Anxiety

Symptoms

Feelings of anxiety are familiar to us all. They range in intensity from feelings of uneasiness producing trembling and sweaty hands, to bouts of diarrhea, heart palpitations and full-blown panic attacks. Anxiety can cause complete, albeit temporary, memory blocks, or cause entirely inappropriate behaviour.

Whatever the cause of anxiety, the result is not always debilitating. In fact, anxiety can be a useful coping mechanism. The apprehension of a deadline can improve performance, and an uneasy sensation of anxiety alerts us to a possible conflict or danger. If an anxiousness causes us to work through unresolved problems, the results are highly rewarding. Re-defining who we are and what we want reinforces a sense of ourselves, and provides confidence. On the other hand, if the source of the problem cannot be resolved, symptoms may intensify and be longer lasting. Depending on the individual, various types of problems may occur. Some typical ones are head-aches, digestive upsets, impotence, insomnia and an inability to relax. A feeling of a lump in the throat, also known as globus hystericus, is not uncommon for women during times of extreme stress. This lump is not due to any physical problem, but is rather a strong signal of stress, and is possibly the result of a muscle spasm in the throat.

Causes

Physically, anxiety occurs when an overload of stress on the nervous system throws it off balance. As a result, the autonomic nervous system becomes overstimulated, causing symptoms of anxiety. Anxiety is most often a temporary problem caused by periods of extreme emotional stress. It is often directly linked to our ability to cope with stress in our environment, but definite factors trigger and aggravate anxiety. All substances that induce wakefulness, including the caffeine in coffee and colas, act upon the nervous system to put the nerves on edge. Smoking to relax is a psychological fallacy, as the nicotine increases rather than reduces stress. An overload of toxins or toxic metals in the body can attack the nervous system and cause anxiety. Hangovers and withdrawal from alcohol produce nervousness and tremors. Furthermore, anxiety is linked to an increased production of lactate in the body, which both alcohol and caffeine cause.

In our society in particular, overstimulation leading to frayed nerves is a common problem. Besides the constant pressure of work, technological progress with cell phones and pagers allows individuals to be available twenty-four hours each day. Radio and television also play a role. Sleep helps maintain a balance with stress, so lack of sleep can cause and aggravate nervous tension. Late nights and continually changing sleep patterns are also problems. Anxiety occurs most commonly during, or in anticipation of, an event which depends on performance. Typical situations are writing an exam, relocating to jobs or cities, or meeting someone important. Change also causes anxiety, and the more serious the change, the more profound the effect. Death, divorce and personal illness are among the toughest changes which can trigger symptoms of anxiety and nervous tension. Since the nerves are dependent on nutrients to keep them calm, low blood-sugar levels or hypoglycemia will cause feelings of distress. Hypoglycemia is often linked to eating too many sweets and missing meals.

Illness can also cause anxiety, even fear. An overactive thyroid can cause apprehension and anxiety, as the body’s metabolism speeds up. Strokes and other illnesses that affect the central nervous system may also cause feelings of anxiety.

Nutrition

Refined, white flour and sugar products, and processed food essentially starve the body of B vitamins, as the body’s own vitamin reserves must digest these fuel foods which have been stripped of many important nutrients. This process weakens the body and promotes feelings of anxiety. Sweet foods are especially harmful, since their digestion causes a dramatic drop in blood sugar which can be experienced as apprehensive jitteriness. A healthy, whole foods diet emphasizing fresh vegetables and fruits, nuts and whole grains is the best insurance against attacks of anxiety. Fruits and vegetables are best eaten raw, since many vitamins and the enzymes they contain are destroyed by cooking. Pay special attention to foods rich in the B vitamins, such as whole grains, nuts, green, leafy vegetables, nutritional yeast, eggs and fish for healthy nerves.

Oats are wonderful for the nervous system. Eat them as porridge or soak them overnight for a Swiss muesli. Hazelnuts are a valuable healing food for the nerves, most effective when freshly ground. Fifteen to twenty hazelnuts provide enough high-quality protein and nut oil for a meal. Honey dissolved in warm milk also has a calming effect on the nerves.

