Common Nutrient Dials DOWN Anxiety Levels
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted September 3, 2022
Dear Living Well Daily Reader,
If you battle anxiety, you’re the victim of an overactive brain.
But probably not how you think.
You see, electrical impulses are storming all of our brains all of the time. In fact, most of the chemicals in your brain (neurotransmitters) are designed to make even MORE of these electrical impulses.
But there are a few neurotransmitters whose job is to do the opposite such as gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA. These chemicals calm the storm by making it harder for electrical impulses to race through your brain.
They’re called inhibitory neurotransmitters, and they help you reach a state of calm.
Blocking nerve impulses might sound like a bad thing at first. But it’s not. Your brain needs a balance of both excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters to function well… and reduce anxiety.
But GABA needs a helping hand to get the job done. And if you suffer from anxiety, too little of THIS specific compound could be the cause.
What’s this critical compound? Vitamin B6.
This vital vitamin helps the body produce more GABA, which helps calm nerve impulses in the brain.
For a recent study published in the journal Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, researchers divided a group of 300 volunteers with anxiety into two groups. The first group was given high levels of vitamin B6 and the second received a look-alike placebo.
The lucky folks who got the mega-doses of vitamin B6 reported feeling FAR less anxiety and nervousness.
I wouldn’t suggest recreating this at home, however. The participants took between 50 and 70 milligrams a day of vitamin B6. But the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for the vitamin is under two milligrams.
In other words, they took around 25 to 35 times the RDA. And while B vitamins are quite safe at higher levels. I would suggest a far smaller amount for everyday use.
Generally, I recommend under 8 milligrams to start. Check in with your doctor to see what amount might be best for you.
But don’t stop there. Reducing your stress levels is another proven way to dial down anxiety. And I have three easy tips for doing just that.
Dr. Scott’s Three Step Stress-Relief Plan:
- Exercise: Movement is a natural antidote for excess amounts of the stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol. You may not feel like exercising when you have a lot on your plate. But getting out for a brisk walk or doing some yoga can help you feel better for the rest of the day.
- Identify and Eliminate Triggers: Maybe you already know what triggers your anxiety. I find folks often do. They simply don’t take steps to help themselves. Or perhaps you aren’t sure what sends your stress levels into the red zone. Either way, talking things through with a trusted friend, church leader, or therapist can often help. Naming your triggers and creating a plan for eliminating them (or at least how you react to them) is a surefire way to overcome those feelings of helplessness.
- Feed Your Brain: Your brain is hungry for the nutrients that support its healthy function. And, of course, a hungry brain is a stressed brain. Make sure you get plenty of omega-3 rich fish oil (EPA/DHA) daily. Plus, consider supplementing with curcumin and bacopa. Both nutrients support brain health while reducing body-wide inflammation.
Don’t let anxiety get the best of you. Take your power back starting TODAY.
P.S. Need more help dialing down those anxious feelings? Check out my earlier report, 6 Ways to Quiet Your Anxiety, for even MORE useful tips.
SOURCE:
“High-dose Vitamin B6 supplementation reduces anxiety and strengthens visual surround suppression,” Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental, First published: 19 July 2022, https://doi.org/10.1002/hup.2852
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory
You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack. Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken. But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age? It turns out a hidden compound inside...
Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check
I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...
Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer
We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....
Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer
“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....
Sleepless Nights? Beware of this Deadly Danger
We all have that friend who brags about their four-hour-a-night sleep schedule like it’s some kind of superpower. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” they proclaim while chugging their third energy drink of the morning. Well, science has bad news for these sleep-skimping show-offs. You might be accelerating your appointment with the Grim Reaper far more...
Drive-Thru Disaster Hits Fast Forward on Aging
Ever wonder why some of your high school classmates look like they’re aging much faster while others seem frozen in time? It’s not always just good genes or expensive creams—it could be what they’re ordering at the drive-thru. A troubling new study revealed that a fast-food habit doesn’t just expand your waistline—it fast-forwards your biological...
The “Salty” Truth About Your Mood
You know salt gets a bad rap for raising blood pressure. But what if I told you it might be messing with your mood, too? According to a new study out of China, eating too much salt could trigger depression—not just through vague “bad diet” effects, but by activating specific immune cells in the brain....
Ancient Herb Has a Modern Secret for Youthful Skin
You can spend hundreds—maybe even thousands—on anti-aging creams, lotions, and potions that promise to turn back the clock. But let’s be honest… most of them do little more than moisturize and smell nice. Now, a new study is turning that entire anti-aging skincare industry on its head—and the secret comes from an herb that’s been...
Let It Go—The Unexpected Freedom of “Fart Walks”
Ever notice your walk sometimes comes with some, well… unexpected sound effects? One step, two step, POOT! There’s a perfectly reasonable explanation for this natural phenomenon. Passing gas on your daily stroll is totally normal—and it means your digestive system is working well. Here’s what’s happening… Walking and other physical activities stimulate your digestive tract,...
Common Antidepressants Linked to Silent Brain Damage
If you’re among the millions taking prescription antidepressants, I have some concerning news. A major study has uncovered a disturbing link between common antidepressants and a growing brain problem. And if you’re taking an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), you may find yourself in the crosshairs. Swedish researchers recently uncovered this troubling connection. They found...