• 03/28/2022

Everything You Need to Know About Vitamin D and Anxiety Attacks

Everything You Need to Know About Vitamin D and Anxiety Attacks

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Even when everything’s going well in your life, anxiety can steal your joy. It’s a pervasive mental health issue for many people, but you don’t have to suffer through the side effects to get through your day. A few lifestyle changes could make your life much more enjoyable. This guide explains everything you need to know about vitamin D and anxiety attacks so you can experience more peace of mind.

What Are Anxiety Attacks?

People often get anxiety and panic attacks confused. If something unexpected turns your life upside down, you might feel a loss of control and a resulting wave of fear. Heart palpitations, shortness of breath and even hot flashes that accompany intense fear are signs of a panic attack that’s in progress.

Anxiety attacks precede episodes of panic. They’ll make you worry about your present life or future goals. You could feel restless like you need to take a walk or hit the gym. Some people also experience the physical symptoms of a panic attack, but the hopeless fear of panic doesn’t accompany an anxiety attack.

Both of these cases result from ingesting varying levels of vitamins in addition to hormones or your genetic predisposition to mental health struggles. That’s where vitamin D comes into play.

What Is Vitamin D?

Vitamin D is one of the essential nutrients found in food. It can also come from sunlight exposure if your skin comes into contact with ultraviolet (UV) rays. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium, but it also aids in neuromuscular function. As it makes your cells stronger, your mind can find more stability to battle conditions like anxiety.

Although you can find vitamin D supplements, you can also get it from juicing organic foods like oranges. Eating veggies like kale or animal products like eggs will add vitamin D to your diet as well.

Can Vitamin D Help Anxiety Attacks?

Research shows that if you don’t get enough vitamin D, you could experience more intense anxiety and even depression symptoms. Experts recommend that adults get around 15 micrograms (mcgs) of vitamin D every day, but talk with your doctor. Depending on your bloodwork and any current medications, they may recommend a higher or lower dose for your individual needs.

Which Other All-Natural Remedies Help Anxiety?

If you’re interested in other all-natural ways to reduce your daily anxiety, you can try drinking chamomile. People have used it for centuries to calm their spirits, but a recent study found that it reduced general anxiety disorder symptoms when taken three times each day. However, it does make people feel sleepy. It may be a better health resource when taken before going to bed.

Valerian extract may also help you stay asleep if your anxiety specifically targets your mind at night. Researchers found that people with anxiety-related sleep disorders got more rest when this extract became part of their nightly routine.

Do Lifestyle Changes Reduce Anxiety?

In addition to taking vitamin D supplements, targeted lifestyle changes can become beneficial to your mental health. Trying deep breathing exercises will reduce your heart rate during an anxiety attack. Surrounding yourself with crystals could direct a positive energy flow into spaces that typically cause stress, like your workspace.

You can also try meditation techniques to stop negative thoughts in their tracks. Whenever anxiety makes you hyperfocus on a problem or dwell on something stressful, check in with yourself to ground yourself and banish negativing thinking that could trigger an anxiety attack.

When Should You Consider Anxiety Medications?

If you try taking vitamin D and still find that anxiety disrupts your life, it may be time to consider medications. Your mental health condition should never keep you from living a comfortable life or achieving happiness. Talk with your doctor if you’ve tried a few all-natural remedies and don’t experience the relief you need. A stronger medication partnered with your lifestyle changes could be the solution that gets your anxiety under control.

When speaking with your doctor, don’t feel pressured to choose either a natural remedy or a medication. They’ll understand your medical history and figure out a way to merge your treatment preferences if it’s possible.

Learn About Vitamin D and Anxiety Attacks

Vitamin D and anxiety attacks come up frequently in the mental health world. The organic nutrient is a valuable tool in conquering mental health struggles. Gaining more vitamin D through supplements or dietary changes could provide more mental peace. If you ever wonder about taking it or pairing it with another form of treatment, talk with your doctor about what’s best for your unique needs.

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