Healing from Anxiety: Exploring Non-Pharmaceutical Approaches with Gary Brecka

As a holistic mental health therapist, one of the most common issues my clients bring up is anxiety. It’s a condition that affects a significant portion of the population, and many people are looking for alternatives to pharmaceutical medications.

I frequently work with individuals who are tired of relying on medications that often come with unpleasant side effects and minimal results. In this search for effective yet non-pharmaceutical treatments, Gary Brecka’s recent podcast episode on anxiety offers some valuable insights that I believe are worth sharing.

Gary Brecka is a renowned human biologist, biohacker, and longevity expert, dedicated to helping individuals achieve peak performance, vitality, and mental well-being. In his podcast, The Ultimate Human Podcast, he explores the science of anxiety and provides actionable, evidence-based suggestions for those struggling with the condition. One of the most compelling aspects of his approach is his focus on understanding how our body’s internal processes, particularly nutrient deficiencies, can directly contribute to the expression of anxiety.

Anxiety, as Brecka explains, is a complex emotion typically defined as a fear of something that may or may not happen in the future. This fear often has no real basis in the present moment, yet it still causes significant distress. Many individuals suffering from anxiety find that they are not able to identify an obvious trigger. This lack of a clear external cause can lead to confusion, frustration, and a sense of helplessness. Brecka suggests that the root cause of anxiety often lies not in external circumstances, but within the body itself.

According to Brecka, one of the most significant physiological factors contributing to anxiety is a genetic mutation called MTHFR (Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase). This gene mutation prevents the body from converting folic acid into its active form, methylfolate, which is essential for maintaining healthy neurotransmitter function. When methylfolate is deficient, neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin—which regulate mood, stress, and anxiety—are not properly synthesized. This imbalance can lead to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and even ADHD, among other mental health conditions.

Brecka suggests that if you have suffered from anxiety on and off throughout your life, it’s important to ask yourself three questions to determine if your anxiety might be connected to this genetic mutation

1. Have you experienced anxiety intermittently throughout your lifetime?

2. Can you point to a specific trigger for your anxiety?

3. Have anti-anxiety medications been ineffective, or did they make you feel like a “zombie”?

If you answered "yes" to these questions, Brecka argues that it’s worth considering a test for the MTHFR mutation. This gene mutation is surprisingly common, and research shows that it may affect as much as 45% of the population. The good news is that it’s easy to test for—just a simple cheek swab can determine whether you carry the mutation. If you do have it, Brecka suggests that supplementing with methylfolate (specifically 5-MTHF) and SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine) may help alleviate anxiety and even improve overall mental well-being.

Methylfolate and SAM-e help the body process and regulate catecholamines, the neurotransmitters responsible for our fight-or-flight response. When these neurotransmitters become imbalanced, it can lead to an exaggerated sense of fear or anxiety, even in the absence of a true threat. Brecka points out that this is why anxiety can sometimes feel like a physical reaction to a non-existent danger. It’s like feeling the same level of fear you would experience if you were standing face-to-face with a wild animal, even though there is no real threat present. The brain cannot always distinguish between perceived and actual danger, which is why treating anxiety requires more than just managing symptoms—it requires addressing the underlying physiological factors.

From a holistic therapy perspective, Brecka’s insights are particularly powerful because they remind us that mental health is deeply interconnected with physical health. Many times, individuals experience emotional pain, like anxiety, as a result of nutrient deficiencies or imbalances in the body. When we approach anxiety purely from a psychological standpoint, we may miss critical physiological factors that are contributing to the condition. By addressing both the mind and body, we give our clients the best chance for lasting relief.

In addition to methylfolate and SAM-e supplementation, Brecka emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet for managing anxiety. Foods that are rich in folate, like dark leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables, can help to support the body’s ability to process catecholamines properly. Brecka’s podcast also mentions that a diet rich in whole, unprocessed foods can provide the raw materials needed for optimal brain function. As many of us know, the modern food supply is often lacking in the essential nutrients required to maintain mental health, leading to conditions like anxiety becoming more prevalent, particularly in young people.

For anyone struggling with anxiety, especially those who have not found relief through traditional methods, Brecka’s advice offers a practical, non-pharmaceutical approach to healing. His holistic view encourages individuals to look at the root causes of anxiety rather than simply masking the symptoms. With a simple genetic test, supplementation, and dietary changes, individuals may be able to take control of their anxiety in a way that promotes long-term well-being.

It’s important to note that before making any changes to your diet or supplement regimen, you should always consult with a healthcare provider. While supplements like methylfolate and SAM-e are generally safe, they should be used under the guidance of a medical professional to ensure the proper dosage and avoid any potential interactions with other medications.

In conclusion, if you have struggled with anxiety and traditional treatments haven’t worked, consider looking deeper into the physiological causes, such as nutrient deficiencies or genetic mutations like MTHFR. Gary Brecka’s approach offers a science-backed, non-pharmaceutical solution that addresses anxiety at its root. By understanding the intricate connection between our genes, our neurotransmitters, and our mental health, we can begin to heal from anxiety in a more holistic way—one that empowers the mind, body, and spirit to function at their highest potential.

If you would like to begin your holistic wellness focused mental health care, please start by giving us a call at 614-647- HELP.