Blues-fighting supplements
Tired of feeling blue, blah, or just a bit
off? You might want to try one of these supplements:
St. John's Wort
Curbs the symptoms of depression in about
half of the people who use it. Discuss taking this herb with your
physician, especially if you are taking prescription antidepressants.
SAM-e
Compound that occurs naturally in the
body. At supplemental levels, it helps the body make more of the
mood-lifting brain chemical serotonin. European clinical studies
have found SAM-e as effective as some prescription antidepressants, yet
remarkably free of side effects. Caution: If you are taking
a prescription anti-depressant, don't take SAM-e. And don't switch
medications without consulting your doctor.
Fish Oil
Research hints that omega-3s may help ward
off depression. If you take blood-thinning medication, discuss fish
oil supplements with your doctor.
Use Caution
We believe in erring on the side of
caution. For safety reasons, these supplements are perhaps best avoided:
DHEA
A naturally produced steroid hormone whose levels within the body drop with age.
Supplements
are supposed to improve mood, mental function, energy, and libido, but
risks include prostate cancer and liver damage.
5-HTP
Research
shows that tryptophan supplements elevate levels of the brain chemical
serotonin. However, its safety has not yet been established.
Diet Affects Mood
What you eat directly and indirectly affects neurotransmitters,
which in turn affect mood. The brain chemical most closely
linked to diet? Serotonin. |
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