Vitamin Supplements - A Natural Approach To Fighting Anxiety

By Arthur M. Taylor


Anxiety and depression are common disorders that many people suffer from. Doctors and scientists will agree that good nutrition and the right combination of vitamins and supplements can reduce or even alleviate the need for prescription based medications. There are several different supplements that may help bring anxiety under control. All of these supplements can be purchased over the counter without a prescription. Consulting a health professional before taking any new supplements is always recommended, especially if they are going to be added with prescription medication.

Unfortunately, the side effects that accompany these treatments can be just as life altering as the disorder itself. Anti-anxiety medicine has been known to cause drowsiness, short-term memory loss, severe weight gain and nausea. Furthermore, tranquilizers such as Xanax or Ativan are only temporary fixes for intense periods of panic. These drugs have no impact on the essential vitamins and minerals naturally found in the body that can cause anxiety when depleted.Fortunately, there are a variety of natural vitamins and anxiety supplements that can be utilized to restore the body to optimal performance. Each vitamin or supplement listed below is a safe and natural alternative to traditional SSRI treatment or tranquilizers utilized for stress disorders:

GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).GABA is naturally occurring amino acid that is produced by the brain and acts as a neurotransmitter (the same way SSRI's are intended to do by blocking nerve impulses related to stress and anxiety). When GABA is depleted in the brain due to poor diet or stress, the nerves tend to "over-fire," thus causing anxiety, panic and stress.The simple way to correct this condition is by taking GABA supplements found at any health food store or vitamin supplier. In addition, research shows that replenishing GABA to the brain can also help fight depression, insomnia or other neurological conditions.

B Vitamins.Supplementing the body with B-vitamins is essential for any person suffering with anxiety on a regular basis. Research shows that low levels of B-vitamins such as B-9 and B-12 are directly linked to mood changes and depression.Furthermore, B-vitamins enhance and support the neurotransmitters in the brain such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine - all which have a direct effect on stress.Complete B-vitamin supplements can be purchased at your local health food store or obtained naturally by eating whole-grain cereals, bread, red meat, egg yolks, green leafy vegetables, legumes, sweet corn, brown rice, berries and yeast.Calcium and Magnesium.Calcium and Magnesium are natural remedies for brining the body back to a calm and de-stressed state. Calcium is a natural tranquilizer, while low levels of magnesium in the body is have been linked to increased stress, tension, nervousness and intense periods of anxiety and panic.

How to use it: Chamomile tea is available in almost all supermarkets and can be taken before bed time to help you sleep soundly.Supplements for anxiety and stress can be an all natural way of dealing with the daily stressors that can interfere with an individual's ability to live life to the fullest. Supplements for anxiety and stress work with your body to smooth out the rough edges of life in a seamlessly effortless way, free from the side effects so often associated with popular prescription medications.

For some of you the idea of supplements for anxiety and stress may be a new idea. Perhaps a friend mentioned that they have had success with these all natural approaches, or maybe a co-worker or family member hinted this might be something to consider. Whatever the reason gaining a better understanding of supplements for anxiety and stress will help you know how to get the most benefit, all the while knowing what to expect.

Fatigue relief,BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acids) - Comprised of 3 amino acids: Valin, Leucine and Isoleucine. This supplement will find its use not only in body-builders who are looking to gain some muscle tissue, but also in those struggling with fatigue and depression. Because Amino Acids are essential to protein synthesis, which make up almost every cell and structure in our bodies, it can't hurt to provide yourself with the bodily structural basis. Works great in alleviating physical exhaustion/fatigue, which is inherent to depression and anxiety.Rhodiola Rosea - a plant based supplement, which is thought to alter the levels of serotonin and dopamine to our mood's favor through monoamine oxidase inhibition (enzyme breaking down neurotransmitters). This plant has been used in Siberian and Scandinavian countries for centuries to alleviate stress and depression. If it has helped people in such desolate climates and conditions its beneficial properties shall not be ignored. The active ingredients of this plant, rosavins, provide among the abovementioned reduction in fatigue by increasing your mental and physical stamina as well making it a great aid in depression and exercise.

Recently a yoga master was asked how long it took him to wash away his anxiety daily. Much to our surprise the answer was five minutes! Now we all can't be yoga masters but this example is a poignant reminder of the awesome power of the mind when harnessed by a true professional. On the other hand out of control tension and stress can throw a wet blanket over anyone who allows it to control them.

Lecithin - Not only does it reduce the frequency and severity of migraines, but it also helps you to achieve an overall calm state of mind. I found it to be outstanding in reducing panic attacks which many people report along with depersonalization. The cholinergic system is involved in memory and learning among myriad other sympathetic and parasympathetic responses. Therefore lecithin, being a precursor to acetylcholine, will positively address cognitive impairments such as brain fog.L-theanine - Extract from green tea that evokes a focused state of relaxation without making you tired or overly stimulated. Along with its nootropic properties it is also a worthy mood-enhancer. 400-800mg daily should do the job.Improvement without noticeable sedation/stimulation,Vitamin B - chronic supplementation of b-complex has been shown to reduce work related stress in addition to attenuating confusion and depression. I recommend using the sublingual form if accessible due to its high bioavailability. It is difficult to overdose on B-vitamin since it is water-soluble, so don't be afraid to incorporate it into your daily diet.

Omega 3-6 - also known as fish oil, this dietary supplement supplies plenty of benefits to not only psychiatric patients suffering from anxiety by reducing its symptoms, but also by actively involving in prevention of cancer, inflammation and depression.Magnesium - deficiency can precipitate depression and anxiety so make sure to keep proper levels in check. Usually magnesium is contained, in sufficient daily amounts, in green vegetables, but if you need immediate relief magnesium can act as a gateway to sleep and calmness.Zinc - zinc levels on its own are rarely relevant, more important is the zinc-copper ratio that determines functions necessary in keeping a healthy mindset. A low zinc:copper ratio has been correlated with autism and increased prevalence of violent behavior. Furthermore, zinc has been identified in some neurons (specifically in synaptic vesicles) where it might aid cognitive functions.Although supplements can be of great help when treating anxiety, they are not the only possibility and nor are they the most effective approach compared to techniques such as exercise, meditation, exposure therapy, and so on. Consider supplements as catalysts to attaining better mental health and for maximum effects interweave their use with other methods suited for anxiety relief.




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2 comments:

  1. I'm glad to have found this post on natural anxiety supplements as its such an interesting one! I am always on the lookout for quality posts and articles so I suppose I'm lucky to have found this! I hope you will be adding more in the future.

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