Description Everyone feels anxiety now and again. It is a healthy, natural, reaction to situations requiring a heightened level of awareness and attention. Problems arise, however, when this short-term, acute, response becomes long-term, embedded in everyday life. Further, anxiety disorder may be a symptom of a larger problem that can be either physically or emotionally based. An acute anxiety disorder is usually reflected in a panic attack -- an involuntary response where the body prepares to deal with an extreme situation such as an assault, an accident, or natural disaster. Adrenaline production increases in the body, which results in greater metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, to quickly make energy available to the body. This is a natural "fight or flight" response by the body, but in this case, triggered at the wrong time. Long-term, or chronic, anxiety may not be as intense as its short-term equivalent, but can be more disruptive due to its underlying pervasiveness.
Symptoms and Signs: Those who experience anxiety disorder are usually quite nervous, tense, and on edge. Their overall pace is frenetic and often erratic. Ability to focus is compromised and various "worries" tend to pile up the more they are thought about. Many acute sufferers do not wish to be alone or visit public places as they fear having a panic attack. Increases in heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate accompany panic attacks. Those with chronic anxiety feel a vague sense of anxiety most of the time. They may feel unease, especially around others, are started easily. Chronic sufferers also experience headaches and chronic fatigue and can suffer from occasional panic attacks.
Causes: Our fast-paced, demanding lifestyle is a key ingredient to anxiety disorder. Countless demands and responsibilities require our attention, and quickly, before our ability to keep up becomes compromised. We worry about our jobs, cash flow, family, and friends, while trying to keep up with television programs, radio broadcasts, newspapers and magazines, the latest fashions, and the latest gizmos, while trying to balance with cooking, laundry, and house cleaning. If only we could split ourselves in half! Such compounding responsibilities easily lead to feelings of anxiety which can become long-term, resulting in a disorder, if not adequately dealt with. Food allergies and hypoglycemia can also lead to anxiety disorder. This ailment may also be hereditary, as it seems to run in families. Further, some cases are linked to Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP), a fairly benign heart condition (magnesium deficiency may be the common factor).
What to Expect: The symptoms and signs above will continue and can escalate. Tense muscles and a faster heart rate are also to be expected. Also, problems seem to become that much greater as one becomes unable to deal with existing situations. Many people become fatigued as the additional emotional stress puts a physical strain on the body. Fear of being alone or in a public place and having a panic attack only compounds feelings of anxiety, often making it self-induced. Chemical imbalances in the brain can result in false messages being sent, resulting in hyperactive brain function. In turn, this causes heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rates to increase, exacerbating the chances of having a panic attack.
Remedies
Amino Acids Tyrosine stimulates serotonin levels, which can promote quality sleep. It is also a precursor to norepinephrine and dopamine, two essential neurotransmitters responsible for elevating mood levels. This amino acid can also help reduce stress levels. NOTE: Do not supplement with tyrosine if taking an MAO (Monoamine oxidase) inhibitor drug for depression. Tyrosine can also affect blood pressure in this situation. It is highly recommended to discuss supplementation with this amino acid with your dietician, naturopath, or other health practitioner. Take 500mg (dosage can range as high as 2,500mg) in the morning and mid-afternoon on an empty stomach with fruit juice. This amino acid is better absorbed when taken with 50mg vitamin B6 and 100 to 500 mg vitamin C Bach Flower Remedies Bach Flower Remedies can be used to gently easy emotional distress and each remedy relates to a specific emotional state. To prepare a remedy, see Preparing A Treatment under the Bach Flower Remedy Introduction. Agrimony: For anxiety that is held within. Person appears bright and cheery on the outside but their inner suffering can be torture for them. They are also restless at night because of uncontrollable and constant thoughts. Agrimony will promote relaxation, help individuals put their difficulties into perspective, and open channels to discussions. Cherry Plum: For people on the verge of a breakdown. Also appropriate for those contemplating suicide. Lack of emotional control, a feeling of