Supplements for Stress and Anxiety Reduction

Supplements for Stress and Anxiety Reduction

By : Susan Greenspan

Naturopath & Integrative Hoslistic Therapist

These are very special times. The life we are all facing now is unique in experience as well as level of stress and anxiety. Understanding that we are all unique in our makeup makes it very hard to indicate a supplement suited for all. With all of this in mind, I would like to make some suggestions in supplements in order to assist you in making the right choice to reduce your stress and anxiety levels.

Most health food stores carry a good range of supplements and are open. I am aware that Health Tree in Dollard-des-Ormeaux is offering  curb side pickup service.  If you are not in that area then I suggest you call first to make sure that your needs of purchase and security are met.*

**IF ON ANY MEDICATIONS PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST BEFORE INTRODUCING ANY NEW FOODS OR SUPPLEMENTS. Interactions measures must be taken.

Vitamin D is your ray of sunshine in a supplement. Uplifting and en’’lightening’’ as the sun, vitamin D helps lift the blues and calm the nervous system and is #1 on my list! Drops are easiest if more than 1000ui are required. This would depend on your level of stress and or anxiety. I usually recommend 2000ui during low sun exposure seasons. I have heard of higher doses being recommended for acute or severe cases. Speak with your health care practitioner if you are unsure.

Magnesium is a calming mineral due to its aid with neuro-conductivity and muscular relaxation. Magnesium glycinate or citrates are my recommendation for stress and ease. Follow the recommended dosage according to the brand you are purchasing. Your body will naturally eliminate too much magnesium through bowel movements, so if you want to chance raising your dosage, your body will inform you if the dose you are consuming is too high.

B vitamins are your nervine tonic. It is easiest to consume an active form of B vitamins that has been enzymatically activated. This ensures the body is utilizing the vitamins instead of eliminating the slow processing of the regular complexes through the urinary system.

Rescue Remedy from Dr. Bach helps take the edge off. This comes in drops, sprays or pastilles. Since this is an energy based remedy, you may place 4 drops into 500 ml or a liter of water. The vibration of the remedy will filter each molecule of the water. Thus, the strength remains the same. You may sip the water throughout the day to keep equilibrium of wellbeing.  Use the spray or pastilles as directed. There are no side effects or dependence from this remedy.

Holy Basil,or Tulsi, is a feel good herb which is gentle, non-addictive and has no side effects. It may be purchased in a capsule or a tea. I personally love the taste of the tea with a touch of honey however the capsules are more potent and therefore better in extreme cases.

Wild oat tincture is a potent nervine. It calms and nourishes the nervous system. My highest recommended tincture would be Avenoforce from A.Vogel.

For higher levels of stress or anxiety, one may wish to try adrenal tonics.  Veeva supplements are for stress or anxiety also potently relaxing herbs such as Kava Kava or Valerian.

I would not exclude CBD oil or capsules for relaxation. Remember without THC there is no mind altering effect. Most government Cannabis stores have mail delivery.

There are many other herbs and remedies that I can highly recommend. If the above do not resonate with you and/or you would like more information please feel free to contact me for a personalized consultation.