Home > Anxiety
Anxiety
Disorder
All people
experience fear and anxiety dealing with external threat and stressful
events. However, when anxiety occurs in inappropriate times or is so
intense and long-lasting that it interferes with the normal activities, it
is considered as a disorder.
Anxiety
disorder is the most common type of psychiatric disorder. During the
anxiety attack, large amount of stress hormones, including adrenaline are
secreted into the bloodstream. These hormones cause the heart rate
to increase, blood flows to the muscles and brain, blood sugar
increases, breathing is faster and sweating occurs. Anxiety
disorders can have cumulative effects, such as generalized pains and
aches, insomnia, nightmares, depression, decreased libido. Women may
experience changes in menstrual cycles and more severe premenstrual
symptoms.
Anxiety
disorders can be acute and chronic and manifest in different forms.
Generalized anxiety disorder consists of excessive, almost daily anxiety
attacks about a variety of activities for prolonged period of time (6
months or longer). Panic attack is an acute and intense
anxiety with physiological symptoms such as shortness of breath, heart
palpitations, chest pain, hot flashes or chills, trembling, nausea and a
feeling of unreality. Phobic disorders involve persistent,
unrealistic, intense anxiety towards specific external situations.
Anxiety
disorders are often treated with drugs. Sometimes, medical problems
can also cause anxiety disorders. Proper medical diagnosis is
critical before treatment starts.
Nutritional
supplements for anxiety disorders:
Multivitamin and mineral
complex
A multivitamin and mineral complex provides
all nutrients in balance. Vitamin B complex helps normal nervous
system function, reduces anxiety and stress and has a calming effect on
the nerves. Vitamin C & potassium are necessary for proper function
of adrenal glands. Zinc has a calming effect on central nervous
system.
Magnesium
Magnesium is a natural tranquilizer. It
helps to relieve anxiety, stress and muscular spasms. Magnesium
deficiency may cause anxiety, panic, insomnia.
Chamomile
Chamomile tones the nervous system, relaxes
the muscles, and eases the digestive problems that come with anxiety.
Drinking a chamomile tea (steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried flowers in hot
water for 10 min) or taking chamomile tincture once every 2 hours would
do.
Hops
A moderately strong herb to relax the nervous
system. It is also good for insomnia, stress and tension headache.
Valerian
Valerian is a strong anti-anxiety herb.
Valerian contains active ingredients, valerpotriates, which act like
Valium. Valerian also improves the quality of sleep, and relaxes
muscles. Valerian may cause restlessness to some people.
Discontinue use of adverse reaction occurs.
Siberian ginseng
This herb is good for chronic stress, it helps
to restore overstressed adrenal glands. Taking Siberian ginseng
supplements for several months can reduce stress and anxiety.
GABA (γ-aminobutyric acid)
GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in
central nervous system. It also regulates muscle tone. GABA
has relaxing, anti-anxiety and anti-convulsive effects.
Source Naturals, Calm Thoughts, 90 Tablets
Now Foods, True Calm, 90 Capsules
(use code "WAN045" - get $5 off your first order)
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