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Life seems like it is getting more and more overwhelming these days.  We often hear  how stressed out people are on a daily basis, frequently using terms like “anxious,” “irritable” and “depressed.”

Because these  conditions are more prevalent nowadays, we see a lot more use of  meds like Xanax and Klonopin, while  antidepressants, such as Paxil and Zoloft have become the most prescribed class of drugs for 18-44 year-olds.

Yes, because of all the stress and overwhelm, the drug companies saw a need to serve us some more pills for the proverbial “quick fix”.

If you’re reading about this because you don’t want to have to depend on popping a pill to feel better when those stressful days get you down,  you’re in luck.

Natural treatments for anxiety and depression can take on a few different forms, as our mood is comprised of a number of different contributing factors, starting with what we eat.

Just like we need food for energy, we also need it for a calm, stable, and clear state of mind.

If we don’t give our body what it needs, we can become deprived of the nutrients required to help us stay alert, rational, and healthy (both mentally and physically).

For instance, we often see patients that,  after testing, we discover are deficient in iron or vitamin B12, which  can have many negative mental and physical symptoms.

Magnesium is another crucial nutrient that many of us are deprived of.  Mg can help us stay calm and clear-headed, relieve tension,  even helping us sleep better.

Food sensitivities and /or allergies  are also  a known contributor to anxiety and depression.

Even though other parts of your body may not be giving you symptoms of a sensitivity or intolerance to food, these “toxins” can get into your blood stream and interfere with brain function.

This can  cause brain fog, fatigue, and higher levels of stress.

Having an intolerance to gluten in particular can have enormous adverse affects on your body and mind,  including depression, anxiety, irritability, attention deficit, headaches, and exhaustion.

We have tested many patients, both young and old,  for gluten intolerance and they have made dramatic improvements in their health with the proper diet.

Sleep also plays a a big part in our mental state.  Without enough rest, we’re susceptible to distraction, exhaustion, depression and anxiety.

Getting enough sleep makes it  easier to focus on the  positives and the tasks at hand, rather than the negative things going on around us.

Getting out for some fresh air and exercise can be vital for our emotional health.  Exercise is know as the “great anti depressant.”

Think you don’t have time, just get outside and take a walk for starters. Come on, we live in beautiful, sunny Florida!

From the structural side, people with higher levels of anxiety, stress and depression typically have more muscle tension, especially in their head and neck, shoulders and back.

Getting a proper chiropractic adjustment along with  muscle treatment can relieve the tension and stress, improve sleep, and help to balance the body.

So, before resorting to a pill  to temporarily fix the overwhelming day, think about approaching it with the simple things our bodies need:  proper nutrition, rest, exercise, and structural health.

Yours for optimal health,

Dr. Tom Rofrano