In this episode of The Christian Clinician, host Dr. Tanya Paynter, dives deep into the roots of anxiety, especially as it affects Christian women. Dr. Paynter examines the biochemical, hormonal, and spiritual dimensions of anxiety, debunking the myth that it’s solely a mental issue or a lack of faith. Drawing on both clinical knowledge and personal experience, she discusses how chronic stress, hormone imbalances, neurotransmitter dysfunction, and lifestyle choices can fuel anxiety—and why prayer should be a part of a comprehensive treatment plan. You'll explore practical, science-based approaches to identify and address the underlying causes of anxiety while maintaining a strong connection to faith.

Today's Action Steps

• Differentiate between healthy alertness and chronic dysfunctional anxiety by tracking symptoms and noting patterns.
• Assess lifestyle contributors: limit high sugar, processed foods, caffeine, and alcohol, and note any gut or blood sugar issues.
• Try the heart rate variability test to gauge if you're living in chronic fight or flight mode.
• Consider hormonal and thyroid imbalances by tracking symptoms across your menstrual cycle and consulting your doctor about simple blood tests.
• Identify and eliminate food sensitivities and dietary triggers by keeping a symptom and food journal.

Download the free guide "Ten Tools to Calm Anxiety Biblically" here: https://www.psalmmedical.com/CCsignup-season2

Citations and Resources

Resources Mentioned in Today's Episode

• National Institute of Health (NIH) clinical guidelines for anxiety
• “Anxiety Disorders - National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH),” accessed August 14, 2025, https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders.
• Anxiety Disorder Statistics
• “Anxiety Disorders - Facts & Statistics,” Anxiety and Depression Association of America, accessed August 14, 2025, https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/facts-statistics
• Qais AbuHasan, Vamsi Reddy, and Waquar Siddiqui, “Neuroanatomy, Amygdala,” in StatPearls (Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing, 2025), accessed September 10, 2025, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537102/.
• “HPA Axis: The Stress Response System,” Cleveland Clinic, accessed September 10, 2025, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-hpa-axis.
• “Understanding the Stress Response,” Harvard Health, last modified June 15, 2011, accessed September 10, 2025, https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/understanding-the-stress-response.
• Raluca Ioana Teleanu et al., “Neurotransmitters—Key Factors in Neurological and Neurodegenerative Disorders of the Central Nervous System,” International Journal of Molecular Sciences 23, no. 11 (May 25, 2022): 5954, accessed September 10, 2025, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9180936/.
• Rachel A. Gilfarb and Benedetta Leuner, “GABA System Modifications During Periods of Hormonal Flux Across the Female Lifespan,” Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience 16 (June 16, 2022): 802530, accessed September 10, 2025, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9245048/.
• “What Does Cortisol Do?,” Cleveland Clinic, accessed September 10, 2025, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22187-cortisol.
• Mitsuru Kikuchi et al., “Relationship between Anxiety and Thyroid Function in Patients with Panic Disorder,” Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry 29, no. 1 (January 2005): 77–81.

Time Stamps

00:00 - Dr. Paynter introduces the multi-layered nature of anxiety: mental, biochemical, hormonal, and spiritual.

00:43 - The lack of long-term studies on anxiety medication and dependency risks.

01:13 - Dr. Paynter shares her personal struggle and dispels the "just pray more" myth.

03:44 - Defining anxiety disorders and how chronic anxiety shows up in daily life.

05:23 - The difference between healthy stress responses and dysfunctional anxiety in modern society.

06:33 - Exploring brain anatomy, neurochemistry, and the role of the amygdala and hypothalamus.

08:55 - Neurotransmitter imbalances: GABA, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine explained.

10:22 - Hormonal cycles and their impact on anxiety, especially estrogen and progesterone.

12:32 - Chronic stress, cortisol, and how never-ending demands affect anxiety levels.

14:57 - Easy self-tests for nervous system stress and tips to support the parasympathetic response.

17:30 - The link between thyroid health (hypo/hyper) and anxiety, with recent study highlights.

18:23 - Biochemical triggers: blood sugar, gut health, histamine intolerance, and deficiencies.

19:08 - Diet’s role in anxiety: sugar, fried foods, caffeine, alcohol, and food sensitivities as triggers.

23:04 - Dr. Paynter’s personal breakthrough in anxiety relief by eliminating alcohol.

23:29 - Final advice: start tracking your unique triggers and empower yourself through practical steps.

About the Host: Dr. Tanya Paynter is a passionate naturopathic physician with a masters in Christian Apologetics, dedicated to integrating faith and evidence-based practices to transform women’s health. With a deep understanding of both medical science and spiritual well-being, Dr. Paynter's insightful guidance inspires listeners to seek holistic healing and a renewed sense of purpose.

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