Supplements, when used correctly, can work wonders on helping you to manage a wide variety of health conditions, from iron deficiency to supporting healthy hair and nail growth. But did you know there are many natural aids for anxiety relief?
At Etanics we always recommend consulting a healthcare professional before taking supplements of any kind, but in this blog we’d love to share with you some helpful advice on managing anxiety that natural way.
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a very common mental health condition. It affects over a third of people in their lifetime and presents itself in a variety of different ways. For example, disorders include social anxiety disorder (SAD), separation anxiety, generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), Agoraphobia, panic disorder or specific phobias. These problems can greatly impact an individual’s quality of daily life, resulting in panic-attacks, trouble sleeping, difficulty socialising or fear of leaving the house. But there are ways to manage it.
Treatment of anxiety typically includes prescribed medication or therapies such as CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy). But as more and more research around the holistic approach to anxiety is being carried out, there is much more backing for small lifestyle changes that can lead to big impacts – namely dietary changes that include the consumption of specific minerals and vitamins; supplements are a great way to add these nutrients to your diet efficiently.
How can supplements help with anxiety?
Like SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors – often prescribed for anxiety) supplements can help to reduce anxiety by supporting the body in reabsorbing neurotransmitters such as serotonin, much the same as medications such a Prozac.
Supplements are also incredibly effective at achieving consistent results, as they are easy to incorporate into a regular wellness routine, ensure you have the correct dosage every time and can easily be taken with you wherever you may go.
Best supplements for anxiety
Vitamin D3:
Often referred to as the “Sunshine Vitamin”, vitamin D3 can improve your mood and daily energy levels and can be a key component of managing anxiety. The best source of vitamin D3 is from the sun – 15-20 minutes of direct sunlight on the skin per day is the recommended minimum.
However, this can be a difficult standard to reach in the Autumn and Winter months – particularly in the UK, where the last months of the year tend to be dreary and dark. So, by supplementing vitamin D3, particularly in these months, you can make sure you’re getting the recommended amount. Find out more about vitamin D3 here.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
Renowned for their remarkable effect on heart health, studies also show a link between omega-3 and improved mood and cognitive function. Commonly found in fish oils, omega-3 is common ranked highly for the “top supplements you should be taking daily”.
To make sure you have enough omega-3 in your diet, it is recommended that you eat a minimum of two portions of oily fish per week, these could include salmon, mackerel, sardines and anchovies. There are other good sources including spinach, Brussel sprouts and chia seeds, which may be more appropriate for those following a plant-based diet. Find out more about omega-3 fatty acids here.
Chamomile:
While you might be familiar with the delicious beverage, chamomile tea, did you know that chamomile aids in relaxation by soothing the nervous system? Chamomile contains an antioxidant – apigenin, which is an anxiety reliever, which is why it is often recommended to drink chamomile tea as a sleep aid. For those who don’t like the flavour of chamomile, hot drinks, or would prefer a supplement form, you can try Etanics Calm Supplement here. Our specific blend of chamomile and lemon balm, as well as B Vitamins and Folic Acid, are proven to provide a soothing experience, the perfect gentle support for your well-being.
Magnesium:
Magnesium can be very effective at managing both anxiety and the associated insomnia, by regulating serotonin and supporting normal brain function. Find out more about magnesium here.
Are supplements safe?
Supplement doses can be strong and can pose a risk if used in certain combinations with other medication. Such mixing can have health implications ranging from inconvenient to severe, so we always advise any supplementation be carried out under the supervision of your healthcare provider.
However, at Etanics we can assure you of the quality of products we provide, the regulations we adhere to and the accuracy of the information we provide – so that you can make a safe and informed decision about your health.
Other blog posts you may find interesting
Unlocking Holistic Fitness: Achieving Optimal Performance
The science of stress: How it Affects your health and how to manage it