While many doctors reactively prescribe antidepressants to treat patients suffering from depression, it is important that you understand that there are more effective natural food alternatives.

Through rat experiments, scientists discovered both omega-3 fatty acids and uridine (a natural substance found in foods) work just as well as antidepressants in preventing signs of depression. To draw this conclusion, scientists:

• Placed rats in a tank of water where they had no choice but to swim.

• As time passed, the rats realized swimming was useless and began to float -- a sign of surrender to depression. Yet when given an antidepressant drug, the rats resumed swimming.

• When the rats were given combined doses of omega-3 fatty acids and uridine instead of antidepressants, similar behavior occurred -- lending evidence these natural components are equally effective as drugs.

Drugs and dietary components responsible for the reversed signs of depression most likely affect mitochondria (which produce energy) in brain cells.

Finding Omega-3 and Uridine

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in fish, and most abundantly in oily species like salmon and tuna. It is highly recommended to eat a diet rich in oily fish, as omega-3 fatty acids are also good for the circulatory system -- what is good for the heart is good for the brain. Additionally, uridine is an important element found in mother's milk and baby formula and is essential for early nerve growth.

Biological Psychiatry February 15, 2005;57(4):343-350