desperation, and uncharacteristic hysteria. Individual is sensitive, would up, and verbally abusive. Cherry Plum will provide a sense of calm and quiet courage and mental stability will be attained. Red Chestnut: Person is excessively concerned for others, leading to a constant worry that something terrible will happen to a loved one. Red Chestnut should help put fears into perspective, so they can love without losing sight of the situation. These people will become compassionate without being anxious and learn to remain calm, even in moments of emergency. The feeling of constant worry and anxiety will dissipate, bringing on the realization that their loved ones will be safe. Food Supplements Essential fatty acids provide your body with necessary fats to ensure proper brain and nervous system function. EFA's can be combined with a B complex vitamin (see below) to improve overall nervous system function. Flaxseed/linseed oil, borage oil, pumpkin seed oil, hemp seed oil, evening primrose oil, fish, eggs, and walnuts are all sources of EFA's. The oils may be the most ideal. Take one tablespoon daily on yogurt, rice and/or bean dishes, salads, and vegetables. If using flaxseed oil capsules, take 2 to 3 capsules daily, in the morning. If using evening primrose oil capsules take 1 500mg capsule daily, in the morning. Do not cook with these oils. Heat denatures these oils and they lose their nutritional value. Be sure to keep oils refrigerated as they will go rancid if not kept cool. Herbs Chamomile has a relaxing effect on the body and is often used to ensure a good night's sleep. Taken in tea form, the warmth of a hot beverage is in itself a natural relaxant. Do not use on a long-term base, as ragweed allergy can result. Do not use at all if you are allergic to ragweed. Kava kava's relaxing, sedating, and tension-reducing effects on the body make it ideal for treating anxiety disorder. Indeed, this herb is often called the "anti-anxiety" herb. If using capsules, take 60 to 210mg daily, divided into several doses. If using a tincture, take 1 to 3mL daily. Taking 120mg before bed can make you drowsy and ready for sleep. You can also prepare or purchase Kava kava tea, but it is much less effective in this form due to the low concentration of herb. The warmth of a hot liquid, however, is in itself an overall relaxant... Ginseng, Gotu Kola, Lavender, and Lemon Balm may also prove helpful. Consult with your herbalist, naturopath, or other health practitioner to determine the appropriateness of these herbs for your needs. Valerian is similar to Kava kava in terms of it calming properties. This herb is also a powerful sedative and is often used to treat insomnia or promote a good, restful sleep. Take 150 to 300mg daily in capsule form. You may also look for preparations standardized to 0.8% valeric acid. The lower dosage will help relieve anxiety while the higher dosage will promote sleep. Other relaxing herbs include catnip, cramp bark, hops, linden flower, motherwort, and passionflower. Scullcap can also be taken at bedtime to promote sleep and help prevent panic attacks. Homeopathy Certain remedies can be used in acute situations if your symptoms fit the symptom picture of the remedy. For dosages, see the dedicated section on Homeopathy. Consult your homeopath or naturopath to determine your constitutional remedy: the remedy that best fits you as a whole person. Your homeopath or naturopath will take a complete case history considering all of your mental and physical ailments and match these symptoms with the symptom picture of the remedy. Aconite: Anxiety occurs suddenly from excitement. Accompanied by restlessness, fear of death, heart palpitations, and trembling. Symptoms are worse at night. Gelsemium: "Anxiety of Gelsemium" comes before an exam or giving a speech. Person becomes mentally dull, cannot concentrate. Addition symptoms include trembling, weakness, diarrhea, and urination. Lycopodium: "Anxiety of Lycopodium" occurs when thinking about one's health, upcoming business or social events. Person is self-conscious and fears what others might think of them. Lifestyle A healthy diet will restore lost nutrients stemming from a possibly poor diet and provide your body with the elements it needs to function properly. Eat raw, organic, fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, and sources of protein (eggs, tofu, fish, eggs, chicken, turkey). Also, avoid artificial stimulants that unnecessarily stress the body and result in short-term highs that feed feelings of anxiety and have a corresponding "fall" once the stimulant wears off. These include caffeine, black tea, sugar, soft drinks, and chocolate. Significantly reducing or eliminating just one of these stimulants can have a positive effect on anxiety levels. These stimulants should also be avoided to ensure optimal absorption of the nutrients in the healthy diet, described above. Avoid other stimulants