Prescription medications are taken to lessen the effects that illness, injury, surgery, and other conditions can have on the body and mind. However, many of these medications frequently have unfavorable side effects. Can a natural substitute for pharmaceutical medicine work?
Many people are debating whether the benefits of prescription medications outweigh the drawbacks as a result of the growing prescription drug issue.
Prescription medications, such as opioids, were created to help us manage the impact of illnesses and diseases on our bodies and to relieve pain, whether it be pain following surgery or pain resulting from a sickness or condition.
However, given the long list of adverse effects and the potential for addiction associated with some medications, it may seem as though the disadvantages outweigh the benefits.
There are natural remedies that are far safer, frequently more efficient, and significantly less expensive. Of course, you should always consult your doctor before beginning, changing, or stopping any medicine.
Mood, stress and energy are things we must deal with on a daily basis. They vary due to environmental, physiological and psychological factors. Many of these factors we aren’t even in control of, but must cope with as they arise. Our mood and stress levels can be affected by minor daily changes or events, or due to mood and anxiety disorders. Our mood and energy levels can also fluctuate with personal problems like a financial crisis or health crisis. Sometimes we can get through these tough times with sheer will power. But other times, especially just before important events like job interviews, we need the aid of natural supplements to get us through the day.
Natural Remedies for Mood, Stress, and Energy
Many natural remedies for energy, mood, and stress are available online and over-the-counter. Some can be very expensive, while others are more affordable for the average person. With so many long-term side effects attributed to prescription meds, turning to natural solutions may provide us with the best cure.
Many of these natural remedies have been used for thousands of years and have always left positive impacts on our bodies.
Alternatives to Replace Prescription Drugs
1. Kratom
Kratom is a naturally stimulating plant known to have a variety of effects depending on the individual, dosage, and other factors. Some of the behavioral and mental effects of kratom include increased focus, reduced anxiety and stress, enhanced mood, and increased sociability. In a 2018 public survey of 8,049 kratom users, 66.5% of respondents used for an emotional or mental condition such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD. In that same study, the most self-reported effects of Kratom were relief (85%), energy elevation (83%), and mood enhancement (80%). These aforementioned effects are a direct result of the active alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine. These alkaloids work by binding to the opioid receptors in the brain to trigger an adrenaline rush which then triggers the kratom effects.
2. SAMe
S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) is a naturally producing chemical compound found inside our body. Although we naturally create this chemical compound, consuming SAMe supplements has been shown to enhance our mood and overall health. Also, due to its anti-inflammatory properties, SAMe can potentially alleviate joint pain. In the brain, it supports the production of various neurotransmitters like dopamine and melatonin. These neurotransmitters are essential for the proper coordination of our bodies and regulation of energy levels. SAMe is known to have many other positive effects such as improving coronary health, preventing seizures and suppressing osteoarthritis.
3. 5-Hydroxytryptophan
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a chemical by-product that is generated when tryptophan (an essential amino acid) is converted into the chemical serotonin. When we consume 5-HTP supplements, we are intentionally increasing the production of serotonin—a key neurotransmitter used to ease the symptoms of mood swings and depression. It does so by boosting your energy levels. Furthermore, it helps regulate mood and social behavior, digestion, sleep, memory, and sexual desire. 5-HTP can be found in local foods like milk, seaweed, pumpkin and chicken. We can regulate mood swings, reduce stress and prevent depression by supplementing our diets with any of these ingredients.
4. Saffron
Saffron is a spice used commonly as a seasoning and coloring agent in food. It is the most expensive spice in the world due to its lengthy and labor-intensive harvesting method. One pound of saffron costs between $500 and $5,000 US. In a review of 5 studies, researchers found that saffron supplements significantly reduced mild-to-moderate depression symptoms compared to placebos. Research also found that women taking 30 mg of saffron daily can effectively treat PMS symptoms such as headaches, pain, irritability, and cravings. Due to its subtle taste and aroma, saffron is easy to add to any diet. It combines well with savory foods and can be soaked in hot water for a deeper flavor. You can also consume saffron in supplement form.
5. Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for our bodies’ natural function and deliver major health benefits as well. The main omega-3 fatty acids affecting human physiology are ALA (found in plant oils), EPA (found in marine oils), and DHA (also found in marine oils). Researchers have found that the dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids is associated with a reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms. Despite these touted benefits, consumption of omega-3 fatty acids should be moderated carefully. Excessive consumption of fatty acids can lead to the blockage of major blood vessels and adversely impact heart health.
