Diet For Anxiety

February 9th, 2010

You have most likely heard that you are what you eat. This is true when it comes to controlling your anxiety and depression. A good many people who are depressed feel this way because of the diet that they consume. If you are eating foods laden with fat, sugar and other non nutritious substances, stop and start eating healthier. You may notice a change in your mood just by eating the right foods.

One of the problems that many people today face is that they do not eat healthy foods. They tend to eat foods that are high in sugars and fats. While sugar will give you a mood boost, it offers no nutritional value whatsoever and hangs around to become fat. You are better off to eat a diet that is filled with vitamins and nutrients. Especially the B Vitamins.

The B Vitamins are a family of vitamins that are good for you in many different ways, especially when you are watching your mental health. Vitamin B-12 is one of the best vitamins that you can take when you are trying to stave off anxiety and depression. This vitamin is found in a variety of different vegetables. Zinc and potassium are other nutrients that many people who suffer from depression are lacking.

The first thing that you should do when you are trying to come up with a diet to help you with anxiety and depression is to get rid of the simple carbohydrates. These do not offer you proper nutrients and are considered wasted calories. Sure, it is okay to eat a candy or cake once in a while, but not all of the time. These will only end up sticking around in all the wrong places and rob your body of the really needed nutrients.

Start eating proteins and foods that are rich in the B vitamins. This includes vegetables and fruits. Whole grains and nuts can be included in your diet as well. You need these fibers as a way to stay fit. Drink plenty of water each day as well and eliminate the soda or other sweetened drinks. These are just liquid candy and do nothing to help you fight depression and anxiety. As a matter of fact, they work against it. By drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water each day, you are actually keeping your body cleansed and will give yourself the natural energy that you need.

You really are what you eat. By eating junk food all of the time, like fast food, you are bound to start feeling bad about yourself. These foods contain fats and processed chemicals that are just not good for you. If you start staying away from processed foods and eating foods that are good for you, such as fish, vegetables, fruits and whole grains, your body will react in same. Start treating your body well by providing it with the right fuel and you will get a healthy body – as well as a healthy mind, in return.

Alternate Treatments For Anxiety

February 9th, 2010

Because a lot of people today do not like taking medications for their disorders, they often opt for alternate medication for their anxiety. This includes aromatherapy, acupuncture, herbal supplements and meditation. These will work well if the anxiety is not severe and there is no severe underlying depression that is causing the anxiety.

We all get anxious once in a while – we wouldn’t be human if we did not have some anxiety in our lives. But some people have extreme anxiety while others have mild anxiety. The difference would be someone who suffered frequent anxiety attacks caused by an underlying condition such as obsessive compulsive disorder or panic disorder. These conditions cannot be mixed with those who suffer from anxiety over taking a math test.

In cases where the anxiety is not as severe to the point where it is stopping someone from doing their every day business, they may try alternate means of treatment before they resort to medications. Some of the alternate means of treatment include:

Herbal supplements

Kava , St. John’s Wort, Valerian and Sam-e are all herbal remedies that have been known to quell minor anxiety and depression. Kava has a very calming effect and can be taken a few days a week to help with minor anxiety. St. John’s Wort is better in treating depression, that often accompanies anxiety. Valerian and Sam-e of the newest herbal supplements that have shown promise in helping with anxiety attacks. However, you should not take these supplements along with prescription remedies and if you find that they are not helping you, you should talk to your doctor about another option. These herbal supplements are made for those with mild to moderate anxiety and depression and not for those with severe disorders.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is the anxiety healing art of inhaling infused oils that will get into your bloodstream and cure whatever ails you. Aromatherapy can also be used when mixed with other oils as a massage oil. Many people swear by this type of treatment in that it does them wonders. Again, this type of alternative therapy is made for those who have mild to moderate forms of anxiety or depression.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a way that some people use to rid themselves of all sorts of problems, including anxiety and depression. Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and can help heal aches, pains and even headaches. Some people who suffer from depression or anxiety swear by this healing method which has its roots in ancient China.

Meditation

Meditation is yet another way that you can help yourself overcome your anxiety attacks. Meditation is something that has been around for thousands of years and is often associated with Hinduism or Buddhism. But it is also very good for finding peace of mind when you are trying to relax. You can take a class in meditation or you can watch a DVD to learn how to master this ancient eastern practice.