It is common knowledge that obesity increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, joint issues, and heart disease. Did you know it can negatively impact your brain health too? Inflammation is a major factor associated with obesity and is directly linked to brain fog. A 2015 study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience reviewed the connection between mast cells, which play a role in how fat is metabolized. This relationship can impact inflammation in the brain, resulting in brain fog.
Clear the Fog: Learn to love foods that love you back. Adopt a brain-healthy diet that supports cognition—think fish high in omega-3 fatty acids (salmon), protein for better focus, berries, and nuts.
2. Stress
Life changes, whether exciting or difficult can cause stress, overwhelming the brain and leading to the fuzzy thinking and dullness associated with brain fog. If you’re undergoing intense change or dealing with a traumatic situation, you might struggle with symptoms of brain fog. If the stress you’re under requires you to make important decisions, you might have a harder time doing so. Research shows that chronic stress results in reduced blood flow to the brain, which contributes to brain fog and other adverse symptoms.
Clear the Fog: Reduce stress with relaxation techniques like deep breathing and meditation.
3. Untreated depression
Depression is strongly associated with memory loss, which is considered a common brain fog issue. Untreated depression can also result in fatigue, confusion, and an inability to focus—all of which are also linked to brain fog. Because the cognitive effects of depression are so far-reaching, it is imperative to seek help from a mental health professional with a brain health specialty.
Clear the fog: Discover which type of depression you have so you can get treatment targeted to your needs.
4. Hormonal imbalances
Brain fog and hormone issues go hand-in-hand. Hormonal causes of brain fog include hypothyroidism, perimenopause/menopause, and abnormal cortisol levels. Brain fog can be so extreme when hormonally related that it’s not uncommon for people to think they have early-onset Alzheimer’s disease and get tested for memory loss.
Clear the Fog: Have your healthcare provider check your hormone levels and balance them if necessary.
5. ADD/ADHD
Lack of focus, being easily distracted, and having trouble concentrating are all symptoms of ADD/ADHD that can contribute to brain fog. A study in Frontiers in Psychiatry found that people with ADD/ADHD have higher levels of cytokines, which have an inflammatory effect on the brain. A spike in cytokines can interfere with your working memory, slow your reaction time, and cause brain fog.
Clear the Fog: Find out which of the 7 types of ADD/ADHD you have and look for natural solutions to help and take medication if necessary.
6. Food allergies
Your diet can either make you feel focused and sharp or slow and sluggish. A study published in Behavioural Brain Research found a correlation between food allergies and cognitive impairment, including brain fog. More mile food sensitivities and food intolerances can also mess with your brain. The typical American diet is riddled with commonly allergenic foods such as gluten, corn, soy, sugar, dairy, and food additives and dyes.
Clear the Fog: Eliminate potential food allergens for 30 days and see if your foggy thinking improves.
7. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) has a host of symptoms involving digestive issues, sore lymph nodes, muscle weakness, food allergies, and irregular heartbeat. Another challenge of the condition is brain fog and overall difficulty with information processing, attention, and working memory.
Clear the Fog: Seek treatment for CFS from an integrative or functional medicine physician.
8. Long COVID
According to the World Health Organization, people suffering from long COVID have symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, loss of smell and taste, muscle aches, depression, and anxiety. In a 2022 study, 71 percent of participants reported brain fog as a symptom of long COVID, and it is one of the top three symptoms including fatigue and shortness of breath.
Clear the Fog: Get on a brain-healthy program to help combat long COVID and its symptoms.
9. Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease
Mild cognitive impairment (MPI) found in early-onset Alzheimer’s is different from brain fog but might feel similar. Keep in mind the distinction is that dementia symptoms include memory loss that is more profound than the mental cloudiness seen with brain fog, and as Alzheimer’s progresses will interfere dramatically with everyday life.
Clear the Fog: Get screened to rule out Alzheimer’s disease if more pronounced memory loss is a factor.
10. Medications
The blood-brain barrier weakens as we age, which can allow medications to seep into the brain. Over-the-counter and prescription medications that can cause brain fog include pain relievers, sleep aids, anti-anxiety drugs such as benzodiazepines, antidepressants, high blood pressure medication, allergy medication, and drugs that lower cholesterol (statins).
Clear the Fog: Check your medicine cabinet to see if you are taking anything that may interfere with cognitive function and talk to your doctor about it.
11. Sleep issues
There’s no way around it: we need our sleep. Without it, every aspect of life suffers. The idea that you can “get away with” a few hours of sleep every night or interrupted sleep is just not true. Lack of sleep – even one night – can cause brain fog and a host of other symptoms. Chronic lack of sleep is another source of inflammation that can wreak havoc on cognition.
Clear the Fog: Make sleep a priority in your life. Set a sleep schedule and stick with it, even on weekends.
12. Inflammation
The connection between brain inflammation and cognitive dysfunction is found throughout research on brain fog and applies to ADD/ADHD as well as obesity, depression, long COVID, anxiety, food allergies, sleep issues, and other causes listed here. A study conducted in 2021 found that even low levels of chronic neuroinflammation can have an impact on clear thinking and result in chronic brain fog.
Clear the Fog: Consider taking anti-inflammatory supplements, such as fish oil, curcumin, and probiotics.
Given the wide range of issues that cause brain fog, it’s crucial to seek professional help to find what’s at the root of your problems.
Brain fog, memory problems, depression, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples.Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834or visit our contact page here. Being leveled by depression or anxiety, unable to engage in daily activities, is no joke. But before seeking an antidepressant or other mood-altering medications, you may want to start by having your thyroid levels checked.
“Patients with hypothyroidism and those with depression can present with similar general symptoms,” according to the American Thyroid Association.
Because many mood disorders may have a fundamental root cause in thyroid disorders, it’s wise to have blood work done to see if you may be suffering from an underactive thyroid, in the form of hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease; an overactive thyroid, with a disease called Grave’s disease; or any number of other related conditions.
