Courtney Snyder MD - Holistic Psychiatrist

The Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve in Brain Disorders & Complex Chronic Illness

10/7/2020

Whirling Dervishes (Accessing Their Vagus Nerves) Cut paper, ink and acrylic on wood panel by Courtney Snyder

Courtney Snyder, MD

The proper functioning of the vagus is one of the most important determinants of physical and mental health, social communication, compassion and even creativity. If you have a psychiatric condition or complex chronic illness (or your child does), understanding the vagus may help demystify what has likely been a confusing and demoralizing experience. In this post, I'll discuss the many roles of the vagus nerve, the many body systems it influences, and the many seemingly unrelated symptoms it can impact when it’s not working well. My hope is that the vagus will become as awe inspiring for you, as it has for me, and that you’ll want to help it help you.

There are many ways to improve vagal "tone" to access healing and wellbeing. Perhaps because they're fun and life affirming, they’re often not taken seriously. In my own journey, I spent years trying to dominate my biochemistry, improve my microbiome and avoid and remove toxins. This narrow attention held me (and my daughter) back. If this is where you’re at, then I write this for you.

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Mast Cell Activation & Inflammation in Brain Disorders: How to Calm Things Down

5/17/2020

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“Tree” - Cut paper, ink and acrylic on wood canvas, 12 x12” (by Courtney Snyder)

By Courtney Snyder, MD

This post goes out to those who are unknowingly deep in the throes of mast cell activation and/or brain inflammation.

Though our culture is only starting to consider psychiatric conditions as inflammation of the brain, if you or someone you know has panic attacks, depression, mood swings, ADHD, brain fog, chronic fatigue, PTSD, autism, cognitive issues or even dementia, then you know the destruction neuroinflammation plays in people’s lives.

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Undermethylation & Strengthening the Right Brain in a Left Brain World

7/30/2019

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“Mary Poppins Goes To the Beach” -Made by combining pieces from 3 collages in my Impermanent Art Series.

By Courtney Snyder, MD

Half of my work day is spent honing in on details. For each person I evaluate and treat, I’m considering multiple symptoms, lab data, contributing factors, and treatment interventions. Left unchecked, this amount of detail hurts my brain - figuratively and literally. This type of work might be considered “left brain“ and appealing to someone who is “undermethylated,” which I am.

The other half of my work day is involved with addressing how, from a spiritual perspective, we:

lower our stress by learning to let go and stop grasping for outcomes
learn to feel at home in our body
learn to connect with others
find peace in this world
find purpose and meaning in this life
live in the present
feel part of something larger than ourselves

By spiritual, I mean our inner life. My writing and teaching about the intersection between neuroplasticity and spirituality is essentially about how we exercise those parts of the brain that relate to that inner work. Instead of honing in on details, this is about pulling back and looking at the bigger picture of our lives and our humanity. This right brain work feels good.

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Mold Toxicity - Depression, Anxiety, Fatigue, Brain Fog & Inattention

5/16/2019

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"Light Showers on Tidy Town" paper, acrylic on 24 x 48" canvas "Inspired by the coastal towns of Ireland."

By Courtney Snyder

One of the challenges of writing blog posts that explore root causes of brain related symptoms is that what we are learning is constantly evolving. There's so much we still and will never know. Another challenge - everything is interconnected. The best I can do is to write about these root causes separately. While some contributing factors can occur in parallel, one condition is often leading to other downstream conditions that themselves contribute to things like depressed mood, anxiety, mood swings, brain fog/inattention and so forth.

Mold toxicity is a perfect example. It can contribute to Pyrrole Disorder due the stress it puts on the body. It can lead to elevated copper by overwhelming one of the antioxidants in the body that regulates copper. Because it interferes with the immune system, it can lead to a susceptibility to candida/yeast, Lyme and its co-infections. It also frequently worsens Mast Cell Activation (see my last post). I consider it a root of the roots. In my daily work, I find mold toxicity to be very common. Here’s why -

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Hypermobility, RCCX Theory and One Journey From Illness Towards Wholeness

6/30/2017

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by Courtney Snyder, MD

The human body is a mystery. As much and as fast as we’re learning, we still know very little. This post is about a recent discovery. I call it a “discovery,” because I’ve lived out what this theory holds to be true, as have a number of patients I work with, and perhaps some of you reading this. RCCX theory is quite complex. The best I can do is share my personal experience with the hope that doing so will help make this information more accessible.

