What's a good combination of supplements to combat anxiety?
Posted by pano | Under Medicinal Herbs Saturday Sep 4, 2010I just need to know if anyone is taking only supplements (no herbs or meds) to combat anxiety and how well its works for them..I read that vitamin b-complex and c is among the recommended ones…preferably if you can list it down with recommended dosages and any specific brand if it applies..thanks
Biochemical pathway to serotonin aka depression and anxiety free central lol:
http://www.understand-andcure-anxietyattacks-panicattacks-depression.com/5-htp.html
Yes the B complex vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, iron, calcium and an amino acid from foods called tryptophan are all needed to make serotonin. I would recommend any vitamin that is in liquid form. Effervescent tablets, oral sprays, liquids, syrups. Absorption wise around 90 – 100% compared to tablets and capsules 0 – 10%.
I personally use supradyn effervescent tablets (is synthetic however), under the tongue calcium spray, under the tongue B12 spray and vitamin D drops (activates the immune system). I have read about an effervescent tablet called alive with all natural ingredients which is always better than synthetic.
Tryptophan:
http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=103
Alive:
http://www.iherb.com/nature-s-way-alive-effervescent-lemon-lime-flavor-15-single-serve-packets/1893?at=0
Vitamist:
http://www.vitamist.com/
Vitamin B’s are great for anxiety. You mentioned no herbs so I’m not sure this is what you’re looking for or not, but I suggest a supplement called Panicyl. It has both herbs and vitamins that all work well for anxiety. It is natural and non drug. I use it and love it. Good luck to you.
St. John’s Wort and Passionflower are excellent herbs for depression, stress and anxiety. Certain tissue salts are also extremely effective as homeopathic brain and nerve tonics. They include natrium sulphate and kalium Phosphate.
It is known that our body rapidly uses up reserves of vitamin C when under stress. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, blackcurrant, vegetables (broccoli, potatoes), red capsicums and chillies, strawberry, kiwifruit, rockmelon, orange juice and cranberry juice.
Vitamin B6 is believed to work in the brain similar to valium-like drugs – hence its importance in your diet as food or as supplement. Good dietary sources of vitamin B6 are chicken, turkey, tuna, salmon, shrimp, beef liver, lentils, soybeans, nuts, avocados, bananas, carrots, brown rice, bran, pulses, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, and whole-grain flour.
Avoid common food allergens are dairy, soy, citrus, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, fish, wheat, fish, eggs, corn, food colorings, and additives.
Acupuncture, Biofeedback and Hypnosis are other alternative treatments which have shown promise in the treatment for anxiety.
For some intriguing takes on depression and anxiety, visit http://www.healthherbsandnutrition.com/remedies/a/anxiety.htm
As an anxiety & panic disorder sufferer, I can tell you that I HAVE TRIED IT ALL. Ginko, St. Johns wort, valerian, even Kava. Breathing exercises, meditation, visualization, coupled with giving up coffee and other sources of caffeine, and I still got panic attacks.
The problem is that it is somewhat physically related and much more psychologically related. There is a PANIC SPIRAL that happens in virtually everyone who ever experiences and suffers from panic attacks. If you can come to recognize, realize, and derail that spiral…you will not have panic attacks.
I know how you feel. I suffered from panic attacks for over 15 years, and in the beginning it was mainly severe nervousness, worrying that I would embarrass myself in public, etc. That escalated to claustrophobia and being in and on tunnels & bridges, and worst of all – in an airplane.
Then came the full-blown, heart pounding, head spinning, terrified for no reason panic attacks.
I could not figure out what was happening, because when you’re in the panic cycle you don’t get a popup box that says "YOU ARE HAVING A PANIC ATTACK!" You just feel (or I did anyway) like you’re going crazy.
YOU ARE NOT GOING CRAZY.
A psychiatrist friend said something that really made an impact for me. She said, "Nadia, crazy does not have a map! Crazy people are crazy in all situations, not just when they’re driving or in an enclosed space." She diagnosed me as having panic disorder.
Here’s what she suggested I try. It worked for me. It was cheaper than a single visit to a therapist.
I hope it’ll work for you too!