Anxiety disorders tend to run in families, so if a person’s mom, dad, or other close relative (especially a sibling) has anxiety they have a higher chance of developing it themselves. No ethnicity escapes from these life-destroying disorders; we’re all affected equally.
Growing up in a family where fear and anxiety are constantly shown to children by role models can “teach” them to be anxious as well. In addition, when a child grows up in a verbally or physically abusive home, he or she may learn to always expect the worse.
Research also shows a genetic predisposition for a chemical imbalance in people with anxiety. Since the structure of the brain and its processes are inherited, this is yet another reason why anxiety can run in families, as can clinical
personality disorders
Changing the way we think can mean attempting to undo years of negative thought patterns. Some of these thought patterns may be automatic, but they can be overcome. Fight or Flight Mechanism
When a person senses danger, the body prepares itself to either fight (defend itself) or flee (run away from the situation). The body’s fight or flight mechanism causes the heart rate to increase, the eyes to dilate, and the body to prepare itself for a dangerous situation. These responses allow a person to protect him/herself. Even though these effects are intended to be a good thing, sometimes the body misunderstands a situation and believes that there is danger when in reality there is not (taking a test, giving a speech, meeting someone new, etc.).
There is a part of the brain called the amygdala that triggers the fight or flight response. This part of the brain is trained to also remember the thing that triggered the fight or flight mechanism (taking a test, giving a speech, or being verbally or physically abused or put-down).
This is the brain’s attempt to protect the person from future danger by keeping track of all things that might pose a risk, much like a hard drive that stores all the data but doesn’t analyze its origin or significance.
Even though this part of the brain is trying to protect a person, it can be the cause of much unnecessary anxiety. The brain has to be “re-trained” not to react with fight or flight to something that is not actually dangerous. In addition, it requires the “tools” necessary to allow it to repair and do its natural job by supplementing with the electrolytes that ignite the body’s biological processes. How Can Anxiety Affect Your Life?
Anxiety can affect many aspects of a person’s life. If someone is always anxious and worried, it is doubtful that he or she can fully enjoy life. Anxiety affects one’s ability to make friends, perform well at work, and venture into new horizons. Sometimes people suffering from anxiety revert to alcohol or drug abuse. Using drugs or alcohol to treat anxiety is extremely dangerous and could make anxiety worse – causing additional serious health problems, not to mention the toxicity to the liver.
Physically, constant anxiety can cause problems with eating and sleeping habits, and prolonged anxiety may lead to more serious physical problems. Finding the correct
holistic protocols can help a person break-free from anxiety and live life to the fullest. Anxiety Disorder – Frequently Asked Questions
What is an anxiety disorder?
Anxiety disorder is a real emotional disturbance; it’s not just simply worrying. It can be treated to help a person live a healthy and full life. From time to time, everyone worries about his or her health, family, money, and school. However, when a person has anxiety, they worry all the time, even when nothing is wrong – they worry about the “what if’s”.A person with anxiety always expects the worst will happen, can’t relax, and feels tense most of the time.
It’s important to know that when a person has this illness, it’s not her/his fault. It’s not something a person can just “snap out of.” No one knows for sure what causes anxiety disorders. Most often, anxiety begins in childhood, but can start in adolescence or adulthood as well, assuming there are no other risk factors such as medications, drugs, alcohol etc. What are the symptoms of anxiety?
The most common symptom of anxiety is constant worry, although physical symptoms follow. Research suggests that anxiety symptoms can become worse when a person is under stress. Symptoms include, but are definitely not limited to:
Constant worrying Trembling and muscle tension Feeling tense and unable to relax Feeling tired Having trouble staying still Feeling irritable, grouchy, or downright angry Trouble falling or staying asleep
Feeling nauseous or physically ill when worrying
Feeling as if you’re having a heart attack
Heaviness in the chest
Difficulty breathing
Any little challenge seems insurmountable
Having to be in constant movement; as if to escape what might happen
Many people with anxiety startle more easily than other people and often also suffer from depression. How is anxiety treated?
Anxiety disorders are among the most common of all emotional disturbances. Many people misunderstand these disorders and think people should be able to overcome the symptoms by sheer willpower.
However, the symptoms can’t be willed or wished away. Anxiety disorders are treated many ways – medication, psychotherapy, and holistic detoxification and protocols that include nutritional and life-style changes.
Sometimes only one treatment is used; most often a combination of therapies is helpful for a complete integrative approach. If you have an anxiety disorder, talk with your doctor, naturopath or health care professional about what is most appropriate for you. How can you help yourself?
It is now understood, in integrative health care, that much of the feelings of anxiety and panic are associated with an internal toxic load that the body can no longer neutralize – specifically within the liver.
Since science has now validated that over 70% of our immune system is based in our gut – that’s right our gut – then it only stands to reason recovery must begin with detoxifying the large intestine
(1) , which will reduce the overall toxic load including that of the liver. This protocol is usually followed for a minimum of 90 days at a higher dose, then reduced as the overall toxic burden is reduced. Many of my clients comment that even just this process helps them and feels like they’re brushing away years of old trauma from their intestinal system – they are.
Additionally, keep in mind that each individual requires variances in their wellness protocols; therefore, it is advisable to get guidance from a natural
healthcare professional that has experienced and assisted other victims to recovery from these disorders. However, it must be kept in mind that the professional can only open the door, the patient must be willing and ready to walk-in. What is the latest research on anxiety disorders?