A gland shaped like a bowtie wrapped at the front of your lower neck, the thyroid is a key regulator of the body’s metabolic processes. It also oversees the production of many neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin and GABA, which explains its paramount role in brain health.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF THYROID AND MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES
For more than 200 years, the medical profession has identified the connection between optimal thyroid function and mental health.
An Anglo-Welsh physician named Caleb Parry all the way back in 1825 noted “nervous affectations” in people suffering from thyroid dysfunction. More than a century later, in 1969, depression was identified as a potential early sign of thyroid disease. It is also linked to schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, bipolar disease, ADD/ADHD, and other mental health problems.
Before seeing your doctor, look for additional symptoms that could indicate there is more than meets the eye in your mental health struggles. They may include weight loss or gain, hair loss, fluctuations in your body temperature—feeling generally too hot or too cold—changes to your menstrual cycle, or persistent troubles with diarrhea or constipation.
Other symptoms to look for include:
Sluggishness
Racing thoughts
Memory problems
Trouble sleeping or unrestful sleep
Cramps or pain in your muscles or joints
Brittle nails
Extra dry skin
Yellowing skin
Symptoms of psychosis
Episodes of mania
Attentional problems or difficulty concentrating
Swelling in the front of your neck, which could indicate a swollen thyroid
Some of these symptoms on their own, such as difficulty sleeping and concentrating, can be primary symptoms of depression. However, the existence of one or several at the same time also could indicate your thyroid is involved.
Blood work can reveal low or high levels of the three main thyroid hormones, including thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH; thyroxine, or T4; and triiodothyronine, called T3. If so, treating your thyroid first to re-establish optimal hormonal levels may resolve, or at least lessen, psychiatric symptoms.
KNOW YOUR THYROID BLOOD TESTS—AND YOUR DOCTORS
While standard thinking holds that healthy levels of TSH, or thyroid-stimulating hormone, should range between .5 and 5 in blood work results, not every medical professional agrees. A TSH test reveals just how hard the thyroid gland is working to keep a person’s metabolism working. The higher the test score, the harder the gland is pumping out hormones to jolt you into gear. Generally speaking, lower TSH test results indicate the metabolism is in balance, working well enough on its own, without this assist.
Some doctors, often those with a greater focus on lifestyle or integrative health, believe optimal results should always be below 2 or 2.5. The lower reading ideally indicates the gland is not over-stressed.
So be aware that some more traditional doctors may not prescribe thyroid medication when a test shows a TSH between 2 and 5. They may only do so when the test comes in above 5, or even higher. To treat subclinical hypothyroidism may require a visit to a functional or integrative doctor.
WHAT FACTORS WRECK THYROID HEALTH AND CONTRIBUTE TO MENTAL ILLNESS?
A wide variety of factors, acting alone or in combination, can conspire to undermine thyroid health, including dietary factors and exposure to environmental toxins.
One of them is a rapid loss of a large, or even moderate, amount of weight. When you lose weight rapidly, your thyroid slows, producing lower levels of TSH. This can throw off the delicate balance that the body must maintain in producing different thyroid hormones. In particular, rapid weight loss can result in a diminished ability to convert T4, also known as a “prohormone,” into the more active T3.
Dietary factors such as gluten sensitivity and celiac disease, both of which involve reactions to the gluten in wheat, can trigger thyroid disorders. For people with either, eating gluten can create leaky gut symptoms and release an antibody that can attack the thyroid. Given that celiac disease is often accompanied by thyroid disorder, one clinical study suggests gluten-free diets can help people struggling with thyroid health. Other studies have found that a failure to adhere to a gluten-free diet, for people with these risk factors, can contribute to a host of debilitating diseases such as osteoporosis, anemia, and increased risk of mortality.
Zinc deficiency is another risk factor, a particularly pervasive one given the depletion of zinc in many plants. Along with copper and selenium, zinc is required for the production of thyroid hormones. On the other side of the coin, thyroid hormones are necessary for the body to absorb zinc, which means hypothyroidism itself can lead to a zinc deficiency. When it comes to hair loss caused by hypothyroidism, often hormone supplementation won’t be sufficient without proper zinc supplementation.
Lastly, women with hypothyroidism who take supplemental estrogen for their health may need to increase the amount of thyroxine or T4 they take in order not to prevent a drop in their thyroid function.
SUPPLEMENTS FOR THYROID BALANCE AND HELP FOR MENTAL HEALTH
In addition to seeking a functional doctor, a wide variety of natural supplements can boost your thyroid health. These include ashwagandha; zinc (which supports healthy hair); selenium; the herb rosemary; l-tyrosine; potassium; chromium; and vitamins A, B2, B3, B6, C, and D. Consult with your doctor to ensure your supplements support and do not conflict with your medications.
If psychiatric symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, attention issues, psychosis, or mania persist after regulating your thyroid levels, it’s time to seek help from a mental health professional.
Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples.Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here.Content updated from previous publish date.
Are you struggling with low moods? Do you feel fatigued all the time? Are you trying to lose weight but can’t seem to drop the pounds despite eating a healthy diet? It could be due to a thyroid problem. Normal and healthy thyroid hormone levels are essential for optimal brain and body health. Low thyroid function, called hypothyroidism, can cause many physical and mental problems including depression, fatigue, poor memory, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and more.
Low thyroid function, called hypothyroidism, can cause many physical and mental problems including depression, fatigue, poor memory, obesity, diabetes, high cholesterol, and more.
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in your lower neck. Although it is small, it has a big impact on the health of your brain and body. This gland produces three main thyroid hormones—thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T3, and T4. They are among the most important neurohormones in the human body. Thyroid hormones are involved in regulating how your body uses energy. It also has a strong impact on the brain because it controls the production of many neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and GABA.
For optimal brain and body function, these three thyroid hormones must be produced in the proper balance. Problems develop when thyroid dysfunction causes hormonal imbalances in which the gland to produce too little hormone (hypothyroidism) or too much hormone (hyperthyroidism).
