Can natural antidepressants help women better than pharmaceutical ones?
Almost one in eight Belgians uses antidepressants , with women twice as often as men . Depression is a common health problem with significant consequences for quality of life. Antidepressants affect neurotransmitters such as serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine, which play a role in various cognitive processes and emotional functions in our brain. They are used to treat depression, anxiety disorders and more.
Depression is an emotional state that includes a broad spectrum of negative feelings , ranging from situational and mild mental complaints to clinical depression, which is considered a diagnostic condition. Over a period of time, the symptoms often resemble each other. In the case of mild mental complaints, the symptoms may come and go, while in clinical depression the symptoms are severe and persistent.
Antidepressants: Overprescribed, frequently ineffective and with significant side effects.
Unfortunately, in almost half of the cases, antidepressants are prescribed for conditions that are not depression, such as:
- Pain
- Insomnia
- Menopausal symptoms
- Migraine
- …
There continues to be debate about the effectiveness of antidepressants in treating people with mild to moderate mental complaints . Antidepressants can cause significant side effects, such as restlessness, anxiety, sexual problems, drastic fluctuations in appetite, weight changes, panic attacks, interactions with other medications, excessive sweating, and more.
The side effects of antidepressants can be so severe that for many women the treatment ends up being worse than the original problem for which they are taking these medications. Natural alternatives are therefore worth considering in many cases* .
Serotonin and other neurotransmitters that influence our sense of happiness.
Depression is strongly influenced by neurotransmitters, especially serotonin and dopamine, which play a crucial role in mood, sleep, appetite and emotions. The production of serotonin in the body is influenced by various factors .
Serotonin is produced from the amino acid tryptophan. This process works best in the presence of various nutrients, such as vitamins B3 and B6, calcium, folic acid, magnesium, vitamin D and proteins.
Maintaining adequate levels of serotonin is of great importance, and a deficiency is undesirable. Stress is considered the main culprit when it comes to reducing serotonin. Stress can increase the production of cortisol, which contributes to anxiety and depression. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations , especially in women during menstruation, pregnancy, and perimenopause, can also impact emotional health . Some women find relief through bioidentical progesterone or herbal therapy.
7 x Increase Serotonin naturally:
- Balanced diet with vitamin B6 and tryptophan-rich foods
- Magnesium-rich food
- Reduce stress
- Improved sleep patterns
- Exercise regularly
- Exposure to sunlight
- Plant extracts
Some examples of herbs that can help with this are Saffron , Rhodiola and Ashwagandha . These are natural remedies for stress, mood swings and low mood.
3 powerful natural extracts:
Saffron regulates serotonin without side effects often associated with antidepressants. This spice is known to improve mood by stimulating serotonin production.
Rhodiola , an herb used in traditional medicine for centuries, has the capacity to reduce cortisol levels, especially during stressful periods. As a result, it can help reduce the negative effects of chronic stress on mood.
Ashwagandha , an adaptogenic herb, has a unique role in influencing both cortisol and serotonin. It helps reduce elevated cortisol levels, which can lead to a calmer feeling, while it can also boost serotonin production, positively impacting mood and general well-being.
Discover the positive impact of Mood Rise's unique composition with saffron, ashwagandha, rhodiola, magnesium, vitamin D and vitamin B's.
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* The simultaneous use of natural antidepressants with pharmaceutical antidepressants may lead to changes in the absorption and breakdown of the drug, which may result in reduced effectiveness or increased side effects.
