What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a condition that manifests through a variety of symptoms, which may include feelings of restlessness, fear, worry, tension, and dread.

Additionally, patients with anxiety may experience physical symptoms such as headaches, palpitations, sweating, tremors, and difficulty breathing.

Anxiety can be caused by multiple factors, and it is important to identify the underlying cause to adequately address the symptoms.

Factors that contribute to anxiety include:

· Psychological factors,

· Medical conditions,

· Use of certain medications,

· Drug or alcohol abuse,

· Dietary and metabolic factors such as reactive hypoglycaemia,

· Excessive caffeine consumption,

· Food allergies,

· Intolerances and certain food additives can also affect brain chemistry and the nervous system, leading to anxiety.

Reactive hypoglycaemia is a common factor in chronic anxiety. Patients with anxiety caused by reactive hypoglycaemia may experience worsening symptoms late in the morning or afternoon (before meals) and improvement after eating.

In such cases, a programme to stabilise blood glucose levels, including avoiding refined sugar and caffeine, would be beneficial. Supplementing with nutrients that help regulate glucose metabolism, such as magnesium, B vitamins, and chromium, can alleviate anxiety and related symptoms in patients whose clinical picture suggests reactive hypoglycaemia.

Excessive caffeine consumption can cause symptoms similar to those of anxiety disorders, such as nervousness, irritability, tremors, insomnia, and palpitations.

Patients with anxiety disorders appear to be more susceptible than healthy individuals to the anxiety-inducing effects of caffeine. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid caffeine for 3 to 4 weeks in all patients suffering from anxiety, even if their caffeine intake is not particularly high.

If elimination and re-exposure to caffeine indicate that it is a contributing factor to anxiety, the patient should avoid caffeine indefinitely.

Food allergies, intolerances, and certain food additives can also affect the chemical balance of the brain and nervous system, leading to anxiety.

When consuming a food to which one is allergic or intolerant, the body triggers an immune response that can affect the brain and nervous system, causing symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, and nervousness.

Additionally, some food additives, such as aspartame, have been associated with anxiety.

It is known that aspartame can interfere with the production and release of important neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin, which is involved in regulating mood and anxiety.

The symptoms of an anxiety attack can vary from person to person, but the most common include:

· Heart palpitations,

· Excessive sweating,

· Difficulty breathing,

· Tremors,

· Feeling of choking,

· Nausea and abdominal pain,

· Chest tightness,

· Numbness in the limbs, and

· Feeling of disconnection from reality.

It is important to note that chronic anxiety is a complex condition that requires an integrative approach to treatment. Although certain substances and nutrients have been identified as potentially useful in reducing anxiety symptoms, it is crucial to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Each case must be evaluated and treated individually to address the underlying causes and provide appropriate treatment.

In general, leading a healthy lifestyle and following a balanced diet can be beneficial in reducing anxiety symptoms. Additionally, measures such as meditation, yoga, regular physical exercise, and mindfulness can be considered to reduce stress levels and improve emotional well-being.

It is vital to seek advice if experiencing symptoms of chronic anxiety to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.

Several substances can be useful for treating anxiety. Some of these substances are:

Magnesium: a mineral that can help reduce anxiety by acting as a muscle and nerve relaxant.

Zinc: an important mineral for brain function and stress response. Zinc deficiency has been associated with anxiety.

Vitamins B3, B6, B12, and Folate: these vitamins are relevant for the nervous system and neurotransmitter production, which are essential for mood and anxiety regulation.

· Vitamin D: essential for bone health and brain function, with deficiency linked to anxiety.

· Omega-3: fatty acids found in fatty fish and fish oil supplements, studied for their effects on mental health, including anxiety.

· GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid): an inhibitory neurotransmitter that can help reduce anxiety.

· L-theanine: an amino acid found in green tea that can help reduce anxiety by increasing the production of GABA and other neurotransmitters.

· Taurine: an amino acid that acts as an antioxidant and neuroprotective agent, studied for its effects on anxiety.

· Tryptophan and 5-HTP: precursors of serotonin, an important neurotransmitter for mood and anxiety regulation.

