Experiencing anxiety from time to time is a normal part of life. However if anxious thoughts are interfering with your daily life then it can become a real problem. Also did you know it is more likely for anxiety to affect women more than men?
There is bound to be someone you know who has gone through anxiety at some point in their life, or maybe they are still going through it. Thankfully anxiety disorders are treatable and the majority of people who suffer from them are able to reduce or eliminate symptoms.
Anxiety is actually a fight or flight response that is failing to function properly. It’s when you experience this reaction to danger repeatedly, even when there is no danger, that it becomes an issue. The procedure itself is really important, but the failure to work properly is what causes people so much anguish.
In functional medicine, we view anxiety as a symptom. We first like to find the root cause and then address it and offer some help and tools to tackle the anxiety on a daily basis.
There are so many causes of anxiety, a few include a mental condition, stressful life events, a physical condition, adrenal issues, thyroid problems, compromised gut and nutrient deficiencies.
It is crucial that you work with a practitioner who understands the complex interactions that can cause anxiety to appear.
7 TIPS to help with anxiety
1) L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea and has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and physiological signs of stress, like high blood pressure. You can find it in my Chill supplement. Aim to take 1 mid afternoon and 1 one hour before bedtime for maximum effectiveness away from food.
2) Lavender can help alleviate anxiety, which makes it a really good essential oil to keep on you at all times. Try inhaling lavender before a stressful event, when you’re ready to go to bed, or just before a meditation or yoga session.
3) Relaxation techniques – Research has frequently shown relaxation techniques to be great at reducing and managing anxiety as well as promoting long-term health. You can benefit from learning deep breathing exercises and progressive muscle relaxation techniques. Your aim is to practice them daily to help you enjoy a better quality of life.
4) Yoga is great for mental and physical relaxation and can help reduce stress and anxiety. Even as little as one hour of yoga a week can help promote relaxation and lessen anxiety.
5) Vitamin C – Most people think Vitamin C is only important when it comes to the immune system but actually Vitamin C helps progesterone production, which is a hormone that has a calming effect on the brain.
6) Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has been used for over 3000 years to relieve stress and anxiety and improve general wellbeing. Try Ashwagandha supplement which also provides immune-boosting and thyroid-balancing properties and can be taken daily. (Take 1 capsule after lunch and dinner)
7) Vitamin B Complex – ‘The B’s’ play an important role in brain function, from the manufacturing of neurotransmitters to regulating energy release from brain cells. B Complex supplement contains each of the 8 Vitamin B’s that your body needs for all round health, helping particularly with energy levels.
If you need help finding the root cause of your anxiety then you can book a consultation with one of our practitioners here.
