Anxiety disorder affects people of all ages. Anxiety attacks compromise vital body functions through depletion of important nutrients. The business of psychotropic medication (of which anti-anxiety medication is part) is a big one with over $14.7 million spent annually as cited in the "International Journal of Law and Psychiatry" in 2005. Prescribed medications carry numerous side effects, which must then be managed with additional medications. Alternative remedies are a healthy choice for both the wallet and the body.
Reviving Nutrients for Anxiety
Anxiety triggers stress, and stress is one of the biggest nutrient destroying culprits the body encounters. Vitamin B-complex is among the first group of nutrients destroyed by anxiety and stress. The B vitamins' primary role is defense of the central nervous system through protection from memory loss, nervousness, anxiety, depression, irritability, inflammation, dizziness, fatigue and malfunctions of the liver, kidney and gallbladder. The B nutrients are imperative in the management and recovery from anxiety. B-complex is available as a supplement and in many foods such as saltwater fish, dairy, poultry, whole grains, soy, asparagus, avocados, green leafy vegetables, molasses and raw nuts, as reported in May 2009 by The Better Health Channel of the Victorian government in Australia.
The Calming Effect of Magnesium
Magnesium plays a major role in the maintenance of your good health, including lowering the rate of anxiety attacks and supporting the body's recovery from the ravages of anxiety. Magnesium calms nerves, soothes irritability, alleviates migraines, lowers blood pressure and reduces muscle spasms. Magnesium is available in supplement form and is best absorbed when combined with calcium. According to Phyllis Balch, CNC, in her book, "Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing," the best food sources of magnesium are green leafy vegetables, avocados, bananas, dairy and whole grains.
Get Physical
Engaging in sports and any form of physical activity releases and alleviates anxiety. Our concentration is shifted from the causes of the anxiety to the task at hand, whether we are participating in team activities or solo pursuits. Tension in our muscles gives way and respiration deepens, allowing more oxygen to flow through the bloodstream. The camaraderie we feel with friends, family and teammates also gives us a feeling of support when anxiety threatens to overrun our lives.
Get Still
Quieter pursuits of yoga, meditation, aromatherapy and massage calm our minds and spirits through stillness. Simple pleasures of fresh flowers in our homes or a single candle burning bring calm and allow the mind to reflect on our day.
Contemplation of the causes of our anxiety and gives room to explore possible remedies and changes we wish to make in our lives. An activity as simple as sitting outside in nature gazing at the trees, the grass and the clouds can bring a stillness to our spirits and minds, helping us to more effectively deal with the causes of anxiety in our lives.
References
- "International Journal of Law and Psychiatry"; Pharmaceutical cost management and access to psychotropic drugs: The U.S. context; Haiden A. Huskamp; September-October 2005
- Better Health Channel
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; The health benefits of yoga and exercise: a review of comparison studies; A Ross, S Thomas; January 2010
