Understanding the Anxiety-Inducing Effects of Antidepressants and Birth Control Medications

Have you tried the carnivore diet after seeing headlines like "Carnivore Diet Best for Mental Health," only to experience adverse reactions such as anxiety, insomnia, or feeling constantly wired? Or perhaps you're currently on the carnivore diet and have seen significant benefits? Either way, this episode is for you. I'll offer clarity on the diet's potential effects on mental health, addressing both positive and negative experiences.My goal is to offer a balanced perspective, free from influencer hype, on whether the carnivore diet may be suitable for your mental health. I'll examine this topic through four key areas:Gut dysbiosis and the gut/brain connectionImbalanced GABA and glutamate levels in the brainThe role methylation plays in the consumption of animal proteinsThe impact of oxalate toxicity on the brain and bodyClick here for the full transcript and links.

Ashwagandha is a powerful herb. In this week’s episode, I share the hidden dangers of this adaptogenic herb and six common negative reactions to ashwagandha that I have observed in my clinic over the years, including some of the comments people have left from the almost 800 comments on this article on my website.Click here for the full article and research links.

ADHD paralysis is a phenomenon where individuals with ADHD find it hard to start or complete tasks. ADHD paralysis, or executive dysfunction, can manifest as procrastination, indecision, and inaction. It's not about laziness or lack of willpower. It's a neurobiological issue but if we go even deeper, we see that biochemical imbalances and infection are the root causes. The 3 biochemical subtypes associated with ADHD paralysis include:Copper toxicityUndermethylationGut inflammationClick here for the full episode transcript and links.

Is glutamine supplementation safe? Are you concerned about possible side-effects? In today’s episode, I explain what glutamine is, its effect on the brain and body, and why it’s not a safe nutrient for everyone.

Purchasing supplements on Amazon is quick and convenient, with the added benefit of same or next-day delivery. However, the downside of buying on Amazon is the wide variety of counterfeit products from dubious suppliers that can lead to devastating outcomes. Scarcity marketing and influencer hype create conditions that drive people to Amazon where counterfeit supplements thrive, often tainted with questionable ingredients and phony labels.Click here to read the full transcript and links.

Nighttime urination is a common problem across all age groups. It affects men, women, and children. If you find yourself waking up around 3 a.m. or if you have nightly bathroom trips that seem to occur like clockwork every 90 minutes, then this episode is for you. Today I am talking about two overlooked underlying causes of nighttime urination: gut inflammation and breathing problems (specifically sleep apnea).In this episode you will learn:Nighttime urination is common and can be caused by various health issues, but often overlooked causes include gut inflammation and breathing problemsGut inflammation can be caused by an overgrowth of inflammatory microorganisms, affecting the microbiome and leading to health problems such as breathing issuesSleep apnea can cause nighttime urination as it creates a vacuum in the chest cavity, leading to more urine productionH. pylori infection can cause a range of symptoms, including acid reflux, which can lead to obstructed breathing and consequently, nighttime urinationTreating root causes like H. pylori infection and addressing lifestyle factors, such as diet and sleep habits, can help alleviate nighttime urinationClick here for the full episode transcript and research links.

Despite the widespread legalization and acceptance of marijuana, there are significant mental health risks associated with its use. Particularly concerning is the rise in marijuana use among young people, potentially harming the developing brain and increasing the risk of schizophrenia. Adults are not exempt, with links found between marijuana use and depression, social anxiety, and even long-lasting mental disorders, including schizophrenia.In this episode, I discuss:Marijuana use, especially among youth, is linked to significant mental health issues, including schizophrenia and depressionThe marketing and normalization of marijuana often mislead people into thinking it is safe, which has led to increased use, especially among young peopleThe history of marijuana use has troubling roots in occult practices and is often a gateway to more potent drugs and harmful lifestylesIndividual responses to marijuana can be influenced by genetic factors, which can lead to adverse effects even in occasional usersDespite the arguments for legalization, the negative impacts of marijuana on mental health have only increased since its legalizationClick here for the full transcript and research links.

Today I’m talking about how medications can create imbalances in the body that may be causing you a lot of anxiety and panic attacks. These are common medications many people take daily such as statins, antidepressants, blood pressure medications, and birth control.For this episode, I will be focusing on antidepressants and birth control, two common medications that are known to have anxiety as a side-effect.In this episode, I discuss:How birth control and antidepressants can alter the gut microbiome, causing issues like leaky gut, killing good bacteria, and causing yeast infectionsAntidepressants lack sufficient safety studies and can increase the risk of chronic anxiety and functional impairmentA 2019 study revealed that serotonin reuptake inhibitors can have antimicrobial effects on the gut microbiomeBirth control disrupts the gut microbiome, depletes key nutrients, and can lead to anxiety and panic attacksThe suppression of natural hormones with synthetic ones in birth control often leads to anxiety and depression in womenA case study of my client Sara who, through a holistic approach to healing, was able to overcome severe PMDD, anxiety, and depressionGet a second opinion if you feel your concerns are not being heard, thoroughly research any new medications before taking them, and consider lifestyles changes to avoid themClick here for the full transcript and research links.

In the second episode of my anxiety series, I’m talking about the biochemical imbalances I treat in my clinic that have a tremendous impact on anxiety. Understanding your unique biochemistry, meaning the nutrient imbalances and overloads within your body, is a powerful pathway to healing.In this episode, I discuss:The impact of biochemical imbalances on anxietyHow your brain is a chemical factory that requires certain nutrients to function optimallyMethylation is a process that affects neurotransmitter activity and development, and imbalances can lead to anxietyUndermethylation and overmethylation are two variables of unbalanced methylation (too few or too many methyl groups)Copper toxicity affects mental health by lowering dopamine and increasing norepinephrine in the brainZinc deficiency is linked to low neurotransmitter function, which can cause chronic anxietyPyrrole disorder is a mood and stress disorder that results in deficiency of zinc and vitamin B6 that can cause high anxietyClick here for the full transcript and episode links.

Hello everyone, and happy new year! After taking some time off to move my offices, I am officially back. I’m thrilled to support you with more great content this year. I’d love to hear from you if you have a specific topic you’d like me to focus on. You can email us at [email protected] with your thoughts.In my clinic, I treat several conditions, including but not limited to autoimmune diseases, OCD, ADHD, autism, and depression. However, the one that stands out as the biggest struggle for many people is anxiety. Therefore, for the next several episodes, I am going to delve deep into the underlying causes and drug-free treatment options to help you overcome this often debilitating condition.In this episode, I discuss:The bi-directional connection between the gut and brain, and how an underdeveloped connection can cause anxietyThe role stress hormones play in promoting the growth of pathogenic gut bacteriaThe benefits of GABA supplementation during stressful conditionsThe need to address the root lifestyle causes of dysbiosis in the gut microbiome rather than just treating the symptomsThe importance of diet in managing anxietyHow excessive exercise can increase anxietyClick here for the full transcript and research links.