Sometimes I feel quite anxious for no particular reason, can this be helped by good nutrition?
Symptoms of anxiety are so common in the busy world we live in. Good nutrition is key in reducing them. Symptoms can include nervousness, a sense of inappropriate fear with shortness of breath, palpitations and a feeling of tightness in the chest. When someone experiences anxiety they may have further symptoms due to tension gathering in the muscles of the back and neck. These can include headaches, back pain and muscle spasms.
If you suffer from anxiety and/or panic attacks a key goal is to reduce the elevated blood lactic acid level often present. It is helpful to significantly reduce alcohol, caffeine and sugar/refined carbohydrates and to increase intake of B vitamins through food or supplements, calcium and magnesium can also be helpful. Increase your intake of omega 3 fatty acids (flaxseeds and fish oil are good sources ).
Eat regularly planned meals in a relaxed environment. Perform a relaxation/breathing exercise for a minimum of five minutes twice daily. Get regular exercise, research suggests that regular exercise is particularly helpful in combating anxiety, increase your levels of support from friends and family.
Identify and eliminate stressors, make a list of all the current stresses in your life. Formulate a plan to either alter, avoid or accept each stressor.
Avril Ivory (MSc ) is the academic director at the College of Naturopathic Medicine. CNM trains nutritional therapists in the Galway Cultural Institute. To find out more about training see www.naturopathy.ie or call 01 235 3094.
