Anxiety May Be an Inherited Trait from Dr. Mercola
Anxiety May Be an Inherited Trait from Dr. Mercola
August 16, 2018
Story at-a-glance
An estimated 40
million Americans, about 18 percent of the population over the age of
18, struggle with anxiety, including more than half of all American
college students
While several
factors can contribute to anxiety, including diet, toxic exposures and
sociological conditions, recent research suggests you may also inherit a
predisposition to anxiety from your parents
Animal research
shows connectivity between two brain regions involved in the processing
of fear and anxiety can be passed from parents to offspring
Paralleling the
rise in anxiety is the chronic exposure to microwave radiation from
wireless technologies, and research shows this exposure can have a
direct influence on your mental health
The way you
breathe is intricately connected to your mental state; improper
breathing triggers anxiety by causing an imbalance in your bodily gases.
Breathing techniques and other drug-free treatment strategies are
addressed
By Dr. Mercola
Anxiety has exponentially risen in recent years. Not only do more than half of all American college students report anxiety,1,2 research3
also shows anxiety — characterized by constant and overwhelming worry
and fear — is now 800 percent more prevalent than all forms of cancer.
Data from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) suggests the
prevalence of anxiety disorders in the U.S. may be as high as 40
million, or about 18 percent of the population over the age of 18,
making it the most common mental illness in the nation.4,5
Fortunately, there are many treatment options available, and some of
the most effective treatments are also among the safest and least
expensive, and don’t involve drugs. This is well worth remembering, as
doctors are far more likely to prescribe opioids to patients who
complain of anxiety than those who do not have any mental health issues.
Anxious and/or depressed patients also receive higher dosages.
Remarkably, nearly 19 percent of Americans diagnosed with a mental
health disorder use narcotic painkillers, compared to just 5 percent of
those without a mental health disorder.6 Opioids
are extremely addictive, and if you’re already struggling with anxiety,
you may be at even greater risk of addiction and its potentially lethal
consequences. What’s more, if you’re concurrently taking
benzodiazepines such as Valium, Ativan, Klonopin or Xanax, which are
widely prescribed for anxiety, your risk of lethal overdose increases
fivefold.7,8,9
Anxiety May Be Inherited From Your Parents
While any number of issues can contribute to anxiety, from diet10 and toxic exposures to sociological conditions,11 recent research suggests you may also inherit a predisposition to anxiety from your parents.
According to this research,12,13
conducted on rhesus monkeys, connectivity between the central nucleus
of the amygdala and the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis — two brain
regions involved in the processing of fear — can be passed from parents
to their offspring.
Lead author Dr. Ned Kalin, professor of psychiatry at the University
of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, told Newsweek:14
"We are continuing to discover the brain circuits that underlie
human anxiety, especially the alterations in circuit function that
underlie the early childhood risk to develop anxiety and depressive
disorders.
In data from a species closely related to humans, these findings
strongly point to alterations in human brain function that contribute to
the level of an individual’s anxiety. Most importantly, these findings
are highly relevant to children with pathological anxiety, and hold the
promise to guide the development of new treatment approaches."
This inherited brain connectivity is nowhere near the complete story,
though. The researchers stress that its contribution to the variance in
anxiety measurements is small — probably around 4 percent or so. Still,
it’s another part of the puzzle, and researchers hope the findings will
eventually lead to better intervention strategies in high-risk
children.
A Little-Known Contributor to Anxiety and Depression
Paralleling the rise in anxiety and other mental health disorders
such as depression is the chronic exposure to electromagnetic fields
(EMFs) from cellphones and cordless phones, Wi-Fi routers, baby
monitors, smart meters and other Bluetooth devices, and research shows
this exposure can have a direct influence on your mental health.
Thanks to the pioneering work of biochemist Martin Pall,
Ph.D., we now know that voltage gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are over
7 million times more sensitive to microwave radiation than the charged
particles inside and outside our cells. This means that the safety
standards for this exposure are off by a factor of 7 million.
When EMFs hit your VGCCs, nearly 1 million calcium ions per second
are released into the cell, which then causes the cell to release
excessive nitric oxide (NO). When NO is combined with superoxide,
peroxynitrites are created, which in turn form dangerous hydroxyl free
radicals that causes massive mitochondrial dysfunction.
The reason your mental health is so easily influenced by EMFs is
because one of the organs with the greatest density of VGCCs is your
brain. When the channels in the brain are activated, it causes a major
disruption in neurotransmitter and hormonal balance that can radically
increase the risk for not only anxiety and depression, but also autism
and Alzheimer’s.
This research reveals the fatal flaw in the argument that microwave
radiation is harmless because it cannot cause thermal damage. The way
EMF exposure causes biological damage is by activating VGCCs in your
cells, especially nerve cells that have a higher density of VGCCs,
triggering a cascade effect that results in peroxynitrite being produced
and causing oxidative damage. So, the lack of thermal influence is
inconsequential.