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHYROIDISM
Patients with low thyroid function, even if it’s not severe, can have problems with mood, cognitive function, and memory loss. Patients with depression tend to have higher rates of hypothyroidism than those of the general population.
Signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
Depression
Fatigue
Unexplained weight gain
Difficulty concentrating
Impaired memory
Increased sensitivity to cold
Constipation
Dry skin
Puffy face
Hoarseness
Muscle weakness
Elevated blood cholesterol level
Muscle aches, tenderness, and stiffness
Pain, stiffness, or swelling in your joints
Heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods
Thinning hair
Slowed heart rate
HYPOTHYROIDISM IS HIGHLY UNDERDIAGNOSED
Hypothyroidism is one of the most common diseases in the world. It is more prevalent than hyperthyroidism and more widespread than people—including many in the medical field—think it is. Current research shows that nearly 5 out of every 100 people ages 12 and up in the U.S. suffer from hypothyroidism. According to the American Thyroid Association, thyroid problems are 5-8 times more likely to occur in women than in men, and 1 in 8 women will develop a thyroid disorder during their lifetime.
Even more alarming is the fact that up to 7% of the United States population has undiagnosed hypothyroidism, according to a 2021 study.
There are several reasons for the high level of underdiagnosis. Low awareness of the disorder is one issue, which results in many people mistakenly attributing their symptoms to some other condition. The biggest problem, however, is the fact that there are inconsistencies in how thyroid levels are tested. Three are 5 blood tests that may be used in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism:
TSH
T4
T3
Free T3
Reverse T3
The American Thyroid Association offers a more comprehensive look at each of these tests. Many physicians, however, use just one or two tests, which may not provide an accurate picture of thyroid health.
WHY IS HYPOTHYROIDISM SO COMMON?
There are many factors contributing to the prevalence of hypothyroidism, many of which are environmental. Of the three main types of thyroid hormones, T-3 is by far the most important active thyroid hormone in the body. However, in order to make active T-3 the body has to convert inactive T-4 via an enzyme process, and therein lies the problem. It turns out that this enzyme process is highly susceptible to interference from a variety of things. Factors that inhibit thyroid production include but are not limited to:
Excess stress and cortisol production
Deficiencies in vitamins B12 and B9, iron, ferritin, iodine, or selenium
Deficient protein, excess sugar
Chronic illness
Compromised liver or kidney function
Cadmium, mercury, or lead toxicity
Herbicides and pesticides
Oral contraceptives
Excessive estrogen production
Damage to the pituitary gland, often due to head injuries
EFFECTIVE, NATURAL TREATMENTS FOR HYPOTHYROIDISM
Strategies that promote healthy neurohormone function include:
Support healthy hormones with exercise, adequate sleep, a healthy diet, and stress management.
Take nutraceuticals, such as l-tyrosine, zinc, iodine, and ashwagandha extract, which support thyroid function.
If you’re coping with depression, mood issues, fatigue, or unexplained weight gain, it may be time to check your thyroid levels. Even if your doctor has told you your thyroid tests are “normal,” your signs and symptoms may still point to low thyroid function and need to be evaluated more closely.
Depression, fatigue, hormonal imbalances, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples.Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834or visit our contact page here. Have you ever wondered what it might be like to feel different inside your head? For example, imagine that:
You don’t worry so much or get stuck on negative or fearful thoughts
You wake up each morning feeling motivated, rather than sad
You’re able to stay on task and get things accomplished
If any of these apply to you, think about how your life might be if you could change the emotions and behaviors that cause such challenges for you.
YOU’RE NOT STUCK WITH MENTAL HEALTH SYMPTOMS
Many people who have symptoms like those above accept them as part of their life, resigning themselves to feeling nervous, blue, or scattered, thinking, “well that’s just how I am.” Or maybe they believe it’s too late for them to be happier, more focused, or less stressed.
Anyone who silently struggles in this way may not understand that conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADD/ADHD are not personal shortcomings, but rather a reflection of a person’s brain health. Therefore, when the underlying cause of someone’s symptoms can be identified and correctly diagnosed, effective treatment strategies can be created that lead to improvement or even elimination of symptoms.
Conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADD/ADHD are not personal shortcomings, but rather a reflection of a person’s brain health.
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions. Feeling sad, empty, fatigued, pessimistic, and hopeless can make some days seem completely overwhelming. And, if you’ve felt this way for a long time, it’s easy to think this is how you’ll always feel. But the truth is, it’s possible for you to feel better.
Depressive symptoms can be caused by many different things, including traumatic experiences, hormonal imbalances, and even an unhealthy diet. So, by identifying the factors that led to the emergence of symptoms, specific strategies can help you heal and feel more vibrant again. Although an actual treatment plan for each person would be unique, some things that might be included in it are:
1. Try EMDR.
If a history of trauma is the underlying cause, psychotherapy with EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) can be very effective for healing and releasing the negative hold of past experiences.
2. Balance your hormones.
Hormone therapy (for men and women), when appropriate, can restore balance and relieve irritability and sadness.
3. Eat good mood foods.
If you’ve been eating a diet that includes lots of sugar and/or high-fat and processed foods, switching to one with fresh produce, healthy fats (i.e. avocados), and clean protein can increase energy, lift mood, and boost motivation. Alcohol is a depressant, so avoiding it is helpful too.
3 WAYS TO CALM ANXIETY SYMPTOMS
If you tend to catastrophize situations—always imagining the worst outcome, feel nervous all the time, worry incessantly, and have physical symptoms like chronic muscle tension or trembling hands, you may be dealing with anxiety. If this sounds familiar to you, you’re not alone—each year, about 40 million people in the U.S. have this condition too.
Fortunately, even if you’ve had anxiety symptoms for a long time, there are some simple therapies to reduce them, so they don’t continue interfering with your ability to relax and enjoy life. Here are 3 things you can do:
1. Breathe deeply.
If you feel like you’re always stressed out, incorporating a practice of diaphragmatic breathing can be really helpful for calming your mind. Here’s how to do it:
Breathing with your diaphragm (belly), rather than your chest, repeat this pattern 10 times—it only takes a few minutes.
