Anxiety can be disabling. It can affect people of all ages, and in about half of cases anxiety is accompanied by depression.
Experiencing some anxiety - which is the “fight or flight” response - is common, but it can affect day-to-day life when it is constant or a reaction to inappropriate circumstances.
Pharmaceutical options can help symptoms of anxiety, but naturopathic options are available as well.
If you have been experiencing symptoms of anxiety or if you have been diagnosed with anxiety, there are Mississauga anxiety solutionsavailable at the Mindful Healing Clinic.
We previously discussed natural healing solutions for anxiety, but are there other options available?
Keep reading to find out.
Health Complications From Anxiety
Anxiety causes a decline in overall health and long-term stress, and chronic anxiety can negatively impact your overall quality of life.
During the “flight or fight” (cortisol) response of anxiety, your system is flooded with chemicals that ensure your brain gets more oxygen.
When repeated anxiety occurs, your body no longer receives the signal to return to normal functioning.
Complications can arise from this, including a weakened immune system which causes vulnerability to viral infections, increased chance of developing IBS, and a decreased appetite.
Excessive worry and tension are the primary characteristics of anxiety.
Other symptoms include:
● Chest tightness
● Heart palpitations
● Sweating
● Muscle tension
● Panic attacks
● Insomnia
Anxiety affects about 5% of the population, and remission rates remain as low as 38%.
Natural Solutions For Anxiety
Although chronic anxiety can be crippling, more natural solutions are available to treat your anxiety.
6. Practice Meditation
In a recent randomized selection trial, it was found that mindfulness-based stress reduction may have a beneficial effect on anxiety symptoms in patients with generalized anxiety disorder. It reduces cortisol levels and improves sleep quality.
If you are interested in trying meditation, guided meditation through YouTube or podcasts is a good place to start.
7. Take B-Complex Supplements
Eating food rich in B vitamins or supplementing with B vitamins can help improve anxiety symptoms.
It will affect your energy levels, sleep, and mood; B vitamins also combat stress.
Vitamin B6 is especially helpful, keeping blood sugar balance and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
In addition to anxiety, a deficiency in B6 can also cause depression, mood swings, and fatigue.
Vitamin B12 is also important, combating chronic stress, depression, and mood disorders.
Supplementing with it can help improve concentration and energy levels.
8. Take Magnesium Supplements
Playing many important roles in the body, supplementing with magnesium has many health benefits.
However, magnesium is one of the leading deficiencies in adults.
Magnesium has a calming effect on the nervous system, and can relax your muscles.
It regulates hormones that calm the brain and promote relaxation.
In addition to combating anxiety, magnesium can also aid in digestion, muscle aches, spasms, and sleeping difficulties.
Too much magnesium can cause diarrhea, so consult with a doctor before beginning supplementation.
9. Include Ashwagandha In Your Diet
Ashwagandha, also known as Withania somnifera, can help anxiety through stabilizing the body's reaction to stress.
In two of three recent studies, ashwagandha demonstrated significant benefits over a placebo treatment when measured on anxiety or stress scales.
In addition to being a stress reliever, ashwagandha protects the brain from degeneration.
It can help to improve focus, reduce fatigue, and fight anxiety.
10. Take A GABA Supplement
GABA, or gamma aminobutyric acid, is an amino acid which plays a role in decreasing anxiety in the nervous system by regulating nerve cells through a sedative effect.
In addition to anxiety, GABA is prescribed for a myriad of conditions, including insomnia and ADHD, and for pain relief.
Taking valerian root is another option.
Valerian root raises the brain's levels of GABA to calm anxiety.
Contact The Mindful Healing Clinic
A wide variety of naturopathic treatments are available for anxiety, depending on the specifications of your individual disorder.
If you have been diagnosed with anxiety or suspect that you may have anxiety, contact me, Dr. Maria Cavallazzi, at the Mindful Healing Clinic.
During your initial appointment, you will sit down with me where we can talk about your anxiety and any other health concerns you may have.
From there, we'll create a treatment plan based on your unique health needs.
Contact the Mindful Healing Clinic to book your FREE 15-minute introductory session today!
Until next time,
Dr. Maria Cavallazzi, N.D
Mindful Healing Integrative Naturopathy
251 Queen St S Unit 4,
Mississauga, ON L5M 1L7
- https://goo.gl/maps/KYspifT7J232
Dr. Maria Cavallazzi is a medical doctor from Colombia where she practiced as a family physician for 8 years until she moved to Canada 16 years ago.
To learn additional info on health, wellness, and alternative medicine, please visit us here: naturopathic doctor in downtown Mississauga