Many of us do our best to find a work-life balance in the multiple things we juggle on a day-to-day basis.
You may do your best to improve your health and happiness through reducing stress. However, specific events may bring trauma or heightened stress for extended periods of time.
A severe earthquake hit Christchurch, NZ in February 2011 resulting in the loss of 185 people. A lot of people were devastated and relocated due to their homes being destroyed.
Fortunately, the people did their best to help each other. Researchers from Canterbury University agreed to find ways to reduce the effects of stress on the people. They conducted a study to see if micronutrients can increase people’s resilience in the midst of stress and reduce the risk of post-traumatic stress disorder.
The researchers grouped 91 adults who experienced extreme anxiety and stress 2-3 months after the incident. They were grouped according to supplements they ingested: High dose of multivitamins and minerals group, a low dose of multivitamins and minerals group, and a Berocca (B vitamins) group.
In the study, the people in the groups completed questionnaires on their feelings regarding anxiety, stress, depression, and symptoms of post-traumatic stress at the start of the experiment, and once every week for the month-long procedure. An additional group answered the questionnaire as well but did not receive any supplements.
The three groups receiving supplements showed significant improvements in symptoms over the next month. The higher dose group had an increased self-rated improvement in energy, excitement, and mood compared to the Berocca group. The difference in anxiety was at a surprising 52% in the high-dose group compared with the 17% improvement of the Berocca group.
The results from the group were compared with the control group without any supplements. In the initial stages of the study, about 65% had symptoms of PTSD, but at the end of the study, the probability reduced to 19%.The control group had the slightest change with 44% to 48% before and after the experiment.
When concerned with stress, it’s important to get a sufficient amount of nutrients for your brain. This shows that vitamins and minerals play an essential role in brain health and the metabolism of brain chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin.
To avoid chronic stress, PTSD, and depression, give your brain the vitamins and minerals it needs!
Aimee Harris-Newon, Psy.D., D.A.B.P.S., C.Ht