Sure, there have been a LOT of changes in the news this year—anxiety-provoking headlines, social media posts, and emails everywhere. I’ve noticed more people struggling with increasing anxiety, so I wanted to touch on this topic in today’s newsletter.
Anxiety vs. Worry: What’s the Difference?
It’s important to understand that anxiety is not the same as worry.
✅ Worry is a normal, healthy response to a perceived danger or threat.
❌ Anxiety is when that response becomes persistent, even when the threat is gone.
This quote from The New York Times Magazine explains it well:
“Anxiety is not the same as fear. Fear may be evoked by a realistic danger and is an appropriate response to a perceived threat, while anxiety is worry or overreaction to a situation that is only subjectively seen as menacing.”
— Robin Henig, The New York Times Magazine
Inflammation: The Hidden Trigger for Anxiety
Most people think of anxiety as a brain-based issue, but many of the root causes of anxiety start outside the brain—in the body.
Some common inflammation-related triggers include:
- 🔥 Imbalanced Omega-3s – Too little omega-3 can increase inflammation.
- 🧠 Neurotransmitter Imbalances – A disrupted balance of GABA (calming) vs. glutamate (excitatory) can lead to anxiety.
- 😴 Cortisol Dysregulation – Chronic stress leaves you feeling “wired and tired.”
- 🍭 Blood Sugar Swings – Highs and lows can increase irritability and stress.
- 🍽 Food Sensitivities – Hidden triggers like gluten, dairy, or processed foods.
- ⚠ Toxins & Heavy Metals – Lead, mercury, and aluminum can inflame the brain.
- 🧪 Nutrient Deficiencies – Low B6, magnesium, or amino acids impair brain function.
How Inflammation Affects Your Brain (The Fire in Your Body = The Fire in Your Mind)
🔥 Chronic Inflammation Overheats the Brain
Imagine your body as a house. When everything runs smoothly, it’s a safe, comfortable place. But what if a small fire starts in the basement? At first, it’s manageable, but if left unchecked, the heat and smoke spread everywhere—including the upstairs, where your brain “lives.”
This is what happens when chronic inflammation spreads through your body. Your immune system stays on high alert, sending out inflammatory messengers (cytokines) that don’t just affect your gut, joints, or heart—they impact your brain chemistry and mood.
🧠 The “Leaky Brain” Problem
When inflammation damages the blood-brain barrier (your brain’s protective fence), it becomes more permeable—a condition sometimes called “leaky brain.” This allows more excitatory chemicals to enter, like:
- MSG (monosodium glutamate) – Found in processed foods, it can overstimulate neurons.
- Aspartame – An artificial sweetener that can trigger anxiety and brain fog.
Ever felt anxious after eating certain food, for example Chinese food or even Chick-fil-a? This could be why! Yes, the chicken chain lists MSG in their ingredients for a chicken sandwich which is sad news for all you Chick-fil-a lovers!
The GABA-Glutamate Balance: Why You Need B6
Your brain naturally shifts between GABA (calming) and glutamate (excitatory) as needed.
But this conversion requires enzymes—and enzymes need nutrients.
🔑 Vitamin B6 is essential for converting glutamate into GABA.
However, B6 levels can become depleted by:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen)
- Oral birth control pills
- SSRIs & antidepressants
This can create a catch-22, where medications prescribed for anxiety may actually worsen the underlying imbalance.
How to Reduce Inflammation & Ease Anxiety
The good news? You can take steps today to lower inflammation and calm your nervous system.
✅ Eat anti-inflammatory foods – Wild-caught salmon, turmeric, and leafy greens. (Not sure where to start? Email me for a 7-day anti-inflammatory meal plan with recipes and a grocery list!)
✅ Balance blood sugar – Avoid ultra-processed carbs and sugar spikes.
✅ Move your body daily – Exercise naturally lowers inflammation.
It’s Not All in Your Head—It’s in Your Body Too
If you’re struggling with persistent anxiety, beyond what tariffs and the news are doing, let’s chat.
📩 Book a free consultation to uncover what’s fueling your anxiety and how we can rebalance your body for better mental health.
