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Depression and anxiety are two of the most common mental health conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. They can make daily activities feel overwhelming, cause changes in mood, and impact overall well-being. But did you know that these conditions can also affect your physical health?

In this post, we'll explore the connection between depression, anxiety, and physical health. We'll also look at ways to manage these conditions to promote overall health and well-being.

Also Read:- Effects of Anxiety on Your Physical Health

The Link Between Depression, Anxiety, and Physical Health

Research has shown that there is a strong link between depression, anxiety, and physical health. When left unmanaged, these conditions can lead to various physical health issues, including:

Increased Risk of Heart Disease:- Studies have shown that people with depression are at an increased risk of developing heart disease. Depression can cause changes in the autonomic nervous system, which can lead to changes in heart rate and blood pressure. These changes can increase the risk of heart disease over time.

Chronic Pain:- Depression and anxiety can cause changes in the way the brain processes pain signals. As a result, people with these conditions may experience chronic pain, which can be debilitating and impact daily life.

Digestive Issues:- Depression and anxiety can also affect the digestive system, leading to issues such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diarrhea, and constipation.

Weakened Immune System:- People with depression and anxiety may have a weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to illnesses and infections.

Sleep Problems:- Depression and anxiety can also cause sleep problems, such as insomnia or oversleeping. Lack of sleep can impact overall health and well-being, making it harder to manage these conditions.

Also Read:- Effects of Depression on Your Physical Health

How to Manage Depression and Anxiety for Better Physical Health

If you're experiencing depression or anxiety, it's essential to seek professional help. A mental health professional can work with you to develop a treatment plan that meets your unique needs. Here are some strategies that may be included in a treatment plan:

Therapy:- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common therapy used to treat depression and anxiety. This type of therapy focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to these conditions.

Medication:- Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication may be prescribed to manage symptoms of depression and anxiety. It's essential to work closely with a healthcare provider to find the right medication and dosage for you.

Exercise:- Regular exercise has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise most days of the week.

Healthy Eating:- Eating a healthy, balanced diet can also promote better mental health. Focus on eating whole, nutrient-dense foods, and limit processed foods, sugar, and alcohol.

Stress Reduction:- Stress can exacerbate symptoms of depression and anxiety, so it's essential to find healthy ways to manage stress. Some strategies to consider include mindfulness meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises.

Conclusion:- Depression and anxiety are more than just mental health conditions; they can also impact your physical health. If you're experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, it's essential to seek professional help. With the right treatment plan, you can manage these conditions and promote overall health and well-being. If you're looking for primary health care providers near your location, you can search online using your preferred search engine or check local directories. You can also ask for recommendations from friends or family, or contact your health insurance provider for a list of in-network providers in your area.

Family doctors are the primary healthcare providers you visit for a variety of reasons. When you have a problem that does not require emergency care. Your family doctor serves as your first point of contact whenever you need medical attention. Whether you're experiencing sudden flu symptoms or dealing with an unexpected rash, your family doctor offers treatment options for a wide variety of problems.

Having a go-to family physician near you provides continuity of care, which is frequent contact between a patient and their doctor. Continuity of care has been linked to lower mortality, improved patient confidence, and higher satisfaction. When it comes to doctor-patient relationships, trust plays a big role as a doctor is more likely to disclose important information about themselves to someone they have known well for a while. It is also helpful to have a doctor who knows your health history as this helps in making a better-informed diagnosis and providing advice specifically tailored to you.

Most Americans often use the ER as their primary source of care because they are unaware of the benefits of having a primary care physician. Here are 4 main reasons why you should have a family doctor:

1. PCPs Follow Your Life Cycle
Family doctors are known to treat patients of different age groups. From toddlers to teenagers and middle-aged people. A primary care physician typically treats the same patients for a wide range of conditions over many years and even decades. You can start seeing a family doctor at any stage in your life. Staying with the same doctor means you are building a long-lasting relationship with them, allowing the doctor to really get to know you and offer you the best treatment options.