such as certain over-the-counter medications, cocaine, related "uppers", nicotine, and amphetamines. Alcohol should also be avoided. Exercise regularly. This helps relieve stress, gets your mind off of problems, and boosts endorphin levels in the body -- natural mood enhancers. Ensure you get an adequate amount of sleep -- at least eight full hours. Try not to take your problems to bed with you. They cannot be solved at this moment and always seem larger at this time. Take a ten or twenty minute "time-out" each day. Consider this your time and use it as a momentary retreat. Close your eyes, think of nothing, concentrate on breathing. Inhale good, peaceful thoughts and exhale the tension and daily demands of life. Stretch! Your muscles build up the tension of your days and can knot and become painful over time. Release this tension by taking gentle stretches and repeat them two or three times for as long as possible. Think of it as mini-exercise. It can feel just as great. Even better, frame your exercise routine with gentle stretches for a well-rounded approach to dealing with anxiety. Talk it over. Share your feelings and concerns with a friend or relative. Often working through a problem or situation just by talking about it makes it seem that much more easier to deal with. Avoid and eliminate distractions. This includes the television, radio, telephones, street noise, children and relatives (introduce "quiet-time"). Excess noise requires additional attention of the nervous system, which is already under stress. Replace these distractions with the "time-out" outlined above. Minerals Calcium is a natural tranquilizer and can help achieve adequate levels of quality sleep. Take 1,500mg daily in combination with magnesium, below. Chromium deficiency can lead to nervousness, shakiness, and other general anxiety symptoms. Take Brewer's yeast or supplement with 200mcg daily. Magnesium deficiency can result in anxiety, as the body produces excess lactic acid that creates a chemical imbalance in the body. You can obtain this mineral from eating raw, organic, green leafy vegetables, whole grains, raw nuts and seeds, and tofu. If supplementing, take up to 750mg daily in two or more divided doses. Do not exceed this amount and reduce your intake if your experience diarrhea (magnesium can act as a laxative). Take with calcium for optimal absorption. Therapies and Healing Aids Acupuncture, massage, meditation, and yoga are all physically/mentally/emotionally relaxing and rejuvenating activities that can re-energize and help you stabilize and better focus on problems and concerns. Vitamins B-50 Complex will provide your nervous system with the necessary nutrients to function correctly. Take one 50mg capsule once or twice daily. Do not take more than 50mg at one time as your body cannot absorb a larger amount in a single dosage.
Actions and Remedy Listings
For More Information ... Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments Web: www.canmat.org
Email: webcntrl@canmat.org
Depression and Anxiety Information Resource and Education Centre Public Line Overview, Toll Free: 1.888.557.5051, access code 8000 Web: www.fhs.mcmaster.ca/direct
See also Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Headache, Hypoglycemia, and Stress.
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It is highly recommended that you consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner when undertaking self-treatment.
For serious conditions, always seek the advice of your naturopath or other health practitioner. People taking medication should
consult with their naturopath or other health practitioner before undertaking additional regime for their ailment. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the information contained on this website.
However, errors in copy may occur. You are advised to consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner
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All information contained on this website is for reference purposes only and all content should be treated as a resource. It is highly recommended that you consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner when undertaking self-treatment. For serious conditions, always seek the advice of your naturopath or other health practitioner. People taking medication should
consult with their naturopath or other health practitioner before undertaking additional regime for their ailment.
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and consistency of the information contained on this website. However, errors in copy may occur. You are advised to consult with your naturopath or other health practitioner
when applying the information contained on this website.
The MBR Team is not responsible or liable for any personal injury or related effects from applying the information contained on this website.
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