Monday, October 21, 2013

Supplements For Relieving Anxiety

By Cheryl P. Rivera


For most anxiety suffers, traditional treatments (including drug therapy and psychotherapy) serve as a Band-Aid, but never fully correct the physiological imbalance that causes anxiety in the first place. Fortunately, natural approaches exist to fight stress by replenishing the body of essential vitamins and supplements missing from the brain or nervous system.Anxiety may surface in a variety of forms, ranging from brief discomfort and uneasiness to full-blown panic disorder. Depending on the patient's condition, sufferers will generally be prescribed SSRI's (selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors) such as Zoloft or Lexapro, in addition to a tranquilizer such as Xanax or Ativan to control attacks.

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.

B Vitamins.Supplementing the body with B-vitamins is essential for any person suffering with anxiety on a regular basis. Research shows that low levels of B-vitamins such as B-9 and B-12 are directly linked to mood changes and depression.Furthermore, B-vitamins enhance and support the neurotransmitters in the brain such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine - all which have a direct effect on stress.Complete B-vitamin supplements can be purchased at your local health food store or obtained naturally by eating whole-grain cereals, bread, red meat, egg yolks, green leafy vegetables, legumes, sweet corn, brown rice, berries and yeast.Calcium and Magnesium.Calcium and Magnesium are natural remedies for brining the body back to a calm and de-stressed state. Calcium is a natural tranquilizer, while low levels of magnesium in the body is have been linked to increased stress, tension, nervousness and intense periods of anxiety and panic.

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.

Fatigue relief,BCAA (Branched Chain Amino Acids) - Comprised of 3 amino acids: Valin, Leucine and Isoleucine. This supplement will find its use not only in body-builders who are looking to gain some muscle tissue, but also in those struggling with fatigue and depression. Because Amino Acids are essential to protein synthesis, which make up almost every cell and structure in our bodies, it can't hurt to provide yourself with the bodily structural basis. Works great in alleviating physical exhaustion/fatigue, which is inherent to depression and anxiety.Rhodiola Rosea - a plant based supplement, which is thought to alter the levels of serotonin and dopamine to our mood's favor through monoamine oxidase inhibition (enzyme breaking down neurotransmitters). This plant has been used in Siberian and Scandinavian countries for centuries to alleviate stress and depression. If it has helped people in such desolate climates and conditions its beneficial properties shall not be ignored. The active ingredients of this plant, rosavins, provide among the abovementioned reduction in fatigue by increasing your mental and physical stamina as well making it a great aid in depression and exercise.

Recently a yoga master was asked how long it took him to wash away his anxiety daily. Much to our surprise the answer was five minutes! Now we all can't be yoga masters but this example is a poignant reminder of the awesome power of the mind when harnessed by a true professional. On the other hand out of control tension and stress can throw a wet blanket over anyone who allows it to control them.

A full spectrum approach to healing and relaxing the mind and body may produce a number of additional benefits such as supporting nervous system health, balancing out emotions from those minor unforeseen daily challenges, boosting immune system function, and help in promoting and maintaining a positive outlook. This is in sharp contrast to the headaches, withdrawal symptoms, and stomach upset often associated with prescription medications.

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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