While anxiety can result from a reaction to life events and circumstances, it is also true that this condition can be related to biochemical or physiological imbalance in the body.

One quite common symptom of anxiety is a feeling that the throat is constricted and this can lead to problems with swallowing. This condition, usually referred to as 'hysterical dysphagia', usually resolves once the underlying anxiety is dealt with.

Anxiety, and in particular, panic attacks, are often associated with rapid, shallow breathing known as 'hyperventilation'. Although hyperventilation is often a consequence of anxiety, it is also true that it can worsen symptoms of anxiety.

Learning controlled, deep breathing can often help to reduce the risk of anxiety and panic attacks. 'The Breath Book' by Stella Weller (Thorsons 1999) contains advice on deep breathing and is available in good book stores.

Anxiety is often associated with an increase in the level of a substance called lactate in the blood. Caffeine, alcohol and sugar are all known to increase lactate levels and should therefore be avoided as much as possible.

Caffeine also has powerful stimulant activity in the body and is well known for its ability to worsen anxiety. In one study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry, the severity of individuals' anxiety and depression correlated with the amount of caffeine they consumed. Interestingly, patients with panic disorder seemed to be sensitive to the amount of caffeine in just one cup of coffee. It seems, for those individuals who are prone to anxiety, the safest amount of caffeine to consume is none.

Many people find that they are more likely to feel anxious or suffer a panic attack if they haven't eaten. This suggests that low levels of sugar in the blood stream may trigger attacks. For this reason, I recommend that you eat regular meals based around foods which give a sustained release of sugar into the blood stream such as meat, fish, eggs, brown rice, wholemeal bread, wholewheat pasta and vegetables other than the potato.
In addition to all this, it may well help you to try a preparation of the herb Kava kava. Rich in a group of compounds called the kavalactones, Kava kava has been shown to reduce anxiety and tends to promote greater feelings of contentment and well-being. This herb has become very popular in the West as a treatment for anxiety. You will find preparations of Kava kava in your local health food store. The recommended dose is 50 mg of kavalactones, three times a day.