Stabilium for anxiety!

Stress tends to generate more stress. Have you noticed how you reach for comfort food, cigarettes or coffee when the going gets tough? In the short-term, an understandable reaction, as stimulants provide a quick boost. But in the long-term, they deplete organ and nutrient reserves, leaving us less able to cope with stress and more prone to health problems.

Improving your nutritional status with diet and supplements won’t make a jot of difference to the actual cause of stress in your life. To achieve this, join the stress management course you’ve always promised yourself, take up chanting or whatever else turns you on and your stress levels off. However - good nutrition can increase your tolerance to stress and reduce it’s adverse effects, such as exhausting your adrenal glands which have the thankless task of manufacturing stress hormones on the trot. Exercise is ideal, too.

Adaptogens are the latest buzz word in the world of nutrition. Adaptogens are useful substances that supply whatever your body needs at the time. Siberian Ginseng is a popular adaptogen, appearing to sedate or stimulate, depending on requirements. Its usage dates back around 2,000 years and is thought to increase resistance to physical and mental stress by supporting healthy adrenal function. The shrub is also used to provide energy and increase resistance to infections. Siberian Ginseng can be taken as a tincture or in capsule/tablet form for a max. of 60 days at a time. Side effects are rare (similar to symptoms of excess caffeine intake).

A less well-known adaptogen is found in a remarkable new product called Stabilium which contains Garum Armoricum, sunflower oil and lecithin. Garum Armoricum is extracted from deep sea fish found off the shores of Brittany at a depth of 1,000 metres. Garum was first discovered by ancient Celtic druids and used as a health-giving elixir. The Romans supplied it to their legionnaires to prepare them for battle and arduous marches. Athletes, women, the young and elderly also profited from improved mood, increased energy and enhanced strength. Garum is particularly helpful in cases of anxiety and mild depression. Unlike many pharmaceutical drugs which are routinely prescribed for stress, this fish gland extract does not seem to have toxic or addictive side-effects.

In 1995, Garum Amoricum was tested on anxious Californian students in a double blind, placebo controlled cross-over trial. A marked improvement was seen in sleep, energy, mental fatigue, depression, anxiety and appetite - overall, a 79% improvement was noted. Dr Dorman, research leader at the California Polytechnic State University said that  ”After using Stabilium for more than three years, I think it is more useful than benzodiazepines, not only because of the complete lack of side effects, but the patients do not suffer a sedating effect.“ Stabilium is available from Nutri-Link Ltd (Tel. 08704-054002 for details), costing £19.32.

Martina is a qualified nutritionist practising at The Dolphin House Clinic,  Brighton (Tel: 01273-324790). email: martina@thehealthbank.co.uk

Article first published in the Brighton Argus.

Copyright 2005 Martina Watts              All Rights Reserved              www.martinawatts.com