I was compelled to write this article due to my ongoing battle with chronic anxiety and the remarkable benefits I experienced when I decided to eliminate stimulants such as caffeine, chocolate, and wine from my life.

It all started when I was due to go on my Hawaii trip. Typically, I would have been eagerly looking forward to the adventure, but instead, I found myself crippled by anxiety and was suffering from  a cycle of relentless panic attacks. On the morning of my Hawaii trip, I reached a breaking point. I was trembling, gripped by nausea, and on the verge of fainting. The thought of enduring an 11-hour plane journey felt like an unbearable ordeal, prompting me to make the heart-wrenching decision to cancel my trip.

Despite having enjoyed many years free from anxiety, I found myself in a period where panic attacks were a daily struggle. It got to a point where I seriously contemplated seeking medical intervention, possibly medication, to regain control over my life. However, an epiphany struck me like lightning. I came to realize that, as someone with a sensitive nervous system, I had been regularly consuming stimulants like chocolate, chai, and wine. It was at this pivotal moment that I resolved to abstain from these substances, leading to a profound transformation in my life.

Today, I regularly inquire about caffeine consumption from my clients who grapple with anxiety. Remarkably, 95 percent of them are avid consumers of coffee and alcohol.

Curiosity drove me to delve into the science behind these beloved foods and beverages and understand their impact:

Caffeine – In our brains, we have a neurotransmitter called adenosine that promotes relaxation and drowsiness by binding to specific receptors. When adenosine binds to its receptors, it slows down neural activity, inducing feelings of tiredness and relaxation. Caffeine, however, intervenes by blocking these adenosine receptors. With adenosine unable to bind, neural activity remains high, resulting in heightened alertness and wakefulness. Although caffeine doesn’t affect everyone in the same way, its impact can be particularly pronounced in individuals with heightened sensitivity. (Reference – Unwinding Anxiety by Dr J.Brewer).

Chocolate – Chocolate contains both caffeine and theobromine, another compound known to block adenosine receptors. This combination can induce nausea, elevate heart rate, trigger headaches, and cause trembling in some individuals. 

Alcohol – Alcohol exerts an influence on brain chemistry, particularly concerning the neurotransmitter GABA, which typically has a calming effect. Small amounts of alcohol can stimulate GABA, promoting relaxation. However, excessive alcohol consumption can deplete GABA, leading to increased tension and heightened panic. (Reference – GABA the anxiety amino acid by B.J.Sahley Ph.D. )

Understanding the intricate interplay between these substances and our nervous systems underscores the importance of mindful consumption. For individuals prone to anxiety, like myself, making informed choices about what we consume can be a transformative step towards improved mental well-being.