Friday Focus : Anxiety
Looking after our mental health helps us to enjoy healthy relationships, feel productive, cope with stress and muster resilience in the face of setbacks. Anxiety is a feeling of unease, such as worry or fear, which can be mild or severe.
Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life. For example, you may feel worried and anxious about sitting an exam, or having a medical test or job interview. During these times, feeling anxious can be perfectly normal.
But some people find it hard to control their worries. Their feelings of anxiety are more constant and can often affect their daily lives.
A holistic approach to wellness can help ensure mental clarity and balanced emotions.
Find out below how which key nutrients and natural remedies can help homeostasis of the mind and emotions.
HERBS:
Choose herbs that have a relaxing and sedative effect (R&S).
Herbs known as adaptogens (AG) help the body to adapt to certain circumstances, most noticeably during times of stress.
Uplifting herbs can help with mental resilience (UL)
- Ashwagandha (AG)
Physically strengthening and promotes emotional resilience
- Griffonia Seed (R&S)
Enables the production of serotonin (also known as the ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter)
- Ginseng (AG)
Helps the body to perform at optimum levels and counter the ill-effects of stress.
- Lemon balm (R&S)
- Holy Basil (UL)
- Lavender (R&S)
Well known for its calming properties.
- Liquorice (AG)
- Valerian (R&S)
Encourages deep restful sleep, ensuring the body is able to rest, repair, rebalance and refocus.
FOOD:
Choose Magnesium rich foods and those containing the amino acids gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), tryptophan and l-theanine as these calm nerves.
Neurotransmitters are made in the gut so fermented foods support the nervous system by promoting gut health.
- Natural Yoghurt
Feeds good gut bacteria.
- Kimchi
Contains probiotics that produce the neurotransmitter GABA.
- Oolong Tea
High levels if GABA.
- Almonds & Cashews
Have calming Magnesium and the amino acid tryptophan which is converted into mood-regulating serotonin in the body.
- Lettuce
Contains the highest levels of natural calming substances known as lactones.
WHAT TO AVOID:
Caffeine
Alcohol
HEALTH SUPPLEMENTS:
- Ultimate 20 Probio
- Ashwagandha Destress Formula
- Ginkgo B+ Energy Formula
- Essential Magnesium
- Vitamin C Immunity Boost
- Aloe Vera Digestaid
