Living with Anxiety -- My Nutritional Supplement Routine

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*AND: I am not a doctor. Please don't take this as medical advice, but simply a personal experience resource.

When I decided to go off my meds the last time, I was taking a ridiculous amount of supplements:

B12 - for mood and balance

Magnesium - which I have read has helped many people with anxiety

Iodine (kelp) - for energy and good thyroid function

Selenium - need to take when taking Iodine

Maca Root - supposed to be amazing at balancing hormones

Holy Basil - for anxiety related symptoms

Cod Liver Oil - for hormone balance

and a Probiotic - for gut health

I felt no significant change taking any of them. As you've read, I actually just continued to worsen.

Not only was taking all of these annoying, it was flippin' EXPENSIVE.

Since going back on my meds (Sertraline and Hormonal birth control), I have simplified my supplement routine immensely.

I take my two above mentioned pharmaceutical pills at night before bed.

After lunch I take:

I like this one because it contains specifically B vitamins, Magnesium, Selenium, and Iodine. There aren't many multi-vitamins that contain Iodine, which I've done lots of research on. It's VERY important, and I do believe Americans are deficient. That's a whole other blog post.

I know that birth control saps many nutrients from my body, so, this is a small step to replenish.

And

I firmly believe that gut health is crucial for health. I believe gut health directly affects my anxiety, depression, and hormonal issues. I've always had frequent, persistent heartburn and plenty of *ahem* bowel issues. 

I have taken some type of probiotic for years now, even when I was on the anxiety meds before. But, honestly, I never really felt any of the benefits. I just trusted it was helping.

Within the last few months, I read about the fact that persistent heart burn and bowel issues actually stem from too little stomach acid. I had always thought heart burn was from too much! 

So, about three months ago, I started the Super Enzymes. FINALLY, I have felt a difference in my gut! I still get occasional heart burn, but it subsides with a shot of Apple Cider Vinegar. 

I no longer have any antacids or heart burn medication in my house! That's kind of a miracle.

This routine of meds and supplements is simple and minimal, and I can bring myself to take all of them even on bad days. When I had bad days using all the other supplements and essential oils, it felt overwhelming, and I just wouldn't care to do it. 

How about you? Have you ever felt whelmed by all of the supplement options out there? Are there any supplements you can't be without? I know we should technically just be getting our nutrients from good food, but reality is it just doesn't happen that way for me.