Living with an anxiety disorder can be a very difficult and challenging experience. The constant fear, worry, and stress can be overwhelming and exhausting. It can be hard to focus on everyday tasks, and the feelings of dread can be paralyzing. There is often a sense of impending doom and a fear of the unknown. Even when nothing bad is happening, the anxiety can be so strong that it feels like something terrible is going to happen.

You might also find yourself constantly catastrophizing and ruminating on worst-case scenarios. Panic attacks can be terrifying, and the physical symptoms can be draining. Living with an anxiety disorder can be incredibly isolating and lonely, as it can be difficult to explain to others how you feel. It’s important to touch base with a anxiety functional medicine doctor.  Naperville Integrated is here to help with all things anxiety and functional medicine.

Anxiety Disorders and Functional Medicine

Functional medicine is an approach to healthcare that focuses on finding the underlying causes of a person’s health problems, rather than simply treating their symptoms. This approach has been found to be particularly effective in treating anxiety disorders. Functional medicine practitioners take a comprehensive approach to understanding a person’s anxiety and look at the root causes of their distress, such as stress, lack of sleep, nutrient deficiencies, or other lifestyle factors.

They work to identify the underlying cause of a person’s anxiety by conducting tests, looking at their medical history, and discussing their lifestyle and habits. Once the root cause has been identified, the practitioner works with the patient to create a personalized treatment plan that seeks to address their specific needs.

Functional Medicine Can Help

Functional medicine is a great solution for those suffering from anxiety. It takes into account the individual’s whole health and lifestyle, rather than just treating the symptoms of their condition. This approach looks at both physical and mental health and considers the environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors that may be contributing to the condition. It looks not only at the symptoms of anxiety, but also at the underlying causes.

Functional medicine practitioners use a variety of treatments, such as diet and lifestyle changes, nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, and more, to help restore balance and reduce anxiety. This holistic approach is often more effective than traditional treatments, as it takes into account how the whole body works together. In addition, functional medicine doctors are able to provide support and guidance through a specific strategy.

Daily Life and Anxiety

We all experience moments of feeling nervous, worried or anxious. Maybe you get a flat tire on your way to an important engagement or you have just lost your job. It would be normal to feel uneasy when life throws you curve balls like these. However, some people feel anxious and worry most of the time; even when there is no known explanation for it.  So how do you know if you actually have an anxiety disorder? This can be somewhat difficult to define exactly, but if you suffer from the symptoms below, anxiety may be taking over your life.

Common Symptoms Of Anxiety

Anxiety disorder is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people around the world. Some of the most common symptoms of an anxiety disorder include excessive worry, fear, restlessness, and difficulty concentrating. People with an anxiety disorder may also experience physical symptoms such as fatigue, muscle tension, heart palpitations, and nausea. They may also experience difficulty sleeping, irritability, and difficulty controlling their thoughts.

Additionally, people suffering from an anxiety disorder may have an exaggerated startle response, difficulty breathing, and intense feelings of dread or panic. These symptoms can be disabling and interfere with a person’s ability to work, socialize, and participate in everyday activities. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek professional help.  We recommend looking to our functional medicine doctor in Naperville.

Feelings of panic and anxiousness for no reason

• Feeling of dread and worry
• Excessive worry
• Unable to turn your mind off
• Perfectionism
• Fearful of what the future may bring
• Disorganized attention and a restless mind
• Insomnia
• Excessive planning and preparation

What causes anxiety

That is not a simple question to answer, but it does appear to be the result of chemical imbalances in the brain. Your brain produces many different chemicals called neurotransmitters. These permit nerve cells in the brain to communicate to each other and thus function in a healthy and balanced fashion. When neurotransmitters are not balanced, the brain will not function properly.

Glutamate and GABA

Two of the main neurotransmitters involved in anxiety disorders are called glutamate and GABA. The brain produces large amounts of glutamate which excites the brain but it should also be producing large amounts of GABA to calm and soothe the brain. Many people who suffer from anxiety do not produce enough of this “calming” chemical called GABA.

How does GABA imbalance occur?

The GABA imbalance occurs when an individual has anxiety due to decreased levels of gamma amino butyric acid (GABA). GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter, meaning it relaxes the central nervous system and helps keep us calm. When a person experiences anxiety, their body produces less GABA than normal, leading to an imbalance in the nervous system. This can cause symptoms such as increased heart rate, shortness of breath, sweating, and trembling.

