Stress, depression, and anxiety are all heavily linked with one another, and are all far more common than you may have realised. Anxiety for example, can virtually cripple a person, clouding their brains and preventing them from thinking clearly or from functioning. Some people suffer from general day to day anxiety, whilst others suffer from anxiety attacks and panic attacks brought on by certain situations and circumstances. Anxiety is perhaps most commonly characterized by symptoms including: feelings of helplessness, irritability, being restless, feeling tense, not being able to relax, feeling overly worried, and not being able to think clearly. Now, we all experience these feelings and these emotions from time to time, but sadly, those that suffer with anxiety will have to live with them on a regular, often daily, basis. If left untreated, anxiety can destroy lives and can lead to other, potentially fatal conditions including depression. What may initially start as anxiety, could eventually go on to full-blown depression, culminating, sadly, in an individual feeling as if they have no choice other than to end their own life. If you, or anybody you know, suffers from anxiety however, the good news is that it can be treated and addressed head on, particularly with the use of natural supplements. To help emphasize this point, here’s a look at the top 6 supplements for anxiety.
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D3 has been found to be one of the most effective vitamin supplements for dealing with conditions such as anxiety and depression, as experts have linked vitamin D3 deficiencies with conditions including stress, anxiety, and depression. The main reason why vitamin D3 has been found to be so effective at treating anxiety, and other similar conditions too for that matter, is the fact that it helps to stimulate the natural production of a chemical known as serotonin within our bodies. Serotonin is a hormone which promotes elevations in mood, feelings of relaxation, feelings of happiness, and sleep. The thing to remember with vitamin D3 for anxiety however, is that it is not a fast-acting supplement and so can take several weeks, even months, until you begin to see and feel differences and improvements. Be wary of consuming too much because overconsumption can lead to elevated calcium levels within the blood, which can be dangerous.
Trace mineral supplements
Trace mineral supplements have also been found to be incredibly beneficial for treating anxiety, and considering the fact that there are so many to choose from, each one will benefit you in a slightly different way. Common examples include: zinc, calcium, magnesium, iron, potassium, and zinc. Calcium in the right dosages is especially beneficial because it has mild sedative effects. Magnesium is also very useful as it contains compounds which help to reduce feelings of nervousness. Zinc supplements are also great examples of anti-anxiety supplements as they help to calm and suppress the nervous system and can therefore help to regulate and balance hormones.
B Vitamins
Numerous studies conducted over the years, have also linked deficiencies in B vitamins with imbalances in mood, which is especially worrying as it can be tough for people to get enough B vitamins inside their bodies on a daily basis. Vegetarians are especially at risk because many dietary sources of B vitamins are found in meat, fish, and seafood. Common examples of the best dietary sources include: oysters, clams, and liver. In particular, two of the most beneficial examples of B vitamins include: folate and vitamin B6. These both help to stimulate the natural production of “happy chemicals” including dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin. These are known as “happy chemicals” because they help to elevate a person’s mood, helping to make them feel happy, confident, relaxed, and content with life.
Glycine
This amino acid has been proven on numerous occasions, to not only help to beat stress and anxiety, but to also help promote a healthy, relaxed, good night’s sleep as well, which again, will have a positive knock-on effect for beating anxiety. In the olden days, glycine was commonly consumed in food form, as it is present in parts of animals which were once eaten, but nowadays are considered gross. Common examples include: Pigs trotters, chicken feet, cartilage, and bone marrow. Although you can still purchase all of the above, most people would much rather consume glycine in supplement form, and we wouldn’t blame them in the slightest.
Omega 3 supplements
When it comes to healthy supplements, omega 3 fatty acids are consistently ranked amongst the best in the entire world, and it’s very easy to see and understand why as well. Omega 3 fatty acid supplements help to enhance brain health and function, which is especially beneficial as many chemicals and hormones responsible for elevating our moods and helping us to relax and feel good, are produced in, yes, you guessed it, the brain. Not only do they promote brain health and function, they also help to promote overall health and general well-being as well, improving the function of countless other major organs.
St John’s Wort
St John’s Wort, due to its natural anti-depressant and anti-anxiety properties, is often referred to as “herbal Prozac” and is, without question, one of the most effective natural herbal supplements for treating anxiety and other similar conditions. The supplement contains two active chemicals known as: hyperforin, and hypericin and it is these chemicals which help make it so effective. They get to work in chemical receptors within the brain which are responsible for our mood. In simple terms, the chemicals found in St John’s Wort, help to elevate our mood, improve our mental clarity and focus, increase the production of natural endorphins and hormones responsible for feeling good, and can even help to promote a good night’s sleep.
