In this fascinating conversation for the MindHealth360 Show, Pam Conboy and Leah Linder discuss an imminent and radical approach to mental health treatment: psychedelic therapy. When combined with spirituality, community, and functional medicine, this approach can be incredibly powerful for brain restoration, neuroplasticity, and mental healing.

Pam Conboy is a biologist and clinical laboratorian who has worked most of her life in medical marketing but has been working in Naturopathic Functional Medicine spheres for the last 7 years, transforming her approach and understanding of medicine. 

Leah Linder is a naturopathic physician. Following significant patient interest in the healing power of psychedelics, she was blown away by the wealth of research on the power of psilocybin to successfully address depression, anxiety, PTSD, and many other mental health conditions as a breakthrough therapy endorsed by the 2018/19 US Food and Drug Administration.

Reconnecting a year ago, they discovered how psilocybin can be used legally and therapeutically in the context of a religious entity. Founders of the Setas Seminary Church of Spiritual Integration, the first legitimate non-profit church using psilocybin for therapeutic use under the Religious Freedom Act, their treatments sincerely incorporate elements of naturopathic medicine, holistic spirituality, and psychedelic-assisted therapy. In this groundbreaking interview, they explain the remarkable effects of psilocybin on our biochemistry to reveal why it can not only powerfully and sustainably address mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD when used in an integrative and therapeutic way but can also be truly life-changing for those who use it.

In this episode, learn about:

• How the Religious Freedom Act enables the use of psilocybin within the church setting.
• Ways psilocybin kickstarts the healing process, and why it works significantly more effectively than antidepressants via the 5-HT serotonin receptors.
• How microdosing can help individuals taper off SSRIs.
• Why the therapeutic space is key and the importance of the therapist witnessing/holding in the healing journey.
• How recreational use can go wrong, and why the Church hasn’t seen a 'bad trip.'
• Why the psilocybin used in the Church is safer than SSRI medications, where their psilocybin is sourced, and the rigorous testing involved.
• The three therapeutic psilocybin dosing categories, and the circumstances in which they are applied: 1) micro-dosing 2) moderate dose 3) full dose
• Ways the full dose generates a significant psychedelic experience, why it is taken in ceremony and how it works long-term.
• How psilocybin can create neural pathways/connections, as shown in MRI scans, and how it can vastly increase neuroplasticity and the growth of brain cells quickly – giving sufferers a jump start into better mental health.
• Why whole mushrooms, rather than molecules, are used and ways they are anti-inflammatory.
• Why psilocybin is only one of many tools in the healing toolkit, and why the integration of community, naturopathic medicine, EMDR, light therapy, etc., is also vital, and how the Church facilitates this approach.
• The early research showing that psilocybin can prevent neurodegenerative diseases and stabilize the endocrine system, pointing toward its potential to treat many areas of poor health.
• Some incredible case stories from churchgoers, ways it can unexpectedly bring to the forefront and heal past traumas, and why psilocybin therapy can be life-changing.

For further insights, visit www.mindhealth360.com – your comprehensive guide to mental well-being.

Within our mental health crisis, there are some tools most of us have access to; one of the most influential is food. In this compelling episode, Dr. Uma Naidoo discusses the profound impact of nutrition on our mental health and explains why a bad diet is the leading cause of poor health worldwide. Dr. Uma Naidoo is a Harvard trained, board-certified psychiatrist, professional chef and nutrition biologist. Founder and Director of the first and only hospital based nutritional and metabolic psychiatry service in the US, and author of This is your brain on food and the up-coming Calm your brain with food, Dr. Naidoo is a leading expert of nutritional psychiatry.

Grounded in nutrition science and evidence-based research, in this episode, Dr. Naidoo explains why a bad diet is the most common root cause of poor mental health; anxiety, depression, poor concentration, and other mental health concerns. She discusses the power of the gut-brain connection and reveals how a healthy diet—one which includes prebiotics, fermented foods, fibre, clean proteins, healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids—can help with mental health symptoms. In this fascinating interview discover which foods target anxiety, which relieve depression, which enable key neurotransmitter production essential to mental wellness, and learn why our diets are fundamental to our mental health.

