Here's my story
A year ago I developed arthritis in my thumbs. I was devastated to lose my ability to open doors and the myriad of activities that require thumbs. I'm pretty young and healthy...so why is this happening to me? My doctor recommended taking joint supplements, icing, and getting thumb braces. After several months of this regimen, I still had pretty severe thumb pain.
Coincidentally, I happened to mention my arthritis to a family member, and they put me in touch with Pamela, someone who had completely cured her Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) through diet and natural lifestyle changes. I was stunned. Years earlier, a friend of mine who was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis was told by doctors that there was no cure. So I was cautiously optimistic.
I contacted Pamela, and after many emails and phone calls, I started to understand how she cured herself. She attributed her complete remission to (1) taking a Functional Medicine approach, (2) healing her gut and (3) making key lifestyle changes.
After hearing Pamela's story, I began to do my own research. I read Healing Arthritis and The Immune System Recovery Plan by Dr. Susan Blum.
When I first started hearing terms like "leaky gut," it all sounded a bit far-fetched. Here are a few "aha" moments that helped me change my mind about leaky gut and begin to understand the importance of gut health:
I went on to read Gut and Psychology Syndrome: Natural Treatment for Autism, Dyspraxia, A.D.D., Dyslexia, A.D.H.D., Depression, Schizophrenia by Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride.
Humm I wondered... if there is a connection between the gut and depression, is there also a connection to Anxiety? (Depression and anxiety often co-occur). I personally have had panic attacks and public speaking phobia, and I've been interested in natural treatments for anxiety disorders.
Oh by the way, my arthritis is 95% better since I made some easy diet and lifestyle changes. I expect it to completely go away soon. So now I'm digging into anxiety.
From "aha" to "that's a scam"...I'll share everything I learn as I dig for answers
Right now I don't have all the answers around the gut-anxiety connection, but I'll keep digging. And I'll share everything that I learn on my journey in this blog series. We'll "peel the onion" layer after layer and discover the answers.
So to kick off our journey, here are several resources that appear credible so far on the topic of gut health and anxiety. I'll update this list as I find out more.
Credible experts and resources on gut health and anxiety
Other studies
Here are other random research studies.
What resources on gut health and anxiety have you found helpful? Please add your thoughts in the comments below.