Educate yourself about alternative medical treatments available for specific diseases and conditions. This site is presented to help you research alternative medical treatments, natural and herbal remedies and different ways of thinking about how to solve specific medical problems.  Please read our disclaimer.

Alternative Treatments for Colds & Flu

Alternative treatments for depression have been used by people in other cultures for many years.  Some treatments are very effective for some people.  Others may only work because the patient believes they will work, much like the way placebos sometimes work in medical experiments.  However, we believe that the more you know about the options, the more you will be able to make intelligent, informed decisions about the medical treatment, which may be right for you and your particular medical conditions.  Please read our disclaimer.

About Depression

Depression is the experience of feeling sad, discouraged and down for an extended period. Depression is often used in everyday language to describe momentary sadness; however, depression that warrants treatment is that with a severity that debilitates one from leading a normal lifestyle and lasts for more than a couple of weeks. Depression can be the result of situational circumstances as well as physiological changes in a person’s body and mind. As such, there are numerous ways with which to treat, counter and/or overcome depression, many of which constitute situational and natural solutions.

• Eating foods that contain the mineral selenium is found to help improve moods. Brazil nuts contain some of the highest levels of selenium, and other natural foods include lobster, oysters, crab, swordfish, tuna, kidney meat and sunflower seeds.
  
   
• The consumption of an herb known as St. John’s wort has been shown to relieve those suffering from mild anxiety and depression to the same extent as anti-depressants with fewer side effects.
  
   
• Incorporating a moderate amount of caffeine into your daily routine has also been shown to help elevate mood and relieve further symptoms of mild depression. However excessive consumption of caffeine is known to have negative side-effects, so don’t go overboard! Needless to say, coffee is a good source of caffeine. Natural sources of caffeine include some teas, milk chocolate, the herbs yerba mate and guarana.
  
   
• Omega-3 fatty acids have been found to be lower than normal in persons who are suffering from depression, suggesting that their consumption will help to combat depression. These acids can be found in abundance in the following foods: fish, flaxseed, linseed, black raspberries, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts and eggs. People with heart arrhythmias or other cardiac complications, diabetes or high LDL cholesterol should use caution when consuming these acids however.
  
   
• It’s no secret that exercise offers many proven physical health benefits, but it can also improve the mental health and mood of individuals as well. Physical exercise is known to release endorphins, compounds produced by the pituitary gland that elicit good feelings within an individual. More endorphins are released over extended exercise periods, such as running, swimming, aerobics, weight lifting and more.
  
   
• Acupuncture has been cited as another activity that release endorphins, mood-enhancing compounds produced by a human’s pituitary gland. Thus, the practice has health benefits that can help to counter depression.
  
   
• Act as though you’re happy and even your body can be fooled. It has been shown in many psychological studies that your emotions and facial expressions are so linked in your mind that if you forcibly smile your mental state can adjust accordingly. The longer you hold this pose, the better you can begin to feel. The effect holds true for frowning, but with an opposite mental reaction. Laughing is also considered a therapeutic exercise itself, also releasing endorphins. Therefore, try to laugh even when you consider not doing so, and try to find humorous activities or entertainment to occupy some of your time.
  
   
• Try to refrain from excessive alcohol consumption. Alcohol can only deepen and aggravate depressed moods.
  
   
• Try to find someone to vocalize your troubles and concerns to. It need not be a therapist, but can just be a friend, family or anyone who’s willing to listen. The vocalization of concerns often helps to alleviate them.
  
   
• Look into animal therapy. Whether it is adopting a pet, or simply increasing your interactions with a four-legged friend, interaction with animals has been shown to offer numerous mental and physiological benefits.

Have questions about Alternative Treatments?

We recommend that you review the information about physical therapy on this website, look at the alternative medical treatments on the appropriate websites, do your own independent research, talk with your doctor or other medical professional and learn as much as you can before making the decision that is right for you.  We are not qualified to answer medical, behavioral or health related questions, so please do not ask.