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I have found one common thread in people who 100% recover from anxiety and panic.  They all share a personality trait that has set them apart from the masses and far away from a relapse-free life: non-acceptance.  They don’t accept that living with anxiety is “just how life is”. They don’t accept the pills their doctor prescribed for them are the long term answer. They don’t accept anxiety is all in their head and they’ve “lost it” for the rest of their life.   Changing how you think is critical to help anxiety.

Since anxiety showed up in my life in 2007 I everyday I meet people in person and via the internet who live with some type of mental disorder.  The majority of these people have anxiety, panic attacks, and/or depression.  I have been extremely saddened by how the majority of people accept that life on drugs is normal. Or they’ve lived for decades with chronic anxiety spells that have left them house bound. I just want to scream “Come on people! Keep searching for answers, life doesn’t have to suck!”

What has really gotten my goat is the lack of compassion and education from the medical profession.  People who are deemed experts of the mind and emotions completely disregard that imbalances in the body may be the cause of anxiety, panic, OCD, paranoia, depression, or whatever.   When these imbalances are corrected, traditional therapy methods are so much more effective. I have clients who have been talking out their problems for 40 years with no success!  Once physical issues are resolved they could heal past wounds with ease.  It’s amazing and so rewarding to witness these individuals step up and not accept that they are mentally flawed anymore and become an active part of their healing.

If you are living with anxiety or any of the other labeled “mental disorder”, I encourage you to not settle or accept life as it is.  Search for the root cause of why you feel as you do by reading books, searching the web, joining online groups, etc.  Reading posts on this blog is a great start, share the info with others in the same boat. Become educated and empowered, don’t accept you are a random victim.  You can 100% recover, life can be joyful and you can be free.  If you have to, fire your doctor if they aren’t looking out for your best interest. Wow, did I just say that???  Find one who is your partner in healing and understands the WHOLE body / mind connection.  I fired more than one myself!!! There are good ones out there, I blogged HERE on how to find one.

Whew, I’ve had these thoughts in my head for some time.   I have pondered many times why some of my clients get better and some don’t.  Through deduction and personal reflection of my own recovery I came up with the “non-acceptance” trait.  Adopt it, take your health back and don’t settle for feeling like crap.  Only we can truly heal ourselves!

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So what’s the deal with supplements?  There is so much information all over the internet via articles and we get varying recommendations from our health professionals.  Some people believe we need tons of supplements while others believe we can get 100% of what we need from our diet.  What about when we have anxiety, panic attacks, or depression?  Are supplements a critical component for recovery and a “must” in our anxiety therapy?

My opinion? It depends on how strong or weak your digestion is and the quality of food you eat.  Unfortunately, when we are under stress and depleted our digestive systems shut down.  The adrenals are in charge of maintaining the mucosa and peristaltic (muscular contraction) of the intestines.  When the adrenals are fatigued, the integrity of the intestines is compromised and digestive problems arise like irritable bowel, leaky gut, constipation, and food allergies.  Result: foods we eat will not be digested and absorbed no matter how organic and nutritive dense they are and nutritional deficiencies occur.  Period.

In cases where this is happening, supplements are helpful and probably necessary.  For me this was absolutely the case. I ate nutrient rich organic and home made foods, but I wasn’t digesting or absorbing nutrients. My body was starving!  This was evident when my lab results showed severe deficiency and imbalance with all amino acids, low B12, and debilitating food allergies.   On the exterior my body starving appeared as panic, anxiety, 55 lbs. overweight, rashes, no sex drive, erratic periods, asthma, and uncontrolled hypoglycemia.  The primary way I have healed my body and eliminated all of these symptoms was via diet modification and supplementation.

