Natural Remedies for Panic Attacks
Exercise and Sufficient Rest Can Reduce Number of Future Attacks
Mar 30, 2009
Many sufferers of panic attacks would choose to take medication as a way to combat these scary episodes.
While this option is sensible and helpful some types of prescription medicines meant to treat panic attacks can produce uncomfortable side effects and in some cases cause the person to depend on them regularly, i.e. addiction. Spending time with a psychotherapist can help, but several visits are required and the patient must consistently visit the therapist in the long term.
Are there any natural ways to curb the effects of a panic attack? Yes, plenty of them. They are easy to incorporate into any lifestyle hectic or not. Some of these can be done with little or no cost and that makes them even better.
Cut Down on the Caffeine and Alcohol
Coffee lovers who experience panic attacks and consume several cups a day may want to think twice before drinking this beverage.
The caffeine interferes with the production of adenosine – a chemical in the brain that has a calming effect.
Likewise, too much booze can make it difficult for the body to produce vital neurotransmitters that regulate your mood. Serotonin is an important example. Alcohol can also leech vitamins and minerals out of the body which help to build those same transmitters, creating a vicious cycle.
Diet and the Effect on Panic Attacks
Eating plenty of fruits and green, leafy vegetables will go a long way to ensure your body is healthy. Calcium and magnesium are two essential minerals everyone needs to maintain good health. Both of those are necessary for relaxation and proper nerve function.
Get enough of the B vitamins – your central nervous system needs these to operate normally and in times of stress they diminish quickly inside the body.
Vitamin B6 can stabilize the levels of lactate in the bloodstream thereby making you less susceptible to a panic attack.
Cut out artificial sweeteners too. Your body needs less of these chemicals, not more of them.
Get Enough Exercise
The first instinct a panic attack victim might have is to sit down and remain still. This is in fact the opposite of what the person should be doing which is exercising. When adrenaline is released and that fight or flight response takes hold it's important to stay mobile.
Exercise can be a wonderful anxiety/stress buster and even some non-strenuous stretching or a steady walk can help the person to calm down.
Consider Taking a Yoga Class
This ancient form of exercise from India emphasizes enhanced breathing techniques and improving flexibility. The mind and body are inextricably linked when it comes to your health and well being. If one is not in optimum condition then the other will cease to function normally.
With enough time and practice, yoga or any other endeavour of this type will decrease stress levels significantly – and panic episodes will slowly disappear.
Eliminate Panic Attacks By Getting Enough Sleep
It's no wonder with all of the demands of everyday living that some people are spending less time than they should in bed.
Less sleep equals diminished mental acuity and the inability to maintain your composure when a stressful situation arises. Poor concentration and irritability can make any panic attack worse.
Use Aromatherapy to Reduce Panic Attacks
These oils are scented for good reasons. Pleasant aromas like freshly cut grass can spark a good memory and this is tied directly to feeling of peace and serenity. Find one that relaxes you most.
Panic attacks can be frightening but they are not life threatening. If you suffer from frequent panic episodes then take advantage of the remedies that are present all around you, and above all, take care of yourself. Eat healthy foods, limit alcohol intake to moderate levels and don't skimp on sleep.
