Top 10 Best Nootropics For Anxiety and Stress — 2023 Review

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a debilitating mental disorder that affects millions of people around the world. It’s characterized by feelings of fear, worry, and stress. It can seriously impact your quality of life, and it’s often difficult to manage.

If you’re dealing with high levels of anxiety, you may be wondering what you can do to reduce symptoms and improve your overall health. Many health experts recommend taking natural remedies for anxiety, such as supplements and vitamins. In addition, stress reduction techniques, meditation, and exercise can also help you manage anxiety.

But what are the best nootropics for anxiety? There are dozens of natural supplements that can benefit those with anxiety disorders. Some of these include L-theanine, GABA, and melatonin. Here’s a closer look at each supplement and how it can help relieve symptoms of anxiety.

How to Understand Symptoms of Stress And Anxiety?

Symptoms can range from mild to severe and can be difficult to control. People suffering from anxiety often experience the following symptoms:

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

Chronic worrying or fear without a specific reason or purpose. Often accompanied by physical symptoms like fatigue, difficulty sleeping, and muscle tension.

Panic Disorder

Sudden and intense episodes of fear that may lead to physical symptoms such as chest pains, shortness of breath, nausea, or dizziness. These episodes can be triggered by certain situations or objects, or by specific thoughts or feelings.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Persistent and upsetting memories of a traumatic event including experiences of war, abuse, natural disasters, etc. People with PTSD may have nightmares and flashbacks, and may suffer from irritability, insomnia, and anxiety.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Unreasonable and repeated thoughts, feelings, or behaviors that cause distress or interfere with normal activities. Often triggered by obsessive thoughts about germs or contamination.

Social Anxiety Disorder

The intense fear of social situations or interactions with others that can be so extreme that it interferes with everyday activities. People suffering from social anxiety may experience symptoms such as trembling, sweating, nausea, and blushing when in social situations.

Let’s look at some examples, for example, Generalized Anxiety Disorder: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that nearly 40 million adults in the United States experience this disorder in a given year. They cite specific causes for the condition as genetics, brain chemistry, and/or a reaction to stressful situations in life.

One way that researchers have identified to treat this condition is through the use of psychological counseling and cognitive behavioral therapy. Another way is through medication.

However, there are side effects with both of these methods which can be a concern for those with milder forms of the condition. Plus these methods can be expensive and time-consuming. As a result, many are turning to alternative treatments for their anxiety.

The Root Cause of Anxiety Disorders

There are several factors that can cause anxiety and it’s important to understand these in order to help treat it. For instance, anxiety can be triggered by a stressful event in your life such as losing a job, breaking up with a significant other, or even a traumatic experience like a death or a natural disaster. These include:

Genetic Factors

If someone in your family suffers from anxiety then it’s more likely that you will too.

Brain Chemistry

Your brain is made up of chemicals and when these chemicals are out of balance it can affect your behaviour causing you to feel anxious.

Traumatic Events

Experiencing traumatic events as a child can have a huge impact on the development of your brain and your psychological health as adults. For example, being neglected by your parents may have a strong influence on the way that you think and feel as an adult.

Stressful Situations

If you are under stress from work or family life then it may cause you to feel anxious as a result.

Illnesses and Injuries

Some illnesses and injuries can cause anxiety in people who previously wouldn’t have experienced it at all.

A Mental Health Disorder

If you have struggled with mental health problems in the past then this can have an impact on your anxiety levels today.

Treating Anxiety Using Natural Supplements

The use of herbs and other natural supplements is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to traditional prescription medications. This is because many people don’t want to rely on potentially harmful medications to relieve their symptoms.

Instead, they want a more natural approach that doesn’t come with as many side effects or the risk of addiction. It can also help to minimize the disruption to everyday life caused by ongoing therapy sessions and prescribed medications.

Furthermore, they can also be used alongside other methods of treatment to support the healing process. So what are some of the natural treatments available for anxiety?

The 10 Most Effective Nootropics for Anxiety & Stress

1. Phenibut

Phenibut is a nootropic which acts as a sedative for anxiety and stress disorders. It works by affecting the GABA system in the brain which helps to control relaxation and sleep patterns. It can also help reduce tension in the body as well.

In addition, it can help to reduce some symptoms of stress such as headaches and fatigue. For these reasons, it is popular as a treatment for social anxiety.

However, it is important to keep in mind that it can have a number of side effects including drowsiness and nausea so it should be consumed in moderation.

Another potential downside is that it can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly so you should slowly reduce your dosage to prevent this. For this reason, it may be better to try a smaller dose first to see how it effects you before increasing the dose further.

2. L-Tyrosine

L-Tyrosine is an essential amino acid which helps to enhance the production of dopamine and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters are involved in the regulation of mood and the stress response. For this reason, it can be beneficial in reducing feelings of stress and anxiety.

It also helps to reduce fatigue and fatigue which often comes with anxiety and depression. In addition, it also helps to increase alertness which can help to counteract the lethargy associated with anxiety.

Also, due to its ability to enhance cognitive function, it may be able to help to improve memory, attention, and focus which may be useful for overcoming anxiety-related challenges.

3. Noopept

Noopept is another nootropic which can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety due to its ability to boost the levels of serotonin and dopamine in the brain.

Alpha brain waves are associated with a calm and relaxed state of mind, while beta brain waves are indicative of being alert and focused. Unfortunately, many people experience an imbalance between these brainwaves which can lead to anxiety and stress.

Therefore, it makes sense that enhancing alpha brain waves can help to reduce the symptoms of anxiety and improve mental clarity.

