Stress Reducing Vitamins: How They Can Help

The three most important ingredients to managing stress is avoiding stimulants, eating a healthy diet, and learning techniques to deal with stress.  Too much stress over a prolonged period of time can cause serious problems.

There are vitamins that will help you deal with stress and tension in your life.  There are nine vitamins that help with stress, they are listed below and what they are recommended for.

* Vitamin A - This vitamin helps to rid the body of toxins that decrease energy levels.
* Vitamin B1 - Used for improving mood and is important for nerve functions.
* Vitamin B3 - B3 helps regulate sleep patterns.
* Vitamin B6 - Vitamin B6 is necessary for the best production of the chemical serotonin.
* Vitamin B12 - Helps make feel-good chemicals in your brain.
* Pantothenic acid - This acid controls the action of the adrenal glands.  The adrenal glands play an important part in your reaction to stress.
* Vitamin C - We know of this vitamin for keeping colds at bay or helping to recover from colds.  It also can be used quickly when the body is under stress and cause anxiety and irritability.
* Choline and Inositol - These vitamins have a calming effect on the brain.
* Vitamin E - E is one of the most powerful antioxidants

Another important ingredient for stress reduction is a mineral.  I was surprised to find other ways these minerals help the body.

* Calcium is not only good for your bones and teeth; it also helps you to relax.
* Chromium, used sometimes for weight loss also stabilizes blood sugar levels.
* Magnesium also aids in reducing stress.
* Selenium increases the role of Vitamin E, which is a known antioxidant.
* Zinc increases the body’s resistance to infection.

More nutrients that can help reduce stress are:

* Omega-3 oils which support the immune system
* St. John’s Wort has a soothing and calming effect (check with your doctor if you are already on medication for depression.)
* Valerian is also used to reduce stress.

Healthy foods that will help reduce stress are, whole grains, fish, fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, and seeds.  Lentils and oily fish are also good foods to add to your diet.

Foods you need to avoid are simple carbohydrates such as those found in sugar, white bread, rice, and refined cereals.  The general rule of thumb is to avoid eating any food that is white or yellow in color.  These foods will stimulate the release of the hormone cortisol.  Coffee, alcohol, drugs, and nicotine put an extra strain on your body’s systems.

It is not a good idea to use vitamins and minerals to treat your stress symptoms without seeing your doctor first.  As I indicated in the case of St. John’s Wort, there can be a reaction between natural remedies and prescribed drug therapies.  Taking a good multi-vitamin can help your body physically and eating healthier and exercise are also good tools for reducing stress.

Some stress may need to be treated by a professional therapist.  Severe forms of stress such as posttraumatic stress syndrome may require both cognitive behavior therapy as well as drug therapy.