Depression is the most frequently searched-for topic online. And no wonder. Those of us that have experienced the depths of clinical depression know just how awful it really is. When you are in the bag, it is hard to think out of the bag. But there is a way out.

Although sometimes initially necessary, commonly prescribed anti-depressants work by blocking or mimicking the body's chemical nerve messengers (neurotransmitters). It is possible nutritionally to encourage the body to make its own natural ones and can be a wonderful alternative to or work in conjunction with medication depending on the degree of depression.

If we are what we eat, then our nerves also depend on what they are fed. Here is tremendous potential for the alleviation of depression and related disorders. Let's explore how it's possible to build better neurotransmitters from within.

1. Building Norepinephrine
   A depletion of the neurotransmitter called norepinephrine may result in poor memory, loss of alertness, and clinical depression. Diets low in vitamin C limit production of norepinephrine. Large doses of vitamin C rich foods have had striking success in elevating mood and memory function.
   
   
2. Building Acetylcholine
   Acetylcholine is the end neurotransmitter of your parasympathetic nerve system. This means that, among other things, it facilitates good digestion, deeper breathing, and slower heart rate. You may perceive its effect as "relaxation." Your body will make its own acetylcholine from choline. Choline is available in the diet as phosphatidyl choline, found in lecithin. Lecithin is found in egg yolks, sunflower and most organic soy products.