Mood enhancers

Want to know the best Nootropics for depression?

Almost all of us experience stressful situations. Furthermore, not everyone who experiences depression develops a depressive disorder. Stress is a major contributor to depression. Depending on how sensitive you are to stress, as well as weak neurochemistry and genetics. Depression may result from a perfect storm of any or all these influencing factors. Depression is a common side effect of some prescription medications. These medications include antimicrobials, antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, heart and blood pressure medications, hormones, insomnia medications, tranquilizers, antacids, narcotic pain medications, and others. Many of these prescription drugs, we know from experience, can be replaced by safer, natural alternatives such as nootropic supplements.

Supplements Best for Depression

1.     Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 fats are necessary fats, which means you must obtain them from your diet. According to some reports, omega-3 supplements can help in the treatment of depression. A 2020 study of 638 women in randomized controlled trials discovered that omega-3 fatty acid supplements significantly improved depressive symptoms in pregnant and postpartum women.

Omega-3 fatty acids Benefits

Most of the research reveals that Omega-3 fatty acids can decrease triglyceride levels by 20 to 50 percent. People with higher triglyceride levels benefit more from fish oil.

Omega-3 fatty acids Side Effects

High doses of Omega-3 fatty acids can also weaken the immune system, decreasing the body’s ability to combat infection. This is particularly concerning for people taking drugs to reduce their immune system’s function (such as organ transplant patients) and the elderly.

2.     NAC (N-acetyl cysteine)

NAC is an amino acid precursor to L-cysteine and glutathione. Glutathione is one of the most effective antioxidants in the body, and it is essential for controlling inflammation and protecting cells from oxidative damage.

NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) Benefits

Taking NAC has been shown to have a variety of health benefits, including increased glutathione levels in the body.

NAC (N-acetyl cysteine) Side Effects

It may result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation. Rashes, fever, headache, drowsiness, low blood pressure, and liver problems are also possible side effects.

3. Saffron

Saffron is made from dried stigmas (thread-like parts of the flower). Saffron is rich in antioxidant compounds, like crocetin and carotenoids crocin. People use saffron most commonly for anxiety and depression.

Saffron Benefits

An examination of five randomized clinical trials found that saffron supplementation greatly reduced symptoms of depression in adults with MDD as compared to placebo treatments.

Saffron Side Effects

Dry mouth, anxiety, agitation, drowsiness, low mood, sweating, nausea or vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, change of appetite, flushing, and headache are all potential side effects. Some people can experience allergic reactions.

4.     Vitamin D

Vitamin D is an important nutrient that serves a variety of functions in your body. Unfortunately, many people including those suffering from depression, do not have adequate vitamin D levels. According to research, people who suffer from depression are more likely to be vitamin D deficient. Those suffering from the disease have lower vitamin D levels than the general population, and those with the lowest levels have the most severe depressive symptoms.

Vitamin D Benefits

Vitamin D can help combat depression by reducing inflammation, controlling mood, and protecting against neurocognitive dysfunction.

Vitamin D Side Effects

Overdoes of vitamin D can cause weakness, fatigue, sleepiness, headaches, loss of appetite, dry mouth, metallic taste, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms.

References

11 Herbs and Supplements to Help Fight Depression. (2021, February 3). Retrieved April 29, 2021, from Healthline website: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/herbs-supplements-for-depression#1.-Omega-3-fatty-acids

Best Nootropics for Depression – Nootropics Expert. (n.d.). Retrieved from nootropicsexpert.com website: https://nootropicsexpert.com/best-nootropics-for-depression/

Fish Oil: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning. (2019). Retrieved from Webmd.com website: https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-993/fish-oil