Over the years, natural remedies and healthy lifestyle choices have become more and more poplar worldwide. They have reduced side effects as they are natural and therefor the body will react more favourably towards them, they are much more affordable than pharmaceutical medications, are widely available, and it will improve your overall health and wellbeing as it helps to fix the underlying problem and not just the symptoms.
Below are a few natural remedies and healthy lifestyle choices for anxiety, depression, fatigue, lowered energy levels, weight management etc.
ANXIETY
What is anxiety - Anxiety is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide array of disorders that generally result from worrying, fear, apprehension, and nervousness. Such feelings will most likely have an impact on your feelings and behaviors and can result into a variety of physical symptoms, including shortness of breath, dizziness, vomiting, and stomach aches, among others. According to experts, there are different causes of anxiety, including stress, lack of sleep, trauma, lack of oxygen, side effects from education, substance abuse, alcoholism, genetics, health problems, and hormones. The rest of this article will be focused on exploring how hormones, specifically amongst women, can influence anxiety.
Natural remedies include – Chamomile, lavender oil.
How the remedy works:
Chamomile Oil: Chamomile oil has a soothing, relaxing effect and helps you to feel at ease.
Lavender Oil: Lavender oil is a natural relaxant and helps to eliminate feelings of anxiety.
How to prepare the remedies
Remedy Add 5 drops of chamomile oil and 5 drops of lavender oil to a hot bath and soak in it for up to 30 minutes. Use this remedy every time you feel the symptoms of anxiety.
Drink a cup of chamomile tea.
Apply a roughly 2-3 drops of lavender oil behind the ears and rub it into the skin.
FOODS THAT CAN HELP REDUCE ANXIETY IN THE BODY
Leafy green vegetables – Leafy green vegetables such as spinach, Swiss chard, and kale, contain magnesium and calcium which can help to relax your muscles and your body. These types of vegetables also contain folate which can help to increase the production of dopamine (this is the hormone that helps you to feels satisfaction, motivation, and excitement).
Avocados – While stressing and feeling anxious, your body’s vitamin B supply can become depleted. Avocados are rich in vitamin B and are highly effective for dealing with vitamin B deficiency. Not only do they provide a lot of healthy nutrients and vitamin B to our body but also taste great. To enjoy the benefits of avocados for relieving stress, make sure to add them to your daily diet. Use them in either your breakfast or make them a part of your lunch/dinner salads or snacks. They won’t only enhance the taste of your meals but also improve your overall health through stress relief.
Citrus fruits - Many citrus fruits are also good for reducing a person's stress. For example, oranges, strawberries, and blueberries are a great way to control your increasing stress level. These citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and dopamine, a hormone that leaves a very good effect on the mind and body. Dopamine is a hormone that fights stress-causing hormones and kills them. Similarly, vitamin C and antioxidants help in soothing the tissues and muscles of the brain and body. As a result, a person feels good, calm, and happy for carrying on his everyday duties.
BEST SUPPLEMENTS THAT CAN HELP WITH STRESS
Let’s take the guesswork out of the process and review the top 5 supplements for stress relief right now.
L-theanine- According to research, L-theanine is a powerful amino acid that has wonderful stress-relieving properties. This stress-releasing agent is found in black and green tea and offers amazing health benefits as well. Several studies show that the regular intake of L-theanine through tea or coffee results in controlling the production of cortisol hormone. When the cortisol hormone, which is a stress hormone, decreases in the body, your stress level decreases. In this way, it helps a person feel lighter, happier, and stress-free.
Melatonin - Melatonin is also a hormone that is naturally produced inside our body by our body’s pineal gland. This hormone fights with the stress-causing hormones and restricts their production. However, if your stress gets chronic and you fail to manage it in any way, you can start taking the melatonin supplements. Nowadays, melatonin supplements are available in the market in a great variety of forms. For example, there are capsules and tablets that contain varying doses of melatonin. Similarly, there are many creams and drops that contain this hormone. You can choose any one of the melatonin supplements and start taking it in the prescribed dosage for stress relief. OR as my husband would say “You get plenty Melatonin from having sex love” xx
Vitamin B Complex - Vitamin B complex is a key role player in controlling your stress and anxiety. People who have vitamin B complex deficiency are at a higher risk of developing anxiety or chronic stress. Fortunately, there are many foods that are rich in the vitamin B complex. For example, meat, eggs, legumes, and green leafy vegetables are rich sources of the vitamin B complex. Making some of these foods every day can meet your body's daily vitamin B complex needs. However, you can also take the supplements for this vitamin to relieve your stress and improve your mental wellbeing.
