When the stress of life really gets to you, don’t you just feel like just tearing all your hair out? Bad hair days are just plain depressing for naturally beautiful women, HELP!!!
Western medical doctors will most likely prescribe a pharmaceutical drug for depression or anxiety. And if you ever read those ads or watch those commercials, the side effects you can get from these will surely make you anxious and depressed –Dizziness, decreased libido, nausea, erectile dysfunction, confusion, blurred vision, drowsiness, decreased concentration – and the best side effect of all? – Depression. Isn’t that why you went to the doctor in the first place?
This is just a list of the short-term side effects – imagine what would happen if you took Xanax or some other anti-depressant for a long time!
So what can you do when life gets to be too much? Don’t worry – there are natural health alternatives that will lift you up and help you to get back on the road to wellness and happiness!
GABA (gamma amino butyric acid)–Reduced levels of GABA, the neurotransmitter that works to calm you down and relax, have been shown to bring on symptoms of severe stress and anxiety. Supplementing with GABA can have naturally tranquilizing effects.
Ashwagandha– An Ayurvedic herb which can help your body to adapt and reduce the mental and physical signs of stress.
L-Theanine–Another valuable neurotransmitter found in green tea, L-theanine works on the brain to reduce mental and physical stress.
Valerian–Valerian (see previous post V is for Valerian vs. Valium) reduces the physical signs of anxiety and stress such as muscle tension and helps you get a good night’s sleep – valuable in fighting depression and stress.
Certain foods can help calm you down as well. Turkey (think post-Thanksgiving dinner) and warm milk contain tryptophan (see T is for Tryptophan – Try it for Tranquility) which will make you very sleepy. Almonds and bananas contain magnesium which relaxes your muscles and also helps to promote restful sleep.
So don’t reach for unhealthy pharmaceuticals such as XanaX when you need some help with depression or anxiety. Go for some safe, non-toxic remedies and take care of your natural health!
