Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSt. John’s WortOmega-3 Fatty AcidsSAM-eFolate5-HTPSaffronDHEAEat HealthyExerciseTry Light TherapyWhen to See a Healthcare Provider

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

St. John’s Wort

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

SAM-e

Folate

5-HTP

Saffron

DHEA

Eat Healthy

Exercise

Try Light Therapy

When to See a Healthcare Provider

In a given year, an estimated 21 million adults in the United States will have at least one major depressive episode, which is 8.4% of U.S. adults.Many people with depression do not seek treatment, although the majority can benefit from treatment.

A number of preliminary studies suggest that certain natural remedies for depression may work well for some people, but more studies are needed to determine if they’re as effective or more effective than antidepressants.

If you’re considering the use of any supplement or remedy, talk to your healthcare provider first. Keep in mind that self-treating depression and avoiding or delaying standard care can have serious health consequences.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression (such as difficulty concentrating, persistent feelings of sadness, and decreased energy), consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Depression may be treated with medication, therapy, and a combination of natural remedies. This article discusses eight natural remedies for depression to consider.

Thomas Barwick/Iconica/Getty Images

depression remedies and treatments

The herb St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) has long been used in folk medicine for treating depression, worry, nervousness, and poor sleep.

Numerous clinical trials suggest that St. John’s wort may be effective for treating mild to moderate depression. However, it may not be effective for more severe depression.

It may take three to six weeks of taking St. John’s wort to notice the full effect.

Side effects may include dizziness, dry mouth, indigestion, and fatigue. St. John’s wort increases photosensitivity, so caution should be taken to protect skin and eyes from sunlight.

St. John’s wort can interfere with the effectiveness of prescription and over-the-counter drugs, such as drugs to treat HIV infections and AIDS, drugs to prevent organ rejection for transplant patients, and oral contraceptives.It can also cause potentially dangerous interactions with certain antidepressants and other drugs that increase serotonin.

It’s not clear if St. John’s wort is safe for pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with bipolar disorder, liver disease, or kidney disease.

Omega-3 fatty acidsare a type of fat needed for normal brain function. Our bodies cannot make omega-3 fatty acids, so they must be obtained through diet.

Some studies suggest that omega-3s (DHA and EPA) together with antidepressants may be more effective than antidepressants alone.

Cold water fish such as salmon, sardines, and anchovies are the richest food sources of omega-3 fatty acids.

Fish oil and cod liver oil are also available. Although fish may contain pollutants such as PCBs, many companies filter the oil so that these chemicals are removed.

Fish oil capsules may increase bleeding risk, particularly if combined with blood thinners such as warfarin and aspirin. Side effects may also include indigestion and other gastrointestinal issues.

S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM-e) is a compound found naturally in the human body that may increase levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. Several studies have found SAM-e to be more effective than placebo for the treatment of depression, but more research is needed.

In North America, SAM-e is available in supplement form in health food stores, drug stores, and online. Proponents typically recommend the enteric-coated form for maximum absorption.

SAMe Supplements

Folateis a B vitamin found in green leafy vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. It’s possible to become deficient in this vitamin due to poor nutrition or as a side effect of certain medications (such as anti-seizure drugs or antacids).

Preliminary research suggests that a low folate level may make antidepressants less effective for some people.To this end, increasing your intake of the following folate-rich food may help overcome the deficiency and potentially improve moods:

Folate vs. Folic AcidThe termsfolateandfolic acidare sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Folate is the natural form of the vitamin B9. whilefolic acidis a synthetic form of folate commonly prescribed during pregnancy to preventneural tube defects.While some studies suggest that folic acid may help ease depression, experts warn that the benefit is not conclusive, particularly when folic acid is overused. When taken at daily doses of 15 milligrams or greater, folic acid supplements can cause irritability, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, and depression in some people.

Folate vs. Folic Acid

The termsfolateandfolic acidare sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Folate is the natural form of the vitamin B9. whilefolic acidis a synthetic form of folate commonly prescribed during pregnancy to preventneural tube defects.While some studies suggest that folic acid may help ease depression, experts warn that the benefit is not conclusive, particularly when folic acid is overused. When taken at daily doses of 15 milligrams or greater, folic acid supplements can cause irritability, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, and depression in some people.

The termsfolateandfolic acidare sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same. Folate is the natural form of the vitamin B9. whilefolic acidis a synthetic form of folate commonly prescribed during pregnancy to preventneural tube defects.

While some studies suggest that folic acid may help ease depression, experts warn that the benefit is not conclusive, particularly when folic acid is overused. When taken at daily doses of 15 milligrams or greater, folic acid supplements can cause irritability, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, hyperactivity, and depression in some people.

