What Supplements Cause Anxiety? Here's What You Need to Know
Nov 03, 2022
Anxiety is a normal emotion that we all experience at one point or another, but for some people, anxiety can be a chronic and debilitating condition. There are many different factors that can contribute to anxiety, including genetics, stress, certain medical conditions, and yes even supplements that are supposed to be good for you. What supplements cause anxiety?
Research has shown that some supplements may cause anxiety. If you're someone who suffers from anxiety, you know how difficult it can be to manage on a day-to-day basis. Trying to figure out which supplements may be causing your symptoms can feel like yet another thing to add to your already full plate. But it's important to identify any potential triggers so that you can avoid them and better manage your anxiety overall.
In this post, we'll discuss what supplements cause anxiety and what you can do if you think they might be triggering your symptoms.
Table of Contents
What Supplements Cause Anxiety?
If you're struggling with anxiety, you're not alone. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health condition in the United States, affecting 40 million adults.
If you're like most people, you probably take at least one supplement every day. Whether it's a multivitamin, fish oil, or something else, supplements are a big part of many people's lives.
While there are many effective treatments for anxiety, such as therapy and medication, some people also turn to supplements to help ease their symptoms.
However, it's important to remember that supplements are not regulated by the FDA and their safety and effectiveness are not always backed by scientific evidence.
What you may not realize is that some supplements can actually cause anxiety.
That's right, while supplements are meant to improve your health, in some cases, they can actually make you feel worse.
If you're struggling with anxiety, it's important to be aware of the potential link between supplements and anxiety.
What supplements cause anxiety?
1. Caffeine
We all know that caffeine can make us feel more alert and energetic. But what you may not know is that it can also increase anxiety and make it difficult to concentrate.
Caffeine is a stimulant, and as such, it can increase your heart rate and make you feel more jittery. If you're already struggling with anxiety, this can make your symptoms worse.
If you're sensitive to caffeine, it's best to avoid it altogether.
2. Omega-3 Supplements
Omega-3 fatty acids are a type of healthy fat that is found in fish and some plant oils. These fats are important for maintaining a healthy heart and brain.
Omega-3 supplements are often touted for their anti-inflammatory benefits. However, they can also increase anxiety levels in some people. This is because Omega-3 fats can increase inflammation in the body, which can trigger anxiety.
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3. Green Tea Extract
Green tea is a popular beverage that is rich in antioxidants. It also contains caffeine, which as we mentioned, can increase anxiety in people who are sensitive to caffeine.
In addition, green tea also contains a compound called L-theanine, which can also lead to anxiety.
4. Creatine
Creatine is a popular supplement among athletes. However, it can also cause anxiety, irritability, and restlessness in some people.
5. B-Complex Vitamins
B-complex vitamins are essential for many bodily functions. However, they can also cause anxiety in some people.
Vitamin B6 is an important nutrient that helps the body produce serotonin, a hormone that regulates mood.
However, taking too much vitamin B6 can actually lead to anxiety. This is because high levels of vitamin B6 can interfere with the body's ability to process serotonin, leading to an increase in anxiety.
6. Ginseng
Ginseng is a popular herbal supplement that is often taken for its energy-boosting properties. However, ginseng can also increase anxiety.
Ginseng is a stimulant, and like other stimulants, it can increase your heart rate and make you feel more jittery.
If you're struggling with anxiety, it's important to be aware of the potential link between supplements and anxiety.
If you're struggling with anxiety, it's important to speak to a mental health professional. They can help you identify the root cause of your anxiety and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.
Be sure to talk to your doctor about any supplements you're taking, and if you're experiencing anxiety, ask if there could be a connection.
How to Avoid Supplement-Induced Anxiety
If you're someone who regularly takes supplements, it's important to be aware that some of them can cause anxiety.
Here are a few tips to avoid supplement-induced anxiety:
- Be sure to read the labels carefully and follow the recommended dosage.
- If you have any concerns, speak with your healthcare provider before taking any supplements.
- Start with a lower dose and increase gradually as tolerated.
- Be aware of your own individual response to supplements and adjust accordingly.
- Avoid taking multiple supplements at the same time.
- If you experience any anxiety symptoms while taking a supplement, stop taking it and speak with your healthcare provider.
When to See a Doctor
If you're feeling anxious and think that your supplement regimen may be to blame, it's important to see a doctor to rule out other potential causes and get the help you need.
Here are some signs that it may be time to talk to a physician about supplement-induced anxiety:
- You're taking multiple supplements or high doses of any one supplement.
- You're experiencing anxiety that's new or different from your usual anxiety.
- Your anxiety is interfering with your daily life.
- You're also experiencing other symptoms like headaches, heart palpitations, or digestive issues.
If you're not sure whether your anxiety is due to supplements or something else, your doctor can help you figure it out.
They may recommend stopping or reducing your supplement intake, changing the types of supplements you're taking, or adding supplements that may help reduce anxiety.
In severe cases, they may also prescribe medication to help manage anxiety.
Don't let anxiety keep you from living your best life. If you think supplements may be the cause, talk to your doctor to find out for sure and get the help you need.
How to Treat Supplement-Induced Anxiety
Natural remedies are often seen as safer than medications. But sometimes, the very supplements that you take to ease anxiety can actually make your symptoms worse. This is known as supplement-induced anxiety.
It's important to be aware of the potential for supplements to cause anxiety so that you can avoid them if they are triggering your symptoms.
Here's what you need to know about treating supplement-induced anxiety.
What supplements cause anxiety?
There are a few different types of supplements that are known to trigger anxiety symptoms. Stimulants, such as caffeine and guarana, are often the culprits.
Other supplements that can cause anxiety include those that contain ephedra or ma huang, as well as yohimbe.
How do I know if a supplement is causing my anxiety?
If you take a supplement and then start to feel more anxious than usual, it's possible that the supplement is to blame.
Pay attention to when your anxiety symptoms start and see if you can identify a pattern. It may be helpful to keep a journal to track your symptoms.
If you suspect that a supplement is causing your anxiety, the best thing to do is to stop taking it and see if your symptoms improve.
If they do, you'll know that you need to avoid that particular supplement in the future.
What are some other ways to treat anxiety?
If you're struggling with anxiety, there are a number of other treatment options that you can try.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is an effective type of therapy that can help you to change the way that you think about and respond to anxiety-provoking situations.
Medications, such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, can also be helpful for some people.
If you're looking for a natural way to treat anxiety, you might want to try relaxation techniques such as yoga or meditation.
Exercise can also be beneficial for anxiety. If you're struggling with anxiety, it's important to seek out treatment.
Supplement-induced anxiety is a real problem, but there are many other effective treatment options available. Talk to your doctor about what might work best for you.
Conclusion
Some research has shown that certain supplements may trigger anxiety in some people. Here we have listed what supplements cause anxiety so you know what to expect when you take them.
If you think your supplements might be triggering your anxiety, talk to your doctor about alternative options.
