Unchecked Stress Can Take Years Off Your Life
Chronic stress affects our physical health, our mental health, and ultimately, our mortality. Emotional stress is especially damaging.
While stress is pervasive, there are ways to mitigate its effects. Besides practicing mindfulness or deep breathing regularly, eating a healthy diet and getting good exercise, several herbal supplements and vitamins have been shown to help alleviate stress and its symptoms.
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Get The Nutrients Naturally
Dark-green, leafy vegetables, like spinach, kale and chard, contain plenty of calming magnesium as well as good amounts of the B vitamins. Whole, unrefined grains like oats, buckwheat, millet and quinoa also contain both magnesium and B vitamins.
Many high-magnesium foods are also a good source of calcium, especially spinach, turnip greens, mustard greens, collard greens, green beans and sea vegetables. Other sources of calcium include dairy products, sardines, sesame seeds, broccoli and celery. The herbs basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, dill and peppermint are also good sources of calcium, as is cinnamon.
Natural Vitamins For Anxiety
Its a well-established, scientific fact that what you eat can dramatically impact your mood. Nutritional deficiencies can exacerbate mental health disorders, while a nutritionally complete diet can help alleviate symptoms. Certain natural vitamins or vitamins obtained by consuming whole foods are thought to positively affect anxiety. While most natural vitamins also exist in supplement form, theyre more effectively absorbed by the body when ingested by eating whole foods.
Some of the most common natural vitamins for anxiety include:
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Herbal Remedies For Anxiety And Panic Attacks
From occasional circumstantial anxiety like the stomach butterflies you get before an important event, performance triggered nerves, or going-to-the-dentist jitters to full-blown generalized anxiety disorders with panic attacks and debilitating phobias, there are many different types of anxiety. And, thankfully, there are many different types of herbs and plant medicine that can help with anxiety.
But before we get to the solutions, its important to recognize that anxiety is real. With a multitude of guises, it can present itself in your life as insomnia, depressions, fatigue, addiction self-medication, job or relationship paralysis, and more. In many cases, it can be fleeting natural even, to feel anxious before, say, your wedding, or the birth of your child, or in the midst of a major life change. However, chronic anxiety is not meant to be a daily part of the human experience and can lead to stress which leads to cortisol dysregulation that can eventually impact not just your emotional well-being but your physical health as well.
If you have anxiety, you know its no joke to feel that something is constantly holding you back or that the sky is going to fall in on you at any second. You know how much it can impact enjoying your life.
The most prevailing antidote? Pharmaceuticals.
Kirkland Signature Vitamin E 400 Iu 500 Softgels
This product offers the best value for the money. It is an anti-oxidant vitamin supplement that helps reduce anxiety and depression. Vitamin E can help improve heart health by offering protection to LDL cholesterol from oxidation, which could otherwise lead to cellular damage. Vitamin E helps improve your overall health in many ways by maintaining and supporting a healthy immune system, cognitive function, eye health, and skin health.
These soft gels are easy to swallow and provide great value for the money. One bottle will last a long time, as you only need to take one soft gel each day. Some people even puncture the soft gel and add the supplement to their pets food.
Pros
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Best B12 Vitamins To Use As A Supplement
According to Dr. Edward Group, there are four types of B12 supplements.
Methylcobalamin or the most active B12 in the body, protects the cardiovascular or nervous systems.
Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic version of the vitamin.
Hydroxocobalamin is created by bacteria, and is most often found if food sources of B12. It converts to methylcobalamin in the body.
Adenosylcobalamin is the least stable of all four forms.
Because vitamin B12 is often not absorbed from food sources, when taking the supplement, it is best to choose the most absorbable kind, which is methylcobalamin.
One natural, non-GMO B12 supplement is affordably sold by MegaFoods. If you are interested in a liquid kind instead, there is also vegan methylcobalamin B12 by the Garden of Life.
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Ranking The Best Supplements For Anxiety Of 2021
Supplements for anxiety address the underlying causes of anxiety and do so in an effective, non-addictive fashion.
