Anxiety disorders such as phobia, generalized anxiety disorders (GAD), panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder are very distressing and disturbing conditions. These interfere with the patients living a quality and normal life. Severe anxiety can affect all aspects of a patient’s life as it disrupts mental, emotional and physical operations of the sufferer. Relationships, performances and proper functioning of the anxiety patient are then badly affected for anxiety may attack anytime and anywhere. Anxiety symptoms can be very debilitating. The patient may experience four or more of the mental and physical symptoms at the same time. These symptoms include shortness of breath, blurred vision, loss of self-control, inability to concentrate, irritability, restlessness, insomnia, tense muscles, dry mouth, shaking, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, frequent urination, headache, backache, heart palpitations, sweating, numbness, tingling or burning sensations in arms, hands, face and feet, lump in the throat which causes difficulty in swallowing and hot and cold flashes.

All of us are vulnerable to developing any type of anxiety disorders. Genetics, hormonal imbalances, unhealthy lifestyle and life experiences are the major factors that trigger the development of any anxiety disorders. Parents with anxiety may pass down their disorders to their children. When one twin has an anxiety disorder, the other twin is at high risk of having one too.  To have a peaceful and happy environment at home and supportive and loving family can help in preventing anxiety disorders from developing to any other family members. Hormonal imbalances or fluctuations also trigger anxiety. This is the reason why women are more likely to experience anxiety disorders twice as men. These can be experienced during puberty, menstruation periods, after giving birth and perimenopause. People who live with very unhealthy lifestyle are at risk of having anxiety disorders as well. Lack of sleep and rest, unhealthy diet, smoking, skipping meals, nutrients-deficiencies, drinking too much caffeine and constant drinking alcoholic beverages cause anxiety are few of factors that can trigger anxiety attacks. Life experiences such as violence, poverty, sudden loss of a loved one, loss of a job, difficult relationships, divorce, sex abuse, being robbed, or any other traumatic experiences can leave deep wounds and scars to people. These experiences may keep on coming to people’s minds and thoughts through nightmares or flashbacks. There are actually several therapies which can help in easing and reducing anxiety caused by these experiences.  These include cognitive-behavior therapy and exposure therapy.

Below are some few tips of having a healthy lifestyle:

• Eat green vegetables and juicy fruits.
• Instead of drinking soda, drink plenty of water. Much better if you drink fruit juice.
• Exercise regularly. Exercise help reduce depression and anxiety in several ways. There are exercises for body and mind. You can try to learn yoga and meditation.
• Nutrients-deficiency can also the cause anxiety disorders. Take mineral supplements and multivitamins. Calcium, magnesium,  B vitamins,selenium, zinc, GABA (Gamma Amino butyric Acid), folic acid, chromium are some of the important nutrients and minerals that help in relieving and easing anxiety symptoms and attacks.

Always remember that having a healthy lifestyle helps in preventing many illnesses and disorders aside from anxiety disorders. Start changing your lifestyle now.