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Research has found that a single supplement may help boost mood and reduce stress. And you’ll be surprised by what it is. Even though—as you’re about to see—it makes perfect sense.
Australian researchers gave men aged 50-69 this supplement or a placebo for eight weeks.1 Using the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS), researchers analyzed symptoms. The men who took the supplement had reduced symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. They also showed improvement in alertness and general daily functioning.
A study from the UK confirms the results.2 Men who took this supplement for 28 days had a significant reduction in anxiety and stress. They also had more energy. Keep in mind, prescription meds take at least that long to kick in. Sometimes you won’t even feel the full effects for a few months.3 And in the meantime, you have to deal with side effects while your body adjusts to the medication. Diarrhea, problems getting an erection, headaches, nausea, to name a few…
So what simple and surprising supplement eased anxiety—without the nasty side effects?
A multivitamin.
To be clear, the one used in the Australian study contained vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and herbal extracts.
Sounds almost too good to be true…
But studies have found several links between diet and mental illness.4 And people who are deficient in essential vitamins and nutrients often display notable symptoms. Vitamins B, D, and C deficiencies can lead to fatigue, chronic stress, and anxiety.5 A mineral deficiency of magnesium can lead to confusion and agitation. Calcium and zinc deficiencies are linked to nervousness and paranoia. So really, it’s no surprise that a multivitamin can help.
Some stress is good for us. It keeps us on our toes.6
But daily stressors can leave you in physical and emotional pain. Then it becomes a serious condition. Stress depletes the body of the very nutrients needed to control it.7 Bottom line: when you’re under more stress than usual, take a multivitamin.
Of course doctors are quick to hand out scripts. But taking an antidepressant won’t replenish your body with the essential nutrients it may be lacking.
A multivitamin can’t replace a healthy diet. But a good one can help give you the extra supplementation you may need.
When choosing a multivitamin always read the label to make sure it’s high-quality. Make sure you are getting the exact vitamins and minerals you need. At the right levels. And check that it’s 100% organic. Buy it from a health food store. It may cost you a little extra then the big company brands but it is worth it. You can pick one that’s just right for you.
References:
1 http://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22095836
2 http://ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10907676
3 http://pdrhealth.com/antidepressants/antidepressant-treatment-timeline
4 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2738337/
5 http://depression.about.com/cs/diet/a/vitamin_2.htm
6 http://webmd.com/depression/stress-anxiety-depression
7 http://voices.yahoo.com/how-vitamins-relieve-stress-7531504.html?cat=5
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