We all have traits that make us different - whether it’s our appearance, how we react to our world or the natural abilities we possess. Some traits, we may take pride in, others not so much. Ask me why I’m flexible and I’ll tell you I did gymnastics when I was young. Why do I have low blood pressure? I exercise regularly. My flat feet? Just one of those genetic things.

As a child I worried...a lot. In my second year of college, I could have been diagnosed with depression. I’m the kind of person who can’t watch Cirque du Soleil without turning away for fear I’ll witness someone plunge to their death.

Never had I imagined each of these traits could be related, or that they would foreshadow a ten year health struggle that I’m only recently coming out of.

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Lunch with Dr. William Walsh - His Story, Discoveries & the Future of Nutrient-Based Psychiatry

7/1/2016

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Courtney Snyder, MD

I first met Dr. Walsh in the fall of 2014, at his second physician training course here in the US. At the time, I was uncertain how useful nutrients would be in my psychiatric practice. What I learned seemed too good to be true. Upon returning home, I gradually began evaluating and treating specific nutrient imbalances in adults and children with depression, ADHD, anxiety, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and so on. To my repeated surprise, most patients - children and adults alike improved… significantly - some dramatically, including those whose symptoms had failed to respond to other treatments.

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Dietary Recommendations & The Meaninglessness of "Good For You" Foods

6/15/2016

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Courtney Snyder, MD

We’re not necessarily the same animal we once were. And, in many respects, especially when it comes to food, we’re increasingly different from one another. Describing a particular food (or nutrient) as “good” for you, depends on who “you” are. Due to our varied experiences, exposures (ie. to antibiotics, toxins, etc.) and genetics, we’re not all the same. The latest superfood may benefit some, but it may make others ill. Our complicated relationship with food can’t be discussed without considering inflammation, oxidative stress and epigenetics - the three exploding areas of medical research.

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Purpose and 'Our Fleeting Moment Here on Earth'

2/4/2016

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Courtney Snyder, MD

Purpose, Healing and Happiness
Whatever language, symbolism or religious framework we use or try not to use, many of us believe there's a reason each of us are here ...at this time, in this place and with these people. Though I think a lot about the details of health, I fall short on the bigger picture of healing if I forget that our wellbeing depends on much more, not the least of which is having a deep sense of purpose in our lives.

Purpose can energize us. It is a reason to do the hard work; to get out of bed. It lowers stress and it’s associated physiologic responses. Futility is stressful. So is incongruence - the mismatch between our natural abilities and passions and what we’re actually doing. With purpose comes a clarity about what and with whom we want to spend our time.

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Keeping it Simple (& Child Friendly) in the Kitchen

12/11/2015

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Courtney Snyder, MD

Though steeped in nutrition professionally and personally, I don't like to spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Most of what I prepare has very few ingredients, though the ingredients are whole (unprocessed). And most of my food preparation has very few steps. I'm hoping my culinary limitations, which I've honed over these past few years, will be useful to someone else.

Before getting into the below "recipes", I should add,
I believe...

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Sugar Spelled Backwards......

10/29/2015

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By Courtney Snyder, MD

...is ragus - an Aran Island's word for 'desire' or 'urge.’ The Aran Islands are off the west coast of Ireland and have little to do with this post, except maybe to help draw in unsuspecting readers.

Like me, you may wonder,... "Who really wants to read about the problems with sugar?"

Over these past four weeks, I considered many approaches:

I’d be inclusive and point out that despite great individual variability in how our bodies react to foods, science is showing that limiting or avoiding sugar makes good sense for...well...pretty much everyone.

I thought I’d be investigative - I’d give an excessive list of names for hidden sugar on food labels. I’d give examples of how much sugar is in “savory” foods - ie. 1/2 cup of tomato soup has 3 tsp. of sugar. For those into calculations, 4 grams = 1 tsp.

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Pyrrole Disorder and The Mind-Body Connection

9/9/2015

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By Courtney Snyder, MD

Historically we've considered mental health and illness as coming from either one's life experiences or coming from one's genetics or biology. We've mistakenly considered the mind separate from the brain and the brain separate from the rest of the body. We are more interconnected than those outdated views suggest. Our physical health impacts our brain health. Likewise, we experience emotions (fear, anger, sadness, and joy) not only in our brains, but in our bodies. Emotions influence our brain's biochemistry, and our biochemistry impacts our emotions and how we experience our lives.

