Anxiety Disease Symptoms With Natural Remedies

Anxiety

ANXIETY, IRRITABILITY, NERVOUSNESS, STRESS, DEPRESSION, INSOMNIA, FATIGUE, LETHARGY, APATHY, PANIC ATTACKS, MEMORY, FOCUS, ATTENTION AND CONCENTRATION PROBLEMS

The neurological disorders that cause anxiety, depression, insomnia and concentration problems can quite often be due to a deficiency in the diet. Stress can add to this, as can worry, grief, infection, disease, head injury or a fault in the genetic makeup. But in all situations a healthy body and brain which is fed the correct fuel it needs can relieve these symptoms very quickly.

A build up of toxins from food additives, pesticides and drugs can also affect the brains cognitive processes. They also block absorption of vital nutrients especially the B vitamin complex and phytonutrients essential for the cellular and nervous system. Many drugs stop the body absorbing what it needs including antibiotics.

Poor nutrition, the imbalance of friendly and pathogenic bacteria in the intestinal tract, infection, disease, obesity, pressure from society or work, debt and domestic worries, loss of a loved one, bullying, aggression and harsh words or actions from others can add up and result in anxiety, stress, depression, concentration problems and insomnia. The answer is to fix the underlying cause first and that is the diet. Improve that and the rest will be far easier to deal with.

Prescription drugs, especially beta blockers, steroids, birth control pills and tranquilizers induce depression in many people and can cause other neurological disorders such as anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia and suicidal thoughts and nutrient deficiencies that can lead to the same symptoms. See the Medication Dangers page to find out which ones, why and what to do about it.

Chronic diseases are often accompanied by a depressed mood which often lifts once the underlying problem is rectified.

Food allergies and other dietary factors, such as excess refined carbohydrates, sugar, coffee, alcohol, addictions, aspartame, fatty acid and vitamin B complex deficiencies play a large role in depression.

A deficiency of vitamin B6 (biotin) may result in depression, mood swings and fatigue. Natural food sources of vitamin B6 are: almonds, brewer's yeast, calf's liver, egg yolk, hazelnuts, peanuts

Avoid seeds & nuts if suffering from diverticulitis and almonds if suffering with thyroid problems, kidney & gallstones, joint problems, or osteoporosis

Depression and anxiety can sometimes be due to a lack of omega 3 fatty acids (linolenic acid) in the system. Foods rich in omega 3 include: anchovies, collard greens, flaxseed, halibut, herring, kale, mustard greens, oily fish, pumpkin seeds, rapeseed, soya, walnuts, cod liver oil, menhaden, octopus, shellfish, spinach.

Magnesium raises the resistance against stress, depressions, tensions and helps against mental tiredness. It also strengthens the memory and concentration. Today's intensive farming techniques have stripped the soil of its magnesium content which has caused a deficiency in the human diet. Only organically produced natural foods will contain enough magnesium such as: alfalfa, almonds, apples, bananas, black pepper, black strap molasses, brown rice, coconut, dates, figs, halibut, legumes, lemons, mineral water, nuts, oily fish, okra, parsnips, peaches, prunes, quinoa, rabbit, sesame seeds, soya beans, spinach, suma, sunflower seeds, tomatoes, walnuts and whole grains.

Manganese deficiency can lead to confused thinking and poor memory, mental and physical tiredness and nervous excitability. Foods rich in manganese include:  citrus fruits, the outer covering of nuts, in the green leaves of edible plants, green vegetables such as peas and runner beans, black strap molasses, brown rice, chaga mushrooms, clams, garbanzo beans, pineapple, potatoes, quinoa, oily fish, pistachio nuts, raw egg yolk, tea and whole grains.

Turmeric has been scientifically proven to be more effective at treating depression than many common anti-depressant drugs.

Taking 1600mg oat straw extract daily can "acutely" improved the cognitive function including attention, focus and concentration abilities in elderly adults. It is also is a good allopathic medicine for treating anxiety, panic attacks, depression, nervous exhaustion and calming hyperactive children.

The cocoa bean contains phenylethylamine which is an antidepressant and stimulant similar to the body's own dopamine and adrenaline. Cocoa and dark chocolate can increase the level of serotonine in the brain. Serotonine levels are often decreased in people with depression and in those experiencing PMS symptoms. Only organic cocoa beans which have not been subjected to unhealthy processing techniques will possess this compound.

