- Date posted
- 2y
Anyone try taurine for ocd and anxiety management?
My nervous system is on high alert.
My nervous system is on high alert.
I’ve recently read briefly about it. I think it’s not as simple as supplementing but finding supplements that contain it. I’m going to see a naturopath soon to discuss ways to manage my anxiety and let’s see if she mentions it
I ordered some. I’m desperate. There are so many things that supposedly help but it’s hard to know if one is taking a therapeutic dose and hard to A/B test… I’ve been worse for almost a month now. I think it may be my thyroid health.
@All the colors I’m sorry you’re struggling. I totally understand, I am too. It can be thyroid. A lot of GPs are not great regarding thyroid health, they tend to look at a wide range of normal. Iodine is very helpful if your thyroid is slow.
@divyD 😞 Thank you. And I’m sorry you’re struggling too…it’s so incredibly hard. I in fact just ordered some iodine - I’m about to go see if that the package that arrived earlier today. I’m taking all kinds of supplements but was missing that. Hoping it helps me out.
@MadSeason Curious what else you’re taking? Are you self dosing or did you have a naturopath or dietician help?
@divyD Hi - I’m not working with anyone, it probably would be helpful but long story short - finances! Maybe in the future I can. I’m taking: Vitamin B-complex (methylated form) Omega 3s Vitamin D3 Zinc Iron (My Ferritin runs low always unless I supplement) And a herbal mix for focusing All these are in liquid form. Also taking L-theanine — not entirely sure it’s doing anything And just started L-tyrosine 5-Htp GABA Selenium Iodine Magnesium- in two forms I’m taking most things separate b/c I’m trying to figure out what helps. With the new supplements I need to be careful they can deplete others so won’t continue as such long term - will look for a multi mineral that’s balanced.
@MadSeason I’m dealing with depression, anxiety, and ocd but not much intrusive thoughts more constant hyper vigilance.
@MadSeason Yeah I think that’s like me - the hyper-awareness, ocd, and gad. But not really depression or intrusive thoughts. Thanks for sharing. I was on a multi vitamin meant for pregnancy/breastfeeding as I am nursing my son. I also take fish oil, iodine and vit d and magnesium. I don’t see a lot of difference yet though.
@divyD I have very negative thought patterns - black and white thinking (anything i see on my son’s skin I need to inspect it to ensure it’s not a mark related to a serious health condition, even bruises or a little scratch or shadow); predictive thinking (this mark might turn into this condition if I don’t monitor it); and catastrophic thinking (any health issue I worry about is something serious/life threatening). I get the whoosh of fear if I see a mark whether new or existing… avoid seeing his skin.. seek reassurance… I just need to brain to work properly sometimes!
@divyD I’ve been prescribed Zoloft which I haven’t started yet as I want to address nutritional supplements first… and I did read that some supplements should be taken in caution with meds
@divyD Did ocd show up or get worse postpartum? I’m in my 40s and my other theory is that perimenopause is what’s made it worse. That or the thyroid situation. I’m not on meds either but have an appointment to discuss with doc. I wanted to see if any of these supplements especially the iodine and tyrosine will help with hypothyroid (it’s sub clinical but perhaps that low for me). If I do start meds I’ll have to quite the 3 supplements that affect neurotransmitters. I hope you’re able to have calm sweet moments with your baby even if it’s not the constant state of being.
@MadSeason My thyroid is slow too but not slow enough to warrant medication. But I read a lot about detoxification, diet (auto immune protocol diet) and iodine supplementation with the aide of a naturopath. It helped. But was not sustainable for me. My ocd was triggered post partum. What’s the three meds that affect the neurotransmitters? My gp never even mentioned it, I read it up myself. Thank you so much, I do. I have had great moments and low moments so I know I can get there with the work plus rebalancing my body and brain.
@divyD Sorry about the perimenopause and yes that sounds or be a likely trigger plus the stress that comes with it. Best of luck to you too!
@divyD Thank you divyD. Same to you! 💜 It’s the GABA, L-tyrosine, 5-Htp that affect neurotransmitters so my experimenting with these will stop if I decide to get back on an SSRI or SNRI.
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
Is this even a possibility? I'm not even sure if it's an OCD issue, GAD, or maybe a lack of something else, but I'm just constantly feeling off. Even if I'm not getting constant intrusive thoughts, I just feel on edge all the time? Is there anyone who's been able to overcome this? It bothers me so much 😭
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