It is estimated that 20% of US adults will be diagnosed with depression, and over 30% with an anxiety disorder, at some point in their lives.1,2
The exact changes in the brain that cause depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders are still not completely clear. Low levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin or norepinephrine, was originally thought to be the major factor in causing depression. However, raising neurotransmitter levels, such as with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), doesn’t improve symptoms for everyone with depression. About 30-40% of patients don’t respond to antidepressant therapy.
Although serotonin is important for mood regulation, low levels of serotonin aren’t the whole story.3-5 Other possible contributing factors include genetics, trauma, stress, nutritional deficiencies, dysregulated circadian rhythms, oxidative stress, inflammation, and alterations in the gut microbiome.
I consider antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications to be the last step in managing these conditions, and should only be used if dietary changes, counseling, supplementation, and other treatments have failed to improve symptoms. Both types of drugs have serious risks and drawbacks that you should consider before you resort to medications.
Depression is a potentially life-threatening disease. If you are currently on medications, do not stop taking them without help from your physician. If you are suffering from depression or anxiety symptoms, I urge you to work with your physician to discuss and implement the natural, drug-free methods I outline in the webinar. Note: The webinar and this blog post are not a substitute for professional help; they are meant to provide information on options you can explore with your chosen healthcare professional.
A brain-healthy diet and supplemental nutrients
For a healthy mood state, the research supports following a diet rich in vegetables and other fiber- and phytochemical-rich plant foods, and avoiding high-glycemic processed foods, fast food, and other junk foods.6-12
Carotenoids, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals support the health of neurons and protect the brain against oxidative stress and inflammation, which are contributors to anxiety and depression.7,13-17 Also, vitamins and minerals are important for the proper workings of the brain and production of neurotransmitters.18-24
A diet rich in whole plant foods is health-promoting overall, but is low in a few key nutrients important for mood regulation: vitamin B12, zinc, and the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA.18,24-28 It’s important to supplement with these nutrients.
The omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are important for regulating inflammation, supporting the structure of brain cell membranes, maintaining the connectivity between neurons, and play a role in neurotransmitter synthesis and neurotransmission.29-32 Supplementation has improved symptoms of anxiety and depression, with EPA more effective than DHA in depression.33,34
Additional supplements: amino acids and plant extracts
Several amino acids are either precursors to neurotransmitters or are otherwise involved in neurotransmitter synthesis. Amino acid supplements that are likely helpful for mood disorders include 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), L-tryptophan, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), L-theanine, and creatine.35-44Phosphatidylserine, a major phospholipid in brain cell membranes, may blunt the body’s response to stress.45,46
Among plant extracts, saffron in particular was found in several studies to be either similarly effective to an antidepressant, or superior to placebo in depression.47-50 Additional plant extracts that may help manage depression, anxiety symptoms, and/or stress include ashwagandha, lemon balm, passionflower, chamomile, and valerian.51-60
Counseling, light therapy, exercise, and other non-dietary methods
Essentials
Exercise provides natural mood-elevating and stress-relieving effects and is an important component of treatment for mood disorders.61-65
Circadian rhythms are a major factor in mood regulation, and circadian disruption is thought to contribute to depressive symptoms.66Morning light therapy is an effective treatment for depression and a first-line treatment for seasonal depression.67-71
Counseling is an important component of care for anxiety and depressive disorders.72,73
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), a method used to help patients reprocess memories of traumatic events using eye movements guided by a therapist, may also provide benefits for depression symptoms.74,75
Another option to consider trying is neurofeedback, a system of learning how to self-regulate brain activity, guided by electroencephalography (EEG) or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).76,77
Infusions of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a form of niacin thought to have anti-aging properties, are also potentially helpful.78
If the dietary, supplement, and behavioral methods above have not improved symptoms, there are medical treatments that are worthwhile to try before starting an SSRI or other antidepressant medication.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-approved, non-drug treatment for depression. TMS and a newer, individualized version of TMS called magnetic e-resonance therapy (MeRT) are helpful options to consider.79.80
These methods can be layered: Start with diet, light therapy, omega-3 supplementation, and counseling, and then add the other methods as needed. The appropriate use of antidepressants is as a last resort, if all of the safer options have not provided relief from symptoms. I encourage you to watch my free webinar on treating depression and anxiety to learn the details on these treatments.
