry reported that uridine found in molasses is a strong antidepresent The tsts were done on rats. Uridine injections acted right away, but the omega-3 fatty acids took 30 days to kick in.

Combining lower doses of uridine and omega-3 fatty acids was even more helpful. "Less of each agent is required for effectiveness when the treatments are administered together," say the researchers.

source: http://www.webmd.com/depression/news/20050210/do-some-foods-battle-depression

EC: Thanks, Lisa. Very interesting. The article references molasses made from sugar beets -- fyi, not your typical blackstrap molasses made from sugar cane syrup.... To quote from the article -- "As for uridine, sugar beets and beet molasses are food sources."

Dancing

Posted by Gloria (Santa Rosa, CA) on 06/05/2008
★★★★★

I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety 6 years ago and i tried the meds for a while, but i hated the side-effects.

I had always wanted to take dance classes so in college i took a class for p.e. credit. It was extraordinary how much dancing affected me physically, mentally, and emotionally. I got into better shape while being challenged to learn steps and movement and when i danced, i felt so happy like i could fly!

Since then, I haven't had any need to see a therapist or take meds and I've now changed my major to became a movement therpist (who knew there was a whole field dedicated to what I had experienced). I hope to inspire others to make that connection with their body and mind and I will continue to pursue this awareness for the rest of my life.

Here's a tip for those of you interested in trying this. Most community colleges have beginning adult dance classes and it's usually really cheap (in california it's $20 a unit and dance classes are normally only 1 unit).

Couch Exercise

Posted by Gary (Kitchener On) on 08/01/2023

Hi Adrienne

My good friend was going through a bad time like you. After researching everything she could, she tried high dose Vitamin B..

Three weeks later, she had very little depression left. She did not tell me the amount taken.

God Bless

Gary

Coconut Oil

Posted by Gislain (Phoenix, AZ) on 02/29/2008
★★★★★

I've had Coconut Oil sitting around my house and only used it for cooking. I heard it was a great alternative to Hydrogenated Vegetable Oils. But since reading about the health benefits from Coconut Oil on this website, I thought it would be good to try for my depression and lack of energy I feel mainly in the mornings. Sometimes, I just cannot move or do anything! I ate a tablespoon and managed not to gag from the texture or lack of taste. Within a HALF-HOUR, I went from not wanting to be around and lethargic to INSTANT ENERGY! I was doing chores, showering, moving about and realizing that the Coconut Oil helped me start my day. It felt like I drank two cups of coffee! Throughout the day, my heart was beating pretty heavy so I will try taking half a tablespoon in the upcoming days. This is a WONDER FOOD!

Cold Showers

Posted by Jasmine (Edmonton, Alberta) on 01/19/2008
★★★★★

GOD BLESS YOU EARTHCLINIC. Cold showers cured my depression. I have never felt so alive and so happy and grateful to be alive. Thankyou Earthclinic for sharing this great remedy. I have more energy and less stress. Oh and some other pleasant changes I've noticed - my hair is shinier and curlier (perfectly soft curls too, not frizzy like before), and my skin is clearer and softer than before. Right after I do my morning stretches and calisthenics routine I will jump into the cold shower (I almost can't describe how incredible it feels!)

5-HTP

Posted by Fred (Pleasanton, California) on 05/22/2008

Could give the full spelling of what you meant by L-ter ?

EC: L-ter = L-tyrosine (??)

Cold Showers

Posted by Jacklyn (Vancouver, Canada) on 05/03/2007
★★★★★

I've been living with depression for two years, I wanted to find a natural way to help ease the stress of life, cold showers every day have helped me feel better and have elevated my mood substantially, I feel less stress, I especially love taking a cold shower after a workout or jog, I am so happy to hear that cold showers have helped do many people, we have to get the word out!by the way, my hair is a lot shinier too!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Jen (Ann Arbor, MI) on 12/29/2005
★★★★★

For several months, I have been taking apple cider vinegar in the morning (2tsps w/a glass of water) and I have seen a HUGE change in mood swings and down periods. I exercise regularly and done so for years to help my mental health. But my mood swings were really in the way. I would experience irritability and then despair and on several mornings each month, I would not want to get out of bed. Not so anymore. I started taking apple cider vinegar to get rid of parasites and then realized from reading that it has all kinds of other positive effects. The disappearance of mood swings was a pleasant surprise for me. Also, I think it may work for seasonally related depression. I usually experience melancholy when fall comes and then have a strong down period in the winter. I have experienced none of this for this year and I live in Ann Arbor which is super gray in the winter time. And--one more thing--my skin is much much better with apple cider vinegar!