Inhale for a count of 3 to 4
Exhale for a count of 6 to 8
You can even do this breathing exercise at work—no one will know—and it’s an easy way to manage anxiety on the fly.
2. Manage your mind.
Learning to pay attention and reality-test the fearful or automatic negative thoughts (ANTs) that plague your mind can help your thinking become more accurate, instead of being full of worries and doubt. Each time you catch yourself having an ANT, ask yourself the following questions:
Is it true?
Is it 100% true?
How does this thought make you feel?
How would you feel if you didn’t have this thought?
Next, flip the ANT to its opposite and see if that thought isn’t actually truer than the ANT is.
3. Consider nutraceuticals.
Natural supplements such as GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), magnesium, and L-theanine, as well as the scent of lavender can promote a sense of calmness and help you relax.
Incorporating multiple strategies can have a compounding beneficial effect on reducing anxiety symptoms.
3 TIPS TO MANAGE ADD/ADHD SYMPTOMS
Having lots of unfinished projects and a short attention span, being disorganized, distracted, and impulsive, along with a tendency to procrastinate are core symptoms of attention-deficit disorder (ADD), which is more commonly called attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This condition typically begins in childhood due to lower levels of dopamine in the brain and can cause behavioral issues as well as academic problems. Unfortunately, it often goes undiagnosed and untreated; thus, the challenges of it can carry over into adulthood. Head injuries and other insults to the brain can also lead to symptoms of ADD/ADHD.
Like other mental health conditions, ADD/ADHD is not a simple or singular disorder. The brain SPECT imaging work at Amen Clinics has helped identify 7 types of ADD/ADHD. Each of these requires a different treatment program, so knowing your ADD/ADHD type is critical. However, there are some simple strategies that can help anyone who struggles with this condition, including these:
1. Set goals.
On a sheet of paper, write down your important goals and put them in a place you can see and read every day. This helps you make better decisions about what you do—or don’t do—to keep your goals in mind and on track.
2. Move more.
Exercise regularly to discharge any feelings of restlessness and promote the release of neurotransmitters such as dopamine because it helps to activate the front part of the brain, an area that is critical for focus, judgment, and impulse control.
3. Use digital reminders.
Be vigilant about using the calendar on your phone or wall to keep track of appointments, deadlines, and other important responsibilities. Commit to looking at it every night and each morning so you don’t forget what you need to do.
These treatment strategies are just a handful of the many ways you can help your brain become healthier and more balanced—regardless of your age or how many years you have been struggling with mental health symptoms. Through a process called neuroplasticity, the repetition of new behaviors can help rewire your brain to change the way you think and feel. It does take time—doing something once won’t do the trick—but with a commitment to yourself to work on improving symptoms, it is well worth the effort you put in.
Depression, anxiety, and ADD/ADHD can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples.Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. While most mothers-to-be are aware of the hallmark symptoms of pregnancy—nausea, fatigue, tender/swollen breasts, sensitivity to smells, loosening joints, swelling hands and feet, hair and skin changes, etc.—the profound changes to the brain during the same period are often overlooked or grossly misunderstood. “Mommy brain” is the term given to the symptoms of mental fogginess and forgetfulness without a deeper grasp of the brain metamorphosis taking place.
Based on research developments in recent years, experts now believe that a woman’s brain essentially restructures itself to be better prepared for the demands of being a mother.
In recent years, researchers have come to understand that pregnancy and early motherhood is a period of radical change to the female brain. In fact, the brain undergoes its most rapid and dramatic changes during this time than at any other time in a mother’s life, including puberty.
Mommy brain symptoms are likely an indication of something greater happening in the brain—a transformation of sorts. Based on research developments in recent years, experts now believe that a woman’s brain essentially restructures itself to be better prepared for the demands of being a mother. The altered brain appears to help women be sensitive and effective caretakers who are less affected by stress and more focused on the needs of their infants. What’s more, the brain changes during pregnancy and early motherhood may likely boost brain function permanently.
It seems “supermom brain” would be a more fitting term for this period of transformation! Let’s take a closer look.
WHAT IS MOMMY BRAIN?
Mommy brain generally refers to the cognitive changes, such as momentary memory lapses and brain fogginess, that happen anytime during pregnancy or after birth. It’s also called pregnancy brain, mom brain, momnesia, or baby brain, and it is very common. Between 50 and 80% of pregnant women report thinking problems during pregnancy and postpartum, according to the American Psychological Association.
Mommy brain is a real occurrence. A recent 2021 study measured the cognitive function of pregnant women in their second and third trimesters. The study found “an impairment in memory among pregnant women” and noted that language skills, particularly naming, were also diminished.
While mommy brain can partly result from lack of sleep and multitasking, researchers believe it has more to do with a surge of pregnancy hormones. There are 15 to 40 times more progesterone and estrogen “marinating” the brain during pregnancy. Progesterone is known to have a sedating effect, which could affect cognition. The hormonal influx likely triggers the architectural changes within the brain, which factors in as well.
PREGNANCY AND THE BRAIN
Starting in the early 2000s, scientists began taking note of structural changes in the brain related to pregnancy. A 2002 study found that women’s brain volume diminished by about 4% during pregnancy, then returned to normal after delivery.
Interestingly, this apparent brain shrinkage is not the deficit that it might appear to be. It does not seem to be the result of brain cell loss but rather changes in cellular metabolism. Dr. Louann Brizendine, in her book The Female Brain states that the shrinkage is a sign of brain circuits that are being restructured in preparation for their being changed from “one-lane highways” into “superhighways.” Think of it as restructuring for greater efficiency.
A number of animal studies examining the effects of pregnancy on the female mammalian brain followed with remarkable results. Research published in Scientific American showed mother rats to be better, more efficient learners who are less fearful and are therefore better providers for their young compared to non-mother females. Mother animal subjects were also more resistant to stress and showed enhanced memory and cognition.
