Stress can come from many things in life and sometimes from a lot of things at once. Stress hits everyone on a daily basis, and most of us can deal with it, but long term stress is another story. This is stress that is beyond someone’s control, like long term financial problems or a family crisis. This kind of stress can wear a person down both physically and mentally, and over time can take its toll.
Although everyone experiences stress, not everyone handles it constructively. The body can handle some stress, whether it is physical or mental. Stress first physically manifests itself through the digestive and intestinal systems. This can result in ulcers, colitis, high blood pressure, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. If these initial conditions are not handled properly, then more serious illnesses can result, including damage to the central nervous system. Anyone who is experiencing long term stress to this degree should seek medical help. In addition, there are vitamins and supplements that can help, especially under care from a doctor.
Glutamine
One of the better amino acid supplements to aid in relieving stress is glutamine. The research on glutamine shows that it is an essential supplement for anyone who is ill and under stress. Glutamine strengthens immunity, is gut healing and hastens recovery from stress related illnesses. Glutamine does this by strengthening muscles weakened by stress and illness. If you are ill from stress, glutamine is the most important supplement to add to your diet.
If you are going to take glutamine for stress, you should take it in the form of a powder. The powder doesn’t have a taste and dissolves easily in liquids. Research has shown that glutamine can be taken in higher doses, up to 40,000 milligrams, with no adverse side effects.
Pantothenic Acid
Pantothenic Acid or vitamin B5 is also helpful for healing the damages of stress. Known as the “antistress” vitamin, Pantothenic acid plays a role in the production of the adrenal hormones and formation of antibodies, aids in vitamin utilization, and helps to convert fats, carbohydrates, and protein into energy. It is found in every cell in the body, so if you are low on Vitamin B5, it will affect your entire system.
B-complex
Plenty of B-complex vitamins are essential for fighting stress. The B-complex vitamins are very important for the proper functioning of the nervous system, which takes a beating during stressful times. Vitamin B-complex injections are immediately helpful in reducing the damage to the immune system. They also aid in improving brain function and reducing anxiety. These kinds of shots can be obtained from a licensed physician.
Magnesium
A combination of 200 to 400 milligrams of magnesium, 10 to 100 milligrams of B-complex vitamins, and 500 to 3,000 milligrams of vitamin C are recommended by the American Holistic Medical Association to relieve stress and repair stress related damage to the body. The magnesium blocks the damaging effects of excess adrenaline. Animal studies show that physical damage cause by stress is minimized by the vitamin B-complex and the vitamin C.
Other Options
There are also other holistic remedies beside vitamins and supplements that can relieve temporary stress and help you feel relaxed. Holistic remedies include teas, herbs, flower concoctions, aromatherapy and reflexology.
No matter how you look at it, stress can have a great impact on your life. Vitamins and supplements can help a great deal, but they can only do so much. If you are dealing with long-term stress, then it probably best to work out a game plan about how you want to deal with the situation at hand. That is when vitamins and supplements will be of greater use.
If you feel stressed beyond the point where you think that vitamins and supplements will help, then you need to get professional medical help. This may include therapy or a functional medicine practitioner. However, if you think you are experiencing minor, everyday stress, then it might be helpful to eat more organic veggies and fruit and consider vitamins and supplements as an option.
