Anxiety disorders are a common mental health problem in the United States. Anxiety is a normal reaction to a frightening or stressful situation, and anxious feelings typically pass in a short time. If anxious feelings do not subside, you may have an anxiety disorder. According to Medline Plus, millions of people are affected by anxiety disorders, which include phobias, generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder. While certain herbs and vitamins can sometimes alleviate feelings of anxiety, they should not be used in place of medical care. Do not stop taking any medicine you are taking for anxiety in favor of vitamins or supplements.
Identification of Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders manifest differently in different people. According to the American Psychiatric Association, some of the common symptoms of anxiety include uncontrollable feelings of fear or panic, excessive worrying, sleep disturbances, including frequent nightmares, and physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, difficulty breathing or sweating.
Effects of Diet on Anxiety
Sometimes, vitamin deficiencies or eating certain foods can trigger symptoms of anxiety. According to Diane Peters Mayer, MSW, in her book "The Everything Health Guide to Controlling Anxiety," low levels of potassium, allergies to certain preservatives such as food additives and nitrates, low blood sugar levels and deficiencies of B-complex vitamins and the mineral magnesium can cause you to feel anxious, stressed, nervous or tense.
Vitamins for Anxiety
Along with B-complex vitamins and magnesium, other vitamins and minerals that can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety include vitamin C, zinc and iron. According to Diane Peters Mayer, vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that can reduce your risk for anxiety and help you cope with stress. Iron is required to help your body fight feelings of fatigue, and zinc can help you stay focused and alert during stressful situations.
Herbal Supplements for Anxiety
Herbal supplements that may be useful for alleviating anxiety include valerian, kava, chamomile and passionflower. According to Diane Peters Mayer, St. John's wort may be useful for treating anxiety due to its mild sedative properties. Homeopathic supplements, including gelsemium and aconitum may also help to lessen anxiety, although further scientific studies are needed as to their effectiveness, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. These supplements can be purchased online and in most drug and health food stores.
Warning
If you think you suffer from an anxiety disorder, you should consult your doctor. While prescription medications are not a cure for anxiety, they can often offer relief from symptoms. If you decide to use vitamins or other supplements, you should inform your doctor, especially if you are taking any prescription medications. Certain herbal supplements and vitamins may cause interactions with some medications.
