5 Reasons Why You Have Anxiety & What to Do About It!

As humans, stress is not a rare occurrence.

During our daily lives, we have triggers and pitfalls that drag us into stress, the trouble is when stress becomes full blown anxiety. When you feel anxious all the time, can’t think straight, and feel like you can’t handle anything that’s going on around you, life can feel unmanageable.

Have you felt more Anxious lately? Here are 5 common reasons why you have anxiety. 

#1 YOU’RE DEHYDRATED

 Your body is an incredible thing, but even the simplest dysfunction can cause you to go into survival mode - like a lack of the glorious H2O. When your body is dehydrated, the most fundamental functions start slowing down.

 A study from Tufts University found a clear link between mood and hydration levels. Participants that were even mildly dehydrated were reported to feel more tense, angry, fatigued, and confused (Source).

 Even mild dehydration can produce alterations in many important aspects of cognitive function such as your concentration, alertness and short-term memory. It has been found that in extreme cases, dehydration can be a determining factor for the cause of delirium, which is described as severe distress and impaired cognitive function, but, before it gets there … just drink some water. (Source)

If water is not usually your drink of choice, try adding some lemon or fresh fruit.  It will provide more nutrients and it tastes delicious.

#2 LACK OF B VITAMINS

 Regarded to many as ‘happy pills’, B vitamins have a history with curbing the effects of anxiety and depression, and continue to be one of the most recommended supplements for anxiety.

 Symptoms of a B-complex deficiency can include irritably, depression, nervousness, anxiety, difficulty concentrating and loss of short-term memory. 

 Like many other B vitamins, Vitamin B1 (often referred to as the "anti-stress" vitamin) has been studied to successfully treat patients with anxiety disorders and is crucial for energy production. (Source)

 Another important B Vitamin is B6, Vitamin B6’s benefits are rooted in its ability to boost mood, balance blood sugar levels and maintain a healthy nervous system. It is also fundamental in producing serotonin, an important neurotransmitter that helps regulate your mood.

 In addition, Vitamin B12 is also beneficial for lowering chronic stress, mood disorders and depression. It helps by improving your concentration levels, boosting energy and allowing your nervous system to function properly. (Source)

 Good food sources of the B vitamins include liver, meat, turkey, whole grains, potatoes, bananas, chilies, legumes, nutritional yeast and molasses.

#3 LACK OF IRON

This one is more for the ladies out there, can you believe 12-20% of the female population is deficient in Iron?! (Source)

Iron plays an important role as a cofactor for the synthesis of serotonin. Having low iron levels can lead to anemia, which is associated with fatigue, weakness, anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. Source

 Good food sources of Iron include red meat, seafood, beans, dark green leafy vegetables, raisins, apricots and peas.

#4 LACK OF VITAMIN D

 Vitamin D is the sunniest vitamin out there! Mainly, because it comes from the sun (wink). The lack of this vitamin is associated with anxiety, depression and alterations in mood. (Source)

 One main reason why it’s so effective is that it functions with genes that support the production and release of dopamine and serotonin, two fundamental neurotransmitters that regulate your mood.

 Vitamin D naturally decreases symptoms of depression and anxiety, and all you really need is 15 minutes! Allow the sun to touch your skin, no sunblock or lotions, and not through a window, this gives your body ample exposure to absorb the rays and convert it into amazing nutrients.

#5 LACK OF MAGNESIUM

Referred to as ‘Natures chill pill’, Magnesium is a vital mineral that participates in more than 300 biochemical reactions in the body! Those functions include enzyme, neurotransmitter and hormonal activity, all of which can have a large effect on our mood and brain function.

A lack of magnesium can manifest as Irritability, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, Weakness, depression and behavioral disturbances

Food sources of Magnesium include dark leafy greens, Pumpkin seeds, Almonds, Beans and Yogurt/ Kefir.

And maybe beyond all of that, you just need to take a hard look at how many cups of coffee you have per day or the type of people you surround yourself with.

If you don’t seem to have time to prepare all the recommended food, or you want an easier way to obtain all these wonderful anxiety-busting nutrients, my favorite way is through a Multi- Vitamin!

A wonderful full spectrum, high potency multivitamin with Minerals, such as Dr. Dave's Best Monster Multi is a sure fire way to curb your anxiety levels and make life fun again.

Get yours today and help the anxiety go away!