In the United States, over 40 million adults aged 18 and older suffer from anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders are diagnosed when feelings of anxiousness are recurrent; this is especially true in disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, agoraphobia and specific phobia. Anxiety brought on by reactive nervousness normally requires no treatment. However, anxiety that is recurrent may require medication. Some medications for anxiety cause unwanted side effects such as drowsiness, nausea, headache, nervousness and insomnia. If you want to treat your anxiety without these side effects you can try using vitamins to balance your moods instead.
Vitamins for Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness, unease or fear that may be brought on by a phobia or for no clear reason. Symptoms of anxiety include palpitations, depression, panic attack, insomnia, digestive problems and nervousness. Vitamins are essential to human health and development and they are crucial in the balance of hormones within the body. Some of these vitamins work to balance mood and the nervous system.
B-vitamins
B complex vitamins are known for their ability to increase energy and maintain the health of skin, nails and hair according to the Harvard Medical School. In addition to these properties, certain B vitamins can help provide comfort to people suffering from anxiety. Vitamin B-1, also known as thiamine, works to improve mood and the sense of well being. Vitamin B-5 is involved in creating antistress hormones and energy. Vitamin B-6 is needed to maintain a healthy nervous system. These vitamins can be taken individually or together in a B-complex supplement.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble antioxidant that works to decrease the risk for stomach, esophageal and breast cancers. Vitamin C also boosts the immune system and helps heal the body after a bout of illness. According to "The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook," vitamin C can be depleted from your body rapidly in times of stress. To combat this depletion, which may lead to anxiety or come from anxiety, take 1000 mg of vitamin C in combination with bioflavinoids twice a day.
Foods for Anxiety
Eat foods that are high in vitamin C such as strawberries, oranges, tomatoes, cabbage, kiwi fruit and red peppers to increase your levels of vitamin C naturally. Also incorporate foods that are high in B vitamins such as whole grains, seafood, poultry, eggs, milk and yogurt. You can also get B vitamins from enriched grains or fortified breakfast cereals.
Considerations
If you have used vitamins to decrease anxiety levels and you are still having bouts of anxiety, see your physician to rule out other conditions that may mimic anxiety. Do not take any vitamin supplements without first consulting your physician, especially if you are taking more than the recommended daily value.
