Stress is responsible for the majority of visits to the doctor. Stress can be physical, environmental, mental-emotional, social and even spiritual. Naturopathic doctors like myself help people suffering from the ill effects of stress on a daily basis, including these common concerns:
- Abdominal weight gain
- Anxiety and depression
- Binge eating
- Difficult menstrual periods
- Digestive concerns
- Fatigue
- High blood pressure
- Insomnia
- Memory problems
- Panic attacks
- Skin problems
- Sugar cravings
As always, our goal is to identify and treat the cause of your health concerns. While it is often impossible to avoid stress itself, there are many tools at our disposal for mitigating the harmful health effects.
Botanical medicine
Herbs with adaptogenic, tonic and sedative properties are often used to treat individuals under stress. There are many useful options but choosing the right herb for you is important. We must be mindful of drug-herb interactions, evidence-based therapeutic dosage and product quality.
Optimal nutrition
Every meal and snack you consume has the potential to support your stress response or sabotage your defenses. Simple adjustments to your diet can have a profound impact on your emotional wellbeing and your ability to cope with the demands of your day. In addition to healthy food, targeted therapy with vitamin and mineral supplements or nutraceuticals can be extremely helpful.
Acupuncture
This ancient form of medicine is extremely beneficial for stressed out individuals. Acupuncture treatments are deeply relaxing, diminishing anxiety and restoring a sense of calm and wellbeing. Acupuncture helps to regulate appetite and digestion, boost energy levels and promote sound sleep.
Tagged: Acupuncture, Anxiety, Fatigue, Health, Herbal medicine, Memory problems, Mental health, Naturopathic medicine, Nutrition, Stress, Sugar cravings, Weight gain
