13223138, RE: Semi-vegan. Posted by Sponge, Wed Jan-03-18 01:26 AM
>My main goal is mental health though. I am still struggling >with depression >on a daily basis and mostly don't want to be here anymore.
Do you supplement Vitamin D3 and magnesium? They're 2 of the top deficiencies in the U.S., and low levels have been linked with depression. Omega-3 fats has been shown to help with major depression in multiple studies, but a recent Cochrane review raised skepticism in regards to its efficacy.
Even if they don't help with depression, they have so many other benefits (vit D: immunity, energy, bone health, insulin metabolism; magnesium: converts previtamin D into active Vitamin D and is also involved in 300+ biochemical reactions in the body; omega-3: blood triglyceride reduction, metabolic flexibility).
Zinc alone might provide minor benefits but seems to be real good alongside meds (e.g. SSRIs).
The human gut bacteria has profound, wide-reaching effects. A few studies have looked at probiotics and depression. The particular strains used in the studies aren't commercially available, I think. Yakult (those little fermented milk drinks) is available in the U.S., but Yakult and fermented foods seem to be efficacious for anxiety. So maybe try some if depression is anxiety-related.
Other things to look into, but be careful with these (i.e. talk with your doctor about them) because of contraindications or toxicity: SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine), St. John's Wort, creatine, saffron, rhodiola rosea.
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