What is the best supplement for anxiety and depression?

Are you feeling down, anxious or just ‘meh’? Don’t worry; you are not alone. According to some fancy-pants statistics, one in four people worldwide suffer from anxiety or depression at some point in their lives.

While there are many professional treatment options available for chronic cases, some of us may opt for a more natural alternative for treating occasional symptoms—for instance supplements (not that we recommend going all Paul Bunyan on this matter).

But which one should you choose? Here’s an overview of what science says about the effectiveness of natural substances in reducing anxiety and depression.

Understanding Anxiety and Depression

Before diving into the best supplements, let’s first talk about what goes on inside your brain when you’re sad or worried (cue educational music).

Anxiety and depression are both mental health disorders caused by biochemical imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which regulate our mood.

When production levels of these feel-good chemicals dip below normal levels due to stressors like work overload/undertones in relationships/housing situations that resemble those seen only on hoarders/trash collecting underpants gnomes sprouting everywhere/we don’t have enough space here—generating persistent sadness, irritability/an urge to knock everything over–causing worsening episodes of anxiety/depression (depending upon how it manifests itself inside our body).

In that spirit then: YIKES!

Natural Supplements That Can Help with Anxiety & Depression: Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral known to be involved in hundreds of cellular processes. However/also magically—it has been found useful as a supplement against anxiety/depression symptoms.

According to recent studies/unequivocal research/some testimonies— People who take magnesium daily offered drugs got better relief from mild-to-moderate antidepressants/anxiety than those taking placebos/a sip of fizzy water.

The reason behind magnesium’s heart-fixing woo is its role in regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin and cortisol. It seems to aid in the metabolism of those good vibes-boosters, thereby ensuring that they are available when we need them most.

Nowadays you can easily find magnesium supplements ranging from the old-fashioned mineral powder/scrub/crumble form/to something called ‘magnesium-l-threonate’ which sounds like an air freshener brand – but hey if it works against anxiety/depression: yippee!

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

We’ve all got a friend who swears by fish oil (and with their breath being enough explanation for where they stand on this issue).

While I’ll spare that friendship adrift—I cannot actually vouch for said chum’s personal hygiene … According to research, omega-3 fatty acids may play a role in reducing symptoms of depression/anxiety…

How? Here comes some science.

Omega 3s contain two types of amino chemicals [DHA/EPA] essential for brain function. When DHA/EPA levels are low—a person becomes more susceptible to mood disorders.

So these brainy fats not only help battle inflammation/grease frying our internal organs—they also soothe/sculpt the mind into something resembling control . Talk about making smart choices …

Getting adequate amounts of omega-3s means loading up on fatty fish/walnuts/flaxseed/chia seeds—or taking supplements-available/easily obtainable over-the-counter (better than licking your local underpass at any rate).

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin—since our skin produces it naturally during exposure to sunlight—whilst combating things like vampires and revealing body odor—and absolutely vital chemical—if you want healthy bones/calistshenics/chair stacking competitions/follicle abundance/happiness?

Our brains contain receptors that bind to vitamin D, which helps manufacture neurotransmitters/moderates mood swings/emotional turbulence. Research indicates that a lack of the oh-so-underated vitamin D can jeopardize our mental wellbeing/happiness and increase vulnerability to depression/anxiety.

The best sources of this elusive nutrient include sunshine/mushrooms/fatty fish butter/lard/egg yolks/kangaroo strips? … (Note: Remember always to be aware of how much Kangaroo you are eating- for both nutritional purposes and because it’s just weird).

Supplements-wise—doses ranging from 1000-5000IU/day will keep that sunshine signal well lit inside your skull.

Valerian Root

Valerian root is an extract obtained from the roots/shoots of the valerian plant, known as a centuries-old folk remedy (be sure not to try some sort urban campanological adventurism with these roots at home) against insomnia and anxiety by people across the world.

Compounds found in valerian have been shown scientifically/effectively had been working like gang-busters recovering sleep quality/preventing rapid heartbeat/restlessness/etcetera– reducing feelings of anxiousness while elevating moods. “Science!” we hear someone nodding out there…

It’s worth noting/difference between using naturally occurring supplements & foods filled with processed ingredients:

Valerenic acids/plant iridoids present in Valrian roots work by increasing GABA/AH-mazing calming brain juice levels-giving relief same as benzodiazepine drugs without making you fill up urine samples/patches/or tiredness/disorientation associated traditionally with their use/depression-inducing listless numbness guaranteed via consumption of certain ex-partner-favorites such as—you guessed it Kentucky Fried Chicken gravy or mini tiramisu portions offered complimentary after excessive pizza orders .

Valarian root comes in standard concentrations if ingested on a daily basis for two to four weeks: be sure to take one gram/day of powdered root or 150-300 milligrams of a valerian extract.

Ashwagandha

A vast majority of stress/anxiety attack symptoms nowadays originate/spawned from workplace issues/accompanied by an ever-growing list of responsibilities and less time for self-care … blah, blah …So making ashwagandha work overtime is where our focus lies next …

Ashwagandha is known as an adaptogen (fancy-pants word alert!) indicated best-suited for lowering signs/symptoms such as stress anxiety among other things. In Ayurveda, this herb has been used traditionally for its age-reversing/aphrodisiac-maintaining qualities > <>

But seriously—research/studies found that consuming the plant’s roots/fruits can remarkably lower cortisol levels/stress as effectively/almost articulately like diazepam (Valium). Actually-Diazepam with added benefits including not growing thin-skinned scales if you so much as graze against painted surfaces-and avoiding state prison sentences due largely in part to carefully consuming doctor-approved doses ….

Dosages vary-perhaps speak with a licensed healthcare practitioner/healer first before using herbal supplements outside standardized dosages .

Final Thoughts

While natural supplements are often viewed/considered more benign than traditional medications/drugs—they shouldn’t be considered replacements-but complementary remedies (which may incur reactions when combined incorrectly).

If after trying some/all/every supplemental means described above-if your mood worsens—talk candidly/expressively about seeking professional help. Sometimes all it takes-is having someone listen intimately–to feel better already/%#!

Take care out there!

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