Natural anxiety cures could have saved Heath Ledger?

Unless you live under a rock you have probably heard about the tragic death of the actor Heath Ledger. Heath Ledger died as a direct result of a cocktail of anti-anxiety medications that are prescribed daily to millions of patients around the world. Could natural anxiety treatments have prevented his death? We might never know. But we can learn some important things from his tragic death. Anxiety is your body’s natural reaction to perceived threat. Suffering from chronic anxiety can take its toll on your sanity. The good news is that anxiety is 100% treatable; the bad news is that many of you spend great amounts of money experimenting with the many anxiety treatments on the market today. For many sufferers, traditional anxiety medications spell the beginning of a long dance with different dosages, addictions and many unpleasant and dangerous side effects. You don’t have to rely on potentially unsafe combinations of medications to heal your anxiety. There are plenty of natural treatments for anxiety. For self-help junkies, there is a wide variety of resources available to help you through anxious times. The internet has a plethora of information available, often the first step to helping yourself out of your anxiety is to learn more about what causes it, and arm yourself with knowledge about treatment options. Many anxiety sufferers have found great comfort in online forums. For those suffering from anxiety related disorders it is a godsend to know that there are many millions of people suffering the same as you. Internet-based therapy courses offer the anxiety suffer immediate and long term relief from there anxiety. In fact, a study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry found that online therapy courses are effective in lowering anxiety immediately and keeping it low long term. They suggest that internet-based therapy could, or should, replace conventional medical treatment methods. So, the good news here is…. They work! and it doesn’t take months or even weeks, you can gain immediate relief from your anxiety in the comfort of your own home and without ingesting toxic drugs.Herbal treatments are gaining popularity. The following herbs are popular choices for easing anxiety symptoms: Passionflower, Chamomile, Basil, skullcap and the most well known St. John’s Wort. There are many more herbs that can help ease anxiety naturally. Remember to research any side-effects of these herbs as some of them do not mix well with anti-anxiety medications. Changes in diet are another way that anxiety sufferers are easing their symptoms. Many sufferers have found relief through adding extra B-vitamins to your diet, either through extra leafy green vegetables, nuts, fish and whole grain cereals, or a quality b-vitamin supplement. For Heath Ledger and all those who loved him, the tragic consequences of traditional anti-anxiety medications are well understood. The wrong medications in the wrong combination can be fatal. Rather opt for a natural approach to treatment and get your life back! For more information on how to cure your anxiety click on the links below.

Medication for Excessive Sweating - You Must Know This Before It Is Too Late!

If you are looking for a medication for excessive sweating, they are most definately out there. In today’s society, when we have a problem, often times we look to pills as the solution. It may not be the best mindset to have though as there are very often side effects involved with taking medication. There is also the potential for abuse, as of late we all know how the talented actor Heath Ledger died from an overdose of pills. If despite all that though you are still looking for a medication for excessive sweating, your options include anticholinergics, beta blockers and clonidine hydrochloride. More specifically, these include drugs such as Benztropine, Diltiazem, Indomethacin, Oxybutynin, Robinul and Propantheline to name a few. All of these medications are meant to treat excessive sweating and although they may be effective, they are not reccommended as a long term solution. The reason for this is there are several serious side effects which can come about from long term use. These include blurred vision, dry mouth, impaired speech and heart palpatations. If you do intend on going ahead with medication for excessive sweating, be sure to listen to your body. If you find yourself having any of the above mentioned symptoms, discontinue use, it’s not worth putting your health at risk just to sweat less. It is strongly reccommended that you have a look at more natural methods to stop excessive sweating first, there are plenty of natural or herbal methods which have cured many people of their excess sweating.

