Stress Relief Vitamins For Well Being

Studies dating back to the seventies show that certain vitamins contain properties that are effective in relieving stress. Supported by scientific data, companies have now come out with various vitamin supplements that combine these so called stress vitamins, which are Vitamin A, Vitamin B complexes, Vitamin C, and Vitamin E. Let us take a look at each stress relief vitamin.

Vitamin A, as a stress relief vitamin, contributes to a strong immune system and its antioxidant property is helpful in reducing stress. Vitamin A can be found in both animal and plant sources. Foods rich in vitamin A include eggs, liver, milk, spinach, carrots, mangoes and cantaloupe.

Vitamin B5 or pantothenic acid is often referred to as the “anti-stress vitamin” for its excellent stress-relieving effects. Vitamin B5 along with vitamin B9 (folic acid) and vitamin C are necessary for the adrenal glands to function properly. The adrenal glands produce the hormones that help the body deal with stress such as adrenalin and cortisol.

Additionally, this stress-relief vitamin is involved in many of the body’s energy-releasing chemical reactions as well as in the removal of toxins from the body. Vitamin B5 is not produced or stored naturally in our bodies so you have to get it either from vitamin supplements or foods such as whole grain cereals, beans, poultry, lean meat, and fish.

Aside from Vitamin B5, the entire vitamin B complex is in fact known to play an essential role in combating stress. In addition to B5 and B9, other B-vitamins are B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine acid), B7 (biotin), and B12 (cobalamin). When dealing with emotionally or physically stressful situations, the body uses up B-vitamins first to give the body a quick energy boost.

Vitamin B3 is required for the metabolism of the amino acid Trytophan, which the body converts to serotonin, a brain chemical that acts as a neurotransmitter and is known to regulate mood. A high serotonin level helps a person handle stress and makes a person cheerful.

A widely recommended stress relief vitamin is vitamin C, which has powerful antioxidant properties. Vitamin C boosts the immune system, hence, increasing a person’s ability to fight stress. Vitamin C is also necessary to break down the hormone cortisol, which is produced by the adrenal glands to respond to stress.

Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, green vegetables, tomatoes, bell pepper, papaya and berries. Another stress relief vitamin that offers excellent antioxidant properties is vitamin E. Green leafy vegetables, nuts, fortified cereals and vegetable oils are high in vitamin E.