 

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

 

·         How nutrition can help mental health conditions and why whole foods and nutrients improve mental wellbeing.

·         Which foods target anxiety, and why anxiety is the most prevalent mental health disorder of the post-pandemic era.

·         Why what we eat works in synergy with medications and other therapies to improve mental health.

·         How the biological mechanism of nutritional psychiatry shows the centrality of the gut-brain connection in anxiety, depression, poor concentration, insomnia, and other mental health issues.

·         Ways a diet rich in vegetables, nuts and seeds, and healthy fats, enable the production of neurotransmitters – dopamine, serotonin, glutamate and GABA – within the gut microbiota, any why this is essential to good mental health.

·         How neurotransmitters are synthesised in our brains to cross the blood-brain barrier, and the vital role of amino acids (derived solely through diet) in this process.

·         The lasting impact of the Covid pandemic on our diet and our mental health; what we can do to combat poor health through conscious eating, and why fast foods as an occasional treat offer a sustainable and realistic approach to lasting dietary changes.

·         Ways ultra-processed foods damage our health and the hidden threat of carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) – a food thickener widely used in processed food–to our gut microbiome.

·         Which foods feed good mental health, reduce inflammation, improve gut microbiome, and combat poor brain health – including prebiotic foods, fermented foods, fibre, clean proteins, healthy fats and omega-3 fatty acids – and ways they can be obtained simply through food.

·         Why fibre from whole grains–quinoa, spelt, barley, buckwheat and teff – can be vital to the relief of poor mental health, and anxiety and depression in particular.

·         How dark natural chocolate can really help us feel better! And why it can help ease symptoms of depression.

·         Which spices and herbs calm your mind and soothe mental health symptoms.  

 

In this extract of his presentation for IMMH 2023,, Dr. Robert Hedaya, Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Georgetown University and founder of the Whole Psychiatry & Brain Recovery Center showcases his cutting edge HYLANE treatment protocol which has proved very successful in treating previously intractable psychiatric and neurological problems. With decades of experience in both conventional and functional psychiatry, Dr. Hedaya has developed a unique approach that combines functional medicine with cutting-edge technologies like hyperbaric oxygen,quantitative EEG (qEEG) and photobiomodulation therapy to optimise brain function and enhance treatment outcomes.

Dr. Hedaya shares case studies, including one of a patient suffering from cognitive decline and prosopagnosia (facial blindness), who experienced remarkable recovery after combining functional medicine protocols with high-tech brain treatments. His insights highlight how these advanced methods can repair not only the biochemical terrain of the body but also the brain's function.

Dr. Hedaya’s approach offers hope for patients with complex psychiatric and neurological conditions by combining functional medicine with high-tech brain treatments to achieve optimal outcomes. His work demonstrates that when the brain's hardware (the structural - neurons and their synaptic and biochemical connections) and software (character, psychology, schemas, belief systems)) as well as the cloud (spirituality and psyche) are addressed together, patients can experience significant recovery even in conditions traditionally deemed untreatable.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

• The limitations of conventional psychiatry and how functional medicine can provide more comprehensive treatment for neuropsychiatric disorders by treating underlying issues such as hormone imbalances, neuroinflammation, and environmental toxins.

• The role of quantitative EEG (qEEG) in diagnosing brain dysfunction and guiding targeted treatments like transcranial photobiomodulation (laser therapy).

• How HBOT (Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy) can promote healing of the brain’s hardware.

• The impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI) on mental health and how advanced therapies like hyperbaric oxygen and laser therapy can restore brain function.

• Highlights from a groundbreaking case study of reversing cognitive decline and facial blindness using HYLANE combination treatment 

• The success of combining personalised and layered treatments, including diet, gut healing, hormone therapy, detoxification and advanced brain technologies for better neuropsychiatric health.

