Dr. Kurt Woeller, DO, integrative medicine physician, was interviewed on the Anxiety Summit by host of the Anxiety Summit, Trudy Scott, Food Mood Expert and Nutritionist, author of The Antianxiety Food Solution.
Anxiety: The Link Between Low Cholesterol and Low Oxytocin
- The functions of cholesterol and some of the many health consequences of low cholesterol
- Fat malabsorption, and other causes of low cholesterol
- Oxytocin: bonding, trust and social anxiety and why it can be low
- The relationship between oxytocin and cholesterol and anxiety/depression
- How to naturally raise low cholesterol and low oxytocin
Here are some gems from our interview:
As I mentioned in my practice, most of the kids that I test are anywhere between 110 to 120. Now to give you a reference point, the National Institutes of Health states that levels less than 160, with regards to cholesterol, increases the rate of cancer, increases the rate of mental health disorders and even early death in some studies. So that target zone we’re typically using is to try to get those total cholesterol levels at least above 160. I usually shoot for around 170/175 if possible. So in some of the kids the cholesterol levels come up with the Sonic Cholesterol, but not all. What was interesting when I first started using the Sonic Cholesterol in practice sometimes within a week to two weeks I would get reports back by parents of autistic kids that their kids were calmer; they were more focused; they were happier; and what was most interesting to me was that they actually had improved eye contact and many of them were just appearing to be more social. Now as you know in autism the social component is a big problem.
The Pitocin/synthetic oxytocin discussion was fascinating:
And there’s a theory Trudy, I don’t know if you’ve heard this that the Pitocin, which is synthetic oxytocin, which is given to women who are not naturally going into labor, it’s meant to action speed labor up. Pitocin being synthetic oxytocin may short circuit in some susceptible kids the natural production of oxytocin, therefore slowing down or turning off those areas in the brain that are normally being developed at that time, with regards to socialization. So essentially those nerve cells don’t reach their full potential in those areas of the brain. That’s at least a theory, but it seems to hold true if you look at the biochemistry. So one of the other effects then of oxytocin in all of us is what they call the love hormone or the bonding hormone is that it increases feelings of trust and harmony and pleasure in that it’s in involved in our ability to make connections with people on a one-on-one basis, not only through touch but facial expression recognition, voice emotional recognition.
Here is one of the studies: A link between oxytocin and serotonin in humans: supporting evidence from peripheral markers
Given the several activities mediated by both OT [oxytocin] and 5-HT [serotonin] , such a relationship might provide new perspectives and insights into psychiatric disorders and/or social relationship disturbances, as well as novel treatment strategies overcoming and/or integrating the serotonergic paradigm.
Here is information on the Sonic Cholesterol product, dosing and other relevant information.
Here are some of my blog posts on oxytocin, pyroluria, anxiety and depression:
- Oxytocin and variations in the OXTR gene: postpartum depression and anxiety
- Oxytocin, social anxiety, pyroluria and autism
- Oxytocin and social anxiety, pyroluria and depression?
Dr. Woeller offers extensive training programs for health professionals: Adrenal Mastery, GI Mastery and Autism Mastery.
I mentioned that we’ll both be presenting at IMMH/ Integrative Medicine for Mental Health in Washington DC in September – here are the details
If you are not already registered for the Anxiety Summit you can get live access to the speakers of the day here: www.theAnxietySummit.com
Missed this interview or can’t listen live? Or want this and the other great interviews for your learning library? Purchase the MP3s or MP3s + transcripts and listen when it suits you.
You can find your purchasing options here.: Anxiety Summit Season 1, Anxiety Summit Season 2, Anxiety Summit Season 3, and Anxiety Summit Season 4.
A number of speakers have mentioned ‘methylation’. Please explain its importance, or point to articles that explain it.
Bronwen
We’ve covered this a lot on prior summits – here is a nice blog for starters https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/mthfr-and-methylation/
Also feel free to search the blog for others
Excellent info from Dr Woeller. Am wondering if he’s had any experience or has info on oxytocin and reactive attachment disorder in children as this also has to do with bonding after birth.
Thanks so much!
Debbi
I’m sure he has and I have too. I worked with a young girl of 12 and diagnosed with RAD. She had anxiety, insomnia, rage issues and a few changes turned things around for her: tryptophan to boost serotonin (you heard about the serotonin oxytocin connection), iron and adding in red meat (her ferritin was super low) and a gluten-free diet.
Do you work with children with RAD? and what have you found helps?
Hello,
Thank you for this. I have two questions. The first question is when you talk about cholesterol numbers, do you mean the “good” cholesterol numbers or the “bad” cholesterol numbers. I would love to know which numbers I am looking at on my bloodwork. I was told I had very low good cholesterol. My second question is there anything natural we can do besides the supplement talked about it in the interview and eggs to raise our cholesterol.
Thanks for your time.
Shelley
Dr Woeller is referring to total cholesterol. Per his interview, addressing gut health, liver support, absorption would all help.
