What is Anxiety?

Anxiety and a heightened sense of awareness are the body’s natural physiological reactions to stress and danger, usually creating a feeling of apprehension or unease about what is to come and discomfort within one’s own skin. Symptoms of anxiety include increased heart rate, a tightening or weight-like sensation in the chest, rapid breathing or hyperventilation, sweating, diarrhea, trembling, and feeling fearful, nervous, or even experiencing sensations of impending doom. Anxiety is stimulated by factors such as genetics, unmanaged stress, inappropriate cortisol levels, environmental toxins, neurotransmitter imbalance, blood sugar dysregulation, food sensitivities and a disrupted microbiome.

Addressing Anxiety Naturopathically

Dr. Lana helps to address mental health and mood stability  naturally so you can learn to manage the sensations and recognize the symptoms and put appropriate systems in place in order to live a happy, healthy life. By seeing a naturopath for anxiety, you will learn a variety of holistic anxiety remedies, such as lifestyle changes, mindfulness practices and supplementation, as well as other natural and effective ways to relieve some of the symptoms, such as acupuncture with one of DLW's practitioners. 

Forming Healthy Habits to Reduce Anxiety

A healthy microbiome equals a healthy stress response. Eating a balanced diet full of whole foods that are rich in antioxidants and fiber for GI regulation, in addition to avoiding prepackaged and processed foods, is key to reducing anxiety. Exercising regularly directly relates to the regulation of hormone levels and keeping your brain and body healthy. It is also important to eliminate unhealthy habits, like consuming alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine, staying up too late, over-committing and skipping out meals and self-care practices.

Supplementation for Anxiety

Dr. Lana can also recommend supplementation to make sure you’re getting sufficient vitamins, nutrients and cofactors in your diet to optimize brain functionality.