Anxiety

What is Anxiety or Anxiety Disorder?

Anxiety is a normal human emotion. You may feel anxious, or nervous, when faced with a problem, taking a test, making an important decision, or when afraid. When these feelings cause such distress that it interferes with a person's ability to lead a normal life, then it can be considered an anxiety disorder.

Anxiety Types:

Panic disorder

Panic anxiety disorder is having the feelings of terror that strike suddenly and repeat with no warning. Anxiety symptoms related to panic disorders include: sweating, chest pain, palpitations (irregular heartbeats), and feeling of choking.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

OCD is having constant thoughts or fear that cause you to perform certain routines or rituals. The disturbing thoughts are obsessions and the rituals are compulsions.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

PTSD can develop following a traumatic and/or terrifying event, the unexpected death of a loved one, or such as a sexual or physical assault, among others. People often have lasting and frightening memories of the event and tend to be emotionally numb.

Social anxiety disorder

Social anxiety disorder involves overwhelming worry and self-consciousness about everyday social situations. The worry often centers on a fear of being judged by others, or behaving in a way that might cause embarrassment or lead to ridicule.

Generalized anxiety disorder

This disorder involves excessive, unrealistic worry and tension, even if there is little or nothing to provoke the anxiety.

What Are the Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders?

Symptoms vary depending on the type of anxiety disorder, but general symptoms include:

• Problems sleeping or sleep disruption
• Muscle tension
• Dizziness
• Feelings of panic, fear, and uneasiness
• Uncontrollable, obsessive thoughts
• Repeated thoughts or flashbacks of traumatic experiences
• Nightmares
• Ritualistic behaviors, such as repeated hand washing
• Cold or sweaty hands and/or feet
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations
• Inability to be still and calm
• Dry mouth
• Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
• Nausea

Diet and Lifestyle Support

Healthy Diet

Experts agree that a healthy diet is an important factor in maintaining good health. One key reason is that our diet provides the building blocks for the chemical messengers in our body. When stress depletes nutrients, a good diet can help to replace them.

Enhance sleep

Create an environment that is suitable for the body to transition to sleep. Suggestions include:

• Make your bedroom as dark as possible, as darkness signals your brain to sleep
• Remove sounds
• Cover digital clocks
• Limit TV, computer, and phone use prior to going to bed
• Avoid caffeine before bedtime. Caffeine is a chemical that stimulates your brain, making you more awake and alert.
• Use relaxation techniques such as yoga, as they have been shown to help the mind and body transition to a more tranquil state, setting the stage for good sleep.

Practice Healthy Coping Skills

• Exercise regularly
• Practice yoga, meditation, and qi gong
• Create “me” time
• Declutter your living space, work space and unhealthy relationships
• Trust yourself
• Spend time with friends
• Consider talk therapy

Natural Supplements for Anxiety

Pathway RELAXATION SUPPORT

Pathway RELAXATION SUPPORT Combines a soothing blend of relaxing herbs, vitamins, minerals and amino acids. It contains Relora®, a patented blend of Magnolia officinalis and Phellondendron amurense, studied for its calming and focusing effect as well as stress-induced weight management problems. SunTheanine® is also incorporated in the formula, which aids in relaxation. Also included are calming herbs, such as chamomile, lemon balm, valerian, skullcap, hops and passionflower.

Pathway ADRENAL SUPPORT

Stress can weaken health by demanding excess work by endocrine, nervous, and immune systems. Taking nutrients that help the body to adapt to stressful challenges can greatly help to restore energy and vitality. Pathway ADRENAL SUPPORT contains key adaptogenic herbs along with select B vitamins to support the body’s stress response.

Pathway Myo-Mag

Magnesium plays a crucial role in nervous system relaxation and energy production. Unfortunately, diuretics, alcohol, stress and unbalanced blood sugar levels can deplete your body’s supply of this essential mineral. Pathway MYO-MAG provides 100 mg of elemental magnesium from three different sources for optimal absorption.

Pathway L-Theanine

Pathway L-THEANINE contains the trademarked ingredient SunTheanine®. SunTheanine® has been extensively evaluated in scientific studies and has shown to promote relaxation and restful sleep without causing drowsiness or unwanted side effects.

Pathway B-COMPLEX 50

B vitamins are involved in a large and important group of metabolic functions in the human body and must be replaced on a daily basis. That is because B vitamins are water soluble, and therefore do not build up a reserve in the body. Pathway B-COMPLEX 50 contains the full complement of B-complex vitamins as well as coenzyme forms.

Pathway Sleep Support

A restful night’s sleep is so important to one’s health. Pathway SLEEP SUPPORT provides a soothing blend of calming herbs and relaxing nutrients to promote a peaceful night’s sleep. Key ingredients include vitamin B6, magnesium, melatonin, L-theanine, passion flower, and valerian.

Holistic Treatment for Anxiety Symptoms

At Village Green Apothecary, we believe in taking a comprehensive approach to supporting your stress and anxiety symptoms by addressing the underlying root causes and triggers. We recommend vitamins, minerals, herbs, and homeopathic remedies. Our health experts also suggest specific diets, lifestyle tips, and specialized testing.

We’re here to help! 

Schedule a consultation with one of Village Green’s naturopathic doctors or certified nutritionists for a personal assessment of your unique situation. During your appointment (either by phone or in-person), our professionals will:

• Review your anxiety symptoms and health history
• Examine your diet and lifestyle
• Recommend specialized testing
• Assess possible drug-nutrient interactions or depletions
• Answer any questions you may have
• Evaluate anxiety reducing options
• Create a customized plan that includes natural solutions, diet and lifestyle recommendations, and custom compounding

  Contact a Village Green nutritionist by calling 800-869-9159.

  Learn more about our nutrition counseling and wellness services.