· Glycine: an amino acid that acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, studied for its effects on anxiety.

Remember that chronic anxiety is a complex condition that requires an integrative approach to treatment, and each case must be evaluated and treated individually to address the hidden causes.

If experiencing symptoms of chronic anxiety, it is crucial to seek clinical advice to determine the underlying cause and receive treatment tailored to your case.

Don’t let anxiety control your life; take steps today to regain your emotional well-being.

1. Harris S. Hyperinsulinism and dysinsulinism. JAMA 1924;83:729–733.

2. Hoffmann RH, Abrahamson EM. Hyperinsulinism: a factor in the neuroses. Am J Dig Dis 1949;16:242–247.

3. Salzer HM. Relative hypoglycemia as a cause of neuro-psychiatric illness. J Natl Med Assoc 1966;58:12–17.

4. Fishbein D. The contribution of refined carbohydrate consumption to maladaptive behaviors. J Orthomolec Psychiatry 1982;11:17–25.

5. Uhde TW, Vittone BJ, Post RM. Glucose tolerance testing in panic disorder. Am J Psychiatry 1984;141:1461–1463.

6. Rippere V. Some varieties of food intolerance in psychiatric patients: an overview. Nutr Health 1984;3:125–136.

7. Greden JF. Anxiety or caffeinism: a diagnostic dilemma. Am J Psychiatry 1974;131:1089–1092.

8. Uhde TW, Boulenger J, Jimerson DC, Post RM. Caffeine: relationship to human anxiety, plasma MHPG, and cortisol. Psychopharmacol Bull 1984;20:426–430.

9. Victor BS, Lubetsky M, Greden JF. Somatic manifestations of caffeinism. J Clin Psychiatry 1981;42:185–188.

10. Boulenger JP, Uhde TW. Caffeine consumption and anxiety: preliminary results of a survey comparing patients with anxiety disorders and normal controls. Psychopharmacol Bull 1982;18:53–57.

11. Bruce M, Scott N, Shine P, Lader M. Anxiogenic effects of caffeine in patients with anxiety disorders. Arch Gen Psychiatry 1992;49:867–869.

12. Levy M, Zylber-Katz E. Caffeine metabolism and coffee-attributed sleep disturbances. Clin Pharmacol Ther 1983;33:770–775.

13. Tiffin P, Ashton H, Marsh R, Kamali F. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic responses to caffeine in poor and normal sleepers. Psychopharmacology 1995;121:494–502.

14. Greden JF, Fontaine P, Lubetsky M, Chamberlin K. Anxiety and depression associated with caffeinism among psychiatric inpatients. Am J Psychiatry 1978;135:963–966.

15. Procter AW, Greden JF. Caffeine and benzodiazepine use. Am J Psychiatry 1982;139:132.

16. De Freitas B, Schwartz G. Effects of caffeine in chronic psychiatry patients. Am J Psychiatry 1979;136:1337–1338.

17. Kerr D, Sherwin RS, Pavalkis F, et al. Effect of caffeine on the recognition of and responses to hypoglycemia in humans. Ann Intern Med 1993;119:799–804.

18. Alvarez WC. Puzzling “nervous storms” due to food allergy. Gastroenterology 1946;7:241–242.

19. Parker G, Watkins T. Treatment-resistant depression: when antidepressant drug intolerance may indicate food intolerance. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2002;36:263–265.

20. Shannon WR. Neuropathic manifestations in infants and children as a result of anaphylactic reactions to foods contained in their dietary. Ann Allergy 1956;14:88–93.

21. Roberts HJ. Reactions attributed to aspartame-containing products: 551 cases. J Appl Nutr 1988;40(2):85–94.

22. Chesley FF, Dunbar J, Crandal LA Jr. The vitamin B-complex and its constituents in functional digestive disturbances. Am J Dig Dis 1940;7:24–27.

23. Mohler H, Polc P, Cumin R, et al. Nicotinamide is a brain constituent with benzodiazepine-like actions. Nature 1979;278:563–565.