Tryptophan serotonin, (the neurotransmitter that antidepressants like Prozac works on), is made in the body from the amino acid tryptophan. While antidepressants more or less locks the system in a state of perpetual serotonine flood, which may be the mechanism that leads to the suicidal thoughts and violence, consuming foods with tryptophan provides the body with the building blocks it needs to generate its own supply of serotonin to alleviate depression, anxiety and insomnia.

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is necessary for the conversion of tryptophan to both vitamin B3 (niacin) and serotonine. A diet rich in both tryptophan and vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) can remove the need for antidepressant medication. Consume a selection of natural foods from both the nutrients listed below on a daily basis:

NATURAL SOURCES OF Tryptophan

soybeans, rye, pumpkin seeds, tuna (fresh only), salmon, halibut, shrimp, cod, poultry, venison

NATURAL SOURCES OF Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)

avocados, bananas, barley, beef, brewer's yeast, brown rice, carrots, collard greens, eggs, oats, potatoes, peanuts, poultry, quinoa, soybeans, sunflower seeds, walnuts, whole grains

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NATURAL FOOD

A sense of well being and the ability to cope with whatever life presents can be derived from the food which is ingested as long as it contains all the phytonutrients required to nourish the brain and no synthetic toxins which further exacerbate the underlying cause of these disorders.

Eating entirely unprocessed, organic, natural food that is alive and full of nutritional value is virtually impossible now because of price and availability. Supermarkets chains have taken control of the food production industry and only supply that which makes the best profit for them. This also means adding health damaging synthetic substances to preserve food products so that they have a longer shelf life and can be transported further afield. Many of these toxic substances end up in the brain.

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FOOD CONTENT

Knowing exactly what is being eaten is also very difficult because of the surge of restaurants and takeaway fast food outlets. These food suppliers are under no obligation to inform their consumers exactly what they have put into the food and can even 'legally' hide the exact ingredients as a "secret recipe"! It has recently come to light that even pre-packaged supermarket food can contain obnoxious substances for years without the consumers' knowledge.

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FOOD PROCESSING

Most food manufacturing and packing processes add substances that are not only unnatural and unhealthy to be consumed but can actually become toxins that build up for years in the human system, including the brain, as in the artificial sweetener aspartame which causes brain tumours in rats. See the Aspartame Dangers page to find out more. Many of these substances block absorption of vital phytonutrients and some processes completely strip the healthy nutrients from food altogether. Scientists are only recently discovering just how essential these phytonutrients are for the human system to remain in perfect health and working order.

This proves that processed foods are almost definitely one of the major root causes of the massive surge in cases of anxiety, depression, concentration problems and insomnia and may even be responsible for diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, heart disease and cancer which have also skyrocketed in the numbers of cases since processed food became the normal way to eat.

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INSOMNIA

Is a common affliction which can often be the cause of anxiety, stress, concentration problems, illness and depression. The body obviously needs sleep to replenish its resources. Unfortunately, people tend to toss and turn watching the clock and worrying about feeling tired during the day when they should simply rise out of bed and do something easy that can take their mind off of the clock for 2 or 3 hours before taking a light nutritious snack like some fruit and yoghurt, a warm milky (non caffeinated) drink and returning to their beds. Melatonin is the vital component needed to get a good nights sleep, This maybe lacking in the body so try the following:

SOURCES OF MELATONIN to consume before bed:

banana (1 or 2)

grapes (1 handful)

tart cherries (1 handful)

tomatoes drizzled with olive oil on rye bread or oatmeal bread

walnuts (5 halves before bed)

wine (1 glass)

warm milk with a 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg can aid sleep

caffeine free chamomile tea can calm the nerves

Scutellaria is one of the most powerful herbs to induce sleep. It calms the nervous system, relaxes the muscles and helps balance blood pressure and has no side effects.

Ash gourd can relieve insomnia.

Raw Juice Therapy can successfully treat insomnia. The best organic natural foods to juice are: apple, banana, carrot, celery, tart cherry, grapes, lemon, lettuce and tomato

Human beings used to sleep naturally in 2 x four hour blocks until the late 17th Century when industrialisation took over. After four hours of the "1st sleep", it was common to get out of bed around 2 or 3am and pass a few hours quietly reading, writing, sewing or even preparing and cooking the next days meals, before having a light snack with a warm drink and returning to bed around 5am for the "2nd sleep" of four hours.