My strategy was to supplement to get my levels back to normal range. I had a custom amino acid formula made for me via my M.D. from Metabolic Maintenance.  Neuroscience (via my M.D.) also recommended aminos to get my neurotransmitter (brain chemicals) back to normal.  I used essential oils from Young Living to balance and support may adrenals, pituitary, and keep my out of sympathetic overdrive (over the top fight or flight anxiousness).  My adrenals were nourished from a myriad of adaptogens: Ningxia Wolfberry, eleuthero, rehmannia, ashwagandha, Chinese Fire Yin formula, and Chinese mushrooms.  Vitamin C, magnesium, trace minerals, and my super smoothie were also added for adrenal / endocrine support. I strengthened my intestines by eliminating damaging allergens and introducing a super strength probiotic and copious enzymes with meals.  I balanced my blood sugar and healed insulin resistance via nutritional changes, liver support, essential oils, minerals (vanadium & chromium), gymnema sylvestre, and coconut oil.  (You can find the full “How to and why” in my ebook Let’s’ Get Physical: Anxiety is NOT All in Your Head).

Exhausted by looking at what I had to do? It was what was needed to get better and it worked.  I refused to be sick and demanded my body heal itself. I had the mindset that I would do what it took to get better – no if’s, and’s or but’s.  I figured that for a period of time (maybe a year or so) I would have to “hit it hard” and supplement like crazy.  As my body healed I could slowly eliminate or cut down on supplements. This proved to be true.  I no longer need mitt-fulls of pills. I eat well, supplement what’s needed, and feel fantastic. All the effort and self discipline paid off.  No price could be put on gaining back my health and sanity! Every bit of it was worth it.

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Recently at the Young Living Convention in Salt Lake City, 600 women had their progesterone levels checked.  Of that, only 3 had any significant level of progesterone – 2 were pregnant (which means if they didn’t have progesterone they wouldn’t be pregnant any longer).  This statistic is SCARY and ALARMING!!! Not only is progesterone  necessary for PRO-GESTATION of a baby, it is necessary for a healthy sex drive, keeping PMS and migraines at bay, and optimal mental health.   Progesterone acts as an antagonist for GABA receptors in the body – which help us feel calm and get good sleep at night.   No progesterone can = anxiety and restlessness. Therefore, it can be a powerful part of anxiety therapy!

But what’s the best way to get progesterone? Many professionals are using bio-identical forms of it in their practice. This means it’s the same as human progesterone – not synthetic like pharmaceutical drugs. The theory is the body will identify and use it much more efficiently without the possible side effects of a foreign and synthetic medication.

I used bio-identical progesterone for a few years, both topical and oral. It seemed to help the anxiety and PMS problems. But recently I started using a special new form of progesterone that is micronized (made into very small particles).  This allows it to pass through the skin easily.  This is all good and well but it’s still tough to get it to absorb. So, with Dan Purser MD’s help – Young Living formulated a serum that has the micronized progesterone in a suspension of vitamin E and essential oils. They oils are PROVEN to increase the absorption; therefore it’s not wasted just sitting on top of your skin.

Since I have started using Progessence Plus Serum in June, I have noticed a significant reduction in PMS (tender breasts, cramping, irritability, blood sugar swings). I just use a few drops on my neck in the morning and evening.  When the cramps are bad I apply over my abdomen as much as I need to in order for them to stop (usually once and they’re gone in 30 minutes).  I also apply to my breasts when I get the super PMS soreness affect.  HELPS BIGTIME!

Because there are so many questions on how to use micronized bio-identical progesterone via Progessence Plus Serum from Young Living, I have posted Dr. Pursers FAQ’s HERE for you. Download and enjoy!!!!

If you’d like to know more about how Progessence Plus Serum can help migraines, PMS, anxiety, postpartum, bloating, infertility, etc. – please contact me at Jen@NaturalAnxietyTherapy.com.

Through one of my professional bodywork magazines I found an article on “Anti-Anxiety Foot Massage” that was very interesting.  This technique developed by John Mramor that induces hypnosis and deep relaxation by using some simple techniques on the feet.  You can read the whole instructional article or better yet … watch the video by clicking HERE.   You’ll need to enter page 52 in the box at the upper right corner to take you directly to the article and video. Watching the video almost hypnotized me alone!

