The consumption of gluten can cause a leaky gut, resulting in inflammation throughout the body. Gluten proteins intensify gut permeability by augmenting zonulin expression. Inflammation occurs as immune-stimulating compounds leak from the gut into the bloodstream. There has been a correlation between zonulin and mental illnesses such as autism, ADHD, and schizophrenia. Compared with non-anxious control subjects, anxiety patients with no history of gastrointestinal disturbances have shown to have elevated blood levels of zonulin. This means that gluten may be especially irritating to anxiety patients. 

The Effect of Gluten on Anxiety 

Studies showed that the animals that were given artificial sweeteners showed signs of anxiety. The adverse effects of artificial sweeteners on the microbiome and inflammation may be responsible for their anxiety-like effects. Aspartame, which can be found in artificial sweeteners, has been shown to raise stress hormone levels in the amygdala when given to rodents. Additionally, aspartame inhibits the transport of serotonin and dopamine precursors into the brain and produces higher levels of excitatory neurotransmitters, resulting in an anxiety-prone state in the brain.

The Effect of Artificial Sweeteners on Anxiety 

Consuming the following nutrition may intensify anxiety:

* Gluten.
* Artificial sweeteners.

State University of New York at Albany

An alternative strategy for alleviating anxiety is to address the underlying metabolic pathologies that are linked to anxiety. Examples of such metabolic pathologies are microbiome imbalance and inflammation. Interventions aimed at improving nutrition may help alleviate anxiety by reducing inflammation and microbiome imbalance.

Managing Anxiety with Nutrition

Naidoo, U. & Norwitz, G. N. (2021). Nutrition as metabolic treatment for anxiety. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 12(598119), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.598119

Nutrition as Metabolic Treatment for Anxiety Reference 

Consuming the following nutrition may help reduce anxiety:

* Omega-3
* Turmeric. 
* Vitamin D. 
* Ketogenic diets.

Learn Before

Related

Learn After