The host of the Anxiety Summit, Trudy Scott, Food Mood Expert and Nutritionist, author of The Antianxiety Food Solution closes the Anxiety Summit Season 4.
Anxiety Summit closing: Neurotransmitter testing, amino acid questions, hyperflexibility/EDS and pet anxiety
- Ehlers Danlos Syndrome/EDS, hyperflexibility, connective tissue problems and the connection to pyroluria/social anxiety
- Natural anxiety solutions for cats, dogs and horses
- Neurotransmitter and pyroluria testing: what works and what doesn’t
- Amino acid questions I get asked and my feedback
- Questions from you, the summit attendees
If this is your first summit and this nutritional info is new to you and you feel overwhelmed start at the beginning and take baby steps and start with the basics: switch to eating a real whole foods diet and dump the junk/processed food, eat to control blood sugar get off the sugar and get off the gluten and caffeine.
You can come back to the advanced topics like oxytocin and fluroquinoline toxicty and Lyme disease and heavy metals and Ehlers Danlos syndrome (and all the rest) later.
I shared these 60+ Nutritional & Biochemical Causes of Anxiety on my closing call of The Anxiety Summit season 3. I hope they will help you put the puzzle pieces together to resolve your anxiety.
Here is some of the Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and anxiety/social anxiety/pyroluria information from the blog I posted late last year: Joint hypermobility / Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and pyroluria?
Here is what we know from the research: disorder of connective tissue, premature osteoarthritis, intestinal dysmotility, and laxity in other tissues causing hernias or uterine or rectal prolapse, chronic pain some with serious disability
Here is the feedback I received from my blog reader: much higher than expected incidences of anxiety, depression, chronic pain which is often labelled as fibromyalgia, gastrointestinal problems, pyroluria, POTS (Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome) and MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome), leaky gut, less than ideal responses to nutrient therapies, many on cocktails of medications for pain, sleep, anxiety, depression, reflux, IBS, menstrual disorders etc. [I appreciate her for posing the question]
There are a number of papers published in 2014 and 2015 linking EDS / Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome with psychiatric disorders, in one Swedish paper anxiety was as high as 74.8%. In another paper they found preliminary connections with depression, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and OCD.
I have had many people with pyroluria confirm the connection and a number who get on the pyroluria protocol see their symptoms improve. One person found a connection to Thin Basement Membrane Disease (an inherited collagen/connective tissue disorder diagnosed via kidney biopsy) and pyroluria and saw an improvement in both on the pyroluria protocol.
Here is the pyroluria questionnaire
Please see the above blog for links to the research I discussed and all the comments
Lisa Bloomquist shared this in the blog comments of her interview: Antibiotic Induced Anxiety – How Fluoroquinolone Antibiotics Induce Psychiatric Illness Symptoms
I agree completely, both that people with EDS should never be given fluoroquinolones (check this out ), and that fluoroquinolones can also exacerbate and cause EDS symptoms (and maybe EDS itself). Fluoroquinolones definitely cause connective tissue problems. They even have a black box warning on them noting the damage they can do to tendons. In addition to tendons, they can also damage cartilage, muscles, and collagen. I’m not sure whether the FQs trigger symptoms of EDS, or if they trigger epigenetic changes that lead to EDS. There are an unfortunately large number of people who have EDS symptoms post-exposure to these drugs.
The person who posed the question to me is a member of a FB group called: Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and Polysaccharide
I haven’t had a chance to look into everything they recommend but I’ve been super impressed with what I’ve seen on this online forum.
Let us know if this resonates with you and if you have you been diagnosed with joint hypermobility or Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome? If you have pyroluria to let us know if the pyroluria protocol of zinc, vitamin B6, evening primrose oil and a good copper-free multi has helped?
Pets and anxiety:
- Anxitane, tryptophan, gluten-free diet and a Thundershirt (here’s an example of one)
- Check with your vet about Rescue Remedy and pyroluria protocol (I’ve had feedback from people using both approaches)
- Researchers have found that vets who were given pet dogs showed significant improvement in their PTSD symptoms. Here is the article
New research just out: Antidepressive treatment during pregnancy can affect newborn brain activity
New Medscape article – Fluoroquinolones: Not First-Line Treatment
Inspiring words of wisdom from a listener:
It was very helpful to hear of Tricia and her family’s journey with lyme, anxiety, pylouria, GABA, etc. I am hoping that other parents will try “natural” remedies first for anxiety, panic, etc. I was put on antidepressants in my early teens and thus began a life long battle of trying to get my life back.
