Many people tend to turn to alcohol to help them cope with life's stressors and anxiety. Unknown to many, is the fact that alcohol merely provides temporary relief and may actually exacerbate anxiety attacks. This exacerbation does not occur immediately while drinking but occurs later. As alcohol provides some people with temporary relief, a sense of well being and lowered inhibition with increased confidence, most people will find it difficult to understand how alcohol actually exacerbates anxiety.
Alcohol is metabolized by the liver and exerts its actions primarily on the brain. Alcohol in excess amounts will eventually damage these two vital organs. It is these two organs that play an important role in controlling our mood and anxiety levels.
Our moods are controlled by various neurotransmitters found within the brain. The delicate balance between the various neurotransmitters must be maintained in order to preserve our mood and regulate our responses towards anxiety. Alcohol disrupts this delicate balance by destroying the chemical structures.
Secondly, a damaged liver will be unable to produce neurotransmitters in the required amounts and neither will it be able to metabolize these neurotransmitters appropriately.
People with excessive alcohol consumption also tend to be undernourished due to an imbalanced diet and also because alcohol tends to flush out certain essential nutrients from the body. The nutrients, mainly vitamins and minerals, are important as they act as co-factors in the production of neurotransmitters.
All of the above factors act in tandem in disrupting ones moods resulting in an individual being prone to anxiety and anxiety attacks. In addition, the effects of alcohol withdrawal may also mimic anxiety attacks.
So what can you do if you are suffering from anxiety? The most logical thing would be to avoid or reduce alcohol consumption. An individual must exert sufficient self control in order to control his/her drinking habits. It is also important to ensure that one is obtaining adequate nutrition as this will help avoid deficiencies of vitamins and minerals. A well balanced diet that is rich in fruits and vegetables will help to address this issue. Supplemental vitamins C and B complex and magnesium should be consumed if one insists on continuing to drink. Exercise is also an important component as the secretion of endorphins that accompany exercise helps to maintain and regulate ones mood. A moderate exercise program will protect your brain and your liver from the ill effects of alcohol.
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