In the ever increasing fast paced world in which we live, more and more people are succumbing to the effects of what was once a little talked about subject – severe stress and uncontrollable anxiety. As technology makes the world move faster each and every day, more among us are beginning to feel the effects of both anxiety and depression. The good news is that over the past decade remarkable strides have been made in the development of anti anxiety medication. These are drugs specifically targeted to those who suffer the most from anxiety’s grip.

When considering an approach to dealing with anxiety and its symptoms many people choose herbal remedies over prescription medications. There are many anti anxiety medication options that are available to sufferers of all degrees, however, some choose the natural approach as they feel it is best suited for them. Many people feel that natural or herbal anxiety remedies are non-addictive and therefore are the safer way to fight any type of illness whether it is real or perceived. To some degree most herbal anti anxiety treatments are able to naturally restore the neurotransmitter loss normally associated with severe anxiety. For those who suffer from extreme and debilitating anxiety symptoms there is often no other choice than prescription anti anxiety medication. In cases where the patient also is taking medication for depression, these anxiety medications help as the brain’s neurotransmitters are further depleted by the taking of benzodiazepines.

The most common signs of anxiety disorders are general nervousness, rapid heartbeat, light headedness, sweating, and a terrible sense of dread or fear. Anti anxiety medication can stop these feelings very convincingly and help make the patient much more comfortable in a very short period of time, depending on the medication used. At present, the most commonly prescribed drugs for anxiety are Xanax, Lorazepam, Diazepam, Paxil, Alprazolam, and Buspar. While generally effective for all it sometimes takes a few weeks of trial and error before finding the one that is most effective for you. The most common side effects of all of these medications are drowsiness and blurred vision. Patients must be certain as to how they will react to the drugs before attempting things such as driving a car or operating machinery. The upside of all of this is a genuine feeling of relaxation and focus. It is what every person who suffers from this disease wishes for when considering an anti anxiety medication.

Another approach to coping with the numerous symptoms of anxiety is to seek out peer groups and local counseling centers that specialize in mental health problems. Sometimes merely realizing that you are not alone in your battle is the first step in overcoming it. With many techniques and approaches available other than only taking an anti anxiety medication, success can easily be yours to find.

Vitamin D and sunshine go together. Among other ailments, a D deficiency increases the risk of “adult rickets” or osteomalacia, a painful bone disease that can lead to muscle weakness, bone pain and bone fracture.

Osteomalacia, according to Dr. Michael Holick, director of the Vitamin D, Skin and Bone Research Laboratory at Boston University, is often misdiagnosed as arthritis or fibromyalgia. Many patients with aching bones and muscles, Dr. Holick points out, are often simply suffering from a lack of D vitamins.

Insufficient sun exposure and D deficiencies are also linked to multiple sclerosis, congestive heart failure, high blood pressure and some cancers, including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL). A recent study published in the International Journal of Cancer shows that people with the highest sun exposure had 35% less NHL.

Scientists have also known for some time that Caucasians, when compared to darker skinned ethnic groups worldwide, have a much lower diabetes 2 risk. They believe this is due to white skin’s greater sensitivity to sun exposure. A recent study, for example, showed that people with white skin and a high D vitamin level had one quarter the risk of diabetes than those with low levels.

Ten minutes to as much as an hour and a half of sunlight two or three times a week for darker skinned people should be sufficient to produce adequate vitamin D. The best food sources of D are dairy products, organ meats (liver), egg yolks, cod liver oil and seafood, particularly halibut, salmon and tuna.

Since the 1930’s, authorities have recommended limiting D vitamin intake to less than 2,000 I.U. a day. But recent studies show that at least 5,000 I.U. and up to 10,000 I.U. a day are safe and healthy. “It’s virtually impossible to get that much from diet,” Dr. Holick says. “And there’s never been a reported case of D toxicity because of too much sun.”

So, if you’re stuck inside all day, have dark skin or live north of Atlanta or Los Angeles, where there’s just not enough sunlight from November through February, be sure to supplement your diet with vitamin D. Dr. Holick recommends at least 1,000 I.U. daily. Typical multiple vitamin supplements usually have only about 400 I.U.’s.

Moss Greene is the Nutrition Editor for BellaOnline.com and an authority on essential fatty acids, such as fish oil. Over the past 30 years, she’s helped thousands of people to look better, think smarter and feel great – naturally. Visit Moss at nutrition.bellaonline.com to learn more and subscribe to her free health and fitness newsletter.

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In this Trigeminal Neuralgia article series, we take a look at Trigeminal Neuralgia, its symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Trigeminal Neuralgia is also called “Tic Douloureux”, which is French for “painful tic”. It is characterized by facial pain which may occur upon eating, shaving or touching. This disease is not common. It occurs in 150 per million people per year and usually occurs in patients over 50 years of age.

Trigeminal Neuralgia is a disorder of the Trigeminal Cranial Nerve. We have twelve pairs of cranial nerves on either side of the head. The Trigeminal nerve is the fifth cranial nerve. The Trigeminal nerve has three branches:

V1 (Ophthalmic) affects the eye, forehead and nose V2 (Maxillary) affects the upper teeth, gum and lip, the cheek, lower eyelid and the side of the nose. V3 ((Mandibular) affects lower teeth, gum, lower lip and jaw.

Symptoms usually occur on one side of the face and can range from sudden, sharp, electrical or throbbing pain and can occur throughout the day.

What causes Trigeminal Neuralgia? Theories abound, but it is commonly believed to stem from compression of the Trigeminal nerve, due to a blood vessel pressing on the nerve, tumors in the skull, or multiple sclerosis.

Many people go undiagnosed with Trigeminal Neuralgia because symptoms mimic other conditions such as dental problems and migraines.

In our next series, we take a look at how Trigeminal Neuralgia is diagnosed as well as conventional medical treatment.

There are also holistic Trigeminal Neuralgia treatments which also give some relief.

Cynthia Smith is currently pursuing her MBA in Technology Management. Her interests include reading science fiction, matchmaking and singing gospel and classical choral music.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cynthia_S.