Finding Calm: How Naturopathy Can Help Manage Anxiety

Supporting Anxiety Naturally: A Naturopathic Perspective

Anxiety is something many people experience at different stages of life. For some, it’s occasional overwhelm. For others, it can feel persistent, intrusive, and exhausting, affecting sleep, digestion, energy, and overall wellbeing.

While conventional approaches such as counselling and medication can play an important role, many people are also seeking a more natural, whole-person approach to supporting their mental and emotional health. This is where naturopathy and nutritional medicine can offer powerful support.

A Holistic Approach to Anxiety

Naturopathy views anxiety not simply as a standalone condition, but as a signal from the body that something may be out of balance. Rather than suppressing symptoms, we ask:

• Is the nervous system overstimulated?

• Are blood sugar levels fluctuating?

• Is there underlying inflammation?

• Are key nutrients depleted?

• Is stress overwhelming the body’s adaptive capacity?

• Are hormonal changes creating internal chaos?

A naturopathic consultation considers the physical, emotional and lifestyle factors that may be contributing to anxiety — creating a treatment plan that supports the body’s innate ability to rebalance and heal.

The Role of Nutritional Medicine

There is growing recognition that what we eat directly influences how we feel - recognising that food can be our medicine. The nervous system relies on a steady supply of nutrients to regulate mood, stress response and brain chemistry.

Some key nutritional factors often considered in anxiety support include:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Found in oily fish, flaxseed and walnuts, omega-3s support brain function and help modulate inflammation, which has been linked to mood disorders.

Magnesium

Often referred to as the “relaxation mineral,” magnesium supports the nervous system and muscle relaxation. Low levels can contribute to heightened stress sensitivity.

B Group Vitamins

These vitamins play an essential role in energy production and neurotransmitter synthesis. Chronic stress can quickly deplete them, potentially worsening feelings of anxiety and fatigue.

Blood Sugar Balance

Unstable blood sugar can mimic or aggravate anxiety symptoms — causing shakiness, irritability, racing heart and brain fog. Supporting stable meals with adequate protein and healthy fats can make a profound difference.

Dietary & Lifestyle Foundations

Beyond individual nutrients, foundational dietary changes can significantly support anxiety management:

• Reducing excess caffeine

• Limiting refined sugars

• Eating regular, balanced meals

• Increasing colourful vegetables and whole foods

• Supporting gut health

  
  

Lifestyle medicine is equally important. Sleep quality, movement, time in nature, breathing practices and stress management techniques all influence nervous system resilience.

Herbal Medicine for Stress Adaptation

Herbal medicine is another cornerstone of naturopathic care. Adaptogenic herbs — traditionally used to enhance the body’s ability to cope with stress — may be considered where appropriate.

Herbs such as ashwagandha and rhodiola are traditionally used to:

• Support stress resilience

• Reduce feelings of overwhelm

• Improve energy under stress

• Support nervous system regulation

  
  

Herbal prescriptions are always tailored to the individual, as anxiety presents differently in each person.

A Personalised Plan Matters

Anxiety is never “one size fits all.” What works for one person may not work for another. That’s why working with a qualified naturopath is so important — to identify root contributors and create a personalised, practical plan.

At our clinic, Keri Hogarth, qualified Naturopath, Nutritionist and Practitioner of Herbal Medicine, brings years of clinical experience in nutritional and herbal medicine, helping clients gently and effectively support their nervous system naturally.

If you would like support for anxiety in a holistic, compassionate and evidence-informed way, we invite you to book a consultation. You don’t have to navigate it alone.

Call us or make a booking online - https://apps.kitomba.com/bookings/haberfield