Unfortunately, society decided that both sleep and the working day had to be in at least eight hour non stop stretches and work must be started early in the morning (during the time the body needs it's "2nd sleep") because it was better for the profitability of the workforce. Thousands of people have not become adjusted to this unnatural regime and end up with sleep deprivation (a well know form of torture) which then leads to other adverse conditions.

Noise can be the worst enemy of the sleep. There is no point putting up with being woken or kept awake by noise. The answer is to either eliminate that noise or move somewhere sleep is possible as it is vital for full health and vitality.

Some people find listening to music, reading or watching TV can send them to sleep. Try these remedies too as this may take the mind off whatever is worrying the insomniac enough to fall asleep.

Sleep loss may aggravate some symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Sleep doubles the production rate of immature oligodendrocytes which are an insulating material known as myelin that protects the brain's circuitry. The increase is most marked during the type of sleep that is associated with dreaming, rapid eye movement sleep (REM) and is driven by genes.

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Common anxiety signs and symptoms include:

-Feeling apprehensive

-Feeling powerless

-Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom

-Having an increased heart rate

-Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)

-Sweating

-Trembling

-Feeling weak or tired

Several types of anxiety disorders exist:

Panic attacks can start suddenly and cause apprehension, fear or terror. You may have feelings of impending doom, shortness of breath, heart palpitations or chest pain. You may feel as if you're choking, being smothered or that you're "going crazy."

Agoraphobia is anxiety about, or avoidance of, places or situations where you might feel trapped or helpless if you start to feel panicky.

Specific phobias are characterized by major anxiety when you're exposed to a specific object or situation and a desire to avoid it. Phobias provoke panic attacks in some people.

Social phobias are characterized by major anxiety provoked by exposure to certain types of social or performance situations and a desire to avoid them.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) includes persistent, recurring thoughts, images or impulses (obsessions) or an irresistible desire to perform irrational or seemingly purposeless acts or rituals (compulsions). Often it involves both obsessive and compulsive behavior.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) includes the feeling that you're re-experiencing an extremely traumatic event. It causes intense emotions and physical reactions along with a desire to avoid anything that might remind you of the event.

Acute stress disorder includes symptoms similar to those of PTSD that occur immediately after an extremely traumatic event.

Generalized anxiety disorder includes at least six months of persistent and excessive anxiety and worry about small or large concerns. This type of anxiety disorder often begins at an early age. It frequently occurs along with other anxiety disorders or depression.

Anxiety disorder due to a medical condition includes prominent symptoms of anxiety that are directly caused by a physical health problem.

Substance-induced anxiety disorder is characterized by prominent symptoms of anxiety that are a direct result of abusing drugs, taking medications or being exposed to a toxic substance.

Separation anxiety disorder is a childhood disorder characterized by anxiety related to separation from parents or others who have parental roles.

Anxiety disorder not otherwise specified is a term for prominent anxiety or phobias that don't meet the exact criteria for any of the other anxiety disorders but are significant enough to be distressing and disruptive.

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NATURE CURES

The brain is a highly sensitive organ which can be affected by the slightest nutritional deficiency or toxicity so the diet must include high levels of fibre (to feed the friendly bacteria and aid digestion and absorption), vitamins, phytonutrients and minerals. Certain phytonutrients have a direct impact on the brain and nerve cells and the natural foods listed below have been chosen for their particular beneficial effect in this area. Also foods to flush out toxins and ward off pathogenic bacteria, yeasts and viruses have been included as these can also seriously affect the brains cognitive functions.

Consume a wide variety of the foods below in the daily diet to benefit from their powerful properties. Consume a multitude (not just 5) of all colours of fruits, vegetables, herbs and spices per day. If nothing else but the natural foods listed here are consumed for two weeks the difference in mood and cognitive function will be noticed.

Try steaming a wide selection of the vegetables listed with the herbs and spices listed and a tablespoon or two of bottled or filtered water (fastest in the in the microwave 8 minutes approx.) then place in a blender for a deliciously healthy potage soup and eat a small bowl before each meal.

Similarly blend a wide selection of the fruits together with nutmeg, cinnamon and honey to provide a tasty nutritious 'smoothie'. Add live probiotic organic yoghurt to make the 'smoothie' or soup creamy.

Drink at least 6 glasses of mineral water everyday and only consume unrefined sea salt and organic natural foods to be sure of obtaining all the essential minerals.

