Functional Medicine and Mental Health

Functional medicine is a personalized, systems-oriented approach that seeks to identify and address the underlying causes of disease and promote optimal health. In many ways it’s a westernized version of Chinese medicine (TCM).In the context of mental health, functional medicine can be a valuable tool for understanding and treating a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. There are also applications for sexual dysfunction, carbohydrates addiction, PTSD, DID, eating disorders, PANDAS, mold toxicity etc. More below and reach out if you need more information. 

Benefits of functional medicine for mental health

• Holistic approach: Functional medicine considers the whole person, taking into account their physical, mental, emotional, and social factors. This comprehensive approach can help to identify underlying imbalances that may be contributing to mental health problems.
• Root cause identification: Functional medicine practitioners focus on identifying the underlying causes of mental health problems, rather than simply treating symptoms. This can lead to more effective and sustainable treatment plans.
• Individualized treatment: Functional medicine treatment plans are tailored to the individual’s unique needs and circumstances. This means that treatment is more likely to be effective and well-tolerated.
• Empowerment: Functional medicine empowers patients to take an active role in their own care. This can help to improve treatment outcomes and overall well-being.

Aspects of functional medicine for mental health

• Nutrition: Functional medicine practitioners often recommend dietary changes to address nutritional deficiencies that may be contributing to mental health problems. These changes may include increasing intake of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and reducing intake of processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
• Supplements: Functional medicine practitioners may also recommend supplements to support specific areas of health, such as nutrient deficiencies, gut health, or immune function.
• Lifestyle modifications: Functional medicine practitioners often recommend lifestyle modifications, such as stress management techniques, exercise, and sleep hygiene, to improve overall well-being and support mental health.
• Mind-body therapies: Functional medicine practitioners may also incorporate mind-body therapies, such as mindfulness meditation or yoga, into treatment plans. These therapies can help to reduce stress, improve emotional regulation, and promote overall well-being.

Research

A growing body of research is supporting the use of functional medicine for mental health. Here are some recent studies:

• A 2022 study published in the journal Nutrients found that a functional medicine approach that included dietary changes, supplements, and lifestyle modifications was effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in adults.
• A 2021 study published in the journal Integrative Medicine Insights found that a functional medicine approach to treating bipolar disorder was effective in improving mood symptoms, reducing medication use, and improving overall quality of life.
• A 2020 study published in the journal Schizophrenia Research found that a functional medicine approach to treating schizophrenia was effective in reducing symptoms, improving cognitive function, and reducing the need for hospitalization.

These studies are just a few examples of the growing body of research that is supporting the use of functional medicine for mental health.

Conclusion

Functional medicine is a promising approach for understanding and treating mental health conditions. By taking a holistic, root cause approach, functional medicine can help to identify and address underlying imbalances that may be contributing to mental health problems. This can lead to more effective and sustainable treatment plans, and improved overall well-being.

Please note that functional medicine is not a cure-all, and it is not a substitute for traditional mental health care. However, it can be a valuable tool for complementing traditional care and improving overall well-being.

Give me a call for a free 15 min consultation to see if I can help you or someone you know with mental health issues (I work 2.5 days a week in a mental health facility btw!).