Natural Anxiety Supplements Part 3 - Best Vitamins for Stress and Anxiety
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Anxiety Supplements Part 1 - Best Herbal Supplements for Anxiety
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Anxiety Supplements Part 2 - Best Nutritional Supplements For Anxiety
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In additional to nutrients such as omega 3 fatty acids, amino acids and minerals, there are a number of vitamins that have been found to be very helpful for reducing anxiety and stress and improving mood. These vitamins help regulate both our metabolism and the hormones that are responsible for balancing our mood. Supplementing with these vitamins can help us cope better with stressful periods in our lives. In the third part of our series on natural anxiety supplements, we will take a look at the best vitamins for stress and anxiety.
B Vitamins for Stress and Anxiety
B Vitamins are vital for maintaining the proper functioning of the nervous system. Studies have shown a link between deficiencies in certain B vitamins and increased levels of anxiety, stress and depression. B vitamins are thought to play an important role in regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin, GABA and dopamine, which affect our mood and how we respond to stressful situations. Some of the most important B vitamins for stress and anxiety are described here:
Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxine) has many functions in the body, including maintaining good cardiovascular health and a healthy immune system, but it also has an effect on the nervous system. Vitamin B-6 is thought to help regulate the neurotransmitters GABA and serotonin, which affect levels of anxiety, stress and depression. Supplementation with vitamin B-6 can therefore be helpful in controlling these problems.
Vitamin B-3 (Niacin and Niacinamide) is another widely used vitamin for controlling stress and anxiety. It is thought to ease symptoms of anxiety, panic and stress such as restlessness and a racing mind. It may also help in the recovery process after a panic attack.
Vitamin B-8 (Inositol) is another of the B vitamins that has been found to be helpful for alleviating anxiety and stress. In one study comparing the effects of inositol with the drug fluvoxamine, it was found that patients given a high dose of inositol showed a similar level of improvement in anxiety symptoms as those taking fluvoxamine, but without the side effects of nausea and fatigue. Inositol has also been used for the treatment of agoraphobia, panic attacks and depression.
Vitamin B-1 (Thiamine) deficiency is known to cause symptoms of anxiety, even in people who are not normally prone to this problem, so it is important to get adequate amounts of this anxiety vitamin. Supplementing with vitamin B-1 can help to improve the mood and provide more energy.
Vitamin B-12 (Cobalamine) deficiencies are also associated with increased levels of anxiety and stress.
It is best to take B vitamins as a B-complex formula because they have a synergistic effect on each other. A good, well-balanced B-complex supplement is one of the most important natural anxiety supplements you can take.
Vitamin C for Stress and Anxiety
Vitamin C is not only helpful for warding off colds, it also helps the body cope with all kinds of other stress as well. Scientific studies have shown there is an important link between vitamin C and cortisol, a hormone that is produced in excess during times of stress. Excess cortisol has a negative impact on the body’s functioning, and it also depletes the body’s stores of vitamin C. But researchers found that supplementing with vitamin C reduces the excess cortisol and counteracts the negative effects of stress. It is a very good vitamin supplement to take immediately after a stressful event, or during long periods of stress and anxiety.
You can take vitamins for stress and anxiety either as single supplements or combined in a multi-vitamin supplement. Check labels to make sure a multi-vitamin contains good levels of all the major anxiety vitamins and minerals. If you plan to take large doses of specific vitamins it is best to consult your doctor first.
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