Avoid coffee and cola. The caffeine they contain quickly produces an effect of uneasiness instead of the desired pleasant stimulation. Alcohol must be avoided. Using it to quench anxiety is addictive, does not remove the cause of the anxiety and actually perpetuates the condition.

Nutritional Supplements

The B vitamins lend the nervous system excellent support. They have been found to stabilize the body’s lactate levels, which are responsible for anxiety attacks. Vitamin B6 is particularly important. For those who lack the enzymes to convert vitamin B6 to its active form, use pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P). This is the form needed for direct assimilation.

A lack of calcium or magnesium is also responsible for nervous tension. These minerals relax a tense and overwrought nervous system. Take them before bed to improve sleep. The sensation of a lump in the throat or restlessness are likely the result of muscle spasms; it is often helped with magnesium supplementation. Alcohol robs the body of magnesium, causing nervousness and irritability. Vitamin C is another excellent vitamin that combats the effects of stress; take the variety with bioflavonoids, which occur naturally with vitamin C in food. It has also been known to calm anxiety.

Daily dosages:

Most Important

Vitamin B complex, 50 mg one to three times daily

P-5-P, 100 mg

Magnesium, 500 mg

Helpful

Calcium, 1,000 mg

Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg three times daily

Herbal Remedies

In combination with stress-reducing techniques, herbal remedies offer calming relief of anxiety.

Borage juice exerts a specific, stimulating effect on the glandular system and also acts as a general tonic and purifies the blood. Take 1 tbsp. with water daily for two weeks.

St. John’s wort juice is a nerve tonic for depression and nervous exhaustion caused by excess strain. This herb is best taken in combination with valerian juice. For tea, pour 1 cup boiling water over 1-2 tsp. of St. John’s wort. Steep for ten to fifteen minutes, strain and take three times daily, or take 1-4 drops tincture in liquid, three times daily.

Skullcap is valuable in combating anxiety, stress and tension. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 tsp. of the herb, steep for ten to fifteen minutes, strain and drink three times daily, or take 2 drops tincture in water, three times daily.

Ginseng taken in combination with royal jelly is a great energy booster and lifts the spirits. Take 1 tsp. of royal jelly in a cup of ginseng tea twice daily.

Take a relaxing bath of a combination of herbs like lavender, thyme, lemon balm and camomile followed by a peppermint and lemon balm tea before going to bed for a restful, healthy sleep.

For severe anxiety, add 1 drop of valerian oil to bath water. Valerian is one of the most useful herbs to help reduce anxiety and tension (steam inhalation of essential oils is not recommended for asthma sufferers). For a relaxing tea, pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of valerian root, steep for twenty minutes, drink one hour before retiring or when feeling anxious. Intervals of two-to-four-week breaks are recommended, to avoid habituation.

Homeopathy

The homeopathic remedies listed below are recommended for relief of short-term problems. Choose one in a 6c strength, taking two tablets under the tongue, repeating three times daily, as needed or for up to ten days.

If anxiety before an event is the problem, whether it is stage fright or an exam, Argentum nitricum and Gelsemium are excellent remedies.

Argentum nitricum is recommended when there is a tremendous amount of nervousness and agitation, and concentration is difficult.

Gelsemium is more suitable if the distress is accompanied by enormous fatigue, and the knees become weak from just thinking of the upcoming event.

If the emotions are particularly overwrought, causing changeable moods, sensitivity to noise, easy weeping and silent brooding, a sympathetic ear may be completely misunderstood. Ignatia is a common remedy for the sensation of a lump in the throat and is most useful after experiencing an emotional shock.

Aconite is an excellent remedy for panic, anxiety and fear as a result of a shock or fright.

Tissue Salts

For nervous tension, take 4 tablets under the tongue three times daily.

Kali phos works as nourishment for the nerves. It is the chief tissue salt in cases of fatigue, anxiety, sleeplessness and depression due to nervous tension.

