# Are there any non-Rx drugs or foods that safely and reliably combat depression? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [February 19, 2007, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-rx-drugs-or-foods-that-safely-and-reliably-combat-depression/392821 "2007-02-19T16:32:24Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Terrifel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c68b51/32.png) [@Terrifel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terrifel)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2007, 4:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-rx-drugs-or-foods-that-safely-and-reliably-combat-depression/392821/1 "2007-02-19T16:32:24Z")
–besides just eating stuff that you like, I mean. I’m curious about the possibility of improving mood through dietary means. I’m sure there’s more than a few diet systems and nostrums that claim to make you happier, more fulfilled, etc., but I doubt my ability to parse genuine medical research from snake oil. ---
**Author:** ![Exapno\_Mapcase](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/exapno_mapcase/32/1051_2.png) [@Exapno\_Mapcase](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Exapno_Mapcase)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2007, 4:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-rx-drugs-or-foods-that-safely-and-reliably-combat-depression/392821/2 "2007-02-19T16:39:46Z")
I would be very, very, very, very cautious about any claims for any food to combat true clinical depression. Which is itself a cautious way of saying that there aren’t any. Period. ---
**Author:** ![An\_Arky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/87869e/32.png) [@An\_Arky](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/An_Arky)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2007, 4:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-rx-drugs-or-foods-that-safely-and-reliably-combat-depression/392821/3 "2007-02-19T16:40:08Z")
I saw on TV one time a Dr. who said that greens (Spinach, Kale, etc.) cooked with a bit of fat (butter, olive oil or bacon grease) helped with depression. ---
**Author:** ![The\_Chao\_Goes\_Mu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/the_chao_goes_mu/32/3191_2.png) [@The\_Chao\_Goes\_Mu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/The_Chao_Goes_Mu)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2007, 5:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-rx-drugs-or-foods-that-safely-and-reliably-combat-depression/392821/4 "2007-02-19T17:04:04Z")
I don’t know about any specific foods but my doctor said even moderate exercise and a healthy diet can elevate mood. YMMV. I would be wary of any “miracle food” claims. ---
**Author:** ![ZipperJJ](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zipperjj/32/211_2.png) [@ZipperJJ](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZipperJJ)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2007, 5:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-rx-drugs-or-foods-that-safely-and-reliably-combat-depression/392821/5 "2007-02-19T17:09:25Z")
Yeah most would tell you that exercise is a great combat for depression and cite things like endorphin release. Foods, I dunno. ---
**Author:** ![Tiamatpuppy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e5b9ba/32.png) [@Tiamatpuppy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tiamatpuppy)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2007, 5:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-rx-drugs-or-foods-that-safely-and-reliably-combat-depression/392821/6 "2007-02-19T17:18:24Z")
Snake oil seems to work very well. ---
**Author:** ![flurb](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/51bf81/32.png) [@flurb](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/flurb)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2007, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-rx-drugs-or-foods-that-safely-and-reliably-combat-depression/392821/7 "2007-02-19T17:19:27Z")
There have been several studies that indicate that the [Omega-3 fatty acids](http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/meds/Omega-3.htm) found in fish oil have some effect on mood. This does NOT make fish oil supplements an anti-depressant – there’s still a lot of debate about just how strong the relationship is and how it works. ---
**Author:** ![panache45](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/panache45/32/64_2.png) [@panache45](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/panache45)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2007, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-rx-drugs-or-foods-that-safely-and-reliably-combat-depression/392821/8 "2007-02-19T17:29:18Z")
[QUOTE=Terrifel] –besides just eating stuff that you like, I mean. [/QUOTE] “Eating stuff that you like” may actually exacerbate the problem. If you’re craving foods high in sugar, for example, it plays havoc with your blood glucose, which might have an effect on your mood, among other things. I have chronic depression, and I’m also diabetic. I’ve found that keeping my blood glucose in control helps with the depression, though it’s no cure. I’ve never found any specific food that works, other than simply eating healthfully. See a doctor. ---
**Author:** ![Canadjun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/76d3ee/32.png) [@Canadjun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Canadjun)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2007, 5:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-rx-drugs-or-foods-that-safely-and-reliably-combat-depression/392821/9 "2007-02-19T17:30:26Z")
Seems to be some evidence that [St. John’s Wort](http://nccam.nih.gov/health/stjohnswort/) has an antidepressant effect for mild to moderate (but not major) depression. > [@](#): > > There is some scientific evidence that St. John’s wort is useful for treating mild to moderate depression. However, two large studies, one sponsored by NCCAM, showed that the herb was no more effective than placebo in treating major depression of moderate severity. However, the same article lists a bunch of side effects and drug interactions, so that might not fit the “safely” part of your question. ---
**Author:** ![vetbridge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b5e925/32.png) [@vetbridge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vetbridge)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2007, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-rx-drugs-or-foods-that-safely-and-reliably-combat-depression/392821/10 "2007-02-19T17:31:47Z")
St Johns Wort has been shown to affect mood. [http://nccam.nih.gov/health/stjohnswort/](http://nccam.nih.gov/health/stjohnswort/) ---
**Author:** ![vetbridge](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b5e925/32.png) [@vetbridge](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vetbridge)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2007, 5:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-rx-drugs-or-foods-that-safely-and-reliably-combat-depression/392821/11 "2007-02-19T17:32:48Z")
Great minds… 😉 ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2007, 7:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-rx-drugs-or-foods-that-safely-and-reliably-combat-depression/392821/12 "2007-02-19T19:51:53Z")
