Empowering Your Mind: Natural Supports for Managing Anxiety
- Dr. Adriane Alexander, ND
- Apr 2
- 2 min read
We have all likely experienced bouts of anxiety from time to time, as anxiety is the body’s natural ability to detect potential danger and help guide us in the right direction. Moderate levels of anxiety can be helpful, allowing us to be motivated and focused when needed, enhancing performance, problem solving, and alerting us when to be cautious and alert in risky situations.
Anxiety can become a concern when worrying becomes persistent, difficult to control, and impacts quality of life and day to day activities. Symptoms of chronic anxiety, or Generalized Anxiety Disorder, include fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, restlessness, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances, amongst others.
Natural Supports for Anxiety
Nutrition
Eating regularly throughout the day and prioritizing balanced meals can be helpful for managing blood sugar levels, energy, and reducing anxiety. Try including balanced meals and snacks every 3-4 hours, with a focus on omega-3 rich foods, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates with meals to give your body the support it needs to buffer anxiety.
Exercise
Walking is a fantastic form of exercise which can help with reducing anxiety, improving mood, supporting muscle function, and promoting better quality sleep. If you’re just starting out, try aiming for a 15 minute walk a few times per week and then gradually building on that when you’re ready. Remember – exercise does not need to be complicated!
Investigative Lab Work
Having comprehensive blood work done to assess for nutrient deficiencies or hormonal health concerns that are often associated with anxiety can be helpful. Optimizing iron, B12, vitamin D, blood sugar regulation, and thyroid health can be an important part of improving anxiety and supporting mood.
Supplementation
Nutritional supplementation and herbal remedies can also be integrated into your treatment plan to help improve anxiety and overall wellbeing. Connecting with a Naturopathic Doctor is a great way to learn how to safely and effectively introduce supplements into your routine.
If you would like to learn more about how you can get started on improving your anxiety and supporting your quality of life, book a complimentary call with Dr. Adriane, ND.
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