Failure to realize this and take steps to minimize your exposure will
not only damage your DNA and increase your risk of most chronic
illness; it will also seriously impair your body’s ability to detoxify,
and significantly impair your immune response to address the large
variety of pathogenic infectious assaults.
The take-home message is this: If you or someone you love struggles
with anxiety or depression, it would be wise to take whatever steps
necessary to minimize your exposure to cellphones, portable phones,
Wi-Fi routers, smart meters, wireless computers and tablets, especially
exposures at night while you are sleeping. It would also be wise to
address other sources of dirty electricity in your home.
How Stress Influences Anxiety
While genetics, brain chemistry, personality and life events play a
role in the development of anxiety disorders, stress is one of the most
common triggers. Anxiety is a normal response to stress, but in some
people the anxiety becomes overwhelming and difficult to cope with. The
National Institute of Mental Health explains how your brain reacts to
stress, and how the anxiety response is triggered:15
“Several parts of the brain are key actors in the production of
fear and anxiety … scientists have discovered that the amygdala and the
hippocampus play significant roles in most anxiety disorders.
The amygdala … is believed to be a communications hub between the
parts of the brain that process incoming sensory signals and the parts
that interpret these signals. It can alert the rest of the brain that a
threat is present and trigger a fear or anxiety response.
The emotional memories stored in the central part of the amygdala
may play a role in anxiety disorders involving very distinct fears,
such as fears of dogs, spiders or flying. The hippocampus is the part of
the brain that encodes threatening events into memories.”
Aside from the hippocampus and amygdala, the thalamus is also
involved in anxiety. The stria terminalis is a fibrous band that runs
along the lateral margin of the thalamus, and all of these brain areas
are involved in the generation and processing of fear and are
well-established parts of the “anxiety circuitry” in your brain.16
As noted in the featured monkey study, connectivity between your
amygdala and stria terminalis may be inherited from your parents, and if
you have this predisposition, then stress may be the proverbial straw
that breaks the camel’s back.
Your Breathing Also Has Direct Influence on Anxiety
Your breathing is part of the stress response, and the way you
breathe is intricately connected to your mental state. I’ve previously
published interviews with Patrick McKeown, a leading expert on the Buteyko Breathing Method, where he explains how breathing affects your mind, body and health.
Here, I’ve chosen a video featuring Robert Litman, where he
specifically addresses the relationship between breathing and anxiety.
According to Buteyko, the founder of the method, anxiety is triggered by
an imbalance between gases in your body, specifically the ratio between
carbon dioxide (CO2) and oxygen.
In this video, Litman explains how your breathing affects the ratio
of these gases, and demonstrates how you can literally breathe your way
into a calmer state of mind.
A Buteyko breathing exercise that can help quell anxiety is
summarized below. This sequence helps retain and gently accumulate CO2,
leading to calmer breathing and reduced anxiety. In other words, the
urge to breathe will decline as you go into a more relaxed state.
Take a small breath into your nose; a small breath out; hold your
nose for five seconds in order to hold your breath; and then release to
resume breathing.
Breathe normally for 10 seconds.
Repeat the sequence several more times: small breath in through your
nose, small breath out; hold your breath for five seconds, then let go
and breathe normally for 10 seconds.
McKeown has also written a book specifically aimed at the treatment
of anxiety through optimal breathing, called “Anxiety Free: Stop
Worrying and Quieten Your Mind — Featuring the Buteyko Breathing Method
and Mindfulness,” which can be found on Amazon.com.17
In addition to the book, ButeykoClinic.com also offers a one-hour
online course and an audio version of the book, along with several free
chapters18 and accompanying videos.19
Belisa Vranich, a clinical psychologist, has also written an
excellent book called “Breathe.” In it, she details a program that can
help improve your physical and mental health. You can learn more about
her breathing program in this recent interview.
Other Common Contributing Factors
Aside from stress, improper breathing and excessive exposure to
microwave radiation from wireless technology, a number of other
situations and underlying issues can also contribute to anxiety. This
includes but is not limited to the following, and addressing these
issues may be what’s needed to resolve your anxiety disorder:
Food additives, food dyes, artificial sweeteners, GMOs and glyphosate.
Food dyes of particular concern include Blue #1 and #2 food coloring;
Green #3; Orange B; Red #3 and #40; Yellow #5 and #6; and the
preservative sodium benzoate
Gut dysfunction caused by imbalanced microflora. This is often a result of eating too much sugar and junk food
Lack of magnesium, vitamin D,20B vitamins and/or animal-based omega-3. Research has shown a 20 percent reduction in anxiety among medical students taking omega-3s21
Exposure to toxic mold
and other toxins. Ask yourself if there’s any kind of pattern; do your
symptoms improve when you spend time away from your home or office, for
example?
EFT — A Potent Nondrug Treatment Alternative
In addition to learning proper breathing, another potent treatment alternative that does not involve drugs is the Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), one of the most well-established forms of energy psychology. Akin to acupuncture, EFT is based on the concept that a vital energy flows through your body along invisible pathways known as meridians.