PYRROLE DISORDER

A perfect example of this is Pyrrole Disorder - a biochemical abnormality that causes the overproduction of pyrroles. Pyrroles are a metabolite of hemoglobin (a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body). Pyrroles are not a problem and do not cause disease. We all have them. They do however, bind Vitamin B6 and Zinc. When pyrroles leave the body (through urine), they take some B6 and zinc with them. This is not a problem either. The problem comes when pyrroles are being overproduced for genetic reasons or because of physical or emotional stress. This can lead to severe B6 and zinc deficiencies.

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5 Minutes a Day

8/19/2015

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By Courtney Snyder, MD

I never like to hear, “You should….," Whether it’s a well intended friend, or a facebook link on how to “IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH IN JUST 5 MINUTES A DAY.” The suggestion that anyone knows the right answer for all of us is annoying. When it comes to health and happiness, there's no one size fits all. Some of us need more protein, some of us need more vegetables; some of us need to minimize toxic exposures, some are less vulnerable; some of us need more routine, some of us need more spontaneity; some of us need more self care, some of us need to give more of ourselves; some of us need better boundaries, some of us need more connection. Within each of us is a knowing of where that balance is. The trick is being open to new information, while trusting and listening to that knowing part of ourselves.

All that being said, I do believe that whoever you are, IF YOU DO THIS ONE THING FIVE MINUTES A DAY, IT WILL IMPROVE YOUR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS! If you think you just heard the enthusiastic voice of the television spokeswoman selling the latest exercise gadget, then you've heard correctly.

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Epigenetics, Methylation, MTHFR & the Brain, Made Easy...er

8/11/2015

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Courtney Snyder, MD

Before I delve at length into the amazing process of methylation and it’s impact on personality and mental health, I'll lay some groundwork. For those who don't need or want such background, I've tried to make it easy for you to hit the highlights or jump ahead to your own starting point.

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Reclaiming Inner Authority in a Hierarchical World

7/28/2015

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Courtney Snyder, MD

In these next couple weeks, as we help our children collect needed supplies for school and other activities, let us remember to have inner authority high on the list. (I wrote this post for my other blog a few years ago. I hope it is still useful now).

Reclaiming Inner Authority in a Hierarchical World Gone Mad
(November 10, 2011) by Courtney Snyder, MD

Last week I saw a clip from the Jimmy Kimmel Show in which he asked parents to post videos to Youtube of children’s reaction after they (the parents) tell them they've eaten all their Halloween candy. From an overwhelming number of videos posted, Kimmel shared a few. Why were those parents so up for a task in which they inflict emotional pain on their children, video tape it and share it with the world? Who was so insensitive to them when they were children?

“It was just a joke,” “Where’s your sense of humor,” “You’re no fun,” is how some might respond.

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The Microbiome - A Universe Unto Ourselves

7/15/2015

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Courtney Snyder, MD

What is the microbiome and why are so many researchers studying it's impact on human health including mental health? How can we take care of it? And, what can it teach us about fear, the importance of diversity and our relationship with the natural world?

The microbiome is the collection of microbes that live on and in our bodies. There are estimated to be 100 trillion in our gastrointestinal tract - about ten times the number of cells in our body. Spread out, it is believed these microbes could cover a football field. Though there are an estimated 500 -1000 different species, only one third seem to be common to most people. The other two thirds are specific to each one of us. So, along with our unique experiences and genomes, we have unique microbiomes.

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Giving and Living Without the Strings of Expectation

7/1/2015

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Courtney Snyder, MD

Expectation - the pervasive force that can deflate some of our happiest moments. Expectation makes us hold too tightly to what we think should happen or how we think someone should respond to something we've done. Disappointment often follows. ...But, do we have to live with expectation?

I started wondering about this while volunteering with my family alongside a couple whose organization gives food, friendship and dignity to people living on the streets. Without naiveté about addiction, mental illness and homelessness, this couple never seemed to question whether or not they should give. Their intent was to serve. How many of us have questioned the best way to give to a homeless person fearing if we give money, they’ll spend it on alcohol, drugs or cigarettes. While it makes sense, not wanting to participate in a possible addiction, it also raises an important question - Are we actually "giving" when we need to have certainty of the outcome?

