Other studies have found that lactobacillus rhamnosus decreases stress-induced anxiety-like behaviour, and researchers have concluded that it can protect against anxiety (5, 7). Lactobacillus rhamnosus has also been shown to reduce obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)-like behaviour in mice.
Some promising probiotic strains for OCD include Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG®, Lactobacillus casei Shirota, Bifidobacterium longum Rosell-175 and Lactobacillus acidophilus Rosell-52.
Preferring fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains and olive oil, and steering clear of red or processed meat, high-fat dairy products, white flour and candy, can all improve one's gut health, and as a result, reduce their OCD symptoms.
OCD stool samples showed a trend towards lower bacterial α-diversity, as well as an increase of the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae, particularly of the genus Alistipes, and lower relative abundance of Prevotellaceae, and two genera within the Lachnospiraceae: Agathobacer and Coprococcus.
The study shows that OCD patients have a disrupted balance between neurotransmitters glutamate and GABA in the anterior cingulate cortex and the supplementary motor area of the frontal lobes.
These infections may include: strep, influenza, mycoplasma pneumonia, Lyme disease, herpes virus, mononucleosis and Coxsackie virus. This autoimmune response targeting the basal ganglia can cause brain inflammation and the onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including OCD-like behaviors.
Vitamin D. Previous studies have demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency is associated with numerous neuropsychiatric diseases that include autism, major depressive disorder, schizophrenia and OCD.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
A 2017 study found that children and teens with OCD tend to have significantly lower levels of vitamins D and B12 and higher levels of the amino acid homocysteine (an indicator of vitamin deficiency). These low levels also coincided with symptom severity.
The study demonstrated that newly diagnosed OCD patients have lower vitamin D levels than healthy controls.
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) – Stress and antibiotics have occasionally been found to trigger obsessive compulsive tendencies in those with OCD through alterations of the gut microbial composition.
With OCD, treatment is about learning not to trust your gut. It's accepting that the feelings and thoughts that bubble to the surface aren't to be trusted. Your thoughts aren't you. You have to turn the alarm down, to convince yourself that holding a knife in your hand doesn't mean that danger is near.
It often involves techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help your mind relax. Rather than stopping intrusive thoughts, mindfulness challenges you to acknowledge them for what they are – just thoughts – without acting on them.
Some strains of Lactobacillus spp. and Bifidobacterium spp., such as Lactobacillus brevis, Bifidobacterium dentium and Lactobacillus plantarum produce GABA and serotonin [30], [31], [32].
Estrogen plays a role in augmenting feelings of anxiety, so high levels of estrogen can increase or lead to the development of OCD symptoms. Conversely, progesterone tends to inhibit anxiety, so a deficiency in that might lead to similar effects on OCD symptomatology.
It is well-recognised that consuming a lot of sugary foods and drinks — such as soda, candy, chocolate, fruit drinks, desserts and other sweets — can cause blood sugar fluctuations. The “sugar high” triggers OCD symptoms like exhaustion, mood swings, and anxiety neurosis.
Research has also suggested that both estradiol and progesterone increase dopaminergic signaling and worsening OCD symptoms.
Magnesium (Mg) is one of the key nutrients I often recommend. I typically recommend magnesium glycinate, although most forms of Mg are helpful—except for magnesium oxide, which is poorly absorbed. Improvement in symptoms once beginning Mg supplementation can take many months.
Ongoing anxiety or stress, or being part of a stressful event like a car accident or starting a new job, could trigger OCD or make it worse. Pregnancy or giving birth can sometimes trigger perinatal OCD.
OCD has peaks of onset at two different life phases: pre-adolescence and early adulthood. Around the ages of 10 to 12 years, the first peak of OCD cases occur. This time frequently coincides with increasing school and performance pressures, in addition to biologic changes of brain and body that accompany puberty.
Increase consumption of foods high in Vitamin B12
These neurotransmitters are important to prevent anxiety, depression and stress which are all indicators of OCD.
Unfortunately, OCD doesn't just go away. There is no “cure” for the condition. Thoughts are intrusive by nature, and it's not possible to eliminate them entirely. However, people with OCD can learn to acknowledge their obsessions and find relief without acting on their compulsions.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been linked to altered neurological function following head trauma, encephalitis, abnormal birth events, and Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome.
While OCD was once classified as an anxiety disorder — and patients are often anxious about their behavior — it's now seen as a separate mental illness.