The researchers theorized that the pregnancy brain undergoes revolutionary changes, at first appearing to be a disorganized construction zone, which may account for mommy brain symptoms. However, once the infant is born and the neuronal changes start to organize and take hold, the result is a better brain. The transformed mother brain is more efficient and focused, having evolved from a self-centered organism to an other-focused caregiver.
What’s more, a 2011 animal study conducted by the same lead researcher suggests that better cognitive skills and protection against neurodegenerative disease may last well into later life.
GRAY MATTER PRUNING
Impressed with the research findings on pregnancy and enhanced brain function in animals, scientists set out to learn more about the transformative brain changes in human subjects. A 2017 breakthrough human study found that new mothers experienced gray matter reductions that lasted for at least two years after birth – and this apparent loss came with important benefits.
The gray matter shrunk around the brain regions involved in social cognition, and mostly in the network dedicated to the theory of mind. This is the region that helps us think about what is going on in someone else’s mind. When the new mothers looked at photos of their infants, it was these areas that had the strongest response. Researchers observed that where there was the greatest mother-infant bonding, there was also the greatest consolidation of gray matter.
Scientists call the phenomenon of gray matter shrinkage “gray matter pruning.” A similar process happens in early childhood and adolescence. The gray matter has myriad interconnections among neurons, and during pruning, the most important connections are strengthened while the others are left to perish. Rather than indicating a loss of function, pruning means that a brain region has become more specialized. This specialization is what will help new mothers adapt to motherhood and respond to the needs of their baby.
FUTURE IMPLICATIONS
The research on brain plasticity during pregnancy and early motherhood is ongoing. In a newer study published in the Archives of Women’s Mental Health, brain plasticity is recognized in areas that implicate caregiving, namely regions involved in reward/motivation, salience/threat detection, emotional regulation, and social cognition (such as the ability to understand and respond to the mental state of the baby). Yet, this new study explores how these changes also make certain women vulnerable to the development of mental disorders such as postpartum depression. While the research is not conclusive at this point, it hopefully can lead to the prevention of these disorders, which can threaten both the mother and child.
SUPER-MOMMY BRAIN
If you or someone in your life becomes pregnant, remind yourself or that person that the forgetful, foggy brain of pregnancy is actually a sign of a stronger, more able supermom brain in the making.
Perinatal mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples.Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834or visit our contact page here. Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most dreaded ailments. It robs us of the memories of our life’s joys, accomplishments, hurts, and lessons learned—the very things that make up the essence of who we are. When our memory is damaged by Alzheimer’s, it diminishes our ability to make sense of the world, creates a disconnect with loved ones, hijacks our independence, and ultimately steals our life. It’s utterly heartbreaking.
Many people believe Alzheimer’s disease is inevitable or that it strikes randomly without warning. It’s common for medical professionals to tell their patients who are complaining about forgetfulness that age-related memory loss is normal. And the vast majority of us believe there is nothing we can do to prevent Alzheimer’s disease or to stop it from deteriorating further.
That’s wrong!
The truth is, Alzheimer’s is a lifestyle disease—similar to heart disease or type 2 diabetes—and your everyday habits contribute greatly to your level of risk. New research confirms this.
The truth is, Alzheimer’s is a lifestyle disease—similar to heart disease and type 2 diabetes—and your everyday habits contribute greatly to your level of risk.
11 Lifestyle Factors that Increase the Risk for Alzheimer’s
Currently, over 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, and that number is expected to triple by 2050. If you don’t want to be one of them, you need to know the 11 major risk factors of memory loss. The lifestyle factors that contribute to a heightened risk for Alzheimer’s disease can be summed up with the mnemonic BRIGHT MINDS. Here’s what each letter stands for.
B is for blood flow problems.
Healthy blood flow is essential for a good memory. The brain SPECT imaging work at Amen Clinics shows that low blood flow is the #1 brain imaging predictor of Alzheimer’s.
R is for retirement and aging.
Advancing age is the strongest risk factor for memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease. Brain SPECT imaging shows that the activity in the brain generally decreases with age.
I is for Inflammation.
Smoking, eating a high-sugar diet, and carrying excess body fat are associated with chronic inflammation that can harm the brain and increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
G is for genetics.
Having first-degree family members with Alzheimer’s can be a sign that you need to make serious lifestyle changes to protect your memory.
H is for head trauma.
Several studies show a link between traumatic brain injuries or repeated mild head trauma (like repetitive helmet-to-helmet tackles in football) and the risk for dementia.
T is for toxins.
Toxic substances, such as air pollution, cigarette smoke, alcohol, and drugs are associated with memory issues.
In a 2016 editorial in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, 33 scientists expressed concern that infectious diseases were being overlooked as a major cause of memory problems and dementia.
N is for neurohormone problems.
When hormones are out of balance, it creates an increased risk for illness, including Alzheimer’s, heart disease, diabetes, depression, and more.
D is for diabesity.
The unhealthy combination of obesity and diabetes seriously impacts brain health and memory. Research in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease has linked abnormal insulin levels, which are a hallmark of diabetes, to Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. The correlation is so strong, some scientists have labeled Alzheimer’s “type 3 diabetes.”
S is for sleep issues.
A growing body of research links sleep problems, such as insomnia and sleep apnea, to a higher risk of memory problems and dementia.
The Link Between ADHD and Alzheimer’s Disease
As mentioned above, mental health issues increase the risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. New research sheds light on the link between ADHD and the disease. A 2021 multi-generational study out of Sweden shows that the grandparents and parents of those with ADHD are more likely to have Alzheimer’s disease compared with older people who have no ADHD relatives. And the increase in risk is substantial. Parents of a child with ADHD have a 55% greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, and grandparents of ADHD kids have an 11% increased risk of the disease.
The study doesn’t show that ADHD causes Alzheimer’s. However, it’s important to look at how ADHD makes people more vulnerable to lifestyle risk factors for memory loss. Many of the symptoms of ADHD—including short attention span, impulsivity, distractibility, disorganization, and procrastination—lead to poor decision-making and increase the vulnerability to lifestyle risk factors for memory issues.
