Some causes include:

• stress
• trauma
• thyroid disorders
• dysfunctional serotonin
• excessive alcohol consumption
• caffeine and sugar intake
• hormonal imbalance

Physical and psychological symptoms include:

• muscle tension
• chest tightness
• heart palpitations
• high blood pressure
• insomnia
• digestive problems
• panic attacks
• irritability
• difficulty concentrating
• restlessness
• sweating
• anxiousness
• inability to socialize

Psychotropic drugs and cognitive behavioral therapy are the conventional methods for anxiety treatment, and with an estimated one-third of the population suffering from anxiety, it is no doubt that the number of medications is equally high.

However, there are many natural remedies out there that have been proven effective without the adverse side effects. These include several changes to diet and lifestyle.

Here are some natural, proactive lifestyle changes that can help to reduce the symptoms:

Avoid Sugary and Processed Foods
Consuming foods with a high glycemic index, like processed and fast foods, can contribute to anxiety and depression. Additionally, sugar and refined carbohydrates can cause blood sugar levels to fluctuate wildly, increasing anxiety, nervousness and fatigue.

Alcohol and Caffeine
Alcohol and caffeine can both enhance symptoms by causing tension, moodiness, and the jitters. Reduce symptoms by avoiding alcohol completely, or by limiting your intake to 1–3 drinks per week, with no more than two at a time. Limit coffee or black tea to no more than one cup per day.

Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, a powerful herb, is often used as a natural remedy, as it helps to stabilize the body’s response to stress. Ashwagandha improves focus, reduces fatigue, and helps to fight anxiety without the attending side effects of pharmaceutical medications.

Kava Root
Kava root is used to treat anxiety by stimulating dopamine receptors in the brain, which induces euphoria and a sense of wellbeing. It is a great alternative to pharmaceutical medications because it is non-addictive and non-hypnotic, but still increases positive mood and relaxation. Kava should be taken under the guidance of a health care provider, as it has been known to interact with certain medications.

Magnesium 
Because magnesium is a common deficiency, you should consider supplementing as it is great for relaxing muscles and the nervous system. A bonus is that it also helps constipation!

Lavender Oil
Lavender is a natural sedative, and it helps reduce symptoms by allowing the body to relax. I love Doterra Lavendar essential oils, check it out here>>.

Physical Activity
Physical activity helps to reduce stress, improve sleep, reduce inflammation, increase energy, and boost confidence. It takes around half an hour of sustained exercise to see the effects on anxiety levels. We just purchased this awesome indoor playground so the kids can keep up their activity level during the winter months, check it out here>>.

Functional Lab Testing

Use functional investigation and lab testing to identify HIDDEN stressors, dysfunctions, malfunctions and healing opportunities within the following systems:

• Hormone
• Immune
• Digestion
• Detoxification
• Energy Production
• Nervous Systems

These H.I.D.D.E.N internal stressors and dysfunctions highly correlate with the most common health complaints including anxiety! If you are ready to kick start you or your child’s healing journey, contact me for free 20-minute consultation to help you determine if this type of approach is suitable for you and your family. Schedule here>>