Rosen concurs. “Artificial dyes and sweeteners can negatively impact mood and focus. More of an issue, though, is nutritional imbalance.” Skipping breakfast or eating mostly carbs can feed anxiety, he notes. “The brain relies on sustainable fuel—a blend of lean proteins, healthy fats—and in some cases, gluten-free, whole grain carbs.” Eating foods high in healthy fat and protein can help minimize blood sugar fluctuations that can trigger symptoms of anxiety in kids. Probiotics and/or cultured and fermented foods can help gut health and promote equilibrium. Omega-3 fats from fish or vegetarian sources are also important additions.
Helpful Supplements
Supplements dosed appropriately for children and teenagers are safe and can offer huge benefits. “Magnesium is good for relaxation, especially anxiety accompanied by muscle tension. B-complex vitamins are also important because they are depleted by stress and help the body to handle stress,” says Kiel. Her herbal recommendations include skullcap, hops and milky oat as teas or glycerin-based extracts. “For teenagers, in addition to these three gentle herbs, I recommend kava kava, which can have a significant calming effect without drowsiness.”
Polyvagal Theory
Research by Stephen Porges, Ph.D., a professor at the University of North Carolina, in Chapel Hill, addresses the importance of the vagus nerve, which runs from the brain through the face and thorax to the abdomen. His polyvagal theory suggests the interconnectedness of emotions, mind and body in both children and adults. This nerve affects all major organs and plays a critical role in anxiety and inflammation. Mindful breathing and using the vocal chords, especially singing, stimulates the vagus nerve and nourishes well-being. Splashing the face with cold water during times of stress also tones this nerve and reduces acute anxiety. DiGiacomo emphasizes that different natural therapies offer hope even for severe cases, advising, “It’s important to know that anxiety is highly treatable.” Marlaina Donato is the author of Multidimensional Aromatherapy. Connect at MarlainaDonato.com.
Helpful Homeopathy
H
omeopathic remedies are most effective and long-lasting when they are prescribed by an experienced practitioner that can find a constitutional remedy that matches the child’s symptoms. However, they can also be used effectively on a short-term basis.
n Aconite: for panicky feelings that seem to come out of nowhere, or for anxiety that begins after some type of trauma n Arsenicum: for anxiety about health or fear of germs n Gelsemium: for stage fright and both performance and
anticipatory anxiety
n Phosphorus: for children that worry about the safety of their parents
n Pulsatilla: for children that have a hard time being alone and need lots of reassurance and attention
For More Advice Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (abct.org) International OCD Foundation (iocdf.org) National Child Traumatic Stress Network (nctsn.org)
Food for Thought In 2015, The New York Times reported on the use of mindaltering medications for infants and toddlers. Approximately 83,000 prescriptions for Prozac were written for kids of ages 2 and younger in 2014, as well as 20,000 prescriptions for antipsychotics.
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