Is It Anxiety or Is It Blood Sugar?
Ever had that feeling where your heart’s racing, your hands feel shaky, and your mind’s spinning with worry—but there’s no obvious trigger? You might assume it’s anxiety. But here’s the twist: sometimes it’s not just your mind—it’s your blood sugar.
Let’s dive into how these two are connected, and why stable blood sugar might just be one of the most underrated mental health tools out there.
The Blood Sugar–Anxiety Link
Blood sugar refers to the amount of glucose (sugar) in your bloodstream, and it naturally fluctuates throughout the day. But when those ups and downs become too extreme, they can trigger a cascade of stress signals in the body.
When blood sugar drops too low (a state called hypoglycaemia), your body perceives it as a threat—kind of like a mini emergency. In response, it releases adrenaline and cortisol, your classic “fight or flight” hormones. These chemicals can make you feel:
Shaky
Light-headed
Sweaty
Dizzy
Irritable
Panicky
…sound familiar?
It’s no wonder many people experience anxiety-like symptoms when their blood sugar crashes.
Signs Your Blood Sugar Might Be Driving Your Anxiety
Here are a few red flags I often look for in clinic:
You feel worse mid-morning or mid-afternoon if you’ve skipped meals or had a carb-heavy breakfast.
Your mood feels unstable or you’re prone to “hanger.”
You rely on coffee or sugar to push through the day.
You wake up feeling anxious, especially around 3–4am (a potential blood sugar dip overnight).
Your anxiety improves noticeably after eating.
If you’ve nodded your head to any of the above, it’s worth looking at your blood sugar rhythms.
How to Eat to Support Stable Mood (and Blood Sugar)
Eat balanced meals, regularly.
Aim for a source of protein, healthy fats, and fibre-rich carbs at each meal. This combination slows glucose absorption and keeps you fuller (and calmer) for longer.
Don’t skip breakfast.
Especially if you’re prone to morning anxiety! A stabilising breakfast might look like: eggs, smoked salmon, and avocado on seeded toast, chia pudding with berries and nuts, or a protein smoothie with greens, nut butter, and cinnamon.
Reduce refined carbs and sugar.
Processed foods like white bread, sugary cereals, and pastries spike your blood sugar, then cause it to crash—creating that “wired then tired” rollercoaster.
Watch the caffeine.
Caffeine can amplify feelings of panic when blood sugar is already low. Try reducing your intake, or avoid drinking coffee on an empty stomach.
Snack smart.
If you need a snack, go for something like a boiled egg, handful of almonds, hummus and veggie sticks, or a protein ball—not a muffin or sugary muesli bar.
Nutrients That Support Blood Sugar & Mood
In clinic, I often test and support for key nutrients that influence both blood sugar regulation and mental wellbeing:
Magnesium – calms the nervous system and improves insulin sensitivity.
Chromium and Manganese – helps improve glucose metabolism.
B vitamins – especially B6 and B12, support energy and mood.
Omega-3 fatty acids – reduce inflammation and support brain health.
Myo-Inositol - supports insulin sensitivity
(As always, don’t self-prescribe!! Get tested and seek personalised advice from your naturopath, nutritionist and/or doctor.)
Mental Health is Metabolic, Too
I truly believe that supporting blood sugar balance is one of the most foundational and empowering steps we can take for mental health. It’s not the only factor, of course—stress, trauma, sleep, hormones, gut health, and spiritual state all play a role—but food and fuel matter more than we often realise.
If anxiety is showing up in your life right now, I’d love to help you explore the full picture and uncover the root causes. Blood sugar might just be one part of the puzzle.
Struggling with anxiety and not sure where to begin?
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
Blog Author: Talitha
I specialise in gut health (IBS, IBD, microbiome testing), women's health (preconception, fertility, hormone balance), and mental health (depression, stress, anxiety). I am a degree- qualified naturopath who LOVES helping people transform their health stories!!
