The VIIV approach to Anxiety
Best Testing, Nutrition and Supplemental Support

Hey there, let's talk about anxiety for a moment. It's this mental health challenge that can really throw you off balance, you know? It affects a significant chunk of people worldwide, around 25%. And if you're already dealing with other health issues, that number can shoot up to about 70%. And hey, women seem to experience it more often than men.

But here's the thing: Functional Medicine offers a different approach to dealing with anxiety. It's all about looking at the whole picture, digging into lifestyle habits, environmental factors, and running some tests to understand what's going on.

Symptoms? They vary, but you might feel restless, irritable, struggle to concentrate, or have trouble sleeping. And your body might join the party with tension headaches, stomach aches, or a racing heart.

What causes it? Well, it's a mix of things. Genetics can play a role, as can your diet. Turns out, those sugary, processed foods might not be helping. And caffeine? While it keeps you going, too much can amp up anxiety.

Nutrition matters too. Low levels of certain vitamins and minerals have been linked to anxiety, like vitamin D and omega-3s. Lifestyle factors like stress and trauma can also contribute, along with issues like thyroid imbalances or gut problems.

But don't worry, there are tests available through Functional Medicine that can help pinpoint what's going on. From checking your gut health to assessing nutrient levels and hormone balance, they're tools to guide us toward understanding and managing anxiety better.

So take a breath, you're not alone in this. With the right approach and support, managing anxiety can become more manageable, leading to a brighter outlook ahead.

In functional medicine we think about the following in relation to anxiety. 

Micronutrient Deficiencies

Studies demonstrate that low levels of vitamin d, omega 3, zinc and magnesium are associated with anxiety and that supplementation with these minerals improves symptoms. 

Lifestyle Factors

In addition to nutritional status, other lifestyle factors that should be considered as possible causes include stress, trauma, physical inactivity, and inflammation. 

HPA Axis Dysfunction

A stress hormone called cortisol, which is released from the adrenal glands, is the end product of the HPA axis. Chronic exposure to this hormone can lead to changes in the brain that may contribute to the development of anxiety. 

Health Conditions

Evidence indicates various health conditions have known associations with anxiety, including thyroid conditions, heart arrhythmias, IBS, anemia, and dysbiosis. 

Neurotransmitters

Anxiety is associated with the dysregulation of several neurotransmitters, including GABA, serotonin, glutamate, and dopamine. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that utilize the nervous system to usher information throughout the body.

The Gut

Our microbiome is in constant communication with our nervous system. It can drive anxiety through production of toxins and neurotransmitters OR it can help reduce it through production of anti-inflammatory compounds and GABA.

Functional Medicine Labs to Test for Root Cause of Anxiety

There are no specific laboratory tests that can diagnose anxiety. However, your Functional Medicine practitioner may perform several functional lab tests to better understand the imbalances in your biology that may be associated with your anxiety.

Comprehensive Gut Health Testing

Since gut health can play a role in anxiety, it’s important to get a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's microbiome. Tests like the GI Map shows how well the patient is digesting and absorbing foods, breaking down foods into usable micronutrients, and if there is any inflammation or dysbiosis that could be leading to anxiety.

Nutrient Testing

The Genova NutrEval / Metabolomix is a comprehensive test that evaluates for deficiencies or insufficiencies in various nutrients. This test is a valuable option because it evaluates multiple antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, Omega-3 essential fatty acids, as well as markers that indicate the need for microbiome support. 

Hormone & Neurotransmitter Testing 

Hormone testing will give insight into whether there is dysfunction in the HPA axis. There are several options for evaluating this system, including tests that also evaluate neurotransmitters, highlighted below.

Saliva or urine hormone testing evaluates sex and adrenal hormones and the daily free cortisol pattern giving insight into the HPA axis. The test also evaluates several organic acids that provide information on the level of certain neurotransmitters. Other organic acids measured give insight into the presence of B-vitamin deficiencies and dysbiosis.

Comprehensive Blood Workup

A comprehensive blood workup, including CBC, CMP, thyroid panel, iron panel, and Vitamin D testing, will help assess overall health and rule out underlying health conditions that could be contributing to anxiety.