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), is produced naturally in the body and is used in the formation of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Although taking 5-HTP in supplement form may theoretically boost the body’s serotonin levels, many experts report that there is not enough evidence to determine the safety and efficacy of 5-HTP. It should not be combined with certain antidepressants.

Recent studies have shownsaffron may improve symptoms of depression.However, there are concerns about toxicity at high doses and pregnant women should avoid takingsaffron.At lower doses, side effects may include drowsiness, stomach upset, nausea or vomiting, and possible allergic reactions.

DHEA has been used safely for up to 2 years, usually in doses of 50 mg daily. Side effects may include acne and upset stomach.

Nutrition can play a key role in treating and managing depression. A 2017 review of 21 studies suggests that a healthy eating pattern may decrease the risk of depression. A healthy eating pattern included high intakes of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, fish, olive oil, low-fat dairy, and antioxidants.Other recommendations include paying attention to the following:

Sweets:Sweets temporarily make you feel good as blood sugar rises but may worsen your mood later when blood glucose levels plummet.

Alcohol:Even though alcohol can temporarily relax some people, the effects are short-lived. Avoid alcohol as it can potentially worsen mood swings, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.

Vitamin B6:Vitamin B6 is needed to produce the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. Although deficiency of vitamin B6 is rare, people taking oral contraceptives or drugs for tuberculosis may be at higher risk for a deficiency.

Magnesium:Most people do not get enough magnesium in their diets. Good sources of magnesium include legumes, nuts, whole grains, and green vegetables. Like vitamin B6, magnesium is needed for serotonin production.

Regular exercise is one of the most effective and inexpensive ways to improve mood and can be integrated into any medical treatment plan. Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, releases mood-elevating chemicals in the brain and can decrease stress hormones.

Choose something you enjoy and will stick with, such as:

Start with the amount of exercise that is manageable for you, even if it’s less than 30 minutes. Any amount of exercise is progress.

Getting enough sunlight may be effective in helping reduce the seasonal mood changes that occur in the darker winter months.

Another option is bright light therapy (10,000 lux). There are different types available, fromlightboxesto visors, that are typically used for about 30 minutes a day.

HelplineIf you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.

Helpline

If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.

If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, dial988to contact the988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelineand connect with a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call911.

If you are experiencing any of the following depression symptoms that persist, talk with a healthcare provider:

Summary

Keep in mind that self-treating depression and avoiding or delaying standard care can have serious health consequences. Along with natural remedies, medication and therapy may also be needed to treat depression.

28 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Mental Health.Major depression.Clarke JL, Skoufalos A, Medalia A, Fendrick AM.Improving health outcomes for patients with depression: a population health imperative. report on an expert panel meeting.Popul Health Manag. 2016;19(Suppl 2):S1-S12. doi:10.1089/pop.2016.0114National Institute of Mental Health.Major depression.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Care.St. John’s wort.Mount Sinai.St. John’s wort.University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.Chronic kidney disease.Mehdi S, Manohar K, Shariff A, et al.Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in the treatment of depression: an observational study.J Pers Med. 2023;13(2):224. doi:10.3390/jpm13020224National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Omega-3 fatty acids.De Berardis D, Orsolini L, Serroni N, et al.A comprehensive review on the efficacy of S-Adenosyl-L-methionine in major depressive disorder.CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets. 2016;15(1):35-44. doi:10.2174/1871527314666150821103825Mischoulon D, Alpert JE, Arning E, Bottiglieri T, Fava M, Papakostas GI.Bioavailability of S-adenosyl methionine and impact on response in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in major depressive disorder.J Clin Psychiatry. 2012;73(6):843-848. doi:10.4088/JCP.11m07139Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About folic acid.Liwinski T, Lang UE.Folate and its significance in depressive disorders and suicidality: a comprehensive narrative review.Nutrients. 2023;15(17):3859. doi:10.3390/nu15173859DailyMed.Folic acid tablets, USP (1 mg) Rx only.Hinz M, Stein A, Hinz M.5-HTP efficacy and contraindications.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2012;8:323–328. doi:10.2147/NDT.S33259Kenda M, Kočevar Glavač N, Nagy M, Sollner Dolenc M.Medicinal plants used for anxiety, depression, or stress treatment: an update.Molecules. 2022;27(18):6021. doi:10.3390/molecules27186021Bostan HB, Mehri S, Hosseinzadeh H.Toxicology effects of saffron and its constituents: a review.Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2017;20(2):110-121. doi:10.22038/ijbms.2017.8230Wolkowitz OM, Reus VI, Roberts E, et al.Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) treatment of depression.Biol Psychiatry. 1997;41(3):311-318. doi:10.1016/s0006-3223(96)00043-1Schmidt PJ, Daly RC, Bloch M, et al.Dehydroepiandrosterone monotherapy in midlife-onset major and minor depression.Arch Gen Psychiatry.2005;62(2):154–162. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.62.2.154National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.DHEA.Li Y, Lv MR, Wei YJ, et al.Dietary patterns and depression risk: a meta-analysis.Psychiatry Res. 2017;253:373-382. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2017.04.020Knüppel A, Shipley MJ, Llewellyn CH, Brunner EJ.Sugar intake from sweet food and beverages, common mental disorder and depression: prospective findings from the Whitehall II study.Sci Rep. 2017;7(1). doi:10.1038/s41598-017-05649-7Boden JM, Fergusson DM.Alcohol and depression.Addiction. 2011;106(5):906-914. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.03351.xWilson SM, Bivins BN, Russell KA, Bailey LB.Oral contraceptive use: impact on folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 status.Nutr Rev. 2011;69(10):572-583. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2011.00419.xNational Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Magnesium: fact sheet for health professionals.Harvard Health Publishing.Exercise is an all-natural treatment to fight depression.Garber CE, Blissmer B, Deschenes MR, et al.American College of Sports Medicine position stand. Quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neuromotor fitness in apparently healthy adults: guidance for prescribing exercise.Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011;43(7):1334-1359. doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e318213fefbKent ST, McClure LA, Crosson WL, Arnett DK, Wadley VG, Sathiakumar N.Effect of sunlight exposure on cognitive function among depressed and non-depressed participants: a REGARDS cross-sectional study.Environ Health. 2009;8(1). doi:10.1186/1476-069X-8-34National Institute of Mental Health.Depression.

