This article will discuss the symptoms associated with anxiety
and some of the best all-natural remedies with anti-anxiety properties.
Every
living person feels anxiety at one time or another. We all know what
it's like to feel worry, nervousness, fear and that heart-pounding
feeling in your gut like something awful might happen. Maybe you get
caught in a little white lie, or a big project you were working on gets
delayed and you know it is your fault. Or maybe you're walking down the
street and an unleashed pit bull starts eyeing you. Anxiety in these
situations is common and quickly fades when the problem is solved.
But
for nearly 40 million Americans, anxiety is an everyday reality. People
who suffer from regular anxiety and/or panic attacks experience
symptoms so often that it interferes with their ability to enjoy
everyday life. People in this situation have anxiety "triggered" by
what, for many people, would seem minor stressors, or normal life
occurrences. These could be things as simple as starting a conversation
or thinking about the future.
While a person often realizes the
excessive worry or fear is not completely rational, there is little he
or she can do to relax. Symptoms often include:
- Racing or pounding heart
- Trembling
- Sweaty palms
- Feelings of terror
- Chest pains or heaviness in the chest
- Dizziness and light-headedness
- Fear of dying
- Fear of going crazy
- Fear of losing control
- Feeling unable to catch one's breath
- Tingling in the hands, feet, legs, or arms
There
are a number of treatment options for anxiety that include therapy,
prescription drugs, exercise therapy and dietary supplements. With
anxiety, treatment options are not a one-size-fits-all consideration.
For
people with clinical disorders experiencing extremely severe symptoms
that make everyday life a challenge, prescription medication coupled
with therapy may be the best option. But most people who suffer from
anxiety are not in that boat.
For most who suffer from anxiety, a
combination of regular exercise and the right natural supplements can be
effective enough to overcome most anxiety symptoms. Most commonly
people feel anxiety when there is one or a few chemical imbalances in
their body that lead them to have a strong stress response to normal,
everyday occurrences. This imbalances can often be corrected with
supplementation.
Two of the most important brain chemicals in
preventing anxiety are Serotonin and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).
Together, these neurotransmitters, or "chemical messengers" work to
regulate mood, sleep cycle, muscle tension, concentration and
relaxation. These are also two of the most commonly imbalanced brain
chemicals that can lead to anxiety.
When these are out of balance,
the body's ability to confidently handle life's stressors is greatly
reduced. Luckily you can support these crucial brain chemicals with
natural, over-the-counter supplements. No doctor's appointment
necessary.
So then, what types natural anti-anxiety herbal extracts, vitamins, amino acids and nutrients can you buy over the counter? The following list contains some of the strongest and safest. Several of these also support Serotonin and GABA production.
L-Theanine
L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, produces a pronounced
feeling of tranquility in as little as fifteen (15) minutes. L-theanine
increases the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter (i.e. natural
messenger in the brain) that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety.
L-theanine also stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter
responsible for confidence and a sense of well-being.
GABA
Gama Aminobutyric-acid (GABA) is an amino acid and the main
inhibitory (calming) neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA is a natural
calming agent that prevents excessive muscle tension and helps our
bodies make endorphins, chemicals that make us feel happy. Deficiencies
of GABA in the brain have been linked to insomnia, and feeling anxious,
stressed, tense and depressed.
Ashwaghanda Root
Ashwagandha has been used in the Indian tradition of Ayurveda in
health tonics and calming serums. Recent studies demonstrate that
Ashwagandha is an antioxidant that can treat anxiety, depression, panic
attacks and phobia.
Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri)
Often used by Ayurvedic healers to accompany Ashwagandha, Brahmi
(a.k.a. Bacopa Monnieri) is a mild sedative which supports the body
during periods of emotional stress. Traditionally, Brahmi is prescribed
to promote healthy cognitive functions, including focus, concentration,
mental endurance and memory. Modern studies have found that Brahmi's
anti-anxiety properties were as potent as those of Lorazepam, with none
of the side effects.
Tryptophan
Tryptophan is the number 1 supplement purchased to fight stress and
anxiety. It is an essential amino acid that the body converts into 5-HTP
(5-hydroxy-tryptophan), and then to serotonin. Serotonin is involved in
mood, appetite, sleep and impulse control. Once the serotonin
neurotransmitter is made, the brain is able to convert it at night into
melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormone.
Passion Flower
For centuries, herbal medicine practitioners have used Passion
Flower as a natural remedy for anxiety, stress and insomnia. Modern
clinical studies shows that Passion Flower extract significantly lowers
anxiety levels and promotes a more tranquil frame of mind. Studies also
indicate that Passion Flower can reduce anxiety-related discomfort
caused by withdrawal from opiates and other drugs.
Magnesium
Magnesium deficiency is one of the leading causes of anxiety and
insomnia and the western diet tends to be lacking in this critical
element. Research now shows that as magnesium levels drop, symptoms of
anxiety and depression can increase.
Niacin
Niacin works with the body to convert Tryptophan into 5-HTP, which
can then be converted into Serotonin. Without Niacin, Tryptophan-5HTP
conversion cannot take place. Common symptoms of niacin deficiency
include irritability, poor concentration, anxiety, fatigue,
restlessness, apathy, and depression.
Vitamin B Complex
Getting enough of the many forms of Vitamin B is essential to
maintaining proper brain function. Vitamin B is involved in the
metabolism, as well as the production of Serotonin. Low levels of
vitamin B have been linked to, anxiety, restlessness, fatigue,
irritability, and emotional instability.
Al of these can be purchased at your average health food store.
Currently there is only one supplement that contains all of these ingredients: Tranquilene. You can learn more about Tranquilene here:
http://www.tranquilene.com/index2.php