The National Institute of Mental Health supports research into the causes, prevention, and treatment of anxiety disorders and other mental illnesses. Studies are ongoing regarding how family background (genetics) and life experience puts a person at risk for these disorders. In holistic medicine, we have witnessed great success in patients who employ holistic rejuvenation protocols that include life-style modifications. Non-drug Alternatives for AnxietyPanic
There are many non-prescription alternatives on the market today. Some of these nutraceutical and herbal combination alternatives contain supplemental vitamins and minerals, while others contain herbal alternatives that have been used to naturally medicate anxiety disorders.
Although they may not completely treat anxiety disorders, herbal alternatives on their own like St. John’s Wort, Kava Kava,Valieran Root, 5-HTP, Homeopathic Cell Salts
(3), and SAM-e have had significant clinical success in helping to reduce some of the symptoms often associated with anxiety. I prefer to recommend a nutraceutical that contains a blend of nutrients and amino acids to nutritionally support increased parasympathetic neurological responses. The blend I recommend supports a balanced emotional expression with anti-stress mood-modulating benefits (2). It is available only through health care professionals.
Of course, you must also consider detoxifying your colon with vegetable fiber
colon blend (1) tablets to assist in reducing the over all toxic load within the body; its where health begins and ends because it’s literally our “second brain.” Nutritional Protection
Are All Carbohydrates Created Equal?
No, they are not because they are absorbed at different rates – rapidly and slowly. This is important to those with anxiety/panic disorders because of the effect carbohydrates have on insulin levels as well as promoting excessive candida yeast in the gut.
According to Dr. Russell Blaylock, author of the book Excitotoxins “Carbohydrates rapidly absorbed by the gut flood the bloodstream with glucose (all carbohydrates are converted to glucose). To handle this sudden load of sugar, the pancreas has to secrete a large amount of insulin. In sixty million Americans there is a significant overshot of insulin that, in turn, drives the blood sugar to levels that impair brain function. We experience this overshoot by intense hunger, tremulousness, and anxiety.”
In addition, studies have shown that excess insulin stimulates the production of “bad” eicosanoids, severely damaging cells, including brain cells. This article was meant to support, validate and educate those with panic/anxiety disorders and those who care about them – continuing my commitment of Health through Education.
It is not an individual protocol for therapy, as each person’s health is unique and requires the guidance of a health professional who has successfully worked with these disorders. Future papers and articles will address specific subjects known to cause or contribute to these disorders so that a broader understanding can be reached.
The only person we can change is ourselves. The past is past; the future awaits.Don’t get in the way of your own recovery, your future is in your hands; treat it with care!
If you’re a victim of anxiety and/or panic disorders, you may not always get the emotional support you need, however, for that reason, consult with a health professional who understands the underlying causes of these disorders. Additionally, learn to be supportive of others – supporting others is good medicine for you, Naturally!
(1) ColonSweep™ is a non-habit-forming vegetable fiber and herbal blend formulated specifically to assist in purging the built-up colonic plaque from the large intestine. It comes in convenient tablets and should be taken for 90 days for an initial detoxification protocol. Thereafter, the dose is adjusted to allow for long-term maintenance and health of the colon — only sold through health professionals.
(2) StressX® is a professional product that contains L-Theanine, 5-HTP, GABA, Inositol, Lithium, Passion Flower, Hops, and Vitamin B6…all ingredients in one capsule to assist in balancing the biological processes of the anxiety/panic patient. Suggested use is 1-4 capsules daily with meals.
(3) I find that most victims of panic disorders are also VERY deficient in Homeopathic Cell Salts, the electrical sparks that ignite all our biological functions. Using a homeopathic complex is safe, easy, and cost-effective. It has the capacity of being absorbed quickly into the cells, where it begins to correct the mis-signals that are short-circuiting the brain. Usually all that’s required is six pellets dissolved under the tongue three times daily. This especially becomes important when a detoxification program is initiated. Supplementing with Homeopathic Cell Salts is the first step in a holistic protocol to begin the process of reconnecting those electrical signals to once again live instead of just survive, naturally.
Uncovering Clues to Add LIFE to Your Years…NOT Merely Years to Your Life, Naturally
Dr. Gloria Gilbère (aka Dr. G), N.D., D.A.Hom., Ph.D.,
EcoErgonomist, Wholistic Rejuvenist
Creator of certificated courses to become a Wholistic Rejuvenist™ (CWR) and for post-graduate education for health and spa professionals. Go to www.gloriagilbere.com and click on Wholistic Skin & Body Rejuvenation (WSBR™) for course outline. Available on-site at worldwide locations, and via distance-learning at your convenience globally.
Dr. Gilbère is renowned worldwide for her work in identifying and finding natural solutions to chemically-induced and inflammatory disorders, multiple chemical sensitivities, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, Gulf War Syndrome, and digestive disorders that defy conventional diagnosis and treatment. She consults worldwide via telephone and at her Institute in north Idaho. Visit her website at www.gloriagilbere.com for details about consulting with her.
Published by Institute for Wholistic Rejuvenation – ©2009/2010 Gloria E. Gilbère, LLC, all rights reserved.
Information in this newsletter is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by medical professionals, nor is it intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent a disease or disorder. The FDA has not reviewed or endorsed the contents of this educational publication.
Copyright is held by Gloria E. Gilbère, to which all rights are reserved. Other than personal, non-commercial use or forwarding, no material in this newsletter may be copied, distributed, or published without the expressed written permission of its author and copyright holder.
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