Do you have an Anxiety Disorder? Or do you need to eat?
Your mind is racing, your heart rate elevated, you notice a swirling, uncomfortable feeling in your stomach, your thoughts are looping, stuck on something you are worried about, you just can’t seem to relax…
Sounds like anxiety right? Or is it actually blood sugar dysregulation (Hypoglecemia)? Anxiety and blood sugar dysregulation look and feel very similar. Ever heard someone say how they are “hangry”? That’s because a drop in blood sugar has an impact on our mood.
The amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for detecting threat, contains neurons that are sensitive to drops in glucose levels, aka blood sugar. Therefore, if blood sugar drops, the amygdala can become activated which causes symptoms such as anxiety (looping thoughts, high heart rate, butterflies in the belly), fear, panic, and irritability.
When we have recurrent episodes of low blood sugar, which tends to happen because it is self perpetuating (not eating causes low blood sugar —> anxiety —> makes it difficult to eat —> continual low blood sugar) it can cause the amygdala to become more sensitive to drops in blood sugar overtime.
As a holistic practitioner who primarily works with women, one of the first questions I ask about are my clients eating habits. Are they eating, what are they eating, and how often. Time and time again I find women, (men too!) are not eating often enough and they are not eating the correct macronutrients for what their body requires. Why aren’t we taught about this in school when its well know there is a connection between the gut and brain? And why are we so quick to give out anxiety medication without addressing foundational lifestyle choices?
Eat within 30-45 minutes of waking up, (BEFORE caffeine), eat a protein rich breakfast with 30-40 grams of protein, balanced with 1/2- 1cup of carbohydrates and fat. Aim for 1g of protein per pound of body weight. Do not skip meals and have snacks on hand. Meat sticks are very helpful and I now keep them everywhere. IYKYK If you struggle with sleep, try a snack before bed.
Please prioritize being well fed! Having a snack/ meal can be the difference in you feeling like everything is okay/ good/ right vs everything is wrong/ bad/ scary. Though this is simple, I know it’s not always easy. Eating is necessary and a vital part of being a well nourished, human who feels safe in their body. If we do not have internal safety, we will not feel safe in the world. To full bellies and open hearts.
Nutrition is one of many foundational lifestyle factors we address in our work together. Click on the link below to find out more!