We've believed that trauma is only a psychological issue for far too long. However, as neurodevelopment, connection, attunement, and attachment are definitely key factors in trauma forming, so is the body's biology.

Every trauma, be it an emotionally abusive parent or the loss of someone dear, leaves a chemical imprint on the body.

Maybe there was too little of something for a long time or too much of something in a short period. And it was enough to throw our system off balance.

Emotional wounds or attachment relationships with our parents have shaped our nervous system from early childhood onwards. As a result, we got addicted to being highly activated. Always hypervigilant, independent and not trusting others, keeping ourselves busy, feeling not good enough, excelling in perfectionism, avoiding emotional intimacy, disconnected from our bodies, our needs, anxious and depressed.

Sounds familiar?

As much as early childhood experiences influenced our adult behaviors, they also influenced our biochemistry.

This high activation might have contributed to developing conditions such as anxiety, depression, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, ADD/ADHD, migraines, asthma, allergies, chronic fatigue, and environmental sensitivities.

The truth is that inflammation perpetuates a trauma state and stored trauma perpetuates inflammation. What a vicious circle!

So to heal the emotional shock, we need to address the true root cause that keeps the nervous system in a constant survival mode. We need to look at:

• Traumatic Events & Early Attachment Relationships

• Biochemical Imbalances

• Mitochondrial Inefficiency (Energy Production)

• Inflammation

• Chronic Stress and Overwhelm

In this article, I will focus on the nutritional part that is essential in supporting your body's recovery.

So what to look for?

1. Nutritional deficiencies.

Nutritional markers indicating your system is struggling are vitamins: B6, B12, B2, biotin, C, and D. Others include coenzyme Q10, zinc, copper, and glutathione. Vitamins B takes part in energy production and can boost the powerhouse of your cells - mitochondria. Zinc has been shown to improve serotonin uptake in the brain and have an antidepressant effect. Glutathione is a potent antioxidant that supports cellular detoxification. A dysregulated body creates a lot of oxidative stress that wreaks havoc on all of your systems. Vitamin C, along with glutathione, can really help here. Also, vitamin C improves mood, so another benefit.

On the other hand, excess copper can negatively influence neurotransmitters receptors and may contribute to chronic fatigue, disrupted sleep, anxiety, and impulsivity.

2. Inflammation.

High activation causes overproduction of the stress hormone cortisol and maintains inflammation. To support the body, you may want to:

• eat whole natural foods full of fresh fruits and vegetables,

• limit gluten, sugar, dairy, alcohol and caffeine

• add ingredients rich in anti-inflammatory properties like chia seeds, flaxseed oil, hemp oil, turmeric, fatty fish, blueberries, avocado, and leafy greens.

• supplement with Omega 3 if needed.

3. Methylation.

Methylation is a simple biochemical process – it is the transfer of four atoms from one substance to another. When optimal methylation occurs, it has a significant positive impact on many biochemical reactions in the body that regulate the activity of the neurological, reproductive, and detoxification systems, including cellular energy and neurotransmitters production. In addition, methylation has been proven to influence mental disorders, especially anxiety and depression, due to its influence on neural chemicals.

There are four types of dysregulation here: undermethylation, overmethylation, pyrrole disorder, and excess copper. They are all influenced by epigenetics.

There is a simple DNA test to verify if your methylation cycle works optimally. This test looks at specific enzymes affected by your genetic makeup, including the enzyme MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase), the most critical enzyme involved in creating 5-MTHF

Approximately 60% of people have a genetic mutation that makes it challenging for their bodies to create enough 5-MTHF so definitely worth checking it out.

4. Toxins and heavy metals.

Overload of toxic metals like lead, mercury or cadmium is widespread. Same as pesticides and other environmental toxins. Persons with low levels of zinc, selenium, or glutathione are susceptible to heavy metals. What can help? Hair analysis or advanced bioresonance analysis can indicate the level of toxicity.

Optimizing your biology can significantly improve your mental health. In addition, functional testing and nutritional therapy are great tools for supporting your trauma recovery.

In the end, it's all in your body, chemically, emotionally, and energetically.

I'm offering a holistic approach to anxiety and depression, including nutritional therapy, somatic experiencing, parts work, and my own healing channel that speeds up the healing process. Do not hesitate to contact me and chat about your mental health challenges. I'd love to help you!

Article originally published on brainzmagazine.com on May 27, 2022.

About the author: Hanna Hanula is a Holistic Anxiety Healer specializing in Gut-Brain Connection. She helps women overcome anxiety and low mood to feel comfortable and secure in their bodies so they can reignite their confidence.