The Best Natural Treatments for Stress and Anxiety by your
Burlington Naturopath
Stress and anxiety have reached epidemic levels in our modern society. While occasional circumstantial stress may in fact be healthy for us, chronic worry and anxiety disorders can be debilitating and lead to disease.
Unlike conventional medical interventions, which primarily involve the use of pharmaceuticals, the naturopathic approach to treating stress and anxiety involves thoroughly assessing symptoms and physiological responses, understanding their root causes, and working with a variety of natural treatments to address them. Natural remedies for stress and anxiety can be an effective, long-term solution for dealing with and preventing more serious health issues before they occur.
Some of the causes of stress and anxiety
The naturopathic or complementary medicine approach to treating stress and anxiety considers the whole person. It may be used as an adjunct to conventional medical treatment, as well as therapy for any emotional and psychospiritual issues. Stress and anxiety may have one or more interrelated root causes. These include:
Hormone imbalances
Hormone imbalances, in particular, cortisol imbalance caused by adrenal fatigue, impedes the ability to regulate the stress response, putting you in a constant state of anxiety. Low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) is also associated with higher levels of stress and anxiety.
Food sensitivities and allergies
Food allergies and sensitivities can cause inflammation in the body and have been linked to central nervous system disorders including anxiety, chronic fatigue and depression. The most common food intolerances are to gluten, wheat, dairy, eggs, yeast, pork and soy.
Poor gut health
Related to food intolerances, having an imbalance or lack of enough good bacteria in the gut is strongly linked to mood and behavior changes, as well as glucose dysregulation, insulin sensitivity and other aspects of metabolism. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) has been linked in studies to varying degrees of anxiety and depression.
Natural treatments for stress and anxiety
Optimal nutrition — eating whole, unprocessed, plant-based, alkaline-forming diet is one of the most fundamental interventions for stress and anxiety.
Nutritional supplements prescribed by your naturopathic doctor for stress and anxiety may include:
- Vitamin D — to improve mood (studies have shown improvements in as little as a few days)
- B vitamins (especially B6 and B12) — necessary for the production and breakdown of various neurotransmitters (molecules in the brain) involved in modulating anxiety
- Folate
- Vitamin C (typically in the range of 2,000 to 3,000 mg)
- Magnesium — deficiency, is common, has been shown to contribute to anxiety and heart palpitations associated with anxiety attacks
- Essential fatty acids — in repeated studies, fish oil has been shown to improve virtually every psychiatric disorder in adults and children
- Amino acids — including L-tryosine, L-theanine, taurine and 5-HTP, which are the building blocks for the neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for mood
- Iodine and selenium — important in treating low thyroid function
Herbal remedies – for stress and anxiety include adaptogens (which regulate the body’s stress response via the adrenal glands) such as ashwagandha, rhodiola, eleutherococcus, reishi mushroom, ginseng and schisandra; as well as ginkgo biloba, and nervine herbs such as chamomile, lemon balm and lavender oil.
Physical activity — Daily exercise for 40 minutes, including aerobic and strength training, has many benefits for stress and anxiety, including balancing neurotransmitters in the brain, balancing hormone production and improving sleep.
Mind-body techniques – such as progressive muscle relaxation, mediation and guided imagery, mindfulness practices, deep breathing, massage therapy, yoga and music therapy, all help counter stress and anxiety.
Recharge your batteries – Take a vacation or find inspiration with the walks with-in beautiful landscapes, a sandy beach or a vintage country side.
Our NEX Wellness naturopaths in Burlington and Naturopaths in Binbrook will thoroughly review your symptoms with you, as well as assess for hormone imbalances and food intolerances, in order to determine the root cause(s) of your stress and anxiety and offer the appropriate natural treatment options.
The Naturopaths in Burlington also focus in hormone women’s and men’s hormone health, natural remedies for hormone imbalance in perimenopause, menopause, and post menopause, low thyroid, and bio-identical hormones.
Call or email us to book your appointment today. For a consultation with a Naturopath in Burlington call 905-634-5000. For a Naturopath in Binbrook please call 905-692-9300.
Otherwise email us at info@nexwellness.com.