• How qEEG can identify abnormal brain function that traditional scans may miss, providing more accurate diagnostic insights, and how qEEG-guided therapies can improve memory, word recall, and focus in patients with neurodegenerative disorders and cognitive decline.

• The role of advanced brain mapping technologies in targeting specific brain areas for personalised treatments.

For further insights, visit www.mindhealth360.com – your comprehensive guide to mental well-being.

 

Guest’s Social Media Channels:

- Website: https://wholepsychiatry.com/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrRobertHedaya/ 

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-robert-hedaya-84422379

 

Publications:

- Understanding Biological Psychiatry  

- The Antidepressant Survival Guide: The Clinically Proven Program to Enhance the Benefits and Beat the Side Effects of Your Medication  

- Depression: Advancing the Treatment Paradigm Through Functional Medicine (Chapter in Textbook of Functional Medicine)  

 

In this episode of the MindHealth360 Show, we explore the future of healthcare with James Maskell, a pioneering advocate for functional and integrative medicine, author of “The Evolution of Medicine” and “The Community Cure” (check titles), and founder of the largest global network of functional medicine educational and practitioner groups, the  “Functional Forum”. Mr. Maskell discusses the growing burden of chronic diseases, the limitations of conventional medicine and how functional medicine addresses the root causes of illness, as well as the importance of community based care for healing. Mr. Maskell has been at the forefront of efforts to make functional medicine more accessible and effective at scale.

The conversation covers the development of community-based healthcare models, such as group medical visits, which combine the power of social connection with medical care. Mr. Maskell explains how these models can enhance patient outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and address psychosocial factors that contribute to chronic disease. He emphasises the need for a shift toward participatory and preventive healthcare, where patients are active participants in their health journey.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

- The Role of Functional Medicine in Chronic Disease Management: explore how functional medicine's root cause approach can reverse chronic diseases by focusing on personalised care, and lifestyle interventions while simultaneously addressing underlying physiological imbalances.

- Innovative Group Medical Visits: learn about the implementation and effectiveness of group medical visits in functional medicine. These visits not only address the medical needs of patients but also provide social support, which is crucial for improving outcomes in chronic illness and mental health.

- Health Economics and Functional Medicine: understand the financial implications of adopting functional medicine in healthcare systems. Mr. Maskell discusses how functional medicine can lead to significant cost savings by reducing the need for chronic disease management through medications and frequent hospitalisations.

- Psychosocial and Psychospiritual Factors in Healthcare: mr. Maskell highlights the importance of addressing psychosocial determinants of health, such as loneliness and stress, which are often overlooked in traditional medicine but are critical for effective chronic disease management.

- Integration of Functional Medicine into Mainstream Healthcare: discover the challenges and opportunities in bringing functional medicine into mainstream healthcare systems, including overcoming resistance from traditional medical practices and the pharmaceutical industry.

- The Impact of Community in Healthcare: mr. Maskell's work demonstrates how community-based approaches can enhance patient engagement, adherence to treatment plans, and overall well-being, particularly in managing complex, chronic conditions.

- The Future of Functional Medicine: insights into how technology and data-driven approaches are being integrated into functional medicine to improve diagnostic accuracy, treatment personalisation and scalability of care models.

Guest’s Social Media Channels:

- Website: https://www.jamesmaskell.com/ - Instagram: @mrjamesmaskell

-LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmaskell/

Publications: - Maskell, J. (2014). The Evolution of Medicine: Join the Movement to Solve Chronic Disease and Fall Back in Love with Medicine - Maskell, J. (2019). The Community Cure: Transforming Health Outcomes Together

 

Neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS, are “chronic conditions that damage and destroy parts of your nervous system over time, especially your brain.” According to mainstream medicine, “these conditions are permanent and incurable, but many are now treatable thanks to medical advances. Currently, the main goal is to treat the symptoms and slow the progress of these conditions when possible”. 

We also know that neurodegenerative disorders are the leading cause of physical and cognitive disability around the globe, affecting 15% of the world population, and are expected to double over the next two decades.

