Has anyone found any supplements to be helpful for their OCD? I am on medication but I also take Zinc, Vitamin D and CBD oil. I have tried Magnesium and Ashwaghanda but didn't think they helped much.
I have tried them all I think! I just started on CBD and so far nothing. The only two I have had (some) success with is L-Theanine, but only at high doses and it was mostly helping me with falling asleep. Inositol really does work for me…but…you have to take a TON of it, it’s powder so you’re always having to mix it in something, and it can’t be like just in the morning, you have to break it up throughout the day and you have to build up slowly because it will give most people gas and loose stool at first. I just find I take it in the morning and then never again the rest of the day. I am going to try to be better in the new year because I know how much it helped me. I’ve also been on NAC in addition to the ones you’ve listed above. I’ve only gotten up to 1500mg a day, it’s supposed to be higher for OCD, same thing with the stomach issues and building up but so far I haven’t noticed anything
@OCDMM Lol I feel like most drugs and supplements should come with a third section to dosage for adults and children “recommended dosage for those with OCD” ;)
@OCDMM My friend swore by Inositol and I bought some years back. It didn’t do anything for me but like you said maybe the dosage. How did you figure out to take a high dosage that worked for you? Typically if I don’t see much of any difference while taking a drug or supplement at a certain dosage, I have no incentive to try taking higher. Only time usually is if I notice a slight difference and feels like taking more would help more
@OCDMM Have you tried Saffron?
@englerscott I actually found a dosing schedule online on how much to take to start and how high to go for OCD. It took about 6 weeks but around that time I started noticing a big difference. The only reason I stopped is because it was becoming to hard, back then I was in office and sneaking white powder around all day to dump in my drinks. The good news is that it actually is sweet and goes well with coffee. I’ll see if I can find that dosing schedule, I need to find it anyways to start again, I’ll respond when I find it. It takes about 6 weeks for me to feel an SSRI work also so maybe I just take a long time to be affected
@OCDMM Too hard
@dimples4christ1 No, I saw someone else post on here, have you tried it? Any success? I was looking into it
@OCDMM Thanks- yes I’d love to see that dosing schedule!
@englerscott https://primarycare.ementalhealth.ca/Toronto/Inositol/index.php?m=article&ID=73585 This isn’t the one I used but it’s close. They do have a typo, though. It’s 18g a day to work up to. I went about 5-7 days before increasing
@OCDMM Thanks so much!
NAC (n-acetyl cysteine) has been the most promisingly researched supplement for OCD. https://iocdf.org/expert-opinions/over-the-counter-supplements-in-the-treatment-of-ocd/
I have heard of this and was the next thing I was planning on trying!
@Anonymous I mean unless I missed something, the word “promising” for NAC based on the articles content is a stretch lol. But that is a very interesting article. I wish there were more promising results or research on supplements and OCD but like they said theres a lot of factors as to why that isn’t the case.
@englerscott The pharmaceutical companies do not want research done on supplements. There might actually be something out there that could help someone that isn't a drug and they'd make less money.
@kmfields Oh of course! I understand how that works. And after speaking more in depth to someone who owns a “alternative” treatment wellness center, it also helped me understand on a deeper level the other issues become lack of funding or funding opportunities for adequate research
@englerscott NAC became a very hot topic during COVID. It was supposed to be an effective preventative/ treatment. There’s speculation that’s why they fought to have it removed as an OTC supplement. I got COVID while I was on it so can say it isn’t 100% effecting at preventing it. I was taking for OCD per my psychiatrist but she mentioned that was why it was hard to get. I get it from iHerb
@OCDMM I have heard one doctor say NAC is very drying and he didn’t recommend taking long term because it dries out mucous membranes. I saw several research studies about saffron being as effective as Luvox and Prozac
@dimples4christ1 Interesting! I may stop taking it, it hasn’t been helping anyways and it’s been months now. I have seen Saffron at the health food store by me, I should just try it!
Hi! Vitamin d is a great one, but just like yourself magnesium didn't agree with me nor did Ashwaghanda which upset me as thats supposed to be really good (everyone's bodies are different etc). On a positive note: b12 is amazing for energy, omega 3,6&9, iron liquid satchets (make sure you hold your nose as it stinks). 😀
@Stillalive11 I have tried several kinds of magnesium. I was taking one and had no issues, and then my neurologist switched me to another and I notice stomach issues. I do think it helps, not a ton but I do feel better when I’m taking it
Because of my OCD.. ha..ha... I over research everything and I take 2000iu in the winter and 1000iu in the summer... I've never been tested though just going on how I feel
Has anyone tried saffron?
(25f) Before I was diagnosed with OCD I tried Lexapro (wasn’t bad but wasn’t great) and Citalopram (partially think it was a part of what caused me to develop severe anxiety that ignited my once not so active OCD.) After diagnosis tried Effexor and didn’t see an improvement. Was on Adderall for a good amount of my life and mentally did good on it, stopped about 2 years ago because the physical side effects started to become more noticeable. Maybe I go back on Adderall? Maybe SSRI’s and I aren’t a great fit? Anyone taking other medications that helped?
