A Root Cause Quick Guide for Anxiety
From mild anxious thoughts to full blown panic attacks, anxiety doesn’t have to take over our lives! Anxiety in all its forms affects close to 20 percent of American adults. Women are twice as likely to suffer from anxiety disorder than men. The first step to mastering anxiety is to discover…….
Anxiety is the result of the problem, not the problem itself.
“Be anxious for nothing but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God, and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7
This month’s article series will highlight both FOOD and FAITH solutions for anxiety!
Anxiety is the larger umbrella that includes the following disorders:
- GAD – General Anxiety Disorder
- Panic disorder
- Social Anxiety disorder
- Specific Phobias
- OCD – Obsessive – compulsive disorder
- PTSD – Post-traumatic stress disorder
The above anxiety based disorders have a root cause. Let’s take a quick look at the main 7 root causes for these. We’ll dive deeper into each of these in our next series of articles to offer both FOOD & FAITH natural support for those suffering from anxiety.
#1: Low Blood Sugar & Metabolic Imbalance
When our blood sugar drops or is consistently low (hypoglycemia) we feel anxious, nervous, depressed and angry. Excitotoxins that kill neurons are produced in a hypoglycemic state. Eating nutrient dense, low glycemic (sugar-converting) meals, and eating at regular intervals (not skipping meals) can help with hypoglycemic-related anxiety.
#2: Gut Health Dysfunction
The gut/brain connection is amazing. Good mental health begins in the gut! The micro-organisms found in our gut are largely responsible for producing feel-good, anti-anxiety chemicals called neurotransmitters. Eating enough protein and being able to break down the protein into amino acids efficiently (these amino acids form neurotransmitters – chemicals of emotion) is so important. Parasitic infections, as well as fungal and yeast overgrowth in our guts can also contribute to anxiety by altering our microbiome balance.
#3: Thyroid Disorders
People with an overactive thyroid may become anxious, and people with an underactive thyroid may lose interest and have slow mental processes and memory. Treatment for the thyroid could help with anxiety.
#4: Nutrient Deficiencies
Vitamins (A, B1, B3, B6, B9, B12, C, and D) play an important role in helping us deal with stress-related mental anxiety. Omega 3 fatty acids help lower inflammation (anxiety triggers) alongside cholesterol which is essential for feel-good chemistry. Amino acids from proteins help regulate dopamine and serotonin. The modern food system is filled with processed sweeteners, modified vegetable oils, MSG, artificial dyes, soy, refined grains, etc. that promote these deficiencies and problems metabolically. Medications can also cause nutrient deficiencies and anxiety.
#5: Chronic Systemic Infections
Lyme (and its many co-infections), mold toxicity and parasitic infections can affect our neurological health. Anxiety that was never present before can rear its ugly head when these infections are left untreated.
#6: Hormone Imbalances
Low Progesterone is one of the main hormonal imbalances that can trigger anxiety, and why many peri-menopausal women start noticing anxiety creeping up in their 40’s. Progesterone turns GABA on which is one of anti-anxiety neurotransmitters. Especially when the metabolic pathway of progesterone conversion follows a specific 5b enzymatic pathway.
#7: Neurotransmitter Imbalances: Low Serotonin / Low GABA
Neurotransmitters are chemicals of emotions, but vary slightly from hormones in their function, and are very interconnected with gut health. If the root causes involve lower neurotransmitter levels, many times by simply increasing these neurotransmitters naturally through amino acids and micro nutrients anxiety symptoms start fading away.
Discovering the root cause/s is key to freedom from anxiety. In each of our articles there will be a quick questionnaire included (subjective) as well as options for more functional lab testing (objective) and at home tests you can do to help get more personalized tips for you or someone you love to calm the anxious mind.
