What causes chronic stress and anxiety?
Quick answer: Chronic stress and anxiety have physiological drivers beyond life circumstances. HPA axis dysregulation, neurotransmitter imbalances, gut-brain axis disruption, blood sugar instability, nutrient deficiencies, and hormonal changes all contribute. Naturopathic support addresses these underlying factors to build genuine resilience, not just manage symptoms.
Stress and anxiety are among the most common reasons clients come to see me — and they’re rarely “just in your head.” While life circumstances certainly play a role, persistent anxiety, overwhelm, and an inability to cope with normal demands almost always have identifiable physiological drivers that can be addressed.
Many of my clients have been offered medication as a first-line response, and while that’s appropriate for some, others want to understand why they feel the way they do and address the root cause. That’s where naturopathic support adds genuine value.
What physiological drivers of anxiety do you see in clinic?
HPA axis dysregulation: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis governs your stress response. Chronic stress — whether from work, relationships, sleep deprivation, or overtraining — disrupts cortisol rhythm, leading to the “wired but tired” pattern: exhausted during the day, unable to switch off at night, waking between 2–4am. Research shows that HPA axis dysfunction is a consistent finding in generalised anxiety (Hek et al., 2013, Psychoneuroendocrinology).
Gut-brain axis: Approximately 95% of your body’s serotonin is produced in the gut. Gut dysbiosis, inflammation, and impaired barrier function directly impair neurotransmitter production. I regularly see clients whose anxiety improved significantly once we addressed underlying gut health issues (Foster & McVey Neufeld, 2013, Trends in Neurosciences).
Blood sugar instability: Erratic blood sugar triggers adrenaline release, which the body experiences as anxiety — racing heart, shakiness, restlessness. Many clients don’t connect their dietary patterns to their anxiety symptoms, but stabilising blood sugar is often one of the most immediately impactful interventions.
Nutrient deficiencies: Magnesium (critical for nervous system regulation and often depleted by stress), zinc, B vitamins, iron, and vitamin D all directly influence mood and anxiety. Deficiency in any of these can present as or worsen anxiety.
Hormonal changes: Anxiety is a common feature of PCOS, perimenopause, post-pill hormone transition, and thyroid dysfunction. Addressing the hormonal driver often resolves the anxiety without needing to target it directly.
How do you approach stress and anxiety naturopathically?
My approach combines targeted nutrient correction, herbal medicine, dietary strategies, and nervous system support. Key interventions include magnesium supplementation (glycinate or taurate forms for nervous system affinity), adaptogenic herbs such as Withania (ashwagandha) and Passionflower for calming the HPA axis, dietary strategies to stabilise blood sugar, gut health restoration where indicated, and sleep hygiene support.
I also assess and address any underlying hormonal, thyroid, or iron issues that may be driving or compounding the anxiety. Most clients notice a meaningful shift within three to four weeks of starting their plan, with continued improvement over two to three months.
References: Hek, K., et al. (2013). The HPA-axis and anxiety disorders. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 38(2), 209–218. Foster, J.A. & McVey Neufeld, K.A. (2013). Gut-brain axis: how the microbiome influences anxiety and depression. Trends in Neurosciences, 36(5), 305–312.