Dealing with Depression Naturally

Acetyl L-Carnitine has changed my life as well. I have suffered from depression since I was a child, have tried every medication out there and nothing seemed to work. Also, I found out I had candida, and everything I have done to bring my GI tract back into balance has helped the depression, OCD, worry, and ADHD. I take probiotics before bed, which has made a huge difference. L-tyrosine has helped me a lot. My biggest help was finding out that I was low in stomach acid. Treating that with Betaine HCL has changed my life and enabled me to actually "absorb" vitamins and nutrients from food that I couldn't before, this has changed my life.

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

I am a 46 year old male who has suffered from regular bouts of depression for most of my adult life. These depressed episodes were not usually linked to any situational cause and indeed could be very difficult to understand for my family because there was no obvious trigger or reason why I was depressed. The symptoms presented as physical as well as mental and I would suffer from joint pain, lethargy and extreme nausea and in severe bouts even cold sweats and shivering that would last for days and sometimes a week. I have tried prescription anti-depressants but the side effects were almost as bad as the ailment so I resolved to put up with the ups and downs (I only probably had episodes bad enough to take off work maybe twice a year).

About 2 years ago someone put me on to 5 Hydroxy Tryptophan or 5-HTP as a precursor to serotonin production and I decided to give it a try (the potential for weight loss was an added incentive) and I found the results somewhat hit and miss until after some research and experimentation I hit on the combination of 5-HTP (100mg) combined with Pyridoxal 5 Phosphate (15mg) (the active enzyme version of vitamin B6 and assists in the conversion of the 5-HTP to serotonin) taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach (I avoid eating for at least half an hour). The theory from my research into taking it on an empty stomach is that this avoids the 5-htp metabolising into serotonin in the stomach before it can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Further, I have found that the active version of B6 is more effective than the common variety version (pyridoxine) because I think I struggle to metabolise the pyridoxine variety into the active enzyme and therefore have a natural B6 deficiency (probably why I don't produce enough serotonin).

I haven't had a bout of depression for over 12 months now despite the fact that I have experienced (as many others have over the past 4 months) the most stressful and extreme anxiety creating environment of my professional life.

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).

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

Wow! Where do I start. I have been obsessed with your website for a couple of months now. It started when I was looking for an alternative to visiting a Dr. yet again for recurring UTI's and yeast infections. Well, that was easy. I started using Borax, Sea Salt, and I started oil pulling. These of course gave me more benefits than just no UTI's, or yeast infections. This has been an expensive venture. I am constantly browsing natural food stores, and have used several other remedies. My sunuses are amazingly better, and I think one of my favorite discoveries here is VCO. I am a youthful looking 49 year old. But I have always had very oily skin and have fought acne my entire life. I started washing with Baking Soda, using a ACV toner and following with VCO. No more acne. NONE! I bathe in Borax and Epsom Salt and use VCO as a moisturizer. My cellulite is going away. And, the rest of my skin seems to be doing an age reversal. I have a lot of sun damage for years in the sun in my youth in California. And the main reason I am praising this site; after having such amazing results from all I have listed so far. I was given the courage to stop taking my antidepressants. I have clinical depression. One of those things that runs in the family. I was convinced that I would be on antidepressants for the rest of my life. There was no way I was going to risk feeling like I remember feeling. I started lowering my dosages (I was taking Wellbutrin and Zoloft without any noticable side effects). I purchased some Rhdiola, and just waited to see what would happen when I stopped completely. Keeping the Rhodiola handy for when/if I needed it. Last night I was really edgy. I was very crabby with my kids (I got a late start here and have three at home, ages 15, 13 & 8) until one of them asked me about my medications, and I realized where I was. Later I found myself on the verge of tears for no good reason. I took my first Rhodiola this morning, and within a few hours knew I was feeling better. I took another one before lunch, and I cannot believe how good I feel. IT WORKS! I never would have believed anyone would get me off my medications. THANKS TO ALL OF YOU! And I'm sure my kids thank you. Now I will be looking for the 5htp

