95. How Functional Medicine and Nutrition Can Transform Mental Well-Being with Dr. Tracy McCarthy

This episode explores mental health through a functional medicine lens, looking beyond symptoms to uncover the root causes that often go overlooked. My guest for this episode of Better with Dr. Ericka is Dr. Tracy McCarthy, a board certified psychiatrist and Institute of Functional Medicine certified physician with more than two decades of clinical experience. Dr. McCarthy is the founder and medical director of Dr. Tracy McCarthy Functional Medicine, where she has helped thousands of adults improve their mental and physical health by addressing the underlying drivers of chronic symptoms. Her work focuses on depression, anxiety, brain fog, fatigue, digestive issues, and hormonal imbalances, with special attention to factors such as mold toxicity, microbiome imbalances, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies. She is also the creator of the Natural Mood Solution Online Program and a respected wellness thought leader in functional psychiatry. Questions this episode will answer: What led Dr. Tracy McCarthy to functional medicine, and how did her journey reshape her approach to mental health? Which nutrient deficiencies most commonly impact mental health, and what practical steps can help correct them? How does chronic inflammation influence conditions like depression and anxiety? What simple, evidence based lifestyle changes can improve both physical and mental well being? What is the Natural Mood Solution Online Program, and who can benefit most from it? We also touch on emerging tools in healing, including Dr. McCarthy’s current interest in Frequency Specific Microcurrent and its potential role in tissue repair and recovery. Whether you are navigating anxiety or depression, feeling stuck with unexplained symptoms, or curious about a more holistic approach to mental wellness, this episode offers insight, clarity, and hope. Where to Find Dr. Tracy McCarthy https://www.instagram.com/drtracymccarthy/ https://www.facebook.com/DrTracyMcCarthy https://www.drtracymccarthy.com/ https://www.naturalmoodsolution.com Resources Get your free Better Mental Health Affirmations: Affirmationbonus.com About Dr. Tracy McCarthy Dr. Tracy McCarthy, MD, is a board certified psychiatrist and functional medicine physician with over 20 years of experience. She specializes in identifying and treating the root causes of mental health challenges, including inflammation, environmental toxins, microbiome disruption, and nutrient deficiencies. Through her clinical work, programs, and teaching, she is committed to helping adults reclaim their energy, mental clarity, and overall vitality.

In this powerful episode of Better with Dr. Ericka, I’m joined by Christopher Lee Maher—a retired US Navy SEAL, best-selling author, and holistic wellness pioneer who’s widely regarded as the leading authority on stress resolution, personal evolution, and longevity. We’re going beyond basic stress management and diving into what it really means to resolve stress at its root. You’ll learn: The critical difference between stress management and stress resolution How Christopher’s True Body Intelligence technology helps unlock deep healing The single most important investment you can make in your healing journey Whether you’re carrying your own stress or supporting someone else through theirs, this conversation will leave you with practical insight, compassion, and hope. Find Christopher Lee Maher https://www.facebook.com/truebodyintelligence https://www.linkedin.com/company/truebodyintelligence/ https://www.instagram.com/christopherleemaher/ https://x.com/ChrisLeeMaher https://www.youtube.com/@christopherleemaher Resources Get your free Better Mental Health Affirmations: Affirmationbonus.com About Christopher Lee Maher At the age of 22, Christopher Lee Maher was a Navy SEAL, in his prime with a sleek 1.8% body fat and pound for pound, he was one of the fittest people on the planet. Like many high performing athletes, he dealt with joint pain on a semi-consistent basis. Over time, that escalated to pain in every joint, in his feet, lower back, and neck. He was headed for a full-blown hip replacement, resorted to reading lips because his hearing was shot, and his vision wasn’t much better. Through intense pain, Christopher devoted all of his energy, time, and resources seeking out answers that would alleviate his discomfort. Eventually finding relief, Christopher applied the learned techniques and worked on himself 5 to 6 hours every day for 7 years. Christopher went on to study at the Pacific College of Oriental Medicine and Yo San University, where he learned Traditional Chinese Medical Practices and an equal amount of Western science and pathology. He spent the last decade studying at The Universal Healing Tao System and is a Master student of Grand Master Mantak Chia at the Universal Tao Master School in Chiang Mai, Thailand. His knowledge and experience led him to develop a comprehensive system of total physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual healing and integration: the True Body Intelligence technology. With his help, Christopher’s clients have succeeded at the highest levels in sports, entertainment, business, medicine, and international politics. Christopher’s practice is located in Los Angeles, CA. He is an author, inventor, entrepreneur, speaker, coach, and innovator in the fields of health, wellness, and longevity.

