When someone struggles with mental health symptoms or a mental illness like depression or anxiety, researchers believe it stems from chemical imbalances in their brain. Medications, such as antidepressants, can reduce symptoms by impacting imbalances, but according to The Top Supplements and other naturally-focused resources, alternatives are also available.
Traditional prescription pills for mental health can have some downsides. For example, prescription medications for mental health are not cures. Instead, they treat symptoms, but when you stop these prescription drugs, your symptoms can return.
It’s not always easy to know how a medicine will affect you; some people may experience side effects while others don’t.
Medications are also best suited to a larger overall treatment plan with other approaches, like talk therapy.
Medications can take weeks to work, and often people have to try different types before they find one that fits their needs.
All these factors can play a role in whether someone decides to try natural pills for mental health.
Of course, you should always follow your health care provider’s instructions and never avoid taking a medicine or stopping a current medication without talking to them. Still, there are some natural supplements that people find are beneficial for mental health symptoms.
Many of the best supplements for mental health are vitamins everyone needs, but our modern diets and lifestyles tend to be low in them.
B Vitamins
B vitamins are extremely important for mental health, as well as mood and the function of your brain. Vitamin B12 and other B vitamins play a role in the production of brain chemicals. Low levels of B vitamins, including B12, B6, and folate, are linked to depression and other mental health disorders.
B vitamins and promoting brain health and mental wellness also help your body create energy.
Signs of a B vitamin deficiency include low energy levels, cognitive problems, mood changes, and tingling in your extremities.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a critical mineral that many people don’t get enough of. Low levels of magnesium are associated with anxiety, fatigue, and depression, and getting enough of the mineral helps you to maintain a healthy mood.
Certain types of magnesium may be especially good for mood and mental health.
Magnesium glycinate is a good example. Glycine is an essential amino acid that functions like a neurotransmitter in the brain. Taking magnesium pills for mental health can help improve sleep quality, and it tends to cross the blood-brain barrier easily, rapidly elevating levels.
Magnesium threonate is another good option, and it can cross the blood-brain barrier, according to research.
Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in marine algae and, more notably, fish oil. Depression seems less prevalent in locations around the world where people consume large amounts of fish. This observation has led scientists to look into the role of fish oil in preventing or treating depression and mood disorders.
Based on current research, there are two omega-3 fatty acids, which are EPA and DHA, that are potentially most beneficial for mood disorders.
It’s thoughtomega-3s can travel through the brain cell membrane and interact with mood-related neurotransmitters. Omega-3 fatty acids are also good for mental health because they’re anti-inflammatory, and chronic inflammation is associated with an increased risk of anxiety and depression.
SAMe
SAMe supplements can be a good option if someone is looking for natural pills for mental health. The body makes SAMe, but low folate and vitamin B12 are associated with low levels. SAMe helps promote chemicals that the body needs for a variety of processes.
SAMe can help with anxiety and depression, as well as premenstrual syndrome, fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis. It’s also good for liver health and mental performance.
Choline
Finally, choline is an essential nutrient. Your liver can make tiny amounts, but you need to get most from your diet or a supplement. Choline is not a vitamin or mineral, but it’s sometimes grouped along with B vitamins. Choline is important for brain and liver function and the health of your nervous system.
Choline is good for mental health because it’s part of the production process for compounds that act as cellular messengers. It also is required for the production of acetylcholine, which is a neurotransmitter.People at risk of choline deficiency include endurance athletes, pregnant women, postmenopausal women, and people who consume much alcohol.
