DISORDERS
(Their description, characteristics or symptoms,
causes, and complementary or alternative treatments)
Disorder: ANXIETY
Description:
Anxiety can be either acute or chronic. Acute anxiety manifests itself in panic attacks, which are complex, involuntary physical responses in which the body prepares itself to deal with an emergency situation. An increased production of the hormone adrenaline causes the body to speed up its metabolism of proteins, fats and carbohydrates to quickly produce energy for the body to use. In addition, the muscles tense, and heartbeat and breathing become more rapid. In the face of a real threat such as an accident or a natural disaster, this type of reaction is normal and helpful for survival. At other times, however, the symptoms caused by a surge of adrenaline can be distressing and frightening. Panic attacks are usually very intense. They can occur at any time of the day or night and can last from a few seconds up to half an hour. Some people experience the attacks every few weeks, while other may have several a day.Chronic anxiety is a milder form of this disorder, characterized by a vague feeling of anxiety much of the time, but the intensity of the feeling does not reach the point of an actual panic attack. Some people with chronic anxiety also suffer from occasional panic attacks.
Symptoms: Someone having a panic attack is often overwhelmed by a sense of impending disaster or death, which makes it impossible to think clearly. Other symptoms of a panic attack include shortness of breath, heart palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, hot flashes and/or chills, trembling, sweating, nausea and a feeling of unreality. A person having a panic attack often thinks they are suffering a heart attack or stroke. Many people with acute anxiety disorders become fearful of being alone and of visiting public places because they fear having a panic attack. This adds to the level of anxiety and often leads to their lives becoming abnormally restricted. Many psychologists believe that some panic attacks are self-induced; because the fear of a panic attack is the very thing that brings one about. People with chronic anxiety may feel uneasy, especially in the presence of other people, and tend to startle easily. Headaches and chronic fatigue are common among people with chronic anxiety.
Incidence: Anxiety is a far more common problem than was once thought. It appears to affect twice as many women as men, although it’s possible that men are less likely to acknowledge or report having a problem of this nature.
Causes: Panic attacks may be caused by stress or certain emotions. They may also be caused by certain foods, drugs, or illness. Allergies and hypoglycemia are both common among people with anxiety disorders. An attack may follow overindulgence in caffeine stimulants, such as tea or coffee, but some attacks occur with no apparent cause. Studies have shown that anxiety has a real, physical basis and is not just a psychosomatic phenomenon, as once thought. Some experts believe that panic attacks are caused by a malfunction in brain chemistry. Hyperactivity in certain areas of the brain causes the release of norepinephrine, which causes an increase in the pulse, blood pressure, and rapid breathing -- the same symptoms as a panic attack. Anxiety disorders seem to run in families, and may be hereditary to some extent.
Treatments: A healthy diet, appropriate nutritional supplementation, plus following the recommendations listed below can be of considerable benefit in reducing anxiety and decreasing the frequency and intensity of panic attacks.
Nutrients:
Supplement Dosage Comments
|
Calcium And Magnesium |
2,000 mg. daily 600-1000 mg. daily |
A natural tranquilizer. Helps to relieve anxiety, tension and nervousness. Best taken in combination with calcium. |
|
Multivitamin and mineral complex with Potassium |
As directed on label. 99 mg. daily |
To provide all needed nutrients in balance. Essential for proper functioning of the adrenal glands. |
|
Vitamin B complex Plus extra Vitamin B1 (thiamin) And Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) And Niacinamide |
As directed on label. 50 mg. twice daily, with meals. 50 mg. 3 times daily, with meals. 1,000 mg. daily. |
Helps maintain normal nervous system function. Helps reduce anxiety and has a calming effect. . A known energizer that also exerts a calming effect. In large doses, has a calming effect. (Caution: Do not take niacin for niacinamide. Niacin can be toxic in such high doses.) |
|
Vitamin C |
5000-10,000 mg. daily, in divided doses. |
Necessary for proper function of adrenal glands and brain chemistry. In large doses, can have a tranquilizing effect and is known to decrease anxiety. Vital for dealing with stress. |
|
Zinc |
50-80 mg. daily. Do not exceed a total of 100 mg. daily from all supplements. |
Can have a calming effect on the central nervous system. |
|
Chromium picolinate |
200 mcg. daily. |
Chromium deficiency can produce symptoms of anxiety. |
|
L-Glutamine
And L-Tyrosine
And L-glycine |
500 mg. 3 times daily on an empty stomach. Take with water or juice. Do not take with milk. 500 mg. 3 times daily, on an empty stomach.
500 mg. 3 times daily, on an empty stomach. |
Has a mild tranquilizing effect.
