Anxiety
Nerves, Rapid Heart Beat, Anxious, Panic,
Worry, Stress, Apprehension, Fear
Anxiety
is a feeling of apprehension and fear
characterized by physical symptoms such as palpitations, sweating,
and feelings of stress. When walking into a feared situation,
the socially anxious person will go through many of the same worried
thoughts and physical signs as those during a panic attack.
However certain bodily symptoms -- rapid heart rate, trembling
voice, shaking hands, sweating and blushing -- are more common and
can be more distressing because they may be observed by
others. If a personal is extremely anxious, they may feel as
they are frozen solid and can not move.
Definition
Anxiety
is a normal state of apprehension, tension, and uneasiness
in response to a real or perceived threat. Although anxiety is
considered a normal response to temporary periods of stress
or uncertain situations, prolonged, intense, or inappropriate
periods of anxiety may indicate an anxiety disorder.
Other
indicators of an anxiety disorder are anxiety that occurs without an
external threat (“free-floating” anxiety) and anxiety
that impairs daily functioning.
The
most common types of anxiety disorders are: phobias, post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive
disorder, social anxiety disorder, and generalized anxiety
disorder. Anxiety and anxiety disorders are often complicated by the
presence of alcohol/drug abuse and depression (definition
information by Amy
Scholten MPH)
Pre-Disposing Factors / Common Causes:
1. Diets high in refined carbohydrates
2. Food Allergies
3. Insufficient B Vitamins
4. Diet high in hydrogenated fat
5 . Gland and Hormone Imbalances.
6. Emotional stress
Lifestyle
Sleep at least 8 hours a night
Fresh air
Sunshine
Drink Fresh water
Yoga to reduce stress
Review medications to insure they are not the underlying cause
Eat a balanced diet
Supplements that may help:
Supplement
Property of Supplements
| Valerian |
May work as a calmative |
| B Vitamins |
Help support Adrenal glands |
| Lavender |
Promote relaxation |
| Kava Root |
Works as a relaxant |
| Xiao
Yao Wan |
Strengthens the Spleen |
| An
Shen Bu Xin Wan |
Tonifies Yin and Regulates Qi |
| Passion Flower |
May relax the nervous system |
| Lemon Verbena |
Relaxing nervous tonic |
| Damiana |
The leaves may be a tonic to
the nervous system |
References:
Be Your Own Doctor by Ann Wigmore
Hidden Food Allergies by Stephen Astor
Medical Applications of Clinical Nutrition by Jeffrey Bland
Chinese Patent Medicines by Mark Taylor
The Little Herb Encyclopedia by Jack Ritchason ND
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