28 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Mental Health.Major depression.Clarke JL, Skoufalos A, Medalia A, Fendrick AM.Improving health outcomes for patients with depression: a population health imperative. report on an expert panel meeting.Popul Health Manag. 2016;19(Suppl 2):S1-S12. doi:10.1089/pop.2016.0114National Institute of Mental Health.Major depression.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Care.St. John’s wort.Mount Sinai.St. John’s wort.University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.Chronic kidney disease.Mehdi S, Manohar K, Shariff A, et al.Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in the treatment of depression: an observational study.J Pers Med. 2023;13(2):224. doi:10.3390/jpm13020224National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Omega-3 fatty acids.De Berardis D, Orsolini L, Serroni N, et al.A comprehensive review on the efficacy of S-Adenosyl-L-methionine in major depressive disorder.CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets. 2016;15(1):35-44. doi:10.2174/1871527314666150821103825Mischoulon D, Alpert JE, Arning E, Bottiglieri T, Fava M, Papakostas GI.Bioavailability of S-adenosyl methionine and impact on response in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in major depressive disorder.J Clin Psychiatry. 2012;73(6):843-848. doi:10.4088/JCP.11m07139Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About folic acid.Liwinski T, Lang UE.Folate and its significance in depressive disorders and suicidality: a comprehensive narrative review.Nutrients. 2023;15(17):3859. doi:10.3390/nu15173859DailyMed.Folic acid tablets, USP (1 mg) Rx only.Hinz M, Stein A, Hinz M.5-HTP efficacy and contraindications.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2012;8:323–328. doi:10.2147/NDT.S33259Kenda M, Kočevar Glavač N, Nagy M, Sollner Dolenc M.Medicinal plants used for anxiety, depression, or stress treatment: an update.Molecules. 2022;27(18):6021. doi:10.3390/molecules27186021Bostan HB, Mehri S, Hosseinzadeh H.Toxicology effects of saffron and its constituents: a review.Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2017;20(2):110-121. doi:10.22038/ijbms.2017.8230Wolkowitz OM, Reus VI, Roberts E, et al.Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) treatment of depression.Biol Psychiatry. 1997;41(3):311-318. doi:10.1016/s0006-3223(96)00043-1Schmidt PJ, Daly RC, Bloch M, et al.Dehydroepiandrosterone monotherapy in midlife-onset major and minor depression.Arch Gen Psychiatry.2005;62(2):154–162. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.62.2.154National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.DHEA.Li Y, Lv MR, Wei YJ, et al.Dietary patterns and depression risk: a meta-analysis.Psychiatry Res. 2017;253:373-382. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2017.04.020Knüppel A, Shipley MJ, Llewellyn CH, Brunner EJ.Sugar intake from sweet food and beverages, common mental disorder and depression: prospective findings from the Whitehall II study.Sci Rep. 2017;7(1). doi:10.1038/s41598-017-05649-7Boden JM, Fergusson DM.Alcohol and depression.Addiction. 2011;106(5):906-914. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.03351.xWilson SM, Bivins BN, Russell KA, Bailey LB.Oral contraceptive use: impact on folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 status.Nutr Rev. 2011;69(10):572-583. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2011.00419.xNational Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Magnesium: fact sheet for health professionals.Harvard Health Publishing.Exercise is an all-natural treatment to fight depression.Garber CE, Blissmer B, Deschenes MR, et al.American College of Sports Medicine position stand. Quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neuromotor fitness in apparently healthy adults: guidance for prescribing exercise.Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011;43(7):1334-1359. doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e318213fefbKent ST, McClure LA, Crosson WL, Arnett DK, Wadley VG, Sathiakumar N.Effect of sunlight exposure on cognitive function among depressed and non-depressed participants: a REGARDS cross-sectional study.Environ Health. 2009;8(1). doi:10.1186/1476-069X-8-34National Institute of Mental Health.Depression.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