Every day across America, nearly a million American kids age 12 to 17 abuse a pain reliever for the very first time just to get high. If you do the math, that’s nearly a million kids a year risking their lives — or at the very least, risking a life interrupted or ruined by prescription drug addiction. Teenagers are abusing more prescription and over-the-counter drugs than all illegal and illicit drugs except marijuana, according to federal statistics. In 2006, more than 2.1 million teens ages 12 to 17 reported abusing prescription drugs. And kids as young as 12 and 13 told researchers that prescription drugs are their “drug of choice.” The drugs that lead to prescription drug addiction for thousands of these young people are powerful narcotic painkillers like OxyContin, Vicodin and Percocet. These are the heroin-in-a-pill type drugs that can cause breathing collapse and coma, that have led to tens of thousands of cases of prescription drug addiction across the country. OxyContins were responsible in part for the death of actor Heath Ledger, and literally thousands of other “just plain folks” across the country in recent years. Anti-anxiety drugs and depressants, especially the benzodiazepine drugs — Xanax is a popular brand, as are Valium, Librium and many others — are particularly dangerous. They rapidly create dependencies that can lead to prescription drug addiction — some people are hooked after just a day or two on Xanax — and they are really difficult to get off of safely. And benzos can cause death when mixed with other drugs or alcohol. Stimulants are another type of drug that kids are abusing to get a buzz, particularly the kinds prescribed for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Adderall and Ritalin are two of the most abused, and these, because of their side effects, are basically cocaine-in-a-pill. Kids are trading and selling their ADHD prescription drugs with other kids, and stupidly risking their friends’ lives. Speed drugs can cause seriously abnormal heart rhythms, seizures and death. Meanwhile, a recent University of Texas study showed conclusively that methylphenidate, the active ingredient in Ritalin, causes chromosomal damage — the organized structures of DNA in our cells. No one has a clue yet what damage that will do long-term, but messing with someone’s DNA can’t be harmless. But while that research continues, millions of parents keep feeding these drugs to children. It’s time for a reassessment. Teens are also abusing over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, such as cough and cold remedies, which contain dextromethorphan and other drugs which are, like those prescription drugs, extremely deadly when combined with other drugs or with alcohol. OTC drugs can cause blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, coma, and even death. And they’re a stepping stone to prescription drug addiction, too. Thousands of kids wind up in hospital emergency wards every year fighting for their lives because they overdosed on prescription or OTC drugs mixed with alcohol — all for fun! These drugs are readily available from home medicine cabinets or from friends, and even from on-line pharmacies. A lot of kids still think they’re a safer way to get high than street drugs, and many of them who wouldn’t touch cocaine or heroin don’t realize they are abusing almost identical drugs, and risking prescription drug addiction or death. What’s needed is for parents to start talking to their kids, and to clearly spell out all the very real dangers of prescription and OTC drugs. And they need to show strong disapproval of drug experimentation and abuse, and create and enforce anti-drug rules. Parents need to be firm, but they need their kids to understand that rules are to protect them — kids should be healthy, not in the morgue with a tag on their toe or in medical drug detox recovering from addiction.

Sleep:

They say sleep is the number one way of health and beauty and long life.Yes, true indeed and you need at least 8 hours of rest at night.

You ever notice when someone is well rested and they feel great in a lot of ways. That is why the saying goes: I’ve got to get my beauty rest!

Although, sleep is away of a youthful life that can bring you lots of prosperity and life filled with energy.

Did you know that: When one doesn’t get enough rest at night they start paying for it the next day by having attitudes and tantrums and some tend to get grouchy and want to take their anger out on other people all because they haven’t rested.

However, if you don’t get enough rest and you’re working very hard as the days go by, you’re bound to fall on your face. Now, most people drink energy shakes and red bull and think they will get by like that as the days go by. But in all actuality, it’s very unhealthy for you and doesn’t give you the results that you actually need, because most energy shakes give you that boost, but give it a few hours and you’ll feel dreary and worn out as if you stayed up all night long partying, leaving you feeling aggravated and drained.

Know this: You can’t function properly without the proper sleep your body needs. I basically couldn’t function properly without any sleep.

You ever feel like you’re losing your mind because you can’t sleep or haven’t slept in days.

Now, some people that can’t sleep usually take a Tylenol PM or some sort of a sleep aid just so they can go to sleep. But you must be very careful when taking sleep aids because most people usually overdose on sleep medication.

Look at Heath Ledger, who just recently died because he overdosed on sleeping pills with a mixture of another medicine and his cause of death was an intoxication from prescription drugs all because he said that he couldn’t sleep and was very stressed out. However, stress will do it to you everytime if you’re really stressed out and will cause you to not sleep which is very unhealthy for the body.

Remember: The brain cannot function properly without sleep. Although, sleep is the best thing in the world and people can’t get enough of it. But sometimes, you might get too much sleep which makes you lazy. However, there are people who just can’t seem to get enough sleep and usually seek the help of a sleep disorder clinic.

Although, you can basically tell if a person has had enough sleep or not by their eyes and body language. Remember: Body language can tell a lot about a person. But not only the body language, it’s usually written all over your face.

Some people suffer from sleep disorders which involves any difficulties related to trouble falling or staying asleep at inappropriate times of the day.

Now some people have abnormal behaviors associated with sleep, and usually have sleep disruptive behaviors because if you really think about it, no one likes to be disrupted from a good sleep.

Most people that have trouble falling asleep usually don’t know that it’s usually caused by caffeine, heavy smoking, and certain prescription medications. It’s a known fact that people who feel that they don’t get enough sleep usually have problems which may occur when maintaining a consistent amount of sleep and wake schedule that is disrupted.

However, sleep disruption occurs when you’re usually in a deep sleep and is dreaming and someone wakes you up for no reason whatsoever. Don’t you hate that? I know I do.

