Feeling Anxious

Try Natural Supplements and Treatments

OVERVIEW

Anxiety is an emotion manifesting physical and mental symptoms (such as sweating, trembling, feeling of worry, powerlessness, uncertainty, and fear) that comes from thinking about some threat or danger that may or may not exist.

Anxiety is often psychological, rather than a response to real conditions. The cause of the problem is complex, and may involve a mental conflict about values and goals of life. Anxiety can also be caused by a change in health, income, work status, or family relationships.

Anxiety is classified into many types, including generalized anxiety disorder, adjustment disorder with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, and social anxiety disorder.

SUPPLEMENTS FOR ANXIETY

There are plenty of natural supplements that can help with anxiety. Consult with your healthcare provider to see which of the following supplements may be appropriate for you.

Vitamins & Minerals

Inositol - Inositol exerts its psychological actions by increasing GABA levels (gamma aminobutyric acid). GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Magnesium - This macromineral has numerous benefits for the nervous system, including for anxiety. One study showed that a magnesium deficiency could cause panic attacks.

Less helpful supplements: niacinamide (B3), calcium.

Other Supplements

5-HTP - This compound is the first step in the conversion of the amino acid, L-tryptophan, to the inhibitory neurotransmitter, serotonin. Serotonin can be converted into melatonin, which aids in sleep.

GABA - GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that has tranquilizing properties. It can help with anxiety, panic disorders, and insomnia.

Theanine - Theanine is a non‑essential amino acid found in green tea (Camellia sinensis). It can help with anxiety and sleep, and it even exerts a protective effect on the brain’s neurons against glutamate.

Less helpful supplements: DHEA.

Herbs

Ashwaganda - Found primarily in India and northern Africa, ashwaganda is often called Indian ginseng. It has many beneficial actions, including helping with stress, anxiety, and depression.

Bacopa - Bacopa seems to affect neurotransmitters, including acetylcholine, GABA, and serotonin. It may help with learning and anxiety.

Chamomile - This herb contains an ingredient, apigenin that has exhibited anxiolytic properties. It can also help with sleep problems.

Gotu Kola - This herb is commonly used in Chinese and Ayurvedic Medicine. In the nervous system, it can help with anxiety. In studies involving rats, it showed memory-enhancing properties.

Hops - Besides being used in the making of beer, this herb helps with anxiety and insomnia.

Kava - Kava (also called Kava Kava) is a Polynesian shrub that belongs to the pepper family. It can help with anxiety and insomnia. People living in the South Pacific have used kava for several thousand years. However, its use in more modern cultures has raised some concern. There have been cases of hepatitis and liver failure attributed to kava consumption. The problems may be due to excessive intake, impurities from processing, or combining it with other drugs, including alcohol. Kava=s beneficial effects may be due to increasing GABA or decreasing dopamine.

Passionflower - Passionflower is often combined with other herbs (chamomile, catnip, hops, scullcap, valerian) as a sleep aid. It may also reduce aggressiveness and anxiety.

St. John=s Wort - This plant was named after St. John the Baptist because its flowers bloom around the time of his birth (June 24th). Research supports its use for anxiety, depression, and premenstrual syndrome.

Valerian - Valerian increases the inhibitory neurotransmitter, GABA, thus helping with anxiety. For insomnia, valerian is often combined with other herbs, including catnip, chamomile, hops, passionflower, and skullcap.

Less helpful supplements: skullcap.

COMMENTS

Conventional treatments include psychotherapy and medications (antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and beta blockers). Meditation, yoga, and biofeedback may also be helpful. Exercise regularly, especially walking outside in peaceful environments. Reduce intake of alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine.

References
Jellin, JM, editor. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 2005.
Pillepich, JA. The Nutraceutical Reference Guide, 2005.

For Anxiety, consider these supplements:

Brain Calm

Brain Mood

Inositol

Magnesium

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