Any supplement that reduces stress hormones?
 

I currently have problems to just switch off and let the brain heal. Too much thoughts run through my mind. No matter how hard I try, I sometimes need hours to switch off. And my heart rate is increased even while resting. I assume it comes from too much stress hormones.

Is there a supplement that might help to get off stress hormones? What about DHEA?

For my depression I use 5-htp

For stress I use Gaba or formula 303....

how does GABA work for you? I do not get formula 303 around here.

has anyone else tried DHEA? it is known as the 'buffer of stress hormones'.

DHEA is a general hormone. It is a sort of leader to the other hormones. It helps the other hormones work properly. I take it but only a small amount. I break a 25 mg table in quarters so I'm taking about 6 mgs daily. Any more and my skin breaks out.

I also take 5-HTP. I take 100 mgs every morning. I also take 200 mgs of L-Theanine rather than GABA. I tried taking L-Tyrosine but did not feel good taking it. I take the 5-HPT and L-Theanine instead of taking an SSRI.

You also need to be taking the proper B vitamins.

Rick,

I was racked with anxiety for the same reasons...couldn't shut my brain down.

I took the scripture on Mark's title box seriously and have worked really hard at being still and tuning out all unnecessary thoughts while praying. Really hard work but it is paying dividends. What used to be so easy...relaxing, is now a difficult chore at times.

Bud

I don't know if my problem is anxiety related.

On some days I'm just not able to switch off and think about various things such as sports, new smartphones or food that I am not allowed to eat(inflammination causing). It feels like the healthy part of the brain prevents the injured part from recovering, becuse it wants to get active. Very weird. Today is such a day. I was extremely tired in the morning and during the whole day. Nonetheless I can't sleep. After lying one hour something forces me to get up and start doing bad things(computer).

I've tried everything. I tried to force my brain to rest but it won't work. I keep slightly thinking even when I am close to fall asleep. I then tell myself that I will not recover if I can't switch off. It still doesn't work.

I ordered 5 htp and will give it a try. Not sure what to do with the other supplements that have been mentioned and which are best for my problem.

Check out Seriphos.

I didnt really find any info on seriphos in this forum. It looks very promising, but is it suitable for TBI patients? It appears to kick in more than natural stuff.

I'm currently taking so many pills that it feels a bit uncomfortable to add another 3 or 4 for my switching off problem.

Here is a list of them http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/thread217652.html

I agree regarding having to learn to relax, for some reason it's hard to empty my mind and let go. I'm getting some success with relaxation techniques, like deep breathing and stretching, listening to soothing sounds etc. I notice I've been daydreaming lately which is a good sign lol. I've started taking 5-HTP again to see if increasing my serotonin will have a beneficial effect.

@Rick07a I know what you mean about sleep, some nights I find it impossible to get back off to sleep at god knows what hour! - it's like I need sedating. Funny thing is that I feel most relaxed just before I get up, just when your cortisol levels are suppose to peak which makes me think my circadian rhythm is maybe out of sync.

Thanks Rick for posting this.

I have this problem too, where no matter what I do, I just can't seem to calm my thoughts down. I find that it gets worse the more stress I am under.

I am curious to know what supplements you decide to take and if any of them help with the racing thoughts.

I found guided meditation to help some. I like the one's offered by UCLA's meditation center. They are free if you google UCLA and meditation. The ones with the Tibetan singing bowls are especially relaxing.

Rick,

You posts are very confusing to me. "On some days I'm just not able to switch off and think about various things such as sports, new smartphones or food that I am not allowed to eat(inflammination causing)." Are you obsessing about these thoughts or ?????

You may be having problems due to the supplements you are taking that you linked to. They may be causing your brain to stay awake. Very few here have experience with them. We tend to follow more basic concepts of vitamins and supplements.

You sound like you think there is a need to micromanage supplements. Nobody has any valid information about ways to micromanage doses and various substances. The only way to micromanage supplements you are taking is to stop taking all of them for a week then add one supplement at a time for a week or two while observing any changes.

Unfortunately, most supplements take weeks to see a difference if there is a noticeable difference. The brain heals slowly.

Mark, those where just examples that should show that I am not able to switch off and start to think about unimportant stuff, even though I feel fatigued and exhausted.

Before my injury, I also had this switching off problems when I had a stressfull time. Now it takes 2-3 hours until I fall asleep. I assume that this has to come from high stress levels. I feel how my recovery is blocked by this condition.

I also had this problem when I didn't take a single supplement. Interactions are not the culprit.

I will give 5 htp a try. I also consider to add Pharma GABA and DHEA.

The seriphos seems designed to do excactly what i want, reduce cortisol levels. Some amazon reviews showed that it helped a lot for sleeping. http://www.amazon.com/Interplexus-Se.../dp/B000N23AE8

I am just a bit worried how this stuff works for TBI patients, if it could maybe impede the healing. Looks like I would be the guineapig.

Have you tried any mind numbing activities ? I watch TV shows that tend to be boring or movies I have watched before. Then, when I am in a dozing mode, I go climb in bed and fall asleep immediately.

What symptoms are you still struggling with ?

4-7-8 breathing trick
 

Here is a breathing technique that is supposed to be stress reducing. http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/VDR00112...nstration.html

Seriphos was recommended to me by my naturopath. I would still be using it but for the expense. It helped me calm down and sleep better. I can't imagine it being harmful for a TBI patient or anyone else.

Citing the info "Phosphorylated Serine is the active form of the nutrient Phosphatidyl Serine (found in some foods such as egg yolks) that is chelated with magnesium and calcium......90 mg of serene phosphate derived from calcium and magnesium and delivered in a base of calcium and magnesium ethanol amine phosphate.
The nutrients provided are elemental calcium (45 mg)‚ Magnesium (45 mg) and Phosphorous (190 mg)."

Supporting the adrenal glands and reducing cortisol will support healing. You can always run it by your doctor if you feel uncomfortable about it.

So I got now 5 htp, Seriphos and GABA.

They all work to a certain degree. I feel calmer, but my current problems seem to have a more psychological background.

I am still the one that has to flip the switch and it looks like I am not mentally strong enough to handle this in most situations. I tried the natural stuff now, but I need stronger help.

In summary - The stress alone is not responsible. It is my mind. I will open a new thread as the topic has more or less completely changed now.