Anxiety
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Anxiety Characteristics
Anxiety
is a very common problem. More
women than men appear to suffer from it, but the truth may be that fewer
men are willing to admit to themselves or others that they are suffering
from anxiety or will seek help. Anxiety
can be either acute or chronic. Acute anxiety often manifests in panic
attacks, during which time the sufferer cannot think clearly and is
overwhelmed by feelings of impending doom.
Trembling,
heart palpitations, dizziness, feelings of claustrophobia and shortness
of breath are some of the symptoms that may be experienced.
Chronic anxiety is less severe at the time, but is with the
sufferer much of the time. It
tends to leave the person feeling quite fatigued.
Both
acute and chronic anxiety have a basis in physical malfunction in brain
chemistry, where the brain sends and receives false emergency signals. Adrenalin and noradrenalin are then released, causing the
same physiological changes in the body as would be experienced in a true
‘danger’ situation, e.g. being chased by the tiger scenario. This can often be caused by the blood sugar being imbalanced
(see
hypoglycaemia) or food
sensitivity or allergy.
Anxiety Diet advice and nutrition facts
-
Investigate
with a nutritional consultant or allergy specialist whether there may be
allergies or food intolerances.
Also
investigate
hypoglycaemia.
-
Include
plenty of foods in the diet which are rich in calcium, magnesium,
phosphorous and potassium, vitamin C and B.
All these are needed and easily depleted by stress.
-
Eat
little and often to maintain balanced blood sugar.
-
Avoid
coffee, tea, cola, chocolate or sugar and foods containing sugar or
refined carbohydrates, such as soft drinks, pastries, white bread, white
rice, and alcohol.
Health
Supplements - Anxiety
Often, a combination of
supplements may help in alleviating this condition. You may wish
to consult a nutritional therapist for personal advice.
Supplements that may be helpful in alleviating symptoms are
shown below:
(please
also read this important notice concerning supplement medical
claims)
(Biocare)
Multivitamin
and mineral (e.g. VM75 from
Solgar)
True
Food GTF Chromium (from Higher Nature)
Valerian
herbal when needed (e.g. Standardized Full Potency Valerian Root Extract
vegicaps from Solgar
health book - Overcoming Social Anxiety
health book - Stress Protection Plan, The
See also
Allergies and food intolerance -
hypoglycaemia
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