Avoid these dietary & lifestyle triggers – use natural remedies instead
Anxiety is often fuelled by stress and challenging situations. It is an emotional response that can manifest both physically and emotionally. It is usually characterised by feelings of panic and fear, increased heart rate, excessive worry and racing thoughts. Learn what causes anxiety, the symptoms to look out for and ways to reduce anxiety through diet, lifestyle and natural remedies.
Anxiety causes and triggers Some individuals are more prone to experiencing anxiety than others. The cause or trigger of someone’s anxiety is usually multifactorial and it will differ person to person. Anxiety can be triggered or exacerbated by particular life experiences, dietary and lifestyle factors, or underlying health conditions such as an overactive thyroid or lung diseases. Common anxiety triggers include:
Trauma and abuse (seek the help of a homeopath)
A stressful or challenging situation (loss of job, family death, relationship breakdown)
Feeling out of your comfort zone (meeting new people, giving a presentation)
Financial burdens or worries
Being unhappy at work (stress with colleagues or seniors, not being organised, working long hours, feeling unappreciated and unrewarded)
A poor diet that is high in sugar, refined carbohydrates (bread, biscuits, pastries), processed foods and junk food. These types of food contain additives, colours and preservatives, some of which can cause physical and emotional changes in the body, including anxiety. Fizzy drinks and fruit juices are loaded with sugar and additives.
Stimulants – coffee, energy drinks, alcohol
Low blood sugar levels or a sudden drop in blood sugars
Drug abuse or withdrawal from substances including nicotine
Ongoing stress that is not dealt with
Fear of the unknown or world events
Bullying and being socially isolated
Certain medications such as corticosteroids and anti-seizure drugs
Anxiety symptoms
Rapid breathing or shortness of breath
Racing heart and palpitations
Change in body temperature – feeling hot and sweaty or chills
Shaking or trembling
Chest pain
Muscle tension
Panic attacks
Feeling nauseous or vomitting
Dizziness or feeling faint/ light-headed
Blurry vision
Ringing in the ears
Burning or prickly sensation on the extremities and other body parts
Compulsive behaviour
Phobias
How to reduce anxiety naturally
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