Yes, St Johns Wort for mild, occasional depression. See your Doctor, talk to him, ask about St Johns Wort. ---
**Author:** ![Terrifel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/c68b51/32.png) [@Terrifel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Terrifel)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2007, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-rx-drugs-or-foods-that-safely-and-reliably-combat-depression/392821/13 "2007-02-19T20:11:48Z")
I was actually pretty sold on St. Johns’ Wort, until it was recommended by **DrDeth** … truly an awkward username for answering medical-type questions. In any case, ‘mild occasional depression’ doesn’t really cover the territory. I’d been hoping for something that would work alongside prescription antidepressants to reinforce the effect… icing on the cake, so to speak. Thanks to all for the information; I suspect my question was unrealistic to begin with. ---
**Author:** ![Jackmannii](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jackmannii/32/311_2.png) [@Jackmannii](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jackmannii)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2007, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-rx-drugs-or-foods-that-safely-and-reliably-combat-depression/392821/14 "2007-02-19T20:24:43Z")
Regular exercise (no matter how little you may feel like it) is a good idea for combatting depression. Spending time under a certain intensity and type of fluorescent light might be helpful (check out links under Seasonal Affective Disorder). The main thing with food is avoiding intake of certain things that may not go well with antidepressants (mainly alcohol with the most commonly prescribed drugs). Plus being careful about calories (Paxil for example has been associated with considerable weight gain). ---
**Author:** ![DrDeth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/b487fb/32.png) [@DrDeth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DrDeth)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2007, 8:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-rx-drugs-or-foods-that-safely-and-reliably-combat-depression/392821/15 "2007-02-19T20:38:28Z")
[QUOTE=Terrifel] I was actually pretty sold on St. Johns’ Wort, until it was recommended by **DrDeth** … truly an awkward username for answering medical-type questions. In any case, ‘mild occasional depression’ doesn’t really cover the territory. I’d been hoping for something that would work alongside prescription antidepressants to reinforce the effect… icing on the cake, so to speak. . [/QUOTE] Eh, what can you do, it’s a blessing and a curse. BUT! FerChristSakes, NO! Never take any similar OTC drugs alongside Presciption drugs withoit talking it over with your MD first. There can be some very bad interactions. Oh and do you have joint pain? Cause SamE seems to work on both joint pain and mild depression. See your Doctor. ---
**Author:** ![Wee\_Bairn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/90db22/32.png) [@Wee\_Bairn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wee_Bairn)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2007, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-rx-drugs-or-foods-that-safely-and-reliably-combat-depression/392821/16 "2007-02-19T20:39:34Z")
According to Kevin Trudeau’s legendary first book, jumping on a trampoline cures depression. Seriously. :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2007, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-rx-drugs-or-foods-that-safely-and-reliably-combat-depression/392821/17 "2007-02-19T20:40:50Z")
[QUOTE=flurb] There have been several studies that indicate that the [Omega-3 fatty acids](http://www.psycheducation.org/depression/meds/Omega-3.htm) found in fish oil have some effect on mood. This does NOT make fish oil supplements an anti-depressant – there’s still a lot of debate about just how strong the relationship is and how it works. [/QUOTE] So, fish oil…yes, snake oil…no? ---
**Author:** ![Chronos](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chronos/32/134_2.png) [@Chronos](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chronos)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2007, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-rx-drugs-or-foods-that-safely-and-reliably-combat-depression/392821/18 "2007-02-19T21:04:43Z")
Isn’t there some evidence that chocolate can help elevate mood (beyond just tasting good)? And it needn’t even be high in sugar, if you get the dark stuff. > [@](#): > > FerChristSakes, NO! > > Never take any similar OTC drugs alongside Presciption drugs withoit talking it over with your MD first. There can be some very bad interactions. Absolutely agreed. You shouldn’t mix _any_ drugs (prescription, OTC, herbal, or illegal) without asking a doctor or pharmacist, especially not any with similar effects. You could end up with a bad case of dead. ---
**Author:** ![sdguy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/8dc957/32.png) [@sdguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sdguy)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2007, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-rx-drugs-or-foods-that-safely-and-reliably-combat-depression/392821/19 "2007-02-19T21:08:21Z")
The main problem with St John’s Wort is it isn’t regulated. So it’s hard to tell what your getting is quality. Since it’s often marketed as a nutritional supplement you may get odd dosage despite what the bottle claims. That is the chief problem with St John’s Wort. A clinical depression is an actual disease, feeling down is not. It’s like trying to treat asthma with food. Unless the food triggers the asthma it won’t directly help the asthma. Though eating better and exercise improves any illness or condition. ---
**Author:** ![WhyNot](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/c77e96/32.png) [@WhyNot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/WhyNot)\ **Post date:** [February 19, 2007, 9:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-rx-drugs-or-foods-that-safely-and-reliably-combat-depression/392821/20 "2007-02-19T21:16:17Z")
[QUOTE=Chronos] You shouldn’t mix _any_ drugs (prescription, OTC, herbal, or illegal) without asking a doctor or pharmacist, especially not any with similar effects. You could end up with a bad case of dead. [/QUOTE] I would go further and say not to mix stuff without talking to a _pharmacist_. Preferably a Pharm D, if you can find one (my dad is one, so I’m lucky like that). Doctors know a lot of stuff, but pharmacists know pharmaceuticals better. And I agree with **sdguy** ’s criticism of OTC St. John’s Wort pills. Most of them are trash, and the ones that aren’t recommend a dosing schedule that’s less than half that found to be effective in studies. Only whole plant extract for me, and that I make myself. And I wouldn’t mix it with a pharmaceutical antidepressant without checking with Dad about the liver metabolism of said pharmaceutical. St. John’s Wort is an excellent herb for liver function, but that means it may make you metabolize some drugs \*too \*quickly, and make dosing very hard. WhyNot, herbalist [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/are-there-any-non-rx-drugs-or-foods-that-safely-and-reliably-combat-depression/392821.md?page=2)