To enhance the action of this technique, I am going to use therapeutic grade (not health food store) essential oils. My top choices are Stress Away, Peace & Calming, or Tranquil blends and I will add them to a base oil like almond, grape seed, or V6.   Stress Away for me has worked like an instant, fabulous smelling, anxiety busting elixir. Just a few passes of the roller under my nose and on my neck and I get the “Xanax” like effect without the drugs!  Peace & Calming was instrumental about 10 years ago when I came off anti-depressants. Every time I felt a withdrawal effect from the Effexor, I would rub Peace & Calming on my ears.  Got me through those tough couple of weeks!

SUPER SMOOTHIE RECIPE

2 scoops Power Meal

5 drops YLTG grapefruit oil for the taste, chemo prevention, bloating (lymph support)

2 drops YLTG  nutmeg oil for the adrenals

¼ tsp of Redmond Real salt for the adrenals

1 heaping tblsp of coconut oil for thyroid, blood sugar, and yeast (candida)

1 raw egg for the protein, fat, and vitamin A (1/2 an avocado can be used instead of eggs)

Stevia extract to taste

About 10 ice cubes in the blender 1^st, add ingredients.  Then fill up with enough water so it will blend until smooth. Blend super well so it gets fluffy and the coconut oil and ice cubes are no longer chunky.  Add Young Living’s stevia extract to taste.  It’s not only for the sweetness, but stevia is known to help balance blood sugar and decrease cravings.

Sometimes I add 1/4 cup of blueberries, raspberries, cherries, or strawberries to this. Nothing else. NO BANANNAS OR PINEAPPLE – although delicious they are very high in sugar.

If you are at work or on the road and can’t take time out with a blender, just do Power Meal as a snack. It taste goods even on the go by just adding water.

In the summer time I will often crave ice cream. By slightly tweaking the recipe above by adding a few more ice cubes and 1/2 an avocado – the smoothie will be very thick and can be eaten with a spoon. Yummy and health … PERFECT!

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In my recent copy of Health Keepers Magazine there was an article on the benefits of raw chocolate. I was shocked at how it can help anxiety!

This doesn’t go for Hersey bars or M & M’s though, just the raw cacao.  Commercial chocolate has been cooked and is no longer raw, therefore the health effects drastically change and doesn’t have the same positive effect in our body.

If you would like to read the whole article, you can visit the Health Keepers Magazine site for the Winter 2009 / Spring 2010 edition.

These are some direct highlights  from the article that I found very exciting and relevant for us!

• Anadamide is called the bliss chemical.  This is an endorphin that is created during exercise.  It has been studied as a chocolate isolate in a lab.  Anandamide has been found so far in only one plant, the cacao tree.  The lipid found in anandamide helps release neurotransmitters that create a feeling of elation.
• Cacao is claimed to be the number one source of magnesium of any common food.  Magnesium is a major mineral responsible for heart beat rhythm, strong bones and smooth muscle relaxation.
• Cacao is a poor source of caffeine.  A sample of raw chocolate will yield anywhere from zero caffeine to 1,000 parts per million of caffeine – less than 1/20th of the caffeine present in coffee.
• Additional minerals found in the cacao bean include potassium, zinc, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, and chromium.
• Lastly, cacao contains tryptophan, an essential tryptophan, an essential amino acid that is transformed into important stress-protective neurotransmitters including serotonin and melatonin.

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Experience any of the following:

• Anxiety
• Panic Attacks
• Imbalanced Hormones
• Blood Sugar Imbalance
• Adrenal Fatigue
• Food Allergies
• That something is wrong and your docs have told you that you’re fine!

