Anxiety can feel like a mental fog, a racing heart, or a sudden sense of dread that seems to come out of nowhere. And while mainstream treatment often focuses on the brain—therapy, medication, mindset—the truth is, your entire body is involved and it's often deeply rooted in your body. In functional medicine, we look beyond symptoms to uncover imbalances that may be fueling anxiety, from nutrient deficiencies to gut dysbiosis and genetic variations. Having worked in general medicine for over a decade before specializing in psychiatry, I am particularly tuned-in to how the body and brain are connected.

If you’ve tried therapy or medication without full relief—or you’re curious about a more holistic approach—this post offers a few basics in the science of anxiety from a functional lens, along with evidence-informed ways to test and support your system.