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Stress And Anxiety -- 3 Powerful Non-prescription Supplements
A leading British hypno-psychotherapist explains how 3 powerful supplements - available without a prescription - can have a really positive affect on our feelings and our mental well being.
EPA - This particular Omega 3 fatty acid has to top my list of stress, anxiety and depression relieving natural supplements.
For the past couple of years, I have been recommending this particular supplement to clients and have witnessed the real and positive difference that it can make in the lives of those who regularly take it. In fact, there is a large body of evidence that pure EPA does indeed stabilise mood, improve mental functioning and help us handle anxiety and stress more effectively.
Supplementing with pure EPA has proven helpful not only for people suffering from stress, but it has had a real and positive affect on individuals experiencing bi-polar disorder (also known as manic depression), depression, and mood swings. Additionally, EPA has been shown to improve memory, concentration and mental processing. EPA has also been shown to be of help in successfully treating skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis.
The local health food store probably has an abundance of bottles labelled ‘EPA’ for sale, but most of these contain too low a proportion of actual EPA and large amounts of DHA. Almost all of the research has been conducted with pure EPA and so, when choosing to supplement, it is important to select a fish oil high in EPA and low in DHA in order to gain the maximum benefit. UK residents can check www.mind1st.co.uk when considering purchasing EPA, while those outside the UK will need to go online to locate a supplier. In my experience, it really is worth the effort, and the price.
St John’s Wort - Often called ‘Nature’s Prozac’, St John’s Wort is also sometimes referred to as ‘the sunshine vitamin’, though it is not a vitamin but a herbal supplement.
For centuries St John’s Wort has been used to treat mental disorders such as depression and, though not recommended in cases of major depression, it has demonstrated its ability to successfully and beneficially influence mild to moderate depression, anxiety and stress.
It is thought that the active agent in St John’s Wort works by preventing neurons or brain cells from re-absorbing serotonin - commonly referred to as ‘the happiness molecule’ - thereby stimulating an abundance of this essential, mood-influencing chemical messenger in the brain. Another suggestion is that it works by reducing levels of a particular protein involved with the functioning of the body’s immune system.
But whatever its mechanism, it certainly does appear to have had a remarkable effect on the many clients I have recommended it to.
Because St John’s Wort can inter-react with certain medications, do remember to check with your health advisor before taking this powerful supplement.
That taken care of, you can look forward to feeling the results within a few short weeks.
Vitamin B Complex - The B complex vitamins are needed for the healthy regulation of the nervous system. Indeed, without these essential nutrients, not only would we cease to function mentally, but eventually everything would grind to a halt.
In particular, vitamins B1, B6, and B12 are essential for the proper functioning of the brain and of the entire nervous system. Indeed, a deficiency of any of the B vitamins can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression, not to mention feelings of fatigue and lethargy.
In an age of convenience and fast foods, with its emphasis on marketing and profit, it can be difficult to obtain a sufficient quantity and quality of these important nutrients. Also, since each of the B vitamins works in close synergy with the others, a deficiency in any one B vitamin can provoke poor functioning of the others - even if they are in abundant supply in the diet. Because of this, it is wisest to take the B vitamins in a complete complex. Since the B vitamins are water-soluble, any excess is readily excreted in the urine.
Do be sure to read the label before buying, however. Because vitamin B6 is relatively expensive to produce, really cheap B complex preparations often contain only small amounts of this important vitamin. Also, since vitamin B12 in particular is not easily absorbed when taken orally, look for a preparation that ideally has its vitamins in ‘chelated’ form. This simply means that the vitamins have been bonded with amino acids so that they can be efficiently absorbed and utilised by the body. Of course, chelated vitamins do cost a bit more, but it is well worth that little bit extra.
After all, what is really important is not so much what we swallow, but what we actually absorb.
Give these three powerful supplements an honest trial for three months and notice the difference in your mental functioning - and in your feelings of mental wellness and positivity.
IMPORTANT: Information contained in this article is not a replacement for proper nutritional or medical advice. Since certain supplements are contra-indicated for some individuals, especially those taking other medication, before beginning any programme of supplementation you are advised to visit your doctor or other qualified health care professional.