Are you feeling anxious? Before you grab that nightly drink to calm down let’s explore some lifestyle changes and some supplements with Dr. Joel Rosen for anxiety relief.
Anxiety can be a mysterious debilitating condition that is hard to explain and many times it’s accompanied by long-term stress and worry. It can contribute to different chronic diseases and can create a cascading effect on the body’s overall health and well being. Dr. Joel Rosen prefers to use natural remedies and supplements for anxiety and other mood disorders when possible. His goal is to get to the root of the problem instead of the band-aid approach.
There may a time and place for anti-anxiety medications, says Dr. Rosen, however, the good news is that there are some things we can do ourselves to support the nervous system, without the adverse side effects of medicines. He likes to use these top 7 supplements for dealing with the effects of anxiety.
Propolis: This is a compound produced by bees and is the sap on needle-leaved trees or evergreens. When bees combine the sap with their own discharges and beeswax, they create a sticky, greenish-brown product used as a coating to build their hives. This coating is called propolis. There are over 300 compounds in propolis with the majority of these compounds in the form of polyphenols. Polyphenols are antioxidants that can help to fight disease and damage in the body. Another benefit is it can be helpful with neuroinflammation by calming down the excitatory neurons.
Ultra Pollen: Flower pollen is a natural source and a way to get the 10 essential amino acids, non-essential amino acids, antioxidants, and enzymes as well as important phytosterols. Flower pollen has long been recognized for relieving inflammation, antioxidant benefits, liver health, and stress.
Magnesium: Magnesium is a favorite mineral for Dr. Rosen because it’s crucial to how the body functions. Magnesium helps to regulate blood pressure and keep the heart rhythm steady and helps to keep the inflammation markers low. Magnesium also helps to regulate the neurotransmitters in the brain.
Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12: Vitamin B6 is needed for neuron transmission in the brain. This vitamin helps to ensure the normal functioning of digestive enzymes that break down food, keep the skin healthy and produce red blood cells. A supply of this vitamin is necessary for good nerve function. Vitamin B12 is great for chronic stress, mood disorders, and depression. It can help with concentration, energy levels, and support the nervous system.
Omega 3 fatty acids: There are 3 types of omega3 fatty acids known as alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). They help keep the membranes that surround all cells in the body working adequately. For example, ALA is mostly present in plant oils, such as chia seeds, flaxseeds, and walnuts. DHA and EPA are mostly present in cold-water fatty fish, such as mackerel, salmon, herring, and sardines. Omega 6 fatty acids help to promote anti-inflammatory compounds. Omega-6 fatty acids are a group of polyunsaturated fatty acids that are present in plant-based foods such as vegetable oils, seeds, nuts, beans, and grains.
Turmeric: Turmeric can play an important role in digesting food because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This golden spice supports immune health, helps relieve pain, and can aid in digestion, among other things.
Digestive Enzymes: Digestive enzymes help to break down molecules like fats, proteins, and carbohydrates into even smaller molecules that can be easily absorbed. There are three main types of digestive enzymes the body needs. Proteases: These enzymes support the break down of protein into small peptides and amino acids. Lipases: These enzymes are necessary for the break down of fat into three fatty acids plus a glycerol molecule. Amylases: These enzymes contribute to the breakdown of carbs like starch into simple sugars. During times of stress and anxiety, our digestive tract can suffer, so adding digestive enzymes to our daily regime can make a huge difference to our overall well being.
A Word Of Caution
If you choose to use any of these suggestions or supplements for anxiety, do so under the guidance of your health care provider. Also, make sure that he or she knows what medications you’re currently taking in order to avoid possible dangerous side effects.
Health Studio Labs and its materials are not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent any disease. All material on Health Studio Labs is provided for educational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified healthcare provider for any questions you have regarding a medical condition, and before undertaking any diet, exercise, or other health-related programs.