References
Hasin DS, Sarvet AL, Meyers JL, et al. Epidemiology of Adult DSM-5 Major Depressive Disorder and Its Specifiers in the United States.JAMA Psychiatry 2018, 75:336-346.
Bandelow B, Michaelis S. Epidemiology of anxiety disorders in the 21st century.Dialogues Clin Neurosci 2015, 17:327-335.
Ruhe HG, Mason NS, Schene AH. Mood is indirectly related to serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine levels in humans: a meta-analysis of monoamine depletion studies.Mol Psychiatry 2007, 12:331-359.
Boku S, Nakagawa S, Toda H, Hishimoto A. Neural basis of major depressive disorder: Beyond monoamine hypothesis.Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2018, 72:3-12.
Al-Harbi KS. Treatment-resistant depression: therapeutic trends, challenges, and future directions.Patient Prefer Adherence 2012, 6:369-388.
Molendijk M, Molero P, Ortuno Sanchez-Pedreno F, et al. Diet quality and depression risk: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies.J Affect Disord 2018, 226:346-354.
Lai JS, Hiles S, Bisquera A, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of dietary patterns and depression in community-dwelling adults.Am J Clin Nutr 2014, 99:181-197.
Beezhold BL, Johnston CS, Daigle DR. Vegetarian diets are associated with healthy mood states: a cross-sectional study in Seventh Day Adventist adults.Nutrition Journal 2010, 9:26.
Blanchflower DG, Oswald AJ, Stewart-Brown S. Is Psychological Well-Being Linked to the Consumption of Fruit and Vegetables?Social Indicators Research 2012.
Beezhold BL, Johnston CS. Restriction of meat, fish, and poultry in omnivores improves mood: A pilot randomized controlled trial.Nutr J 2012, 11:9.
Francis HM, Stevenson RJ, Chambers JR, et al. A brief diet intervention can reduce symptoms of depression in young adults - A randomised controlled trial.PLoS One 2019, 14:e0222768.
Sanchez-Villegas A, Toledo E, de Irala J, et al. Fast-food and commercial baked goods consumption and the risk of depression.Public Health Nutr 2012, 15:424-432.
Tsuboi H, Shimoi K, Kinae N, et al. Depressive symptoms are independently correlated with lipid peroxidation in a female population: comparison with vitamins and carotenoids.J Psychosom Res 2004, 56:53-58.
Dias GP, Cavegn N, Nix A, et al. The role of dietary polyphenols on adult hippocampal neurogenesis: molecular mechanisms and behavioural effects on depression and anxiety.Oxid Med Cell Longev 2012, 2012:541971.
Nabavi SM, Daglia M, Braidy N, Nabavi SF. Natural products, micronutrients, and nutraceuticals for the treatment of depression: A short review.Nutr Neurosci 2017, 20:180-194.
Hritcu L, Ionita R, Postu PA, et al. Antidepressant Flavonoids and Their Relationship with Oxidative Stress.Oxid Med Cell Longev 2017, 2017:5762172.
Spencer JP. Flavonoids and brain health: multiple effects underpinned by common mechanisms.Genes Nutr 2009, 4:243-250.
Kennedy DO. B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy-A Review.Nutrients 2016, 8.
Office of Dietary Supplements, National Institutes of Health. Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Folate. [https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/]
Miller AL. The methylation, neurotransmitter, and antioxidant connections between folate and depression.Alternative Medicine Review 2008, 13:216-226.
Ng TP, Feng L, Niti M, et al. Folate, vitamin B12, homocysteine, and depressive symptoms in a population sample of older Chinese adults.J Am Geriatr Soc 2009, 57:871-876.
Sachdev PS, Parslow RA, Lux O, et al. Relationship of homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B12 with depression in a middle-aged community sample.Psychol Med 2005, 35:529-538.
Watanabe H, Ishida S, Konno Y, et al. Impact of dietary folate intake on depressive symptoms in young women of reproductive age.J Midwifery Womens Health 2012, 57:43-48.
Gower-Winter SD, Levenson CW. Zinc in the central nervous system: From molecules to behavior.Biofactors 2012, 38:186-193.
Kim JM, Stewart R, Kim SW, et al. Predictive value of folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels in late-life depression.Br J Psychiatry 2008, 192:268-274.
Petridou ET, Kousoulis AA, Michelakos T, et al. Folate and B12 serum levels in association with depression in the aged: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Aging Ment Health 2016, 20:965-973.
