5 Best Natural Ingredients and Supplements to Help with Depression and Mood

October is Emotional Wellness Month and National Depression Education and Awareness Month. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the news, work burnout, or even just “normal life”. Prescriptions for antidepressant medications have been steadily climbing to an all-time high, but they aren’t the only way to help with depression and mood.  

By choosing natural ingredients that support healthy inflammation responses and boost vital energy, we can support not only our mood and mental health, but total-body health and aging as well.  

Here are 5 natural Ingredients and suggested mood support supplements to promote your mental health.

Omega-3 fats: Fatty cold water fish like salmon and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These essential fats can’t be produced by the body, and need to be obtained from dietary sources like cold water fish, as well as other foods like grass-fed beef, nuts and seeds. Omega-3 fats promote healthy inflammation responses, and support healthy brain cell function and signaling. Research shows that omega-3 fats can help reduce depression and improve cognitive function.^1,2  

Blueberries: One of the most important berries for cognitive health and mood, blueberries are rich in powerful protective nutrients called flavonoids that reduce chronic inflammation, boost antioxidant activity, and deliver other key benefits for brain and total-body health. Research shows that eating blueberries offers fast-acting support against depression, improving mood and mental outlook in as little as two hours.³

Broccoli: Broccoli and broccoli sprouts contain a powerful sulfur compound called sulforaphane that offers potent benefits as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, liver detox compound, and more. Resreach shows that sulphoraphane can help prevent and reduce depression through its comprehensive anti-inflammatory actions.⁴

Probiotics: The health of your gut and microbiome populations directly influences your neurological health, including cognitive function and brain health, memory, mood, depression, stress and more. An unhealthy gut environment can fuel inflammation in the brain and body, and worsen mood disorders and other imbalances in your neurochemistry.  

Taking probiotics for your gut can support a healthy mood and optimal brain function. Termed “psychobiotics”, these friendly bacteria influence the gut-brain axis and can boost mood, reduce stress, and increase feelings of happiness.

Made with natural ingredients that help with emotional wellness and mood, these supplements can help you keep your mental health a priority, your mind at ease, and your body calm.  

ecoProbiotic is a certified organic, liquid probiotic formula with prebiotics and 19 digestive herbs for optimal gut health and microbiome balance. This fermented probiotic contains 8 live, clinically studied probiotic strains, including several that have been shown to support a healthy mood: Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactobacillus casei, and Bifidobacterium longum. These beneficial bacteria help support healthy stress responses, lower cortisol levels, and boost cognitive function, among other key benefits.*

Pure honokiol is a powerful botanical extract that is known for its benefits in mood, brain health, and stress. Pure honokiol crosses the blood-brain barrier and enhances activity of the neurotransmitter GABA, to promote relaxation and a sense of calm, and support a healthy mood. Pure honokiol also supports healthy inflammation responses in the brain and throughout the body, promotes healthy cognitive function, and delivers a wealth of benefits for total-body health and aging.  

Made with 98% pure honokiol, extracted using a supercritical CO2 process, HonoPure delivers the highest potency and purity of honokiol extract available—for relaxation, mood support, and more.*

If you struggle with ongoing depression and your quality of life is being impacted, it’s important to discuss with your health practitioner or therapist to develop a plan that best fits your unique needs. By addressing your mental health from different angles, you can give your brain and body the support you need to feel your best and thrive.

Sources:

1. Yang Y, Kim Y, Je Y. Fish consumption and risk of depression: Epidemiological evidence from prospective studies. Asia Pac Psychiatry. 2018 Dec;10(4):e12335.  
2. Avallone R, Vitale G, Bertolotti M. Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Neurodegenerative Diseases: New Evidence in Clinical Trials. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Aug 30;20(17):4256.  
3. Khalid S, Barfoot KL, May G, Lamport DJ, Reynolds SA, Williams CM. Effects of Acute Blueberry Flavonoids on Mood in Children and Young Adults. Nutrients. 2017 Feb 20;9(2):158.
4. Zhang JC, Yao W, Dong C, Yang C, Ren Q, Ma M, Han M, Wu J, Ushida Y, Suganuma H, Hashimoto K. Prophylactic effects of sulforaphane on depression-like behavior and dendritic changes in mice after inflammation. J Nutr Biochem. 2017 Jan;39:134-144.