Sunday, October 27, 2013

Natural Supplements For Anxiety - 4 Supplements That Can Help

By Mary R. Joyce


There are many natural supplements for anxiety and some are way more effective than others. Aromatherapy and water therapy are all very popular alternative treatments for anxiety but which herbs for anxiety are the best? Lavender.This herb is synonymous with relaxation and when it comes to coping with anxiety, lavender is an essential herb that anybody who suffers from panic disorder should try and utilize. It is one of the most popular herbs from ancient times and was often used to mask smells and keep insects away. These days, it's used to treat insomnia and panic disorder.

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:

Valerian Root (Valeriana Officinalis).Valerian Root is another herbal supplement that is highly regarded for its calming abilities. The root of the plant is ground and used either is tea or pill form. The tea is extremely pungent for people with sensitivity to taste it may be a bit hard to swallow. The pills are generally is gel cap form and are easy to take. Valerian root is thought of as a general sedative and is used to treat both anxiety and insomnia. There are no known side effects, but patients should be careful is they are mixing it with other sedative based prescriptions. This is another herbal supplement that increases the production of GABA in the brain.

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.

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.

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.

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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