If you’re referring to HDL, exercise and niacinamide can help to raise this
I really enjoyed your talk Dr. Woeller. Can you recommend lab testing for someone diagnosed with anxiety, more specifically emergent mood disorder? The therapist has prescribed Zoloft but I would rather check for imbalances first. Should I try the oxytocin nasal spray that you mentioned? Thank you for your time. Again great talk!
Shana
Glad you enjoyed this! Keep in mind that low oxytocin is just one possible underlying cause and it would be something I’d address after all the other basics like changing to a real food diet, getting off gluten/caffeine/sugar, addressing the gut/microbiome and using amino acids GABA and tryptophan.
As far as testing, to start I like to see basic blood work that includes a lipid panel (ie cholesterol), ferritin (an iron storage marker), CRP (marker of inflammation) and thyroid panel (TSH, free T3, free T4 and the 2 antibodies). There are many more tests – here is a list https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/nutritional-testing-find-cause-anxiety/
Thank you!
My son and I have very low cholesterol <120 and high ferritin levels. We have anxiety issues. I suspect that beta thalassemia minor is the cause. Anemia tricks the body into absorbing too much iron. High turn over of defective RBCs use up cholesterol substrate (?), and produce more kryptopyroles (pyroluria). Zinc & B6 supplements are helping to manage anxiety. Because of the anemia, we cannot donate blood. I could ask MD to write a prescription for therapeutic phlebotomy. Do you know if reducing iron stores help with anxiety?
Hello Andi,
I have had success in saving someone’s life with excess Iron. If u would like to hear the details let me know. She was being kept alive with IV’s it was that bad.
Sincerely,
Kedzi
Thanks Kedzi – I’d love to hear. Please post here (I edited your comment to remove your email so you are not spammed and so we all get to learn)
Hi Trudy,
I am loving all of the great material you are presenting. I worked with individuals with autism throughout most of my career, so I love hearing from Dr. Woeller and his research. Great information! I would like to ask your opinion about organic and GMO-free diets for people with autism and anxiety disorders. Your talk about manganese stimulated me to remember hearing Jeffrey Smith talking about how glyphosate binds manganese and other minerals and likely promotes autism. He talked about the work of a Dr. Huber, but sorry I do not have any references. Given what Jeffrey Smith said and what you all said today, I think an organic and GMO-free diet would be crucial. He reported that Dr. Huber reduced autistic-like behaviors by 80% in a child by feeding him a gluten-free, casein-free and 80% organic diet. Again, sorry I do not have references. I saw Jeffrey Smith at a conference earlier this year, and it was very informal. But as Dr. Woeller said it is all related! Thanks again for this fabulous summit!
Dr Wohl
Absolutely and we have research supporting it! Dr.Stephanie Seneff and Jeffrey Smith talked about this on prior summits. Here is a blog post I did awhile back https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/organic-foods-stanford-study-pesticides-and-the-brain/
Glad you’re enjoying it and thanks for the work you do!
Hi,
Great interview. I suffered from anxiety in the past but noticed that it disappeared during pregnancy and breastfeeding (I’m still breast feeding my 9 month old baby). I have wondered about a link between hormones and my anxiety but never considered an oxytocin link before. I have been concerned that it will return once I stop breastfeeding, but on the back of what I have learned here, I was wondering if an oxytocin supplement would be worth a try if it does?
Thank you.
Deb
There can be many factors underlying anxiety – I list many here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/60-nutritional-biochemical-causes-of-anxiety/ and would start on the basics first – oxytocin would be lower on the list
What fascinating information! Is low oxytocin the only factor stopping milk flow after childbirth?
Vivien
Glad you enjoyed it. There are other factors like hormone imbalances, medication side-effects, dopamine issues (D-MER) etc. This is not my area of expertise so best to find a good lactation consultant. I love Pinky http://www.pinkymckay.com/
I listened to this talk to try and find answers regarding my 7 year old daughter. She is a normal child, happy and chatty at home. Born naturally. My first born. But when she is in a classroom situation with an adult e.g. a teacher, she is very shy and quiet. If she is asked a question she is silent and will not say anything or takes a long time to just say one word. She is also cold with regards to her emotional side e.g. she is not a child who will hug or kiss family. She struggles with it. Where as my other children have no issues with this.
I’m wondering if I should do a test for her to try and find what is wrong. If there is an underlying physical cause. Just not sure what test to do.
Or is it possible/safe to get oxytocin for her to try?
The only test she has had is a Doctor’s Data stool test where a bit of gut disbiosis was found i.e. no growth of lactobacillus (probably inherited from me) despite having a diet full of naturally fermemented live raw yogurt/sour cream and sauerkraut/pickles and probiotics! She also tends towards constipation. But has always had a very healthy organic varied diet- veg/ fruit, meat/fish, potatoes/rice, healthy fats like butter, yolks, avocado, coconut etc…. We don’t eat gluten at home since I have been found to be sensitive. I can’t imagine she would have low cholesterol.
Any tips on what I can do?
