Natural Remedies for Chemical Imbalances & Depression

Chemical imbalances in the brain often manifest with feelings of depression and anxiety. It's more common than you might think--one study reveals one in six people suffer from some form of depression in their lifetime. But medications aren't always the magic bullet. Try these alternatives to help put you in a better mood.

Do What Comes Naturally

The pharmaceutical industry has provided a virtual smorgasbord of medications to address chemical imbalances in the brain, mostly aimed at increasing serotonin (SSRI's), which is often low in people suffering from depression. This is a good thing for the most part. But the cluster of medications used to ease symptoms, such as Prozac, Zoloft or Wellbutrin, can carry a host of uncomfortable side effects, like dry mouth, sexual dysfunction and poor concentration. So before you run out to the pharmacy, take note that a natural approach to solving this problem will have the least amount of side effects while perhaps alleviating your symptoms altogether. But safety first: be sure to inform your doctor of any alternative approach you have mind.

Beef Up Your DHA

Many times a chemical imbalance is as easily solved as adding a little fish oil to your diet. Oils from fish like salmon and tuna are rich in DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), which is a fatty acid that the human body readily needs but cannot manufacture. DHA, also known as omega-3, cradles each cell of your body in a protective sheath, which is believed to benefit neural activity. Dr. Terence Ketter, associate professor of psychiatry at Stanford University sees promise in giving fish oil to patients who suffer from mild depression. Don't fret if you can't stomach fish oil--the body can convert DHA from green leafy vegetables, flax seeds and wheat germ.

Take a Deep Breath

Deep breathing and meditation for about 10 minutes twice a day have been clinically proven to relieve acute symptoms of anxiety and depression. The body benefits from increased blood flow to the brain (deep breathing) and relieves the tension of the moment (meditation). Don't think you have to have candles and soft music ready in order to meditate. You can engage in this practice virtually anywhere--the trick is to center your mind and focus on the moment.