Studies dating back to the seventies show that certain vitamins contain properties that are effective in relieving stress. Supported by scientific data, pharmaceutical companies came out with various vitamin supplements that combine these so called stress vitamins, which are Vitamin A, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. Let us take a look at each stress relief vitamin.

Vitamin A, as a stress relief vitamin, contributes to a strong immune system and its antioxidant property is helpful in reducing stress. Vitamin A can be found in both animal and plant sources. Foods rich in vitamin A include eggs, liver, milk, spinach, carrots, mangoes and cantaloupe.

Vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid is often referred to as the “anti-stress vitamin” for its excellent stress-relieving effects. Vitamin B5 along with vitamin B9 (folic acid) and vitamin C are necessary for the adrenal glands to function properly. The adrenal glands produce the hormones that help the body deal with stress such as adrenalin and cortisol.

Additionally, this stress-relief vitamin is involved in many of the body’s energy-releasing chemical reactions as well as in the removal of toxins from the body. Vitamin B5 is not produced or stored naturally in our bodies so you have to get it either from vitamin supplements or foods such as whole grain cereals, beans, poultry, lean meat, and fish.

Aside from Vitamin B5, the entire vitamin B complex is in fact known to play an essential role in combating stress. In addition to B5 and B9, other B-vitamins are B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine acid), B7 (biotin), and B12 (cobalamin). When dealing with emotionally or physically stressful situations, the body uses up B-vitamins first to give the body a quick energy boost.

Vitamin B3 is required for the metabolism of the amino acid Trytophan, which the body converts to serotonin, a brain chemical that acts as a neurotransmitter and is known to regulate mood. A high serotonin level helps a person handle stress and makes a person cheerful.

A widely recommended stress relief vitamin is vitamin C, which has powerful antioxidant properties. Vitamin C boosts the immune system, hence, increasing a person’s ability to fight stress. Vitamin C is also necessary to break down the hormone cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal glands to respond to stress.

Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, green vegetables, tomatoes, bell pepper, papaya and berries. Another stress relief vitamin that offers excellent antioxidant properties is vitamin E. Green leafy vegetables, nuts, fortified cereals and vegetable oils are high in vitamin E.

Have you on any occasion experienced an incident that triggered sweats, rapid heart beat as well as difficulty breathing? You most likely were not experiencing a heart attack but were experiencing an anxiety attack.  Should you suffer from anxiety attacks, understanding how to deal with it is the initial step in order to overcome them.

Anxiety is usually characterized as excessive reactions to disturbing scenarios.  If anyone follows you into a dimly lit street, those nervous reactions such as a racing heartbeat along with sweaty palms cause  increased senses along with a rush of adrenalin which could help save your life.  This is actually the flight or fight response.

When it comes to recurrent anxiety, the anxious feelings usually are fear associated with a specific situation rather than the situation itself. Almost everyone experiences panic or anxiety at some time.  This usually results in the fight or flight response which is not always a bad thing as it can save your life.  When we encounter new situations we sometimes become panicky but as soon as the outcome we fear fails to manifest, the anxiety stops.  When it comes to someone who suffers from chronic anxiety, those anxious feelings continue even after it is apparent that the fear is unfounded.

If you sometimes suffer from anxiety attacks or perhaps have recurrent anxiety attacks there are strategies you can apply in order to keep your anxiety under control.

1. It is always a good first step to seek the help of a health professional.  It is not a good idea to try to self-diagnose any type of physical or mental condition as it can be dangerous.

2. Try to make sure you get a good night’s sleep.  While in the sleep cycle, a person’s body repairs itself.  You should feel a lot more rested following several hours of restorative sleep. The majority of people require eight hours sleep each night which usually varies within an hour or so either way.

3. You should try to do some exercise on a regular basis.  Physical exercise assists you to utilize oxygen much more efficiently.  Exercise assists in getting a lot more oxygen to the brain. It also increases your concentration which may well enable you to discover solutions to problems instead of simply worrying about them.

4. Try meditation. You may want to take up yoga as it involves exercises that help quiet the mind and control your breathing. Basic mediation, like for example taking five minutes in order to clear your head each day, can certainly work wonders in your battle against anxiety.

5. Control the worry.  Whenever you feel your pulse begin to quicken, count backwards from ten.  While  counting try to focus on the problem.  Exactly what has really occurred? Try to avoid the urge to read more into the situation than there really is.

6. Avoid consuming alcohol. You may well believe that the glass of wine is actually relaxing your tension however alcohol is actually a depressant.  In anxious situations you could possibly depend far too heavily on it and acquire an additional problem in the process.

7. Choose a number of relaxing activities.  Stress and anxiety can easily rob you of your energy.  As often as time permits try to do something you enjoy, such as reading, gardening or perhaps listening to music. It is normal for some anxiety to enter into your life at any given time. But, any time the anxiety grows to be frequent you might end up being at risk for more serious conditions.  In the event that you really feel your anxiety is beginning to control your life or perhaps increasingly leading to problems, it is advisable to seek professional help right away.  There is absolutely no need to go through this terrible condition in silence.

Disclaimer: The information and opinions on this website is for information purposes only and is believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best judgment available to the author. Readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. Readers who fail to consult appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.