Meat (3 times a week)

calf's liver, lamb, organ meats, poultry, rabbit, venison

Fish (4 times a week)

shellfish, octopus, squid, halibut, all oily fish, anchovies, bloater fish, carp, cod, eel, herring, halibut, kipper, mackerel, octopus, pilchards, salmon, sardines, shellfish, swordfish, hilsa fish, sprats, trout, tuna (fresh only), whitebait

Dairy (yoghurt & milk daily, eggs and cheese 3 or 4 times a week)

cheese, eggs, goat's milk, kefir milk, yoghurt (live probiotic)

Whole grains (at least 1 whole grain everyday)

all whole grains especially amaranth, barley, brown rice, oats, psyllium husks, quinoa, rye, teff

Vegetables (a selection of at least 4 per day meaning all have been eaten at least once a week)

alfalfa, ashitaba, aubergine, beetroot, bell peppers (all colours), broccoli, carrots, celery, chicory, collard greens, cress, dandelion greens, garlic, ginger, legumes, lettuce, mushrooms, okra, onion, parsnips, potatoes, radish, soybeans, spinach, swede, tomatoes

Legume & Pulses (4 times a week)

black beans, black-eyed peas, broad beans, chickpeas, legumes, lentils, lima bean, mung beans, navy beans, peas, pinto bean, red kidney beans, soya beans, winged beans

Fruit (a selection of at least 4 per day meaning all have been eaten at least once a week)

apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, lemons, limes, mango, melon, papaya, pears, rosehips, soursop, strawberries. tangerines

Juices (only pure unsweetened additive free to be drunk as often as possible)

apple, blueberry, beetroot, carrot, coconut, cranberry, grape, lemon, lime, mango, pineapple, pomegranate

Dried Fruit (as snacks or added to meals daily)

dates, raisins, sultanas, figs

Seeds (as snacks or added to meals daily)

flaxseeds, nasturtium, poppy, pumpkin, sesame, sunflower, watermelon

Nuts (as snacks or added to meals daily)

almonds, coconut, hazelnuts, peanuts, pistachio, walnuts (5 walnuts eaten before bedtime can aid restful sleep)

Common Herbs (nutritious herbs to be used as often as possible daily)

basil, cardamom, coriander, cloves, dill, lemongrass, oregano, parsley, rosemary, safflower, sage, tarragon, thyme

Medicinal Herbs (consume as teas or add to meals as required)

black seed, false unicorn, drumstick, gingko, gotu kola, lavender, lobelia, passion flower, motherwort, periwinkle, pine needles, rock-rose flowers, schizandra, skull cap, valerian

Spices (nutritious spices to be used as often as possible daily)

black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, nutmeg, paprika, turmeric

Derivatives (to be consumed and used as desired on a daily basis)

anise seed tea, apple cider vinegar, bergamot tea, black strap molasses, brewer's yeast, brine pickles, chamomile tea, green tea, honey, miso, olive oil, royal jelly, sesame oil, tea

NOTE eat natural foods containing fat soluble carotenoids at the same time as foods containing fats such as olive oil, rape seed oil, sesame oil, nuts or avocado.

AVOID

-anything not on the above list

-plums & prunes if suffering with kidney or gall stones, joint problems, or osteoporosis

-ginger if taking anticoagulants (blood thinning medication)

-seeds & nuts if suffering from diverticulitis

-cabbage & kale if suffering from thyroid gland problems, kidney or gallstones

-rosemary if pregnant or breastfeeding or suffering from high blood pressure

-turmeric, ginger, Japanese knotweed & motherwort if taking anticoagulants (blood thinning medication) or --non-steroidal anti-inflammatory such as aspirin and ibuprofen, have heart problems and during the first ------trimester of pregnancy

Note: motherwort may be habit forming

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HOW TO LOOK AFTER BODY AND MIND

The body and mind is already at a disadvantage because of the poor food that has been ingested for so long that any extra stress leads to a downward spiral of health. If the guidelines on this page are strictly followed the adverse effects will be reversed immediately enabling the management of any other root causes of these conditions.

Cut out coffee 

The toxic pesticides used on coffee beans and the roasting process creates a composition of chemicals in coffee which block absorption of many vital nutrients and affect the adrenal glands. This creates a harmful imbalance and toxic affect on the brain and intestines. Tea, on the other hand, provides many highly nutritional benefits especially green tea. Chamomile tea is very good for relieving stress. See the Dangers of Coffee page for more information and alternatives.

