How can a naturopath help with anxiety?

Posted by Native and Actual on October 21st, 2021

Naturopathic medicine can offer functional testing to measure toxicity, imbalances and deficiencies in nutrients, as well as food allergies and sensitivities which can also impact emotional and psychological wellbeing. When looking for a Naturopath in Tweed Heads to help you with your anxiety, Native and Actual should be your first choice.

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition experienced in Australia, affecting more than two million people. One in three women and one in five men experience the mental health condition at some stage in their lives. Depression and anxiety often occur together as they share similar causes and symptoms, with more than half the number of people struggling with depression also experiencing symptoms of anxiety.

Anxiety can also be triggered by an imbalance in zinc and copper levels, or heavy metal toxicity.  Naturopathic medicine can offer functional testing to measure toxicity, imbalances and deficiencies in nutrients, as well as food allergies and sensitivities which can also impact emotional and psychological wellbeing.

What is the main principles of naturopathy?

The goal of your Naturopath in Tweed Heads is prevention through naturopathic medicine. This is accomplished through education and promotion of lifestyle habits that foster good health. The physician assesses risk factors and hereditary susceptibility to disease and makes appropriate interventions to avoid further harm and risk to the patient.

What can a naturopath do for anxiety?

Naturopathic interventions are often overlooked in mental health disorders, and they can have a significant impact on anxiety disorders. Naturopathic doctors utilize a variety of tools to manage anxiety, from diet and lifestyle counselling to acupuncture, homeopathy, nutritional and herbal supplements.

Can a naturopathic doctor help with anxiety?

Licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs) excel at treating anxiety because they focus on treating the whole person, and on addressing the underlying causes of the condition. NDs have a deep toolbox of evidence-based, natural therapies including clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, and behavioral medicine to draw from.

Is naturopathic medicine safe?

Numerous research studies of naturopathic treatments for common conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, chronic low back pain, and anxiety have shown that naturopathic medicine is both safe and effective. Native and Actual are fully trained in Naturopathy and provides a level of service that is second to none amongst Naturopaths in Tweed Heads.

How Do Naturopathic Doctors Treat Anxiety?

Naturopathic doctors begin by assessing the whole person. Initial appointments often last one hour or more and include a detailed family history, medical history, discussion of diet, physical activity, environmental exposures, sleep patterns, and psycho-emotional stressors. There are a wide variety of underlying causes for anxiety. Naturopathic doctors consider:

Genetic predisposition— An understanding of genetic markers and pathways contributes to a more precise and personalized approach to treatment. Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) are the most frequent type of mutation. NDs look at patterns in SNPs and see how they affect B vitamins, hormones, nutrients, and neurotransmitter production and breakdown. This information provides foundational support for treatment planning.

Neurological imbalance—The balance of chemicals in the brain helps control mood and can play an important role in anxiety. Your ND will look for imbalances in serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and norepinephrine.

Digestive/microbiome dysfunction—The microbiome or ‘good germs’ that line your digestive tract play an important role in balancing your nervous, hormonal, and immune systems. Your ND may order a stool analysis test to evaluate the health of your GI tract. You can also expect a detailed discussion of your diet, and potential labs to identify food sensitives and nutritional deficiencies.

Dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis—Your HPA axis is your body’s stress response system. In the face of chronic psychological stress, the adrenal glands excrete an abnormal amount of cortisol in an abnormal rhythm. This can be caused by a number of factors, including blood sugar imbalance, lack of sleep, caffeine, toxins, and allergens. Your ND may order lab testing if this condition is suspected.