Let’s talk about anxiety. You know, that racing heart, the tight chest that makes you feel like you just can’t catch a deep breath, or the restless mind that refuses to stop buzzing.
Sound familiar? Maybe it’s feeling overwhelmed or like you’re always teetering on the edge of “too much.”
If that resonates, you’re not alone.
Anxiety affects about 30% of adults—that’s nearly one in three people.
But here’s the thing. Anxiety often gets labelled purely as a mental health issue, and the solutions usually revolve around managing it from that angle.
While that’s definitely helpful, it doesn’t always get to the root of what’s going on.
Over the years, I’ve noticed more and more clients coming to me, saying, “I feel anxious all the time, and it’s exhausting.”
Honestly, I’ve been there too. There were times in my life when anxiety felt like an unwelcome shadow following me everywhere.
So, today, I want to dive deeper. Beyond breathing techniques, meditation, and prioritising sleep (all great tools, by the way), I want to look at what might be triggering anxiety in the first place.
Because here’s the truth: anxiety isn’t just about what’s happening in your head—it’s often about what’s happening in your body.
What’s Hiding Beneath the Surface?
Picture this: Two people, same job, same workload, same deadlines. One sails through, and the other feels like they’re drowning in anxiety. Why?
It’s not just about stress. It’s about how their bodies respond to it—and that’s where we start peeling back the layers. Let’s explore a few potential culprits that might be fueling anxiety.
1. Adrenal Burnout
Ever feel like you’re constantly running on empty?
Chronic stress can push your adrenal glands into overdrive, leaving your body struggling to manage cortisol (your stress hormone).
When cortisol spikes, it can feel like your heart is racing—a common trigger for anxiety.
2. Thyroid Trouble
Both underactive and overactive thyroids can bring anxiety to the surface.
If your thyroid is out of balance—whether due to stress, a medical condition, or even nutrient deficiencies—it can affect your mood.
Balancing your thyroid might be the key to easing those anxious feelings.
3. Blood Sugar Swings
Ever wake up around 2 a.m., heart racing, feeling jittery?
That could be low blood sugar.
After blood sugar spikes (hello, sugary snacks!) and then crashes, the crash can trigger anxiety.
Keeping your blood sugar stable is crucial for managing those nervous moments.
4. Gut Health
Here’s something fascinating: about 70% of your serotonin (the “feel-good” hormone) is derived from your gut flora.
If your gut flora is out of balance—due to dysbiosis, parasites, or inflammation—it can affect your mood in a big way.
Many of my clients notice a huge improvement in their anxiety just by restoring gut health.
5. Hormonal Shifts
Hormones, especially estrogen, play a significant role in mood.
Whether it’s perimenopause, menopause, or even the week before your period, those fluctuations can lead to heightened anxiety.
Balancing hormones can make a world of difference.
6. Neurotransmitter Imbalances
Brain chemicals like GABA, serotonin, and dopamine help stabilise moods.
If these are out of balance, it can increase your chances of experiencing anxiety.
7. Nutritional Deficiencies
Your body needs specific nutrients—like B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, and amino acids—to help keep anxiety at bay. It might be worth exploring if you’re running low on any of these.
The Good News
Here’s the empowering part: once you uncover what’s really going on, you can take steps to correct it. By addressing the root causes, you move from feeling stuck in “fight or flight” mode to living in a state of calm and balance.
And let me tell you, it’s life-changing to finally feel like yourself again.
So, if anxiety is weighing you down, know this: it’s not just about managing the symptoms—it’s about getting to the heart of the matter.
And when you do? Anxiety stops being in control.
If you’re grappling with anxiety, I’d love to support you. Let’s explore the causes and create a plan to help you feel calm, balanced, and fully in charge again.
And if you’ve discovered any strategies or insights that have worked for you, I’d love to hear about them! Let’s start a conversation—because together, we can break the cycle of anxiety.
Wouldn’t it be amazing to live in a world where anxiety doesn’t dominate our lives?
Let’s take that step together.
Ready to kick start Gut Health? Book a Call!
This is how gut microbes can influence weight!
Probiotics can help you gain weight or lose weight by interacting with our genetics, food and metabolism.
And yes, I did say lose or gain weight……..
Firstly, let me explain that the trillions of microbes in the gut need to be varied, meaning that there should be a large variety of species. There are many different species (or breeds) of microbes, and they all have their place in aiding health — the more variety and balance, the better health results.
Back to the weight loss or weight gain issue….
Do you eat yogurt and berries for breakfast? Thinking that it’s helping you lose weight?
Well, Lactobacillus acidophilus (like the species found in yoghurt) has been connected to weight gain.
I am not saying throw your yoghurt and berries in the bin. Instead, I am suggesting looking at the overall picture. If Lactobacillus acidophilus is the predominant micro-organism of the gut, then weight gain can result.
It is about the variety of species of gut microbes. Imagine if we only have trained german shepherd guard dogs in the world. It may be a safe world, but I am sure that other breeds may be more suitable as a family pet.
While Lactobacillus acidophilus is associated with weight gain, other Lactobacillus species correlate with weight loss.
Species like Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus gasseri, and Bifidobacteria animalis have been found to support weight loss.
Want to lose weight?
Look at your gut flora to support your goal.
Tests can be performed to identify the predominant species of the gut, and specific species can be utilised to support weight changes.
Want more information about your gut health?
Or want to look at all the factors contributing to weight gain, I’d love to be able to help.
