Over the past several decades, complementary and alternative treatments have increasingly become a part of everyday treatment of anxiety. With the rising cost of prescription medications and their production of unwanted side effects, patients are exploring natural remedies for the management and treatment of psychological conditions.
Anxiety disorders are one of the most frequent conditions seen by clinicians, and often require a long-term regimen of prescription medications. It’s not surprising that there is universal interest in finding effective natural anti-anxiety treatments with a lower risk of adverse effects and withdrawal.
Among complementary and alternative treatments, nutritional supplements are particularly popular with more than half of U.S. adults taking them on a regular basis. The use of dietary supplements is a multibillion-dollar industry, with the figure estimated to reach $60 billion by 2020.
Nutritional supplements are products used to improve health and contain vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants, and isolated nutrients. Some people include herbal and homeopathic supplements under the umbrella of “nutritional supplements” but most health practitioners differentiate them.
The two primary types of vitamins are fat-soluble (such as vitamins A, D and E) and water-soluble (including vitamins B and C). Minerals are substances essential for normal metabolism, growth, development, body structure, cell function regulation, and electrolyte balance. The two main types of minerals are macrominerals (such as calcium, phosphorus and sodium) and trace minerals (including zinc, selenium and manganese). There are numerous other forms of vitamins and minerals and many ways to administer them.
Nutritional supplements can be purchased from a number of sources, including retail stores such as pharmacies, health food stores, or grocery stores. They can also be obtained directly from the health care providers who prescribe their use, including naturopaths, doctors of Chinese medicine, psychiatrists, and physicians. If you’re using a nutritional supplement for a specific problem, such as anxiety, it’s always a good idea to get a recommendation from a health professional.
Nutrients are essential for normal metabolism, growth, development, and regulation of cell function. They work with enzymes, cofactors (substances that assist nutrients), and other nutrients necessary for normal bodily functions. Most individuals can get all of the necessary vitamins and minerals through a healthy eating pattern of nutrient-dense foods. However, specific populations may need nutritional supplements, including people experiencing a psychiatric problem, such as an anxiety disorder.
People with anxiety disorders are often deficient in key nutrients. Stress is likely to exacerbate these deficiencies due to increased nutrient requirements during periods of chronic stress, leading to a cascade of negative physical and mental disorders.
Adequate Nutrition and Prevention of Anxiety
To function, the body must have a balance of all the essential nutrients; proteins, carbohydrates, fats and oils, minerals, vitamins, and water. Improper diet and nutrition eventually compromise wellness, leading to fatigue, insomnia and feelings of discomfort. Physical problems at this stage are usually limited to a lowered immune system, weakness and malaise. Initially, the symptoms are minor, but tend to get more serious over an extended period of time.
As health issues get more severe, anxiety and other problems can set in. Food intolerances and allergies place additional strain on the mind and body. If nutrition and general health don’t improved, the onset of life-threatening health problems can occur. This kind of progression is not part of the normal aging process.
Diseases can often be prevented with a change in diet and proper nutrition. Nutritional supplements have evolved over the years into a scientific and comprehensive healthcare approach that can prevent and restore balance when illness occurs. Chronic long term conditions that have not responded to conventional treatment are sometimes the result of underlying biochemical imbalances that respond well to nutritional supplements.
References
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About This Excerpt
The above excerpt is reprinted from Dr. Randi Fredricks’ book Complementary and Alternative Treatments for Anxiety. No part of this article may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems.
Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of Dr. Randi Fredricks as articles often present the published results of the research of other professionals. Copyright © 2020.