Noopept may help to do this by modulating levels of this neurotransmitter in the brain which can have a positive impact on mood.

4. Nicotine

Nicotine stimulates the production of dopamine and serotonin in the brain which helps to promote feelings of wellbeing and reduce anxiety. It helps to regulate the levels of both these chemicals so that your mood can remain stable and you can enjoy a better quality of life.

Furthermore, research has shown that it can help to alleviate symptoms of depression and act as a mild antidepressant in some people. It can also boost energy levels and enhance cognitive performance which can be very helpful if you suffer from anxiety-related difficulties such as depression or poor concentration.

5. Panax Ginseng

This herbal remedy has been used to treat stress and anxiety for thousands of years due to Its tranquilizing properties. It also helps to boost the body’s energy levels and helps to counteract feelings of tiredness and depression. It has a calming effect on the mind which can reduce your stress levels and help you to relax.

What’s more, ginseng can also increase circulation to the vital organs of the body which can help to provide relief from aches and pains and other types of discomfort caused by stress and anxiety.

It can help improve concentration and stimulate the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine which are responsible for regulating mood and emotion.

6. Bacopa monnieri

Bacopa is also referred to as Brahmi in India and it has a long history of use in Ayurveda medicine. It is a non-toxic herb which is believed to help to improve concentration and focus.

It contains powerful antioxidants which help to protect the body from harmful free radicals. It also has a positive impact on mental health and can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.

Some studies have shown that it may also enhance memory retention and improve cognitive function in older people.

B vitamins are considered essential nutrients as they play a vital role in the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into energy. B complex vitamins have been shown to help to promote a healthy mood by reducing stress and anxiety. For this reason, they are often included in supplements designed to help people who suffer from anxiety and depression.

One of the benefits of this supplement is that it contains all of the essential B vitamins which helps to provide you with the full range of benefits associated with each vitamin.

Another is the fact that it contains Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 which are essential for proper brain function and can play an important role in preventing memory loss.

Melatonin is a hormone which is produced in the pineal gland in the brain and it is responsible for regulating the body’s internal clock and circadian rhythms.

7. Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola is an adaptogen that helps to increase resistance to mental and physical stress and reduce symptoms of fatigue. It is a natural herbal remedy which can help to fight off fatigue and boost energy levels without causing the jitters often associated with caffeine.

Studies have shown that it may help reduce the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome and boost the immune system. It also helps to relieve anxiety and sharpen mental focus and concentration. Studies have also shown that it can help to boost memory and mental performance in the elderly.

Several studies have suggested that supplementation with rhodiola may help to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and help to prevent age-related cognitive decline by improving learning and memory abilities.

In addition, recent studies have also suggested that rhodiola may help improve symptoms of depression and anxiety in people with major depressive disorder (MDD).

8. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a small shrub found in India and other parts of Asia and it has a long history of traditional use to treat a variety of medical conditions including fatigue, anxiety, insomnia, and depression.

Modern studies have shown that ashwagandha may have a number of health benefits including the prevention and treatment of high blood pressure, asthma, and diabetes as well as reducing stress and relieving symptoms of depression.

It has also been shown to be effective in boosting the immune system and improving energy and stamina. Recent studies have also shown that it may improve sleep for people with chronic insomnia.

9. Magnesium

Magnesium deficiency can lead to a wide range of health problems such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and even mood disorders like depression and anxiety.

The symptoms of magnesium deficiency include muscle spasms, insomnia, fatigue, loss of appetite and nausea. Increasing your intake of magnesium-rich foods is a great way to boost your levels and prevent these health problems from occurring.

Some of the top sources of magnesium include bananas, spinach, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, legumes and yogurt.

However, there are simple ways to increase your intake even further without having to eat large amounts of food that contain it.

For example, you can take magnesium supplements or increase your consumption of Epsom salt in your bathwater. Bathing in warm water can help relax your muscles and improve blood flow in your body.

This in turn helps transport more magnesium into your bloodstream where it can do its work. Just make sure you don’t soak for too long because this can cause your skin to become dry and itchy.

10. L-Theaninie

L-theanine is an amino acid commonly found in green tea extract. It has a number of health benefits associated with it including an improvement in mood and an increased ability to concentrate. It also plays an important role in the metabolic processes within the body and can contribute to an increase in energy levels.

Due to its ability to reduce stress and anxiety, L-theanine is frequently used to combat the effects of aging on the body. It is also thought to be beneficial for maintaining memory functions and reducing the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.

It has also been shown to have antioxidative properties which can help to protect the body from harmful free radicals that can cause damage over time. For this reason, it is often used to help treat asthma and other respiratory problems as well as certain types of cancer.

L-theanine can be supplemented in capsule form and can be used in a wide range of different health products. It can also be purchased as a powder which can be used to make tea or added to smoothies and recipes in place of other flavors.

There are also a number of different brands that contain L-theanine available on the market today. Some products contain more than others so it is important to check the label carefully to ensure that you are getting enough of the product to achieve the desired results.

Imbalances of Neurotransmitters

A neurotransmitter is a chemical that transmits a nerve impulse from one nerve cell to another across a synapse. Neurotransmitters are a type of neuromodulator and are vitally important for maintaining normal brain function and health.

They allow the brain to send and receive messages throughout the body and ensure that our muscles are able to communicate with the rest of the body so that we can perform daily tasks such as walking and talking.

They also play an important role in the development of the central nervous system in babies and children which is why they are often referred to as “brain builders”.

However, as we get older, the production of neurotransmitters declines which leads to imbalances in the levels of various neurotransmitters within the body. This can cause a number of symptoms including fatigue, lack of concentration, anxiety and depression.