Everyone feels stress at some point. Family, career, health and financial issues are all common causes of stress. According to MayoClinic.com, your body releases specific stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisone, which help to fuel the natural "fight-or-flight" response that occurs when a threat or stressful situation occurs. However, you may not have realized that a deficiency in certain vitamins can also cause you to experience symptoms of stress. Always consult your doctor if you plan to take supplements.
B-Vitamins
B-complex vitamins are important for mood regulation and assisting with the proper functioning of your nervous system. According to the National Center for Health and Wellness, a deficiency in B vitamins can cause you to feel depressed and anxious, increasing your overall feelings of stress. In particular, the B vitamins thiamine, niacin and pantothenic acid may help to alleviate or reduce feelings of emotional stress and fatigue. B vitamins also help to regulate the release of energy in your cells and help to manufacture important mood-regulating neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine.
Antioxidants
Antioxidant vitamins include vitamin C and E, important to protecting your body from the damage associated with free radicals. When you experience high stress levels, free radicals are produced in greater amounts and can accumulate in your body, according to the "Nutritional Supplement Guide." Free radicals can cause damage to your cells and DNA and are possible causes of diseases such as cancer. Supplementing your body with antioxidants such as vitamin C and E can help your body to fight free radical damage and also assist in strengthening your immune system. which is often compromised during times of stress.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is commonly referred to as the sunshine vitamin because your body produces it in response to sun exposure. You can find vitamin D in products such as eggs, fortified milk and dairy products and multivitamins. However, the greatest source of vitamin D production is exposure to sunlight. Due to working indoors during daylight hours, most people do not get enough sun exposure every day, so their vitamin D levels may be compromised. According to a November 1, 2007 article in "Psychology Today," vitamin D is a common deficiency in industrialized countries. Vitamin D can help with stress by preventing mental disorders such as seasonal affective disorder, depression and helping to stabilize serotonin levels, according to the Vitamin D Council.
