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.
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