Unlike prescription meds for anxiety, anxiety supplements are virtually free of side effects. In addition, many provide secondary benefits for the heart, bones, brain, and more.
There are scores of different supplements on the market today claiming to deliver anxiety relief. After many long hours of research, we determined that the following are the best supplements for anxiety of 2021.
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Vitamins & Panic Attacks
If youve ever experienced a panic attack, you probably live in tremendous fear of the next. Panic attacks can feel like youre having a heart attack or dying. While vitamins are not a cure, certain nutrients may alleviate anxiety and possibly decrease the frequency of panic attacks. If you suffer from panic attacks, consult your doctor rather than attempting to treat the condition with supplements. Discuss any supplements you might be taking with your doctor, as supplements may cause interactions with certain medications.
Crucial Foods To Avoid
There are foods that help anxiety, but just as important is making sure that you’re not eating foods that contribute to anxiety. Examples of these types of foods include fried foods, high glycemic carbs, refined sugars, and alcoholic beverages.
Other foods depend on how much you understand you own anxiety. If you have panic attacks, you may want to avoid coffee, because coffee can increase your heart rate and trigger an attack. But if you have more general anxiety, coffee may actually be beneficial. Many find that caffeine , can actually reduce stress and improve mood.
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American Standard Valerian Root
In contrast to its pungently aromatic origin, Valerian is a graceful flower with a sweet fragrance. Although the roots have a strong odour, they have been used in traditional Western herbalism for centuries for their health-promoting properties. The dried roots are widely used in herbal preparations and are infused as valerian tea or blended into herbal formulations and herbal tea blends. Valerian root is also available in tincture or capsule form. Valerian capsules are a simple to use preparation that may be beneficial to those with a more refined palate.
If You’re Experiencing High Levels Of Anxiety Consider Working With A Therapist
It’s also helpful to note that feeling nervous or apprehensive is normal even healthy at times. After all, that fight or flight feeling is what incentivizes you to prepare for a work presentation, or makes your palms sweaty before an exciting first date.
But when anxiety runs deeper and feels unshakeable, it can inhibit your ability to function.
If youre concerned that youre experiencing consistently high levels of anxiety, you can work with a therapist to determine the best course of treatment for your needs.
Find therapists who specializes in anxiety below. Search by insurance, fees, and location watch therapist introductory videos and book free initial calls to find the right therapist for you!
New to therapy? Learn about how to find a therapist here.
This article was reviewed by Alison Stone, LCSW, a holistic therapist in New York City who helps clients incorporate elements of nutrition, diet, and sleep to ensure optimal mental and physical well-being.
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The Beauty Chef Hydration Inner Beauty Boost
Probiotics are widely used to help with digestion and immunity issues, but few people are aware that their effects on the brain and mental wellbeing have been studied for years.There are clear links between stress and digestive health, and probiotic supplements contain beneficial bacteria that can help keep things in check. Furthermore, more and more research is emphasising the connection between a balanced gut and cognitive health.
B Vitamins Create Feel
Some of the B vitamins are required for the production of neurotransmitters essential to the ability to relax and maintain a positive state of mind.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is utilized in the synthesis of the stress hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine.
This means that when youre stressed, there is less B6 available to perform its other functions.
For instance, vitamin B6 is essential to the formation of the feel-good neurotransmitters GABA, serotonin, and dopamine.
GABA
GABA is the brain chemical associated with relaxation.
When levels dip low, you may find yourself anxious, overstimulated, and overwhelmed, and youll find it hard to turn off your racing mind.
Serotonin
Serotonin is the happiness molecule.
Low levels of serotonin are linked to negative thinking, anxiety, insomnia, depression, and seasonal affective disorder.
Dopamine
Dopamine helps you get motivated and stay focused.
A low dopamine level will push you to rely on stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, and sugar to get through the day, further adding to your stress.
” Many unhealthy habits that people gravitate to when theyre stressed and anxious alcohol, caffeine, smoking, sugar, and recreational drugs deplete nutrients as well.
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1 is a necessary cofactor for the production of GABA and acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter of memory and learning.