2. They Understand Your Family History
One benefit of seeing the same doctor over the course of several years is how well they know you know your body and your medical history. They understand your health tick, habits, and just general state of being. This gives them an advantage when it comes to diagnosing and treating you. Going back frequently for checkups allows your PCP to watch for medical red flags and monitor any changes in your health over the years. When you go to a "family" doctor who has actually treated you and your family for generations, it allows them to record an accurate and thorough family health history. They can spot triggers and red flags that they might have seen in a previous generation, recommending genetic counseling to rule out any risks to you.

3. They Are an Excellent Health Resource
Beyond specialists, family doctors and primary care physicians are the best health resources. They offer a combination of personalized care with extensive family history knowledge, allowing them to create an environment of great health resources for you and your family. They are not there just for annual general check-ups. Family doctors also help you navigate chronic conditions and serious illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease.

4. They Assist With Finding Specialists
In the case of serious medical conditions, your family doctor helps you come up with a course of action to help you navigate through this overwhelming period. Be it heart disease or cancer, when you need a medical specialist, your family doctor is your best guide as they find someone who best suits your specific needs, preferences and personality.

If you want to lead a healthy life with a trusted and skilled medical professional by your side, contact Access Health Care Physicians to find the primary care physician best suited for you. Our family doctors are experienced in dealing with a variety of conditions and follow a compassionate care approach. We have locations throughout Florida to better serve you. Find a doctor near you today by visiting our physician directory.

Glucose finds its origin in the Greek word for "sweet" and is a type of natural sugar that your body uses for energy. Glucose is a simple sugar and is the primary source of energy for the body's cells. It is derived from the breakdown of carbohydrates in food and is also produced by the liver. Glucose in the blood is carried to cells throughout the body, where it is used to produce energy. Glucose is central to your body's energy consumption. All nutrients like carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins are broken down into glucose. It serves as the primary metabolic fuel source and is a precursor for various syntheses.

Glucose is the final substrate, which enters tissue cells and is converted into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency of the body. It is then consumed in a number of ways by active transport of molecules across cell membranes, muscle contraction, and the performance of mechanical work.

The body tightly regulates the level of glucose in the blood to ensure that cells have a constant supply of energy. When blood sugar levels are too low, the body releases hormones such as glucagon and adrenaline to increase glucose production and release stored glucose into the bloodstream. When blood glucose levels are too high, the hormone insulin is released to promote the absorption of glucose into cells and the storage of excess glucose as glycogen.

Did You Know

Carbohydrates are used to supply energy to the cells of the body. Your body breaks down complex carbohydrates into simple sugars, namely glucose and fructose. Glucose in the blood is very strictly controlled and monitored as any fluctuation can lead to serious health complications. When blood sugar is too high, insulin-secreting cells respond by taking glucose out of the bloodstream. When your blood sugar is low, the pancreas releases glucagon.

Your metabolic rate is directly linked to your glucose. When insulin cells are damaged or if your body's cells become resistant to the effects of insulin, it means that your blood sugar levels are not being monitored properly. It is basically type 1 and type 2 diabetes.

Energy and Storage Process

Our bodies are designed by beta cells in the pancreas to keep our blood glucose levels stable. Every time you eat your blood sugar rises and then insulin is released into your bloodstream so that the glucose can get inside the cells. Your body uses this glucose and amino acids for energy and is the primary source of fuel for your brain. Nerve cells and chemical messengers need this energy to process information and function. Leftover glucose is stored in the liver and muscles in little bundles called glycogen for about a day.

Once it's been a few hours since your last meal, your blood sugar level drops, which happens when your pancreas stops churning out insulin. The pancreas then begins producing a hormone called glucagon which signals the liver to break down stored glycogen back into glucose. It travels to the bloodstream to replenish your supply.

