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)
| 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
| 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