Swardfager W, Herrmann N, Mazereeuw G, et al. Zinc in depression: a meta-analysis.Biol Psychiatry 2013, 74:872-878.
Siwek M, Dudek D, Paul IA, et al. Zinc supplementation augments efficacy of imipramine in treatment resistant patients: a double blind, placebo-controlled study.J Affect Disord 2009, 118:187-195.
Yurko-Mauro K. Cognitive and cardiovascular benefits of docosahexaenoic acid in aging and cognitive decline.Curr Alzheimer Res 2010, 7:190-196.
Cederholm T, Salem N, Jr., Palmblad J. Omega-3 fatty acids in the prevention of cognitive decline in humans.Adv Nutr 2013, 4:672-676.
Grosso G, Galvano F, Marventano S, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids and depression: scientific evidence and biological mechanisms.Oxid Med Cell Longev 2014, 2014:313570.
DiNicolantonio JJ, O'Keefe JH. The Importance of Marine Omega-3s for Brain Development and the Prevention and Treatment of Behavior, Mood, and Other Brain Disorders.Nutrients 2020, 12.
Su KP, Tseng PT, Lin PY, et al. Association of Use of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids With Changes in Severity of Anxiety Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.JAMA Netw Open 2018, 1:e182327.
Mocking RJ, Harmsen I, Assies J, et al. Meta-analysis and meta-regression of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for major depressive disorder.Transl Psychiatry 2016, 6:e756.
Jenkins TA, Nguyen JC, Polglaze KE, Bertrand PP. Influence of Tryptophan and Serotonin on Mood and Cognition with a Possible Role of the Gut-Brain Axis.Nutrients 2016, 8.
Shaw K, Turner J, Del Mar C. Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan for depression.Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2002:CD003198.
Galizia I, Oldani L, Macritchie K, et al. S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) for depression in adults.Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016, 10:CD011286.
Mischoulon D, Fava M. Role of S-adenosyl-L-methionine in the treatment of depression: a review of the evidence.Am J Clin Nutr 2002, 76:1158S-1161S.
Williams AL, Girard C, Jui D, et al. S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) as treatment for depression: a systematic review.Clin Invest Med 2005, 28:132-139.
Nahas R, Sheikh O. Complementary and alternative medicine for the treatment of major depressive disorder.Canadian Family Physician 2011, 57:659-663.
Hepsomali P, Groeger JA, Nishihira J, Scholey A. Effects of Oral Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Administration on Stress and Sleep in Humans: A Systematic Review.Front Neurosci 2020, 14:923.
White DJ, de Klerk S, Woods W, et al. Anti-Stress, Behavioural and Magnetoencephalography Effects of an L-Theanine-Based Nutrient Drink: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Trial.Nutrients 2016, 8.
Kimura K, Ozeki M, Juneja LR, Ohira H. L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses.Biol Psychol 2007, 74:39-45.
Kious BM, Kondo DG, Renshaw PF. Creatine for the Treatment of Depression.Biomolecules 2019, 9.
Hellhammer J, Vogt D, Franz N, et al. A soy-based phosphatidylserine/ phosphatidic acid complex (PAS) normalizes the stress reactivity of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal-axis in chronically stressed male subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.Lipids Health Dis 2014, 13:121.
Kim HY, Huang BX, Spector AA. Phosphatidylserine in the brain: metabolism and function.Prog Lipid Res 2014, 56:1-18.
Shafiee M, Arekhi S, Omranzadeh A, Sahebkar A. Saffron in the treatment of depression, anxiety and other mental disorders: Current evidence and potential mechanisms of action.J Affect Disord 2018, 227:330-337.
Lopresti AL, Drummond PD. Saffron (Crocus sativus) for depression: a systematic review of clinical studies and examination of underlying antidepressant mechanisms of action.Hum Psychopharmacol 2014, 29:517-527.
Hausenblas HA, Saha D, Dubyak PJ, Anton SD. Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) and major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.J Integr Med 2013, 11:377-383.
Khazdair MR, Boskabady MH, Hosseini M, et al. The effects of Crocus sativus (saffron) and its constituents on nervous system: A review.Avicenna J Phytomed 2015, 5:376-391.
Kennedy DO, Little W, Haskell CF, Scholey AB. Anxiolytic effects of a combination of Melissa officinalis and Valeriana officinalis during laboratory induced stress.Phytother Res 2006, 20:96-102.