People with ADHD are at greater risk for traumatic brain injuries, obesity, substance abuse, and smoking. In turn, these lifestyle factors increase the chances of developing some form of dementia.
Know the Side Effects of Not Treating Mental Illness
Some people are wary of treating psychiatric issues with medication due to possible side effects. This is a valid concern, and it’s generally a good idea to try the least toxic, most effective solutions for any mental health problem. However, it’s equally important to understand that not treating mental illness also comes with side effects. In some cases, those potential side effects include an increased risk for memory loss and Alzheimer’s disease. That is too high a price to pay.
Memory loss, ADD/ADHD, and other mental health issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, clinical evaluations, and therapy for adults, teens, children, and couples.Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. Mood swings. Night sweats. Brain fog. Menopause comes with a host of symptoms that can make you feel awful emotionally and physically. Due primarily to declining levels of the hormone, estrogen, the unfamiliar and erratic symptoms that lead to and through “the change,” can wreak havoc on your overall sense of well-being.
During the years of fertility, estrogen naturally fluctuates throughout the month, commensurate with a woman’s menstrual cycle. Then after 3 decades or so of having a monthly period, women enter perimenopause, which is a years-long process that reflects changing levels of estrogen related to decreasing fertility. During this time, instead of having rolling fluctuations of estrogen each month, this hormone will start to spike and dip, with the highs being higher, and the lows lower than what one would have experienced during PMS. Since there are estrogen receptors in every organ of the female body, when this hormone begins declining, it can have a significant impact on overall functioning.
Mood swings. Night sweats. Brain fog. Menopause comes with a host of symptoms that can make you feel awful emotionally and physically.
Although symptoms usually start out as mild, they begin to worsen as a woman gets closer to the beginning of menopause. At the same time that estrogen levels are decreasing, progesterone—nature’s feel-good hormone that helps you feel calm—also begins to decline. The combination of changes in these and other hormones can lead to numerous symptoms, including episodes of:
In addition to experiencing the emotional and cognitive symptoms of menopause, the majority of women will start having hot flashes, one of the most prominent issues during “the change.” Episodes of being suddenly overheated can be embarrassing too as a woman becomes drenched in perspiration, dreaming of a walk-in freezer to help her cool off. Being in warm temperatures, taking a hot shower or bath, and working out can contribute to hot flashes. Other triggers include:
Basically, anything that causes blood vessels to dilate can set the stage for a hot flash to occur. Nonetheless, they feel miserable while they last, which can be anywhere from a few seconds to 10 minutes or more. There is also a lot of variability in the duration of this bothersome symptom. Some women may have a few hot flashes a week, while others may have them multiple times a day. And this may go on for a matter of months or many years, although the average length of time is about 4 years.
Other symptoms that women commonly develop during menopause include:
There are a number of ways to help reduce or manage the symptoms of menopause and the deleterious effects they seem to have at times. Here are 7 ways to feel better:
1. Hormone Therapy.
While there are some concerns regarding traditional hormone replacement treatments, such as an increased risk for heart disease and breast cancer, the short-term use of low doses of bio-identical estrogen and progesterone can give some much-needed relief for symptoms like hot flashes. Vaginal estrogen creams are also helpful in reducing dryness, urinary symptoms, and increasing comfort during sexual intercourse. Working with a functional medicine doctor who will do a full hormone evaluation and treatment may be very helpful in getting your symptoms under control.
2. Medications.
Not all women can or want to use hormone therapy, so fortunately certain medications can be helpful. Research published in the medical journal, Menopause, found that the use of the anticonvulsant medication, gabapentin, was effective for reducing hot flashes and night sweats. Similarly, low doses of some antidepressants may help with hot flashes too, and in addition, can help with mood problems.
Be sure to include plenty of fresh produce, clean protein, and healthy fats like those found in avocados and nuts. And because the lack of estrogen can deteriorate bone health leading to osteoporosis, be sure you’re getting adequate calcium and vitamin D. Talk to your doctor about any need for supplements in this regard.
4. Regular exercise.
While the overall benefits of being physically active are amazing, getting regular exercise can help you manage anxiety while boosting your mood and supporting your heart health (your heart can also be adversely affected by the lack of estrogen). And be sure to include a couple of days of weight training each week to help keep your bones strong.
5. Sleep hygiene.
Being exhausted due to lack of sleep as a result of hormonal changes is certainly one of the biggest challenges. Therefore, improving your habits around bedtime can be very helpful. Try these:
Keep your bedroom temperature low and have a fan near you to help you cool down during night sweats.
Minimize extraneous noise. Use a white noise device, if needed.
Use dark curtains to block exterior light.
Turn off electronic devices for at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light they emit can disrupt your circadian rhythm.
6. Stress management.
Unpredictable hormonal changes and the accompanying symptoms—which may differ from one day to the next—can be unsettling and stressful. Incorporating relaxation techniques into your life, such as gentle yoga, meditation, and acupuncture, can help offset this.
7. Avoid alcohol.
As mentioned above, it can exacerbate the frequency of hot flashes, but in addition, hormonal imbalances can cause emotional issues, such as feeling more sad, irritable, or anxious. Since alcohol makes you less inhibited, it can worsen these symptoms and cause you to say or do things you might regret.
The challenges women face during this time in their lives can often feel overwhelming. However, using a variety of healthy strategies to help manage your symptoms can make a big difference in how you get through “the change.” The good news is that many of the more difficult symptoms resolve once menopause has passed!
Hormone problems can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834 or visit our contact page here. When a young woman with no history of mental health issues suddenly began experiencing auditory hallucinations, her parents sought help immediately. The teenager was admitted to a psychiatric hospital and placed on antipsychotic medication, but it didn’t help. Several months and more than 2 dozen doctors later, the parents took their daughter to Amen Clinics where brain imaging, lab tests, and clinical investigation led to a different diagnosis—Lyme disease. With the proper treatment, the young woman eventually got her life back.
