Anxiety & Nutrition

​Nutrition is essential for optimal physical health in addition to mental health. Mayo Clinic speaks to the connection of nutrition and anxiety, including key considerations of eating healthy and balanced, in addition to changes in diet improving mood and sense of wellbeing and considering these in conjunction with treatment for anxiety. A holistic approach can go a long way in recovery. Please find below 4 considerations in supporting your nutrition and reducing anxiety symptoms:

1. Water Intake. Water is essential for optimal functioning including for managing anxiety. An article from Solara Mental Health explains that dehydration creates stress on the body which can lead to anxiety symptoms and possibly higher levels of anxiety in the future.
2. Magnesium. I have read a lot of information over the years of natural ways to support anxiety, and magnesium comes up time and time again. Magnesium is often depleted in the body with stress and alcohol use, although we can get magnesium naturally from healthy balanced diets sometimes we are not getting enough to balance out the effects of high stress and alcohol use. Psych Central's article on magnesium and anxiety touches on the benefits of magnesium, and what to consider.
3. Gut Health/Microbiota. There are many studies that show the importance for gut health for healthy physical and mental functioning. Everyday Health explains how gut microbiota regulates brain function by way of the gut-brain axis (aka communication network from the brain to the gut and vice versa). And early research is showing how imbalances in gut microbiota have negative impacts on anxiety.
4. Fiber. Fiber is listed in many resources as key in gut health and overall wellbeing. An article in WebMD shares that increasing fiber can improve memory and overall mood.

If you have questions or are looking for more information, I would be happy to provide you a referral to a Naturopath or Nutritionist specializing in supporting anxiety. I am Nicole Levy, and I am here as your helping hand. My email is [email protected]