Natural Cures for Anxiety

Natural Cures for Anxiety

Anxiety and depression are two of the most common “disorders” diagnosed within the average medical doctor’s office today. Anxiety signifies behavior that is consistently nervous, stressed, or worried. While this worry may be concerning larger issues which will take place in the future, the majority of those who struggle with anxiety would typically tell you that they tend to worry more about the petty, minute things...or things they can’t control.

As with many others disorders, the root of the disorder or issue typically stems from food or from issues in the gut. This consistent state of worry and stress is problematic to one’s health as a whole and can eventually result in exceptionally high blood pressure, insomnia, furthered issues in the gut, or thyroid problems.1

There are foods which should be incorporated into a person’s diet if he or she is struggling with anxiety. Treating this anxiety through the incorporation of wholesome foods while eliminating those which further the symptoms, is the natural and appropriate way to treat anxiety.2 Prescription drugs merely mask the symptoms.

Foods which should be eliminated:

1. Sugar: Sugar causes a spike in insulin before causing the body to crash. This can send one with anxiety on an emotional and hormonal roller coaster while creating blood sugar highs and lows.
2. Caffeine: Caffeine actually may enhance anxiety because it acts as a stimulant. Coffee and teas rich in caffeine should be minimized to one cup per day.
3. Alcohol: Alcohol is not an answer to dealing with stress or anxiety. It can further the symptoms present in those with anxiety. 3
4. Refined Grains: Refined grains are processed in the body as sugar, thus creating emotional and sugar highs and lows.

Foods which ease anxiety:

1. Omega 3 Fatty Acids: Omega 3 Fatty Acids are necessary for proper brain function and for reducing inflammation in the gut.
2. Calcium-Rich Foods: Calcium is a relaxing supplement which may help to minimize the symptoms of anxiety.
3. Foods Containing Magnesium: Magnesium is also utilized as a muscle relaxer and is necessary for calming the nerves. Nuts and avocados are good sources of magnesium-rich foods.
4. Foods Containing Vitamin B4: Poultry, yeast, grass-fed beef, and green leafy vegetables all contain vitamin B which regulate mood, thus reducing anxious thoughts and feelings.

Herbal Supplements and Remedies for Anxiety:

1. GABA (500 mg 2-3X daily)5: GABA is an amino acid which relaxes the muscles while decreasing anxiety.
2. 5 HTP (50-100 mg 2-3X daily)6: 5 HTP increases serotonin which calms the nerves and eases anxiety. This should NOT be taken with any prescription medications.
3. Adaptogenic Herbs7: Adaptogenic herbs such as Ashwaghanda reduces the results of the stress inflicted upon the body.
4. Lavender Oil (3 drops rubbed onto the surface of the neck per day)8: Essential oils such as lavender oil may be very effective for those with anxiety as lavender soothes the nerves and calms stress.  

Regardless of the potential reason for anxiety, gut health is the source of all healing. In order to minimize stress, try taking brief walks outside, get adequate sleep, and attain a solid support system if you do not have one already. While prescription drugs may minimize the symptoms of anxiety, they do not address the root issues. Healing the gut and the mind will result in a diminished level of anxiety and an increased level of energy.

References:

Natural Remedies for Anxiety - DrAxe.com. (n.d.). Retrieved March 16, 2016, from http://draxe.com/natural-remedies-anxiety/

19 Natural Remedies for Anxiety. (n.d.). Retrieved March 16, 2016, from http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20669377,00.html