This episode explores what healthy eating really means in today’s world of constant nutrition noise, especially for women navigating midlife and beyond. My guest for this episode of Better with Dr. Ericka is Ro Huntriss, an award winning dietitian and the Chief Nutrition Officer of Simple Life App, an AI powered weight loss coach with more than 20 million downloads worldwide. Ro Huntriss is a specialist in weight management, women’s health, and cardiometabolic health, with a unique focus on how digital health tools can support sustainable behavior change. With Master’s degrees in Advanced Nutrition and Clinical Research, she brings both clinical depth and real world practicality to the conversation. Questions this episode will answer: What does healthy eating and healthy nutrition actually mean today? What is most important when it comes to nutrition during menopause? With so much conversation around protein, how much do we really need and why? What is the Simple Life app and how does it support long term weight health? Whether you are trying to simplify nutrition, understand how your body’s needs change during menopause, or are curious about how technology can support healthier habits, there is something in this episode for you. Where to Find Ro Huntriss: https://www.instagram.com/dietitianro/ https://www.linkedin.com/feed/?trk=seo-authwall-base_sign-in-submit https://www.simple.life Resources Get your free Better Mental Health Affirmations: Affirmationbonus.com About the Guest Ro Huntriss is an award winning dietitian and Chief Nutrition Officer of the Simple Life App, a globally used AI powered weight loss platform with over 20 million downloads. She specializes in weight management, women’s health, and cardiometabolic health, blending evidence based nutrition with digital health innovation. With advanced training in both nutrition and clinical research, she is passionate about making healthy eating practical, personalized, and sustainable for real life.

This episode discusses healthy eating and low sodium diets. My guest for this episode of Better with Dr. Ericka is Chef Danielle Turner. She is about to tell you that you too can have low sodium food that tastes good.  Chef Danielle is a Chef, Cooking Instructor, Writer, and Food Stylist that has a passion that is absolutely infectious. Questions this episode will answer: What are the biggest myths about low-sodium eating (and how to fix them)? What are simple swaps to reduce sodium without losing taste? What are grocery shopping and label-reading tips for a low sodium lifestyle? Whether you are looking to eat healthier, cooking for yourself or your family, or even just curious how healthier food can even taste good, there is something in this episode from you. Find Chef Danielle Turnerwww.saltsanity.comhttps://www.facebook.com/SaltSanity1500https://www.instagram.com/saltsanity/https://www.pinterest.com/saltsanity/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiDVbt4R8524jHOcKVHpBug Resources Get your free Better Mental Health Affirmations: Affirmationbonus.com About Chef Danielle Turner Chef Danielle Turner is a classically trained chef and the founder of SaltSanity.com, where she proves that low sodium cooking can be full of flavor. She has more than 20 years of experience as a personal chef, cooking instructor, food stylist, and food writer, and is the author of The Food Lover’s Guide to Low Sodium Living: A Taste Tested Recipe for Embracing A Low Sodium Lifestyle. She created SaltSanity.com. after her husband's heart failure diagnosis led to a low sodium diet. Chef Danielle is on a mission toredefine low sodium eating and help people ditch bland food and embrace a low sodium lifestyle.