Vitamin D - There are many studies on the positive impact of vitamin D on the management of stress. The findings of the research say that the regular intake of vitamin D helps in good nerve and brain health. Also, it helps in uplifting the mood as well as creating feelings of relaxation. On the contrary, there are numerous cases where vitamin D deficiency leads people to suffer through severe anxiety, stress, and even depression. However, there is also some evidence where the excessive intake of vitamin D causes kidney issues and other body impairments. Therefore, it is important to take only the required dosage of vitamin D supplements daily for relieving or managing your stress level.
Lemon Balm - It is a very pleasant and beneficial herb that comes with the scent of lemon. Its leaves look like that of the mint leaves, but it has wonderful properties to relieve stress. Lemon balm was first cultivated in Europe, but now you can easily grow and find it anywhere in the world. It doesn’t only help in relieving your stress but also improves your sleep and mental health. To use the lemon balm, you can either prepare its tea from its leaves or buy various creams and capsules containing lemon balm extract.
What to Consider When Buying a Supplement
Choosing the best supplement - Do your own research looking at all the pros and cons, and always consult with your health care professional before.
Keep in mind other medications you are taking – Some supplements can negatively react when being taken with some medication. Please speak to your doctor before taking any new medication or supplements.
Know the right dosage – Always read the label correctly and consult with your health care practitioner before taking any new supplements and dosages as overdosing on supplements can negatively affect your health and you may experience negative side effects.
Always remember to breath:
Often, we do not breathe as deeply as we should. In our fast-paced world, we find ourselves hunched over desks and hunched looking at our cell phones. We contract our rib cage and round our shoulders. We tend to breathe shallow rather than opening the chest and filling the lowest lobes of our lungs with air. Breathing well not only relaxes the nervous system, but good oxygen flowing through the body improves circulation and detoxification.
Something as simple as breathing deeply for 5 minutes can make easy, healthy changes in your life.
Find a quiet space
Sit with your legs crossed on the floor or in a chair. Keep your back straight, as good posture supports healthy circulation and allows your diaphragm to expand
Close your eyes
Take slow, deep breaths in and out of the nose
Envision the energy of the breath going into every cell in your body
If you wish, accompany the breathing with a mantra (such as OM) or affirmations (I am good enough).
After 5 minutes, open your eyes and notice how relaxed / energized your body feels
DEPRESSION
What is depression - Depression is a mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest.
Natural remedies - Cardamom and St John's Wort.
How the remedies work -
Cardamom: Cardamom is a natural antidepressant and can help lift your mood and make you feel more energized.
St John’s Wort: St John’s wort is one of the most effective natural treatments for depression and can alleviate many of the common symptoms associated with depression.
How to prepare the remedies- Add 1 teaspoon of cardamom powder and 1 teaspoon of St John’s wort to a cup of hot water and let it steep for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, strain the water into another cup using a fine mesh strainer and drink it. Drink this remedy daily to treat depression.
FATIGUE
What is fatigue - Fatigue is one of the most common health complaints and can leave you feeling drained, exhausted, and lacking in energy.
Natural remedies - Basil Oil and Eucalyptus Oil.
How the remedies work:
Basil Oil: Basil oil stimulates your mind and boosts your concentration levels when you feel tired.
Eucalyptus Oil: Eucalyptus oil is invigorating and energizing and naturally combats fatigue.
How to prepare the remedies
Add 5 drops of basil oil and 5 drops of eucalyptus oil to a hot bath, then soak in it for up to 30 minutes. Use this remedy every time you feel fatigued.
