Top 5 Supplements for Anxiety

I get a lot of questions about the difference between talk therapy, supplements, and medications. Basically people want to know what is the safest and most effective route to take when treating anxiety. To be totally transparent I am not a licensed psychiatrist, psychologist, medical doctor, or naturopath; however, I'm happy to share with you which treatments worked for me in overcoming my anxiety, panic attacks, and OCD. ***You should always consult a medical professional who knows you well before starting any new approach to reading your mental health.

*Affiliate links disclosure: My posts may contain affiliate links. If you buy something through one of those links, you won't pay a penny more, but I'll get a small commission, which helps keep the kids fed! Thank you!

That being said, here are the top five supplements for anxiety, which also worked wonders for me in overcoming my anxiety!

1. Magnesium - If you've read some of my other posts, then you'll know I LOVE magnesium. Seriously. It has literally changed my life, especially my sleep, which was a mess for years! Magnesium is also great for anxiety and depression, helps with digestion, relieves muscle aches, prevents migraine headaches, improves PMS symptoms, and helps increase energy. This is my go-to, wonder drug! The recommended daily intake for women is 310-320 mg, but I take 400 mg every day. Here is the magnesium I use:

2. Vitamin D3 - Vitamin D deficiency is usually caused by lack of exposure to sunlight. Individuals who work in offices or stay indoors during the winter often have low levels of Vitamin D, hence Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Therefore, it is no surprise that vitamin D also plays an essential part in our mental health. Vitamin D deficiency, specifically Vitamin D3, can we do anxiety and depression among other serious health problems. I take 10,000 IUs everyday. It not only helps with anxiety and depression, but is also great for your immune system! Here is the Vitamin D3 I take:

3. Omega-3 - Our brains require a great deal of healthy fats in order to function properly. Unfortunately, typical American diets consist of too many unhealthy Omega-6s and not enough healthy and Omega-3s leading to high levels of inflammation in the brain. This inflammation can lead to a whole slew of health problems including anxiety, depression, insomnia, mental fog, memory issues, etc. In order to treat anxiety and depression, it's important to take an Omega-3 supplement that has a higher level of EPA as opposed to DHA. Here is the supplement I take:

4. 5-HTP - 5-hydroxytryptophan is a precursor to serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, sleep, memory, social behavior, appetite, and digestion. 5-HTP is a great alternative to prescription medication to treat anxiety. Be careful though! Do not use it in conjunction with prescription medicines for anxiety or depression and do not use it for the long term. Over time it will become less effective. Here is the supplement I use:

5. GABA - GABA is another neurotransmitter in your brain. This one is primarily responsible for regulating your central nervous system. It's helpful in treating anxiety, depression, PMS, ADHD, and insomnia. It definitely has a very soothing, calming effect. Here is the brand I love:

Have you tried any of these supplements? Which one is your favorite? I'd love to hear from you!

Dr. Katie

P.S. Do you have trouble sleeping? Trouble concentrating? Do you worry a lot? Do you suffer from out-of-control, racing thoughts? Do you feel like something is off, but you're not sure what it is? Ready for some change? Check out the Anxious Mama's Anxiety Detox e-course! It's a self-paced 30 day program full of major transformations! Click here to find out more and register!

P.P.S. Looking for a community for mamas like you? Check out the Anxious Mamas Facebook group, a private community where we share our struggle, support one another, and learn lots of new ways to deal with anxiety, motherhood, and life.

#anxiety #relaxation #supplements #anxietyrelief #depression #insomnia