Anxiety 

What is Anxiety and How does it Happen?

Anxiety is a natural human emotion and a normal response to stress or perceived threats. It prepares individuals to deal with challenges or danger. Anxiety is characterized by feelings of fear, unease, worry, or nervousness about future events, situations, or outcomes. 

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Anxiety involves complex interactions between various brain regions, neurotransmitters, your mind, and hormonal systems. Systems to consider:

• Neurotransmitters: Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that facilitate communication between nerve cells in the brain. Two important neurotransmitters linked to anxiety are:

  • Serotonin: A deficiency in serotonin levels has been associated with anxiety disorders, particularly generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety disorder. Serotonin plays a role in mood regulation, specifically feeling calm and happy. 

  • Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA): GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate brain activity. Lower levels of GABA have been observed in individuals with anxiety disorders. GABA helps calm the brain's excitatory response and promotes relaxation.

• Amygdala: The amygdala is a key brain structure involved in processing emotions, including fear and anxiety. It plays a central role in the brain's fear response and threat detection. Overactivity in the amygdala has been associated with increased anxiety and heightened emotional responses.

• HPA Axis: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is a complex hormonal system involved in the body's stress response. When a threat or stressor is perceived, the HPA axis triggers the release of stress hormones, including cortisol. Chronic activation of the HPA axis can lead to prolonged stress and contribute to anxiety disorders.

• Genetics: There is evidence that genetics can play a role in the development of anxiety disorders. Studies have shown that individuals with a family history of anxiety disorders may have a higher risk of experiencing anxiety themselves. Specific genes and genetic variations have been implicated in anxiety disorders, although the interplay between genetic factors and environmental influences is complex.

• Neuroplasticity: Changes in brain structure and function can occur in response to chronic stress and anxiety. Chronic anxiety can lead to alterations in neural circuits and connectivity, further contributing to anxiety symptoms.

• Psychobiotics: Psychobiotics are probiotics and prebiotics that can improve your mental health by changing the mixture of bacteria in your gut.  The balance of this flora can increase or decrease your anxiety and resting stress state. 

• Beliefs, Trauma and Thoughts:  Anxiety can also be learned from our upbringing, events in our life and belief systems we choose to follow.  In this case it's important to actively rewire neural connections & the vagus nerve, to calm and regulate the nervous system. 

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What tests to consider for Anxiety?

Since Anxiety is multifactorial, its important to pin point the possible root cause for your anxiety.  Tests like the Organic Acids test, GI Microbiome testing and Food sensitivity testing. 

How I approach Anxiety...