Are you ready to feel vibrant and never relapse again? Without doing medications or anything illegal?  On March 25th at 7 pm CST, I am being interviewed regarding THE MOST asked questions by people who suffer from those things on the list above:

1. Can I really feel good again, permanently?
2. Is how I feel really all in my head?
3. Are there treatments that compliment or replace traditional medicated treatments?
4. How can I work with my doctor to get permanent recovery?
5. Why do anxiety and panic symptoms sometimes come out of nowhere?

The answers are so simple that you’ll begin to feel recovery is possible, for good.  I did it . . . so can you!

You may have missed the live teleseminar, but we recorded the session for you.

Sign up to receive the replay here

Yes! Send me the rebroadcast information NOW!:

Let’s share wisdom and peace of mind together!

Jen

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A few months ago I started working out, again. I had tried a few times over the past few years but after exercising for a few weeks, anxiety returned.   I couldn’t figure out what was causing it. Then, a week ago I had to prepare a lecture on blood sugar.  As I did my research, I read that exercise induced hypoglycemia can happen up to 24 hours after physical activity.  “Ah ha!” I thought.  Maybe now I can get this anxiety cause handled!

Pre and post work out I would check my blood sugar levels and they would test within normal range.  This didn’t make sense because I was showing classic signs of hypoglycemia, including anxiety. Sheri Colberg mentioned in her article Dealing with Exercise-Induced Hypoglycemia that blood sugar levels may test normal during a hypoglycemic episode, especially during and post exercise. Symptoms occur due to rapid blood sugar changes, so a person needs to know the signs their body gives to identify when there’s a problem.

When the glycogen is depleted from the muscles during exercise symptoms like shakiness, weakness, dizziness, anxiety, confusion, profuse sweating, and extreme muscle fatigue may occur.  Know these first hand!  I consulted with a personal trainer who is well versed in nutrition. He said to try consuming some kind of carbohydrate and protein when symptoms occur and during the cool down.

I have experimented with this and have had great results. I’ve been using Young Living’s Ningxia Red because it is low glycemic and is full of amino acids.  I add 2 ounces to my water bottle at the end of my work out. Within a few minutes the shakes and fatigue is gone. Plus, the next day I’m fine – no hypoglycemic drops or anxiety.

On the other hand,  I’ve even experimented with just a simple carb (like a fruit juice) without the protein, that did NOT work!  Hypoglycemic symptoms lasted for over an hour and the next day I was wiped out.  Pretty good indicator it didn’t work.

Exercise is an important part of repairing the damage from insulin resistance. Also, it helps balance the feel good chemicals in the body that fight anxiety.  Figuring out what works takes experimentation and patience.  It can be frustrating at times but when the solutions are all figured out, it’s worth it!

Fast foods? Say what? I’m not talking about greasy burgers and fries. I mean “on the go” whole and nutritious foods as anxiety therapy.

Nutrition has as a huge impact in how we feel. Our choices can leave us feeling vibrant or anxious and depressed.  As the old saying goes, “We are what we eat.”  In the past, if I was hungry I would often stop for a fast food salad or sandwich.  I thought I was making healthy choices. Little did I know that the dressings and marinades were full of hidden sugar, preservatives, and flavor enhancers.  Many chemicals in prepared foods mess up brain chemistry, compounding anxious feelings.  As I discovered these things, I would often stop at health food stores for a snack to no avail.  Again I found refined carbohydrates and tons of sugar.  A label that says, “natural or healthy” most often doesn’t mean so.

Now I hit the road prepared.  When I’m going to be gone for a long day, I pack a few snacks that will nourish my body and keep my mind calm.  To keep my adrenals and blood sugars happy, I eat a little something every couple of hours.

