Nutritional Approach to Anxiety Self Help

Anxiety disorders cause the body to produce more adrenal hormones which speeds up the metabolism. The result is a depletion of proteins, fats and carbohydrates. In addition, muscles tense, the heartbeat and breathing becomes more rapid. The blood changes and it becomes more prone to clotting.   

This is a list of nutrients that can work in anxiety self help:

• Calcium - Natural tranquilizer.
• Magnesium - Helps to relieve anxiety, tension, nervousness, muscular spasms and tics.
• Iron - To prevent a deficiency
• Multivitamin and mineral complex with Potassium - To provide all nutrients in balance. 
• Vitamin B complex - Maintain normal nervous system function.
• Vitamin C - Proper function of adrenal glands - and brain chemistry.
• Zinc - Calming effect on central nervous system.

Herbs that are suggested for anxiety self help are:

• Bilberry, Ginkgo Biloba and Milk Thistle are rich in flavonoids that neutralize free radicals.
• Catnip, Chamomile, Cramp Bark, Kava Kava, Hops, Linden Flower Motherwort and Passionflower promote relaxation and aid in preventing panic attacks.
• Skullcap and Valerian Root promote sleep and aid in preventing panic attacks at night.

Anxiety self help can be best administered when avoiding caffeine and ephedra products as these can aggravate anxiety. Include in the diet apricots, asparagus, avocados, bananas, molasses, brewer's yeast, brown rice, figs, fish, garlic, green leafy vegetables, legumes, raw nuts and seeds, soy products, whole grains and yogurt. These foods supply minerals which are depleted by stress.