The stress in your everyday life can become so extreme that it can turn into an anxiety disorder. Your physician may recommend medications or therapy to deal with social phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder, but there are also a variety of supplements you can take that may help ease your symptoms. However, always consult with a health care professional before taking any supplement.
Selenium
Adding selenium supplements to your diet when suffering from an anxiety disorder can provide benefits. Research has linked increased selenium intake to decreased anxiety levels in some conditions, according to the Holistic Online website. According to a study published in the 2003 issue of the "International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine" HIV patients experiencing anxiety reacted well to selenium therapy. Selenium, a compound generally used to prevent some cancers and treat heart and blood vessel problems, can be taken at a dose of 400 micrograms per day. However, MedlinePlus reports that you should not take selenium for anxiety disorders if you're taking medications that slow blood clotting, as well as some birth control pills or medications that lower cholesterol. Consult your physician before taking selenium supplements to treat anxiety disorders.
Kava Kava
Kava kava supplements may offer significant improvements for your anxiety disorder, but research varies on the safety level of this herbal remedy. MedlinePlus recommends avoiding consumption of kava because of its link to serious liver problems and death; however, research published in the August 2009 edition of the journal "Psychopharmacology" argues that aqueous extracts of kava cause no damage to the liver, produce no side effects and effectively reduce anxiety. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that while some anti-anxiety drugs decrease cognitive function, kava kava can offer particular benefits due to its potential for improving anxiety levels while improving cognitive function. While safe dosages of kava cannot be predicted, the UMMC indicates that doses of 150 to 300 mg of kava taken 1 to 3 times daily are typical. Talk to your doctor about kava kava supplements for anxiety disorders before taking them on your own.
St. John's Wort
Consider incorporating St. John's wort supplements into your daily diet. Long in use as a natural treatment for anxiety and depression, this herbal remedy may prove beneficial for treating generalized anxiety disorders and obsessive-compulsive disorder, according to the Brain Physics website. It's effectiveness remains inconclusive; however, research published in the August 2009 issue of the "Journal of Complementary Medicine" notes that St. John's wort works for depression but not anxiety. Evidence in the March 2010 edition of the "Journal of Family Practice" also refutes this herbs use for anxiety and questions its safety. Drugs.com indicates that side effects from taking St. John's wort include constipation, rash and sensitivity to sunlight. Consult your physician to determine if you should take St. John's wort for anxiety.
References
- PubMed.gov: Psychological burden in the era of HAART
- PubMed.gov: The Kava Anxiety Depression Spectrum Study (KADSS)
- ScienceDaily: Doctor Warns Against St. John's Wort for Anxiety
- PubMed.gov: Kava and St. John's Wort: current evidence for use in mood and anxiety disorders
- Brain Physics: Herbal Treatments for Anxiety & Depression
- MedlinePlus: Kava
