MANY people struggle with feelings of anxiety — but there are some ways to manage symptoms and get out of the panic zone naturally.

    When you are overstressed and overtired, your adrenals take a hit. Instead of producing cortisol in the right quantities earlier in the day, you are forced to function without adequate levels of this hormone. That — coupled with not eating at regular intervals and indulging in caffeine and sugar — causes your blood sugar levels to fluctuate throughout the day. It’s this intersection of low blood sugar and low cortisol where anxiety and panic attacks can get bad.

    In addition, if you are taking birth control pills or antibiotics, your gut microbiome can become disrupted. Why that matters: Research has shown that our moods can be influenced by the bacteria in the gut.

    Finally, not having enough levels of B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and magnesium can compound this whole situation and make anxiety something that can spiral quickly out of control.

    Women are more vulnerable to this hormonal recipe for anxiety, especially after extreme dieting, or postpartum, where many micronutrients are depleted. The big takeaway? We need to eat for our hormonal and mood balance!

    If all this is the culprit behind your feelings of anxiety, then there are a few things you can do to help calm down. For immediate support, turn to stress-relieving solutions such as applying lavender essential oils on your pulse points or engaging in some meditation.

    Some other calming options including taking an Epsom salt bath several times a week and having a good, nutritious breakfast, like oatmeal, eggs, or avocado, to keep blood sugar stable and provide you with mood-boosting nutrients. Also, make a point to eat foods good for your gut, and ensure you’re getting enough sleep — your adrenals need a consistent bedtime and wake time to perform optimally.

    (SD-Agencies)