Claire
I would start with the pyroluria questionnaire and protocol and then look into low cholesterol and oxytocin
https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/pyroluria-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/
There can be many factors underlying anxiety – I list many here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/60-nutritional-biochemical-causes-of-anxiety/
Was floored when I heard this talk on Pitocin and the connection to my symptoms. I was given a great deal of pitocin during delivery and still ended up needing C section, also could not breastfeed. My oxytocin was low then. 24 years ago. I now benefit greatly from Pyroluria treatment ( Thanks to you Trudy!) and suspect my Daughter does as well. She struggles greatly with anxiety and social isolation, etc…
She is Dx. with bipolar but truly believe its pyroluria. No Drs. will acknowledge and she is given very dangerous medications.
Trudy you have saved my life with your summits and sharing your story!! I pray my Daughter can find the answers as well.
Can you share the dosage of oxytocin and must it be compounded or can homeopathic be used successfully? Think it may be of added help to me.
Dawn
So pleased to hear how much these summits are helping you and your daughter. I would recommend working with Dr. Woeller especially since she is on medications. And know that there is hope and and an answer for her
Hello Trudy and Dr. Woeller,
It was fascinating to learn about the link between administration of pitocin to induce labor and autism, particularly with respect to abnormal development of social bonding and modulation of oxytocin signaling. My mom was induced with pitocin while in labor with me and have mild pyroluria per a kryptopyrrole test, so I wonder if there is a correlation there as well.
What is your opinion on very low ferritin? I have been on the autoimmune paleo diet for three years, eat plenty of grass fed meat and pastured liver, and take Betaine HCl with pepsin and digestive enzymes, yet my ferritin won’t budge above 10. I also have autoimmune conditions (Hashimoto’s, celiac disease, lupus), pyroluria, SIBO, heavy metals and Ehlers Danlos/hyperadrenergic POTS and my doctor suspects Lyme.
Ali
I would love to survey pyrolurics and see how many have pitocin in their history. It’s hard to know about the iron – heavy metals displace minerals.
I assume your doc has checked for bleeding inside the intestinal tract (from ulcers, colon polyps , colon cancer, hemorrhoids , or other conditions)? heavy periods? Parasites or worms?
Cooking with a caste iron pot can help plus addressing low zinc if it’s low.
Hello and a super informative talk on the link between cholesterol and oxytocin! Unfortunately, I did not hear the entire interview because of time constraints so, I am looking forward to seeing the rest on encore day. Thank you to Trudy for allowing us to view all of the interviews on that day! I have a statement first and then a question. Unfortunately, the audios (both of them), cut off when you were in mid- sentence. You were talking about not doing the testing on your special needs children only because… I hate getting only part of a statement! Are you aware of the Kaufman’s and their response with their son, Raun? I have read all of Barry’s books, very enthused and interested, and talked to Raun a couple of times over the years. My interest is more focused on autism spectrum because I practice for a healthcare agency that only focuses on autistic children. I will be interested in your reply to my question? BTW, the therapy used with Raun that the parents developed is “The Son Rise” program in case you did not have awareness of it. Thank you again and thanks to Trudy, I will be able to hear the rest of your interview!
Enjoy encore day (see my note above about freezing audios)
I am not aware of the Kaufman’s “The Son Rise” program – please share a link
The Son-Rise program’s website is: http://autismtreatmentcenter.org/
Trudy, I forgot to click the box to be notified with follow-up comments via email when I commented on Dr. Whoever’s interview. Of course, I do want to be notified. Thank you immensely for making ALL the interviews available on encore day! When I was listening to your interview with Dr. Moeller, the audios (yes, both of them) froze in mid sentence! I hate being in the lurch. Thank you again for making ALL the interviews available encore day! I will be happy to get to listen to the remainder of Dr. Whoever’s interview since I have a great interest in autumn and work with autistic children!
Enjoy the encores Debi – you’ll love the rest of Dr. Woeller’s interview. BTW when the audios freeze it’s your end so reboot or open a new browser
Thank you great interview.
Low cholesterol is bad for heart and thyroid? My husband is 58 has bipolar, and his total cholesterol is 106. He likes to eat eggs; but cholesterol did not go up much.
Very concerned.
Thanks much.
Romy
I would suggest working with Dr Woeller or another practitioner to get this resolved. We mentioned Sonic Cholesterol which may be an option for him
I live near Dr. Woeller and when my MD retires may start seeing him. Do you Trudy or does Dr. Woeller have experience with getting Medicare to pay for organic acid, etc testing? I know he doesn’t accept Medicare for his services but I’ve heard testing can be covered. Does Dr. Woeller know about using guaifenesin per Dr. St. Amand’s protocol? This post links it to the low oxalate diet http://www.coreonehealth.com/oxalates-and-their-role-in-fibromyalgia-syndrome. This is my story my local newspaper published recently http://www.valleycenter.com/news/2016-06-09/Valley_Life/Detoxing_and_eliminating_lead_helps_fight_fibromya.html
In regards to Medicare paying for tests I found this valuable info so wanted to share http://www.greatplainslaboratory.com/shipping-billing-payments/ and http://www.spectracell.com/medicare/