Apple Cider Vinegar

Posted by Tawnya (Ogden, Utah) on 11/23/2005
★★★★★

I have been using ACV for about 2 years. It was around the time I was told that I had cancer. I had suffered a long time with depression, headaches, and 2 premature babies. When I started taking ACV, within weeks I could feel a difference in the way I felt. My headaches were gone, and 5 months later my cancer was in remission. I believe ACV has made a large impact in my life. I now give it to my children and husband, and we are very healthy and happy.

5-HTP

Posted by Charlotte (Richboro, PA)
★★★★★

My 6 year old grandson was diagnosed with "Select Mutism" 2 years ago and rather than put him on "Prozac", my daughter did some research and learned about 5HTP and chose to try it first. He started on 50mg every night. His psychologist saw the same results with the 5HTP as children on prescribed drugs. It's been a miracle for him. I have since then also taken it since our family seems to have anxiety problems and ADD runs in the family and it has helped very much with these problems. I usually take 100mg to 200mg daily depending on my stress levels at the time. We are so grateful our little grandson did not have to take Prozac or a similar drug. I would highly recommend it as a first choice to try at least.

Methylene Blue

Posted by Jeff (WI) on 09/29/2024
★★★★★

Look, if your relative died or you had a great loss, that's one thing,, but if you have a true family history and a feeling since childhood or young adulthood that you can't be happy and a brain scan that shows dark areas,,,, You have genetic depression and that is way harder to deal with. So let's look at the most high powered substances that exist for that.'

OK .... Food grade methylene blue has proven to change electrons and alleviate depression of every order. Do your own research. People take a mild dose of 15 drops per day...

CBD oil needs to be mentioned here because of it's ability to calm you and raise serotonin but not a true High power option.

Now for the big one:

Clinical and lifelong depression has been completely or partly eliminated in one day, one week or one month with this incredible substance. Hallucinogenic Therapy

John's Hopkins and Harvard Med School is studying human subjects and has been studying this for years. It was featured on 60 minutes and is shown directly in brain scans to open up centers and structures in the brain that have been closed off for years or since birth.

LOOK it Up!!!! *** Hallucinogens against depression..... or PTSD and more.

Hopkins and Harvard administer it every day (Psylocibin..but others also work) and the results are beyond belief in many cases.

Don't think of hallucinogens as drugs. That is a political and economic tool to scare you....

It cured my Viet Nam combat stress... Do the Research and Blessings to All

It is not legal in most states, but the Psychology world is catching on fast.

Chlorella, Copper

Posted by Jeffrey (IDAHO) on 08/03/2023
★★★★★

Re: High Dose Vitamin B For Depression

hello world,

Chlorella has the best multi vitamin b complex out there.1000mg -3000mg per day. It's also considered a super food.

also see fulvic humic from vital earth. that will clean you out and get the gut moving again. probably get the minerals you need to revitalize your soul.

Most people don't know about 2mg of chelated copper per day. watch your soul come back to life. it's very inspiring to see it happen quickly.

Apple Cider Vinegar, Fish Oil

Posted by Martin (Ireland) on 07/28/2023
★★★★★

For depression, take 3 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar braggs in a glass of water first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, wait half an hour before you have your breakfast. Fish oil 1000mg after breakfast. Magnesium citrate in the evening 2 hours before bed.stop drinking sodas coke etc and eating sugary foods they mess up the stomach.to much sugar in the stomach is posion.

If your tiredness has to do with depression, take vitamin C 1000mg after breakfast and also take b complex. The vinegar is to control the candidias in the stomach if you have that, your stomach will be depressed. The fish oil is for a depressed brain. It takes 3 weeks for the fish oil and vinegar to work. I still take all my prescription medication. But I was depressed on it, these vitamins saved me.i have been cured for 2 years now since taking all of this stuff.I still have to figure out something for sleep. I will edit later if I find something. Thank you god and earthclinic.