If you can’t sleep at night you should seek a medical professional if a lack of sleep continues or just call for an appointment with your healthcare provider if this is interfering with your daily routine and if you’re prescribed any medication such as sleeping pills which should be used only when prescribed by a healthcare provider.

When you can’t sleep they say that AmbienCR is right for you.

Now what is Ambien? Ambien is a sleep aid for insomnia.

Although, I truly believe that all you need to do is go to bed at a reasonable hour, eat breakfast, exercise and take it easy. I can assure you won’t regret it.

Word of advice: Try not to overwork yourself cause you’ll regret it!

When it comes to sleep: You should try to follow the sleeping pattern of 8 hours of rest at night!

Times are tough. However, losing sleep because of your problems is never worth it. You may get a temporary high from drinking kegs upon kegs of beer, smoking pot or working yourself to death. But sleep deprivation, as a result of escaping your problems, may make matters worse. Aside from jeopardizing your health and mind, not getting ample sleep can also put your relationships at risk.It is important to note that a person needs at least six to eight hours of restful sleep every night. While you are sleeping, your body is getting the rest it needs and your adrenal gland is being repaired and restored. If you do not get that much needed slumber, however, your adrenal glands remain depleted and drained. Furthermore, there are a host of serious problems, including diabetes and certain types of cancers, which can be a result of not having adequate sleep.If you have been finding it difficult to sleep, popping a sleeping pill is not always the answer, especially if you are taking medications for other conditions. You do not want to follow in the footsteps of Heath Ledger. In fact, it may be a better idea to find natural ways to induce sleeping. Here are some of the things you can do to help you sleep better at night.Go DarkMelatonin is released by the brain usually at around two in the morning. This brain chemical is important in providing you a deep and restful sleep. However, if your bedroom is exposed to neon lights or other bright lights, your brain might not release melatonin, thinking that it is still day time. Thus, it is often wise to keep your bedroom dark during the night.You can achieve an almost pitch dark environment by using thick curtains. If you share a room with other people, using an eye mask to keep things dark will be helpful in getting you to sleep.Exercise RegularlyPeople who work out at least three times a week have been found to sleep better at night. Try exercising for an hour and you will realize that you will feel sleepier during your bedtime. Besides, exercise is good for your overall health.Don’t Be Tempted To Have A Midnight SnackIt is actually all right to eat light snacks in the evening because it would be much harder to sleep on an empty stomach. However, it would be better to skip fatty and heavy snacks a few hours before you sleep because this could make your blood sugar surge, which will surely prevent you from going to sleep.Say No To TV Before Going To BedThe best place to put the television is outside your bedroom. The flickering lights caused by the television will prevent you from snoozing because it stimulates the brain. Pineal gland function is also disrupted because of the television lights. If you want to go to sleep at 10pm, the television (or even the computer) should be off by 7pm.Read Something Relaxing Or SpiritualReading books or magazines about soothing or spiritual themes encourage restful snooze because it will not agitate you. Instead, these kinds of materials will make you feel relaxed. In contrast, a suspense-filled plot or a horror story would surely make you feel awake, because of fear or because you are compelled to finish the book.Put On Your SocksStudies have proven that the feet have poor circulation, so they are the first areas of your body that feel cold during winter nights. If you do not want to wake up in the middle of the night because of the chill, better put on a pair of socks before you go to bed.If you badly need to sleep and can’t wait for the above tips to work, then you could probably use a natural sleep supplement, such as Somulin, to help you doze off. For more information about this product, visit http://www.somulin.com/.

Five years ago I quit a cocktail of sleeping pills and anxiety medications and felt my world implode. I’ve had 34 surgeries on my spine and legs and thought I was strong. But I was not prepared for the horrific withdrawals from these medications. For many months I questioned my sanity without any belief that I could regain my cognitive function or normal sleep patterns. I am a writer and I lost that magical connection to the written word. It was the blackest of times, filled with the deepest despair.

I was not a drinker nor did I doctor-shop, and I always waited for a consultation with my pharmacist to confirm my combination of medications was safe. Yet after a decade on the pills, I felt consumed by this chemical straightjacket and wanted my life back.

All I was seeking was a good night’s sleep and instead I became trapped by medications I initially believed were my salvation. It started with one prescription, and as my body reached tolerance and the pills stopped working, others were added. By the end I was taking Ambien, Klonopin (Clonazepam), Restoril (Temazepam), Sinequan (Doxepin), Effexor, OxyContin, and Norco (Hydrocodone). I rarely slept and incessantly paced my home, filled with anxiety. I aged rapidly and my pain level soared, but it was the all-consuming fear that I found most debilitating. I became agoraphobic and did not leave my home.