Hiii - hope everyone is having a good day! Has anyone found any type of medication or supplements helpful with thinking sooo deeply about everything and intrusive thoughts? I’m in therapy + doing erp but my brain in this relapse of ocd just thinks sooo deep into my brain and i can’t seem to not to do it pull myself out. Like I’m just paranoid. An example would be if i simply look at my arm I’ll think so deeply about it like what’s under my arm what’s it look like inside etc. but if anyone not in this cycle looks at their arm they’ll be like hmm ok cool my arm and move on w their day. Just looking to see if anyone has had a similar experience of what I’m feeling rn.
B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, minerals, and amino acids that the brain uses to make neurotransmitters are the most common nutrient deficiencies in mental health conditions. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that carry chemical signals from one nerve cell to another nerve cell, muscle cell, or gland. Research suggests that one cause of OCD could involve communication problems between the front area of the brain and deeper structures due to inadequate activity of certain neurotransmitters. >> Vitamin B12: "Research from 2014 indicates that vitamin B12 and homocysteine (Hcy) levels are linked to certain mental health conditions. In particular, high levels of Hcy and deficiency in vitamin B12 may impact brain function and cause symptoms such as mania, depression, and personality changes." Foods containing vitamin B12 include: >Meat >Fish >Poultry >Eggs >Dairy products >Fortified breakfast cereals >Fortified nutritional yeasts >>Antioxidants Oxidative stress occurs when there are too many unstable molecules known as free radicals in the body and insufficient antioxidants to neutralize them. The imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants can damage cells and tissue. Oxidative stress in the brain can lead to problems such as neuroinflammation, impaired neurotransmission, and decreased neuroplasticity. Some studies indicate there is an increase in free radical activity and weakness in the antioxidant defense system in OCD. Cysteine is a nonessential amino acid. Amino acids are essential for forming proteins and other metabolic functions. The body needs adequate amounts of vitamin B12, B6, and folate to produce cysteine. As a supplement, it is in the form of NAC. The body transforms NAC into cysteine and then into glutathione, an antioxidant. Cysteine is also in the following foods: >Meat >Fish >Dairy >Grains >Soybean >Egg products >> Omega-3 fatty acids Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that people must get from foods or supplements because the body cannot make them. Three types of omega-3s exist: 1} ALA 2} DHA 3} EPA Omega-3 fatty acids increase memory, learning, cognitive well-being, and blood flow to the brain. Research suggests there is a link between low omega-3 levels and mental health disorders. For example, researchers have found an association between a moderate intake of omega-3 and a decreased chance of depression. Research also indicates that omega-3, particularly EPA, may reduce symptoms of depression and significantly decrease anxiety symptoms. Foods containing omega-3 include: >Fish and seafood, such as salmon, mackerel, herring, tuna, and sardines >Nuts and seeds, including walnuts, flaxseed, and chia seeds plant oils, such as flaxseed oil, canola oil, and soybean oil >Fortified foods such as specific brands of yogurt, eggs, milk, juices, and soy beverages >Cod liver oil, fish oil, krill oil, and algal oil >> Vitamin D Vitamin D is essential for typical brain development and functioning. It also affects immunity, inflammatory responses, and antioxidant processes. Research suggests that vitamin D deficiency may be a factor in the development of mental health conditions such as depression and schizophrenia. A 2022 study explored the relationship between vitamin D levels and OCD. It found that people who were newly diagnosed with OCD had lower vitamin D levels than people without OCD. Researchers suggest that vitamin D deficiency may contribute to OCD development by disrupting neurotransmitter signaling or decreasing neuroprotection. The following foods provide vitamin D: >Most of the U.S. milk supply, including dairy, soy, almond, and oat milk >Fortified breakfast cereals and some brands of margarine, yogurt, orange juice, and other food products >Fatty fish, including salmon, trout, tuna, and mackerel and fish liver oils >Beef liver, cheese, and egg yolks >Mushrooms >> Magnesium > What it is: A mineral found in leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. >Why it helps: Magnesium is known for its calming effects on the nervous system and can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep. >How to incorporate it: Eat foods like spinach, almonds, and black beans regularly. >> Probiotics >What it is: Beneficial bacteria found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. >Why it helps: Probiotics support gut health, which is closely linked to mental health through the gut-brain axis. >How to incorporate it: Include a variety of fermented foods in your diet to maintain a healthy gut microbiome. >>Foods to Avoid >Processed Foods: Processed foods often contain high levels of sugar, unhealthy fats, and additives that can negatively impact mental health. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible. >High-Sugar Foods: Foods and beverages high in sugar can cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, leading to mood swings and increased anxiety. Choose natural sweeteners like honey or fruit instead. >Excessive Caffeine: High caffeine intake can increase anxiety and interfere with sleep. Limit consumption of coffee, tea, and energy drinks, especially in the afternoon and evening. 1} Medical News Today 2} OCD Anxiety Centers
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