These are my favorite anxiety busting fast foods:

• Avocados. Good fats, good carbs and nutrient dense.  Really yummy with a sprinkle of chipotle pepper and Real Salt!
• Nut Mix.  Not your ordinary Plantar’s variety that are loaded with salt and chemicalized oils.  I sprout almonds, walnuts, and Brazil nuts using the method I gave in a previous post.  I mix the nuts with protein packed and low glycemic Ningxia Wolfberries.
• Smoothie on the Go. In case my blood sugar plummets, I have dry PowerMeal mix in a shaker cup ready so I can just add water. I spruce it up a bit with unrefined stevia and a few drops of therapeutic grade orange oil.
• Apples & Almond Butter.  You’ve heard me tout the greatness of this snack in previous posts. It’s satisfies and it’s nutritious!
• Left Overs. If I’ve made something great the night before, I’ll pack in in my mini-cooler lunch box and save it for a meal away from home.  I always ensure I have substantial protein along with twice as much vegetables.
• Hummus & Celery. Generally I make my own hummus so I know exactly what’s in it.  It’s low glycemic and high in protein. The natural sodium in the celery is terrific for the adrenals.  Really yummy with added roasted garlic!

If you have found healthy home-made fast food ideas, please share!

As for the correcting insulin resistance and hypoglycemia, I’ve tried just about everything that claimed to balance blood sugar. Many things dropped me too low. So caution: if a product claims to support diabetes (high blood sugar) it does NOT mean it will balance low blood sugar.  Some supplements (cinnamon, ocotea, green tea extract) gave me anxiety because it caused my blood sugars went down into the 50′s.  So anytime I change my supplementation program I only introduce one new thing at a time, test my sugars frequently, and note how I feel until I’ve determined if it’s working well or not.

Through research and personal experimentation, this is what I’ve found that helps regulate my high / low blood sugar swings:

1. Fiber.  I get 7 grams of fiber through my Power Meal. I also eat a lot of non-starchy vegetables, so there is more fiber there. But, the one thing my body really loves as a fiber source is … an apple.  Very complex and hard to find, right?  Every day I have one along with raw almond butter as a meal or snack and my body is happy.  Fiber has been well documented to help regulate blood sugar levels.
2. Omega 3 fatty acids.  These help anxiety, depression, seasonal affective disorder, etc. but as far as blood sugar goes – they are terrific. They help insulin sensitivity as well as cell membrane fluidity.  Huh?  Helps fix the root problem of hypoglycemia and insulin resistance at the cellular level.  Plus, they help perk up my mental attitude.  My prefered Omega 3 source is Omega Blue and my doctor recommends about 5 grams a day.
3. Reservatrol.  This has been shown to support insulin regulation.  I get reservatrol from my True Source food based vitamin / mineral.  I prefer “food” versus synthetic vitamins.
4. Vitamin E.  Another thing shown to improve insulin sensitivity.  The source that I get my Vitamin E from pairs it up with CoQ-10 – which also has been shown to assist with insulin resistance.  I use CoQ-10 from Ortho Molecular Products. It’s available through health practitioners.
5. Coriander oil.  Historically coriander oil has been used for anxiety and to regulate blood sugar.  Makes sense because many times anxiety is caused by blood sugar swings. This has been a LIFE SAVER for regulating my blood sugar levels immediately while all the other nutritionals I take repair the actual problem over time. I ONLY USE THERAPEUTIC GRADE CORIANDER OIL.  Stuff from the health food store is cheap and it can be very unsafe. I just rub 3 drops on veins close to the surface, usually on the wrists or neck once or twice a day.
6. Herbs.  I have played with many herb combinations over the course of the past few years. Some with wild success, other times not.  The most success I’ve seen is through Ortho Molecular’s Diaxinol and Amazon Herb’s Metabazon. I do only 1 Diaxinol a day and 2 Metabazon’s with each meal.

The combination of items above is what I used that addresses swinging blood sugar levels in the now as well as cellular repair in the long run. Because of their role in blood sugar balance, I also support my liver and adrenals. I did a report on called Loving the Liver that outlines what works for me.  Plus, there’s a recorded training I did called Adrenal Intro Audio that’s accessible HERE.