In most cases, anxiety is due to thoughts or emotions.  The situation that brings on anxiety is individual but our body reacts to the perceived threat the same way it would if there was an actual threat.  In other cases, substances like caffeine, nicotine, toxins or lack of sleep can contribute to anxiety.  Medical conditions such as hypoglycemia, hyperthyroidism, strokes, mitral valve prolapse, iron deficiency anemia or adrenal tumours cause the nervous system to respond with anxiety symptoms.

Anxiety causes physical stress on the body.  The autonomic nervous system is activated resulting in a sense of uneasiness, sweating and trembling or outright anxiety attacks.  Attacks can include diarrhea, heart palpitations, memory blocks and inappropriate behaviour.

Prolonged anxiety can manifest with headaches, digestive complaints, impotence, insomnia, an inability to relax or a sensation of a lump in the throat.

Conventional treatment involves the use of antidepressants or tranquilizing drugs to reduce panic attacks.  These treatments do not assess the root cause of the anxiety.  Side effects of these drugs include drowsiness, light-headedness, fatigue, weight gain, decreased libido and dependency.

Behavioural therapy and other forms of counselling can be of significant help to many who suffer from anxiety.  Music and colour therapy as well as biofeedback have also been studied for anxiety.

Dietary treatment of anxiety begins by an assessment of nutritional status.  Deficiencies of nutrients can alter the functioning of the nervous system.  Balancing blood sugar is important because fluctuations cause anxiety symptoms.  Avoid caffeinated drinks, alcohol, tobacco, ephedra and refined flour and sugar products.  Eat a whole foods diet including fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, whole grains (especially oats), nutritional yeast, eggs and ocean going fish.

The following list of supplements can be used for anxiety.  Adult doses are given.   (CLICK SUPPLEMENT NAME FOR PRODUCTS).