Matthew SwayneAs we already know, depression is a mental health condition that makes us unhappy or sad. However, did you know that there is a strong connection between depression and nootropics?
A high level of depression stops our brain from reaching its full potential. Fluctuations in certain chemical levels and imbalances of neurotransmitters can lead to mood change, depression, anxiety state, irritability, etc. Depression also occurs as a side-effect of certain prescription drugs.
However, some nootropics will enhance our brain functions and help our brain overcome depression-related deficits. They lift our moods and minimize depression.
It is very important to understand that neurotransmitters play an important role in the brain and that they often contribute to depression. The changes in neurochemicals make up a dynamic system and pitch our mood or what we feel in daily life.
Everyone has a different level of complexity. Two different people may have similar depression symptoms, but your body and brain may work completely differently. So, the nootropics that work best for them may not work for you. If you have a different body type and brain needs, the effects of nootropics may not be the same as they are for someone else.
Depression And Nootropics: An Overview
You are not alone in dealing with depression or suspecting the symptoms of undiagnosed depression. In a survey, it was found that 2 million-plus people in the world are dealing with depression along with decreased cognitive ability.
Some major neurotransmitters cause depression.
- Acetylcholine
- Dopamine
- GABA
- Glutamate
- Serotonin
- Norepinephrine
Doctors often suggest prescription-based nootropic drugs. However, these drugs come with multiple side effects. These prescription drugs can be replaced by natural nootropic supplements to give a boost to your brain without major side effects. Moreover, another survey shows that people are switching to safer alternative medicine for depression.
Depression And Nootropics – Best Natural Alternatives
Natural nootropics can be derived from various natural sources like foods and supplements. We have provided a list of nootropics that work efficiently for various types and causes of depression. These nootropics manipulate your brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin and address your mood to alleviate depression symptoms and level up your cognitive functioning ability.
Aniracetam: Aniracetam is a nootropic drug from the racetam family of nootropics. It is one of the most effective antidepressants. It works well with dopamine D2 and D3 receptors and makes AMPA glutamate inactive. Moreover, its effects on dopamine in your brain can also reduce anxiety symptoms.
Some scientists believe that racetam nootropics can stimulate depression and could be effective for reducing depression and anxiety in the long term.
Bacopa Monnieri (Bacopa Monnieri) is an ancient Ayurvedic herb. It has been used for healing purposes and offers relief from anxiety, fatigue, and depression. It can boost energy levels and concentration.
Due to the presence of tricyclic antidepressants, this herb has been shown to help people who are depressed.
Citicoline is one of the best and most effective nootropics for reducing depression. It is a proven nootropic for depression. For testing, a group of patients with major depressive disorder were provided with 100 mg of citicoline twice a day for 6 weeks regularly. As a result, patients get a great improvement in their depressive disorder.
Rhodiola Rosea (Rhodiola Rosea) is another powerful natural nootropic. It has the potential to cure depression and boost cognitive activities. Rhodiola roesa is well-known to show promise in decreasing the cognitive symptoms of depression, ranging from mild to moderate.
It can also provide relief from anxiety, stress, and mood changes. It activates AMPA receptors in your brain and decreases stress, mood swings, depression, and fatigue. On the contrary, it boosts energy levels, motivation, and alertness.
Turmeric: Turmeric is an old Indian spice used in almost every Indian kitchen. It is used as one of the primary spices in Indian dishes. However, it is also used in traditional medicine for treatment and healing purposes. Turmeric is enriched with medicinal properties. It is extremely powerful in the treatment of Alzheimer’s, inflammation, and brain tumors.
In a study conducted in India, it was found that curcumin, an active compound of turmeric, is very effective in reducing the symptoms of depression. Turmeric is a potent nootropic for treating depression.
Vitamin B6– Vitamin B6 helps the brain produce norepinephrine, serotonin, and melatonin. P-5-P is the activated form of vitamin B6. It is proficient at boosting GABA and serotonin in the brain. The activated form of Vitamin B6 can reduce depression. A Vitamin B supplement that uses P-5-P is particularly effective in treating depression.
Vitamin B12– Vitamin B12 is another efficacious vitamin that plays an important role in converting carbohydrates into glucose, which then contributes to cellular fuel production. B vitamins also help to convert fatty acids into glucose or energy. The supplements that contain B vitamins, such as vitamin B12, can lower depression, and anxiety and elevate mood, energy, alertness, cognition, etc.
Lion’s mane is also referred to as “smart mushroom.” Loin mane is a nootropic ingredient that is known for its potential to reduce anxiety and depression in humans. Lion’s Mane is helpful in promoting Nerve Growth Factor. It contributes to a healthy mood, improves focus, and increases neurogenesis. Lion’s mane supplements improve your thinking capabilities, repair brain cells and relieve depression.
Final Verdict
Nootropics can be a smart choice for smart people who don’t want to take the risk of prescription nootropic drugs. We are not saying that prescription-based nootropics are not effective, but there are many side effects of these drugs. Nowadays, nootropics are the most powerful alternative for enhancing brain functions.
Nootropics are the best solution to defeat depression. Various nootropics can maintain peak cognitive performance without making you feel low. Moreover, in this current blog post on depression and nootropics, we have mentioned the best and proven nootropics that can help you come out of a depressive disorder.
Because emotional or physical disorders can slow down our brains and make us feel down, sometimes depression and anxiety go hand in hand. We need to treat depression so that our brains can be productive and stay at their peak.
But keep in mind that nootropics are not antidepressants, so do a lot of research before taking any of them.
