Metabolic and anxiety-related disorders both pose a significant healthcare burden, and are in the spotlight of contemporary research and therapeutic efforts. Although intuitively we assume that these two phenomena overlap, the link has not been proven scientifically.
Now, a team of researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, headed by Prof. Hermona Soreq from the Edmond and Lily Safra Center for Brain Sciences and the Department of Biological Chemistry at the Faculty of Mathematics and Sciences, revealed the molecular elements that bridge anxiety and metabolism -- a type of microRNA that influences shared biological mechanisms.
"We already know that there is a connection between body and mind, between the physical and the emotional, and studies show that psychological trauma affects the activity of many genes. Our previous research found a link between microRNA and stressful situations -- stress and anxiety generate an inflammatory response and dramatically increase the expression levels of microRNA regulators of inflammation in both the brain and the gut, for example the situation of patients with Crohn's disease may get worse under psychological stress, "
Comment: Rather than turn to the development of drugs that target specific processes in the body - processes which are usually some sort of evolutionarily developed defence mechanism, either to the individual or the planet itself - it would be far better to take action to reduce one's stress levels and improve one's diet.
At SOTT, we recommend a low-carb, non-processed diet; preferably gluten free. These diets are often known as the paleo diet and the ketogenic diet. You can read more about those by clicking the links.
With regard to reducing stress, the Eiriu Eolas breathing and meditation programme is based on sound and uncomplicated science and reduces levels of stress and anxiety over both the short- and long-term, as well as improving physical health and acting as a catalyst for the processing of past trauma. The programme can be found at eiriu-eolas.org and is free to those who may not be able to afford to buy it.