Calc phos is appropriate if nervous debility is linked to physical weakness or anemia.

Nat mur is another tissue salt to consider, helpful when anxiety is accompanied by low spirits, possibly related to grief.

External/Physical Therapies

Get plenty of rest and sleep-a refreshed body can deal better with the tensions and burdens of life.

Exercise outdoors. Hiking, walking and swimming are the best antidotes for anxiety and tension.

Deep-breathing exercises help to oxygenate and relax the body.

Take relaxing warm baths before going to sleep.

Regular daily application of Kneipp hydrotherapy is excellent for calming and soothing the nerves.

Another person should place the palm of his or her hand on the upper stomach area (solar plexus) of the affected person, just above the navel, with a gentle, comforting touch and hold until the anxiety attack subsides.

Massage with deep thumb pressure along both sides of the spine in an upward and outward motion.

Dry skin-brushing provides an invigorating feeling and helps rid the body of toxins, which contribute to tenseness and anxious feelings.

The genital cold-water rub is applied for general detoxification and helps relieve anxiety. Sit on a narrow board that is placed over a tub filled with 50°F (12°C) water, with feet in the water. Soak a cotton cloth in the water and gently rub over the genitals. Continue for ten minutes, then dry genital area well and rest for one hour in bed.

Available Brand Name Products

Nutritional Supplements

Auxima Liquid Organic Calcium (Inno-Vite)

Auxima Liquid Organic Magnesium (Inno-Vite)

Magnesium Complex (Klaire Laboratories)

P-5-P w/Magnesium (Klaire Laboratories)

Calcium and Magnesium Citrate (Natural Factors)

Hi Potency Multi (Natural Factors)

Stress B Formula (Natural Factors)

Super Multi Plus (Natural Factors)

Ultra Multi Plus (Natural Factors)

Wild Salmon Oil (Natural Factors)

Super Once A Day (Quest Vitamins)

Super Stress (Quest Vitamins)

Leritone Senior (Yves Ponroy Canada)

Other Nutritional Supplements

Royal Jelly (Natural Factors)

Herbal Remedies

Medicinal Tea: Nerval Tonic (Flora)

Salus Camomile Tincture (Flora)

Salus Herbal Calcium/Magnesium Liquid (Flora)

Salus Mistletoe Tincture (Flora)

Salus Salusan (Flora)

Salus Valerian Tincture (Flora)

Schoenenberger Nerval Tonic Kit (Flora)

Schoenenberger St. John’s Wort Cellular Plant Juice (Flora)

St. John’s Wort Oil Extract Capsules (Flora)

Natural Pain Ease (Natural Factors)

Nerve and Stress (Natural Factors)

Panax Ginseng C.A. Meyer Extract (Natural Factors)

Sleep Relax (Natural Factors)

St. John’s Wort Extract (Natural Factors)

Herbal Calm (Nature’s Herbs)

Hops-Valerian Combination (Nature’s Herbs)

Scullcap (Nature’s Herbs)

St. John’s Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Valerian-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Nu-Source Tranquility (Nu-Life)

Herbal Relaxant (Quest Vitamins)

Select St. John’s Wort 300 mg (Sisu)

Homeopathy

Bach Flower Remedies (Bach-Karooch Ltd)

Rescue Remedy/Bach Flower Remedies (Bach-Karooch Ltd)

Aconite (Nelsons Homeopathy)

Arsenicum (Nelsons Homeopathy)

Gelsimium (Nelsons Homeopathy)

Ignatia (Nelsons Homeopathy)

Lycopodium (Nelsons Homeopathy)

CLM Liquid Sublingual (Nutra Research Int’l)

External Therapies

Basil Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Bergamot Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Chamomile Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Clary Sage (Karooch Essentail Oils)

Frankincense Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Jasmine Absolute (Karooch Essential Oils)

Lavender Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Marjoram Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Neroli (Karooch Essential Oils)

Rose Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Rosewood Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Sandalwood Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)

Vetivert Oil (Karooch Essential Oils)