Given that neurological disorders are so prevalent and on the rise, and given that mainstream medicine has few options other than symptom management, it is vital for the prevention and reversal of neurodegenerative disease to look elsewhere. Integrative and Functional Medicine has a lot more answers to neurodegeneration than mainstream medicine, and Dr. Ken Sharlin is a neurologist who has transformed his conventional neurology practice to incorporate more integrative and functional medicine approaches into his practice for better patient outcomes. 

In this episode of the MindHealth360 Show, we are joined by Dr. Ken Sharlin, author of *The Healthy Brain Toolbox*, who shares his journey from conventional neurology to a more holistic practice, emphasising the importance of addressing lifestyle, environmental factors, and personalised medicine in treating conditions like Parkinson's, Alzheimer's and MS.

Dr. Sharlin discusses how modern neurology has traditionally focused on diagnosis and limited treatment options, often missing the opportunity to explore and address the root causes of neurological diseases. He explains that while medications and surgeries are valuable, they represent only a portion of the available tools. By incorporating functional medicine principles, including therapeutic lifestyle changes, environmental toxin mitigation, and addressing metabolic syndromes like "diabesity," Dr. Sharlin has expanded his toolbox to offer more comprehensive and effective care. 

One of the critical insights from Dr. Sharlin is the role of the gut-brain connection and how gut health can significantly influence brain health, particularly in neurodegenerative diseases. He also delves into the emerging role of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress as primary drivers of diseases like Parkinson’s. Dr. Sharlin emphasises the importance of early intervention and personalised care, recognising that no two patients are the same, even when they have identical diagnoses.

In this vivacious and informative presentation for IMMH 2023,Dr. Arwen Podesta, board certified in psychiatry, addiction medicine, holistic & integrative medicine, and forensic psychiatry, and author of Hooked  and Dr. Joe Mather, board certified in family medicine and functional medicine, discusses their fruitful experience of working together as a collaborative, intra-disciplinary team for better patient outcomes. They also discuss how to use integrative approaches to diagnose and treat the root causes of mental health symptoms, and delve into the key drivers of mental illness, and their most effective, evidence-based non-pharmaceutical treatments. 

In this fascinating and lively presentation, Dr. Mather and Dr. Podesta illustrate on a case by case basis the way they interact on a patient’s care, bringing their unique and separate approaches to bear, and showing how the power of their collaboration yields much better results than when they work alone. They take us through the key workups and diagnostic labs; the most common biochemical root causes of mental health issues; and the most effective evidence-based solutions. 

In this interview learn: 

• What is a great definition of integrative medicine, and why is it so effective for helping patients heal? 

• How collaborative care works in practice, avoiding its potential pitfalls, and why it’s more fun and yields better patient outcomes than when each doctor working in their silos

• The most common mental health symptoms, their most frequent biological root causes, and how to best diagnose them

• The most common genetic SNPs associated with mental disorders and why these don’t always need to be tested but can be ascertained through phenotype

• The 8 key evidence-based non-pharmaceutical interventions that have been shown to help with mental health and addiction

• An overview of the key hormones, nutrients, toxins (including moulds and heavy metals), gut and methylation issues affecting mental health and addiction 

 

In the latest podcast episode of the MindHealth360 Show, Dr. Aimie Apigian delves into the neurobiology of trauma and how it impacts our mental and physical health. As an MD with a background in biochemistry, public health and functional medicine, Dr. Apigian bridges the gap between the biochemical and the psychological aspects of trauma. She explains how life experiences are stored in the body and how trauma can lead to nervous system dysregulation, contributing to various mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

Aimie Apigian, MD MS MPH is a leading medical expert on how life experiences get stored in the body and on accelerating the trauma healing journey through her signature model and methodology, The Biology of Trauma®, based on her personal health and trauma journey.

