If you’ve ever experienced anxiety, whether chronically or in short spurts, you know how debilitating it can be. An anxiety attack can look like lots of different things—accelerated heartbeat, headaches, nausea, and restlessness. And perhaps the most frustrating, they can seemingly come out of nowhere. You may be able to connect the dots if you’re experiencing a particularly stressful phase of life, but it can just as easily be a random occurrence that makes you feel out of control of your own body. The best way to reduce symptoms of anxiety is to lead a lifestyle that prioritizes stress management. Nutrition is one way that you can prepare your body to manage stress.
But, we all know that life can get busy, and for this reason you may not be getting all the vitamins and nutrients you need everyday. Supplements are a great way to bridge the gap in your diet, and some supplements have even been connected to helping with anxiety. We asked Dr. Mark Iwanicki, ND LAc of the New York Center for Innovative Medicine what supplement you should try if you struggle with anxiety.
Ultimately, there isn’t a one size fits all when it comes to supplements that help with anxiety, as everyone’s triggers and symptoms are so different. “As unique individuals, the root causes of our health concerns are always so specific to our circumstances. For one person it may be more related to diet, while for someone else it may be a chronic infection or high-emotional stress that is leading to anxiety,” Dr. Iwanicki says. However, he shares one common cause he sees, “That being said, most people have some level of adrenal fatigue, which will always contribute to anxiety in a big way. Anything you can do to support your adrenals is going to help lower feelings of stress and anxiety.”
This is why adrenal adaptogens are a great option for supplementation that keeps anxiety management in mind. “Adrenal adaptogens like Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, Ginseng, Tulsi, Reishi, and Cordyceps all act powerfully to modulate the adrenals and our stress hormones.” There are many adaptogenic supplements, teas, and powders available on the market that you can buy. However, you should check with your doctor before you make any major additions or changes to your health regimen, to make sure it’s the right decision for you.
What are some other things that can help you reduce anxiety when it comes to lifestyle changes? “Meditation is one of the most powerful lifestyle tools we have for dealing with stress and anxiety. There are literally hundreds of types and forms of meditation. By doing a little research and finding a meditation practice that works for you, you will be doing wonders for your body and mind's ability to deal with and reduce anxiety.” Dr. Iwanicki says, “Lifestyle factors play a huge role in our experience of anxiety. What we feed our minds, the thoughts we focus on, our sleep habits, exercise—they all contribute to our levels of anxiety in a big way.”
