A mood disorder that affects more than 264 million people worldwide, depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in previously-enjoyed activities that last for two weeks or longer and can drastically impact a person’s ability to function in various contexts including at work, at school, and with family and friends.

Depression can affect anyone, though the severity and symptoms may vary widely. In adults, symptoms most commonly include:

• Feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness, or hopelessness
• Angry outbursts, irritability, or frustration, even over small matters
• Loss of interest or pleasure in most or all normal activities
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia or sleeping too much
• Tiredness and lack of energy
• Reduced appetite and weight loss or increased cravings for food and weight gain
• Anxiety, agitation, or restlessness
• Slowed thinking, speech, or body movements
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things
• Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death and suicide
• Unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches
• General misery or unhappiness with no discernible cause [1, 2]

Some people may experience depression as a single episode, while others may have several episodes throughout their lifetimes. Acute grief may lead to depression, increasing the severity and length of the episode and escalating the necessity of appropriate treatment.

How is Depression Treated?

According to the WHO, depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide. Treatment options include psychological intervention, pharmaceutical antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), self-help and coping strategies, and, in severe cases, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). 80 to 90% of patients who receive treatment for depression eventually exhibit positive responses.

What’s The Benefit of SSRIs?

The most-often prescribed pharmaceuticals are SSRIs, which are designed to increase the amount of serotonin in the spaces between neurons. However, scientists and researchers have never found conclusive evidence that depression is caused by a deficiency in serotonin. In fact, recent research suggests that reduced synaptogenesis (the growth of new synapses) and neurogenesis (the generation of new neurons) activity may play a significant role in causing depression symptoms, and serotonin deficiency may point to this larger problem. [5]

Though not specifically designed for this function, SSRIs are thought to activate genes that produce an integrin protein called ITGB3, which in turn stimulates synaptogenesis and neurogenesis activity. Several studies have been conducted to support these theories.

Perhaps because SSRIs don’t actually target the true cause of depression, they don’t usually benefit patients with mild cases. For those who do experience positive results, it generally takes between four and six weeks for symptoms to improve and it may take months to experience full efficacy. In that time span, the brain undergoes a number of biochemical changes. Serotonin receptors increase in number, “inflammatory protein levels are reduced, neurogenesis increases in the hippocampus, and so on.” [6]

Do SSRIs Have Side Effects?

In addition to their ineffectiveness for mild cases of depression and the delay in symptom reduction, SSRIs carry an extensive list of potential side effects, including “nausea, increased appetite and weight gain, loss of sexual desire, fatigue, insomnia, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, agitation, irritability, and anxiety.” [7]

Enough cases of violent or self-destructive actions have been linked to SSRIs that the FDA initiated a Black Box warning in 2004. Every antidepressant package contains an insert stating that “children, adolescents, and young adults with major depression who take antidepressants may be at increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior.” [7, 8]

Stopping treatment without following doctors’ instructions can produce withdrawal-like effects, though SSRIs are not addictive. These side effects exist because SSRIs contain synthetic substances that alter brain chemistry and often cause adverse reactions as the body detects unnatural intruders.

Can Depression Be Treated Naturally? 

So much remains unknown about both the root cause of depression and the true function of SSRIs. This can create reasonable distrust in conventional medicine and chemical cures. While they cannot be prescribed as effective alternatives to antidepressant drugs, natural mood boosters like U.S. Doctors’ Clinical Serezec Plus may positively impact mood and encourage brain health through the use of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.*

U.S. Doctors’ Clinical Serezec Plus contains a proprietary blend of SAMe, a natural hormone-regulating compound, and DL-Methionine and L-Tyrosine, two amino acids essential for balanced brain function and hormone levels, in an enterically coated tablet that maximizes absorption and mood elevation.* It also includes a B-vitamin complex and minerals calcium and magnesium to support the nervous system and promote heart health.*

Triple threat: SAMe, Methionine, and Tyrosine

Discovered in the early 1950s, S-adenosyl-L-methionine, or SAMe, regulates vital cellular functions, plays a role in genetic expression, helps to maintain immune system health, and participates in the metabolism of amino acids. At healthy levels, SAMe balances hormones and keeps cell membranes healthy. Low levels may negatively impact mood and contribute to the development of depression and liver disease.

