Obsessive Tendencies

Dr. Joshua Beaudry
Jul 1
3 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Ever feel like your thoughts just won’t stop—constantly looping, analyzing, worrying, and planning? You’re not alone. At Life Springs Family Chiropractic, we often see patients who describe themselves as “obsessive” or stuck in thought patterns that won’t let them rest. But here’s what most people—and even many practitioners—don’t know:

There’s often a biochemical reason behind obsessive thinking, and it’s not just in your head.

Let’s break down the three major drivers of obsessive tendencies that we covered in this week’s workshop:

1. The GAD65 Antibody: An Autoimmune Root to OCD-like Behavior

One of the most underrecognized causes of obsessive tendencies is a GAD65 antibody—an autoimmune marker that attacks an enzyme called glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD65). This enzyme helps convert glutamate (an excitatory neurotransmitter) into GABA (a calming, inhibitory neurotransmitter).

When GAD65 is under attack:

Glutamate levels stay too high (leading to overstimulation)
GABA levels stay too low (leading to poor calming and regulation)
You may experience symptoms like OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or even panic

This same antibody is also implicated in Type 1 diabetes, which means it doesn’t just affect the brain—it can also attack the pancreas.

2. Molecular Mimicry: The Dairy-Anxiety Connection

Here's where it gets even more fascinating (and personal for some):

The protein in dairy (casein) can mimic the structure of GAD65, causing a case of mistaken identity in your immune system. This is called molecular mimicry—and it can trigger or worsen GAD65 autoimmunity.

So yes, for some people, consuming dairy could actually be fueling obsessive thoughts or anxiety. This is one reason why food sensitivity testing and gut support matter in emotional health.

3. Frontal Lobe Imbalance: When Your Brain Won’t Stop Thinking

Obsessive tendencies often aren’t a choice—they’re a protective mechanism from past trauma, a kind of mental looping designed to keep you safe from future harm.

Neurologically, this shows up in the brain as:

Frontal lobe imbalances – linked to self-regulation, planning, and worry
Overactive beta brainwaves in the occipital lobe – linked to racing thoughts and hypervigilance

If your brain is stuck in high beta (think: survival mode), it will be nearly impossible to feel calm or in control of your thinking.

4. Gut-Brain Connection: The Microbiome and GABA

Another root cause of obsessive thought loops? A broken gut-brain axis.

If your microbiome is imbalanced, you may not be producing enough glutamine—a key amino acid that helps your brain make GABA.
If your vagus nerve is fatigued, that glutamine can’t reach your brain efficiently.
The result: low GABA → high anxiety → obsessive thought patterns.

This is why we never look at obsessive thoughts in isolation. True healing means treating the brain, gut, nervous system, and immune system altogether.

Real Solutions for Obsessive Thought Patterns

If you've tried talk therapy, supplements, or even medication and you still feel stuck in mental overdrive—there’s likely a deeper imbalance. At Life Springs Family Chiropractic, we use: