Most days at the Stengler Center we treat patients with anxiety with natural therapies. People with anxiety disorders have excessive and intense worry and fear about typical situations faced in daily life. As a result, one has problems with daily activities and avoids certain places and situations.
While it is normal to have occasional anxiety, it is not normal to have anxiety interfere with your life, such as your work and relationships. There are many causes for anxiety that can include mental, emotional, spiritual, and medical issues. A good doctor or practitioner will help you sort through the root causes, which can vary depending on the person.
We offer natural alternatives to benzodiazepines, a class of anxiety medications such as alprazolam (Xanax). These medications are known to cause drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, lightheadedness, and memory problems. As well, benzodiazepines are highly addictive and are often abused since the brain develops tolerance to the drugs, and one requires increased doses over time to get the same relaxation effect. According to the American Addiction Centers, the physical and psychological symptoms of benzodiazepine abuse may include:
As I stated before, it is vital to address the root cause or causes of one’s anxiety. Counselors and doctors trained in this condition can be of great help. Usually, counseling takes time to address the fundamental causes of stress and anxiety. In the meanwhile, people with anxiety need relief from suffering.
There are several natural methods and techniques that can be used to prevent and treat anxiety. In addition to improving the diet through my Modified Mediterranean Diet plan and regular exercise, I have had great results using a combination of natural supplements. The amino acids GABA, L-theanine, and taurine are all used to calm the brain and nervous system. In the amounts I recommend, these natural substances have a calming effect without sedating or making a person feel groggy. I also use the nutrient myo-Inositol as it has been shown to have a calming effect. And of course, magnesium is an essential nutrient to relax the nervous system.
A high number of my patients have noticed great with our Relax Eze Powder. It contains a flavored blend of magnesium, myo-inositol, taurine, GABA, and L-theanine. I have patients mix it in 6 to 8 ounces of water and take it twice daily. For additional support, I often have patients with chronic anxiety take our Adrenal Wellness to reduce high levels of the stress hormone cortisol. When cortisol levels are high, they heighten the effects of anxiety.
For more information, go to my website at https://drstengler.com/products/relax-eze?_pos=1&_sid=10a0bcfef&_ss=r.
Dr. Mark Stengler NMD, MS, is a bestselling author in private practice in Encinitas, California, at the Stengler Center for Integrative Medicine. His newsletter, Dr. Stengler’s Health Breakthroughs, is available at www.markstengler.com and his product line at www.drstengler.com
Benzodiazepine Addiction: Symptoms & Signs of Dependence. American Addiction Centers. https://americanaddictioncenters.org/benzodiazepine/symptoms-and-signs. Published 2021.
