natural supplements

Supplements for anxiety

Supplements for anxiety are over-the-counter products that do not require the prescription of the attending physician or specialist (although this does not mean that they are ineffective or without contraindications); supplements for anxiety are mainly of the herbalist type, therefore based on medicinal plants or their extracts: fresh or dried leaves for herbal teas, dry extract in capsules, tablets, drops, mother tinctures etc.

Generally, supplements for anxiety do NOT have big side effects, although it is always advisable to have a preventive medical consultation, consumption in accordance with the recommended dosage, and abstention from use in special physiological conditions, such as pregnancy and lactation. Consult with a specialist before taking supplements for anxiety is especially important for patients already subjected to drug therapies (drugs to treat anxiety) or suffering from particular diseases.

Supplements for anxiety are very many and often have active ingredients, mechanisms of action, pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics that are very different from one another; however, the objective of this article is NOT to provide a detailed list of all the anxiety supplements on the market, but to illustrate what ingredients they might contain. In this way the consumer, by carefully consulting the label of the supplements for anxiety, will be able to interpret the possible desirable benefits compared to his / her condition.

Before starting with the description of the various supplements, it is appropriate to recall some important rules for the prevention and moderation of anxiety symptoms (definition of anxiety: " Anticipated disproportionate anticipation of a danger or a negative event FUTURE and really NOT dangerous, with unpleasant symptoms of dysphoria or physical tensions (...) SOURCES: APA, 1994; cit. in: Franceschina et al., 2004, p. 213 - American Psychiatric Association - 1994; Perugi, Toni, 2002, p. 600).

Food factors useful for the treatment / moderation / prevention of anxiety

The supplements for anxiety can have a more or less incisive effect also based on the lifestyle of the subject. First of all it is necessary to eliminate, if known (and if accepted) or if possible, the cause of anxiety. Those who suffer from anxiety can also learn to manage it and avoid exposing themselves through mental training techniques or psychotherapeutic consultations.

As for nutrition, some professionals in the emotional, psychological and neurological sphere firmly maintain that it is necessary to apply some dietary measures to better control anxiety; the choice of foods should be made in relation to the hormonal and nervous impact they may have in the presence of the anxiety disorder: elimination of caffeine, elimination of alcohol, regularization of carbohydrate consumption to avoid glycemic-insulin peaks, moderation of food consumption sweets, verification of the presence of allergies and / or food intolerances ACTUALLY existing.

Plants and supplements MAINLY used to combat anxiety

Supplements for Kawa-kawa-based anxiety: Piper methysticum, a plant native to the islands of the Pacific Ocean; calming, promotes sleep, relieves pain, relaxes muscles, improves concentration, fights anxiety and depression. It is recommended to use it under medical supervision to avoid any toxic effects.

Supplements for St. John's wort-based anxiety: Hypericum perforatum, contains hypericin, a substance that acts similarly to antidepressant drugs; it is found in the form of grass or mother tincture but it is better to take it under the guidance of a dosage therapist. Fights both anxiety and depression.

Supplements for anxiety based on Bach Flowers: they are different: Populus tremula, Ceratostigma willmottiana, Cichorium intybus, Clemantis vitalba, Gentiana amarella, Impattiens glandulifera, Mimulus guttatus, Helyantemum nummularium, Scleranthus annuus, Verbena officinalis, Hottonia palustris ; they get watery extracts of the petals. They fight anxiety, depression, fear and moderate the onset of obsessional rituals. They have no contraindications and can be consumed 4 drops 4 times a day between meals.

Supplements for anxiety based on Valerian: Valeriana officinalis, present in Europe and America in wooded areas; the active ingredient inhibits the enzyme that degrades the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyrate (GABA). Its root is used which, despite its unpleasant smell, has sedative, calming and sleep-promoting properties. At high doses it can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, headache.

Supplements for anxiety based on Griffonia: Griffonia simplicifolia, climbing shrub of central and western Africa; is a natural source of 5-hydroxytryptophan, a natural precursor of serotonin . It has positive effects on fibromyalgia pain, anxiety and depression.