Got anxiety? THIS safe, non-addictive option might help

Most of the patients I see are anxious about something.

And to be fair, the pandemic has made things worse—on all of us.

Case in point: Since 2019, prescriptions for anti-depressant drugs to treat both depression and anxiety have skyrocketed.

Of course, anxiety medication is among the most abused prescriptions in this country, with some promoting addictive tendencies.

But there’s hope on the horizon.

In fact, new research shines light on THIS safe, effective, natural option…

High-dose supplementation

A recent study suggests that high-dose vitamin B6 may reduce your feelings of anxiety and depression.

Researchers investigated the effects of high-dose supplementation on feelings of anxiety and depression over one month, compared to placebo.

Nearly 500 participants—who reported having feelings of anxiety or depression—were randomly divided to receive:

  • High-dose vitamin B6 (100 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride)
  • High-dose vitamin B12 (1,000 mcg methylcobalmin)
  • Placebo

They also completed behavioral questionnaires at baseline and post-supplementation.

Ultimately, researchers found a significant reduction in feelings of anxiety in the B6 group.

In fact, scores for generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety dropped significantly.

And in another study, researchers offer an explanation as to why B6 might be so beneficial…

They found that enriching the diet with B6 helps increase levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the visual part of the brain. This lessens the level of neural activity, which acts to calm the brain and decrease feelings of anxiety.

Boost your B6

I often talk about how the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for most nutrients are way too LOW. And this study solidifies that stance.

In fact, the RDA for B6 is a measly 1.3 mg—2.4 mcg for B12.

Yet, supplementing with 100 mg of B6 and 1,000 mcg of B12 was found to be safe and effective. (The B12 group also experienced a reduction in symptoms; however, it was not deemed statistically significant.)

Not to mention, there’s a wide-spread B6 deficiency: 16 percent of men and 32 percent of women are deficient in this country alone.

So, in my view, 1.3 mg won’t cut it for most people. Especially if you’re looking to reduce anxiety.

That’s why I stand behind 100 mg of B6 daily. (Just don’t overdo it. There is too much of a good thing when it comes to this vitamin.)

And be mindful of lifestyle choices that could be depleting your levels, like taking birth control, overindulging in alcohol, or consuming too many sugar and carbs.

You can also SLASH anxiety—without turning to addictive meds—by engaging in daily exercise and enjoying wild-caught, fatty fish (or supplementing with fish oil).

For additional insight into why common antidepressant drugs may do more harm than good, check out the August 2020 issue of my monthly Logical Health Alternatives newsletter (“The ‘antidepressant avalanche’ burying retirees [literally!]).

Not yet a subscriber? Click here to become one.

Until next time,
Dr. Fred

Source:

“B6 a New Approach for Depression, Anxiety?” Medscape, 07/26/2022. (medscape.com/viewarticle/977961#vp_1)


CLOSE
CLOSE