Pathways to Well-Being

Mood disorders such as depression and anxiety are multi-factorial in nature, resulting from physiological and biochemical imbalances, and psycho-social imbalances. The field of functional psychiatry aims to identify the somatic root causes that contribute to mental health disorders. Due to the complexity and sensitivity around how these conditions manifest in each patient, the optimal treatment plan goes beyond a singular treatment modality and focuses on truly bringing the body, mind, and spirit back into balance. In this episode of Pathways to Well-Being, noted functional medicine psychiatrist Dr. Achina Stein joins us to explore how various body systems affect mental health and walks us throughs her approach to the diagnostic workup.

Click here to view episode transcript: https://www.ifm.org/news-insights/exploring-mood-disorders-and-brain-health-through-the-lens-of-functional-psychiatry/

In this podcast, Dr. Colleen Cutliffe, a PhD scientist and the co-founder and CEO of the microbiome company, Pendulum Therapeutics, discusses the role that different bacterium such as Akkermansia play in optimal gut health and function.

Click here to view episode transcript: https://www.ifm.org/news-insights/akkermansia-gut-health-with-dr-colleen-cutcliffe/

Mental health disorders including depression and anxiety are a major cause of disability and reduction in quality of life worldwide. Many people who experience these conditions do not achieve lasting remission from pharmaceuticals or talk therapy alone. In the past ten years, the practice of nutritional psychiatry has developed to help fill this void. Focused on integrating dietary change into a broader treatment plan that may include medication, talk therapy, and other lifestyle approaches, nutritional psychiatry has helped many patients. On this episode of Pathways to Well-Being, Dr. Uma Naidoo joins us to discuss the connections between food and mood and how dietary change can impact the gut microbiome and improve mental health outcomes.

Click here to view episode transcript: https://www.ifm.org/news-insights/food-and-mood-nutritional-psychiatry-the-microbiome-and-mental-health/

The transition to menopause is a significant hormonal shift that marks each woman’s life and every journey is different depending on the person’s unique hormonal profile, health history, and wellness path. Along with the common vasomotor symptoms, women may also experience changes in arousal or desire and in mental-emotional function. Through nutrition and lifestyle change, women can stay empowered during menopause and maintain sexual health and optimal mental-emotional function. In this episode of Pathways to Well-Being, leading sexual health and menopause expert Dr. Anna Cabeca will discuss her functional medicine approach to optimizing functional hormones, mental-emotional function, and sexual health during the stages of menopause.

Click here to view episode transcript: https://www.ifm.org/news-insights/navigating-menopause-functional-hormones-libido-and-sexual-health/

What role does nutrition play in anxiety disorders? Kate Henry, ND Head of Medical Education at RUPA Health, speaks with IFM podcast host Kalea Wattles, ND on this pertinent topic. Anxiety disorders in the US are common, affecting approximately 40 million adults every year. Concerns about mental health remain elevated three years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 90% of US adults believing that the country is facing a mental health crisis. Both anxiety and panic

disorders may severely impair a patient’s ability to function in life. While in some patients, mental wellness may be challenging to cultivate and maintain, clinical strategies that include nutrition interventions may have significant impacts. Dr. Wattles speaks with Dr. Henry about the nutritional imbalances that may contribute to the root cause of many mental health problems, as well as the role functional testing, including testing for nutrient deficiencies, which can help the clinician direct an appropriate treatment plan.

Click here to view episode transcript: https://www.ifm.org/news-insights/nutritions-role-in-anxiety-disorders-evaluating-mental-wellness/

Description: Understanding medical cannabis, how it interacts with the human brain and body and the current clinical applications is necessary for all healthcare professionals now that it is available in most states and many countries. Bonni Goldstein, MD, will discuss her clinical experience using phytocannabanoids to treat common conditions as well as her research into using them as a treatment in pediatric populations.

Click here to view episode transcript: https://www.ifm.org/news-insights/phytocannabinoids-for-treating-common-conditions/

In this podcast, Rhonda Patrick, PhD, discusses healthy aging and longevity using personalized lifestyle-based approaches and emphasizes the importance of micronutrients, healthy fat intake, physical activity, and hormetic stress for disease prevention.

Click here to view episode transcript: https://www.ifm.org/news-insights/increasing-healthspan-from-micronutrients-to-hormetic-stressors-with-dr-rhonda-patrick/

After the gut, the second largest and most diverse microbiome in the body is located in the mouth. The oral microbiome is becoming an increasing area of interest in the medical community as research highlights several connections between chronic oral dysbiosis and systemic diseases, with inflammation being a common link. Pathogenic oral bacteria may influence inflammatory pathways particularly via the gut and by translocation through perivascular spaces. Thus, maintaining balance is the oral microbiome is a critical strategy for reducing inflammatory burden and reducing the risk of certain diseases. On this episode of Pathways to Well-Being, we welcome 2023 Annual International Conference speaker Doug Thompson, DDS, FAAMM, ABAAHP, to discuss new prevention and treatment opportunities that bridge the gap between dental care and health care.

Click here to view episode transcript:https://www.ifm.org/news-insights/the-oral-microbiome-systemic-disease/

Jade Teta, ND discusses modifiable lifestyle factors integral to metabolic health, explores the intricate connections between hormones and an individual’s metabolism, and shares clinical pearls for collaborative, effective and sustainable personalized interventions.

Click here to view episode transcript: https://www.ifm.org/news-insights/fueling-for-fitness-igniting-metabolism-through-personalized-lifestyle-interventions/

Dr. Mark Hyman discusses the hallmarks of aging and how to optimize health and longevity through modifiable lifestyle factors and hermetic therapies.

Click here to view episode transcript: https://www.ifm.org/news-insights/healthy-aging-and-longevity-staying-young-forever-with-mark-hyman-md/