Anxiety from GI Infection and Food Sensitivities

Summary:

Jacob had recently started college and had anxiety that had worsened over the last year. His anxiety was worsened with compulsions around hygiene and social anxiety. He was having trouble concentrating in his classes and his overall well being had started to suffer. He had been an avid outdoorsman, and often camped and hiked in wilderness areas.

How the case was evaluated:

• • • Further evaluation highlighted that Jacob met the criteria for having OCD, which was not a surprise as his mother also had OCD.
    • His intake revealed that he would often drink water from streams when hiking. He would use a filter, but did note that he had experienced diarrhea a few times after his adventures. A stool test was ordered and was positive for an amoeba likely contracted from a contaminated water source.
    • Due to his reported sensitivity to several types of foods, food sensitivity testing was performed and showed a high reactivity to gluten, diary, and corn.
    • General bloodwork and markers looking for common nutrient deficiencies was ordered and revealed a vitamin D and zinc deficiency.

Assessment:

The GI tract has a large percentage of the body's neurotransmitters and immune cells. When that system is inflamed and imbalanced, it is not uncommon to see body wide and neurological symptoms like anxiety. OCD can have a strong immune foundation and can be worsened with increased immune system and inflammation activity. Given Jacob's intestinal infection and his notable food sensitivities it is suspected that his anxiety and blossoming OCD was stemming from his gut.

Treatment:

• • • Antiparasitic medication resolved the amoeba infection.
    • GI protocol was implemented that supported repair and rebalancing of a health microbiome.
    • Reactive foods were removed from his diet. After a period of gut repair and 'reset' the food sensitivities will be reevaluated.
    • Nutrient deficiencies were resolved.
    • Anxiety and OCD supplement protocol was created for his specific case.

Outcome:

Jacob has a strong family history of anxiety and OCD, and he knows that he will need to prioritize his mental health throughout his life. He has had a notable decrease in his symptoms and only notices his OCD compulsions when he is under significant stress. His GI symptoms have resolved and he has opted to continue avoiding gluten and dairy because he felt such a benefit away from them. He is excited to complete genetic testing and uncover more about his predispositions that come from his family history.