Like most chronic conditions and their symptoms, there is not one single cause of anxiety. Rather, there are several different factors that can cause anxiety. Some experts believe that anxiety reflects an imbalance between neurotransmitters norepinephrine (the surge of adrenaline that is part of our body’s natural “fight or flight” response) and serotonin (the “calm-down” messenger that signals the crisis is over). According to this theory, if the body manufactures too much norepinephrine and too little serotonin, then you experience anxiety or panic attacks because the “Off” switch is stuck in the “On” position.³

Other neurological imbalances may explain anxiety as well. For example, anxiety is related to and may be caused by a deficiency of GABA, an amino acid that is found in the central nervous system and acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. Also, excess hormone secretion of the thyroid or adrenal gland can play a significant role in the presence of anxiety disorders because these are the hormones responsible for the feelings and symptoms of anxiety.^4,5

Some leading-edge researchers believe that anxiety is actually symptomatic of an overgrowth of Candida—or more specifically, the more than 80 poisonous toxins it produces in the body. They point to this toxic waste as the main cause of anxiety, especially in chronically ill people. These toxins can mimic and interfere with many of the body’s hormones, such as adrenaline, and when this happens, feelings of intense anxiety can be induced. In addition to the toxins put off by the yeast itself, Candida also survives by manufacturing toxic substances from refined carbohydrates and sugars in the digestive system. Hypersensitivity to these Candida yeast toxins, the most harmful of which is acetaldehyde (a by-product of alcohol and the chemical that naturally causes a “hangover”), can lead to anxiety, depression, and impaired intellectual functioning. Sadly, this often is not recognized as a problem of Candida, and will usually result in psychiatric referral, which will likely be unsuccessful, and in turn increase feelings of guilt, poor self-esteem, and depression.^6,7,8

Nutritional deficiencies stemming from poor diet and/or digestion can also contribute to anxiety. Depleted levels of minerals, especially magnesium and zinc, have been causally linked to the presence of anxiety.^4,9 A deficiency of B vitamins, especially vitamin B-12 can be a significant contributing factor to the development of anxiety disorders.⁵

Anxiety can also be caused by certain medical and recreational drugs, either as a side effect or from withdrawal. These drugs include caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, cold remedies, decongestants, bronchodilators for asthma, tricyclic antidepressants, cocaine, amphetamines, diet pills, ADHD medications, and thyroid medications.⁵ 

Additional Information about Anxiety

1. Anxiety Overview
2. Common symptoms of anxiety
3. Help me choose a natural and alternative treatment for anxiety
4. Dietary and lifestyle recommendations that may help in the treatment of anxiety
5. Conventional or prescription medications used in the treatment of anxiety
6. Cited Sources and Additional Reading for anxiety

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Article ID: 335