Depression is an illness that is suffered by a large percentage of the population. Symptoms of depression include feeling down, unhappy, lack of interest in daily activities, often tired, irritable and more. Depression may result from chemical imbalance or stressful events. Sometimes vitamin deficiencies could contribute to depression so the intake of certain vitamins could in some situations help with depression.
When undergoing treatment to overcome depression, it can also help with your recovery to change your lifestyle for the better. Start exercising, eating a good diet and perhaps taking some vitamins. If you also make these changes there is no reason why your treatment will not be successful.
Studies have shown that deficiency of certain vitamins can have an effect over a persons mood. Certainly if you think that you may have a vitamin deficiency that may be effecting your moods then start taking a vitamin supplement. You should also always try to increase your intake of that vitamin through your diet.
Some vitamins that could help with depression are:
Vitamin B-complex - this vitamin can help to keep us mentally and emotionally balanced. Vitamin B-complex cannot be stored in our bodies so we must have an intake of this vitamin on a daily basis. Substances such as alcohol, caffeine, nicotine and refined sugars can also destroy the B vitamins so try to reduce any intake of these substances.
Vitamin B1 or Thiamine - our brain needs this to convert glucose or blood sugar into fuel for the brain to function at its best. Without enough of this vitamin we can become depressed, irritable, anxious, tired and be prone to negative thinking. Insufficient amounts of this vitamin can also result in memory problems, insomnia, lack of appetite, and constipation.
Vitamin B3 or Niacin - some deficiencies in this vitamin may produce anxiety, agitation, mental and physical slowness.
Vitamin B5 or Pyridoxine helps to process amino acids, which is the building blocks of proteins and other hormones. It is essential in the manufacture of serotonin, melatonin, and dopamine. Deficiencies can result in impaired immunity, skin wounds, and mental confusion.
Vitamin B12 is essential for the formation of red blood cells. Insufficient amounts of vitamin B12 will lead to an oxygen-transport problem, known as pernicious anemia. This condition can possibly cause mood swings, paranoia, dementia, hallucination, irritability, confusion, or mania and eventually followed by loss of appetite, weakness, dizziness, shortage of breath, palpitation, and more.
Folic acid is needed for DNA synthesis and for the production of Sadenosyl Methionine. Usually this is taken together with vitamin B12.
Vitamin C is needed, especially if you are pregnant or lactating, or under a lot of stress.
Along with vitamins it is also important to make sure you are not deficient in minerals. Insufficient intake of minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese and zinc can lead to depression, so make sure to also take supplements for these minerals.