Turmeric And Curcumin for Anxiety

[Smudger0122]

Good Evening

Has anyone tried Turmeric/curcumin to ease anxiety?

Am currently on 5htp which has slightly lifted mood.

But trying hardest to stay off anti depressants for GAD.

Any over the counter natural alternatives been of benefit to anyone.

Any help be grateful

Thanks

Smudger

[hunter5582]

I have not heard of using turmeric/curcumin to reduce anxiety. I would think that systemic inflammation could increase anxiety, so perhaps it could help.

Some people recommend Ashwagandha to help manage anxiety. My understanding is that what it actually does is reduce the impact of anxiety on the body.

It is understandable that you would want to avoid the use of antidepressants. SSRIs and the other medications used to manage anxiety can help, but also come with potential side effects. Note that SSRIs can affect platelet function, which can be an issue for people with MPNs.

There are things that can be done to manage anxiety without medications. Cognitive Behavior Therapy is particularly effective. There are a variety of coping skills for managing anxiety/stress. I have had a few interesting and unique opportunities over the last several years to learn all about how managing medical conditions can contribute to stress. Here is the list of the coping strategies I have found helpful.

1. Support from my family, friends, and faith community.

2. The MPN forums (my friends and MPN Family)

3. Maintain your sense of humor and find ways to have fun no matter what.

4. Surround yourself with things that are positive and lift you up.

5. Mindfulness practices - I practice Qigong.

6. Say the Serenity Prayer every day and take it to heart!

7. Educate yourself about your condition(s). Knowledge is power.

8. Create a high-quality treatment team who you trust.

9. Advocate for yourself. Assertive patients receive higher quality care. Passive patients do not. Remember that you are in charge of your care. It is your goals, priorities and preferences that must drive your treatment. Empower yourself to deal with the MPN.

Wishing you all the best as you move forward.

[Smudger0122 in reply to hunter5582]

Thanks hunter.Cbt hasn't really worked, i struggle with generalised anxiety and then get intrusive thoughts.

Not as bad as I was, but enough that it does affect me daily.

Just want to stop the anxiety from affecting me daily.

Is ashwagandha any good?

I've been on 5htp for 2 months, currently.

Thanks

Smudger

[hunter5582 in reply to Smudger0122]

I cannot speak to the impact of Ashwagandha from personal experience. If interested , suggest doing a bit of research yourself and consulting with a medical professional who is knowledgeable about complementary health interventions. It i also important to check for potential supplement-medication intersections. These resources may help.

reference.medscape.com/drug...

mskcc.org/cancer-care/integ...

ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/

All the best

[Smudger0122 in reply to hunter5582]

Thanks Hunter

[Hat3]

There have been some quite convincing arguments within medical circles over the past few years that depression is one symptom of inflammation so there is a logic to trying turmeric/curcumin.

drchatterjee.com/video-infl...

[Nikon7]

magnesium can help anxiety. This reference might help you.

Chart of different magnesium sources and what they help with.

[Mostew]

Have a look at Reishi mushrooms . Also wonder about hypnotherapy?

Best to disci uss with a functional practitioner all ideas. .

Do hope you find something to help..

[RazB]

Hi Smudger, my daughter takes Ashwagandha for low mood/anxiety and it really helps her. She hasn’t got ET (I have!) so I can’t cover whether it’s ok for you on that front but it def helps her. X

[Smudger0122 in reply to RazB]

Thanks Have checked with interaction of ashwagandha and medication I am taking. All came back with no interactions, so that's positive.

Thanks for help