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It’s summer, and many people I know are still battling some type of anxiety, whether it’s from travel stress, flying, the idea of the Delta variant or something stressful going on with family.

Whatever it is, there are some natural ways to conquer anxiety and boost mood.

First off, do not feel alone: Millions of people are anxious about something.

I’ll tell you one of my issues: driving on big highways with other cars. I assume, when drivers fly past me, that they are texting. In fact, I assume pretty much everyone is distracted except for me, and so I usually use GPS to find the slower roads. I have been this way for years, and there’s no amount of lavender that helps me!

But for other occasional anxiety, there is help in the form of a few natural remedies.

Common symptoms of anxiety include sweaty palms, rapid heartbeat, a feeling of impending doom, trembling or shaking, dry mouth, gastrointestinal problems, and inability to think of anything else other than the perceived danger at hand. Some people also experience insomnia.

Hypertension, gastric ulcers and depression are also associated with prolonged anxiety. Finding the root cause (or the root person) that causes your anxiety is key to getting well.

By the way, few things work better to curb difficult emotions than exercise. Go for a run or take a trip to the gym. Physical activity is known to raise dopamine immediately.

For some simple anxiety-producing situations, you can also look into the following nutrients. But remember: If your condition is serious, you must see a qualified specialist.

Vitamin B1: Thiamine or B1 helps you produce and release serotonin and norepinephrine, which reduce mental fatigue and improve physical energy. If you like to drink wine, you are sure to be deficient in this nutrient.

Vitamin B2: Riboflavin or B2 helps your adrenal glands, which secrete DHEA and cortisol — hormones that must remain in proper homeostasis for you to cope with feelings of anxiety.

Probiotics: These friendly gut bugs help you activate thyroid hormone, which has been proven in some studies to work even better than traditional antidepressants in some people. We know that a reduction in probiotics can indirectly cause profound anxiety and depression.

Zinc: This mineral has a very calming effect on the body. Perhaps it helps with the COMT gene variation some people have that causes them to experience feelings, including pain, with greater intensity. (However, beware: One can overdose on zinc, which is dangerous.)

Herbs: There are many herbs that can help you, either via teas or supplements. Among the best are chamomile, lavender, lemon balm, ashwagandha, catnip and valerian.

Conventional medical wisdom has programmed us to believe that sedatives and addictive medications are the answer to anxiety, but that’s not necessary for everyone.

If you’d like to read the more comprehensive version of this article, please sign up for my free newsletter at www.SuzyCohen.com

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This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement.

Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe.