Many patients are turning away from the chemical treatments of modern medicine and looking for alternative therapies. The best way to stay healthy, of course, is to have a healthy lifestyle, which starts with a healthy diet. Some of the vitamins in good, fresh food naturally help people cope with stress and anxiety, elevate moods and alleviate depression.
B Complex
5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is vitamin B8, included in B vitamin complexes. 5-HTP is recognized in alternative medicine as an effective treatment for anxiety and depression. It is sometimes used for other disorders, including fibromyalgia and some seizures.
While 5-HTP has not been approved by the FDA for all of its uses, it has been documented in medical journals that it increases mood elevation, calms panic attacks, and relieves anxiety and depression in patient.
5-HTP is sold as an dietary supplement. It should not be taken by people already taking prescription drugs to treat anxiety or depression. It is always a good idea to discuss supplements with your doctor.
Antioxidants
Vitamins A, C and E have antioxidants as well as other benefits. Antioxidants are known to help the body build defenses against stress.
As we breathe in oxygen, our cells take in the oxygen but also create highly reactive molecules called . The production of free radicals is called oxidative stress.
Antioxidants in vitamins A, C, and E help neutralize the effect of oxidative stress in the body. Therefore, these vitamins seem to contribute to a person's ability to relax. Antioxidants seem to relieve anxiety in patients who suffer with depression, panic attacks and anxiety disorders. Healthy people who are not diagnosed with depressive disorders are still well-advised to eat a healthy diet full of vitamins with antioxidants, and supplement it with a doctor's advice and care.
Diet and Nutrition
For those who prefer to stay away from chemical treatments and pill-popping, a diet rich in fiber and stress-reducing vitamins is a good start to relieving anxiety.
Oranges and strawberries are excellent sources of vitamin C. Try fresh fruit topped with some vanilla yogurt for dessert.
Spinach and carrots are good sources of vitamin A. Sweet potatoes with the peel left on also have lots of A in them.
Vitamin E is found in good amounts in sunflower seeds, almonds and peanut butter.
The vitamin B complex is found in liver, eggs, peanuts and milk.
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