Silver and Gold Magazine Summer 2018 | Page 22

22 WELL-BEING

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ANXIETY

“ The greatest weapon against stress is our ability to choose one thought over another .”

– Anonymous
An anxiety attack ( or “ panic attack ”) can often come on suddenly , and last for just a few minutes . It can often be confused with a heart attack , with symptoms like sweating , pounding heart rate , sore chest , and feeling flushed or hot / cold .
Quite often , anxiety attacks can be brought on by constant and intense stress – like financial or marital , or can also occur with persistent noises that are difficult to handle , like hearing a new baby ’ s cries , intense or loud traffic and music , or phones constantly ringing .
Aside from rest , quieting the mind with deep breathing and meditation , there are some natural remedies to help ward-off anxiety :
• Skip fast foods : For many , just the guilt-feelings of having eaten greasy foods can trigger anxiety . These foods are also more difficult to digest , upset the stomach , and crash one ’ s mood .
• Eat your colours : Plenty of fresh greens and orange foods , preferably steamed or stir-fried . Berries are great too . These foods are nutrient-dense and have been proven to boost the immune system and mood .
• Take good quality supplements : Skip buying vitamins at your drug store or market , and invest in good-quality supplements from the health food store . These are worth the money and won ’ t contain cheap fillers , colours , and sugars .
• Avoid alcohol and caffeine altogether : Just give yourself two weeks to try it ! Chances are you ’ ll feel much better , clear-minded , and healthier . Then you can slowly wean them back in and keep to a moderate amount .
• Stay dehydrated : Drink that water up , as dehydration can cause mood changes and heart palpitations .
• Add high-zinc foods to your diet . A study published by the Journal Psychiatry Research found that oysters , cashews , liver , beef , and egg yolks have been linked to lowered anxiety , as can probiotic and prebiotic-rich foods such as pickles , sauerkraut , and kefir .
• Schedule your sleep : Maintain a regular sleep schedule . Avoid late nights and late mornings , as these can throw off your melatonin levels , which help regulate mood .•

Caffeine vs . Prostate Health

According to the New Zealand Prostate Cancer Foundation , both green tea and hibiscus tea are among the top drinks for prostate health , as both types of these teas contain potent antioxidants . Studies show that green tea can help prevent prostate cancer from forming and may also slow the growth of aggressive prostate cancer . Studies also show that green tea can also benefit men with BPH and prostatitis . It is important to choose caffeine-free sources of tea , however . Caffeine can irritate both the prostate and the bladder . A study found that men who consumed 234 mg or more of caffeine each day were 72 percent more likely to experience urinary incontinence , compared to men who drank the least amount of caffeine . If you have urinary or pain symptoms due to prostatitis , caffeine can make these symptoms worse .
If you have BPH or prostatitis , make an effort to reduce your caffeine intake by cutting back on coffee , soda pop , or energy drinks . Avoiding caffeine can make a big difference in your urinary health ! •

22 WELL-BEING

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