This follow-up piece is being sent to you and a few select members of the Health Matters newsletter group based on your interest in a previous newsletter called "Anxiety Attacks Caused by Food."

It is estimated that up to 86% of people who struggle with anxiety do not seek any type of medical treatment and simply suffer in silence. If you are currently taking a prescription medication for anxiety or self-medicating with illicit drugs or alcohol, consider your natural options:

1. Take a Look at Your Diet

Millions are diagnosed with anxiety disorder and simply given medication to quell their symptoms. Few doctors think about looking into possible dietary and lifestyle causes before placing their patients on drugs. That's why it's very important if you have panic attacks to take a careful look at your diet.

Fast food, processed sugar, refined flour, food dyes, preservatives, and additives can all have a negative effect on your how your brain functions. Slowly weaning off these foods and switching to healthier fare such as organic vegetables, fruits, walnuts (high in brain-healing omega 3 fatty acids), avocado, poultry, fish, butter, and coconut oil can help prevent chronic anxiety attacks.

2. Add a Magnesium Supplement

Up to 85% of my patients had a moderate-to-severe magnesium deficiency when they first walked through my door. Without adequate levels of magnesium, your brain cannot function properly. Studies have shown that magnesium is responsible for controlling the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenocortical (HPA) axis, which is your main stress response system.

Critically low levels can lead to a heightened state of awareness in the brain as though it is always in a state of fight or flight. Diamond Nutritional's Chelated Magnesium Supplement is made in the smallest form available so your body can easily absorb it. And unlike some of the store-bought multivitamin and magnesium supplements this supplement is professional grade. Many patients with anxiety have noticed great relief from their anxiety symptoms after one month of continuous use. Magnesium is non-addictive and will not interact with most prescription medications.

3. Use a Mood Support Formula

Magnesium deficiency isn't the only nutritional cause of anxiety attacks. Diamond Nutritional's Mood Support Formula not only addresses magnesium deficiency but other possible nutrient deficiencies as well.

Vitamin B6 is important for the synthesis of tryptophan into serotonin, which helps stabilize moods. Folic acid helps remove homocysteines in your blood, which helps improve the way your body responds to everyday stressors. Low calcium levels, (called hypocalcemia) can severely exacerbate existing anxiety symptoms. Regulating your zinc levels helps ease feelings of restlessness, hyperactivity, and anxiety. 5-HTP, a precursor to serotonin can ease insomnia and regulate mood without the side effects of some prescription psychiatric drugs.

If you are currently taking any type of prescription medication for anxiety, never suddenly stop taking it. Instead, make the necessary dietary changes, add the above-mentioned supplements and slowly wean off of your medication only under the care of your doctor.

If you feel you need any extra help with your anxiety or would like some advice on additional dietary and lifestyle changes, please get in touch. Ask me any health question you want free of charge and I will get back to you within 48 hours to discuss. If you feel you need more comprehensive help, I will look over your health history and let you know if I can take you on as a client.

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