Cut out sugar

Sugar is highly addictive and has become more profitable than tobacco and alcohol so it is now added freely to thousands of processed food products to ensure repeat sales but it is one of the most detrimental foods consumed today. The massive rise in diabetes, obesity, heart disease, neurological disorders and many other devastating and deadly diseases can be attributed to the daily consumption of high amounts of sugar. Pure honey, sweet potato, swede, parsnips, coconut, raisins, sultanas, currants and sweet fruits like berries, apricots, mango, papaya and peaches can be used as a very simple alternative to give the same satisfaction of a sweet taste but with added benefits of phytonutrients which sugar (especially bleached white sugar) does not possess. Sugar feeds the pathogenic bacteria in the intestines so they crowd out the friendly bacteria which leads to nutrient deficiency, infection, fatigue, depression, a lowered resistance to viruses and yeasts and ultimately to disease. See the Sugar Dangers page for more information.

Cut out margarine and butter

Olive oil solidifies in the freezer just like butter and can be used as a spread without the dangerous fats and additives found in processed butter and margarines. Add crushed garlic, herbs and spices for additional nutrition and taste.

Cut out cream

Use organic live natural probiotic yoghurt as an alternative to cream in sauces and with fruit. Yoghurt adds some more of those necessary friendly bacteria to the intestines. Coconut milk is also highly nutritious and has antibacterial, antifungal and antivirus properties.

Cut out white flour

White flour has had all the nutritional value bleached and stripped out. Consume whole grains like amaranth, barley, brown rice, buckwheat, oatmeal, quinoa, rye, rice flour, and psyllium husks on a daily basis to aid digestion and absorption of vital nutrients. Rye especially cannot be stripped of its nutritional husks in the food manufacturing process. The body needs fibre every single day for the intestines to do their job. See the Fibre page to find out why.

Cut down on alcohol

There are many dangers of drinking too much and the most significant ones are to the brain, nervous system, the pancreas, gall bladder, colon and the liver. Once the liver is damaged nutrients are no longer absorbed and insomnia, depression, anxiety, concentration problems and ill health soon follow.

Cleanse the system

Flush out the system and detoxify the brain, blood and liver

Get some sunshine

Try to get 15 minutes midday sunshine on bare skin as often as it is possible. (will not work through a window). Vitamin D deficiency, which can cause insomnia and diarrhoea and affect the nervous system, has risen significantly over the past few years mainly because the use of sunscreens due to the scare of skin cancer. 15 minutes will do no harm but will have a reaction which makes your body manufacture all the vitamin D it needs. When that is not possible eat plenty of oily fish.

Nutmeg

Nutmeg can effectively stimulate the brain, eliminating fatigue and stress, relieve anxiety or depression and improve the concentration. and it is also an effective sedative. For restful sleep drink a cup of warm goat's milk with some nutmeg powder. This will help achieve relaxation and induce sleep.

Bergamot tea

Can be drunk as a tea for insomnia

Holy basil leaves

These are regarded as an 'adaptogen' or anti-stress agent. Recent studies have shown that the leaves afford significant protection against stress. Even healthy persons can chew 12 leaves of holy basil, twice a day, to prevent stress. It also purifies the blood and helps prevent several common elements.

Get pickling

Try lacto acid brine pickles. That way your vegetables will last an entire year in jars and provide all the nutrients you need plus additional beneficial friendly bacteria. Maybe something to do when sleep is evasive at night.

Try a Micro Diet of Sprouts 

Try the Nature Cures Micro Diet Sprouts to gain a wide selection of essential nutrients in small portions of sprouted legumes, seeds, nuts and whole grains. The body needs all of the phytochemicals and minerals necessary to correct imbalances in the brain. To find out how to grow your own sprouts in a jam jar with just a daily rinse of water click here.

Go organic

Only eat the following fruit and vegetables if they are organic because of the brain affecting residue of powerful chemical pesticides, herbicides and fungicides: Apples, Bell Peppers, Celery, Cherries, Cocoa bean, Coffee bean, Grapes, Nectarines, Peaches, Pears, Potatoes, Red Raspberries, Spinach, Strawberries. See the Pesticides page to find out why.

Avoid all processed refined food, all drugs and the herbs ginseng and yohimbine.

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And finally

Take deep breaths, walks in the sunshine and warm aromatic baths, drink plenty of green tea and fruit juices, remove clutter from your life, stop worrying, look at the bigger picture, enjoy experimenting with your new diet, forget the past and think ahead to how well your body will feel in two weeks time. Take care of it and it will take care of you.

Posted in: Anxiety