Functional medicine focuses on identifying underlying factors that may contribute to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, working to restore balance in the body. Functional medicine practitioners recognize the role of emotional and psychological stressors in the development of anxiety and depression. While traditional medicine simply masks the symptoms with medication.
Here are some factors that can cause anxiety and depression.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins (especially B12 and folate), magnesium, and vitamin D, can negatively affect mood and brain function. Functional medicine practitioners often recommend testing and supplementation to address deficiencies.
- Hormonal Imbalances: Imbalances in hormones such as cortisol (a stress hormone), thyroid hormones, or sex hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) can influence mood and emotional well-being. Functional medicine evaluates these hormone levels to help restore balance.
- Chronic Inflammation: Persistent low-grade inflammation is linked to mood disorders. Functional medicine may focus on reducing inflammation through diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes to support brain health and improve mood.
- Gut Health: There is a strong connection between the gut and brain, often referred to as the gut-brain axis. An unhealthy gut microbiome can contribute to anxiety and depression. Functional medicine practitioners may use stool tests to evaluate gut health and address imbalances in the microbiome with dietary changes, probiotics, and other supplements.
- Blood Sugar Imbalances: Fluctuations in blood sugar levels can lead to irritability, fatigue, and mood swings, which may exacerbate anxiety and depression. Functional medicine can help stabilize blood sugar through dietary changes and lifestyle modifications.
- Toxins and Environmental Factors: Exposure to toxins (e.g., heavy metals, mold, chemicals) and environmental stressors can worsen anxiety and depression. Functional medicine helps identify and reduce exposure to these triggers, supporting detoxification processes in the body.
Freedom Functional Medicine recognizes the role of emotional and psychological stressors in the development of anxiety and depression. We will provide you with a personalized treatment plan through easy and convenient virtual Telehealth appointments to help you recover, serving all of Virginia.
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FAQ’s About Anxiety/Depression and Functional Medicine
Functional medicine addresses anxiety by identifying and treating the root causes, such as nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, gut health issues, chronic stress, and inflammation. This personalized approach often includes dietary modifications, stress management techniques, and targeted supplementation to restore balance and improve mental health.
The best treatment for anxiety and depression varies from person to person and may include:
- Functional Medicine Approaches: Addressing root causes through nutrition, lifestyle changes, and supplementation.
- Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other forms of talk therapy.
- Medications: Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications when needed.
- Mindfulness Practices: Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing techniques.
A functional medicine approach combining these strategies often yields the best results.
The timeline for functional medicine to show results varies. Some people notice improvements within weeks, while others may require several months of consistent effort to see significant changes. The effectiveness depends on the complexity of the condition, adherence to the treatment plan, and individual factors.