A Promising Nutrient for Anxiety
Understanding Anxiety: The Impact of Real and Perceived Fears on Individuals
Anxiety is a common condition that many people experience, either personally or through knowing someone who suffers from it. It is essentially a fear of the future and can affect individuals in various ways. However, anxiety does not always require the presence of fear for someone to feel fearful.
Human Biologist Gary Brecka gave an example: if a person suddenly encounters someone with a knife, it would cause a genuine fear response. On the other hand, if someone was lying in bed on the 30th floor of a condo and started imagining being attacked by a shark, it would result in the same fear response. This shows that anxiety can be triggered by both real and perceived fears.
Interestingly, anxiety is often linked to our physiology rather than external factors. Many individuals who have experienced anxiety throughout their lives can attest to this. Additionally, they may struggle to pinpoint a specific trigger for their anxiety.
Methyl Folate: A Promising Nutrient Supplement for Alleviating Anxiety Symptoms
Furthermore, if they have tried anti-anxiety medications, they often report that these medications do not effectively alleviate their symptoms and may even make them feel like zombies. These observations suggest that anxiety may be more of a nutrient deficiency rather than a mental condition.
One nutrient that can be beneficial for anxiety is methyl folate. Methyl folate is a supplement that can help address genetic deficiencies that contribute to anxiety. The recommended dosage of methyl folate varies depending on an individual's weight, but typically, around 800 micrograms per day is sufficient. It can be taken with or without food since it is a water-soluble vitamin.
Methyl Folate and Methylation: The Importance of Neurotransmitter Production
Unlike fat-soluble vitamins, such as vitamins A, D, E, and K, which require food for absorption, methyl folate can be taken on an empty stomach as long as it is not combined with other vitamins that may cause nausea due to changes in stomach pH.
In fact, according to Gary, everyone should consider taking a methylated multivitamin as a minimum. This provides the basic raw materials necessary for the process of methylation, which is crucial for neurotransmitter production. Methylation involves converting amino acids like tryptophan and phenylalanine into neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Suppose the body is unable to perform these conversions effectively. In that case, it can lead to deficiencies in neurotransmitters, resulting in mood disorders.
Addressing Nutrient Deficiencies: Key to Improving Mental Fitness and Reducing Reliance on Pharmaceuticals
Therefore, addressing nutrient deficiencies can be a critical factor in improving mental fitness rather than labeling it a mental illness. It is important to note that this perspective does not discredit the use of pharmaceuticals for mental health conditions.
However, it emphasizes the importance of considering potential nutrient deficiencies before diagnosing someone with a mental illness or other conditions. Identifying and addressing the raw materials that may be lacking in the body can improve overall well-being and potentially reduce reliance on synthetic medications.
In conclusion, anxiety is a complex condition that can be triggered by both real and perceived fears. However, it is often rooted in physiological factors rather than external circumstances. Nutrient deficiencies, such as a lack of methyl folate, can contribute to anxiety and other mood disorders. By addressing these deficiencies through supplementation and ensuring a well-rounded intake of essential nutrients, individuals can potentially improve their mental fitness and overall well-being.
Here are some great articles regarding anxiety:
Natural Remedies for Anxiety: 10 Ideas
10 Natural Remedies for Reducing Anxiety and Stress