This episode discusses strategies for decreasing or stopping alcohol use with Silvia Subirina. She is a clinical psychologist and Head of Content Development at MyDry30, an app that helps users transform their relationship with alcohol and find greater meaning and fulfillment. Questions this episode will answer: -How can alcohol consumption impact health? -How can hypnotherapy help with alcohol consumption? -What are some strategies to improve your health? -Is there an app to assist with stopping alcohol use? Whether you or someone you know is dealing with addiction, looking to decrease alcohol due to health conditions, or considering stopping alcohol for wellness or even your budget, there is something in this episode for you. Find Silvia Subriana: https://www.instagram.com/mydry30app https://mydry30.com https://apps.apple.com/au/app/daily-habit-tracker-mydry30/id6471595788  https://mydryjourney.onelink.me/FGbQ?af_js_web=true&af_ss_ver=2_9_0&pid=default_no_value&af_ss_ui=true Resources: Get your free Better Mental Health Affirmations: Affirmationbonus.com About Silvia Subriana: Silvia Subirana is a clinical psychologist and Head of Content Development at MyDry30, an app that helps users transform their relationship with alcohol and find greater meaning and fulfillment. By combining her Master’s in Clinical Psychology with the app’s tools (like hypnotherapy, journaling, and more), Silvia takes a holistic approach, focusing on the powerful connection between mind and body to inspire lasting personal growth and intentional living.

In this episode, we dive into an exciting conversation about nutrition and its impact on overall health, particularly brain health, with special guest Dr. John Lewis. Dr. Lewis is a former Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He’s also a Diplomate, Faculty Member, and Advisor of the Medical Wellness Association with over 180 peer-reviewed publications in scientific journals. Together, we’ll explore key questions like: How does nutrition impact your health? What does good health really mean? What are polysaccharides, and why are they important? How can you find the motivation to live a healthier lifestyle? No matter your age or current health, there’s valuable insight in this episode for everyone. With the growing focus on cognition and dementia, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Find Dr. John Lewis: https://drlewisnutrition.com https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5xvuUBaSGsAuSo4ZxhNR0A/featured https://www.instagram.com/drlewisnutrition/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085418756619 Resources: Get your free Better Mental Health Affirmations: Affirmationbonus.com About Dr. John Lewis: John E. Lewis, Ph.D. is the Founder and President of Dr Lewis Nutrition  (https://www.drlewisnutrition.com) and past full-time Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. He is also a Diplomate, Faculty Member, and Advisor of the Medical Wellness Association. He is a lecturer for the Institute for Brain Potential. He has been the principal investigator of over 30 different studies in his research career. During that time, he either directly raised or indirectly supported raising over $23 million in grants, gifts, and contracts for research studies and clinical trials and educational programs for medical students. Much of his research has focused on evaluating the effects of nutrition, dietary supplementation, and exercise on various aspects of human health and disease. Dr. Lewis also embodies the model of health and wellness by eating a whole-food, plant- based diet for over 27 years, taking certain key dietary supplements, and through a rigorous, daily exercise training program. John has a passion for educating others about the value of nutrition, exercise, and health, and he will continue to study the application of clinical nutrition for the benefit of mankind.

In this episode, we are talking about entrepreneurship and profit, whether you own your own business or not. My guest is Susanne Mariga, and she is a true authority in finance and entrepreneurship. With her expertise as a CPA and Fractional CFO, she possesses a remarkable mastery of high net worth strategies and the transformative Profit First System. Questions this episode will answer What are qualities that you need to be a successful entrepreneur? What are common mistakes that entrepreneurs make? What are 3 tips to increase profit? What is the profit-first model? Why do minority businesses matter? Whether you own your own business, are looking to step into entrepreneurship, are looking to have more money for yourself, or looking for ways to cope with the pressures of adulting, there is something in this episode for you.  Find Susanne Mariga: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susannemariga/  https://www.facebook.com/susanneymariga/ https://marigagroup.com/  Resources: Get your free Better Mental Health Affirmations: Affirmationbonus.com About Susanne Mariga: Susanne Mariga is a CPA and Fractional CFO specializing in high net worth strategies for 7 and 8-figure entrepreneurs using the Profit First System. Before founding her own firm, Susanne worked at Arthur Andersen LLP, as well as one of the Big 4 firms, KPMG. Combining her industry knowledge with her own experience of growing a small business has allowed Susanne to help her clients design unique, profit-first based business plans that ensure success and long-term financial stability. As a Certified Profit First Professional (PFP) at the Mastery Level, she is passionate about helping entrepreneurs maximize their revenue, grow their businesses, and save dollars through sound tax strategies.