National Institute of Mental Health.Major depression.Clarke JL, Skoufalos A, Medalia A, Fendrick AM.Improving health outcomes for patients with depression: a population health imperative. report on an expert panel meeting.Popul Health Manag. 2016;19(Suppl 2):S1-S12. doi:10.1089/pop.2016.0114National Institute of Mental Health.Major depression.National Center for Complementary and Integrative Care.St. John’s wort.Mount Sinai.St. John’s wort.University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.Chronic kidney disease.Mehdi S, Manohar K, Shariff A, et al.Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in the treatment of depression: an observational study.J Pers Med. 2023;13(2):224. doi:10.3390/jpm13020224National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Omega-3 fatty acids.De Berardis D, Orsolini L, Serroni N, et al.A comprehensive review on the efficacy of S-Adenosyl-L-methionine in major depressive disorder.CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets. 2016;15(1):35-44. doi:10.2174/1871527314666150821103825Mischoulon D, Alpert JE, Arning E, Bottiglieri T, Fava M, Papakostas GI.Bioavailability of S-adenosyl methionine and impact on response in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in major depressive disorder.J Clin Psychiatry. 2012;73(6):843-848. doi:10.4088/JCP.11m07139Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About folic acid.Liwinski T, Lang UE.Folate and its significance in depressive disorders and suicidality: a comprehensive narrative review.Nutrients. 2023;15(17):3859. doi:10.3390/nu15173859DailyMed.Folic acid tablets, USP (1 mg) Rx only.Hinz M, Stein A, Hinz M.5-HTP efficacy and contraindications.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2012;8:323–328. doi:10.2147/NDT.S33259Kenda M, Kočevar Glavač N, Nagy M, Sollner Dolenc M.Medicinal plants used for anxiety, depression, or stress treatment: an update.Molecules. 2022;27(18):6021. doi:10.3390/molecules27186021Bostan HB, Mehri S, Hosseinzadeh H.Toxicology effects of saffron and its constituents: a review.Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2017;20(2):110-121. doi:10.22038/ijbms.2017.8230Wolkowitz OM, Reus VI, Roberts E, et al.Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) treatment of depression.Biol Psychiatry. 1997;41(3):311-318. doi:10.1016/s0006-3223(96)00043-1Schmidt PJ, Daly RC, Bloch M, et al.Dehydroepiandrosterone monotherapy in midlife-onset major and minor depression.Arch Gen Psychiatry.2005;62(2):154–162. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.62.2.154National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.DHEA.Li Y, Lv MR, Wei YJ, et al.Dietary patterns and depression risk: a meta-analysis.Psychiatry Res. 2017;253:373-382. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2017.04.020Knüppel A, Shipley MJ, Llewellyn CH, Brunner EJ.Sugar intake from sweet food and beverages, common mental disorder and depression: prospective findings from the Whitehall II study.Sci Rep. 2017;7(1). doi:10.1038/s41598-017-05649-7Boden JM, Fergusson DM.Alcohol and depression.Addiction. 2011;106(5):906-914. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.03351.xWilson SM, Bivins BN, Russell KA, Bailey LB.Oral contraceptive use: impact on folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 status.Nutr Rev. 2011;69(10):572-583. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2011.00419.xNational Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Magnesium: fact sheet for health professionals.Harvard Health Publishing.Exercise is an all-natural treatment to fight depression.Garber CE, Blissmer B, Deschenes MR, et al.American College of Sports Medicine position stand. Quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neuromotor fitness in apparently healthy adults: guidance for prescribing exercise.Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011;43(7):1334-1359. doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e318213fefbKent ST, McClure LA, Crosson WL, Arnett DK, Wadley VG, Sathiakumar N.Effect of sunlight exposure on cognitive function among depressed and non-depressed participants: a REGARDS cross-sectional study.Environ Health. 2009;8(1). doi:10.1186/1476-069X-8-34National Institute of Mental Health.Depression.