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

On Friday 14 September 2007 I went to the doctor. I'm 63. While there I asked him to take a look at my Knuckles on my left hand, which have had a rough dry scaly bumpy patch with a yellow white crust, which I have had for several years making my hand look pretty ugly. Nothing that I have tried could ever shift it. He said that it was Solar Keratosis (also known as an actinic keratosis) and gave me a computer print out article. He said that there was a slight chance that it could eventually turn into a skin Cancer called squamous cell carceinoma. I asked how to get rid of it and he listed: freezing it with liquid nitrogen, cutting it out or scraping it off under a local anesthetic, or using a creme or gel that could take up to three months to work and which may cause inflammation and blistering, or I could have Laser surgery or he could cauterize it with a searing hot iron or an electric current or use caustic burning substance. Uh-oh! When I got home I hit the internet quick smart and looked it up the malady on this and other sites. I then looked through my cupboards and found some Apple Cider Vinegar that my deceased wife had bought over 12 years ago. I tried some right away topically and went to the Health Food store and got some "fresh" ACV (imported from the USA) with the "Mother" in it. Today is the first of October (about two weeks later) and with 2 or 3 glasses a day of a 'splash' of ACV, bit of local honey and spring water from the supermarket plus a cotton bud tip as a device to put some of the old ACV on the knuckles, they are now completely clear! The skin is smooth, there's no roughness and some other assorted skin irritations have cleared up as well. My usual 'aches and pains' are far less prevalent. I am also less "Down" and feel generally quite a bit more positive. Sleep is deeper and less disturbed with getting up in the night reduced to once or twice a night with some nights being slept all the way through. I also seem to have more energy and less appetitie (which is good as I am getting more girth with age)! I also have far less indigestion. The only "side effect" was a few whitehead pimples at the beginning few days, which I took to be my skin generally throwing off some bodily toxins. If I am having a so-called "placebo effect" or if some learned academic says that this is really only "mind over matter" or the "power of suggestive thinking", or if someone says that my doctor "mis-diagnosed" me, well, I don't care! The damn unsightly thing has disappeared, leaving me feeling much better all 'round! It is the cheapest and most effective alternative I have ever tried and I am pleased that I don't have to undergo any painful or expensive chemical or surgical procedure (even though medical care is free for everyone in Australia). The ACV works for me! And for only a few cents a day of natural healthful ingredients. I can now gladly put my hand up as a happy ACV customer!

Hi Jeffy, excuse me for asking, but if you experienced death from a cold shower, please tell me whose computer you sent this message on!

I started sungazing one year ago because I needed more balance in my life. I was depressed do to the lack of sunlight in Western Washington state. In the past year I have logged hundreds of hours of sungazing directly at the sun. Depression disappeared in a matter of weeks, my vision and night vision have both improved. I sleep less and have more energy then I have ever had before. Being in a good mood almost all of the time is another wonderful side effect.

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.

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.

addendum to my post about 5HTP- the info I shared from Julia Ross' book was for someone who is not on prescription medications for mood issues/anxiety/depression. You need to work with your doctor when adding supplements to your prescription regimen or trying to gradually move from prescriptions to supplements. Definitely don't do that alone. You want to avoid serotonin syndrome or other complications.

St. John's Wort is amazing for depression. And at least for me, it worked quickly. I had tried all kinds of supplements without success. I had crippling brain fog, lethargy, and a general feeling of wanting to give up. Work stress was overwhelming. I started taking 350 mg of St. John's Wort twice a day and the results have been remarkable. Brain fog is gone. I want to tackle my work. I feel interested in doing things that I had given up long ago, things like polishing my shoes, curling my hair, or cleaning out a cupboard. Energy, motivation, positive outlook!

There are lots of reputable brands available. Many people take 300 mg three times a day and for some it takes a few weeks to start working. For me, SJW is as powerful as any RX antidepressant.

I get depressed. I have most of the symptoms of thyroid insufficiency. Get up early in the morning and go for a walk or go jogging out in the country as the sun us coming up. Laying out in the sun helps a lot. Just wear dark clothes like jeans and a long sleeve shirt with a hood so you don't burn. Or go somewhere you can lay out without clothes, but only for maybe 15 to 30 min at a time. Lay on the ground on a blanket for an hour. Read a book. Drink your green tea w/ fresh lemon juice. You will feel soooo good.

Making smoothies with fresh parsley is also good. Thuja, Valerian, kava kava, ginkgo, st. John's wart, green tea, lemons, parsley. All good. Anything that increases melatonin or improves circulation, or diminishes inflammation helps. Get more sleep, don't drink coffee. I have social anxiety, chocolate, kava kava, nutmeg, ginger help with that. Goldenseal w/ Echinacea helps. Lugol's iodine helps. Eating clean/organic, raw fruits and vegetables and filtered water. Avoiding cooked food. Carbs. I've got some stomach issue, I find myself scowling a lot, the ginger makes me more relaxed when that happens. Eating certain foods, especially some wheat foods like cake especially, causes severe depression the second I put it in my mouth. It's like my brain revolts. Frankincense essential oil is also a blessing. Also, buy a pair of pink tinted sunglasses, you'll be amazed at what a difference they make. Life is strange....

Also, if you're depressed, figure out how you can please God. Look back over your life and if you have wronged anyone go make it right. When you see someone in need help them. Be kind to everyone. Tell the people you love that you love them. Write letters to people you love and tell them about it. Just get up every day with one goal: to make the world a better place.

