Is It Anxiety — or a Nutrient Deficiency?

You’ve tried the meditation apps. You’ve cut out caffeine. Maybe your doctor offered an SSRI — or told you it’s “just stress.” But the racing heart, chest tension, spiraling thoughts, or sudden overwhelm won’t let up.

Here’s the thing: what if your anxiety isn’t just in your mind?

What if your body is trying to flag you down — not with a mental health disorder, but with a nutritional imbalance that’s altering your brain chemistry?

The Anxiety No One’s Talking About

In my office, I meet women every week who’ve been brushed off with a diagnosis of anxiety and sent home with a prescription — no testing, no digging, no deeper inquiry.

And while medications can absolutely be helpful in rare cases, I’ve learned to ask a different question:

Why is your nervous system dysregulated in the first place? Why is your body reacting as if it’s under threat — even when things are calm?

The answer, more often than you'd think, is nutrient depletion.

Nutrients That Regulate Your Mood (and Might Be Missing)

Here’s what I wish more providers would screen for before labeling someone with “generalized anxiety disorder”:

1. B12 — The Nervous System Protector

Low B12 affects your myelin sheath, which insulates nerves. It’s essential for serotonin production and stabilizing mood.

Signs it may be low: brain fog, tingling hands/feet, fatigue, mood swings, breathlessness

Commonly depleted in: vegetarians, vegans, those with low stomach acid, or anyone on acid blockers

2. Magnesium — The Calming Mineral

Magnesium regulates the HPA axis and helps your body turn off the fight-or-flight response. Without enough magnesium, your nervous system stays “stuck on,” and you may feel wired, tense, or restless.

Commonly depleted by: stress, caffeine, alcohol, sugar, and hormonal birth control

3. Iron — More Than Energy

Most people think of iron for fatigue, but it's crucial for dopamine synthesis — a neurotransmitter tied to motivation, mood, and resilience. Low iron (especially low ferritin) can mimic both anxiety and depression.

Commonly depleted in: menstruating women, athletes, postpartum, or people with gut inflammation

4. Zinc — For Gut, Mood & Hormones

Zinc plays a role in GABA regulation, the neurotransmitter that helps you feel grounded and relaxed. It’s also essential for gut lining repair — and over 90% of serotonin is made in the gut.

Commonly depleted in: people with chronic stress, chronic infection, poor digestion, or a diet low in protein

Adaptogens — Nature’s Nervous System Support

If nutrients are the raw materials your brain needs to function, adaptogens are the tools that help your body better respond to stress.

Adaptogens are plant compounds that support your HPA axis, improve resilience, and help buffer the body against both physical and emotional stressors.

Some of my favorites for anxious, depleted patients include:

• Ashwagandha – calming and grounding for wired-but-tired patterns

• Rhodiola – energizing and uplifting, especially if anxiety comes with fatigue

• Holy Basil – mood-balancing, especially when anxiety feels hormonal or cyclical

• Reishi mushroom – nervous system soother with added immune support

Note: If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have thyroid conditions, consult a practitioner for personalized guidance.

Anxiety Is a Symptom, Not a Diagnosis

When you see anxiety as the root problem, the only solutions offered are symptom-focused: deep breaths, therapy, or medication. When you understand anxiety as a symptom of deeper imbalance, your whole healing strategy shifts.

In my practice, we run Heart Rate Variability and posture screenings, labs (if necessary) and perform muscle testing that give us a clear picture of what the body needs. We look at blood sugar, mineral status, gut health, and HPA axis function. We ask: What’s your body missing? Where is the stress load coming from? What’s your system truly asking for?

And with that clarity, we create a plan that helps your body feel safe again.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been dealing with anxiety that doesn’t respond to mindset work, talk therapy, or even medication — you’re not broken.

You might be depleted and you deserve a deeper look.

Ready to dig deeper into your health? Let’s connect and create a plan that supports your body and your mind — from the inside out.

— Dr. Kendra Kautz Chiropractor | Holistic Health Consultant | Women’s Wellness Advocate

Costa Mesa, CA | Virtual Appointments Available for California Residents

Text or Call: 714-540-0555 to schedule