Studies conducted on SAMe have turned up evidence that suggests it possesses antidepressant effects related to its role in neurotransmitter synthesis. [10] These studies noted positive effects fairly quickly and also suggested that SAMe supplementation might augment the effects of SSRIs. They found few noteworthy side effects.

DL-Methionine, an amino acid, is rich in sulfur and involved in detoxification and anti-aging processes throughout the body. It can convert into sulfur-containing molecules that protect tissues, modify DNA, help build new proteins to replace disintegrating ones, and aid in the production of other amino acids. [11]

Research suggests that increasing intake of methionine during pregnancy can reduce the risk of neural tube birth defects, and methionine may also help to combat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Abnormally large doses may cause dizziness, sleepiness, and blood pressure changes, but no major side effects have been reported. [11]

L-Tyrosine is an amino acid involved in the formation of the neurotransmitters dopamine, adrenaline, and norepinephrine, which enable nerve cell communication and help regulate mood; thyroid hormones that regulate metabolism; and melanin, which gives skin, hair, and eyes its color. Studies have demonstrated a link between tyrosine supplementation and improved cognitive flexibility, reversed mental decline, and enhanced cognitive function in high-stress situations. [12]

Tyrosine could benefit depressed individuals who have tested deficient in dopamine, adrenaline, or noradrenaline. It’s generally considered safe, even in high doses.

A B-Hive of Benefits

U.S. Doctors’ Clinical Serezec Plus contains vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, and B12 to provide multifaceted support for a variety of systems and functions.* Studies conducted on the benefits of vitamin B complexes have suggested potential for mood boosting and the reduction of fatigue. They may also enhance cognitive performance and improve depression and anxiety symptoms. One study found significant improvements in adults with depression after taking a B-complex vitamin for just 60 days. Another found that a vitamin containing vitamins B12, B6, and folic acid “led to a more enhanced and sustained antidepressant response over one year, compared to a placebo.” [13] Because B vitamins are water soluble, they cannot be stored in the body and overconsumption is therefore virtually impossible.

Mighty Mineral Defenders

Known as the primary building block of bones, calcium also contributes to heart, muscle, and nerve function. It may also help to regulate blood pressure and guard the body against cancer and diabetes. Magnesium, a mineral found in every cell in the body, is involved in more than 600 different reactions that contribute to “energy creation, protein formation, gene maintenance, muscle movements, and nervous system regulation.” [15] It also plays a vital role in maintaining healthy brain function and an even-keeled mood. More than 60% of American adults do not meet the dietary intake recommendations, and low levels may increase the risk of depression, as well as other neurological conditions like anxiety, migraines, chronic pain, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and stroke. [16]

A Stepping Stone to Holistic Health

Paired with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and a positive environment, U.S. Doctors’ Clinical Serezec Plus can offer continual support for proper brain and thyroid function, normal hormone levels, restful sleep, efficient metabolism, energy production, and stable blood sugar levels—without negative residual effects.* It’s formulated to nourish your body and help you reach your health and vitality goals, rigorously tested and reviewed for quality and efficacy, and manufactured in a state-licensed and FDA-registered facility. Backed by the Advisory Board of Doctors, an expert panel of physicians and health practitioners, Serezec Plus is made with premium-sourced, natural ingredients chosen for maximum purity and effectiveness.*

While natural supplements should not be substituted for doctor-prescribed pharmaceuticals, research shows promise for compounds like SAMe that may help to accelerate the response time and enhance the positive effects of certain SSRIs, or even replace them entirely. Natural substances can play a significant role in the restoration of brain health and hormone balance—in a way that supports holistic wellness and causes no undesirable side effects.

Get 30 DAYS FREE

*These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

SOURCES

1. https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007
3. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/depression
4. https://www.who.int/health-topics/depression#tab=tab_1
5. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/unraveling-the-mystery-of-ssris-depression/
6. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/your-brain-food/202001/when-ssris-fail-treat-depression
7. https://www.webmd.com/depression/features/coping-with-side-effects-of-depression-treatments
8. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/what-are-the-real-risks-of-antidepressants
9. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/ssris/art-20044825
10. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/integrative-mental-health-care/201811/s-adenosyl-methionine-same-depressed-mood
11. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/methionine
12. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/tyrosine
13. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-b-complex
14. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499940/
15. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6024559/
16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6163803/