Inflammation and Anxiety: A Hidden Connection

If you’ve been feeling anxious, foggy, or emotionally on edge, your nervous system might not be the only thing involved—your immune system could be playing a role too. At our practice, we look at how chronic, low-level inflammation in the body can affect mental health, especially anxiety.

Inflammation is your body’s natural response to stress, infection, or injury. But when it becomes constant—due to poor sleep, high stress, processed foods, or gut imbalances—it can interfere with brain function. Inflammation can disrupt neurotransmitters, increase cortisol, and make your nervous system feel stuck in “fight or flight” mode.

Here’s how to support your body and reduce inflammation naturally:

• Prioritize sleep: Deep, consistent sleep lowers inflammation markers in the body.

• Move regularly: Gentle movement like walking or yoga helps clear inflammatory stress hormones.

• Support gut health: A balanced gut can regulate immune response and protect the brain.

• Reduce sugar and ultra-processed foods: These are common triggers for inflammation and can worsen mental symptoms.

• Practice daily stress relief* Breathing exercises, prayer, time in nature, and setting boundaries all help calm the nervous system.

Addressing inflammation can be a powerful first step toward feeling more grounded, focused, and emotionally balanced.

Interested in a whole-body approach to anxiety? Book an appointment to explore a personalized plan to reduce inflammation and support your mental health from the inside out.

*Inspired by Dr. Ellen Vora’s discussion in the* Anatomy of Anxiety *podcast (episode: July 2025).*