The Role of Food in Teen Anxiety

Nourishing Resilience: The Role of Food in Teen Anxiety

May 30, 20243 min read

As a physician, I’ve spent decades unraveling the intricate tapestry of human health. But today, let’s venture beyond the stethoscope and delve into a realm where forks become allies and plates transform into medicine. 

Yes, we’re talking about the profound connection between food and anxiety—an alliance that often goes unnoticed but holds immense power.

Sugar’s Impact on Mood: A Warning

Refined sugar is a master of disguise, sneaking into our diets and wreaking havoc on our blood sugar levels. This not-so-sweet intruder can send your mood on a turbulent journey, with peaks of hyperactivity followed by the inevitable crashes that leave you feeling irritable and drained.

Whole foods, play a vital role in maintaining emotional equilibrium. Think of them as your steadfast companions, guiding your mood through life’s tempests. When you choose whole, unprocessed foods, you’re not merely fueling your body; you’re also stabilizing your emotional vessel.

The Hidden Culprit: Gluten Sensitivity

Many people harbor undiagnosed gluten sensitivities, and the impact can be profound. Neurologically speaking, gluten can wreak havoc, leading to anxiety, brain fog, and even heart palpitations. It’s like a stealthy saboteur, undermining our emotional well-being.

Try eliminating gluten found in wheat, rye and barley, and many packaged foods for 6 weeks. Following a paleo diet automatically eliminates gluten from your diet and cooking simple meals is another easy way to avoid it.

Alcohol and Anxiety: A Gut Connection

Good gut bugs—tiny warriors in charge of your well-being—are at stake. They’re the neurotransmitter architects, shaping your mood and brain-body harmony. But alcohol? It’s their nemesis. Regular alcohol consumption disrupts these bug armies. Their morale drops and anxiety levels soar. It’s like sending your gut’s 

peacekeepers on vacation and letting chaos reign.



Nicotine’s Impact on Anxiety

Let's talk about nicotine for a moment. While it may provide temporary relief from anxiety, its effects are short-lived and come with a hefty price tag on your health. Moreover, the aftermath of nicotine cravings often leads to indulging in other unhealthy habits like excessive alcohol or sugar consumption. It's a vicious cycle that does more harm than good.

Caffeine Unmasked: A Sleep and Adrenal Tale

Many rely on coffee to jumpstart weary days. But here’s the twist: caffeine can wreak havoc on our adrenal glands, leaving us feeling even more depleted in the long run. Plus, the vicious cycle of caffeine dependency often disrupts our sleep, further exacerbating feelings of anxiety and stress.

Feel free to share this transformative tale with fellow parents. Let’s empower our teens—one nutrient at a time! 

If you’re experiencing anxiety and would like help getting to the bottom of it, we’d be happy to schedule a discovery call [INSERT LINK] with you. During this call, we can discuss your child’s symptoms in more detail and come up with a plan tailored specifically for your child. 


Dive deeper into the world of nutritional harmony by reading our latest blog post and visiting our social media.


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Remember, small steps lead to big changes. Let’s nurture resilience, one mindful bite at a time!  



DISCLAIMER:  The information in this email is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content is for general informational purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional


NourishingResilienceRole of FoodMoodGut ConnectionAlcohol and AnxietyNicotine’s ImpactAnxietyFunctional Medicine
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