Postpartum Ayurvedic Medicine Experts Suggest These Tips For Battling Depression

By Charles Roberts


Experts say that up to 80 percent of new mothers suffer from postpartum depression or PPD. Mild cases of it tend to last for about a few weeks only, while moderate to severe ones may linger for several months. According to mental health authorities, PPD is brought about by hormonal imbalance which eventually resolves on its own. Below are some of the most recommended tips by postpartum ayurvedic medicine experts on beating PPD naturally.

Have plenty of sun. Vitamin D is a mood lifting vitamin, and it can be obtained from the sun free of charge. Up to 3 times a week, a woman who is experiencing PPD should stay under the sun for 20 to 30 minutes. However, it's not a good idea for her to do so between 10 am and 4 pm because it can increase her risk of having deadly skin cancer and also unsightly premature aging signs.

Exercise on a regular basis. A few reasons exist why exercising is great for a woman who just gave birth. First, it enables her to lose that baby weight. Second, it increases the levels of happy hormones in the brain. Lastly, mild to moderate exercise helps deal with stress that all new mothers tend to experience.

Take herbal teas. All kinds of herbal teas are proven effective for battling depression. Some really well known examples are lavender, chamomile and lemon balm. Breastfeeding women, however, are encouraged to first ask their doctors if it's safe for them to consume herbal teas for PPD alleviation.

Use essential oils. Numerous scientific investigations have shown that certain smells have mood altering properties. This is why some essential oils can actually help in the management of depression. A woman who is suffering from PPD may try using the likes of roman chamomile, lavender, grapefruit, sandalwood, basil, rose, jasmine and orange essential oils. Employing them can be done in a number of ways, such as via diffusion, direct inhalation or massages.

Include oily fish types in the diet. Salmon, tuna, mackerel and other oily fish kinds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids, which is a nutrient revered for its mood regulating abilities. Fish oil capsules are also packed with those omega 3 fatty acids. A new mom, however, should first get the go signal of her doctor if she is planning on popping a fish oil capsule in her mouth daily in order to beat PPD naturally.

Steer clear of processed foods. Hormonal imbalance that causes PPD can be worsened by certain chemicals found in processed food products. It's for this reason why new moms should focus on eating whole foods. Definitely, having fresh fruits and vegetables regularly can help in reinstating normal hormone balance.

Have enough sleep. Insomnia is a problem that tends to bug a lot of mothers who have babies to take care of. It's a must for them to look for ways to obtain lots of restorative sleep especially if they have PPD. Failure to get a good night's sleep can cause their depression to stay around longer than usual.




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