High Protein Diet Can Trigger Anxiety - A Little Known Fact

There is very little written online about the link between the high consumption of protein powder & high levels of anxiety disorders in seemingly fit & healthy gym folk.

Anxiety disorders & body dysmorphia are surprisingly high amongst the buffest & most aesthetically pleasing humans that grace the gym squat racks & we could all assume it's related to growth enhancing substances that are also prevalently (supposedly) used amongst buff gym bodies, but there is another unassuming culprit that it worth a mention.

Protein, in all forms (especially your protein powder) & when consumed in excess, can trigger the breakdown of essential amino acids such as tyrosine, which can raise levels of dopamine & norepinephrine in the brain, leading to anxiety disorders & increased episodes in those already prone to anxiety or panic attacks.

A high protein diet has also been shown to reduce testosterone levels in men whilst increasing cortisol levels (your stress hormone), leading to further emotional instability & heightened sense of 'flight-or-flight' mode; essentially, increasing your panic mode (sounds like anxiety, right).

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a chemical in the brain that acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, it basically tells your brain to calm down in message transition which may be helpful in regulating mood and anxiety. In other words, GABA calms your nervous system down, helping you to not become overly anxious or afraid.

A protein restricted diet can see GABA production increase & remain elevated, which in turns shows positive effects not only on boosting the immune system, slowing down the aging process but also shows positive effects the reduction of mood disorders such as anxiety & panic disorder.

I, by no means am a hater of protein, nor would I insist on proteins being eliminated from a healthy diet.

What I do hate though, is seeing people suffering needlessly, watching relationships crumble & watching people overconsume these commercially prepared protein powders & not understanding why they may be directly contributing (unknowingly) to their anxiety, panic disorders, agoraphobia & living a life of self-isolation due to the effects of a few simple chemicals floating around in their brain because they overconsume protein because they want to 'get big' & once they're 'big they'll feel better about themselves because they'll look better because they'll get 'big', so they have some more protein...

It's a vicious cycle. Knowledge is power. Consume whatever you consume but do so with self-awareness.

Watch your mood & if you see that connection in yourself, of increased anxiety with increased protein consumption. Just pull back a little & see of it helps calm things down a little in your head.

Anxiety & panic disorders literally rob you of your power & feelings of self-worth.
If you suffer from anxiety disorders & if you haven't yet considered a dietary adjustment & of you would like to discuss further.

Please get in touch.

I can help you with monitored dietary adjustment & work towards a quieter, calmer & more relaxed version of you.

Dee

xx