Anxiety is something that just about everyone experiences during their lifetime. Whether it be Acute or Chronic we need to understand what it is exactly, how to combat it and how to manage it.

Many people confuse Anxiety with Stress or lump them together. They may have some similarities and sometimes mimic one another but they definitely are two separate conditions. Anxiety is commonly treated by anti-anxiety medications. You can also treat and Manage Anxiety Naturally with Herbs and other supplements. Stress is most commonly treated by relaxation techniques. Both conditions tax the body so proper diet and Supplements are needed to ward of their effects.

Stress is more of a bombardment of the pressures in life such as deadlines at work, school, raising a family, finances and so on. After a while things pile up and the body may experience real physical effects such as headaches, high blood pressure and changes to sleep patterns. The most noticeable effect is irritability. Now, I'm going to stop here and save Stress for another article.

Acute anxiety is a condition which has Physiological manifestations such as sweating, rapid or pounding heartbeat and most notably, panic attacks. Many people when they first experience a Panic Attack may feel they are having a heart attack. They may go to the Emergency room and find that they didn't have a heart attack at all, leave and never even know they had a panic attack until it happens again. Re-current panic attacks can cause so much fear in a persons life that they may become isolated and not leave home. They may become detached from relationships and work may suffer because of the constant gnawing that it will happen again which only perpetuates the problem.

Chronic Anxiety is like a constant state of worry, fear or impending doom. Without treatment a person most definitely will become isolated. Lets take chronic worry about illness for example: One may have symptoms of an illness such as an upset stomach. This could simply be the result of eating something the stomach didn't agree with. A person who experiences chronic anxiety may often believe it's related to something much worse, especially if it continues for a prolonged period of time. When the symptoms don't dissipate the anxiety increases and the person begins to ruminate over and over until it is an obsession. Now the stomach issues are worse because the constant worry is causing the body to experience physiological effects. The person now may believe that there is something much worse such as Cancer, Ulcer or a whole host of diseases. Unless the person receives treatment the loop will continue over and over.

For persons that experience panic disorder and chronic anxiety, medications are necessary. I would never speak against medications because they bring relief, help restore people's social abilities and give them a new lease on life. However, one can Manage Anxiety Naturally through supplementation. Below are a few supplements which aid in the relief of Anxiety.

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

This is an Amino Acid that aids in the relief of anxiety. It can be taken to calm the body in the same way as Valium (not as potent) but without fear of addiction. However, too much may increase anxiety.

Kava Kava

This is an Herb that can aid in physical and mental relaxation and aids in the relief of anxiety. Helps with sleep and may cause drowsiness.

Valerian or Valerian Root

Another aide for anxiety. Acts as a sedative to aid with sleep.

Anxiety is a condition which needs management. Never discontinue taking any medications for anxiety without consulting your doctor. The three Supplements listed above are only a few of many available that help manage anxiety naturally.