Vitamins for Anxiety and Panic Disorders

By Dana B. Thompson


Anxiety Disorders are one of the most common types of psychiatric disorders in the United States. There are a variety of types of anxiety disorders, all with different symptoms, but they each share the underlying symptom of irrational fear. Panic Disorder is one of the most severe forms of anxiety disorder and is often classified as its own illness. It affects more than 2 million adults in America every year, but it seems to affect twice as many women as men. Panic disorder also accounts for about 70% of all anxiety disorder cases.

Omega 3 comes from fish oil and is known to help with anxiety and depression. Described by some as "brain food" it is good for adults and children alike as it helps to maintain the health of brain cells and improve how chemical messages move around the brain. Research has shown that people who have a lack of Omega 3 in their diet are more likely to suffer from anxiety and depression than those who don't.

Vitamin B12 is water soluble, it ensures proper functioning of the brain and nervous system. Therefore, deficiency of vitamin B12 can have adverse effects on the brain and the nervous system that can result in acute anxiety. This is the reason why foods rich in vitamin B12 are regarded as natural cures for anxiety. Vitamin B1 is also known as Thiamine. As it is an essential for the mind to regulate stress, its deficiency can ultimately result in depression, anxiety and stress. Intake of Vitamin B1 supplements daily can help in bringing down anxiety levels drastically. Fish like salmon and vegetables like asparagus are natural foods rich in vitamin B1 and should be included in the daily diet to combat anxiety.

Vitamin B3 which is also known as niacin helps the body to produce serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which is linked to mood. High levels of serotonin lead to a happy,feel good state of mind while low levels can lead to feelings of low self esteem and anxiety. A number of drugs used to treat anxiety target serotonin. Vitamins B12 and B6 also help in the production of neurotransmitters within the brain and are key ingredients in any diet for anxiety.

Vitamin E: Although its effect on stress is still to be discovered completely, it is said that it is an effective anti-oxidant that helps to alleviate stress levels greatly.It is normal for us to feel anxious. Feelings of worry, fear, dread, and uneasiness are normal reactions to certain stress's. In fact, anxiety can even help you cope with difficult situations. However, when anxiety becomes too much, even at the absence of stress's, it may already be a disorder which could affect your normal life.

Vitamins for anxiety function by regulating your metabolism and hormonal balance, which is a subtle but powerful way of controlling anxiety and its symptoms. They occur naturally in the foods you eat, and you can supplement your body's intake of these vitamins even more to get the maximum effect.Let's take a look at these vitamins for anxiety,The B Vitamins for Anxiety The B vitamins are crucial in getting the central nervous system to function like it should -- a lack of these vitamins usually results in increased levels of anxiety, depression and stress.B vitamins work best when taken together as a B-complex. They regulate your neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, hence controlling your moods and responses when you encounter situations that could trigger stress and anxiety.

Vitamin B--1 (Thiamine) improves your energy levels and your general mood;Vitamin B--3 (Niacin / Niacinamide) eases your panic and anxiety symptoms, making it handy for a quick recovery after a panic attack episode;Vitamin B--6 (Pyridoxine) performs a few roles in the body, which include enhancing a healthy immune system, heart and circulatory system. It also affects the nervous system in a powerful way by regulating the body's level of dopamine and Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA), which is responsible for the times we feel self confidence, security and calm;

Vitamin B1 or thiamine promotes healthy cognition. It can sharpen your mental abilities, helping you to maintain your focus. This vitamin also stabilizes mood swings and alleviates feelings of depression caused by daily stress. Thiamine is also helpful in relieving fatigue-a common physical symptom of anxiety disorders.Vitamin B2 or riboflavin, on the other hand, fights stress by getting rid of headaches and alleviating mood changes which are caused by stressors. Riboflavin is also a great supplement for the immune system. The immune system can be greatly affected by bouts of stress and anxiety, and taking riboflavin can help your immune system fight diseases while it's down.Vitamin B3 or niacin, meanwhile, aids in the reduction of the levels of cortisol in your body. Cortisol is the hormone released when you are stressed out and anxious. If you experience prolonged increase of cortisol levels, your immune system will get weaker and you can also gain unhealthy weight. Aside from lowering your cortisol levels, niacin also builds up your stress response. It also helps in the absorption of other nutrients which your body may require.

Magnesium - a dose of 300-400 mg can do the trick. This supplement is responsible for calming the muscles and help the nervous system work more efficiently. It is recommended to give a person proper rest and sleep.Omega 3 fatty Acids - this nutrient can be derived either through capsules as supplements or from raw foods such as oily fishes like mackerel and tuna. The fatty acids help alleviate depression and other factors caused by stress. It is also potent in making the cardiovascular system work in tiptop form.

Aside from the vitamins for anxiety, there are also herbal plants which could help alleviate anxiety disorders. Rhodiola rosea, for one, is known to relieve tension, nervousness, and anxiety. St. John's Wort has been shown to promote normal levels f neurotransmitters. Valerian root, on the other hand, can promote relaxation and can help relieve feelings of anxiety and stress. Winter cherry and passion flower, meanwhile, are known to alleviate irritability, nervousness, tension, agitation, and panic attacks.In addition to vitamins and herbs, there are also other nutrients which are known to relieve anxiety. 5-HTP or 5-Hydroxytryptophan is a nutrient derived from plants. It is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter which regulates your mood. SAM-e or S-Adenosylmethionine, meanwhile, is physiological agent which promotes healthy and normal emotional functions. This is usually taken as a supplement.




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