Important for anxiety and depression. (Caution: Do not take this supplement if you are taking an MAO inhibitor drug). Necessary for central nervous system function. |
|
Melatonin |
Start with 2-3 mg. daily, taken 2 hours or less before bedtime. If necessary, gradually increase the dosage until an effective level is reached. |
A natural sleep aid. Helpful if symptoms include insomnia. |
Herbs:
 | When the body is under stress, it is more vulnerable to free radical damage. Bilberry, ginkgo biloba and milk thistle are rich in flavonoids that neutralize free radicals. | ||
| Catnip, chamomile, kava kava, hops, motherwort and passionflower promote relaxation and aid in preventing panic attacks. Caution: Do not use chamomile on an ongoing basis as ragweed allergy may result. Kava kava can cause drowsiness. If this occurs, discontinue use or reduce dosage. | ||
| Skullcap and valerian root can be taken at bedtime to promote sleep and aid
in preventing panic attacks at night.
| Avoid ephedra (ma huang), as it can aggravate anxiety. | |
Recommendations:
| Include in the diet apricots, asparagus, avocados, bananas, broccoli,
blackstrap molasses, brewer’s yeast, brown rice, dried fruits, figs, fish,
garlic, green leafy vegetables, legumes, soy products, whole grains, and
yogurt. These foods supply valuable minerals such as calcium, magnesium,
phosphorus and potassium, which are depleted by stress.
| Try eating small, frequent meals rather than the traditional three meals a
day. | |
Avoid the following:
| Animal protein. Concentrate on meals high in complex carbohydrates and
vegetable protein.
| Sugar, carbonated soft drinks, and alcohol.
| Coffee, black tea, cola, chocolate, or anything else that contains
caffeine.
| Food allergies may trigger panic or anxiety attacks. Keep a food diary to
detect correlations between your attacks and the foods you eat.
| Learning relaxation techniques, such as meditation and biofeedback, can be
very helpful.
| Regular exercise is important in improving anxiety symptoms. Any type of
exercise will work – brisk walking, bicycling, swimming, aerobics, or
whatever fits your lifestyle.
| Get adequate rest.
| Use breathing techniques to help manage acute attacks. Inhale slowly to a
count of four, hold your breath for a count of four, exhale slowly to a
count of four, and then do nothing for a count of four. Repeat this sequence
until the attack subsides. Remind yourself that panic attacks last for a
limited amount of time, and that the attack will pass.
| Talking thing over with a trusted friend or family member can help
anxiety.
| Consult your physician if the recommendations in this section do not help.
If panic or anxiety is interfering with your life, your physician should
refer you to a mental health professional for evaluation and treatment. | |
Considerations:
| Chromium deficiency can produce nervousness, shakiness, and other general
symptoms of anxiety. Chromium deficiency is common among alcoholics and people
who consume large amounts of refined sugars. Brewer’s yeast is a rich source
of this essential trace element.
| There have been numerous reports on the benefits of DL-phenylalanine (DLPA)
in treating anxiety and depression. DLPA is a supplement consisting of both D-phenylalanine
and L-phenylalanine, and is much more potent than either of these amino acids
taken alone. This should be used under the supervision of a nutritionally
oriented physician.
| Selenium has been shown to elevate mood and decrease anxiety.
| Music can be effective in reducing anxiety.
| A number of different drugs are used to block panic attacks with varying
degrees of effectiveness. All drugs used for this disorder can cause side
effects. Alprazolam (Xanax), one of the most commonly prescribed drugs for
this illness, can cause drowsiness and lightheadedness, and can also be very
addictive. The risk of dependence and its severity seem to be higher if this
drug is taken in relatively high doses (more than 4 mg. per day) and for more
than eight weeks. | |
Vitamin For Life Recommended Regimen and cost:
|
Product No 59618 |
Description |
Comments |
Cost |
|
499-15 |
Calcium citrate 1000 mg. |
2 tablets daily, taken at bedtime |
$5.95/100 |
|
232-15 |
Magnesium 200 mg. Caps. |
2 or 3 capsules daily. Take with calcium. |
$4.95/100 |
|
982-15 |
One A Day Maximum Tabs. |
As directed on label. |
$6.95/100 |
|
891-15 |
B Complex 50 mg. Tabs. |
As directed on label. |
$6.95/100 |
|
835-15 |
B1 50 mg. tablets (Thiamine HCl) |
2 tablets daily, with meals. |
$3.75/100 |
|
836-15 |
B6 50 mg. tablets |
3 tablets daily, with meals. |
$3.65/60 |
|
970-12 |
Vitamin C 1000 mg. with Rose Hips |
3 tablets daily, in divided doses |
$5.75/60 |
|
926-15 |
Niacinamide 100 mg. Tabs. |
6 tablets daily, in divided doses. |
$2.95/100 |
|
923-15 |
Zinc (chelated) 50 mg. tablets. |
1 tablet daily. |
$3.64/100 |
|
943-12 |
Chromium Picolinate Caps. 200mcg. |
1 capsule daily. |
$4.95/100 |
|
02-282 |
L-Glutamine 1000 mg. |
1 tablet daily on an empty stomach. Take with water or juice, not milk |
$15.20/60 |
|
625-12NP |
L-Tyrosine 500 mg. |
1 tablet 3 times daily, on an empty stomach |
$14.95/60 |
|
957-12 |
Melatonin 1 mg. with B6 tablets |
1 or 2 tablets daily, taken 2 hours or less before bedtime. |
$4.95/60 |
Sources:
Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 2nd Edition
By James F. Balch, M.D. & Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.
Prevention’s Healing with Vitamins, by the Editors of
Prevention Magazine Health Books
The Green Pharmacy, by James A. Duke, Ph.D.