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Psychiatric Medication and Why, Behind Every Great Neurotransmitter is a Great Nutrient

6/23/2015

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Courtney Snyder, MD

Psychiatric medications are a good thing ...for a lot of people....at least at this time in the history of medicine. They save lives and alleviate suffering and pain.

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From Struggle to Stillness (With the Help of a Heron)

6/16/2015

6 Comments

Courtney Snyder, MD

Have you ever tried so hard to solve a problem, that you couldn't see the answer right in front of you?

I had that experience after a long period of pursuing health challenges for my daughter and me. We'd made good progress and with my new found energy and focus, I quickly shifted my attention to something else to relentlessly work on - my career. I knew I didn't I want to return to the kind of psychiatric practice I had previously. I couldn't imagine an alternative, despite just having spent a good part of a decade immersed in the relationship between nutrition, the gut-brain connection, and autoimmunity.

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Copper Overload - Too Much of a Good Thing

6/11/2015

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Courtney Snyder, MD

Who knew...copper, the essential trace element important in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, respiration, immune function, energy metabolism and growth, could wreak so much havoc on the mind and body?

I never gave much thought to copper until it presented itself to me in the most delightful way...a dream of a copper tiled ceiling - the most memorable dream I've had. Copper ... "associated with the goddess Aphrodite/Venus in mythology and alchemy, ...symbolic of love, balance, feminine beauty and artistic creativity." So taken with this dream, I painted a mantel copper.

We eventually moved and left that copper mantel and dream behind. Ten years later copper resurfaced at the Walsh Research Institute where Dr. William Walsh was teaching about copper overload - one of the most

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A Thousand Miles - How I Became a Holistic Psychiatrist

6/7/2015

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Courtney Snyder, MD

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

― Lao Tzu

I don't recall that step...maybe it was when I first asked for help for my daughter.... or maybe, when I decided to stop asking - when I realized that conventional medicine did not have the answers for us. Either way, my experience into illness and healing forced me to let go of many assumptions and expectations I had about the world, about life and about myself.

My hope in starting this blog is to share what I've learned so someone else won't have to search as I have these past ten years. Though at times frustrating - the seeming snail's pace of such a pursuit - there are many who will never look beyond what is in front of them, many who will never cross paths with those who might point them in unexpected directions and many who when given leads, will never pursue them. If you are reading this, perhaps you too are a seeker.

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Holistic Child & Adult Psychiatry
Functional & Environmental Medicine
Telehealth
Child, Adolescent & Adult

The Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve in Brain Disorders & Complex Chronic Illness

Mast Cell Activation & Inflammation in Brain Disorders: How to Calm Things Down

Undermethylation & Strengthening the Right Brain in a Left Brain World

Mold Toxicity - Depression, Anxiety, Fatigue, Brain Fog & Inattention

Hypermobility, RCCX Theory and One Journey From Illness Towards Wholeness

Lunch with Dr. William Walsh - His Story, Discoveries & the Future of Nutrient-Based Psychiatry

Dietary Recommendations & The Meaninglessness of "Good For You" Foods

Purpose and 'Our Fleeting Moment Here on Earth'

Keeping it Simple (& Child Friendly) in the Kitchen

Sugar Spelled Backwards......

Pyrrole Disorder and The Mind-Body Connection

5 Minutes a Day

Epigenetics, Methylation, MTHFR & the Brain, Made Easy...er

Reclaiming Inner Authority in a Hierarchical World

The Microbiome - A Universe Unto Ourselves

Giving and Living Without the Strings of Expectation

Psychiatric Medication and Why, Behind Every Great Neurotransmitter is a Great Nutrient

From Struggle to Stillness (With the Help of a Heron)

Copper Overload - Too Much of a Good Thing

A Thousand Miles - How I Became a Holistic Psychiatrist

Courtney Snyder, MD

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Holistic Child & Adult PsychiatryFunctional & Environmental Medicine​TelehealthChild, Adolescent & Adult

Archives

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Home

About

Privacy Policy

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Contact

Holistic Child & Adult Psychiatry
Functional & Environmental Medicine
Telehealth
Child, Adolescent & Adult