Coping with Anxiety + Stress Naturally
Updated: Sep 14, 2020
No doubt about it: we live in stressful times! Being in the middle of a historic pandemic is enough to make the most easy-going person feel some degree of anxiety. Whether anxiety is all too frequent for you, or new, we might be able to help, naturally. Hillman Health Foods store could be your place to find relief from this all too common affliction. Here is a place to start.
The product(s) you try would be best matched if you discover the reason you have anxiety. You may already know what triggers it for you. Perhaps it is from stress; a stressful day at work, or maybe a difficult task or person? Oh, and yes, all that goes along with this pandemic and its uncertainties. It could be that you have a nutritional deficiency. Sounds simple, yet that in itself can be hard to figure out. There are so many similar symptoms for different imbalances.
Maybe anxiety comes upon you with no known trigger. To be able to reduce those triggers in frequency, or eliminate completely, would be your worthy goal. Doing it naturally is very wise.
Things to weigh in the vitamin category that could help: Vitamin A, B, C, D, and E’s. Doing a bit of research on what you eat, will give you more assurance that you are getting these vitamins. This is very important to your overall well-being as well as being able to reduce anxiety and here is why:
Vitamin A: an antioxidant that’s been shown to help manage anxiety symptoms.
B-complex supplements contain all the B vitamins that your body needs. Many are vital to a healthy nervous system. They may also help improve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Vitamin C; this superb antioxidant can help prevent oxidative damage in your nervous system which can increase anxiety.
Vitamin D: an important nutrient that helps the body absorb other vitamins. A deficiency can lead to other vitamin deficiencies, which may compound anxiety and make it worse.
Vitamin E: another antioxidant. Your body uses this nutrient up quickly in times of stress and anxiety. Supplemental vitamin E may help restore this balance and reduce your symptoms.
Omega-3 supplements like EPA and DHA have been shown to help reduce anxiety. Fish oil, again an anti-oxidant, high in omega-3 fatty acids.
So eat healthy food. Supplement if necessary. It is likely that supplementation IS necessary with the food supply we have. Find the best of the best in our store: well-screened products; none from China. We stock multi-blends as well as individual vitamins.
Beyond Vitamins:
L-theanine is an amino acid. It’s a soothing property found in green tea. We have both L-theanine and green tea supplements. The L-theanine has been given a thumbs up from customers who have come in for more.
Magnesium is a necessary mineral for human health. Your body doesn’t need too much of it. But if you aren’t getting enough, magnesium deficiency may lead to anxiety symptoms. For this reason, one of our IN- store magnesium products is called “CALM”.
5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a neurotransmitter. It’s a precursor to serotonin. That’s the “happiness neurotransmitter” in the human brain.
Ashwagandha : some research suggests that it may be just as effective as certain medications in reducing anxiety.
Chamomile is widely accepted as a natural remedy for anxiety symptoms.
Passionflower: Several clinical studies show that passionflower has anxiety-calming (anxiolytic) effects. You will find this ingredient in most of the blends. We also stock it in tea or single supplement pills.
GABA, Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GAMMA) is an amino acid and neurotransmitter in the brain. When there’s not enough GABA, anxiety can worsen. Many of our combined products for anxiety include GABA.
Kava kava is a traditional calming tonic. One 2016 study found that it targets the GABA receptors that manage anxiety symptoms. In this way, it enhances your body’s own natural ways of managing anxiety.
Valerian: Valerian is most commonly used for sleep disorders, especially the inability to sleep (insomnia). You will often find it combined with hops, lemon balm, or other herbs that also cause a calming effect for night time relaxation.
Blends: Many manufacturers have combined some of the above ingredients into very effective remedies. This makes one less thing on your to-do list to start figuring it all out. Here is a photo of just some great products that we carry:
It is always wise to check with your naturopathic doctor before adding anything new to your treatment regimen. They can discuss any potential risks or side effects, as well as adjust any medications that may cause an interaction. If you do try a new supplement, carefully monitor the effects it has on your overall health. If you begin experiencing any unusual symptoms, such as heightened anxiety or stomach pains, discontinue use until you can talk with your doctor.
We are here with so many great products for your well-being. Do a bit of research and let us know if you are seeking any of these products. Stop in to browse, when it is possible!