By gently tapping on specific energy meridian points in your body and
using verbal affirmations, you can reprogram how your body responds to
stress, thereby lowering your anxiety.
Research confirms EFT can be a powerful intervention for stress and anxiety,22,23,24
in part because it specifically targets your amygdala and hippocampus,
which are the parts of your brain that help you decide whether or not
something is a threat.25
In the video above, EFT therapist Julie Schiffman demonstrates how to
tap for panic attacks and anxiety relief. For serious or complex
issues, you may need a qualified EFT therapist to guide you through the
process. That said, the more you tap, the more skilled you’ll become.
You can also try acupuncture,26 which like EFT bridges the gap between your mind and body.
Other Nondrug Treatment Options
Considering the risks of psychiatric drugs, I would urge you to view
them as a last resort rather than a first-line of treatment. In addition
to the breathing exercises and EFT already mentioned, other far safer
strategies to explore include:
Regular exercise and daily movement.
In addition to the creation of new neurons, including those that
release the calming neurotransmitter GABA, exercise boosts levels of
potent brain chemicals like serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine,
which may help buffer some of the effects of stress.
Many avid exercisers also feel a sense of euphoria after a workout,
sometimes known as the "runner's high." It can be quite addictive, in a
good way, once you experience just how good it feels to get your heart
rate up and your body moving.
Mindfulness training and/or a spiritual practice. Research suggests psilocybin,
also known as magic mushrooms, may be a game changer in the treatment
for severe depression and anxiety, and the spiritual intensity of the
experience appears to be a key component of the healing.
Magic mushrooms are illegal, so this is not a viable treatment as of
yet, but it highlights the importance and relationship between having a
spiritual foundation that can provide hope and meaning to your life.
Optimizing your gut microbiome.
Gastrointestinal abnormalities have been linked to a variety of
psychological problems, including anxiety and depression. It is now well
established that the vagus nerve is the primary route your gut bacteria
use to transmit information to your brain,27 which helps explain why mental health can be so intricately connected to your gut microbiome.28
For example, fermented foods have been shown to curb social anxiety disorder in young adults.29,30 To learn more about this, please see “Poor Diet, Lack of Sunshine and Spiritual Anemia — Three Potent Contributors to Depression and Anxiety.”
Lowering your sugar and processed food intake. Research shows your diet can have a profound effect on your mental health.31,32
Pay particular attention to nutritional imbalances known to contribute
to mental health problems, such as lack of magnesium, vitamin D, B
vitamins and animal-based omega-3 such as anchovies, sardines, wild-caught Alaskan salmon and/or krill oil.
Studies33
have demonstrated that diets high in fresh produce and healthy fats
significantly reduce and can help prevent depression. Conversely, diets
high in refined carbs and processed foods are associated with and
increased risk.34
Getting plenty of restorative sleep.
Poor sleep is strongly associated with an increased risk of depression
and anxiety (including post-traumatic stress disorder). In fact,
researchers have been unable to find a single psychiatric condition in
which the subject's sleep is normal.
Being mindful of your exposure to EMFs and use of wireless technologies. At bare minimum, avoid keeping any of these gadgets next to you while sleeping
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). They even offer CBT for young children these days.35 A number of universities offer Tao Connect36
to their students, but even if you’re not a student, there are free
online programs available that you can use. Some examples include
MoodGYM,37 e-couch,38 Learn to Live39 and CBT Online40
Nature therapy and listening to nature sounds.
Spending more time in natural environments has been shown to lower
anxiety. Nature sounds also have a distinct and powerful effect on your
brain, lowering fight-or-flight instincts and activating your
rest-and-digest autonomic nervous system.41,42,43
Nature sounds also produce higher rest-digest nervous system
activity, which occurs when your body is in a relaxed state. Listening
to nature sounds can also help you recover faster after a stressful
event.
So, seek out parks, or create a natural sanctuary on your balcony, or
indoors using plants and an environmental sound machine. YouTube also
has a number of very long videos of natural sounds, such as the one
featured above. You could simply turn it on and leave it on while you’re
indoors.
Overcoming Anxiety
Anxiety can take a significant toll on your quality of life, so it’s
well worth it to keep going until you find an effective long-term
solution. You may need a combination of several interventions. As a
general rule, you’d be wise to begin by addressing your diet, and then
experiment with a variety of stress reduction techniques, several of
which have been mentioned above.
Last but not least, don’t underestimate the value of social
interactions — face-to-face, that is, not via social media, as the
latter has actually been shown to trigger and worsen anxiety. In fact,
“social media anxiety disorder” is now a recognized mental health
condition similar to social anxiety disorder.44
According to Sarah Fader, CEO and founder of Stigma Fighters, about
30 percent of social media users spend more than 15 hours a week online,
which significantly diminishes your ability to enjoy real life and can
worsen feelings of loneliness and inferiority. So, if you’re in the
habit of checking your phone several times an hour, consider a
smartphone detox. This will also lessen your exposure to damaging
microwaves, as discussed earlier.
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