View the Show Notes For This Episode

Dr. Peter Bongiorno discusses Natural Solutions for Depression and Anxiety with Dr. Ben Weitz.

[If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, so more people will find The Rational Wellness Podcast. Also check out the video version on my WeitzChiro YouTube page.]

Podcast Highlights

An Integrative Approach to Managing Depression and Anxiety with Dr. Peter Bongiorno In this episode of the Rational Wellness Podcast, Dr. Ben Weitz talks with Dr. Peter Bongiorno, a naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist, about an integrative approach to treating depression and anxiety. They explore how conventional treatments often fail to address underlying issues and discuss the potential benefits of functional medicine. The conversation covers dietary recommendations, the role of neurotransmitters, and the use of various supplements and lifestyle changes to support mental health. They also touch on the significance of vagal nerve tone, the impact of social media, and the importance of personalized patient care. 00:00 Introduction to the Rational Wellness Podcast 00:30 Understanding Depression and Anxiety 01:33 Meet Dr. Peter Bongiorno 02:23 The Integrative Approach to Mood Disorders 07:30 The Role of Neurotransmitters 16:47 Diet and Mood Disorders 18:46 The Mediterranean Diet Explained 22:33 Alcohol and Coffee: Effects on Mood 26:46 Low Carb and Ketogenic Diets 29:05 Product Spotlight: The Apollo Wearable 29:56 Benefits of Apollo Neuro 30:36 Key Lab Tests for Patients 33:56 Importance of Sleep 34:44 Supplements for Sleep 35:54 Nutritional Supplements for Depression and Anxiety 41:57 The Role of Lithium in Mental Health 46:50 Impact of Social Media on Mental Health 49:24 Vagus Nerve and Mental Health 52:28 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Dr. Peter Bongiorno is a Naturopathic Doctor and Acupuncturist and he is the co-director of InnerSource Natural Health and Acupuncture, with offices in New York City and on Long Island. He also works with clients around the world via phone or Zoom. Dr. Bongiorno did research at the National Institutes of Health in the department of Neuroimmunology and then went to Bastyr University to study naturopathic medicine and acupuncture. He wrote a number of books, including Healing Depression in 2010 and Holistic Solutions for Anxiety and Depression in 2015, both targeted for physicians, as well as How Come They're Happy and I'm Not, and Put Anxiety Behind You: The Complete Drug Free Program. His website is DrPeterBongiorno.com.

Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.