My parents didn’t know the repercussions of the medications I was on. I went from being an A student to being completely zoned out for a while in school, along with other problems from the prescription medications. Then came the thoughts of suicide and more. I had no idea what was going on with me.
Years later, a psychiatrist who seemed more open to natural remedies and who couldn’t find a medication that could help me or keep me from completely losing it, had an “enlightened moment” and when he went back over my history realized the “issues” I was having was most likely related to my hormones. I would indeed find out later that this was the case and that it had to do a lot with what we were eating growing up. My hormones were a mess as a young teenager and what we were eating a home was not at all healthy for us and filled with hormones, antibiotics, etc.
I want to impress on people that these prescription medications will ALWAYS do more damage than good. And my heart breaks when I hear of the young people around me being put on these medications. I just recently learned ECT (shock treatment) is now being used on the young.
Some time back, I cannot remember, I learned of you, Trudy, and your work. Even though I knew some of what you taught, I was still afraid to completely let go of the meds. It took some time, a great deal of struggle, patience and trust, but I eventually made the switch to a WAY MORE healthier diet, L-tryptophan, GABA calm and GABA, and have slowly begun to reclaim my life.
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Hi Trudy,
Thank you for bringing awareness to Ehlers Danlos Syndrome! So few people have even heard of it but it is a daily reality for me. I was diagnosed with hyperadrenergic postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) secondary to Ehlers Danlos Syndrome Type 3 at age 22. I went to a POTS specialist, Dr. Blair Grubb, at the University of Toledo and they diagnosed me with mast cell activation disorder (MCAD) as well based on high chromagranin A and anaphylactic-like episodes. I also have pyroluria (per a urine kryptopyrrole test), multiple autoimmune diseases, SIBO, Candida, heavy metals, and my ILADS doctor suspects Lyme and has treated me with a homeopathic protocol.
Ever since age two, I would faint 6-12 times a year. This was extremely distressing and created a lot of anxiety for me. My pediatrician attributed these vasovagal episodes to low blood sugar and said I would “grow out of it”. Upon entering college, I started having GERD and IBS symptoms which were later attributed to celiac disease, along with severe anxiety and panic attacks. Later on I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and lupus (their approach for the former was to “wait until my thyroid had killed itself off” and I was offered the immunosuppressive anti-malarial drug Plaquenil for the latter, which I refused due to risk of blindness).
I tried all the conventional therapies for POTS, including Midodrine, Florinef, and Adderall, all of which they prescribe in an attempt to raise blood pressure, a slew of beta blockers (to lower heart rate), and a litany of meds for symptomatic relief of gastrointestinal symptoms. The first doctor I saw (before all these diagnoses) said I had anxiety and depression and put me on Zoloft and Xanax. I reacted extremely poorly to both, and almost died because my blood pressure dropped so low from Valium. I later heard that people with EDS should not take anxiolytic or sedative drugs with vasodilatory properties, given the propensity for blood to pool in their extremities anyway with EDS, as these benzodiazepines can cause low blood pressure. I have heard EDS patients react poorly to anesthetics as well, as a side note.
At its worst, I could not even make it down the stairs, was bed ridden, and had to move in with my parents. I was rushed to the ER many times because my blood pressure was so dangerously low that I could not maintain consciousness, and had a standing order for a saline IV at an infusion center every day to maintain enough blood volume to prevent my blood pressure from dropping. At one point, I was having anaphylactic-like episodes where my blood pressure would plummet and I would go unconscious several times a day after eating ANYTHING. I had to be hospitalized multiple times and was diagnosed with MCAD. I now have healed my gut to some extent and can even tolerate fermented foods and other high-histamine foods (along with DAO support), so I feel my histamine intolerance has improved dramatically.
I found my way to functional medicine doctors and after a lot of self-experimentation and personal research have made dramatic improvements. I have only fainted once in the past two years, and I am able to do occasional yoga, go for regular walks, live alone, and am back in school completing my Master’s degree in Nutrition. My energy is still low, but I think this is mostly related to suboptimal adrenal and thyroid health. I no longer feel I would meet the criteria for POTS, as I don’t experience the orthostatic hypotension on a regular basis anymore and the disabling adrenaline rushes that accompany hyperadrenergic POTS are much less frequent. Knowing what I know now, I feel that hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation and hypothyroidism, along with deconditioning, play a prominent role in the pathophysiology of POTS.
