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Reduce Your Anxiety with Diet Changes

Apr 18, 2018 | Healthy Living, Life Coaching / Time Management, Online Therapy and Coaching

Anxiety is very prevalent right now. But many of my clients don’t want to rely on a prescription medication to treat their symptoms.  Research shows a change in  your diet may help.

There are many types of anxiety such as feelings of fear, worry and uneasiness. Each one is usually generalized and unfocused as an overreaction to a situation that is actually minimally stressful.

Assessment and Treatment Methods

The first thing I do when seeing a new client is an interview to determine family symptoms and coping strategies. Next, I administer questionnaires to determine the degree of anxiety.

There are many types of anxiety disorders from panic disorders and social anxiety disorder to specific phobias and generalized anxiety disorder. Symptoms vary depending on the type of anxiety disorder, but generally include:

  • feelings of panic, fear and uneasiness
  • problems sleeping
  • cold or sweaty hands and/or feet
  • shortness of breath
  • heart palpitations
  • dry mouth
  • numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
  • nausea
  • muscle tension and dizziness
After the questionnaire and interview, we choose a treatment such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, and/or life coaching or relaxation therapies.

Dietary Changes Can Reduce Ask Anxiety

Recent research also indicates that diet can also be a factor in anxiety. Adding certain supplements or foods to the person’s diet can decrease anxiety symptoms.
A magnesium deficiency may contribute to anxiety, depression, and insomnia. An inadequate intake of Vitamin B and calcium can increase anxiety symptoms as well. Other foods to avoid if suffering from anxiety are nicotine, caffeine, and stimulant drugs and foods including salt and artificial additives like preservatives. Instead, those suffering from anxiety should ensure their daily diet includes foods such as wholegrain cereals, leafy green vegetables, and low fat dairy products, and to choose fresh, unprocessed foods whenever possible.

This is good news and easy to add to your daily regime. Always check with your doctor about any interactions that may occur.

If you would like to be assessed and receive support while you reduce your anxiety symptoms, call or schedule an appointment so we can work together to reduce the unpleasant inner turmoil you may be feeling.

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