Blood Sugar and Metabolic Health

Your body's metabolic health refers to how well and quickly your body is able to convert food and stored energy into cellular fuel. When this level changes or worsens, it can lead to diabetes or heart disease. As our daily lifestyle and habits change, it makes our metabolic health worse. According to current statistics, only 12% of American adults are 'metabolically healthy'. This shows how the body's cells use energy to grow, repair, reproduce, and more.

While fat, protein, and glucose all contribute equally to your body's metabolic health; Maintaining a stable blood sugar level and getting enough exercise to have the biggest impact on metabolism. While insulin helps to store excess energy, exercise helps to build muscle, and they are both anabolic. Metabolism is affected by which carbohydrates you choose to consume and which combination your body chooses to burn for energy.

Insulin resistance is known to impair metabolism because glucose chooses to stay in your bloodstream instead of being used for energy. This increased level of insulin leads to fat storage and weight gain.

An Access Health Care Physician is a primary care facility that provides a range of services to help you get your glucose under control. You can connect with our doctors for consultation and learn how to maintain your blood sugar level.

Melatonin supplements are taking up more space on drugstore shelves and across social media platforms. But what exactly is it?

Melatonin, often referred to as the sleep hormone, is a central part of the body's sleep-wake cycle. Its production increases with the darkness of the evening, promoting healthy sleep and helping to orient the body to circadian rhythms.

Melatonin is a hormone produced by your brain in response to darkness. It helps with the timing of sleep as well as your circadian rhythm. It safely helps over 70 million Americans who suffer from chronic sleep problems. Before visiting your primary healthcare provider, learn a little more about melatonin here.

What Are the Benefits of Taking Melatonin?
Besides sleep, melatonin supplements provide a number of benefits. Since melatonin is naturally produced by our bodies, melatonin supplements are great for people who have low levels of it in their systems.

1. Research suggests that melatonin supplements have helped people with jet lag. Jet lag often leaves you feeling unwell overall and leads to disturbed sleep, but the use of melatonin has been shown to reduce these symptoms.

2. Melatonin is quite popular with people suffering from delayed sleep-wake phase disorder (DSWPD). People with this disorder usually have trouble falling asleep before 2 to 6 a.m. and prefer waking up between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Studies have shown that taking melatonin 1 hour before your desired bedtime combined with going to bed at a set time led to several improvements and better sleep.

3. Anxiety before and after any surgery is quite common. Since melatonin supplements are relatively more natural, they are safe to have and have proven to be helpful in reducing anxiety.

Is Melatonin Safe?
Melatonin is considered quite safe for adults when used for short periods. However, before taking any melatonin supplement on your own, always check with your doctor if you already have any medications that you take on a regular basis. Since melatonin is considered a dietary supplement rather than a prescription drug by the FDA in the United States, it is important to be more cautious. This is unlike any other where melatonin is available through prescription. Because of this, while FDA standards are expected, there is no systematic process for ensuring they meet.

Melatonin and Insomnia
Insomnia is a condition in which people have trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. If these symptoms persist for more than a month, it is considered chronic insomnia. While cognitive behavioral therapy is a recommended treatment for this disorder, the use of melatonin may have some positive effects on the condition.

Read More Blog: 5 Ways to Get the Right Vitamins Everyday

Can Children Take Melatonin?
Although it is primarily intended for use by adults, pediatricians sometimes recommend melatonin for children. In a 2012 national survey, it was the second most commonly used dietary supplement among children in the United States. Children suffering from autism spectrum disorder have also benefited from the use of this supplement.

If you start on a melatonin journey, it is essential that you take it at the right times of the day. Taking it too early or too late can shift your biological clock and cause changes in your sleep and wake times. The NHS recommends taking melatonin 1-2 hours before your desired bedtime. If you're taking melatonin to prevent jet lag or when you're traveling, start the dose a few days before you leave to allow your body to acclimatize to the new time zone.

Now that you've learned more about this new supplement, you can decide whether you need it or not. Instead of taking this call on your own, it is always advised to approach a medical professional and refer to the medical services provided by them to help clear any ambiguity on the same.