She isn’t alone.
It is estimated that approximately 476,000 Americans may contract Lyme disease each year, according to the CDC. Many of these people are treated immediately with antibiotics and recover from the disease. Others, however, develop bothersome symptoms that linger and become chronic Lyme disease, also called post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome.
Hundreds of people have come to Amen Clinics with mysterious psychological symptoms or cognitive issues that aren’t responding to standard psychiatric treatment, and they end up testing positive for Lyme disease. In many of these cases, the people have been struggling with unresolved issues for years but none of their mental healthcare providers ever tested them for infectious diseases. When these patients received an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, their symptoms improved significantly.
Hundreds of people have come to Amen Clinics with mysterious psychological symptoms or cognitive issues that aren’t responding to standard psychiatric treatment, and they end up testing positive for Lyme disease.
Lyme disease is a tick-borne bacterial infection. It is caused by the bite of an infected black-legged tick, also called a deer tick. These ticks are primarily found in the Northeast, northern Midwest, Mid-Atlantic states, and the West Coast. Many people who become infected with Lyme disease don’t recall being bitten by a tick and they don’t get the telltale “bulls-eye” rash that is characteristic of the disease. This is one of the reasons the illness often goes undetected. When left untreated, the infection hijacks the immune system and leads to a cascade of inflammatory responses that can have devastating, life-altering effects.
COGNITIVE AND PSYCHIATRIC SYMPTOMS OF LYME DISEASE
Lyme disease is a major cause of psychiatric and cognitive problems, but few medical professionals know it. But there is a growing amount of scientific research on the link between Lyme disease and these chronic issues. For example, a 2019 study in JAMA Psychiatry found that having a severe infection requiring hospitalization in childhood significantly increased the risk of mental health disorders later in life. Earlier research in the same journal from 2013 followed over 3.5 million people and found that being hospitalized for any infection heightened the risk for mood disorders later in life by 62%.
Lyme disease is a major cause of psychiatric and cognitive problems, but few medical professionals know it.
Two of the most common symptoms are memory problems and negative changes in mental sharpness—both of which are experienced by 70% of people with chronic Lyme disease.
WHY LYME DISEASE IS OFTEN UNDETECTED OR MISDIAGNOSED
Because Lyme disease can cause so many neurological, psychiatric, or medical disorders, it has been called the “great imitator.” It can mimic symptoms of conditions, such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, ADD/ADHD, and more. This is one of the reasons why Lyme disease remains largely underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
In the case of misdiagnosis, people may be treated with medications for conditions they don’t have. These treatments don’t help, and in some cases, they exacerbate problems or cause additional side effects.
GETTING A LYME DISEASE DIAGNOSIS
Lyme disease can be tricky to diagnose. Laboratory testing for the infectious disease typically includes 2 tests:
ELISA: The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay detects antibodies for the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria associated with Lyme disease.
Western blot: This test also identifies antibodies to a number of proteins of burgdoferi.
These tests, however, can give false-positive or false-negative results. This is why additional testing, such as brain SPECT imaging, can help. SPECT scans of people with Lyme disease tend to show overall low blood flow and have a toxic appearance. At Amen Clinics, which has been using SPECT imaging for over 30 years, seeing these results on scans prompts psychiatrists or other integrative medicine physicians to investigate possible root causes.
TREATING LYME DISEASE
When diagnosed in its early stages, Lyme disease can often be successfully treated with antibiotics. Even in cases when the disease has taken hold and becomes chronic, it can be effectively treated. Targeting a comprehensive suite of solutions to the individual and their symptoms is key to finding a path to healing.
Lyme disease and other infections associated with psychiatric and cognitive issues can’t wait. At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834or visit our contact page here. Most men would rather do anything—even cleaning the toilet or mowing the lawn—than go to the doctor. This is one of the findings of a 2019 Cleveland Clinics survey, which also showed that 65% of men who have health symptoms or an injury wait as long as possible to go to the doctor. We all know avoiding the doctor can negatively impact men’s physical health. But what many men don’t realize is that a routine blood panel can also reveal hidden causes of mental health symptoms like depression, anxiety, attentional issues, and memory loss.
Avoiding the doctor can negatively impact men’s physical health. Many men don’t realize a routine blood panel can also reveal hidden causes of mental health symptoms like depression, anxiety, attentional issues, and memory loss.
Here are 5 things the blood panel at an annual physical can tell you about men’s psychological and cognitive health.
1. High Blood Pressure
Hypertension has long been associated with an increased risk of stroke or heart disease, but that’s not the only downside. High blood pressure also impacts blood flow to the brain, and low blood flow on brain SPECT imaging has been seen with depression, suicide, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, ADHD, traumatic brain injury, hoarding, murder, substance abuse, seizure activity, and more. In fact, low blood flow is the #1 brain imaging predictor that a person will develop Alzheimer’s disease, according to neuroimaging research in Nature Communications.
2. Low Testosterone
Men may associate low testosterone levels with sexual dysfunction, such as a dwindling sex drive, problems getting or maintaining an erection, and low semen counts. But the effects of decreased testosterone levels can also impact a man’s mental health. Common symptoms like moodiness, anxiety, depression, and difficulty concentrating may be related to low testosterone.
3. High Blood Sugar Levels
High blood sugar is an indicator of pre-diabetes or diabetes, which is associated with a vast array of physical ailments, including increased risk of stroke, heart disease, vision problems, and numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. Less well-known is the fact that high blood sugar is associated with a smaller hippocampus, an important brain region associated with mood, learning, and memory. Blood sugar issues are linked to symptoms of depression, anxiety, irritability, anger, trouble concentrating, and schizophrenia. And diabetes puts people at greater risk of developing vascular dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, according to research in the journal Diabetes Mellitus.
