Food to Oils: Natural Remedies for Depression and Anxiety
The health benefits of plants and other natural sources are more and more recognized. Nutrients, cannabinoids and essential oils, for example, can help with countering low moods. When dealing with stress or depression, here are some key facts to consider about nutrition, aromatherapy and cannabis-based treatments.
Happy Foods
Eight nutrients can reduce risks of depression and anxiety. Look for foods that are rich in selenium, vitamins D, B12 and B9, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants. These typically include meat and fish, eggs and dairy, nuts, whole grains, and fruit. Various studies agree on the positive impact these nutrients can have on mood and stress levels.
Something else researchers have compiled is a list of things to avoid consuming. Alcohol, of course, can cause major damage to your health and life. Refined foods and processed oils, the latter found in products like red meat and corn oil, are also more harmful than nutritious. If you do give in to a treat now and then, make sure to balance out the inhibiting toxins with plenty of healthy food and exercise.
Uplifting Essential Oils
Aromatherapy is something you can do at home. But a skilled professional would definitely provide a much more enjoyable experience. Explain your need for anti-depressant effects and prepare to be pampered accordingly. Every essential oil is made for a particular result, so when treating a low or anxious mood some products work better than others. For example, bergamot tops this list as the bold, citrusy and sweet aroma can invigorate in an instant. Its joyful and stimulating properties can be added to a hand or face cream of your choice.
As far as relaxation is concerned, many essential oils can provide this too. Lavender and chamomile are the best, as the first lowers heart stimulation and blood pressure, while the latter has a calming, anxiolytic effect. Their mild but warm floral scents diffused in a room or even a steamy, candle-lit bath create an atmosphere that draws away negative feelings. There is nothing wrong with taking a break from the outside world to nurture your own emotional state.
Cannabinoid Relief
This area is in its early stages of research, but the benefits of its different products have already earned widespread recognition. Their supporters are many, which means that there is plenty of information to be found online from experts. Unfortunately, working out which cannabis strain or product is the right one for you is still complicated because of the range and limited access to stabilized strains.
THC is considered the most promising for countering depression, chronic stress and more in the future. CBD, on the other hand, can be just as effective against such symptoms, but has also been used to treat pain, inflammation and seizures. Other strains offer similar positive effects and additional perks. So reading up on the complexities of cannabinoids and consulting licensed professionals are essential steps to making the correct choice.
It is an overall healthy lifestyle that results in a good mood. Alternative choices, like cannabis and aromatherapy treatments, have no less value that a balanced, nutritious diet. Your body and mind will thank you for them all.
