There are various natural beta blockers that are meant for anxiety. They can be used as safe substitutes for drugs called beta-adrenergic blocking agents or beta blockers. Read the following PsycholoGenie article, and find out more…
Anxiety is a psychophysiological state of a person that creates an array of various feelings like fear, dread, sadness, weariness, worry, etc., as a response to any kind of biological or psychological stress factors. There are various types of anxieties, and not all of these types need specific treatment. In some people, anxiety lasts for some time, and gets cured without any treatment. However, there are a few people, who need special anxiety treatment, so that they can lead a normal and healthy life. There exist various types of anxiety treatments that are used in combined manner for successful management of anxiety. Using beta blockers is also cited to be one of the better ways of managing anxiety.
Beta blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, are drugs that are used for management of various heart conditions like cardiac arrhythmia, heart attack, cardioprotection, angina, tremor, migraines, hypertension, etc. A lot of controlled trials have also established a clear connection between certain types of anxieties (like performance anxiety) and beta blockers. Beta blockers block norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline) from binding to beta receptors on nerves. This helps the person to get over his/her feelings of performance, stage fright, test anxiety, mathematical anxiety, etc. However, prescription and OTC (over-the-counter) beta blocker drugs have a few side effects associated with them. It is the reason, why many people advocate natural beta blockers for anxiety as an equally beneficial replacement for the prescription drugs.
Best Natural Beta Blockers for Anxiety
Prescribed beta blockers for anxiety are not suitable for people who are suffering from certain health conditions like asthma and other bronchial problems. Such people may opt for natural beta blockers. Another reason why people use natural beta blockers is the fact that their prescription versions are allegedly addictive, and one might have to face a number of side effects after he/she stops taking the drugs. People who want to avoid such conditions like to rely on natural sources of beta blockers, which are healthy, reliable, and most importantly, easily available. As you go through the following list of natural beta blockers, you will come to know that most of the foods listed below are regularly consumed by health-conscious people. These natural products can be easily found in local health food stores. Here is a list of safe and natural substitutes for beta blockers.
✦ Chamomile Tea
Chamomile tea is a popular type of herbal tea, which is made using chamomile flowers. This tea is loaded with antioxidants that are beneficial for relaxation of the mind as well as body muscles. Chamomile tea helps you in controlling blood pressure levels and stress levels. It induces sleep and gives relief from anxious thoughts that cause anxiety.
✦ Pomegranate Juice
Pomegranate juice contains a lot of antioxidants that make it one of the powerful and natural beta blockers for performance anxiety. The antioxidants cancel the adverse effects of free radicals on the bodily organs. Along with reducing the stress levels, pomegranate juice also controls blood pressure levels, blood cholesterol levels, and as a result, anxiety levels too.
✦ Passionflower
Passionflower contains certain useful compounds that have medicinal properties and calming effects similar to chemical beta blockers. These natural beta blockers come with powerful relaxing elements that cure anxiety. You may consume passion fruit juice, or you can also make tea using passionflowers, and can experience a relaxed mind, reduced stress levels, and sound sleep.
✦ Healthy Herbs
There are various herbs like kava, valerian root, St. Johns wort, inula racemosa, etc., that are powerful natural beta blockers. One can consume these herbs by preparing herbal teas or by using their extracts, oils, and tinctures as natural supplements. These supplements are easily available in local markets. Most of these herbs are available in tablet forms that are easy to consume.
✦ Potassium Rich Foods
Various potassium rich foods like banana, raisins, oranges, prunes, walnuts, beans like white beans, kidney beans, lentils, potatoes, sweet potatoes, apricots, carrots, beetroot, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, tomatoes, fish like cod, tuna, halibut, meats like pork chops, etc., are excellent sources of antioxidants and minerals like potassium that keep you away from anxiety and heart problems.
✦ Magnesium Rich Foods
Along with potassium, magnesium rich foods also have anxiety reducing abilities. Foods like oatmeal, celery, spinach, pine nuts, walnuts, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, barn cereals, cocoa, whole grains, milk, beans, kidney beans, soybean and soy products, white beans, fish like halibut, etc., should be included in the diet. They can help reduce stress levels that cause anxiety.
✦ L-arginine Rich Foods
Various food sources that contain high levels of L-arginine, one of the essential amino acids, are also cited to be beneficial for the treatment of anxiety. It is the reason why foods like red meats, seafood like tuna, halibut, shellfish, turkey, beef, pork, etc., that contain the essential amino acids L-arginine and GABA are considered among the best natural beta blockers for anxiety.
Apart from the herbs and foods mentioned above, various natural treatments like aromatherapy, yoga, meditation, breathing exercises, massage therapy, acupuncture, etc., are also relatively good treatments for anxiety. As a parting note, we would like to mention that before trying or replacing prescribed anxiety treatments with any of the foods or treatments mentioned above, you should consult a health care provider.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is solely for educating the reader. It is not intended to be a substitute for the advice of a medical expert.
