9 Underlying Causes of Anxiety and Depression
Medications for mental health disorders like anxiety and depression are prescribed now more than ever before. Why is it that such a large percentage of the population, especially in North America, are struggling with their minds?
Gut Bacteria
Studies have shown that an imbalance in our gut flora is linked to anxiety, depression and other mental disorders. In fact, the gut is continually sending signals to the brain via the nervous system and even produces 90% of our serotonin. Our microbiome, along with our mental health can be influenced by many factors including diet, exercise, antibiotic use, over-sanitization and chemicals in our food and water.
Brain Inflammation
Depression and other brain-related illnesses are linked to inflammation in the brain. When the brain becomes inflamed, the frontal cortex, responsible for mood, personality and taking action is suppressed. Brain inflammation, often stemming from gut inflammation, can be caused by a high sugar diet, toxins, infections, heavy metals, food allergies and trauma.
The Immune-Brain Connection
When the immune system is chronically activated due to a variety of stressors, as listed above, this too can create long-term inflammation in the brain, affecting its function. An over- or under-active immune system places a lot of stress on the body and can overstimulate the nervous system causing anxiety.
Stress
Stress, whether mental or physical, stimulates the production and release of stress hormones like cortisol. Chronic stress can seriously affect cognition and mental health and result in hormonal imbalances, leading to adrenal fatigue and other hormonal issues. Furthermore, chronic stress alters our gut bacteria and puts our bodies into fight-or-flight, making us nervous, anxious and unable to relax and heal. Additionally, the birth control pill is a major external factor in the manifestation of both anxiety and depression.
Poor Digestion
Poor digestion of foods leads to poor absorption of nutrients from those foods. Long-term nutritional deficiencies from poor digestion or a nutritionally-insufficient diet can lead to increased levels of anxiety and depression. Chronic anxiety also inhibits proper digestion by shutting down the digestive process.
Food Allergies
Food allergies or intolerances can trigger a wide variety of symptoms and may manifest as mental health issues. Studies have suggested a relationship between gluten intolerance and brain disorders, but both gluten and dairy are very common food allergens and many benefit from their elimination.
Blood Sugar & Insulin
One of the most common symptoms of unstable blood sugar or dysglycemia is anxiety. Imbalanced blood sugar levels, mainly caused by a diet high in refined carbohydrates and sugar, increases inflammation in the body and triggers a stress response. You may also feel depressed as blood sugar levels drop after a spike. There are significant links between blood glucose, insulin response and mental health issues and blood sugar imbalance is often an underlying factor in serious brain-related illnesses.
Poor sleep
Getting less than 7-8 hours of sleep has been shown to negatively affect mood, elevate cortisol levels and cause cognitive impairments, anxiety and depression. Often used to counter sleepiness, stimulants such as sugar and caffeine will further raise cortisol levels and exasperate mental symptoms, so they are best avoided.
Fear
Emotionally, anxiety is rooted in fear. Your emotional state, beliefs, thought patterns and where the fear lies must always be addressed in conjunction with your physical state. Our thoughts, beliefs and traumas shape the structure of our brains, but according to neuroscience, we also have the incredible ability to rewire our brains and change our mental state through the power of our thoughts!
Find 9 Natural Remedies for Anxiety and Depression here!
Asher Kleiber
Registered Holistic Nutritionist™
