Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH)

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH), also known as niacinamide, is one of the most effective nutritional therapy for anxiety disorders. NADH, a form of vitamin B3, has been shown in animals to work in the brain in similar manner as anti-anxiety drugs such as benzodiazepines. Moreover, NADH helps people with anxiety produced by withdrawal from benzodiazepines. NADH’s therapeutic benefits are partially due to the vasodilation it causes which increases blood flow to the brain.

Vitamin B6: Pyridoxine

Vitamin B6 has many influences on the body, including the production of the neurotransmitters GABA and serotonin. Fluctuation in levels of these neurotransmitters is known to affect the degree of both depression and anxiety. Research in animals indicates that deficiency of vitamin B6 can negatively affect central nervous system functioning. Supplementation with B6 can reduce unpleasant states, such as anxiety, caused by abnormal levels of vitamin B6.

Inositol

Inositol plays a key role in dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline and acetylcholine neurotransmission, and inositol treatment is reported to help reduce anxiety.

Research indicates that inositol is effective in the treatment of panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Inositol has commonly been used to help people with anxiety who have panic attacks. Researchers in Israel determined that inositol was as effective as fluvoxamine, an antidepressant medication used for anxiety. In addition, inositol was more effective than fluvoxamine at reducing the frequency of panic attacks in patients with anxiety disorder and the patients taking inositol has fewer side effects.

In another Israeli study, inositol was effective at relieving the symptoms of OCD. A review of research using inositol with psychiatric patients found that inositol had therapeutic benefits for mental illnesses that are responsive to serotonin selective re-uptake inhibitors, including panic disorder and OCD.47 The study pointed out that because serotonin plays a role in OCD, serotonin agonists exacerbate the syndrome. A Canadian study showed how inositol reduces serotonin receptor desensitization, thus reducing the symptoms of anxiety.

Multivitamin-Mineral Supplement

Research indicates that supplementing with a good multivitamin-mineral supplement - particularly in the case of deficiencies - can lead to a notable decrease in the level of stress in anxiety sufferers.

A double-blind trial at the University of Birmingham in the U.K. concluded that supplementation with a multivitamin-mineral for four weeks led to significant reductions in anxiety and perceived stress compared to placebo. Based on this research, a multi-vitamin with antioxidants may be useful to protect against oxidative stress and reduce situational anxiety.

Magnesium

Magnesium has long been used for its calming effect and can help to relax people with mild anxiety. Typically, magnesium supplements are taken a few times per day. However, benefits can also be had by soaking in a hot tub containing 1 to 2 cups of magnesium sulfate crystals (Epsom salts) for 15 to 20 minutes.

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)

The amino acid 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) has been shown to be useful for easing the symptoms of anxiety because of its serotonergic properties. The brain’s serotonergic pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of anxiety disorders, particularly in agoraphobia and panic disorders. In panic disorder patients, tryptophan depletion has been shown to increase anxiety and the frequency of panic attacks.

In one study, Dutch scientists gave 24 people with panic disorder 5-HTP. At the end of the study, the researchers concluded that the 5-HTP "acts to inhibit panic, which supports a modulatory role of serotonin in panic disorder."

Phosphatidylserine (PS)

The amino acid phosphatidylserine (PS) can protect against the stress response and reduce anxiety. In a study at the University of Naples in Italy, researchers tested the response to physical stress in eight healthy men who underwent three experiments with a bicycle ergometer. The physical stress from bicycling induced an increase in plasma epinephrine, norepinephrine, ACTH, cortisol, growth hormone, and prolactin. Treatment with PS significantly reduced the cortisol response, lessening stress and anxiety.

Amino Acids

Anxiety can be the result of shortages of key brain chemicals that can be restored naturally. By giving the brain the amino acids it needs, anxiety can often be reduced. A Japanese study demonstrated that week-long oral treatment with lysine and arginine significantly reduced chronic anxiety. The study was carried out in 180 healthy adults. The goal of was to find out whether a week-long oral treatment with L-lysine and L-arginine would reduce trait and stress-induced state anxiety and basal levels of stress hormones. At the 7-day mark researchers concluded that the amino acid treatment significantly reduced both trait anxiety and state anxiety induced by cognitive stress.

Symptoms of anxiety are directly related to certain nutrients. Adding simple nutients can help alleviate anxiety and restores the nervous system in many people.

References
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