Vitamin Supplements - A Natural Approach To Fighting Anxiety

By Gerda J. Worth


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.

How to use it: Best used in its essential oil in inhalation therapy or massage therapy, lavender can be obtained from any herbalist or natural supplement store. You can even grown your own and use the crushed, dried flowers underneath your pillow to aid sleep.Linden.Linden is popular in Greek myths and the dried flowers of this herb are fragrant and have calming and even sedative properties. It has a positive effect on the digestive system - something which will be very beneficial if your panic disorder has caused you some discomfort.

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.

How to use it: The herb can be dried and you can eat half a gram three to four times a day. You can mix it in with some muesli and yoghurt since it doesn't taste that great. Alternatively, passion flower can be made into a tea of which you can drink a few cups a day.Chamomile.Another age old herbal supplement which also helps eases your tense muscles which are often a result of stress. It's tasty and because of it being so readily available it is very popular for people with panic disorder and those who suffer from insomnia or even night terrors.

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.

Relaxation,GABA - A supplement that is essential in regulating anxiety, GABA in this supplement form, does not readily cross the blood brain barrier (BBB) in lower doses. Nevertheless, it indirectly calms you down (the exact mechanism is yet to be elucidated, but as the name suggest it might be involved in regulation of the inhibitory transmitter GABA). Majority of our brain has an inhibitory role not a productive one, when there is lack of inhibition anxiety and/or other symptoms often arise as a result of information overload. Once or twice a day of 750mg should be enough (morning/evening before sleep). This dose can be exceeded, but in such cases it may have paradoxical effects and work against you by increasing anxiety.

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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