Stress and anxiety stem from the body's "fight or flight" response, which has helped humans generate energy to fight predators or flee from physical danger. However, feelings of uncertainty or danger may trigger this response in the form of anxiety when there is no real physical danger, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This anxiety may manifest as a general feeling up apprehension, or as severe panic attacks. Certain vitamins may help ease the effects of anxiety, and may help protect the body against the physical effects of emotional distress.
Talk to your doctor if you plan to take vitamins to address anxiety symptoms. Vitamins should not replace psychological or medical treatment for anxiety.
B Complex Vitamins
B complex vitamins may help reduce the psychological and physical effects of anxiety, according to Dr. James Balch and Phyllis Balch, authors of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." B complex vitamins typically include thiamine, which may help soothe the central nervous system and decrease feelings of anxiety. Pyridoxine, another common element in B complex vitamins, may help increase energy while promoting the production of serotonin and other anti-stress chemicals in the brain. Take B complex vitamin supplements, or obtain these vitamins from food sources such as peanuts, eggs and whole-grain breads and pastas.
Inositol
Inositol is a B vitamin, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, it is typically not included in B complex vitamin supplements. This vitamin may help reduce the frequency and severity of panic attacks. It may also help treat the symptoms of obsessive compulsive disorder, which sometimes accompanies anxiety disorders. You can obtain inositol from most fruits, as well as dairy products, brewer's yeast, whole-wheat products and unrefined molasses, according to Balch and Balch.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C serves several functions that may help ease the symptoms of anxiety, according to Balch and Balch. It may aid in the production of serotonin and dopamine, which are tranquilizing brain chemicals. It is also an immune system enhancer and an antioxidant, and may help protect your body against bacterial and viral infections during times of stress. You can take vitamin C in supplement form, or obtain this vitamin from foods such as oranges, broccoli, spinach, berries and kiwifruit.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Anxiety disorders
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Anxiety Disorders -- Psychotherapy and Other Treatments
