Anxiety is a state of worry, nervousness or trepidation that is often precipitated by a known stressor. In addition to its mental and emotional impact, it also has a physical impact on your body. According to Dr. Lawrence Wilson, the presence of stress in your life can cause your body to develop an electrolyte imbalance. Too much or too little of certain electrolytes can perpetuate your anxiety.
Sodium
Sodium is found in salt, beef, pork and cheese. When there is a high level of sodium in your body, your anxiety level tends to be high as well. This is because stress elevates sodium levels. In an article published in "Progress in Neuro-psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry" in 1985, Drs. A. Rifkin and H.G. Siris state that anxiety attacks can be triggered by intravenous injections of sodium lactate. Anxiety attacks include a number of distressing symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, dizziness and difficulty breathing.
Potassium
Potassium is an essential mineral in your body that regulates nerve function. It is found in many foods including milk, bananas, tomatoes, spinach, beans, raisins, oranges and melons. According to Natural News, there is a relationship between potassium deficiency and anxiety. It seems that low potassium levels exacerbate your anxiety. Although you can significantly increase your potassium intake through foods high in potassium, supplements are also available. Increasing your potassium intake may help alleviate your anxiety. However, keep in mind that too much potassium can lead to a dangerous condition called hyperkalemia, which is characterized by cardiac arrhythmias and can result in cardiac arrest.
Calcium
Calcium is a natural tranquilizer that calms your nerves. Sources of calcium include milk, meat, beans and green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli. It can also be taken as a supplement and is necessary to develop and maintain strong bones. Too much protein or caffeine in your diet can deplete the amount of calcium in your body. Calcium deficiencies are associated with anxiety. In addition, because anxiety and stress deplete the amount of calcium in your body, it can become a vicious cycle.
Magnesium
Low levels of magnesium are associated with anxiety. However, anxiety caused by a magnesium deficiency may improve by adding more magnesium in your diet or taking a vitamin supplement that includes this essential mineral. Sources of magnesium include nuts, cereal grains and leafy green vegetables. In an article written by M.S. Selig and published in the "Journal of the American College of Nutrition" in October 1994, Selig states that emotional stress such as anxiety increases the need for magnesium. In addition, the adequacy of magnesium is negatively impacted by high fat and calcium intake. This is especially true during times of stress.
References
- Dr. Lawrence Wilson: The Four Highs Pattern
- Life123: Symptoms of Calcium Deficiency - Anxiety
- Natural News: Could You be Deficient in Potassium
- "Progress in Neuro-psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry"; Panic disorder: response to sodium lactate and treatment with antidepressants; Rifkin A., Siris S.G.; 1985.
- "Journal of the American College of Nutrition"; Consequences of magnesium deficiency on the enhancement of stress reactions; preventive and therapeutic implications (a review); M.S. Selig; 1994