In this episode, learn about:

• The interconnectedness of the nervous system and the immune system and the connection of the autonomic and central nervous systems.
•  How dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system drives mental and physical health issues. 
• How one individual neuron cell is getting signals, and its receptors, and its mitochondria. 
• The role of our biochemistry in understanding trauma and nervous system dysregulation.
• How chronic stress and trauma can lead to cellular dysregulation and chronic symptoms.
• Practical approaches to restoring the body's health through integrative trauma therapy.
• The importance of creating micro-moments of safety to support the healing process.

 

We are so excited to announce that Dr. Apigian will be one of our keynote speakers at the IMMH 2024 Conference in Washington DC from 10-13 October. She will be presenting on the neurobiology of trauma and effective integrative approaches to healing. For more information and to register, visit https://www.immh.org

For further insights, visit https://www.MindHealth360.com, your comprehensive guide to mental well-being.

Guest’s Social Media Channels:

- Instagram: @draimie

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aimie.apigian

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-aimie-apigian/

Publications:

- Apigian, A. (2022). The Biology of Trauma: Healing Chronic Stress and Trauma. [Publisher].

- Apigian, A. (2019). Functional Medicine and Trauma: Integrative Approaches to Health. [Publisher].

Resources Mentioned:

- Trauma Healing Accelerated: For more information and to attend the course, visit [Trauma Healing Accelerated](https://www.traumahealingaccelerated.com).

 

In this enlightening episode of MindHealth360, Dr. Sharon Hausman-Cohen, a visionary in the field of genomics, delves into the transformative impact of genetic insights on mental health treatment. As a co-founder of IntellxxDNA, she explores how understanding an individual's genetic profile can lead to highly personalised treatment strategies that can help prevent, treat and even reverse  mental health issues. Dr. Hausman-Cohen discusses the integration of genomics with traditional mental health approaches, highlighting the potential for revolutionising diagnoses and treatments.

Dr. Hausman-Cohen is not only a respected researcher but also a trailblazer in applying genomic data towards practical, clinical solutions. With over two decades of experience in integrative medicine, she has dedicated her career to enhancing patient outcomes through innovative medical practices which involve cutting edge genetic research with targeted personalised treatment strategies. In an approach unique to Intelxxdna and due to an extensive library of research applied to her genetic findings, she is able to match lifestyle, dietary and supplemental interventions with specific genetic variations for personalised and effective treatment plans. Her expertise and commitment have positioned her as a leader in the field, particularly in the area of cognitive health, where she has made significant contributions to understanding and treating conditions such as Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disorders.

This comprehensive discussion with Dr. Hausman-Cohen not only sheds light on the scientific aspects of genomics but also offers hope and actionable advice for those seeking to understand and manage their mental health through cutting-edge medical advancements.

In this episode, learn about:

• The foundational role of genomics in understanding and treating mental health conditions.

• How personalised genetic information is used to tailor mental health interventions.

• The synergy between genetic data and environmental/lifestyle factors in managing mental health.

• Case studies and personal insights on the impact of genomic understanding in clinical practice.

• Future directions in mental health treatment with the advancement of genomic technology.

 

Guest’s Social Media Channels:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-h-26185718 

Resources Mentioned:

• IntellxxDNA: Visit IntellxxDNA's website for more information on Dr. Hausman-Cohen's work.

 

In this compelling extract from IMMH 2023, Dr. Robert Lustig, a globally recognized  paediatric neuroendocrinologist, delves into the intricate connections between diet, metabolic health and mental health. Dr. Lustig, with a career marked by extensive research and advocacy, shows us how dietary choices profoundly influence brain function and neurochemistry and contribute to various mental health disorders. His pioneering work underscores the critical role of metabolic health for maintaining optimal mental well-being.

Dr. Lustig has a stellar academic and clinical career, with a BSc in Nutritional Biochemistry from MIT, an MD from Cornell University Medical College, and an MSL from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law.

He is Emeritus Professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Endocrinology at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and throughout his career has made significant contributions to the understanding of the adverse effects of sugar and processed foods on public health, and has been instrumental in advocating for changes in dietary guidelines and public health policies aimed at combating the global epidemic of chronic metabolic diseases.

