5 Safe Alternatives To Xanax
40 million Americans suffer from anxiety. Xanax is a common prescription for anxiety and depression, which offers relief but comes at a high cost. Some of the more severe side effects include addiction, withdrawal, depression, extreme forgetfulness, and loss of balance [1]. For this reason, it is wise to inform ourselves before major decisions such as beginning to use prescription drugs. This is why we also suggest natural and safe alternatives to Xanax.
When anxiety, depression, or physical issues show up, it is always important to consider trying natural treatments. Many people have found relief from mild to severe anxiety by using simple remedies, and basic lifestyle changes, which act as safe alternatives to Alprazolam. Before going into these options, lets explore some common causes for anxiety.
The Root Cause: Physical…
Anxiety is neurological in origin. Many people who suffer from anxiety, also suffer from depression and/or panic disorders. There are genetic variations that appear to predispose people to anxiety. One of which is 5-HTT, a gene that regulates serotonin. There is a neurotransmitter, called gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which orders nerve cells to stop signaling and wait for additional instructions. In fact, Xanax and Valium are strong GABA activators [2]. Gene variations, and epigenetics can directly influence our neurotransmitters.
Norepinephrine, as well as serotonin, regulate the brain circuits responsible for controlling stress response, mood, and fear. Many anti-anxiety drugs alter the action of these neurotransmitters [3]. Through observing the internal process of anxiety, and the way in which drugs interact with us, we can also target these same functions through natural means.
As we covered in this article, we know that mood and digestion are closely related. By following the guidelines outlined there, many common symptoms of anxiety and depression can be reduced, or reversed entirely.
The Root Cause: Mental…
Of course, if anxiety is neurological in origin, then the mind is a key culprit in anxiety. Stress, especially in the home and work place, is an important factor in addressing anxiety. No matter how good our diet and exercise programs are, stress will continuously undermine our attempts at health.
We need to resolve our emotional and mental ways of relating to the world in order to truly find harmony and happiness in our lives. When we relate to life from negative perspectives, like fear and frustration, then time and again, we will reap the results we sowed. Our expectations shape our reality. By shifting our perspective to a space of learning and growth, then every experience is an opportunity to enhance our well being. We can’t change our circumstances but we can change the way we relate to them.
Anxiety Warning Signs:
So now that we have done a very brief overview of anxiety, let’s cover what the warning signs and symptoms of anxiety are. Interestingly enough, some people experience anxiety symptoms without identifying them as anxiety.
Here’s an overview of what someone may experience with anxiety:
- Nervousness, restlessness and tension
- Feelings of approaching danger, doom and/or panic
- Rapid / Increases heart rate
- Hyperventilation
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Fatigue and body weakness
- Issues concentrating, and only being able to focus / think about the current worry
- Sleep Issues
- Gastrointestinal (GI) / Digestive problems
- Inability and difficulty controlling worry
- An urge / tendency to avoid things that trigger worry
The 5 Safe Alternatives to Xanax
1. Supplement with GABA
GABA is a neurotransmitter that calms your neurons (brain cells) and prevents over excitement in the brain. For this reason it is effective for reducing anxiety. You can supplement with GABA as an effective and safe substitute for Xanax, or you can increase it naturally with things such as:
- Ashwaganda
- Kava Root
- L-Theanine
- Magnesium
The above list is also effective for reducing anxiety in general.
2. Kratom
Kratom, or Mitragyna Speciosa, is a tree, that is commonly found in Indonesia. It is part of the coffee family and is a folk remedy in Asia. One of the traditional uses of Kratom is to help reduce anxiety, depression, and chronic pain.
3. Healthy Diet
Try modifying your diet. Remove toxic and processed foods. Buy organic whenever possible. Try cutting out things like gluten and dairy. Focus on vegetables, clean protein, and fruits. Food is a key in overall well being. It is a great place to start. Heal your digestion, and watch your anxiety fade away. Learn more here about gut healing protocols.
4. CBD
Well, we are a CBD website after all. One of the most amazing qualities of CBD is its ability to calm our nervous systems, which reduces anxiety, boosts our mood, and enhances sleep. All of which are crucial for mental and emotional well being.
5. Move Your Body
An important part of any healing protocol is exercise. Move your body, and the feel good hormones start surging through every cell of our being. Think “runner’s high”. In combination with exercise, try getting outside. Go for a walk in nature, it is naturally soothing and calming. Get out of the craziness of the city and into a forest, or the beach. Before and after exercise, try meditating for 5 minutes. It is a great way to calm your mind before a workout, and relax afterwards as well. If you’re relaxed, you are not anxious.
To Conclude…
For many, anxiety is a daily part of life. However it doesn’t have to be. Before turning to potentially dangerous pharmaceuticals, try the above 5 safe alternatives to Xanax and other drugs. Remember, the natural route is a long term solution. It takes time. Bit by bit you will see results. Xanax is the “magic pill”, whereas these safe alternatives are magical in a different way, because they enhance our well being on every level, over a sustained amount of time.
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[1] https://americanaddictioncenters.org/xanax-treatment/long-term-severe
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4020178/
[3] https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/generalized-anxiety-disorder