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.

My 30 years of depression ended years ago, the day I took the proper dose (for me) of dessicated (non synthetic) thyroid medication. To cure chronic depression, the first step is to determine if you are hypo-thyroid. From my experience, forget the usual blood test and read the book on hypothyroidism by Dr Broda Barnes, md, phd (deceased) -- after years of research, he found that basal temperature (underarm temp. first thing in a.m.) is best indicator of low thyroid---if below 97.8 f.

If you have low basal temp., search on web Dr Broda Barnes, and choose an M.D. who follows his protocol---an association exists of such physicians. If you follow this advice, it could change your life forever.

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.

As I said in my recent comment, he was dehydrated and the doc said it caused his depression and water cured it. My whole point to that comment was to make people THINK about looking back at their eating habits as in do you eat alot of salty foods, drink alot of coffee, etc? If you do then it's logical to conclude that you might be dehydrated and need to drink water.

also mate.. St Johns Wort. Hypericum... Amongst other things, it's earth's natural antidepressant... Raises your serotonin levels as does 5htp. but St Johns Wort is more natural.

Thank you very much for your advice! I am wondering: Do you take any other supplements to combat anxiety and depression?

Amy :)

You have to wean very slowly - about 5mg's at a time with your anxiety med and about 10mg's at a time with your SSRI/anti-depressant. It's why dropping from the 60mg to 30 made you feel horrible. It's too quick a drop. The rule of thumb is, the slower the better.

Anxiety med - Instead of 2mg's, take 1.5 mg's/day for a couple of weeks by taking 1 tab as your first dose and a 1/2 tab as your second, or vice versa. After two weeks, go to 1mg - 1/2 tab am and pm for two weeks, then to 1/2mg per day for 2 weeks, etc.

SSRI/Anti-depressant - Since it's in capsule form, you could ask your MD to prescribe them in smaller doses, making it easy for you to wean down 10mgs at a time, or pick yourself up some empty capsules. You'll find them at GNC or the Vitamin Shoppe, etc. You can split your 60mg capsule into smaller doses. It's labor-intensive, but it will get the job done.

Start by opening the capsule and dividing its contents into 6 lines (eyeballing it to approx. 10 mgs in each line). Then, only put 5 of the lines into the empty capsules (25 each) so that you'll be taking a total of 50mg's per day for a couple of weeks.

After a couple of weeks, do the same - divvy up your capsules, except put only 4 of the lines into your empty capsules, then 3, 2, etc. taking each dose for a couple of weeks.

When you get to the point where you have weaned down to the final 10mg of the anti-depressant, make your last final two week dose 5mg/day and you should be good to go.

Hang in there. You'll do fine.

Milk Kefir abundant in Serotonin. Noni Juice contains Serotonin. Brown Rice contains Tryptophan which is a precursor to Serotonin. Red Miso is rich in Tryptophan, which is readily available in absorbable format.

Wheat Grass Juice contains nice amino acid profile providing serotonin.

Warning: Soy Milk is a Goitrogen and Tryptophan Inhibitor.

I'm on Effexor for depression and anxiety. I would love to stop taking it and try something more natural. But I know from previous experience that if I forget to take it within 6 hours I start having withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal symptoms are like having a really bad bout of the flu. Can't get out of bed, have really vivid dreams, etc. What is 5 -HTP and how could I start taking that and get rid of the Effexor? Thanks for any advise!

Hi, I was on effexor for about a year and decided I would stop, since it made me feel like a zombie. I did it alone, with no medical support. I started by lowering the dose. Half a dose one day, full dose tomorrow, half a dose next day and so on for about a week, then one more day added with the lower dose, on so on until I got to the minimum dose every day of the week. Then I would take it one day on, one day off and so on. The first few days with no medication were hard, I had headaches and I was a bit confused and couldn't focus, but I was determined. So, slowly, one day at a time, I stopped taking it altogether. I hope this helps.

Check out the book The Mood Cure by Julia Ross. Really lays out a plan for you, helps you identify what your mood type is. Very simple and easy to read. Has chapter on getting off anti depressants! Lots of information on 5htp and other amino acids... can get it used off amazon for pretty cheap. Good luck!

(fyi when I took 5htp I took it twice a day once in afternoon once at night really worked for me)

Rachel, You are right on. The reason eliminating irritants to the gut like gluten help is that many hormones and neurotransmitters like seratonin are manufactuered in the gut. Take good care of your digestive track by eliminating junk food and highly processed foods. Personally, I have found that Tryptophan is more effective than 5htp. Good post and thanks.

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. :-)