National Institute of Mental Health.Major depression.

Clarke JL, Skoufalos A, Medalia A, Fendrick AM.Improving health outcomes for patients with depression: a population health imperative. report on an expert panel meeting.Popul Health Manag. 2016;19(Suppl 2):S1-S12. doi:10.1089/pop.2016.0114

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Care.St. John’s wort.

Mount Sinai.St. John’s wort.

University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.Chronic kidney disease.

Mehdi S, Manohar K, Shariff A, et al.Omega-3 fatty acids supplementation in the treatment of depression: an observational study.J Pers Med. 2023;13(2):224. doi:10.3390/jpm13020224

National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Omega-3 fatty acids.

De Berardis D, Orsolini L, Serroni N, et al.A comprehensive review on the efficacy of S-Adenosyl-L-methionine in major depressive disorder.CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets. 2016;15(1):35-44. doi:10.2174/1871527314666150821103825

Mischoulon D, Alpert JE, Arning E, Bottiglieri T, Fava M, Papakostas GI.Bioavailability of S-adenosyl methionine and impact on response in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in major depressive disorder.J Clin Psychiatry. 2012;73(6):843-848. doi:10.4088/JCP.11m07139

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About folic acid.

Liwinski T, Lang UE.Folate and its significance in depressive disorders and suicidality: a comprehensive narrative review.Nutrients. 2023;15(17):3859. doi:10.3390/nu15173859

DailyMed.Folic acid tablets, USP (1 mg) Rx only.

Hinz M, Stein A, Hinz M.5-HTP efficacy and contraindications.Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2012;8:323–328. doi:10.2147/NDT.S33259

Kenda M, Kočevar Glavač N, Nagy M, Sollner Dolenc M.Medicinal plants used for anxiety, depression, or stress treatment: an update.Molecules. 2022;27(18):6021. doi:10.3390/molecules27186021

Bostan HB, Mehri S, Hosseinzadeh H.Toxicology effects of saffron and its constituents: a review.Iran J Basic Med Sci. 2017;20(2):110-121. doi:10.22038/ijbms.2017.8230

Wolkowitz OM, Reus VI, Roberts E, et al.Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) treatment of depression.Biol Psychiatry. 1997;41(3):311-318. doi:10.1016/s0006-3223(96)00043-1

Schmidt PJ, Daly RC, Bloch M, et al.Dehydroepiandrosterone monotherapy in midlife-onset major and minor depression.Arch Gen Psychiatry.2005;62(2):154–162. doi:10.1001/archpsyc.62.2.154

National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.DHEA.

Li Y, Lv MR, Wei YJ, et al.Dietary patterns and depression risk: a meta-analysis.Psychiatry Res. 2017;253:373-382. doi:10.1016/j.psychres.2017.04.020

Knüppel A, Shipley MJ, Llewellyn CH, Brunner EJ.Sugar intake from sweet food and beverages, common mental disorder and depression: prospective findings from the Whitehall II study.Sci Rep. 2017;7(1). doi:10.1038/s41598-017-05649-7

Boden JM, Fergusson DM.Alcohol and depression.Addiction. 2011;106(5):906-914. doi:10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.03351.x

Wilson SM, Bivins BN, Russell KA, Bailey LB.Oral contraceptive use: impact on folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 status.Nutr Rev. 2011;69(10):572-583. doi:10.1111/j.1753-4887.2011.00419.x

National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.Magnesium: fact sheet for health professionals.

Harvard Health Publishing.Exercise is an all-natural treatment to fight depression.

Garber CE, Blissmer B, Deschenes MR, et al.American College of Sports Medicine position stand. Quantity and quality of exercise for developing and maintaining cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, and neuromotor fitness in apparently healthy adults: guidance for prescribing exercise.Med Sci Sports Exerc. 2011;43(7):1334-1359. doi:10.1249/MSS.0b013e318213fefb

Kent ST, McClure LA, Crosson WL, Arnett DK, Wadley VG, Sathiakumar N.Effect of sunlight exposure on cognitive function among depressed and non-depressed participants: a REGARDS cross-sectional study.Environ Health. 2009;8(1). doi:10.1186/1476-069X-8-34

National Institute of Mental Health.Depression.

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