My cocktail of medications was similar to Heath Ledger’s and it saddens me greatly that he lost his life to prescription drugs. I’ve read interviews where Ledger spoke of his raging insomnia, and I knew that he found himself in the same trap I had faced. Even his appearance deteriorated as mine had. How I lived through my debacle is a mystery, but it had such a profound impact that I began an organization to help others escape the clutch of this epidemic.

Ironically, mercury poisoning was the cause of my insomnia, but I would not discover this for many years. Instead, I became a willing participant to a chemical experiment that ripped through my world. Unfortunately the same is happening to millions of other people and often starts with insomnia.

The sleeping prescription pill market is an enormous industry and we are essentially supporting products that are slowly hurting us. I didn’t know that forcing my brain into submission was not true sleep, but that natural sleep is a complex mechanism triggered by a group of hormones that create a state of rest for the body and mind. As we sleep, consciousness is suspended wh

ile the brain undergoes a cycle of brainwave activity that includes dreaming. The heart and lungs slow and our normally active brainwave patterns diminish tremendously, until we dream. Our blood vessels dilate and the blood that is usually stored in our organs moves into our muscles for tissue repair. The growth hormone in children is secreted during sleep, as are critical chemicals that protect the immune system. So it is no surprise that children placed on stimulant medication have stunted growth and weakened immune systems. I had reoccurring bronchitis and pneumonia and even contracted a staph infection in withdrawal.

Natural sleep doesn’t just support physical health, but has a profound effect on our brain as it organizes and archives memories. It is also essential to the creative process. Rolling Stones’ guitarist Keith Richards claims the riff in “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction” came to him in his sleep, while Dmitri Mendeleev, the 19th century chemist, said he literally dreamed the periodic table of elements.

During the night, we shift from the predominant NREM (non-rapid eye movement) dreamless sleep to short segments of REM (rapid eye movement) state where dreams occur. Both NREM and REM sleep cycles are necessary to have restorative effects. But sleep medications dramatically reduce the length of time we spend in the dream stage and instead keep us in a light dreamless sleep. To make matters worse, sleeping pills (Ambien, Lunesta) and benzodiazepines (Valium, Klonopin, Restoril, Xanax, Ativan) do not actually improve sleep, but rather create an amnesiac effect that make us forget we are waking up. Unfortunately, most of us misinterpret this memory loss as deeper sleep. The longer we take the pills, even the dreamless sleep shortens in duration and leads to deeper exhaustion and anxiety. To compound matters, sleeping pills only induce sleep an average of 12 minutes quicker and 30 minutes longer than without them. But chemical dependency can occur within three consecutive nights of use, causing painful rebound insomnia, raging anxiety, and memory impairment.

Many people add herbs and over-the-counter medications in an attempt to gain a few hours of needed rest. It is not that herbs are dangerous—that is a misconception. But most people do not realize there is risk of a serious interaction when sleep medications are combined with items like passionflower, valerian, or antihistamines. Sleeping pills and benzodiazepines accentuate the GABA neurotransmitter, which keeps the nerve cells in the lung tissue from firing. That is why sleeping pills combined with over-the-counter medications or herbs that accentuate GABA or intensify the effect of the pills will overly suppress respiration, causing asphyxiation. This is what killed Heath Ledger.

But GABA doesn’t just affect the lungs. It is an amino acid that naturally occurs in our nervous system. There are approximately 45 million GABA receptors in the body, and 75 percent are affected by sleeping pills and benzodiazepines. GABA regulates our sleep cycles, body temperature, muscles, and all hormone functions of the body. It’s no wonder the withdrawals from these drugs are deemed the most challenging—even more than heroin or cocaine. I remember clearly wishing I had been an illegal drug addict, as the cold-turkey withdrawals would have passed quickly. The only safe way to withdraw from these medications is through a gradual taper, which allows the brain and body a chance to adjust at each level of reduction.

It wasn’t my path to have an easy withdrawal, and I firmly believe the reason was to help address this epidemic of pill usage. I’ve worked with people from all over the world who are addicted to these medications. Most are taking one or two prescriptions and suffering the same intensity of symptoms I did on a cocktail of drugs. I realized long ago that any dose of sleep medication is dangerous.

In spite of the fact that I made every step of my medication journey improperly, I also made it back to complete health. I no longer suffer from pain, anxiety, or insomnia. My sleep patterns have returned, and at the age of 50, I feel better than I have in 20 years. You see, what I’ve also realized is that our bodies are amazing machines with a symphony of chemicals that yearn to be healthy. It has a remarkable capacity to heal if given the right nutrients.

So now, in spite of the fact that I have chosen to help people in their darkest hour, I also get the privilege of watching them regain what I now have—freedom.

Alesandra Rain is the author of Deeds of Trust. She is also the co-founder of Point of Return. For more information, visit www.PointofReturn.com or call 866-605-2333.

     Rain: L-on meds;  R-Current