I suffer from anxiety and am wondering if there is a relation between nutritional deficiency and anxiety disorder. I am trying to avoid taking anti-anxiety medications.

Medical science has determined that how we feel is mostly controlled by what we eat and how these building blocks from the food are converted into neurotransmitter chemicals. What we put into our body has a direct impact on how we feel physically and emotionally. Certain items such as caffeine, nicotine, stimulant drugs, preservatives, toxic chemicals, mineral deficiency, sugar and refined foods that you may consume can actually increase your anxiety level.

Are prescription medications always necessary? Medications can provide relief from the symptoms associated with anxiety. However, they have potential dangerous side effects including causing the symptoms, for which you were seeking care in the first place, suicidal thoughts and many others. As a matter of fact, on March 22, 2004, the FDA stated that SSRI medications (such as Celexa) could cause “anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, hostility, impulsivity, akathisia, hypomania and mania.” In my opinion, medications should be utilized as a last resort after all alternative therapies have been tried. On many occasions, the patient is being told that his/her problem is secondary to a chemical imbalance. However, there are no physical tests or scientific evidence to substantiate the theory that a chemical imbalance in the brain causes depression or any other mental disorder.”

None of us are born with a Prozac, Celexa or any other drug deficiency. Taking drugs does not correct the cause, in the same way that a gasoline additive does not help when the gas tank is empty.

I recommend that you find a chiropractor who is also trained in Nutrition Response Testing and start your journey to better health.