Natural Cures for Panic Disorders

If you have ever experienced a panic attack---heart palpitations, shortness of breath, the feeling that you may be dying---you know how something as basic as fear can quickly become debilitating. This is especially true if you have panic attacks on a regular basis. Some great news is that you may not have to take any synthetic drugs to ease your condition. You may find more than symptomatic help in these natural treatments.

Eliminate Common Triggers

• Caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and sugar can all trigger panic symptoms because they stimulate the body, according to Australian doctor and author Mariam Doreen Joseph. While alcohol or cigarettes may initially have a soothing effect for anxiety sufferers, they ultimately act as stimulants much like caffeine and sugar. The side effects of these substances include nervousness, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. They also deplete your body of mood/body-balancing nutrients. If you can, avoid these substances because are likely exacerbating your panic disorder.

Stay Active

• People who suffer from depression and panic disorders benefit immensely from daily exercise. If you are not one to hit the gym, make sure you have an active hobby such as hiking or a yoga class that keeps your body engaged. Spice up your routine by inviting a friend to jog or swim with you. Be a kid again and bounce on a giant trampoline. Exercise does not have to be grueling. It boosts your body's level of endorphins, chemicals that increase your sense of well-being. The Mayo Clinic says that you can reap the most benefits from endorphin-stimulating activity by exercising at least 30 minutes per day.

Sleep Well

• Having a regular sleep and wake cycle allows your serotonin levels to flow in a balanced pattern. These neurotransmitters are responsible for helping you maintain a positive outlook, and when you don't establish a regular sleeping pattern you may begin to experience the effects of depression and anxiety, according to the Restoring Unity in the World Corp. website. Choose a reasonable sleep time and wake up eight hours later. Don't sleep in on weekends or you may be tempted to push back your next bedtime and throw off your schedule.

Laugh

• Many medical experts are now giving laughter therapy a lot of scientific credit when it comes to helping heal depression and panic disorders. Dr. Mandan Kataria, author of "The Health Benefits of Laughter Therapy," is one of them. This is because depression and anxiety can cause a spike in your serum cortisol (a stress hormone), and laughter is believed to reduce cortisol levels. Write a laughter prescription for yourself. Make it a point to consistently watch a funny TV show, and surround yourself with people who love to laugh.

Alternative Therapies

• Meditation, herbal supplements, and acupuncture are just a few of the alternative therapies that are said to help reduce issues associated with panic disorders, says Brian Hoyle, author of "Alternative Therapies for Treating Anxiety." Proponents of these therapies claim that they use use various techniques to help balance the body's energy and reduce stress levels.

Disclaimer

• These natural methods of reducing a body's stress levels may work better for some than for others. You may have a severe panic disorder that should be addressed by a treatment such as psychotherapy. Make sure you discuss your desire for natural healing with a medical professional in order to uncover the treatment plan that suits you best.