Tuesday 9 July 2013

Natural Supplements For Anxiety - 4 Supplements That Can Help

By Adrian M. Felton


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.

St. John's Wort (Hypericum Perforatum).St. Johns Wort is one of the herbal supplements that is frequently compared to prescription based drugs such as Prozac. It is generally available for purchase in pill, tea or tinctures. St. John's Wort has been widely tested for its properties as an anti-depressant and sedative. It is frequently used to treated mild forms or depression and anxiety, and is especially useful is children and young adults. Speaking with a doctor before taking St. John's Wort is highly recommended. It has been known to interact with some prescription drugs such as birth control, rendering them ineffective.

Because calcium and magnesium promote relaxation and calmness, supplements should be taken before bed to avoid drowsiness. Likewise, calcium and magnesium can be naturally added to the body by consuming dairy products, green leafy vegetables and whole-grain cereals.For betterment of cognition/improving focus and mental stamina,Alpha GPC (choline) - A more potent supply of choline, as compared to lecithin. It is a great auxiliary substance to piracetam, which depletes acetylcholine, ergo adequate transmission will be maintained.Aniracetam - A nootropic (memory/learning enhancing) dietary supplement that is immensely useful when your thinking is obscured by anxiety. Depersonalization often causes brain fog and therefore I found it to be a helpful implement when learning/working. Furthermore it also exhibited anxiolytic properties in laboratory mice via action on dopamine. Take 2 - 3 750mg pills daily.

Winter Cherry (Withania Somnifera).Winter cherry is an herbal supplement that comes from India. It is sometimes referred to as Ashwaganha. The root of the plant is powered and sold in pill form. This plant is used to treat both depression and anxiety. There are no known side effects for this herbal supplement. It is not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing. People who are taking MAO inhibitors should also avoid this supplement.

For thousands of years certain herbs such as passion flower, lemon balm, lavender, valerian, and St. John's wort have been used to relieve anxiety and stress and promote emotional wellness. They seem to be at their most effective when used in as part of full spectrum approach to healing. What full spectrum refers to is a combination of mind and body healing which may include yoga, deep breathing and exercise to provide a backdrop for successfully achieving results.

Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid).Vitamin C occurs naturally is fresh fruits. It is often used to protect the body from illness. Research had shown that deficiencies in vitamin C may cause mental disease and anxiety. This vitamin can be found in a variety of forms such as pill and liquid. Often foods are enriched with vitamin C to promote health. There are no known risk associated with vitamin C. It is a water soluble vitamin and the risk of overdose is low.

Vitamin B complex is a group of vitamins that are necessary for the body to function. This complex is generally found in pill form. Since Vitamin B complex is a water soluble group of vitamins, the risk of overdose is low. This group of vitamins had a broad effect on the bodies health. Deficiencies have been linked with mental illnesses such as Depression and Bipolar disorder. When paired with Vitamin C, as well as Magnesium and Zinc, Vitamin B complex has proved to drastically reduce depression.

Once you have decided to take the challenge and try one of the many supplements for anxiety and stress you will be faced with many different choices. For me those containing passion flower or lavender seem to work the best for daily daytime use. Valerian root on the other hand creates drowsiness, so unless you are looking for a sleep remedy valerian should be excluded.Also, there are both liquid and tablet formulas. Without a doubt the liquid formula will get into your system faster, and are more appropriate for unexpected stressors. But ultimately it is a personal choice with both types of herbal remedies for anxiety and stress shown to achieve excellent results.




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