In a recent blog post I discussed a possible connection between introversion and pyroluria, especially if you also have social anxiety, inner tension and a preference for interacting with a few people rather than a crowd.
This nice infographic gives us some of the useful facts and stats:
- introverts make better one-on-one connections
- introverts sometimes experience anxiety when speaking to large groups of people
- introverts are prone to social anxiety disorder
- the percentage of introverts in the U.S. is about 50%
- the percentage of people in the U.S. who are estimated to have social anxiety disorder is 7%-8%
- the percentage of adults in the U.S. who are estimated to have an anxiety disorder is 18% [I added this one]
I like that this infographic is suggesting more comfortable work environments and jobs that may suit introverts better.
BUT …and this is a BIG BUT….I feel we can do better if you are one of those introverts who still feel anxious or nervous despite all the tips and tricks.
It’s important for you to also address some of the possible biochemical and nutritional imbalances:
- low blood sugar can make you feel anxious, irritable and depressed – eating protein at breakfast helps so much
- pyroluria can cause social anxiety and inner tension, especially in crowds and when under more stress – zinc and vitamin B6 can make a world of difference
- gluten intolerance can cause anxiety and depression and can lead to nutritional deficiencies – do an elimination and challenge
- low GABA or low serotonin can lead to physical tension/anxiety and worry/anxiety in the head – consider a trial of GABA or tryptophan supplements
This is just a few factors that may be contributing to your anxiety. I encourage you to investigate and address ALL the possible causes of your anxiety and/or social anxiety. You don’t have to live with it, tolerate it and force or “extrovert” (a new verb!) yourself in social settings. You can feel comfortable, relaxed, calm and be a “Social Butterfly” – really!
Do also check out my book for in-depth protocols and research: The Antianxiety Food Solution: How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood, and End Cravings (New Harbinger, 2011).
Source: BestMastersPrograms.org
What a great infographic. And thanks for breaking it down so well for us.
Nice article, Trudy. The graphic is really interesting. I don’t feel as alone now :).
Kamran
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Keep in mind that you don’t have to feel alone. If there is a biochemical component, the anxiety issues should be able to be addressed and resolved
Trudy
I am a big introvert and am easily over-stimulated. I know my B6 and GABA are at optimum levels but I will need to check my zinc now.
I love how addressing nutrition reduces the belief system so many of my clients have that ‘they are this way’ when in fact the symptoms they experience are ‘not them,’ they are often times nutritional or digestive deficiencies.
Thank you Trudy!
yes Angela, isn’t the power of food and nutrients incredible?! and they even change our genes so we don’t have to be, as you say, “this way”
and yes, do check your zinc – I assume you know about the zinc status test https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/zinc-deficiency-and-using-the-zinc-taste-test/ and using low alkaline phosphatase as another indication of possible low zinc?
Trudy ~
This is really interesting. I stopped eating gluten a few years ago and I never put it together but now my shyness is really manageable. I am interviewing people for telesummits and teaching classes online, all without a lot of stress!
Thanks for such great information!
~Rose
Rose Hawley
The Simplification Coach
Mindfully Organized
Rose
It is interesting isn’t it! Good for you – I see you out there and you are rocking it!
I just contributed to a new book called “Shaking Behind the Microphone: Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking” by Jill Ammon Vanderwood. I shared how quitting gluten had helped me so much and she said that her fear of public speaking had disappeared around the same time she quit gluten. She too, had not made the connection until I shared my story!
Food and nutrients are SO powerful!
Trudy
Could dairy have the same effect on social anxiety as gluten?
Great insight, Trudy!
Wow! I had no idea that so many people were introverts!
This is also a wonderful reminder for my to take GABA, a practice that has been helpful in the past that I’ve slipped out of.
PJ
PJ
I think many are surprised by this number because so many introverts cover it up and fake it or “extrovert” when out in social settings. It’s so exhausting!
Good to hear on the GABA – it’s a wonderful amino acid!
Trudy
Because I am have a low voice in crowds I was threatened by a judge to have a court case overturned if I didn’t speak loader. I managed to out of the fear she caused me, but I was extremely uncomfortable.
Justin – this sounds like bullying! I’m sorry you had to go through this
When is the best time to take zinc and vitamin B6 supplements? I’ve been taking them both together in the morning with food.