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Vitamins or herbs for PTSD related issues

I am looking for general advice on supplements that might help my situation.

Suffering from this combination, although otherwise I am in very good health.

1. Weight gain, over 30 pounds in the past year, metabolism slowed down drastically
2. Very addicted to sweets, sodas, caffiene, chocolate, peanut and almond butters
3. Sex drive declined drastically. Body doesnt respond to sexual thoughts.
4. Feeling of joy declined.  Can't celebrate everyday successes and successes of others.
5. Memory issues especially emotional memories
6. Anxiety and terrors (PTSD triggers.)  Much improved since 2 years ago but still a problem.
7. Foot pain.
8. Not sound sleep for 5+ years.  (Since PTSD event)

I have been taking a multi, taking D every day, just bought a very good quality "raw" B complex vitamin, also trying homeopathics and acupuncture.  Have been taking vitamins semi-regularly for about a year and have noticed no change in the issues named.  Have started to exercise but it is not a habit yet.

Just got out of a very stressful job situation into a much better job. Now though I am further from family so it is also stressful (but on the whole I think this was a change for the better not the worse.)  Weight is still going up though.

I feel very unconfident about going the medical doctor route, last time I went for a physical, the doctor said I was in very good health for my age and I only need to exercise... he refused to do blood testing or pursue any of my complaints further. Worried that "establishment" doctors will only do the same thing and it will be a waste of time and money... if I read and investigate enough I might hit on what I need without their help.

Best Answer
Avatar universal
PTSD is a serious health problem that requires treatments by qualified health care professionals!!!!!!

The following herbs may be beneficial in reducing your stress levels and promoting relaxation: ashwagandha, catnip, chamomile, holy basil, hops, kava kava, passionflower, polygala root and valerian. Skullcap is helpful for nervous disorders, while dong quai, rehmannia and schizandra support your adrenal glands and central nervous system.
Hops may be one of the most effective herbs in treating PTSD. Hops, helps ease nervousness, restlessness and stress. This herbal medicine also helps reduce your desire for alcohol, which is helpful, as alcohol abuse may be common among people with PTSD, states the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. Hops is commonly used to treat anxiety, insomnia, shock, stress and pain. Hops possesses sedative, anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic action.

The idea behind vitamin therapy for PTSD is to saturate your body with micronutrients to stimulate an increase of serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter with a primary role in mood and fear. Megadose vitamin treatment for PTSD is not deemed clinically effective as a sole treatment and is not intended to replace a traditional medicinal approach.
Vitamin B12 has a role in producing the chemicals involved in regulating mood. MayoClinic.com indicates that depression is helped by using vitamin B12. However, it is unknown whether this vitamin helps because of a pre-existing deficiency, poor nutrition habits or the actual disorder. A daily diet of foods containing vitamin B12 may reduce depression related to PTSD, or you can opt for a supplement combined with a nutritious diet.
Difficulty sleeping regularly because of flashbacks. Sleep is essential to regenerating your neurotransmitters and brain health. Lack of sleep also increases irritability, feelings of fatigue and depression, says the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. According to Holistic Online, vitamins B1, B3 and B6 help calming your nerves to induce sleep. These vitamins are significant for metabolizing nutrients from food so you have energy during the day to conduct regular activities and improve your chances of relaxing at night to fall asleep.
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, the following doses and upper limits for vitamins B1, B3, B6 and B12 are recommended as safe for daily intake. Daily recommended intake of vitamin B1 is 1.2mg with no upper limit. Natural sources of vitamin B1 include one slice of whole wheat bread at .10mg or 3 oz. of lean pork at .72mg. Vitamin B3 daily recommended intake is 14mg to 16mg with an upper limit of 35mg. Sources of vitamin B3 include 3 oz. chicken at 7.3mg or 3 oz. of tuna at 11.3mg. Vitamin B6 daily intake is 1.3mg with an upper limit of 100mg. Sources of B3 include one banana at .43mg or 1 cup cooked spinach at .44mg. Vitamin B12 daily intake is 2.4mcg with no upper limit. Sources of B12 include salmon at 2.4mcg and 8 oz. milk at .9mcg.
This being said I don't suggest using megadoses of certain vitamins or herbs.
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Avatar universal
Compare this nutritional supplement to yours, you won't go back: bit.ly/1Mr3BgM I could write a whole bunch about it but i think the studies will be more convincing than only my word. I take them and they work for me. Best of luck!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thank you!  This is very helpful and leads me in a more positive direction.
Helpful - 0
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