The regular consumption of vitamins can play an important role in reducing your stress and anxiety. Our bodies have more need of certain nutrients if we have been experiencing stress or anxiety. There are known instances where the lack of proper vitamins or minerals can actually contribute to the increase of stress. So if you have been feeling under pressure lately, consider some of the natural supplements that might help you reduce the effects of stress.

The most important stress vitamins are the B group of vitamins, followed closely by antioxidants. The B complex vitamins help keep the body’s nervous system functioning effectively. If you have a deficiency of B vitamins, you are likely to suffer from many of the symptoms that are associated with stress, including depression, anxiety, mood swings and PMS for women.

Niacin and pantothenic acid are two of the B vitamins that are especially important in stress management. Niacin (B3) is required for the production of serotonin in the brain, which helps us to feel stable and emotionally balanced. A lack of serotonin has been known to be associated with anxiety and depression.

Pantothenic acid (B5) maintains the adrenal glands. These glands produce the stress hormones, particularly adrenaline. However, the B vitamins all work together, so if you decide to take a supplement, make sure that it includes them all.

Antioxidants, including vitamins C and E, are next on our list of anti stress vitamins. These help to strengthen the immune system. The immune system is weakened by prolonged stress, leading to a greater susceptibility to viral and bacterial infections.

You can either take supplements of vitamins C and E or try to include more of them in your diet. Vitamin C is found in plentiful quantities in many fruits and vegetables but usually many benefits are lost in cooking, so eating raw is best. Raspberries and blueberries also contain a very high number of anti oxidants.

Vitamin E is often found along with fats and is very good for the skin, as well as boosting the immune system. Good dietary sources of vitamin E include nuts and seeds, especially almonds and sunflower seeds. Sunflower oil, canola oil and other nut and seed oils are also rich in vitamin E.

As well as anti stress vitamins, you might want to consider minerals. Most think of vitamins and minerals together but they do not always come in a package. A lot of diets are lacking important minerals which could also contribute to increased stress levels.

The body’s stores of magnesium can be depleted in times of stress. The same is true of zinc, which can contribute to depression and eating disorders, as well as prostate problems for men.

So if you are considering any sort of nutritional supplements please make sure that essential minerals are included in your nutritional regiment. Here is a link to a PDF file that highlights the essential  minerals necessary to regulate stress. Please also consider sharing this article with friends and family if you have found it useful.