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.
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.
Rhodiloa Rosea.Rhodiola Rosea is and herbal supplement that is native to the colder regions of the world. It reached popularity is Russia as a supplement that assisting in helping the population deal with the cold Siberian climate. It is generally sold in pill or capsule form. The root is the part of the plant that is used when manufacturing the herbal supplement. Rhodiola Rosea is highly effective as an anti-depressant. It is believed that this herbal compound adjusts the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. It may also act as an MAO inhibitor. Side effects of this herb are unknown. A doctor should be consulted before adding this supplement to the diet.
Centrophenoxine/Meclofenoxate - Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors reduce the break down of acetylcholine, an essential transmitter involved not only in muscular function and other somatic (bodily) aspects, but also in cognitive processes such as memory. Additionally, this supplement was proposed to cause up-regulation (increase in density) of dopamine receptors through a compensatory mechanism (inhibits release of dopamine resulting in sensitization of corresponding receptor sites - thus the effects arising from this mechanism will only be felt after the cessation from chronic administration). Overall an interesting nootropic, which helps with focus and the consolidation of new information into long-term memory. Piracetam - Another nootropic from the racetam family that improves cognition. It acts as a positive allosteric modulator of the NMDA glutamate receptor, which proved essential in learning and memory. Dissociative drugs such as Ketamine are NMDA antagonist placing them opposite to piracetam and since depersonalization is a form of dissociation it might prove to be helpful. 1.2g - 12g is a typical dose range. Efficiency varies among individuals so you will have to find the right dose for you. Combines well with Aniracetam, Lecithin, AlphaGPC, Centrophenoxine because they work in synergy.
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan).5-HTP is an amino acid. It occurs naturally is foods such as turkey, milk, and pumpkins. It is metabolized in the body and turned into the chemical Tryptophan. This chemical is thought to increase production of Serotonin and Melatonin in the brain, both of which are highly effective mood stabilizers. 5-HTP can be found in capsule form and added as a dietary supplement. There are no known side effects and it is generally thought of as being safe.
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.
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.
[Supplements For Anxiety]
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.
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.
Rhodiloa Rosea.Rhodiola Rosea is and herbal supplement that is native to the colder regions of the world. It reached popularity is Russia as a supplement that assisting in helping the population deal with the cold Siberian climate. It is generally sold in pill or capsule form. The root is the part of the plant that is used when manufacturing the herbal supplement. Rhodiola Rosea is highly effective as an anti-depressant. It is believed that this herbal compound adjusts the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. It may also act as an MAO inhibitor. Side effects of this herb are unknown. A doctor should be consulted before adding this supplement to the diet.
Centrophenoxine/Meclofenoxate - Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors reduce the break down of acetylcholine, an essential transmitter involved not only in muscular function and other somatic (bodily) aspects, but also in cognitive processes such as memory. Additionally, this supplement was proposed to cause up-regulation (increase in density) of dopamine receptors through a compensatory mechanism (inhibits release of dopamine resulting in sensitization of corresponding receptor sites - thus the effects arising from this mechanism will only be felt after the cessation from chronic administration). Overall an interesting nootropic, which helps with focus and the consolidation of new information into long-term memory. Piracetam - Another nootropic from the racetam family that improves cognition. It acts as a positive allosteric modulator of the NMDA glutamate receptor, which proved essential in learning and memory. Dissociative drugs such as Ketamine are NMDA antagonist placing them opposite to piracetam and since depersonalization is a form of dissociation it might prove to be helpful. 1.2g - 12g is a typical dose range. Efficiency varies among individuals so you will have to find the right dose for you. Combines well with Aniracetam, Lecithin, AlphaGPC, Centrophenoxine because they work in synergy.
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan).5-HTP is an amino acid. It occurs naturally is foods such as turkey, milk, and pumpkins. It is metabolized in the body and turned into the chemical Tryptophan. This chemical is thought to increase production of Serotonin and Melatonin in the brain, both of which are highly effective mood stabilizers. 5-HTP can be found in capsule form and added as a dietary supplement. There are no known side effects and it is generally thought of as being safe.
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.
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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