Feeling anxious or depressed?! Try the following before reaching for anti-depressants

Depression including anxiety affects one in five grown-ups on average every year. It is twice more common in women than men.
There are different triggers, which may cause depression. Some of them are stress, poor diet, nutritional deficiencies, lack of exercise, lack of sleep, hormonal disbalance and food intolerances.

It is best to consult your doctor if you are feeling depressed, however I would highly recommend to pay attention on the following, before reaching out for anti-depressants:

STRESS

Most of the people experience much more stress than their grandparents and the level of stress is growing. Think of how you could reduce the level of your stress today. Write a list of things that make you stressed and think which ones are the easiest ones to change.

DIET

Make a food diary for 4 to 7 days, writing down everything you eat and drink. Try to analyse it yourself. Remember that we need to drink plenty of water (not less than 6 glasses a day) and eat at least 5-7 portions of fresh vegetables and fruits a day (the more the better). If you consume processed foods, make a plan to reduce them gradually to occasional treat.

EXERCISE

Movement is important not only for people who want to lose weight, but for every human being. You do not need to run the marathon or jump with a parachute. Having a 20 minute walk a day can already make a big difference. Just start with something. It can be a nice walk at the seaside or in the woods, think of inviting a friend to join you, if you feel lonely. Think of other activities you enjoyed as a child: swimming, playing football, dancing or cycling.

SLEEP

Sleep is much more important than we use to think. The earlier we go to bed, the healthier we will be. During the night, while we are having rest, our body is working hard, for example it cleanses and rejuvenates. If you experience troubles with falling asleep, my article “How to get a good night’s sleep” could help.

FOOD INTOLERANCE

One of the most common causes of depression is food intolerances. I would highly recommend checking yourself for allergies. There is a big variety of tests available out there, which differ in approach and price. I am offering a bioresonance test, this is completed only with your hair sample. Please contact me, if you would like to know more.

NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES

So what nutrients you should pay on attention first?

FISH OIL
Yes, but do not worry, you can have ones in capsules. However, if you are vegan, go for flaxseed oil or primrose oil instead. Essential fatty acids aid the transmission of the nerve impulses, which is necessary for the normal brain function. http://www.seventhwaveuk.com/54-fish-oil.html?affid=204769
Vitamin B - complex
B vitamins are necessary for the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system. It is best to take all B vitamins together at the same time. Here is one of the best products on the market today, designed by a Nobel prize winner and successfully used by many health clinics of Europe. I am taking this one myself, as we need to replenish vitamin B on daily basis, as it is not stored in our body, like fat soluble vitamins. http://www.seventhwaveuk.com/15-zell-oxygen-plus.html?affid=204769
Magnesium
Magnesium is extremely important mineral for health and healing. Besides everything else it has calming effect. It is best to take it with calcium. Besides supplementing magnesium, try to take Epsom salt baths. This way your body will take the minerals in through the skin and you will replenish the deficiency faster.
Probiotics
About 90% of the body’s serotonin is located in the gut. Serotonin helps to regulate sleep, mood and influences self-esteem and happiness. So probiotics help to keep intestines healthy. Many of us take antibiotics and they do destroy the balance of the good bacteria in the gut.

This is the best probiotic on the market I found so far. It is suitable for everyone, including vegans.
http://www.seventhwaveuk.com/13-supergreen-probiotic.html?affid=204769

Also you might investigate about 5 Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). It increases the production of serotonin. This should not be used with any antidepressants. This could be purchased from a healthy shop.

Changing the habits is not an easy task, but it is worth it and believe me, you can make it.