Anxiety is a very common disorder and is often brushed off or ignored, but it can be quite detrimental to your health. The symptoms experienced can range from mild to severe, and continued anxiety opens the door to a host of other health complications. Anxiety becomes a problem when it begins to present itself regularly and at inappropriate times causing the person to have an inappropriate response to the situation at hand. This may interfere with normal daily activities.

People who are exposed to prolonged anxiety often suffer from other health issues such as high blood pressure, digestive problems, insomnia, skin disorders, mood swings and depression to name a few. Panic attacks may also present themselves in the form of cold sweats, tingling in the extremities, dizziness or a weak feeling. Unfortunately, conventional medical practitioners will suggest a host of anti-anxiety medications including anti-depressants, benzodiazepines, and beta-blockers to combat the symptoms of anxiety. These medications have some rather dangerous side effects which including weakness, memory problems,insomnia, and dizziness and do not address the root cause.

Symptoms of anxiety include:

·     Constant worry

·     Heart palpitations

·     Weakness or tiredness

·     Diarrhea

·     Sleep disturbances

·     Appetite changes

·     Chest pains

·     Panic attacks

·     Concentration issues

·     Headache

·     Feelings of impending doom

·     Sweating or trembling

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If you suffer from prolonged anxiety, you may have a major unresolved source of tension which needs to be addressed.

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The good news? There are natural ways to control anxiety if not alleviate it all together. There can be many underlying physical causes of anxiety including hormone imbalances, low blood sugar, heart problems or nutritional deficiencies.

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Diet

Diet and nutritional deficiencies can play a large role in the promotion of anxiety. Caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol are some of the biggest tension-causing substances and must be avoided. Sugar, allergens, food allergies, and environmental toxins can also be incredibly tension-causing. A good anti-anxiety diet includes eating clean, whole (natural) foods including healthy proteins, non-starchy vegetables, and good fats such as avocado or nuts. Blood sugar drops can ramp up anxiety so it is important to consume an adequate amount of food each day without skipping meals. Make sure to avoid all processed sugars and eat whole fruits in moderation. If you are eating a clean diet and have stressors under control and your anxiety continues, then it might be time to do food sensitivity testing to see if your diet includes foods that may be triggering an immune response.

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Stress

If you find yourself suffering from anxiety, it is wise to begin employing a variety of stress-reducing therapies including moderate exercise, meditation, and prayer. Prayer raises your bodily frequency which promotes healing and the Bible contains many passages related to anxiety. When you find your mind racing or focusing on negative thoughts, begin to notice this “thought garbage.” Redirect your thoughts, focusing on something that makes you happy and relaxes you. Make sure to take stock of the stresses in your life and begin taking steps to reduce them. Toxic work pressures, relationships, and social media  are examples of stressors that take a toll on your health over time. Creating healthy boundaries and reducing your exposure to certain stressors can make a tremendous difference in your health.

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"Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." –Philippians 4:6

Vitamins & Minerals

B Vitamins – Chances are if you suffer from anxiety you are deficient in B vitamins. B vitamins help to combat the effects of stress and also balance your brain chemicals. The Standard American Diet (SAD) full of processed foods and refined flour will deplete your body of B vitamins. Take a 50 mg complex one to two times daily.

Calcium & Magnesium – These two minerals calm the nervous system. Take a combination of 500 mg of calcium and 250 mg of magnesium twice a day.

Supplements

GABA & 5-HTP – These two neurotransmitters calm the mind. They are not to be taken with anti-anxiety medications. 5-HTP increases serotonin levels.

Inositol – Research shows this reduces anxiety and panic attacks.

L-theanine – This amino acid provides calming.

KAVA – Can significantly relieve symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks (consult your doctor before taking and do not take with other pharmaceutical drugs.)

Passionflower – Also very calming.

Fish oil – A cleanly sourced fish oil is important for long term treatment of anxiety and very nourishing to the brain due to its omega-3 fatty acids content. Take 2,000 mg of EPA and DHA combined daily.

Other plant-based options

Valerian – This is a strong nerve relaxer and supportive for those suffering with insomnia caused by anxiety.

St. John’s Wort – This plant can lift anxiety caused by depression.

Ashwagandha – Hormone balancing and reduces tension.

Chamomile – A proven herbal nerve relaxer and can be taken as a tea or in supplement form.

Essential Oils

Lavender, Melissa, Jasmine, Ylang-ylang – Diffuse or apply in a massage using a carrier oil.

Frankincense – This essential oil can be quite beneficial to breathe deeply when experiencing a panic attack.

Bergamot – Will restore a lost appetite from anxiety.Inhale or diffuse.

Chamomile, Peppermint, Lavender or Melissa – Will reduce gastric cramps caused by anxiety, gently massage with a carrier oil ontoyour abdomen.

Metabolic Testing Techniques

If you would like to take a deeper dive into metabolic causes of your anxiety, the following tests will be helpful:

·     Hormone analysis (testing estrogens, progesterone, DHEA, cortisol & thyroid)

·     Fasting blood sugar

·     Food allergy/sensitivity testing

·     Neurotransmitter testing

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*Nothing stated above is meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or condition. Consult your healthcare practitioner for further information.

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