It also strengthens the immune system, helps regulate blood sugar, and improves the ability to withstand stressful conditions.
Vitamin B3
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Natural Vitamins For Anxiety And Panic Attacks
When your heart is pounding, its hard to breathe and it feels like the world is closing in around you, it can be a scary feeling. Youre not alone. Panic attacks are pretty common, one large study looking at the prevalence of panic attacks in the US found that around 28% of people experienced a panic attack at some point during their lifetime although fewer go on to develop panic disorder. Thats what its called when fear of having more panic attacks starts causing problems in a persons life. If youre avoiding places youd like to go because youre afraid of having another panic attack there, thats a sign that panic attacks are becoming a problem. If youre skipping work or school and canceling social plans just so you dont risk having a panic attack, its time to get some help, there may also be benefits in natural vitamins for anxiety and panic attacks.
One final note sometimes people think theyre having a medical emergency and find out theyre having a panic attack. If youve consulted Dr. Google to figure out whats going on with your health and think its anxiety, its important to see a healthcare provider to confirm that theres not a serious underlying medical problem thats triggering the symptoms. Also, that healthcare provider can be a good source of support or put you on the path to finding a good psychotherapist to treat the panic disorder with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy. Check here for a therapist in your area: http://www.findcbt.org/xFAT/
What Are Vitamins
Vitamins are organic compounds that are needed in limited amounts by humans. The majority of vitamins must be obtained from food because the body either does not contain them or produces only a small amount.
Vitamins are organic compounds, meaning they contain carbon. Its also an essential nutrient that the body requires from food.
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When To Seek Help
In some cases, a supplement may be all you need to manage anxiety symptoms. However, if your symptoms are becoming overwhelming or affecting your day-to-day activities or overall quality life, it may be time to ask for help.
Seeking support from a medical or mental health professional can provide you with treatment options tailored to you. This can include talk therapy, medication, or other techniques or remedies.
If the products on this list arent what youre looking for, there are many other options available.
Here are some things to keep in mind when youre searching for a high-quality supplement:
- reputable brand
- certifications
- positive user reviews
Because the FDA doesnt regulate dietary supplements to the same degree as medications, searching for high-quality products is especially important.
Zinc Supplements For Stress
The RDA for zinc is 8 mg for adult women and 11 mg for men per day.
There are many forms of zinc supplements available including zinc orotate, gluconate, acetate, oxide, and sulfate.
Zinc picolinate is commonly recommended as the most absorbable form of zinc, but this is based on one small study where it compared favorably to zinc citrate and zinc gluconate.
Additionally, other studies suggest that any increased absorption is offset by increased elimination.
So currently, there is no consensus about the form of zinc that is most bioavailable.
Be sure to take any zinc supplement with food so that you dont get queasy, and dont exceed the Tolerable Upper Intake Level of 40 mg daily.
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Are Supplements Ok With My Prescriptions
If a doctor diagnosed you with an anxiety disorder, theres a good chance youre taking a prescription drug. Many people with anxiety or depression take drugs known as SSRIs that work by changing your brain chemistry. Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, and Zoloft are common SSRIs.
You should be aware that herbal remedies are not harmless. Adding them to other drugs might cause serious problems. Those problems may include fever, diarrhea, chills, extreme drowsiness, or seizures. Taking vitamins is often OK. To be on the safe side, dont take any supplements before asking your doctor. If you are taking supplements or any over-the-counter medications, make sure to tell you doctor about them.
Vitamins And Minerals For Anxiety And Stress: Take The Next Step
Virtually all vitamins and minerals are important for overall health, mental well-being, and your ability to cope with anxiety and stress.
But a few, specifically the B complex vitamins, vitamin C, and the minerals magnesium and zinc, excel at helping your body offset the negative effects of stress.
Eating a diet that includes a wide variety of fruit and vegetables and some animal foods will help ensure that you get enough of these nutrients.
But if you dont regularly eat as well as you should, consider supplementation.
If you arent sure where to begin, start with a high-quality multivitamin-mineral supplement.
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