If you’re prone to depression, the holidays can be the worst of times.  

The stress of travel and seeing relatives can be overwhelming.  

And if you’re susceptible to seasonal affective disorder, lack of sunlight can also be a factor in causing mood issues this time of year. 

Sixty-four percent of people with depression report that the holidays make their condition worse.i 

Researchers have discovered two natural solutions that may help. 

Vinegar Reduces Depression by up to 34% 

Vinegar has long been used as a health elixir. Its main component is acetic acid.  

According to the authors of a new study, acetic acid serves as an antioxidant in the brain.  

Researchers at Arizona State University had subjects consume two tablespoons of regular white vinegar diluted in one cup of water twice daily with meals. Other subjects drank a placebo solution.ii 

After four weeks, the subjects drinking vinegar had depression scores that were up 34% better. Meanwhile, the placebo group’s scores got worse.  

The vinegar group also had higher levels of brain metabolites that are linked to better mood. The researchers concluded that vinegar is “a possible agent to improve mood state.” 

Fish Oil: Powerful Medicine for Your Brain 

Fish oil is America’s number one selling nutritional supplement. And the 19 million of us who take it do so primarily to prevent heart disease.iii 

Studies have found that fish oil cuts heart death risk by up to 30%. 

But research shows that the omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil can help your head as much as your heart. 

University of North Dakota researchers led a multi-university study looking at fish oil’s cognitive effects. 

They gathered 108 subjects who were suffering from depression. In a randomized, double-blind study, the researchers had each patient take either 4 grams of fish oil or a placebo each day. 

After 12 weeks, they tested each patient’s level of blood omega-3s and their level of depression. 

As expected, the patients who had taken the fish oil supplement had higher levels of omega-3 in their blood. They also reported generally feeling healthier. 

The researchers found that the people who had taken the fish oil had “significantly improved cognitive depression.”iv 

Take the Right Kind of Fish Oil 

Most fish oils are made with a cheap, fast manufacturing process that yields something called an ethyl ester (EE). This kind of fish oil is less bioavailable. Labels of EE fish oil often say the product is derived from “marine oil concentrate.”v 

Instead, look for brands that contain the triglyceride form of fish oil. It should be noted on the label. 

A high-quality fish oil will also be relatively free of any fishy tastes or smells. The oil should relatively translucent and free of cloudiness. 

You’re more likely to find quality fish oil supplements at health food stores and online than at drug stores and supermarkets. 

Don’t let the holiday spirit wreck your mental health. If you have depression that peaks around the holidays, taking vinegar and fish oil may be natural ways to help lift your mood. 

Editor’s Note: Discover natural, non-drug methods to transform your health. Read our monthly journal, Independent Healing. It’s your best source for unbiased, evidence-based medical information. Get all the details HERE. 

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