Other physical and psychological symptoms of anxiety, such as fear, restlessness, and fatigue, can also be related to a GABA imbalance. Stress can also contribute to the imbalance by affecting the body’s production of GABA. Treatments for anxiety, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help address the issues with GABA imbalance Here are some additional reasons we receive at our functional medicine clinic.

Poor blood sugar control

Poor blood sugar can cause a GABA imbalance in several ways. First, low blood sugar can lead to adrenal fatigue, which can decrease the production of GABA. Without enough GABA in the body, it can cause an imbalance. Second, poor blood sugar can cause a disruption in the body’s ability to absorb nutrients that are necessary for GABA production, leading to an imbalance.

Third, poor blood sugar can cause an increase in stress hormones. Such as cortisol, that can interfere with GABA production, leading to an imbalance. Finally, low blood sugar can also cause problems with the liver.  Which is needed to process and absorb nutrients necessary for GABA production. All of these factors can lead to a GABA imbalance, which can cause a variety of mental and physical issues for someone.

Thyroid disease and GABA

Thyroid disease and GABA imbalance are closely related. GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps the body maintain a balanced level of activity. Imbalances in GABA levels can arise from several causes, including a malfunctioning thyroid gland. An underactive thyroid can lead to lower levels of GABA, which can then result in increased levels of anxiety and depression. Other symptoms of low GABA levels include difficulty sleeping, fatigue, poor concentration, and irritability.

Furthermore, an overactive thyroid can impair the body’s ability to produce enough GABA, leading to similar symptoms. In both cases, treatments may involve taking medications to restore proper levels of GABA or supplementing with amino acids to make up for the deficiency.

GAD antibodies

GAD antibodies, also known as glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies, are present in the blood of some individuals who suffer from neurological disorders. These antibodies interfere with the normal functioning of GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a neurotransmitter responsible for maintaining balance in the brain and nervous system. GAD antibodies inhibit the activity of the GAD enzyme, which is responsible for producing GABA.

As a result, the amount of GABA available to the brain is reduced, leading to increased levels of anxiety and other symptoms associated with neurological disorders. The presence of GAD antibodies is used as a marker for diagnosing certain conditions, including epilepsy and schizophrenia. Some treatments often involves the use of medications that increase the availability of GABA.  Other treatments, which speak to the root of the problem, take an alternate approach.

Gluten sensitivity

Gluten sensitivity has been shown to have a significant effect on GABA levels. Gluten sensitivity can cause a decrease in the production of the neurotransmitter GABA, which can lead to an imbalance in the body. This can be a result of increased intestinal permeability, which in turn can lead to changes in the absorption of essential nutrients.

Additionally, gluten sensitivity may cause a decrease in the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and anxiety. The decreased production of both GABA and serotonin can lead to an increase in anxiety, depression, and other neurological symptoms. Gluten sensitivity can also cause a decrease in the production of vitamins B6, B9, and B12, which are needed for proper brain function.

Genetics

Some people have had anxiety their entire lives. This usually causes the person to produce less GABA than they should. Many times supporting this genetic weakness with additional nutrients can enhance the brain’s ability to utilize the lower levels of GABA present. There are also various nutrients that act synergistically with GABA to soothe and calm the brain.

Schedule An Anxiety Order Appointment In Naperville Today

When it comes to anxiety disorders, it is important to recognize when you should seek professional help. If your anxious feelings and behaviors are impacting your daily life in a negative way, such as causing problems with relationships or negatively affecting your work performance, it’s time to seek medical attention.

Other signs that you should see a integrative medicine practitioner about your anxiety disorder include feeling overwhelmed with your anxious thoughts, experiencing panic attacks or physical symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, or muscle tension, or having difficulty controlling your worry or fear. If your anxiety is having a serious negative impact on your life, it is important to reach out for help. A functional medicine doctor can help provide you with an accurate diagnosis.  In addition a treatment you need to manage your anxiety and get it in control. Schedule an appointment today!

Anxiety does not need to control your life. As you can see, there are many different health issues that can lead to anxiety. We want you to live a rich and fulfilling life.

This will not happen if you suffer from anxiety. We are here to help.

Get the help you need today. Contact Naperville Integrated Wellness to learn more about how we can help you.