Kennedy DO, Little W, Scholey AB. Attenuation of laboratory-induced stress in humans after acute administration of Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm).Psychosom Med 2004, 66:607-613.
Kennedy DO, Wake G, Savelev S, et al. Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of single doses of Melissa officinalis (Lemon balm) with human CNS nicotinic and muscarinic receptor-binding properties.Neuropsychopharmacology 2003, 28:1871-1881.
Kennedy DO, Scholey AB, Tildesley NT, et al. Modulation of mood and cognitive performance following acute administration of Melissa officinalis (lemon balm).Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2002, 72:953-964.
Amsterdam JD, Li Y, Soeller I, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder.J Clin Psychopharmacol 2009, 29:378-382.
Keefe JR, Guo W, Li QS, et al. An exploratory study of salivary cortisol changes during chamomile extract therapy of moderate to severe generalized anxiety disorder.J Psychiatr Res 2018, 96:189-195.
Mao JJ, Xie SX, Keefe JR, et al. Long-term chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: A randomized clinical trial.Phytomedicine 2016, 23:1735-1742.
Akhondzadeh S, Naghavi HR, Vazirian M, et al. Passionflower in the treatment of generalized anxiety: a pilot double-blind randomized controlled trial with oxazepam.J Clin Pharm Ther 2001, 26:363-367.
Miyasaka LS, Atallah AN, Soares BG. Passiflora for anxiety disorder.Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007:CD004518.
Pratte MA, Nanavati KB, Young V, Morley CP. An alternative treatment for anxiety: a systematic review of human trial results reported for the Ayurvedic herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera).J Altern Complement Med 2014, 20:901-908.
Saeed SA, Cunningham K, Bloch RM. Depression and Anxiety Disorders: Benefits of Exercise, Yoga, and Meditation.Am Fam Physician 2019, 99:620-627.
Ma Q. Beneficial effects of moderate voluntary physical exercise and its biological mechanisms on brain health.Neurosci Bull 2008, 24:265-270.
Gill A, Womack R, Safranek S. Clinical Inquiries: Does exercise alleviate symptoms of depression?J Fam Pract 2010, 59:530-531.
Saeed SA, Antonacci DJ, Bloch RM. Exercise, yoga, and meditation for depressive and anxiety disorders.Am Fam Physician 2010, 81:981-986.
Lee J, Gierc M, Vila-Rodriguez F, et al. Efficacy of exercise combined with standard treatment for depression compared to standard treatment alone: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.J Affect Disord 2021, 295:1494-1511.
Oldham MA, Ciraulo DA. Bright light therapy for depression: a review of its effects on chronobiology and the autonomic nervous system.Chronobiol Int 2014, 31:305-319.
Maruani J, Geoffroy PA. Bright Light as a Personalized Precision Treatment of Mood Disorders.Front Psychiatry 2019, 10:85.
Golden RN, Gaynes BN, Ekstrom RD, et al. The efficacy of light therapy in the treatment of mood disorders: a review and meta-analysis of the evidence.American Journal of Psychiatry 2005, 162:656-662.
Hirakawa H, Terao T, Muronaga M, Ishii N. Adjunctive bright light therapy for treating bipolar depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.Brain Behav 2020, 10:e01876.
Tao L, Jiang R, Zhang K, et al. Light therapy in non-seasonal depression: An update meta-analysis.Psychiatry Res 2020, 291:113247.
Pjrek E, Friedrich ME, Cambioli L, et al. The Efficacy of Light Therapy in the Treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.Psychother Psychosom 2020, 89:17-24.
Zhang A, Borhneimer LA, Weaver A, et al. Cognitive behavioral therapy for primary care depression and anxiety: a secondary meta-analytic review using robust variance estimation in meta-regression.J Behav Med 2019, 42:1117-1141.
Karyotaki E, Efthimiou O, Miguel C, et al. Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression: A Systematic Review and Individual Patient Data Network Meta-analysis.JAMA Psychiatry 2021, 78:361-371.
Carletto S, Malandrone F, Berchialla P, et al. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Eur J Psychotraumatol 2021, 12:1894736.
Banerjee S, Argaez C: In Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing for Depression, Anxiety, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness. Ottawa (ON)2017: CADTH Rapid Response Reports].
Fernandez-Alvarez J, Grassi M, Colombo D, et al. Efficacy of bio- and neurofeedback for depression: a meta-analysis.Psychol Med 2022, 52:201-216.
