167: Why Your Body Can't Just Calm Down: The Science of Anxiety ft. Dr. Sara Szal

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Oct 17, 2025

Join board-certified physician Dr. Sara Szal, a functional medicine expert focusing on hormones and anxiety, as she reveals the surprising physiological roots of anxiety. From caffeine and gut health to the hidden dangers of mold, she explains how these factors can spark emotional turmoil. Dr. Szal shares insights on the impact of hormonal birth control on well-being and discusses the effects of blood sugar fluctuations. If you've ever felt anxious without a clear reason, this conversation might just change your perspective!

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ADVICE

Curb Stimulants And Prioritize Regulation

Avoid excess caffeine and alcohol because they raise cortisol and disrupt sleep, fueling anxiety.
Prioritize nervous system regulation and check for immune or endocrine dysregulation when anxiety persists.

INSIGHT

High Cortisol Can Mimic Chemistry

High cortisol can feel like romantic ‘chemistry’ but may be a chronic set point from childhood stress.
Look for regulation and co-regulation in relationships to tell healthy arousal from harmful hyperarousal.

ADVICE

Get Your Cortisol Tested

Test cortisol rather than guess: a morning blood cortisol gives actionable information.
You can order tests yourself if clinicians refuse to evaluate hormonal causes of symptoms.

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In this episode, Sabrina Zohar sits down with Dr. Sara Szal to uncover the hidden physical roots of anxiety. From hormones and gut health to mold, blood sugar, and cortisol, they break down how your body can fuel emotional chaos even when your life feels “fine.” Sabrina opens up about her own misdiagnosis journey, being told her anxiety was just mental before discovering deeper physiological causes. Together, they explore how the nervous system, hormones, and environment intertwine, and how healing often starts in the body, not the mind. If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why do I feel anxious when nothing’s wrong?”, this episode will change the way you understand yourself.

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The Institute for Functional Medicine: https://www.ifm.org/

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