So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Anxiety and Diet

By Gordon Dalwood

If you down cup after cup of coffee all day, it shouldn't surprise you when your nerves are jangled and your anxiety problems are starting to seriously disrupt your life. You might find that the same things that cause the average person light to moderate stress cause you to spiral into a full blown anxiety or panic attack. You can actually alleviate your anxiety and stress by eating a healthier diet and reducing your caffeine and alcohol consumption.

Anxiety is brought on by several causes but understanding the link between your diet-drink habits and anxiety can help you control your anxiety levels. Take that coffee-drinking habit of yours; coffee contains caffeine, a powerful stimulant that gives you an adrenalin rush. Just imagine what that fourth cup of coffee is doing to your body!

Excessive caffeine and alcohol intake upsets your natural chemical balance, making your nervous system work overtime. Caffeine's stimulant effects cause elation at first and then an anxious state when it starts to wear off. Try reducing your coffee consumption or even breaking the habit - you'll be surprised how much calmer and more naturally energetic you'll be.

Alcohol on the other hand depresses the nervous system. Initially you get a high but later on fatigue and nervousness sets in. Alcohol should be avoided if you want to lessen or get rid of your anxiety attacks. An occasional drink is not harmful but then if your anxiety is getting the better of you, this should also be eliminated. Drink plenty of water and avoid the risk of dehydration, which affects your mood that might trigger a panic attack.

Eating smaller levels can also keep your anxiety under control. This keeps your blood sugar level steady; start with breakfast since this kicks off your metabolism for the day. Choose a healthy diet with lots of fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains. A healthy diet boosts your serotonin levels, which gives you a sense of well-being and calm.

Foods which contain high levels of the amino acid tryptophan should be added to your diet. Tryptophan helps you produce serotonin and melatonin, which help you have stable moods and get higher quality sleep. Dairy products, oats, nuts, bananas, poultry and soy are all good sources.

Fiber rich food also adds to a sense of well-being because this regulates the sugar levels in the body. Women who are menopausing should take more calcium rich foods to reduce irritability, fatigue, and depression. Do you have adverse reactions to some food? Avoid food that makes you irritable and moody. Nuts, wheat, corn, eggs, dairy, and shellfish should be avoided if you experience mood swings after eating any of these.

Keep your salt intake low. Your body naturally makes potassium and sodium from other dietary sources and a diet which is high in salt increases your sodium levels, which leads to water retention and increases blood pressure. Excessive sodium intake also causes irritability and mood swings in many, so steer clear of high-sodium foods, especially junk food. Refined sugars and artificial sweeteners should also be avoided; these ingredients can exacerbate anxiety and make panic attacks worse.

Diet is an important factor when treating anxiety attacks but it is best to seek medical advice especially if you are experiencing severe panic attacks.

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