The pyroluria protocol has improved my anxiety (before I could not fly, disliked even talking on the phone, and had OCD tendencies), although there is still progress to be made. It is difficult to tease out whether physical symptoms or biochemical imbalances cause my anxiety, as I had a plethora of nutrient deficiencies and mitochondrial dysfunction that I’ve since improved with the autoimmune paleo diet and targeted supplementation. Alongside the EDS-induced fainting episodes, I’ve had joints dislocate (ribs, knee, shoulder), and my proprioception (knowing your body’s orientation in three-dimensional space) is also problematic. I think these issues lead people with EDS to be hypervigilant and overly cautious since they know their bodies are more delicate and susceptible to injury.
I still experience more joint pain and recurrent migraines, which are common in EDS, but bone broth and collagen have helped with the arthralgia. There also may be something to the low cholesterol connection you proposed, because I’ve noticed a positive difference in anxiety after introducing pastured eggs (I had omitted them for two years on the AIP diet).
I also think there is a connection between EDS, autoimmune diseases, and Lyme, as a lot of people I come across have this triad. I also have mitral valve prolapse, like many people with EDS and POTS. Interestingly, my doctor said a lot of patients who have EDS are former dancers or gymnasts (I did both when I was young) as they gravitate towards these activities given their hypermobility.
There is a lot more healing to go (especially with respect to gut health) but I have made great strides. A lot of the rhetoric in the POTS and EDS community revolves around being permanently disabled, unable to work, and having an incurable disease. Although both can be debilitating and there is a spectrum of severity, I believe there is hope and my story is a testament to that. I have seen fifty or more doctors, was told I have cancer three separate times before the age of 25 (all misdiagnoses), have a laundry list of diagnoses, and have good days and horrible days, but compared to where I was, I am much better off. I was on twenty plus daily prescriptions, and have replaced all of these but two (thyroid hormone replacement and low dose naltrexone) with natural supplements. Luckily, I never took a fluoroquinolone to my knowledge. I was prescribed Levaquin for a UTI, but read on the package insert that it was a drug for anthrax, and thankfully went with my instincts and requested a different antibiotic.
I thought I would share my story for anyone who is interested. While the conventional treatment algorithms did nothing but make me worse, functional and naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, nutrition, and other integrative and holistic approaches have much to offer in the way of healing for Ehlers Danlos and regaining as much functionality as possible.
Thanks Trudy! I am sad to see this summit come to a close but have learned so much. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions.
Ali
Thank you for sharing so much. You have been through a great deal but it’s just wonderful to hear how much better you are doing And that you are now studying nutrition!
I love all the connections and correlations you’ve made. And that you have a message of hope and healing.
I just want to make sure you did see the link to the facebook group I mentioned – and find out if you’ve had any additional success with the approach they discuss?
A suggestion for the next summit:
I would suggest that in the interviews you not say how wonderful it is that the speaker is talking about their subject, etc. It takes away from the time the interviewee has, and we all know that having these talks is wonderful and helpful. As we listen to so many interviews (which can create anxiety in itself) the repetition of these statements can be nerve-wracking. Just saying.
I do appreciate your expertise and all you put into the summits. I can’t say enough about all the things I learn on the summits, as difficult as they can be for me — time, organization of the material with brain fog, etc.
Thanks, Trudy.
yes true.. and we learn a lot, just can be too much too I think; with having too many speakers on one day; verses just doing 3 per day more sensible and to digest everything is the key.
When too much, can be too much for brain.
But thank you Trudy I think you are wonderful and so caring like none other.
God bless you
Lynne
Thanks for the feedback – I’m afraid that’s going to be a hard one to change – it’s me and my enthusiasm and passion coming through 🙂 Also keep in mind it’s super for the speaker being interviewed since they only hear it during their interview. I do so appreciate them and want to acknowledge them
I’m glad to hear you appreciate the expertise and learn so much – that’s the main thing
I would LOOOOOOOVe to know please what your listeners recommend as a deodorant that works for a hard evenings dancing/a days hiking. I have tried dozens of organic ones-a waste of money but i stress cos I know using the conventional ones are sooo bad for me.
Pip
Low zinc can increase body odor so I’d start there. Next best is aluminum-free baking soda dabbed on a damp armpit – works wonders
Try Funk Butter by Oyin …..it’s the ONLY natural deodorant that has ever worked for me
Trudy Thankyou!!! How sad its all over a tear came to my eye welll several actually. Thankyou for offering hope to so many, especially those of us with no family and who are socailly isolated with our health/mental health issues. You do wonderful work! As I said before I have listened to many summits, seeking solutions this has been the best by far!
Pip
Thanks so much for the lovely feedback – I wish much healing and less social isolation – and tons of hope!
Trudy, enjoyed the summit! Thank you for all the great information. Are the gems and free gifts still available when you purchased the summit? How about the special discount for the beef sticks? Thanks
Great! They are all still available
Dear Trudy,
So sad the Summit has ended. I love most of them, emphasis being on Functional Medicine, which is so crucial to our health in assisting our bodies to heal naturally as they are meant to.