LOWERED ENERGY LEVEL
Natural remedies - Apple, Matcha Green Tea and Spinach.
How the remedies work - This apple, matcha and spinach remedy boosts your energy in the following ways:
Apples: Apples are rich in energy boosting carbohydrates and phytonutrients.
Matcha Green Tea: Matcha green tea contains caffeine and L-Theanine which collectively provide you with a sustained energy boost.
Spinach: Spinach is loaded with B vitamins which support energy production in your body.
How to prepare the remedies - Blend 1 apple, 1 cup of apple juice, 1 cup of spinach and 1 teaspoon of matcha green tea in a blender until smooth and then drink it. Drink this remedy every time you need an energy boost.
ANXIETY AND YOUR HORMONES
Anxiety is an umbrella term that encompasses a wide array of disorders that generally result from worrying, fear, apprehension, and nervousness. Such feelings will most likely have an impact on your feelings and behaviours and can result into a variety of physical symptoms, including shortness of breath, dizziness, vomiting, and stomach aches, among others. According to experts, there are different causes of anxiety, including stress, lack of sleep, trauma, lack of oxygen, side effects from education, substance abuse, alcoholism, genetics, health problems, and hormones. The rest of this article will be focused on exploring how hormones, specifically amongst women, can have an effect on anxiety.
DIFFICULTY TRACING THE CAUSE
While hormones or an imbalance of such can be regarded as one of the most common causes of anxiety, it is important to keep in mind that such is impossible to be verified, especially with a self-diagnosis. More often than not, you will need to have a consultation with a medical professional to trace its root causes, as well as the subsequent steps to have it treated. Even if the hormones can be the culprit, such may not be the lone reason. In most cases, the apparent symptoms will be the basis of determining whatever is causing your anxiety – whether it is hormones or anything else.
HORMONAL IMBALANCES THAT CAN TRIGGER ANXIETY
Generally speaking, women are more prone towards suffering from anxiety as against men, and this is basically because of the female hormones. Anxiety in women is most common during their menstrual period, which is a result of the hormonal imbalance that they are experiencing. During menstruation, there is a fluctuation in estrogen and progesterone, which can all have an effect on appetite, digestion, and energy level, which, collectively, can alter mood, and hence, possibly leading into anxiety. The discomfort and the pain experienced during menstruation can also exacerbate anxiety.
More so, hormonal imbalance amongst women is also experienced during pregnancy, which makes it another trigger for anxiety. This is considered to be the king of all the hormonal changes that are experienced by women. The fact that you are pregnant can already make you feel anxious, and this is even escalated by your hormonal changes, which is at its peak during the said period. During pregnancy, women are generally irritable and experience various panic attacks, especially when they are about to give birth.
Anxiety is also experienced because of hormonal imbalance resulting from thyroid hormone, which constitutes a serious health problem. When you have an overactive thyroid, one of the consequences would be feeling more anxious in various situations. When you have more than enough thyroid hormones in your body, you can experience increase in heart rate and hyperventilation, which are all physical symptoms of anxiety. On the other hand, if the thyroid is below the normal level, your brain will be affected and this can also consequently lead into anxiety.
The Gray Line
While there is no doubt that anxiety is often connected with hormonal imbalance, this should not be singled out as there are other factors that can be blamed. Additionally, many also believe that hormones do not necessarily lead into anxiety, but they make anxiety worse. The blurred connection between the two remains to be a big debate in the medical world. For most women, however, they always have their hormones to point out as a reason for their mood swings and the rest of the days where they feel more anxious than in other instances.
Treating Anxiety as a Result of Hormonal Imbalance
As always, the best thing to do is to have professional consultation to know if you are really suffering from anxiety and to identify the treatment options that will prove to be perfect. For most health experts, one of the best things that can be done is to get enough sleep, which will help you to escape stress and possibly correct your hormonal imbalance. Regular exercise and having a proper diet will also be helpful. There are also people who resort into the use of hormonal drugs, but this should be done with caution and only with recommendations from a medical professional. At its worst, taking medications without proper diagnosis can only exacerbate your anxiety rather than having it cured.
Stay safe, healthy & take a deep breathe!
