AGGIE MCCABE

Mood Boost Supplements – What To Take To Help Boost Your Mood

Did you know 5-HTP and St John’s Wort have similar efficacy to antidepressants?? That’s right! And there are many other mood boost supplements that can help…

At the end of my studies, for my last assignments, I buried myself in research on natural approaches to mood disorders and depression, and I have to say, I was pretty amazed at my findings. Along with a long list of mood-boosting food (including the Meditteranean diet), I found some wonderful mood boost supplements that can really make a difference.

There are multiple, controlled studies comparing 5-HTP, Omega 3s, St. John Wort vs fluoxetine, and placebo. The efficacy is similar. Magnesium, vitamin D, and certain strains of probiotics dramatically improve the symptoms at the dosages specified above (they are there for reference, but please do check with a nutritionist to put together a specialist plan if you want to give them a go).

So… Can we replace antidepressants with supplements?

Obviously, there is no one-fits-all answer to this question. If you’re already on them, speak to your doctor as it might be an option. But if your mood is a little low and you are one of the thousands who have been recently prescribed antidepressants because of the madness of 2020/2021, or you are thinking about asking for a prescription – I would strongly encourage you to consider trialling these solutions before you jump into medication.

Speak to your doctor.
Speak to your friendly nutritionist.

There are so many options out there we can consider to boost the mood naturally. I have talked about diet which is the absolute basis of a healthy brain and nervous system. The gut-brain connection cannot be underestimated. Therapy can also make a world of difference. There are also various lifestyle and mindset interventions that are super helpful, and I will cover more on that later.

But mood boost supplements do work. Research clearly shows it. My personal experience as well as my clients’ proves it beyond any doubt.

Again, sometimes medication is the only way to go. I cannot stress it enough. But at the same time antidepressants are one the most overprescribed drugs and there are other options out there. The decision lies with you, your doctor, and your nutritionist.

Give me a shout if that’s something you’d like to chat about. I may have a few spaces left on my programmes!

Also, for my fellow nerds, I am happy to forward deets for the studies mentioned! ?

Disclaimer – this post is based on scientific research and experience and is meant for educational purposes rather than prescriptive advice. Consult your doctor for further guidance.