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Whether you've suffered from depression symptoms periodically, or continuously for a significant amount of time, there may be a point where you need to ask yourself, 'Isn't there another way to control this disease?' Though you may have tried medical interventions and prescription drugs as depression treatments, you long for a more holistic health remedy that won't tax your body (or your wallet) the way some medications can.

Fortunately, there are depression treatment options that are highly effective for many, have been used for years to control depression symptoms, and are 100% natural. They also come with an easy-to-swallow price tag that doesn't require a health card or a co-pay.

Namely, these alternative depression treatments straight from Mother Nature's cupboard are vitamin B12, vitamin B6, and vitamin D.

Vitamin B12 as a Depression Treatment

Found in eggs, dairy products, and meats, vitamin B12 helps the body to make red blood cells and assists in keeping the neural net healthy, among other benefits. Without B12, the brain may have difficulty getting the proper blood supply it needs; additionally, the mind may have trouble synthesizing thoughts and ideas, a condition thought to lead to depression symptoms.

By including B12 in the diet as a depression treatment, the patient is serving to boost those key areas affected depression symptoms. After all, when blood is delivering the proper quantities of oxygen and neurons are 'firing' appropriately, the triggers of depression can more efficiently be kept at bay.

Vitamin B6 as Treatment for Depression Symptoms

Another B complex vitamin, B6, like B12, assists with the carriage of oxygen by red blood cells. Without B6, immunity can be compromised; thus, many patients who are prone to depression symptoms need to keep their B6 levels high as a preventive form of depression treatment. It is well known that having to live with the symptoms of diseases caused by a weak immune system can easily lead to depression.

As a depression treatment, Vitamin B6 can be found in many places, including fortified cereals, chicken, bananas, 'fatty fish' (such as salmon and tuna), and peanuts. Like other vitamin nutritional supplements, it can also be ingested in pill or capsule form if desired.

Vitamin D for Depression Treatment

One of the keys to internal health, vitamin D helps regulate intestinal health, blood flow, and bone strength. Thus, as a depression treatment option, it's excellent for all-around support and nutrition.

Unfortunately, many people do not get enough vitamin D, as soda has replaced milk (which, thanks to fortification, contains large quantities of vitamin D) as a popular drink. Therefore, if you're looking to incorporate vitamin D into your lifestyle as a depression treatment, you may want to consider getting it as a nutritional supplement.

Of course, if you're game, you can seek out vitamin D in its purest sources such as salmon, tuna, lowfat or nonfat milk and dairy products, margarine, cereals, eggs, and cheese. Ironically, exposure to the sun can also provide you with the vitamin D needed; and as a depression treatment, this 'sunlight therapy' has been shown to have an almost immediate positive effect on depression symptoms.

Alternative and Traditional Depression Treatments: A Marriage

If your current medically-driven depression treatment isn't working for you, why not add a holistic natural treatment into your regimen as well? By doing so, you'll be upping the chances of fewer episodes and more contented days free of debilitating depression symptoms.