My guest, Sheila Buswell, and I discuss overcoming imposter syndrome and moving in spaces that don’t hold space for you. Sheila Buswell is the CEO and Co-Founder of Buswell Biomedical, a veteran of the US Army, and the author of Is This Seat For Me? Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Everyday Life and Business Questions this episode will answer: How can you deal with people making false assumptions about you? What is imposter syndrome and why does it matter? What are strategies to overcome Imposter syndrome? Whether you are dealing with imposter syndrome, looking to increase your confidence, trying something new, or are looking for how to translate an experience into an actionable lesson, there is something in this episode for you.  Also, Sheila is a veteran, so we discuss that also. Find Sheila Buswell: www.linkedin.com/in/sheilabuswellbiomedical www.isthisseatforme.com Resources: Get your free Better Mental Health Affirmations: Affirmationbonus.com About Sheila Buswell: Sheila Buswell is the CEO and Co-Founder of Buswell Biomedical, a veteran of the US Army, and the author of Is This Seat For Me? Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Everyday Life and Business. In her book, Sheila shares her personal experiences with impostor syndrome, as well the stories of a diverse group of accomplished individuals who struggled with self-doubt but found ways to overcome it. She hopes to help others who feel limited by their beliefs experience more freedom and realize they are enough.

This episode features a conversation about diversity, culture, and inclusion. In a time where DEI is treated like a bad word, I'm excited to have this conversation about culture and identity. Joining me is Jebeh Edmunds, the founder and CEO of Jebeh Cultural Consulting LLC. With over 18 years of experience as an educator, Jebeh has been a powerful advocate for diversity and cultural competency, offering insights and strategies that have shaped communities and workplaces alike. Questions this episode will answer: What are the best tips and tricks for promoting different cultures? Why is diversity essential in today’s world? How should we approach and perceive multicultural education? Whether you’re a leader looking to build a more inclusive team, someone passionate about multicultural education, or looking for language to discuss the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion, this episode is for you. Find Jebeh Edmunds: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/culturallyjebeh_/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd22jkdaivSe6Qp-W0WOriA Website: https://jebehedmunds.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063708180388 Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jebeh-edmunds-3b9334101/ Resources: Get your free Better Mental Health Affirmations: Affirmationbonus.com About Jebeh Edmunds: Jebeh Edmunds is the founder and CEO of Jebeh Cultural Consulting LLC. She has been a veteran educator for over 18 years. Mrs. Edmunds has given numerous local and regional presentations related to diversity, African-American heritage, and cultural competency. She has a bachelor's degree in Communication from the University of Minnesota Duluth and a post-bachelor's teaching certificate from the College of St. Scholastica. She graduated with a Master of Science in Teaching from The College of St. Scholastica in May 2015. She’s also Director of Education with the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce. She lives in Duluth with her husband Andy, and their two boys Maxwell & Mateo.

This episode focuses on wisdom and how to get it. My special guest is Dr. Laura Gabayan, a world-renowned and highly published physician researcher who has scientifically defined wisdom in her acclaimed book, Common Wisdom. Questions this episode will answer: •If you feel successful in your career but still aren’t happy, what are you missing? •What are eight primary elements of wisdom and which is the most surprising? •How did her views on these elements evolve throughout her research? •What are three ways to integrate knowledge about growing wisdom into your daily life? If you're ready to cultivate wisdom, and discover how becoming wiser can transform your life and legacy, we have some amazing practical tips and nuggets on this episode for you! Find Dr. Laura Gabayan: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/lauragabayan Website: https://lauragabayan.com Resources: Get your free Better Mental Health Affirmations: Affirmationbonus.com About Dr. Laura Gabayan: Dr. Laura Gabayan is a world-renowned highly published physician researcher who scientifically defined wisdom in her book, Common Wisdom. She interviewed 60 wise individuals across North America and arrived at the 8 elements of wisdom. Her book is fascinating , insightful, and to the point.