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Exercise Is As Effective As Using Drugs To Treat Depression

By Aqiyl Aniys | March 12th, 2015 | Modified - March 12th, 2015

Is Exercise Or Drugs Better For Treating Depression?

Doctors often prescribe drugs to their patients to combat depression, even though many studies have shown exercise is as effective as using drugs to treat depression. Being quick to prescribe drugs to treat major depressive disorders (MDD) only reinforces laziness and a drug dependent society, when there is a viable natural alternative that doesn’t present with the side-effects of drug use.

One particular study did a great job of covering all the variables that would otherwise leave room for people to attack the study’s validity and reliability. The results showed exercise was as effective in treating MDD as the use of prescription drugs was.

202 adults were divided into three treatment groups. The first group was made up of individuals who exercised on their own home. The second group participated participated in group exercise. The third group received anti-depressant medication. The study showed the results of the three group were comparable in forcing the depression into remission.

Looking at a wide range of studies done on exercise’s effect on depression they range from exercise having a moderate antidepressant effect on depression, to a large antidepressant effect on depression.

Besides avoiding the dependency and side effects of drug use, exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, increase energy, promotes weight loss, and stimulates the brain, so doctors should strongly encourage and prescribe exercise to patients suffering from depression.

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Sources:
[1] J A Blumethal, M A Babyak, P M Doraiswamy, L Walkins, B M Hoffman, K A Barbour, S Herman, W E Craighead, A L Brosse, R Waugh, A Hinderliter, A Sherwood. Exercise and pharmacotherapy in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Psychosom Med. 2007 Sep-Oct;69(7):587-96.
[2] U F Malt. Exercise in the treatment of major depressive disorder: still a long way to go. Psychosom Med. 2008 Feb;70(2):263; author reply 264-5.
[3] P J Carek, S E Laibstain, S M Carek. Exercise for the treatment of depression and anxiety. Int J Psychiatry Med. 2011;41(1):15-28.

Tags: exercise cures depression, exercise helps depression, natural cures for depression

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About Author: Aqiyl Aniys

Aqiyl Aniys is the author of the book Alkaline Herbal Medicine, the Alkaline Plant Based Diet book, and the children's book, Faith and Justice eat an Alkaline Plant Based Diet." He received a certificate in plant-based nutrition from Cornell University, a BA in Organizational Behavior and Communications from NYU, worked as an elementary school teacher, and studied social work. He enjoys boxing, kick boxing, cycling, power walking, and basically anything challenging, and his alkaline plant-based diet supports all that he does. Learn more about transitioning to avegan diet using the Dr. Sebi nutritional guide.