Natural Ways to Beat Depression

Adding more folate to your diet—through foods or supplements—can reduce symptoms of depression, improve response to antidepressants, and may also help in recovery from depressive episodes. The U.S. government requires folate (as folic acid) to be added to some foods, such as fortified cereals and breads. Natural sources include liver, spinach, and black-eyed peas.

"It's pretty sound advice for women who are experiencing mood problems to take a multivitamin with folate," says Dr. Freeman. "Most of us should be doing it anyway."

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