6. St. John’s wort
St. John’s wort is a plant that grows in many parts of the world including the Americas and Europe. It is commonly used for depression symptoms but can also be used for nervousness, tiredness, poor appetite, and insomnia. Studies show that several of its active ingredients, including hyperforin, hypericin and adhyperforin, are responsible for these benefits. These active ingredients work by increasing serotonin, dopamine, and noradrenaline levels within our bodies to regulate mood. In 2016, a study found that St. John’s wort may be as effect as anti-depressants for managing depression symptoms. The study found that it reduced symptoms to a similar extent as prescription antidepressants while having fewer side effects such as reduced sex drive (a common side effect of antidepressants). While it is usually taken orally in the form of capsules, tea or liquid extract, it can also be applied directly to the skin as an oil.
7. Vitamin B
Vitamin B is crucial for maintaining good health and well-being. As an essential part of a healthy body, B vitamins have a direct impact on energy levels, cell metabolism and brain function. The 8 essential B vitamins are: B-1 (thiamine), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3 (niacin), B-5 (pantothenic acid), B-6 (pyridoxine), B-7 (biotin), B-9 (folic acid), and B-12 (cobalamin). Each of these essential vitamins contributes to a certain part of your body’s overall health. For example, folic acid and Vitamin B12 are important to the brain. Furthermore, deficiency in just one of these vitamins can lead to health problems such as skin rashes, confusion, irritability, depression and nausea. The consumption of vitamin B complex has shown positive affects to our nervous systems as it stimulates the production of brain chemicals that increase our energy, enhance our mood and relieve our stress.
8. Hibiscus — Alternative to ACE Inhibitors
Lisinopril is an example of an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, which is an effective treatment for high blood pressure. Numerous recent research has discovered that hibiscus is effective at reducing blood pressure, even when compared to ACE medications. Hibiscus is frequently used to make “sour tea,” a type of supplement that is widely available.
9. Inositol — Alternative to Metformin
Women of reproductive age are susceptible to the frequent and painful hormonal disease known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Metformin, a common diabetes drug with a history of adverse effects, including lactic acidosis and vitamin B12 deficiency, is frequently used to treat it.
There is mounting evidence that some forms of inositol, a substance found in fruits and vegetables, may be equally as beneficial as metformin in treating PCOS.
11. Curcumin — Alternative to Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories
Prednisone and other steroids are frequently recommended for their well-established anti-inflammatory properties. Still, they also have several well-known drawbacks, including dramatic mood swings and a wide range of physiological side effects, from bloating to acne.
Turmeric’s active component, curcumin, is a naturally occurring dietary supplement. Many believe it to be a great anti-inflammatory as well.
11. Aloe Vera — Alternative to Proton Pump Inhibitors
They have been connected to vitamin deficiencies, osteoporosis, heart disease, and cancer when used frequently.
Numerous all-natural remedies, such as peppermint oil and ginger, are anecdotally advised for treating heartburn and acid indigestion symptoms. However, there are also many indicators that these remedies may make symptoms worse.
One natural product with research behind it is aloe vera, which carries no known risk of aggravating symptoms.
12. Melatonin — Alternative to Sleeping Pills
Ambien or zolpidem tartrate is a well-known sleeping pill. But it runs the risk of making you feel dangerously sleepy and “zombie-like.” Additionally, it contains a long list of unsettling drug interactions, which prevents many people with additional comorbidities from taking this prescription.
Melatonin can help with delayed sleep-wake phase disorder, jet lag, and childhood sleep disorders.
13. Nasal Rinse — Alternative to Arithromax
More than 100 million antibiotics are distributed by pharmacies each year for infections of the sinuses, lungs, and other areas.
Try rinsing your nose. Given the continuing media attention on the risks posed by antibiotic-resistant superbugs, it would be a good idea to try natural treatments for some ailments before resorting to prescription medication.
14. Exercise — Alternative to Metformin HCL
Drop a sweat. Diabetes drugs have a good track record for reducing blood sugar symptoms, but if you adopt a balanced diet and exercise program, you might not need to take prescriptions forever.
Conclusion
Of fact, the absence of study evidence for any natural remedies does not imply that they are ineffective for this ailment or any of the others listed. There is still more study to be done; however, combinations of vitamins that do not individually help symptoms may be beneficial.
Mood swings and stress can be very troublesome, and can wreak havoc in our lives if left unresolved. It can lead to sleep problems, daytime fatigue, destruction of social life and even suicide. Proper treatment is therefore necessary if you or someone you love are showing any signs of depression.
Prescription medications might give you temporary relief from mood swings and depression, but natural remedies are preferred to avoid long-term side effects. Make sure you do your research for the least expensive and most suitable natural herbal supplement for you. And, as always, speak to a health professional for confirmation.
