Natural Remedy for OCD and Anxiety
Nutritional Supplements to Treat Mood Disorder
May 31, 2007 Elizabeth Richards
Easing symptoms of OCD
Anxiety disorders are much more common than originally thought. In fact, recent statistics show that almost 20% of adults have some form of anxiety disorder, including Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Post Traumatic Disorders, Panic Disorders, and Stress Disorders. Women are twice as likely to be affected as men.
What used to be considered a psychosomatic event is now known to be an involuntary physiological occurrence. Anxiety can be triggered by chemical imbalances that are inherited, environmental situations, such as divorce or death, or even learned behavior. There is new research that links a form of OCD to strep infections.
Different options are available for treating OCD and other anxiety disorders. Practitioners will approach each case as unique. In addition to Cognitive Behavior Therapy (or CBT), doctors may prescribe medication and should also consider the patient’s diet. Eating healthy is important for everyone, but is especially vital when the neurological system is involved.
Too much caffeine, sugar and processed foods can add to anxiety. An overabundance of coffee, tea and soda has obvious consequences. Sugar highs and lows will affect a person with OCD. Keeping blood sugar constant will help moderate symptoms of anxiety issues.
Some doctors will use or add nutritional supplements in their treatment for anxiety, depression, OCD and tic disorders. Some of the most commonly used supplements are Essential Fatty Acids (EFA), like Omega-3, GABA, inositol, l-tryptophan, l-glutamine, B Vitamins, magnesium and calcium. Many doctors will add vitamin C and Vitamin D to enhance calcium absorption in OCD patients.
The recommended amount of each supplement, as well as the ratio, varies as much as the individual. While some doctors have a formulated dosage, adjusting amounts, trial and error, is sometimes necessary.
The importance of Omega-3 Oils is stressed in both main stream and alternative medicine. A June 2006 study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry shows that a lack of Omega-3 in the diet resulted in mood disorders and that adding EFA through diet and supplementation should be considered as part of a treatment therapy.
Supplements that can be used to help anxiety disorders and OCD:
- Essential Fatty Acids, Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 from fish oil, flaxseed oil, hempseed oil, hempseeds, grapeseed oil, pumpkin seeds, pine nuts, pistachio nuts, sunflower seeds (raw), olive oil, olives, borage oil, evening primrose oil, black currant seed oil, chestnut oil, chicken, spinach, kale and other foods
- DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) ARA (arachidonic acid)
- GABA Gamma-aminobutryic acid needed for proper brain function (Amino Acid),
- Inositol
- L-tryptophan
- L-glutamine
- Vitamin B VItamin C and Vitamin D
- Magnesium and calcium
Herbs that have been used to help with stress:
Chamomile, Catnip, kava, motherwort, skullcap, valerian
Some herbs, such as valerian, may make you sleepy. Never drive or operate machinery if you take any supplement or medication that is identified as “relaxing” or “calming”.
Just like medications, supplements will take time to work. Taking extra magnesium or fish oil for one day isn’t going to yield a noticeable difference in symptoms. After a few weeks, if there is no improvement, ask your doctor to recommend a different dosage or combination of supplementation.
Not everything works for everyone. And of course, you should always check with your doctor before taking any medication or supplements. If you have been prescribed medication, remember that nutritional supplements can interact with prescriptions and it’s important to check side effects with your physician and also your pharmacist.
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