Recently, the use of vitamin B supplements as a method of natural stress relief has gained high levels of attention. With the proliferation of many vitamin-enriched products such as water, herbal drinks and even certain breads and cereals, people are becoming aware of the need and importance for the inclusion of vitamins into their diet for many different health reasons. One of these reasons is our ever-increasing desire for a natural stress relief.
The vitamin B complex is particularly important for complete wellness. Vitamin B supplements support healthy nervous system function and fortify the body to make it more resilient during periods of overstress and occasional anxiety.
The vitamin B complex consists of eight water soluble vitamins, which are: thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), folic acid (B9), cobalomin (B12), pantothenic acid and biotin. The B vitamins work together to boost metabolism and enhance the immune and nervous system, which controls our stress response, and which in turn determines how we feel in the face of everyday stress. B vitamins also keep the skin and muscles healthy, encourage cell growth and division as well as many other health benefits.
As B vitamins are water soluble they are flushed out through the urine. Therefore, it is important to maintain your levels of water soluble vitamins on a daily basis. Although you can find B vitamins in many foods, e.g., eggs, fish, vegetables etc, for some people their diet may be lacking in sufficient quantities of vitamin B. Therefore the option of taking vitamin B supplements can be highly beneficial.
B-complex vitamin deficiencies occur far more easily than any other, particularly for people under stress. B-complex vitamins are commonly found together in foods and have similar functions to perform specific tasks, often needing each other to work successfully. This is why single B vitamin supplement is not often recommended. The vitamin B family is a useful group that targets some of the most common health issues, including lack of energy, stress, depression, brain and heart health.
It is believed that vitamin C also helps the B vitamins to perform at their best and so watch out for supplements that contain it as well.
Practically all B-complex vitamins are involved in treatment of stress and depression. The most important of these are B1,B3,B6,B9 and B12.
B9 (folic acid) is involved in the production of neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine that regulate brain functions such as mood, sleep and appetite.
Folic acid deficiency is one of the most common deficiencies in the world. Diets low in vegetables and frequent use of prescription drugs contribute to this. Prolonged stress is also a risk factor. Lack of B9 causes mood disorders and low levels may play a role in depression, possibly due to a reduction in neurotransmitter levels.
Vitamin B9 has a direct effect on reducing depression and stress. It can help regulate sleep and appetite. It is crucial for proper brain function and plays an important role in mental and emotional health. Folic acid is the synthetic form of this vitamin found in supplements and fortified foods.
B12 is vital for normal brain function. The brain is the organ most dependent on B12. Those who suffer with a deficiency could suffer from forgetfulness. Vitamin B12 is one of the most important memory vitamins and one of the most important for stress.
It is clear that as more of us are seeking out a natural stress relief, B-complex vitamins could have a significant role to play in this.
While it is safe to take vitamin b supplements, each of us has unique requirements. Consequently, it is important to check with a professional before beginning a vitamin regimen in order to determine the correct dose and selecting the best product. Because deficiencies usually include more than one B vitamin, and because B-vitamins work best together, you should take a complex vitamin B supplement.
Taking a course of vitamin B supplements every day, either in tablet or capsule form, can be a good protection again stress and anxiety and may even help to reduce its severity.
Often visual areas of loss of vision called scotoma can precede migraine and be a hint to initiate treatment. Vitamin B is probably not the way to treat this symptom but probably can help with stress.