Naturopath - anxiety
How do naturopaths treat anxiety and depression?
Can a naturopath help with panic attacks?
Hi, my name is Leah.
I am a naturopathic doctor on the Central Coast of NSW at Erina. Although not a GP I do have an independent room at the My Dr Erina Clinic. For me as a naturopath anxiety is a very common condition, just about every person I see at my naturopath clinic in Erina, no matter what they are coming in for has some sort of anxiety or depression.
Seeing a naturopath and using herbal medicines for anxiety can be beneficial for several reasons:
Holistic approach: Naturopaths take a holistic approach to treating anxiety, which means they look at the whole person including physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects. This can be beneficial for anxiety as it addresses the root causes of the condition, rather than just the symptoms.
Natural remedies: Herbal medicines are natural remedies that can be effective in treating anxiety. They can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can improve symptoms of anxiety. Herbs such as passionflower, kava, and ashwagandha have been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety.
Interaction with medications: Herbal medicines can interaction with other medications, a naturopath will be able to advise on this and may also be able to recommend other natural remedies that can be safely used in conjunction with other medications.
Individualized treatment: Naturopaths take into account an individual’s unique health history and personal circumstances when prescribing herbal medicines, so they can tailor treatment to the specific needs of the patient.
Addressing underlying conditions: Naturopaths can also look into underlying conditions that may be exacerbating anxiety symptoms, such as nutrient deficiencies or hormonal imbalances, and address them.
It’s important to note that Naturopaths are not medical doctors, and their training and scope of practice vary across different countries and states, it’s important to check the qualifications and regulations of the practitioner before seeking help. I am a member of ATMS (Australian Traditional Medicine Society) and I have 2 science degrees in herbal medicine.
Eating a healthy diet can have a significant impact on anxiety.
Certain foods and nutrients have been shown to affect the brain’s chemistry, which can in turn impact anxiety levels.
For example, foods that are high in sugar and saturated fat can increase feelings of anxiety and irritability.
On the other hand, foods that are high in protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats can help reduce anxiety symptoms.
Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can also provide the body with essential vitamins and minerals that are needed for optimal brain function.
Additionally, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which are both known to increase anxiety symptoms, can also help.
Eating a healthy diet can not only help reduce anxiety symptoms but also improve overall health and well-being.
Drinking water can help with anxiety in a few ways.
First, staying hydrated can help regulate the body’s functions, including those that control the nervous system. Dehydration can cause feelings of confusion, irritability, and restlessness, which can exacerbate feelings of anxiety.
Additionally, drinking water can help flush out toxins and impurities from the body, which can contribute to feelings of stress and tension.
Drinking water can also help reduce feelings of fatigue, which can be a common symptom of anxiety.
Overall, staying hydrated is an easy and effective way to help manage anxiety symptoms.
The last thing you want to do is exercise when you feel anxious. I know.
However, one of the easiest things to improve happy hormones in your body’s some exercise. I am not suggesting running a marathon or doing anything outside your comfort levels. A gentle 10-15 minute walk or swim if you can get to a beach or pool.
Exercise can be a powerful tool for managing anxiety. Regular physical activity has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety by releasing endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators. Exercise can also help reduce stress levels by decreasing the production of the stress hormone cortisol.
Additionally, exercise can help improve sleep, which can be a common problem for people with anxiety. It also can help to improve overall physical health, and reduce overall feelings of tension in the body.
Engaging in regular exercise can also promote a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem, which can be beneficial for people with anxiety. Exercise can be anything from a brisk walk, to cycling, swimming, or hitting the gym, as long as it is something enjoyable and that fits in one’s lifestyle.
There are several reasons why someone with anxiety should stop smoking. First, smoking can exacerbate anxiety symptoms, as nicotine is a stimulant that can increase feelings of nervousness and jitteriness. Additionally, smoking can cause physical symptoms such as an increased heart rate and shortness of breath, which can also contribute to feelings of anxiety.
Smoking can also negatively impact overall health and well-being, which can in turn worsen anxiety symptoms. Smoking has been linked to a variety of health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer, which can cause further stress and anxiety.
Furthermore, smoking can also interact with certain medications used to treat anxiety, making them less effective or even dangerous.
Quitting smoking can be challenging, but there are many resources available to help, such as counseling, nicotine replacement therapy, and herbal medications. With the right support and motivation, it is possible to quit smoking and improve overall mental and physical health.
Spending time with friends can be beneficial for reducing anxiety for several reasons:
Social Support: Having friends to talk to and confide in can provide a sense of emotional support, which can help alleviate feelings of anxiety. Talking to a friend can also help provide a different perspective on a situation, which can help to put things into perspective.
Distraction: Spending time with friends can provide a distraction from anxious thoughts and worries. Engaging in activities with friends can take the focus off of one’s anxiety and provide a sense of enjoyment and pleasure.
Positive Emotions: Interacting with friends can promote positive emotions and feelings of happiness, which can counteract feelings of anxiety. Laughing and having fun with friends can improve mood, and reduce feelings of stress and tension.
Sense of belonging: Having a group of friends can provide a sense of belonging and acceptance, which can be especially important for people with anxiety who may feel isolated or lonely.
Increased self-esteem: Spending time with friends can boost self-esteem and self-worth, which can improve overall well-being and reduce anxiety symptoms.
It’s important to note that the quality of friends and the relationship with them is also important, the best results will come from spending time with friends that are trustworthy, understanding, and supportive.
Spending time outside can be beneficial for reducing anxiety for several reasons:
Nature Exposure: Being in nature can have a calming effect on the mind and body. The sights and sounds of nature, such as the sound of birds singing, the rustling of leaves, and the smell of fresh air, can be soothing and help to reduce stress and anxiety.
Sunlight Exposure: Spending time outside in the sunlight can boost the body’s production of Vitamin D which can have positive effects on mood and overall well-being. Sunlight exposure can also improve symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that can be exacerbated during the winter months.
Physical activity: Spending time outside can provide an opportunity for physical activity, such as hiking, biking, or walking, which can be beneficial for reducing anxiety as it can release endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers and mood elevators.
Change of scenery: Being in different environments can provide a change of perspective and can help break patterns of negative thinking, which can be helpful for those with anxiety.
Connect with the environment: Spending time outside can promote a sense of connection to the environment which can have a positive impact on mental health, and reduce feelings of isolation and disconnection.
Overall, spending time outside can provide a break from daily routine and can be a simple and effective way to improve mental well-being and reduce anxiety symptoms.
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