Beta Blockers...What Are These?

[Stef457]

At 29, I'm trying to keep healthy, being that I have slight anemia and I do feel tired somewhat. I'm increasing my folic acid intake (being that I'm a lady - we need it), as well as my iron supplements, calcium, and so forth.

However, someone suggested beta blockers, and I tell you I felt very unsure about asking him to explain what they are to me because I do not know!!

What are they? Vitamins? Because I am taking a multi-vitamin. My diet is okay - meat/fish 2x a week, beans/lentils 2x a week, an ocassional burger (fastfood) or some chips. Lots of salads. I just got into the habit of putting wheat germ in cereal, and eating wheats & granola.

So what are beta blockers? And do I cover them in my diet?

[Cat_0587]

are you sure he said beta-blockers??

Beta-blockers are used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), congestive heart failure (CHF), abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), and chest pain (angina). Beta-blockers are sometimes used in heart attack patients to prevent future heart attacks.

[Stef457]

Actually we were on the subject of anxiety and being nervous. So these are prescription medications?

[wakkochic17]

yes, they are prescription. I don't believe they are commonly prescribed for anxiety, but maybe they are if the anxiety is producing other symptoms..

[mayam]

well they slow down the heart rate but like all these medications you can get ill from side effects. There are other safer things you can do or take for anxiety.
Do you eat any fruit- bananas are easy on the nerves being full of potassium.
Also you could use camomile tea which is very soothing. B vitamins also maintain a healthy nervous system. I find relaxation tapes helpful. They need to be used every night before sleep for optimal effect. Good luck.