So many people struggle with this process. There’s an art to hearing that little Moana voice inside you.
Vitamins and Supplements That May Calm Anxiety
By Liesa Goins; Originally published in Reader’s Digest
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illnesses in the United States, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. Yet only 36.9 percent of those suffering receive treatment. That leaves millions of people in need of relief from treatable symptoms. Studies have shown that a lack of some nutrients may contribute to the development of mental disorders and supplementing essential vitamins and minerals can help ease the symptoms of conditions like anxiety. “I always think of supplements as a potential therapeutic intervention,” says Ellen Vora, MD, a holistic psychiatrist. “They can help jump-start the treatment process and play a part along with nutrition, lifestyle, and conventional medication.” Before taking a new supplement, it’s important to speak with your doctor to discuss any possible drug interactions and see if you need a blood test to diagnose deficiencies. But these key nutrients have been shown to quell the symptoms of anxiety. If vitamins and supplements aren’t enough, here are some other ways to cope with anxiety.
The Stress-Busting Tonic This Expert Drinks Nightly For Better Sleep
Originally published in mindbodygreen
As a holistic psychiatrist practicing in NYC, I’ve seen firsthand with my patients that what we eat has a huge impact on our stress levelsand sleep quality. The fact is, the typical American diet—which seems to be built on a foundation of sugar, refined carbohydrates, and rosé—isn’t doing us any favors. These are all foods that are rapidly broken down, causing our blood sugar to spike. This spike then triggers our body to release insulin, which shuttles sugar into our cells, thereby causing our blood sugar to crash—and the vicious roller coaster continues.
HTW Podcast: Anxiety
HTW Podcast with Zoe and Erica
Episode #43: Dr. Ellen Vora with a New Approach to Mental Health
Tired But Wired? You Might Be Overtired
After having a baby I learned the concept of “overtired” and it has completely changed the way I treat insomnia in adults.
Are Soil And Water The Real Determinants Of Health?
As I travel around the world I’m noticing the health of a population seems to have more to do with the quality of their soil and water than with the specific foods they eat. Pure speculation, but worth pondering.
A Crash Course On Improving Sleep (From A Holistic Psychiatrist)
Originally published in mindbodygreen
As a holistic psychiatrist practicing in NYC, one of the most common complaints I hear from patients is that they can’t sleep. Some people can’t fall asleep, some can’t stay asleep, others sleep eight-plus hours and still feel tired all day.
I tend to believe in the body’s ability to figure it out and heal…as long as we get out of the way. Our sleep wake cycle is cued by things like light changes, temperature changes, and routine. As you know, modern living comes with artificial light after sunset, consistent indoor temperatures whether the sun is at high noon or long gone behind the horizon, unpredictable schedules, and chronic low-grade stress. You can begin to see how modern living has messed with everybody’s clycles, leaving us all tired but wired at night and dragging ourselves through the day.
Is Birth Control Affecting Your Mood?
Evidence now corroborates what millions of women have felt for decades: birth control affects your mood.
Are Your Self-Care Rituals Making You Unhappy? This Doctor Thinks So
Originally published in mindbodygreen
I’m a holistic psychiatrist, so when patients walk through my door, they’re usually already A+ students when it comes to yoga, meditation, eating clean, taking Epsom salt baths, and surrounding themselves with essential oils and salt lamps. Who am I to call any of these lovely practices and rituals into question? I do many of them myself!
And yet, I’ve often wondered if there are times when we do so much self-care that, ironically, it starts to get in the way of our ability to take care of ourselves and can actually contribute to burnout.
Are You So Hydrated You’re Dehydrated?
We’re taught that we should drink eight 8 oz glasses of water a day and our pee should be clear and copious. What if we’re going about hydration wrong?