Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. It’s natural to feel nervous before an exam, a job interview, or an important decision. But for many of the patients I see in my St. Louis practice, the problem isn’t occasional worry—it’s the feeling of being anxious all the time. This constant state of unease can affect sleep, relationships, focus, and even physical health.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we help patients understand why they feel anxious and develop strategies that treat both the symptoms and the root causes.

The Difference Between Normal Anxiety and Chronic Anxiety

Normal anxiety comes and goes in response to stressors, then settles once the situation has passed. Chronic anxiety, on the other hand, persists even when there’s no immediate threat. This can feel like constant worry, restlessness, or an inability to “turn your mind off.”

Over time, living in a constant state of anxiety can affect:

• Sleep patterns
• Hormone balance
• Blood pressure and heart health
• Digestion and gut health
• Immune system resilience

Common Reasons People Feel Anxious All the Time

1. Chronic Stress

Long-term exposure to stress keeps the body’s cortisol levels elevated. High cortisol increases heart rate, blood pressure, and alertness—good for emergencies, but harmful when it never shuts off. Chronic stress primes the body for constant anxiety.

2. Hormonal Imbalances

• Thyroid dysfunction: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause or worsen anxiety.
• Sex hormone fluctuations: Low estrogen, low testosterone, or imbalances during perimenopause can impact mood regulation.
• Adrenal dysfunction: Dysregulated cortisol rhythms can create a cycle of fatigue and anxiety.

3. Nutrient Deficiencies

Several nutrients play critical roles in calming the nervous system.

• Magnesium: Supports muscle relaxation and reduces overactivity in the brain.
• B vitamins: Especially B6, B9, and B12, which are needed for neurotransmitter production.
• Vitamin D: Low levels are linked to mood disorders, including anxiety and depression.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Help regulate inflammation and support brain function.

Through our functional medicine program, we often test for deficiencies that standard labs overlook.

4. Gut-Brain Connection

The gut produces nearly 90% of the body’s serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. Dysbiosis (imbalance in gut bacteria) or leaky gut can increase inflammation and directly affect brain chemistry, leading to anxiety.

5. Blood Sugar Imbalances

Fluctuations in blood sugar—especially sharp drops—can cause jitteriness, irritability, and anxiety. Patients with insulin resistance or poor eating patterns often feel anxious when their blood sugar swings too low.

6. Sleep Disorders

Poor sleep quality not only worsens anxiety but also creates a vicious cycle where anxiety makes it harder to sleep. Conditions such as sleep apnea or insomnia may contribute.

7. Underlying Medical Conditions

Heart arrhythmias, asthma, or autoimmune conditions can trigger physical sensations (like shortness of breath or palpitations) that mimic and worsen anxiety.

How Chronic Anxiety Affects the Body

When anxiety is constant, it places the body in “fight or flight” mode, which can lead to:

• High blood pressure
• Heart palpitations
• Digestive problems like IBS
• Increased inflammation
• Suppressed immune system

This is why addressing anxiety is about more than mental health—it’s also about long-term physical health.

Strategies to Reduce Constant Anxiety

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine), we combine conventional and functional approaches to help patients find lasting relief.

Lifestyle Approaches

• Breathing exercises and meditation: Activate the parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) nervous system.
• Exercise: Movement reduces cortisol and boosts endorphins.
• Sleep hygiene: Regular sleep schedules, reduced screen time, and a cool, dark bedroom.
• Balanced meals: Focus on protein, healthy fats, and fiber to stabilize blood sugar.

Functional Medicine Support

• Nutrient repletion: Correcting magnesium, vitamin D, and B vitamin deficiencies.
• Hormone optimization: Addressing thyroid, adrenal, and sex hormone imbalances.
• Gut health repair: Using probiotics, prebiotics, or gut-healing protocols to restore serotonin balance.
• Inflammation reduction: Identifying food sensitivities or environmental triggers.

Advanced Therapies

• Red light therapy with PEMF: Reduces inflammation and improves mitochondrial function, supporting stress resilience.
• PRP/PRF therapies and regenerative medicine: Enhance overall vitality and cellular repair, which indirectly support brain health and mood balance.

When to Seek Professional Help

You should reach out for medical evaluation if you:

• Feel anxious most days for several weeks or months
• Have panic attacks or intense physical symptoms
• Struggle with sleep or daily functioning
• Notice anxiety interfering with relationships or work

Anxiety is common, but it’s not something you need to just “live with.”

Final Thoughts

If you feel anxious all the time, your body is sending you a signal that something deeper needs attention. Whether it’s hormones, nutrient deficiencies, gut health, or chronic stress, there are real, treatable causes behind persistent anxiety.

At Sheen Vein (Aesthetics and Functional Medicine) in St. Louis, we specialize in uncovering those root causes and helping patients restore balance through functional medicine, regenerative therapies, and personalized care.

👉 Call our office today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward calmer, more confident living.

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