Please enjoy a guest post from Mallory from Nootropedia!
Western medicine has advanced by leaps and bounds over the past few decades. At the start of the 20th century, the life expectancy was less than half of what it is today. Much of this is due to great strides in western medicine. There is a downside to western medicine as well. When so many aspects of our health have been enhanced, it’s easy to think every “problem” needs a medicinal solution. Given the strength of synthetic drugs and the pharmaceutical industry, this can lead to some sticky situations.
This namely leads to a high rate of prescription drug usage across the western world and in America particularly. Even though millions of people are taking drugs to decrease the symptoms of depression and anxiety, this may not be the best route or methodology. Nature provides a wide variety of compounds that can more reliably and more sustainably increase mood. Not only does this yield to a greater satisfaction and quality of life, but with increased mood comes better cognitive function and mental performance.
We are all about nature!
Natural Mood Enhancing Compounds
There are plenty of natural mood enhancers that can decrease the symptoms of anxiety, depression, and lead to a better life. Here are a few great resources:
St John’s Wort – this natural herb has been used for thousands of years and is considered one of the best substances for treating depression. In fact, according to a meta-analysis of 5500 patients and nearly 40 studies (the most comprehensive study possible), scientists concluded this natural supplement was as effective as prescription SSRIs without the side effects. Given there are many people taking depression based drugs and SSRIs with serious and long-term side effects, this is a great, safe alternative. For many people, it is the support they need to overcome their challenges without the risks.
Psilocybin Mushrooms – although still considered illegal in the United States for recreational use, many studies over the past few years are suggesting this alternative mood enhancer is highly effective. Studies on psilocybin in treatment resistant depression showed that the compound was effective in reducing symptoms of depression and increasing quality of life. Even more importantly, 64% of the participants found a higher quality of life or happiness 14 months after their single psilocybin dosage. That means the natural compounds can provide long-term depression support rather than simply while the drug is in your system.
Mucuna Pruriens – one of the brain chemicals most associated with happiness is called dopamine. With this brain chemical, it’s possible to increase focus, concentration, but also have a higher quality of life and mood. Mucuna pruriens is a great source of dopamine and it is a natural tree found in regions of Africa and used for thousands of years. In fact, this is so powerful, it’s used as an alternative to prescription drugs even in the United States. As of now, there has been no reliable replacement of this natural compound.
Whether you suffer from anxiety, depression, or just wish you were a bit happier, there are plenty of lifestyle and mindset changes you can make to see a shift. When those fail, don’t immediately seek prescription drugs as they can come with a host of side effects. Instead, see whether these natural mood enhancing supplements can help!
