5 Nootropics and Dietary Supplements to Soothe Anxiety
Anxiety is a common
issue that everyone deals with to some degree at some point in their life. Some
people have it worse than others, and often times it can be unbearable. Many
people turn to pharmaceutical drugs such as Xanax and other benzodiazepines to
alleviate their anxiety, however many people are understandably off-put by the
side effects and abuse potential.
[ photo: pexels.com by ylanite koppens ] |
There are many
alternatives to pharmaceutical drugs for treating anxiety safely and
effectively. Nootropics and dietary supplements products are a broad range of
compounds that lack the typical pharmacology of prescription drugs. Many of
these substances simply provide the body with the necessary ingredients to
ensure optimal levels of key neurotransmitters such as GABA and serotonin.
While nootropics
and dietary supplements may not have quite as much punch as something like
Valium or Ambien, they are considerably safer and can be used over the
long-term with little to no risk of dependence or tolerance. Furthermore, many
of these
For this post I
will be covering what I consider the 5 best nootropics and dietary supplements
for treating anxiety safely and effectively. This list will consist of
substances which are nonaddictive, free of serious side effects, and naturally
occurring.
1. Magnesium
Magnesium is a
mineral that functions as an essential dietary nutrient in the body. Magnesium
has a calming effect on the mind and is highly beneficial to heart health and
other physiological functions. Many people are familiar with the effects of
magnesium in the form of epsom salts (magnesium sulfate).
Magnesium is
gaining more attention more attention lately for its anxiety reducing
properties. At the level of the brain, it acts as a neuromodulator. It prevents
overstimulation from glutamate, leading to calming effects on cognition and
mood, as well as protection against cell damage. Magnesium has been shown to
benefit anxiety, stress, depression, and improve sleep.
Magnesium can be
quite difficult to acquire from food sources. Epsom salts are an excellent way
of absorbing it, but supplementation is also effective. Many people in the
western world have a deficiency in magnesium, therefore it is highly beneficial
when supplemented.
2. Taurine
Taurine is an
essential amino acid that many people associate with energy drinks. However,
the amount contained in energy drinks is too negligible to do anything. As
such, the true effects of taurine are felt by very few people, unless it is
directly supplemented.
Taurine is similar
to magnesium in many ways, as it also has numerous heart health and brain
health properties. I consider taurine to be one of the most underrated and
misunderstood supplements out there and many people are unaware of its anxiety
reducing potential.
Taurine can quickly
cross the blood-brain barrier and raise levels of the neurotransmitters GABA
and glycine. Both GABA and glycine induce relaxation and improve mood without
causing sedation or grogginess.
Taurine is
especially useful for vegans and vegetarians as it is typically only found in
meat and animal products. However, it can benefit anyone and remains effective
when used daily.
3. Theanine
Theanine is an
amino acid and nootropic that occurs naturally in certain teas. Like magnesium,
theanine also acts as a neuromodulator and prevents cellular damage from
glutamate. This neuromodulating effect on glutamate provides noticeable
improvements in anxiety and general mental health and is a very useful
nootropic to take daily.
Theanine is
commonly paired with caffeine as its able to eliminate the jitters and anxiety
while still improving overall performance. When taken alone, the effects of
theanine are fairly subtle, however it is one of the safest and most non-toxic
substances in the world, and is virtually free of side effects. It also be
taken chronically without tolerance or dependence.
4. Kava
Kava is an herb
native to many Pacific Ocean island cultures, especially in Hawaii. It is
typically prepared as a brew and sipped in a social context and can be
considered a safe replacement to alcohol, as it’s much less powerful and
nonaddictive.
Kava works by increasing levels of GABA and dopamine in the brain, which leads to reduced anxiety, stress, and improved mood. It’s generally used for socializing, reducing stress, and promoting restful sleep. And it is really very easy to buy kava online. Kava bars are common in many cities, however it is easily acquired from online sources as well.
Kava best to use it
sparingly, however, as its not 100% free of side effects if it is abused. Kava
is a fairly strong herb and chronic, heavy usage is not generally not advised.
However, the World Health Organization has determined that is it quite safe
when used normally, and the side effects associated with heavy use (loss of
appetite and GI problems) disappear when discontinued.
5. Lavender
Lavender is a
species of flowering plant that can notably reduce anxiety and improve sleep.
It causes peaceful and subtle relaxation without sedation or grogginess.
Lavender can be
supplemented or used in aromatherapy. There have been studies showing that both
oral supplementation and aromatherapy are effective, however lavender oil used
aromatherapy does have more research behind it.
Like the other
substances on this list, lavander works by increasing levels of GABA in the
brain, leading to a calming effect on the body and mind. Like the others, this
increase in GABA is subtle and does not aggressively increase neurotransmitter
levels beyond their normal threshold.
Author Bio section
My name is Jacob
and I’m very passionate about nootropics, supplements, and brain health. I have
been researching psychopharmacology on pubmed and other scholarly journals for
many years and I want to clear up any confusion surrounding the use of these
substances. My primary goal is to provide practical and fact-based information
that is not based on anecdote or hearsay.
If you’d like to
learn more about nootropics, please visit my evidence-based nootropics site.
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