When Anxiety Shows Up In the Body; Looking Beyond the Mind

Have you ever felt anxious in your body even when nothing obvious is wrong?

For many people, anxiety is not only experienced as racing thoughts or worry. It can show up very physically in the body. When this happens it can feel confusing, especially if you are trying to take care of your health and still do not feel quite right.

Common Physical Symptoms of Anxiety

People often describe symptoms such as:

• A racing or pounding heart

• Tightness in the chest

• Feeling shaky or trembling

• Sweating or feeling on edge

• Digestive discomfort or abdominal distress

• A sense of restlessness or internal tension

Experiences vary from person to person, but these physical sensations can feel very real

and unsettling.

Understanding the Gut-Brain Connection

Many people assume anxiety is purely psychological.

However, the body is a connected system. The gut and brain are closely linked through

what is known as the gut-brain axis. This is a communication network between the

digestive system and the brain.

Because of this connection, what is happening in the body can sometimes influence how

we feel mentally and emotionally and vice-versa.

When the body feels under pressure, whether through poor sleep, nutritional imbalances, digestive issues or lifestyle stress, the nervous system may remain in a heightened state.

This can contribute to the physical sensations many people describe as anxiety.

How I Think About This as a Nutritional Therapist

When someone comes to see me with symptoms like these, I like to look at the ‘whole person’, look deeper into the different systems of the body and how they interplay with each other, ultimately looking for the root cause of why these symptoms are happening.

For example, I will question:

• Whether someone may be low in key nutrients or not absorbing them as well as they could be

• Whether there may be inflammation affecting the body

• The balance of sugar and processed foods in the diet

• How much coffee or alcohol someone is drinking

• The quality and consistency of sleep

• Stresses that they may be experiencing

• The frequency and timings of meals throughout the day

  
  

All these factors can influence how supported or stressed the body feels.

The aim is not to search for something wrong, but to understand what may help the body feel more balanced and supported.

Functional Testing That May Be Helpful to Explore

In some situations, functional testing can provide additional insight into what might be happening in the body.

This is not always necessary, but it can sometimes help to guide a more personalised approach.

Depending on the individual situation, this may include:

• Blood tests to review nutrient levels and general health markers

• Stool testing to explore digestive health and the balance of the gut microbiome

• Other assessments that help explore digestion, inflammation or nutrient status

Testing is always considered carefully and interpreted in context. It is simply one tool that can help us understand the bigger picture of someone’s health.

If some of these experiences sound familiar, there are a few simple steps that may help support your body.

1. Eat regular, balanced meals

Include protein, fibre and healthy fats to help support steady energy and nourishment.

2. Notice how caffeine, alcohol and sugar affect how you feel

These can sometimes influence the nervous system and energy levels.

3. Prioritise sleep and simple nourishing meals where possible

Rest and nourishment provide important support for the nervous system.

Small changes practiced consistently often make a meaningful difference over time.

A Final Thought

When the body feels nourished, rested and supported, the nervous system often begins

to settle too.

If you recognise some of these experiences in yourself, please know that you are not

alone. Many people experience anxiety through physical symptoms, and it can be helpful

to look at the whole picture of health.

Client Experience

“Cath has honestly changed my life.”

“I had spent the whole of last year going to the gym four to five times a week and feeling deflated when I saw I hadn’t lost any weight, or had even gained a few pounds. I thought something was wrong with me.

I came to Cath with the mindset that if working on my nutrition didn’t help, there must be something terribly wrong with me.

I am pleased to say that with Cath’s incredible knowledge, informative personalised plan and weekly support, I have lost a stone within the time we’ve worked together.

I feel so pleased that I decided to invest in Cath and my nutrition. I have completely changed my lifestyle for the better and now have the tools and information to continue

my weight loss journey in a sustainable way.

I also feel so much better in myself. I no longer have tension headaches, and I feel far

more motivated and positive.

Honestly Cath, I can’t thank you enough.

If you are struggling with your weight, or anything to do with your health, I highly recommend contacting Cath for support.”

If You Would Like Support

If this topic resonates with you and you would like to explore how nutrition and lifestyle factors may be influencing how you feel, you can book a free discovery call or contact me

to talk about your situation and whether working together might be helpful for you

Here's the link to book a free 20-minute discovery call:

https://l.bttr.to/J7Fo0