Supplemental Considerations from a Experienced Anxiety Girl
The Oxford dictionary meaning of supplemental is as follows; “provided in addition to what is already present or available to complete or enhance it”.
In my own Wellness Practitioner practice, supplemental recommendations consolidate my treatment strategies and plans, they are neither the central focus and rarely are they the preliminary opening move in my programs. However, in view of our personal differences, the incorporation of supplements as the first step in an anxiety coping strategy could be equally important.
My action plan was to intercept my own anxiety stretch with lifestyle and diet changes and observe their effects. I needed to do this to gain a sense of control over the situation. Part of my anxiousness was entangled in the fear of control. I was so afraid to lose control in any way at all, that the very thought of not being in total control of my world was overwhelming and traumatic for a very long time. Surrendering the need to control my world has been a privilege and a necessity and I thank the child inside me who is teaching me how, with love, play, innocence, optimism, and joy ♕
Once I relinquished the need to fully control all things in my path, and I began to understand how my brain worked and how anxiety developed, I was able to further diffuse my symptoms via supplementation, my thinking became clearer, my efforts at relaxation greater, and my increasing self-confidence become obvious.
Relying on synthetic or herbal substances to cope with anxiety does not resolve the underlying problem, and ongoing reliance on a substance essentially assures that it will eventually become less effective at solving it. With that said, I am advocating as beneficiary for the infusion of the below into a holistic approach.
Kava, a plant-based relaxant, may be an effective alternative treatment for anxiety. A number of active ingredients found in kava, including kavalactones, kavapyrones, kawains, flavokawains, and others are continuously being studied for their safety and effectiveness in treating a variety of mental and physical health conditions.
Since there are no official dose recommendations for using kava for anxiety, and different brands, forms, and batches contain different amounts of active ingredients, the product you select may or may not be effective for your purposes. Before taking any over-the-counter kava preparations, chat with me about therapeutic interventions that worked and continue to work for many of my clients and for myself.
L-theonine and GABA. As anxiety can create chemical changes (HPA axis activation and Cortisol release, along with reduced GABA activity). In a busy world with multiple distractions and conflicting daily priorities constantly demanding our attention, the synergistic combination of Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and L-Theanine is the perfect antidote. Together, they downregulate the Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) effects, allowing for an increased sense of calmness and a feeling of being more in control. The formula that I use uniquely combines the purest pharmaceutical grade forms of the neurotransmitter GABA and the amino acid L-Theanine in doses heavily informed by the latest clinical research to orchestrate an adequate stress response. This means better memory and attention, without drowsiness, sensory processing, stress reactivity, and sleep. Personally, unless I want to experience a potent activation of my sympathetic nervous system, I don’t drink coffee without the addition of L-theonine.
Withania (Ashwagandha); Classed as a modern-day ‘adaptogen’, Adaptagenic herbs support our resilience in reacting to or recovering from both short- and long-term physical or mental stress. Withania can combat fatigue, enhance mental performance, ease depression and anxiety, and help you thrive rather than just manage, by strengthening the endocrine and nervous systems. My body adored this herb with its’ ability to cool and pacify my racing mind. I noticed a significant change in my thyroid condition, my sleep improved as did my immunity!!
Ashwagandha has been well-researched in this regard with several studies supporting its effectiveness in managing the effects of stress. However, this herb is atypical in that it is also a tonic, meaning it will strengthen an exhausted or agitated nervous system whilst calming it at the same time.
CBD oil; It isn’t known exactly how CBD oil combats anxiety, but it’s thought to work with a receptor in your brain called CB1. Researchers believe the interactions between CBD oil and CB1 alter serotonin signals. I will be blogging in detail of my experience with CBD in a future blog, so stay in touch for that.
There are and will continue to be so many contributions in my arsenol against the assault of chronic anxiety. I did and you can, break free ❀
I endorse and advocate for all the above mentioned products. If you are interested in further understanding or purchasing please comment below and I will be in touch.