In today’s world, anxiety and stress have become all too common.
This impacts millions of lives daily.
Functional medicine for anxiety treats the whole person, not just symptoms.
Let’s break down the 2 key takeaways:
- Why stress is so prevalent.
- How functional medicine can help you reclaim your peace of mind.
We believe in addressing the root causes of these issues…
…leading to sustainable and holistic solutions.
Why Is Anxiety So Prevalent?
Anxiety has skyrocketed in contemporary society.
The thing is:
With the constant demands of modern life, it’s no surprise that these conditions are on the rise.
Why is this so important?
Factors such as work pressure, social media, financial instability, and lack of sleep contribute significantly to heightened anxiety levels.
“Studies show that nearly 40 million adults in the U.S. experience anxiety disorders annually.”
Factors like societal expectations, poor work-life balance, and diet can exacerbate these conditions. The repercussions are not only mental but also physical, paving the way for chronic illnesses.
It’s important to understand.
That anxiety is complex and multifaceted can be the first step toward finding a sustainable solution.
Now:
By acknowledging their prevalence and impact, we can better appreciate the need for effective management strategies.
How And Why Does Anxiety And Stress Typically Present Together?
Stress and anxiety often coexist, creating a vicious cycle that can be hard to break.
When you’re anxious, your body undergoes physiological changes…
…heart rate increases, muscles tense, and cortisol levels spike.
These reactions can trigger:
- Anxiety (characterized by fear)
- Worry
- Excessive nervousness
Root causes often include a combination of lifestyle factors, emotional pressure, and biochemical imbalances.
As an example: chronic stress can lead to adrenal fatigue, making the body less capable of handling anxiety effectively.
What about research?
Research has also shown that this increased stress response can actually alter the structure and function of the brain itself.
Particularly in 3 areas responsible for:
- Emotional regulation
- Decision-making
- Memory
All this ultimately impacting overall brain health by compromising cognitive functions.
Which leads us to…
A heightened state of reactivity can lead to nervousness, perpetuating the cycle.
How Is Anxiety Tested?
Functional medicine offers various tests to pinpoint the exact imbalances contributing to anxiety.
(Nutritional deficiencies are one significant area of focus.)
For example: a deficiency in iron can exacerbate symptoms of fatigue and anxiety, making it crucial to maintain adequate levels of this essential mineral.
In some cases, iron IV therapy may be used to quickly replenish depleted nutrient stores.
It is worth noting.
That when the body produces too much cortisol…
…it can deplete progesterone levels, affecting mood and stress responses.
And as such, hormonal imbalances also emerge as a significant contributor to anxiety.
Common deficiencies can contribute to anxiety.
Including:
- Magnesium
- Vitamin D
- Omega-3 fatty acids.
Additionally, the gut health of the microbiome plays a vital role in mental well-being.
This is important because:
We perform comprehensive stool analysis when needed to assess gut health, as imbalances in gut bacteria can significantly impact anxiety levels.
Leading to targeted interventions.
Along with:
Conducting comprehensive tests, functional medicine aims to identify these deficiencies and imbalances.
This allows: targeted interventions that address the root causes rather than just the symptoms.
The Role Of Genetics In Anxiety
Genetics play a crucial role in how we respond to anxiety.
There are 2 genetic mutations to keep in mind.
They can influence how effectively our bodies process stress hormones and neurotransmitters.
These 2 genetic mutations are also highly involved in other mental health conditions, such as: ADHD, depression, OCD.
The 1st genetic mutation is:
- MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase): The MTHFR Gene Mutation: affects the body’s ability to methylate, a process essential for detoxification, energy production, and neurotransmitter synthesis.
This mutation can lead to increased levels of homocysteine, an inflammatory marker associated with higher stress and anxiety levels.
The 2nd genetic mutation is:
- COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase): The COMT Gene Mutation: affects the breakdown of dopamine and norepinephrine, neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation.
Certain mutations in this gene can significantly affect anxiety levels. Testing for these genetic factors can provide valuable insights into personalized treatment plans.
Functional Medicine VS. Conventional Medicine Approaches
While conventional medicine often focuses on symptom management through medications and short-term solutions…
…functional medicine aims to address the underlying causes of anxiety and stress.
What does this approach involve?
This involves a comprehensive evaluation of lifestyle, diet, genetics, and biochemical markers.
Conventional treatments typically include medications like:
- SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)
- SNRIs (Selective Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors)
- TCAs (tricyclic antidepressants)
- Beta-blockers
- Benzodiazepines.
While these can be effective in the short term, they often come with side effects and do not address the root causes.
On the other hand.
Functional medicine, emphasizes a holistic and individualized approach.
How so?
By understanding the interconnectedness of various body systems.
And why is this important?
Functional medicine practitioners – like the ones at Oasis Health and Medicine – develop targeted interventions that promote long-term health and wellbeing.
How Functional Medicine For Anxiety Addresses Underlying Causes With A Holistic Approach
The holistic approach to managing anxiety is multifaceted and rooted in addressing the core issues.
We start with a comprehensive assessment that includes detailed history-taking, lab tests, and genetic screenings.
Treatment plans are personalized and may include:
- Dietary modifications
- Supplementation
- Lifestyle changes
- Stress management techniques
With an emphasis on the importance of a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support mental health, such as omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and B vitamins.
Pro Tip: Body practices like yoga, meditation, and deep-breathing exercises are also integral to an approach involving functional medicine. |
To be clear:
These techniques and changes help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing the harmful effects of chronic stress.
So, what’s the takeaway?
Essentially: functional medicine addresses anxiety with personalized treatment plans that incorporate comprehensive assessments and holistic approaches to promote relaxation.
A New Path Forward: Reducing Anxiety Holistically
Anxiety is a pervasive issues that require a comprehensive and individualized approach to manage effectively.
Functional medicine offers a promising pathway by addressing the root causes and promoting holistic well-being.
What does this mean for you?
Well, at Oasis Health and Medicine, we are committed to helping you find peace in the chaos through functional medicine care and expert guidance.
Now:
Whether it’s through dietary changes, mind-body practices, or genetic testing…
Our goal is to empower you with the tools and knowledge you need to thrive.
Together, We’ll Develop A Personalized Plan To Manage Your Anxiety
The question is:
Ready to take control of your anxiety?
Our team of Naturopathic Doctors at Oasis Health and Medicine is available…
…to guide you on your path to better health.
Let’s determine if we’re a good fit to work together.
Schedule Your Discovery Call For Anxiety ➜
Don’t wait to start your journey toward a calmer, more balanced life!
Book a discovery call with us today and take the first step in reclaiming your mental well-being 858-201-3171
References:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/any-anxiety-disorder/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31639385/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25466290/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33712947/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12796225/