24. Woolley DW. Tranquilizing and antiserotonin activity of nicotinamide. Science 1958;128:1277–1278.

25. Prousky JE. Niacinamide’s potent role in alleviating anxiety with its benzodiazepine-like properties: a case report. J Orthomolec Med 2004;19:104–110.

26. Hoffer A. Senility and chronic malnutrition. J Orthomolec Psychiatry 1974;3:2–19.

27. Durlach J. Clinical aspects of chronic magnesium deficiency. In Magnesium in Health and Disease, Spectrum Publications, Inc., 1980:883–909.

28. Halpern MJ. Magnesium physiopathology. II. Magnesium deficiency and depletion. In Halpern, Durlach (eds.). Magnesium Deficiency. First Eur Congr Magnesium, Lisbon, 1983 (Basel, Karger, 1985):9–23.

29. Henrotte JG. Type A behavior and magnesium metabolism. Magnesium 1986;5:201–210.

30. Seelig MS. Consequences of magnesium deficiency on the enhancement of stress reactions; preventive and therapeutic implications (a review). J Am Coll Nutr 1994;13:429–446.

31. Lichodziejewska B, Klos J, Rezler J, et al. Clinical symptoms of mitral valve prolapse are related to hypomagnesemia and attenuated by magnesium supplementation. Am J Cardiol 1997;79:768–772.

32. De Souza MC, Walker AF, Robinson PA, Bolland K. A synergistic effect of a daily supplement for 1 month of 200 mg magnesium plus 50 mg vitamin B6 for the relief of anxiety-related premenstrual symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. J Womens Health Gend Based Med 2000;9:131–139.

33. Fodor G, Kapitany T, Miller-Reiter E, et al. Magnesium as a sedative agent in agitated psychotic states. Magnes Res 1995;8(Suppl 1):28–29.

34. Weston PG, Howard MQ. Magnesium sulphate as a sedative. Am J Med Sci 1923;165:431–433.

35. Al-Momen AK. Diminished vitamin B12 levels in patients with severe sickle cell disease. J Intern Med 1995;237:551–555.

36. Van Tiggelen CJM, Peperkamp JPC, Tertoolen JFW. Vitamin B12 levels of cerebrospinal fluid in patients with organic mental disorder. J Orthomolec Psychiatry 1983;12:305–311.

37. Howard JS III. Folate deficiency in psychiatric practice. Psychosomatics 1975;16:112–115.

38. Crellin R, Bottiglieri T, Reynolds EH. Folates and psychiatric disorders. Drugs 1993;45:623–636.

39. Bermond P. Therapy of side effects of oral contraceptive agents with vitamin B6. Acta Vitaminol Enzymol 1982;4(1–2):45–54.

40. Carroll D, Ring C, Suter M, Willemsen G. The effects of an oral multivitamin combination with calcium, magnesium, and zinc on psychological well-being in healthy young male volunteers: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Psychopharmacology 2000;150:220–225.

41. Buydens-Branchey L, Branchey M. n-3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids decrease anxiety feelings in a population of substance abusers. J Clin Psychopharmacol 2006;26:661–665.

42. Kiecolt-Glaser JK, Belury MA, Andridge R, et al. Omega-3 supplementation lowers inflammation and anxiety in medical students: A randomized controlled trial. Brain Behav Immun 2011;25:1725–1734.

43. Galland L. Normocalcemic tetany and candidiasis. Magnesium 1985;4:339–344.

44. Truss CO. The role of Candida albicans in human illness. J Orthomolec Psychiatry 1981;10:228–238.

45. Arlt W, Callies F, van Vlijmen JC, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in women with adrenal insufficiency. N Engl J Med 1999;341:1013–1020.

46. Arlt W, Callies F, Allolio B. DHEA replacement in women with adrenal insufficiency—pharmacokinetics, bioconversion and clinical effects on well-being, sexuality and cognition. Endocr Res 2000;26:505–511.

47. Strous RD, Maayan R, Lapidus R, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone augmentation in the management of negative, depressive, and anxiety symptoms in schizophrenia. Arch Gen Psychiatry 2003;60:133–14