Vitamin B-6 + B-12

Vitamin B-6 (pyridoxine) deficiency is another common problem seen in our country. This can contribute to anxiety as this vitamin is critical in the production of two brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that prevent anxiety (GABA and serotonin). Low Vitamin B-12 has also been shown to be associated with anxiety, and research has shown that many individuals require super high levels of B-12 to get adequate levels into the brain where it is needed.

Pantothenic acid

Pantothenic acid is another B vitamin which is critical for the treatment of adrenal fatigue. As noted above, adrenal fatigue is a very common trigger for hypoglycemia induced anxiety. If you get irritable when you're hungry, crave sugar, crash with stress, and/or have low blood pressure with dizziness on standing, you probably have adrenal fatigue. For more information on this and other causes of fatigue, I refer you to my best-selling book "From Fatigued to Fantastic!"

As you can see, optimal and often mega-dose levels of B vitamins create an important foundation for the treatment of anxiety. Other treatments however, are also critical and highly effective.

Magnesium

Magnesium is critical for over 300 chemical reactions in the body and most Americans are deficient in this key mineral. I consider this to be the single most important nutritional deficiency in the United States. To give an idea of the scope of this problem, the average Chinese diet contains approximately 650 mg of magnesium a day while the average American diet contains only 250 mg after food processing. Study after study has shown that even the small amount of magnesium in drinking water has a major effect on preventing heart attack deaths. Books and entire medical journals are dedicated to this single mineral.
In fact, magnesium has been called the "anti-stress mineral." Magnesium relaxes muscles, helps sleep, and relieves tension. Clinically, we have seen that dropping magnesium levels can trigger hyperventilation/panic attacks (and even seizures if very severe) and that these are often relieved with magnesium therapy. Unfortunately, magnesium oxide and hydroxide are poorly absorbed and tend to be fairly ineffective. Nonetheless, many nutritional supplement manufacturers use this form because it is cheap. Sadly, using magnesium that doesn't work is a very expensive way to save money. Be sure to use absorbable forms such as magnesium citrate or glycinate.

Theanine

Theanine, which comes from green tea, is another outstanding treatment for anxiety. In fact, it counters the anxiety caused by green tea’s caffeine while contributing to mental alertness. One of the greatest benefits of theanine is that you can use it without becoming sedated in the process. Theanine is most effective in the range of 50-200 mg, with the effect being felt within 30 minutes and lasting for 8-10 hours. I recommend using the natural Suntheanine® product, which actually comes from green tea, as opposed to the synthetic forms which may not be as effective.

Research has shown that theanine works by two mechanisms. The first is that it increases alpha brainwave activity. Research has shown that theanine directly stimulates the production of alpha brain waves, creating a state of deep relaxation and mental alertness similar to what is achieved through meditation. Second, theanine is involved in the formation of the calming neurotransmitter, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA). It also naturally stimulates the release of the "happiness molecules" serotonin and dopamine.

Passion Flower Extract

This is one of the best-known herbs for the treatment of anxiety. Passion flower was first cultivated by Native Americans. Spanish conquerors first learned of passion flower from the Aztecs of Mexico who used it as a sedative to treat insomnia and nervousness. The plant was taken back to Europe where it became widely cultivated and introduced into European medicine. In fact, in South America when people are anxious, their friends often tell them to "go get a passion flower drink!”

Magnolia

Magnolia bark has a long history of use in traditional Chinese formulas that relieve anxiety without leaving you feeling like you've been drugged. Magnolia Extract is rich in two phytochemicals, honokiol which exerts an anti-anxiety effect, and magnolol which acts as an anti-depressant. Like many of the other components in the "Calming Balance" product, Magnolia has the ability to alleviate stress without sedating you. Dozens of animal studies have shown that it is a non-addictive, non-sedating stress buster—even at low doses.

The good news is that you can now be calm, energized, and have a clear mind—naturally! The Calming Balance product, which contains everything discussed above, is now available For severe anxiety, begin with three capsules three times a day. Although some effect is seen within a half-hour (so it can also be used on an "as needed" basis) the effectiveness increases continuously throughout the first six weeks. Once your anxiety is under control, the dose can then be lowered, or it can be taken when needed.

Page 2 of 2 pages  < 1 2

Articles of Interest from Smart Publications Health & Wellness Update

• Low Blood Serum Choline Concentrations Are Associated With High Anxiety
• Nutritional Magic For Anxiety, Depression, And Stress!
• Reduce Homocysteine and Improve Mood and Energy with B Vtiamins!