Anxiety and Panic attacks

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I have noticed quite a few people dealing with anxiety, depression, and panic

attacks after WLS. For many of us, this may be due to a lifetime of obesity

related emotions. However, in doing a search, I also came across some

nutritional possibilities for these things as well. Since many of the vitamins

and minerals listed are also those which we as gastric bypass patients malabsorb

and have to supplement, I found this article very interesting and worth

considering.

The article is from http://www.encourageconnection.com/art01.html

Nutritional Causes of Anxiety and Panic Attacks

by Dr. Larry

ENcourage Newsletter - 1995

Ed. note: Because we have received a number of requests from our readers

for information concerning nutrition as used in the treatment of anxiety, we

bring you this article and viewpoint by a nutritional expert who is known to

have treated a number of patients with anxiety disorders, including panic

disorder.

We would urge those interested in pursuing a nutritional program to seek

expert advice and guidance in doing so. Those who are currently taking

medications should check with their physicians before adding nutrtional

supplementation; this is especially important in those currently utilizing

antidepressants.

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Nutritional imbalances can result in anxiety, panic attacks and phobias.

Many people with these disorders have deficiencies of essential minerals, an

excess of toxic metals, hypoglycemia and other biochemical imbalances.

Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies

Certain nutritional factors are known to have a sedative action upon the

nervous system. Calcium, magnesium, zinc, inositol, choline, and the amino acids

tryptophan and taurine are among these " sedative " nutrients. A deficiency of any

of these can result in anxiety.

Conversely, an excess of nutrients which speed up the nervous system can

also produce anxiety. For example, " stress tabes " may contain excessive B

vitaminswhich can produce anxiety. Potassium, sodium, phosphorus and copper are

among minerals that can cause anxiety feelings when they are present in excess

in our body tissues.

Toxic Metals

It is well-known that lead and mercury can cause hyperactivity and.

anxiety states. I frequently find that copper toxicity is involved in panic

attacks and phobia problems. Cadmium is another toxic metal that is associated

with behavioral problems. Cadmium interferes with the metabolism of zinc-one of

the sedative minerals. Mercury, another toxic metal, is also sometimes ivolved.

These toxic metals are common in Americans today. Someday I hope that the heavy

metal screen (hair analysis) is perferomed routinely, becauae it would help so

many people understand and correct feelings of anxiety.

Hypoglycemia

A drop in blood sugar causes extreme reactions in the nervous system,

including feelings of anxiety, confusion, and even panic attacks. The incidence

of blood sugar abnormalities is far higher than imagined, and affects over half

our population. Consumptions of refined sugars and starches, diets deficient in

protein or fat, and the use of stimulants such as coffee or cola drinks,

contribute to this cause of anxiety feelings.

An Excessive Rate of Metabolism

Overactivity of the thyroid or adrenal glands can produce symptoms of

anxiety. When the thyroid and adrenal glands are overactive, the sedative

minerals-calcium, magnesium and zinc-are rapidly excreted from the body. This is

part of the fight-flight response. If these minerals are not replaced

adequately, chronic deficiencies result that are not revealed on blood tests.

Such individuals are highly prone to panic attacks, fears, phobias, paranoia and

extreme anxiety. While toxic metals and other imbalances require more time to

correct, deficiencies of the sedative minerals can ususally be corrected rapidly

through alteration in diet and nutritional supplements.

Brain Allergies

Some people react to foods or environmental substances with severe

behavior changes, from depression to epilepsy and anxiety. The reaction may be

due to histamine release within the brain. Any food can be the offender. This

phenomenon is more common than imagined, in part because of the 3000 or so food

additives that are routinely used in commercial food preparation. Reactive foods

must be avoided, and it is possible to become less sensitive to reactive foods.

Natural Anti-Depressants

Natural substances that can act as anti-depressants include the amino

acids DL-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine, about 2 grams per day of each. Correcting

a low thyroid condition and improving adrenal gland activity are also very

helpful.

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For additional information, books which offer related nutrtitional

information include: No More Fears by Hunt, M.D.; The Anxiety Epidemic

by Billie Sahey; and Prescription for Nutritional Healing by F. Balch,

M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.