Melnikov MY. The Current Evidence Levels for Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Interventions in Treating Depression: A Narrative Review.Neural Plast 2021, 2021:8878857.
Demarest TG, Babbar M, Okur MN, et al. NAD+ Metabolism in Aging and Cancer.Annual Review of Cancer Biology 2019, 3:105-130.
Adu MK, Shalaby R, Chue P, Agyapong VIO. Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Resistant Depression: A Scoping Review.Behav Sci (Basel) 2022, 12.
Cash RFH, Cocchi L, Lv J, et al. Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Personalization of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment for Depression.JAMA Psychiatry 2021, 78:337-339.
Joel Fuhrman, M.D. is a board-certified family physician, seven-time New York Times bestselling author and internationally recognized expert on nutrition and natural healing, who specializes in preventing and reversing disease through nutritional methods. Dr. Fuhrman coined the term “Nutritarian” to describe his longevity-promoting, nutrient dense, plant-rich eating style.
For over 30 years, Dr. Fuhrman has shown that it is possible to achieve sustainable weight loss and reverse heart disease, diabetes and many other illnesses using smart nutrition. In his medical practice, and through his books and PBS television specials, he continues to bring this life-saving message to hundreds of thousands of people around the world.
Natural remedies for anxiety and depression
March 27, 2023 by Joel Fuhrman, MD
It is estimated that 20% of US adults will be diagnosed with depression, and over 30% with an anxiety disorder, at some point in their lives.1,2
The exact changes in the brain that cause depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders are still not completely clear. Low levels of certain neurotransmitters, such as serotonin or norepinephrine, was originally thought to be the major factor in causing depression. However, raising neurotransmitter levels, such as with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), doesn’t improve symptoms for everyone with depression. About 30-40% of patients don’t respond to antidepressant therapy.
Although serotonin is important for mood regulation, low levels of serotonin aren’t the whole story.3-5 Other possible contributing factors include genetics, trauma, stress, nutritional deficiencies, dysregulated circadian rhythms, oxidative stress, inflammation, and alterations in the gut microbiome.
Sources:
Epidemiology of Adult DSM-5 Major Depressive Disorder and Its Specifiers in the United States
Epidemiology of anxiety disorders in the 21st century
Neural basis of major depressive disorder: Beyond monoamine hypothesis
I consider antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications to be the last step in managing these conditions, and should only be used if dietary changes, counseling, supplementation, and other treatments have failed to improve symptoms. Both types of drugs have serious risks and drawbacks that you should consider before you resort to medications.
>> You can find my detailed step-by-step protocol for depression and anxiety in my free webinar Natural Remedies for Depression & Anxiety.
Depression is a potentially life-threatening disease. If you are currently on medications, do not stop taking them without help from your physician. If you are suffering from depression or anxiety symptoms, I urge you to work with your physician to discuss and implement the natural, drug-free methods I outline in the webinar. Note: The webinar and this blog post are not a substitute for professional help; they are meant to provide information on options you can explore with your chosen healthcare professional.
A brain-healthy diet and supplemental nutrients
For a healthy mood state, the research supports following a diet rich in vegetables and other fiber- and phytochemical-rich plant foods, and avoiding high-glycemic processed foods, fast food, and other junk foods.6-12
Carotenoids, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals support the health of neurons and protect the brain against oxidative stress and inflammation, which are contributors to anxiety and depression.7,13-17 Also, vitamins and minerals are important for the proper workings of the brain and production of neurotransmitters.18-24
Related: Short-term dietary intervention improves depression symptoms
Sources:
Diet quality and depression risk: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of prospective studies
A brief diet intervention can reduce symptoms of depression in young adults - A randomised controlled trial
Fast-food and commercial baked goods consumption and the risk of depression
Depressive symptoms are independently correlated with lipid peroxidation in a female population: comparison with vitamins and carotenoids
The role of dietary polyphenols on adult hippocampal neurogenesis: molecular mechanisms and behavioural effects on depression and anxiety
Natural products, micronutrients, and nutraceuticals for the treatment of depression: A short review
Antidepressant Flavonoids and Their Relationship with Oxidative Stress
A diet rich in whole plant foods is health-promoting overall, but is low in a few key nutrients important for mood regulation: vitamin B12, zinc, and the omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA.18,24-28 It’s important to supplement with these nutrients.
Related: Why take a multivitamin?
The omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA are important for regulating inflammation, supporting the structure of brain cell membranes, maintaining the connectivity between neurons, and play a role in neurotransmitter synthesis and neurotransmission.29-32 Supplementation has improved symptoms of anxiety and depression, with EPA more effective than DHA in depression.33,34
Related: How omega-3 fatty acids support brain health
Sources:
B Vitamins and the Brain: Mechanisms, Dose and Efficacy-A Review
Zinc in depression: a meta-analysis
Omega-3 fatty acids and depression: scientific evidence and biological mechanisms
Association of Use of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids With Changes in Severity of Anxiety Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Meta-analysis and meta-regression of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation for major depressive disorder
Additional supplements: amino acids and plant extracts
Several amino acids are either precursors to neurotransmitters or are otherwise involved in neurotransmitter synthesis. Amino acid supplements that are likely helpful for mood disorders include 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), L-tryptophan, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), L-theanine, and creatine.35-44 Phosphatidylserine, a major phospholipid in brain cell membranes, may blunt the body’s response to stress.45,46
Sources:
Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan for depression
S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) for depression in adults
Effects of Oral Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Administration on Stress and Sleep in Humans: A Systematic Review
L-Theanine reduces psychological and physiological stress responses
Creatine for the Treatment of Depression
A soy-based phosphatidylserine/ phosphatidic acid complex (PAS) normalizes the stress reactivity of hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal-axis in chronically stressed male subjects: a randomized, placebo-controlled study
Among plant extracts, saffron in particular was found in several studies to be either similarly effective to an antidepressant, or superior to placebo in depression.47-50 Additional plant extracts that may help manage depression, anxiety symptoms, and/or stress include ashwagandha, lemon balm, passionflower, chamomile, and valerian.51-60
Counseling, light therapy, exercise, and other non-dietary methods
Essentials
Exercise provides natural mood-elevating and stress-relieving effects and is an important component of treatment for mood disorders.61-65
Circadian rhythms are a major factor in mood regulation, and circadian disruption is thought to contribute to depressive symptoms.66 Morning light therapy is an effective treatment for depression and a first-line treatment for seasonal depression.67-71
Counseling is an important component of care for anxiety and depressive disorders.72,73
Sources:
Efficacy of exercise combined with standard treatment for depression compared to standard treatment alone: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Light therapy in non-seasonal depression: An update meta-analysis
Cognitive behavioral therapy for primary care depression and anxiety: a secondary meta-analytic review using robust variance estimation in meta-regression
Additional methods
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), a method used to help patients reprocess memories of traumatic events using eye movements guided by a therapist, may also provide benefits for depression symptoms.74,75
Another option to consider trying is neurofeedback, a system of learning how to self-regulate brain activity, guided by electroencephalography (EEG) or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).76,77
Infusions of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), a form of niacin thought to have anti-aging properties, are also potentially helpful.78
Sources:
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing for depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis
The Current Evidence Levels for Biofeedback and Neurofeedback Interventions in Treating Depression: A Narrative Review
NAD+ Metabolism in Aging and Cancer
Medical treatments
If the dietary, supplement, and behavioral methods above have not improved symptoms, there are medical treatments that are worthwhile to try before starting an SSRI or other antidepressant medication.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is an FDA-approved, non-drug treatment for depression. TMS and a newer, individualized version of TMS called magnetic e-resonance therapy (MeRT) are helpful options to consider.79.80
Watch: Natural Remedies for Depression & Anxiety
Sources:
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging-Guided Personalization of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Treatment for Depression
Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Resistant Depression: A Scoping Review
These methods can be layered: Start with diet, light therapy, omega-3 supplementation, and counseling, and then add the other methods as needed. The appropriate use of antidepressants is as a last resort, if all of the safer options have not provided relief from symptoms. I encourage you to watch my free webinar on treating depression and anxiety to learn the details on these treatments.
Joel Fuhrman, M.D. is a board-certified family physician, seven-time New York Times bestselling author and internationally recognized expert on nutrition and natural healing, who specializes in preventing and reversing disease through nutritional methods. Dr. Fuhrman coined the term “Nutritarian” to describe his longevity-promoting, nutrient dense, plant-rich eating style.
For over 30 years, Dr. Fuhrman has shown that it is possible to achieve sustainable weight loss and reverse heart disease, diabetes and many other illnesses using smart nutrition. In his medical practice, and through his books and PBS television specials, he continues to bring this life-saving message to hundreds of thousands of people around the world.