Jun 25 2008
Dietary Changes Relieve Anxiety Symptoms
Anxiety disorders can be effectively treated with diet therapies specifically designed for the individual. Anxiety problems are often related to poor nutritional status, hypoglycemic reactions, and food sensitivities/allergies. Consuming large amounts of processed, white flour, and sugar products can cause a B vitamin deficiency, which results in fatigue and nervous system disorders, like anxiety. Poor nutrition may also lead to fluctuations in blood sugar levels. Processed foods, sugar, and caffeine cause an over production of insulin, resulting in a decreased blood sugar level. Low blood sugar levels cause a vast array of symptoms, ranging from anxiety and restlessness to dizziness and pain. Allergenic foods like wheat, dairy, eggs, MSG, preservatives and sugar can cause an immune response in the body, producing symptoms like anxiety, GI distress, fatigue, and brain fog.
It is important to first take a detailed diet history in order to determine nutritional status. A whole foods approach to nutrition is imperative for the treatment of anxiety disorders. Caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and processed foods need to be eliminated from the diet and replaced with whole grains, vegetables, and lean meats to control fluctuations in blood sugar and ensure proper nutrition. Starting the patient on an elimination diet is a good baseline approach for treatment. Once an allergen, if any, is identified and eliminated, further dietary modifications can be addressed as needed.
Certain foods are known to calm the body and help alleviate the symptoms of anxiety. These foods include whole grains, celery, beetroot, avocado, asparagus, wheat germ, and brewers yeast. A deficiency in nutrients like calcium, found in dairy products, kale, and sesame seeds, magnesium, found in almonds, spinach, and brown rice, B vitamins found in brewers yeast, grains, and legumes, and essential fatty acids found in borage oil, flaxseed oil, and evening primrose oil, can cause symptoms of anxiety like insomnia, palpitations, and nervousness. These nutrients need to be included in a recommended diet to treat anxiety. If compliance is high, these nutrients are best absorbed through food sources. Otherwise, they need to be added to the diet through high quality supplementation.
Dr. Sherri Jacobs
Naturopathic Physician
Bastyr University Graduate
http://www.naturopathic-anxiety-solutions.com
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