Pharmaceutical companies and medical doctors have been selling the idea that antidepressant drugs are among the top treatments for depression. While these drugs may prove useful to some, they don't get to the underlying cause of depression. Natural medicine should be emphasized to really cure clinical depression.

There are other, natural alternatives that can help treat and get to the root cause of depression without harmful side effects. The reality of the matter is that many of the symptoms associated with depression are linked to one simple thing.....poor nutrition and the vitamin & mineral deficiencies associated with poor nutrition.

Here are my five top five recommendations for combating depression naturally:

Essential fatty acids is among my top picks for those suffering depression. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish oils. Studies show that in many cases, people who are depressed are lacking a fatty acid known as EPA. A 2002 study featured in the Archives of General Psychiatry showed that with just a gram of fish oil each day participants saw a decrease in symptoms such as anxiety; sleep disorders, unexplained feelings of sadness, suicidal thoughts, and decreased sex drive by as much as 50 percent. Some great sources of omega-3s are fish oil, walnuts, flaxseed, chia seeds and oily fish like salmon.

Complex Carbohydrates such as whole-grain oats, millet, legumes, vegetables and beans. These are low-glycemic foods, meaning that they release glucose into the bloodstream gradually, rather than creating spikes which result in sugar lows and mood swings. Another good source of complex carbohydrates is brown rice, which contains vitamins B₁ and B₃, and folic acid. Be sure to avoid instant brown rice however as it doesn't contain the trace minerals that natural brown rice does.

Vitamin B Complex provides all the B vitamins that are essential for normal brain function as well as nervous system function. Take a high-potency B complex formula or talk with your healthcare practitioner about Vitamin B complex injections.

Regular Exercise is essential for all forms of depression as it has an impact on mood-related hormones. I'm not talking about running a marathon here folks. A study published in the April 2001 issue of the British Journal of Sports Medicine concluded that a daily walk of just 30 minutes improved symptoms of depression faster than antidepressant drugs. This is just one of the many benefits of daily exercise.

Light Therapy may be helpful if your depression is seasonal. Simply put, your body needs natural sunlight and not getting enough can disturb the production of key hormones and brain chemicals, therefore triggering depression. Try spending 30 minutes outside each day before noon as the light is brightest during this time. Although natural sunlight is best, it won't be readily available for most of us during the winter months. When this is the case, try adding natural full spectrum lighting to your home, which will provide the balanced sunlight that is essential to your overall health..

Avoid diet sodas, foods high in saturated fats (red meats, fried foods), refined sugars, alcohol, caffeine, processed foods and wheat gluten, which has been linked to depressive disorders.

The bottom line is that you don't need to take an antidepressant drug to feel like yourself again.

* Important note: Thoughts of suicide are a sign that you need immediate help. The recommended doses are for those over age 18. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.

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