Anxiety is becoming a bigger and bigger problem within society. There’s no doubt that you or someone you know has suffered or suffers from anxiety. In fact, it is estimated that approximately 31% of adults in the US have experienced symptoms of anxiety at some point in their lives. Why is it becoming such a big issue and how do we manage it? Let’s find out!

What is anxiety?

Anxiety is defined as “a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, typically about an imminent event or something with an uncertain outcome.”

Whilst it’s normal to feel nervous from time to time, it’s not normal to feel uncontrollably worried or fearful most of the time. Anxiety becomes problematic when it is constant or in reaction to inappropriate circumstances, which over time can negatively affect your day-to-day life.

Anxiety can be a disabling condition that’s accompanied by long-term stress and a decline in overall health. It contributes to many chronic diseases, even when treated with conventional medications.

A whopping 40-67% of people with anxiety experience signs of depression, and the lifetime prevalence of anxiety is between 4-6%.

What causes anxiety?

The reasons for anxiety can be varied, and it can depend on many different factors. However, some of the more common causes include:

• Stress due to poor or challenging life circumstances

• Traumatic life experiences

• Family history of mental health disorders

• Dysfunctional serotonin production

• Excessive alcohol intake

• Drug use

• High caffeine or sugar intake

• Hormonal imbalances such a thyroid problems, pregnancy, PMS and menopause

What are the signs and symptoms of anxiety?

Anxiety is not a condition characterised only by emotional symptoms. In fact, many of the symptoms of anxiety are actually physical in nature. These can include the following:

• Persistent worrying

• Muscle tension and chest tightness

• Heart palpitations

• Trouble sleeping, restlessness and insomnia

• Digestive problems, including constipation, diarrhoea and lack of appetite

• Irritability, mood swings and depression

• Difficulty concentrating

• Sweating

• Inability to socialise

Treating anxiety naturally

It’s important to note that not everything works for everyone when it comes to treating anxiety. However, here are some of the natural ways to help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety:

• Mindfulness Techniques - deep breathing exercises, meditation and yoga can be a great way to calm down the nervous system and help the mind relax.

• Exercise - strength training and cardiovascular exercise are a great way to boost brain biochemistry, as well as provide a daily routine, which can be vitally important in the management of anxiety.

• Diet - eating a healthy diet is one of the most important things you can do to help manage anxiety, and this includes foods high in B vitamins, magnesium, calcium and omega 3’s.

• Avoid Caffeine - caffeine can drive the adrenal glands harder, which are responsible for the stress hormone cortisol. People with anxiety often crave caffeine, which is why it’s even more important to avoid it.

• Sleep - although it may be difficult to get to sleep or stay asleep, aiming for 7-9 hours of sleep is vital in helping with the symptoms of anxiety. Getting to bed early and at the same time each night, as well as not exercising or eating too close to bed time, can help with your sleep routine.

• Journaling - this can be a very powerful tool, especially when it comes to writing down things you are grateful for, which has been proven to boost happiness.

• Supplements - adaptogenic herbs, such as ashwagandha, cordyceps, astragalus, licorice root and rhodiola, as well as zinc, magnesium, B vitamins and GABA can all be very beneficial in alleviating the symptoms of anxiety.

How can applied kinesiology help with anxiety?

Using muscle testing procedures, I can assess for nutritional deficiencies and prescribe the required supplements to address these deficiencies. One supplement that can be very important in the management of anxiety is zinc, as it can help to increase serotonin levels.

I can also assess for foods and/or food toxins that may be contributing to the symptoms of anxiety, and make recommendations as to how to change and improve your diet to help manage stress and anxiety. Oftentimes, gluten, dairy and caffeine will negatively impact the body during times of anxiety.

Chiropractic adjustments are another great way to help calm down the nervous system and increase parasympathetic activity, which helps you rest, digest, heal and grow. Corrections to the diaphragm and jaw can also help ease the tension throughout your nervous system, and I may prescribe various breathing exercises to help with these corrections.

Don’t be afraid to talk about anxiety

There are so many wonderful resources available, and so many amazing practitioners that can help you manage the symptoms of anxiety. Some people prefer to seek professional help, whilst others simply prefer to talk with family and friends about the issues that are contributing to their anxiety.

Regardless of who you talk to, it’s imperative that you reach out to people to help you through your anxiety. Join local support or community groups, get involved with group fitness classes or running clubs, or grab lunch with a friend or colleague. Do whatever you find works for you, but make sure you reach out to people so that you don’t suffer alone.

And as always, I’m here to talk to if you ever need!

Don’t let anxiety hold you back

Anxiety can be a complex issue, and it is becoming more and more prevalent these days. But there are solutions to managing and overcoming anxiety.

Eating well, exercising regularly, getting enough quality sleep, getting adjusted regularly and reaching out to people for help are some of the ways that can help you overcome your anxiety.

Take your time, be kind to yourself and do what you need to do to get your life back on track. And remember, you’re not alone on this journey!

References:

1. https://draxe.com/health/anxiety-symptoms

2. https://draxe.com/health/natural-remedies-anxiety

3. https://draxe.com/health/generalized-anxiety-disorder