Natural Stress Relief - Vitamins And Other Alternative Methods
Three of the most important parts of managing stress is to avoid stimulants, eat a healthy diet and learn techniques for dealing with it. The long term effects of stress can lead to a number of other health problems.
Vitamins are one component of a healthy diet, and certain ones are particularly effective in helping deal with stress. These include:
- Vitamin A: Helps to get rid of toxins in the body that can decrease energy levels
- Vitamin B1: Helpful in improving mood and keeps nerve functions working properly
- Vitamin B3: Helps to keep sleep patterns regulated
- Vitamin B6: Aids in the production of the chemical serotonin
- Vitamin B12: Aids in the production of "feel good" chemicals in the brain
- Vitamin C: Helps the body recover quicker from the effects of stress and anxiety
- Vitamin E: One of the most powerful anxtioxidants
- Pantothenic Acid: Controls the action of the adrenal glands, which have an important part to play in the body's reaction to stress
- Choline and Inositol: Have a calming effect on the brain
Minerals also play an important part in stress relief:
- Calcium: Helps you relax
- Chromium: Helps to stabilize levels of blood sugar
- Selenium: Increase the role of Vitamin E, adding to its antioxidant effects
- Zinc: Increases resistance to infection
Other nutrients that can help reduce the effects of stress on the body include:
- Omega-3 oils: Help to support the immune system
- St. John's Wort: Can have a soothing, calming effect
Eating healthy is an important part of dealing with stress. Foods such as whole grains, fish, and fresh fruits & vegetables are important.
Avoiding foods that contain simple carbohydrates such as sugar, white bread and refined cereals will help manage stress, as will avoiding coffee, alcohol and nicotine.
Other holistic methods include stress relaxation techniques, exercise such as yoga and Tai Chi, and alternative therapies such as ayurveda and acupunture.
As with any treatment plan, you should always consult with your doctor before starting something new, especially if you are already taking medication. While these are natural ways to relieve stress, they can interact with drugs and cause problems.