The movie on bipolar, are you able to send link to my email please? That is very encouraging to say the least that folks can recover from such a devastating illness.
The entire Summit has been so motivating. I had sent links out to all my friends and family.
A big thank YOU, Trudy for a job well done.
Hi Trudy, I have listened to several of the talks on the Anxiety Summit, and ordered your book. I’m wondering if you can advise anything about using diet and supplements to help a child with ADHD impulsive/violent behaviour?
Age 63 female. On and off antidepressants over 20+years while tweaking dosages and changing drugs. Nothing lasts long. Have anxiety and depression & panic my entire adult life. Have sleep apnea and insomnia. Met a functional medicine Dr (MD) recently she took many tests, Discovered MTHFR with 2 copies of C677T, exhausted adrenals, low iodine, high Lipoprotein(a), possible parathyroid issue (tumor?) but will be retested for PTH. Started me on paleo diet, a whole slew of nutrients, adrenal support, probiotics, digestion enzymes etc etc including something called “Methyl-Protect”. Hormones being balanced now with just starting Bi-est and progesterone. After 3 weeks of the above, symptoms became worse. She then started me on Amino Acid therapy – (Dr. Hinz protocol) almost a month now – depression and anxiety continue to get worse. I did the Nutra-Eval test and waiting for results, I was given the option of genetic testing. Is there any one better than the other? I was told finding out if I have the COMT will be a helpful tool I don’t care what these tests cost – I am willing to try anything to feel better. Knowledge is power and sometimes you need to be your own advocate too so I was also using something on my own called Kavinace Ultra PM for the insomnia- that seemed to be adding to the depression and agitation though it helped me sleep – maybe the 5HTP and melatonin in it? The Amino acid therapy also has 5HTP. Currently take 25mgs zoloft, xanax as needed (over 20 years for sleep and anxiety) I am very worried about my relationships and my marriage. This is the black pits of depression and I cry every day from emotional pain. Any help, shared experiences, advice, thoughts etc will be so greatly appreciated. I will be happy to answer any questions that may help you to help me find a way out. Thank you for listening 🙁
Betsy
I’m sorry to hear all this. I always start my clients on the basics: real food, no junk, animal protein at breakfast to balance blood sugar, no gluten, no sugar, no caffeine and one amino acid (based on the questionnaire and NOT urinary neurotransmitter testing or the Dr Hinz protocol). Often it’s best to do just one thing so you know if it’s helping or making things worse.
Methyl-Protect can sometimes makes you feel worse – Dr Lynch covers this in this interview https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-summit-methylfolate-anxiety/. Dr Walsh covered a lot of this too https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-depression-methylation-pyrrole-copper-zinc-imbalance/
It’s also possible that the Zoloft and/or Xanax are playing a role in how bad you feel too.
Thank you so much dear Trudy. I stopped the methyl-protect 2 days ago and already feel better! I think I was over- methylated. Why do you say “no Dr Hinz protocol” (just curious – would love to know your thoughts on this) and where may I find this questionnaire you speak of?
Besty
Glad to hear. I find that doing the amino acid questionnaire https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/amino-acids-mood-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/ and trial of the applicable amino acid https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/how-to-do-an-amino-acid-trial-for-anxiety/ works the best for my clients.
Hello, I‘m just about to start treating Lyme disease. I listened to your very informative webinar on your recent Anxiety Summit. I have been recommended a specific gaba supplement called Quicksilver Scientific Gaba (gamma amino butyric acid 250mg) with L-Theanine 100mg and phosphatidylcholine 134mg (other ingredients glycerin, ethanol, vitamin E) to try to help calm neuro activity due to lyme and bartonella but I am very reluctant about taking a substance that I could become reliant on and/or addicted to. I DO NOT want to take anything which you need to taper off or gives withdrawal symptoms. I would be grateful if you would advise whether you think the above product carries these risks, or if you could point me in the right direction in order to find out. Many thanks in anticipation.
M
Glad you enjoyed the summit! I haven’t used this particular product with clients but it looks good (https://www.quicksilverscientific.com/images/art/products/Product_Pdfs/GABA_Sheet_20141029_newlogo.pdf). I prefer sprays and tinctures that are ethanol-free and would love it if they took that out. You would not want to use it with an alcoholic or child.
Please do come back and let us know how it works for you
Trudy,
Thanks so much for your advice. I will definitely try it and let you know if I notice anything – good or bad.
Congratulations again on a great summit.
Best wishes M