Chapter

Vitamins, Herbs, and Supplements

In an age where natural alternatives are growing increasingly popular instead of medications and chemicals, it is important to look at the role that vitamins, herbs and supplements can play in preventing and treating anxiety and panic.  Many people are curious of there are daily supplements that can be taken to help reduce the rate or severity of anxiety.

When it comes to herbal supplements, there are a number of options available that can help reduce anxiety symptoms.  Valerian, Kava Kava, and St. John’s Wort are all herbs that are frequently taken in capsule form to help alleviate anxiety symptoms.  Lavender, verbena, and peppermint are often used in aromatherapy treatments to help promote a sense of calm and relaxation that can help reduce anxiety as well.

In terms of vitamins, there are also a few great choices.  Vitamin C, for example, can be tranquilizing in large doses and can also promote proper function of the nervous system.  A deficiency in Vitamin B12 can actually cause anxiety, and taking B-complex supplements can help promote a more stable and balanced mood.  Calcium and magnesium can also help reduce tension and anxiety and can even act as natural tranquilizers, especially when taken together.

For supplements, the best recommendation is Omega 3, which can be found in liquid and capsule form as well as in its natural state in many fish.  Omega 3 fatty acids are able to help regulate the flow of hormones and chemicals within the brain, which can have a remarkable impact on mood.  These supplements can also help to protect brain tissue and to improve overall cognitive function.  Zinc, amino acids, and antioxidants can also be beneficial in reducing anxiety and stress levels.

 

Lifestyle

Last, it is important to consider the role of lifestyle in terms of anxiety symptoms.  This is one area that is often overlooked when it comes to treating people with anxiety, yet it is one of the most important factors.  Your lifestyle and the way you spend your days plays a significant role in whether or not you experience anxiety and how severe your symptoms are.

One very important role in your lifestyle is the role that your family, friends, and community play.  A strong social support network can be integral to helping reduce symptoms of anxiety.  You need people around you that you can trust and depend on and that can provide support whenever you need it.

Your career is also an important part of your lifestyle in terms of anxiety.  Engaging in meaningful work that you enjoy can help you find greater joy in life and can decrease anxiety.  If you are unable to work, finding a hobby that offers joy and meaning or even volunteering whenever possible can offer a greater sense of fulfillment and thereby reduce anxiety.

Creating a sense of routine can be a very beneficial lifestyle change for anxiety sufferers.  Try to create a schedule that you can easily adhere to and stick to it every day.  Avoid the urge to be out past your bedtime, and try to set aside some time for relaxation, introspection, or meditation every day.  Your mind and body need to unwind each day and to release stress and process the day’s events.

 

Summary

Treating anxiety and panic is about more than just therapy, it is about finding a total body approach.  The best remedy or treatment for anxiety comes with treating all of your symptoms in every way possible.  Learning new ways of thinking and behaving is important, but if you are still taking substances that create anxiety or practicing poor sleep, lifestyle, and diet habits, you will not achieve the benefits that you can achieve by making the right changes.

Changing your symptoms and eliminating anxiety means changing many things about your life, but it is entirely worthwhile.  Learning how to cope with stress, making better lifestyle choices, and learning the best ways to think and act regarding anxiety symptoms can take hard work and dedication.  When you are willing to put in the work, however, the benefits can be substantial.

 

 

0 Comments ↓

No comments yet.

Leave a Reply