4. Abnormal thyroid levels
The thyroid gland, which is located in the lower neck, plays an important role in keeping the body and brain healthy. When thyroid levels are abnormal, it can have a major impact on physical health, including fatigue and weight gain (hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid) or faster heartbeat and weight loss (hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid). Imbalanced thyroid levels also contribute to psychiatric and cognitive symptoms. For example, hypothyroidism has been linked to depression, difficulty concentrating, attentional problems, psychosis, and memory problems. Hyperthyroidism is associated with anxiety, irritability, racing thoughts, mania, psychosis, and more.
5. High C-Reactive Protein Levels
Elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood are an indicator of chronic inflammation, which is associated with a wide range of physical illnesses, such as heart disease, arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders, persistent pain, and cancer. What men may not realize is that scientific research points to a link between systemic inflammation a host of psychiatric and neurological issues, including depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, personality disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Research has also found a connection between elevated inflammation and suicidal behavior.
Treating Men’s Physical Health Issues for Better Mental Health
Getting a comprehensive blood panel at an annual physical isn’t just good for your physical health, it can also be beneficial for a man’s mental well-being. That’s provided you see a doctor who has a deep understanding of the links between bloodwork results and psychiatric and cognitive issues. Unfortunately, many traditional doctors and primary care physicians aren’t aware of the connection between biology and psychology. That’s where integrative medicine comes in.
Integrative medicine physicians, also known as functional medicine doctors or integrative psychiatrists, can be especially helpful in finding the biological root causes of psychiatric symptoms or cognitive problems. These highly trained healthcare providers are well-versed in knowing which diagnostic blood tests are the most valuable to order, and they are skilled in using the most effective and least toxic treatments. Addressing any biological contributors to psychiatric and neurological disorders can provide powerful help for a man’s mind, moods, and memory.
At Amen Clinics, we’re here for you. Our integrative psychiatrists and functional medicine doctors can partner with men to optimize your physical health, mental health, and brain health. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834or visit our contact page here. When you think of psychiatry, does your mind automatically equate the field with prescription medication? Are you struggling with anxiety, depression, or other issues but don’t want pills to be your only treatment option? Have you already tried conventional treatment without relief from your symptoms? Are you hesitant to see a psychiatrist because you’re interested in a more holistic approach to treatment for mental health issues? There’s a solution, and it’s called psychiatric naturopathy.
Are you hesitant to see a psychiatrist because you’re interested in a more holistic approach to treatment for mental health issues? There’s a solution, and it’s called psychiatric naturopathy.
Naturopathic psychiatry takes a holistic mind-body-spirit approach to mental health and well-being that aims to educate the patient, prevent mental illness, and provide natural solutions. This is in contrast to allopathic psychiatry (also known as conventional or traditional psychiatry), which typically looks to use medications to mask symptoms. It’s important to note that naturopathic doctors (NDs) who specialize in psychiatry are trained in conventional medicine as well as being educated in complementary medicine. They rely on science, and the therapies they recommend are backed by rigorous research.
LOOKING FOR THE ROOT CAUSES OF MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS
Licensed professionals who practice naturopathic psychiatry look at how a person’s biology, psychology, and spirituality are connected and can contribute to mental health disorders. In addition, they seek out the root causes of psychiatric issues. A naturopathic psychiatrist may explore the following as possible contributors to mental health problems:
Gut health: A condition called leaky gut is associated with mood and anxiety disorders, ADD/ADHD, and even Alzheimer’s disease.
Adrenal health: The adrenal glands, located above your kidneys, play a vital role in how your body reacts to stress. When stress becomes chronic, a cocktail of harmful chemicals can come with it and can overwhelm your body and contribute to mental health issues.
Nutritional deficiencies: People with mental health issues are more likely to have deficiencies in key nutrients, and scientific research suggests that nutritional treatment may help prevent, treat, or improve mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, ADD/ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, addiction, and eating disorders.
Exposure to toxins: Environmental toxins impact nearly every aspect of your body and brain and can lead to a wide range of physical and psychiatric symptoms. In terms of mental health and cognitive function, exposure to toxins can increase the risk of depression, ADD/ADHD, brain fog, memory problems and dementia, learning problems, autism, temper outbursts, psychotic behavior, and suicide.
Inflammation:Research shows that chronic inflammation has been associated with a wide range of mental health problems, including depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), schizophrenia, personality disorders, and Alzheimer’s disease
Hormonal imbalances: When hormones are out of balance you may experience symptoms typically associated with psychiatric illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, moodiness, irritability, and psychosis.
Infections: Having underlying chronic infections, such as Lyme disease, or having long-haul COVID (also known as COVID-Brain) is linked to many issues typically viewed as psychiatric problems. These include brain fog, attention issues, depression, and more.
Head trauma: The brain imaging work at Amen Clinics clearly shows that head injuries increase the risk of anxiety, panic disorders, depression, PTSD, ADD/ADHD, substance abuse, personality disorders, aggression, learning problems, and dementia. The problem is that few people, including most naturopathic psychiatrists, know this because the field of psychiatry typically doesn’t look at the organ it treats. At Amen Clinics, naturopathic psychiatrists use functional brain SPECT imaging to identify underlying brain injuries that contribute to mental health disorders.
HOLISTIC PSYCHIATRY TREATMENTS
Naturopathic psychiatrists focus on providing therapies that promote self-healing within the body and brain. As a general rule, this form of holistic psychiatry looks to use the least toxic, most effective solutions, including natural therapies whenever possible. Treatment recommendations may include psychotherapy, spiritual or marriage counseling, mindfulness techniques, non-invasive treatments, nutraceuticals, exercise recommendations, diet suggestions, and much more.
If you’re struggling with mental health issues that aren’t responding to traditional treatment or you’re interested in a more holistic approach to care, Amen Clinics is here for you. Amen Clinics has several naturopathic doctors on staff, including Kabran Chapek, ND (president of the Psychiatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians), Elissa Mendenhall, ND, and Julie Brush, ND. We offer in-clinic brain scanning and appointments, as well as mental telehealth, remote clinical evaluations, and video therapy for adults, children, and couples. Find out more by speaking to a specialist today at 888-288-9834or visit our contact page here.