Dr. Lustig’s extensive research portfolio includes over 125 peer-reviewed articles published in renowned journals such as Nature, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism and The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. He is also an acclaimed author, with notable books including Fat Chance: Beating the Odds Against Sugar, Processed Food, Obesity, and Disease, The Hacking of the American Mind: The Science Behind the Corporate Takeover of Our Bodies and Brains, and Metabolical: The Lure and Lies of Processed Food, Nutrition, and Modern Medicine.

In this episode, learn about:

• The alarming rise in global metabolic and mental health disorders and their intricate connections

• Mechanisms by which sugar and fructose function as mitochondrial toxins and cause oxidative stress in neuronal cells, contributing to neurological and psychiatric disorders

• The therapeutic potential of ketogenic diets in treating neuropsychiatric conditions, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia

• The effects of insulin resistance on neuronal energy metabolism and its implications for mental health

• The impact of gut microbiota and the gut-brain axis on mental health, emphasising dietary interventions to support these systems

• Evidence-based dietary interventions for improved metabolic and mental health outcomes

• The role of chronic low-grade inflammation in mood disorders and the influence of dietary factors in modulating inflammatory states

We are thrilled that Dr. Lustig is one of our keynote speakers at the IMMH 2024 Conference in Washington DC from 10-13 October, and will be giving two presentations on Technology Addiction in Children and "Amygdala Unchained" Ground Zero for the Syndemic and the Meta-Crisis

For more information and to register, visit IMMH. www.immh.org

 

In this illuminating extract from his IMMH 2023 presentation, Dr. Porges takes us on a fascinating tour of his groundbreaking polyvagal theory, the connection between our nervous system and mental health, and the role of the vagus nerve in regulating emotions and responses to trauma. With a distinguished career spanning multiple institutions and numerous accolades, Dr. Porges shares insights on how understanding and managing the nervous system can revolutionise mental health treatment.

Dr. Stephen Porges is a distinguished university scientist at Indiana University, the founding director of the Traumatic Stress Research Consortium at the Kinsey Institute, and a professor of psychiatry at the University of North Carolina. He is also a professor emeritus at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the University of Maryland. With over 400 peer-reviewed scientific papers and several influential books, Dr. Porges has significantly advanced our understanding of the nervous system's role in mental health. His latest book, Our Polyvagal World: Health, Safety, and Trauma, co-authored with his son Seth Porges, further explores these themes.

In this episode, learn about:

• Mechanisms of the autonomic nervous system: an in-depth exploration of the ventral vagal complex and its role in modulating physiological responses to stress and safety

• Polyvagal Theory in clinical practice: practical applications of Polyvagal Theory in therapeutic settings, including strategies for enhancing autonomic regulation and resilience in patients

• The concept of neuroception and its implications for understanding how the nervous system detects and responds to environmental cues of safety and threat

• Advanced therapeutic interventions based on Polyvagal Theory, focusing on how to effectively engage the parasympathetic nervous system to improve outcomes in trauma and stress-related disorders

• The significance of assessing and modulating autonomic state to optimise therapeutic interventions and improve patient outcomes in mental health treatment

• How the evolution of the autonomic nervous system supports social behaviours and the implications for mental health treatments

• Understanding the physiological underpinnings of emotional regulation and dysregulation through the lens of Polyvagal Theory

• Cutting-edge methods for assessing autonomic state and bio-behavioural reactivity to enhance diagnostic accuracy and personalise treatment plans

Dr. Porges will be elaborating on this theory and putting it into practice at the Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Conference (IMMH 2024) in Washington, DC, October 2024. There he will be presenting his new polyvagal music initiative, designed to regulate the nervous system using musical interventions. He will be teaming up with Seth Porges, his son and co-author of “Our Polyvagal World” and celebrated Music Producer Anthony Gorry to present  The Transformative Power of Music Scientifically Composed to Signal Safety to the Nervous System. For more details, visit IMMH