View source for Anxiety - Male

== What Does It Mean? ==
Anxiety is a heightened state of nervous system activity characterized by excessive worry, restlessness, and physiological stress responses. In males, this can manifest as:

* Persistent feelings of unease or dread
* Sleep disturbances
* Increased heart rate and palpitations
* Gastrointestinal discomfort
* Cognitive impairment (difficulty concentrating, memory issues)

== How Did We Get There? ==

=== Root Causes: ===

* Neurotransmitter Imbalances: Low serotonin and GABA, high cortisol and epinephrine
* HPA Axis Dysregulation: Chronic stress leading to adrenal fatigue
* Inflammation & Gut Health: Dysbiosis and leaky gut increasing systemic inflammation
* Micronutrient Deficiencies: Magnesium, B vitamins, and omega-3 depletion
* Toxin Exposure: Heavy metals, mold toxicity, and endocrine disruptors affecting the nervous system

=== Signs & Symptoms: ===

* Excessive worrying, fear, or panic attacks
* Sleep disturbances (insomnia or non-restorative sleep)
* Muscle tension and headaches
* Increased heart rate, dizziness, or hyperventilation
* Digestive issues such as bloating, IBS-like symptoms
* Irritability and mood fluctuations

=== Diagnostic Criteria: ===
Diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical presentation and laboratory markers.

=== Lab Test Findings ===
(Note: Additional labs can be included for a more comprehensive assessment within this protocol)
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Lab Test'''
|'''Expected Changes'''
|'''Optimal Range'''
|-
|Cortisol, Serum
|Increased
|    8.90-9.50 µg/dL
|-
|T3, Free (Triodothyronine
|Increased
|      3.00-3.50 pg/mL
|-
|Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
|Decreased
|      1.00-2.00 µIU/mL
|-
|Vitamin B12
|Decreased
|          545.00-1100.00 pg/mL
|-
|Potassium
|Decreased
|      4.00-5.00 mmol/L
|-
|Sodium
|Decreased
|      137.00-142.00 mmol/L
|-
|Magnesium, Serum
|Decreased
|  2.20-2.50 mg/dL
|-
|Calcium
|Decreased
|    8.90-9.50 mg/dL
|}

== How Do We Treat It? ==
The functional medicine approach focuses on addressing the root cause of anxiety through targeted interventions.

=== Supplement Protocol ===
{| class="wikitable"
|'''Supplement'''
|'''Function'''
|'''Dosage & Frequency'''
|-
|Advanced Vita-Biotic R
|Provides probiotics to restore vaginal and gut microbiome
|1 capsule without food, daily
|-
|Endura
|Supports hydration and electrolyte balance
|1 scoop with or without food  in cold water, three times daily
|-
|CoQ-10 300 mg
|Mitochondrial & cardiovascular support
|2 capsules with food, daily
|-
|Vita Defense
|Enhances immune response and supports microbiome balance
|1 capsule without food,  daily
|-
|V-Inflamma
|Reduces systemic and vaginal inflammation
|1 capsule without food,  daily
|-
|Vita-Candid
|Supports microbial balance and prevents fungal overgrowth
|2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, daily
|-
|Vita-Glutathione
|Supports detoxification and immune function
|1 capsule with or without food, daily
|-
|V-Pax
|Neurotransmitter & adrenal support
|4  capsules without food, twice daily
|-
|Vita-Digestyzyme
|Aids digestion and gut microbiome balance
|2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily
|-
|Magnesium
|Supports nervous system function and muscle relaxation
|2 capsules with or without food, daily
|-
|V-Collagen
|Supports connective tissue and mucosal integrity
|1 scoop of powder without food,  daily
|-
|SBI Powder
|Supports gut and immune function, aids in reducing inflammation
|1 scoop of powder in cold water without food, daily
|-
|Vita B Methyl
|Supports methylation & energy production
|1 capsule without food, daily
|-
|Gluta Protect
|Antioxidant protection and immune modulation
|1 scoop of powder without food, daily
|-
|D-Mannose Powder
|Prevents bacterial adhesion in the urinary and vaginal tract
|1 tsp of powder with food, twice daily
|-
|Vita Microbe
|Supports healthy vaginal and gut flora
|3  capsules with or without food, daily
|-
|Vita Buffered C Powder
|Antioxidant and immune-enhancing effects
|¼  scoop of powder with food, twice daily
|-
|Vita DIM
|Hormonal & detoxification support
|2 capsules with or without food, daily
|-
|Vita-Biotic
|Provides probiotics to balance the vaginal microbiome
|4 capsules without food, daily
|-
|Vita-Flux
|Supports nitric oxide production and circulation
|2 capsules 20-30 minutes prior to food, twice daily
|-
|Vita Calm
|Support relaxation, stress relief, and a balanced mood
|1 full dropper with or without food, three times, daily
|-
|Melatonin
|Regulate the sleep-wake cycle and supports restful sleep.
|10 tablets with or without food, daily
|-
|5-HTP
|Supports mood balance, emotional well-being, and healthy sleep patterns
|3 capsules with or without food, daily
|}

=== Additional Lifestyle Interventions: ===

* Mindfulness & Meditation: Reduces sympathetic overdrive and supports vagal tone
* Exercise: Engages stress-reducing endorphins and balances cortisol
* Sleep Hygiene: Optimize melatonin production by reducing blue light exposure
* Dietary Support: Anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense diet rich in healthy fats, lean proteins, and fiber