Anuradha Varanasi
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Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses that can significantly affect the quality of your life and even make it difficult to go about with your day-to-day life. The symptoms of depression include tiredness, loss of interest and pleasure, insomnia, poor appetite and concentration, among others. In fact, several studies have found that stress and depression could also cause physical ailments in the long run.
While clinical depression is usually treated with anti-depressants and counseling, your diet can also play a role in fighting against this mental illness. One way to fight against depression is to add folic acid supplements to your diet. Researchers have found that reduced blood cell folate is a commonly found in major depressive illness [1]. A study published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research found that 2 mg of folic acid given along with treatment of depression can have beneficial results.
In fact, studies dating back to the 1960 s have showed evidence of folate or folic acid deficiency in patients with depression as researchers found that around one-third of depressed patients were deficient. Folate or folic acid, which is also known as vitamin B9 is required by the body for the formation of red blood cells, cell growth and division, among other functions. Doctors have found that being folate deficient can also lead to a poorer response to anti-depressant, among other health problems like anemia.
Folic acid has been found to work in treating depression by indirectly facilitating the production of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which are the three neurotransmitters responsible for mood regulation [2]. While researchers still haven t been able to figure out the ideal dosage of folic acid, having around 1 mg 2mg may suffice [2]. These are the eight reasons why you need folic acid. However, if you are on any form of medication, consult your physician before you start taking folic acid supplements. Other than folic acid supplements, these are the five natural sources of vitamin b9 or folic acid you need in your diet.
Reference
[1] J Psychosom Res. 2006 Sep;61(3):285-7. Folic acid and the treatment of depression. Abou-Saleh MT, Coppen A.
[2] Young SN. Folate and depression a neglected problem. Journal of Psychiatry & Neuroscience. 2007;32(2):80-82.
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