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Lowering toxins in our homes doesn’t have to be fear inducing or overwhelming. If we want to lower our exposures, we can keep it simple, do it in a stepwise fashion and focus on the types of items that are not toxic. Here I comment on dishes, glassware, food storage, pots, pans, and cooking utensils. I also address why this matters for brain health and why we should aim for a relaxed approach.
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The brain is a good barometer of oxidative stress, which occurs when our antioxidant become depleted, leaving our DNA and cells vulnerable to damage. We vary genetically in our vulnerability to oxidative stress, but it can also result from environmental exposures, stress, inflammation and diminishing antioxidants in our soil and food. In this reel, I discuss the most common nutrient imbalance identified in those with ADHD. While looking at a full range of nutrient levels in 5,600 children and adults with ADHD, the Walsh Research Institute found that 68% had a copper zinc imbalance (relatively high copper and low zinc). This particular imbalance is an indicator of oxidative stress, but it also can specifically impact dopamine and norepinephrine activity, both of which have been implicated in ADHD. In functional medicine and psychiatry, we aim to identify and address the root cause(s) of symptoms. But there can also be root causes of root causes that left unaddressed can prevent someone from healing. In this reel, I discuss what I see as the most common root of other roots. In this reel, I discuss how repeated head trauma in sports like football, boxing and soccer can affect the brain, contribute to ongoing brain inflammation, and potentially lead to a dramatic escalation of brain-related symptoms and/or neurodegeneration (the death of brain cells) later in life through persistent inflammation. While I approach this topic from a medical perspective, there are obvious ethical concerns, especially in light of the evolving research. When I hear about someone who:
In this reel, I discuss research into brain health, and I explain why I am not recommending anyone load up on zinc. My experience treating the common nutrient imbalances associated with brain-related symptoms (including low zinc) comes from training, and ongoing education through the Walsh Research Institute (WRI), as well as 12 years of clinical experience applying these approaches. While I don’t work for WRI, I find these methods to be invaluable for many of the individuals that I’ve seen. For that reason, I am sharing the WRI physician directory, which can be found at www.walshinstitute.org/clinical-resources.html Oppositional defiance can cause tremendous suffering for both children and their families. I have long thought of it as another face of anxiety — one that too often leads to social isolation and rejection. In this reel, I share research from the Walsh Research Institute showing that 85% of children diagnosed with oppositional defiance had a methylfolate imbalance (relatively high folate), which can contribute to lower serotonin activity. Undermethylation also appears to be a common root of anxiety and depression. Here I also discuss traits associated with undermethylation and related diagnoses. CAPS (CYP21A2 Mutation Associated Neuropsychiatric Spectrum) described in Dr. Sharon Meglathery’s RCCX Theory shares considerable overlap with the HSP (Highly Sensitive Person) concept developed by Dr. Elaine Aron. Both describe individuals with deeply sensitive nervous systems, high empathy, emotional depth, and a tendency to become easily overwhelmed by chaotic or high-stimulation environments. RCCX Theory attempts to provide a biological framework underlying this psychological presentation. These traits appear to impact 20-30% of the population and are not considered pathological. As someone who has been “highly sensitive,” I find RCCX theory to be very helpful in understanding not only vulnerabilities, but also strengths and how to harness those strengths effectively without burnout or overwhelm. I’ll be discussing CAPS, HSP and RCCX Theory in an upcoming newsletter. Pyrrole disorder is a fairly common nutrient imbalance associated with a range of brain-related symptoms, including low stress tolerance and difficulty being in large groups or new situations. For some individuals, everyday stimuli can feel overwhelming—noises, bright lights, textures, and even people can feel like “too much.” In those who are genetically predisposed or who develop pyrrole-related imbalances, emotional or physiological stress can cause a relative depletion of zinc, vitamin B6, and magnesium. Zinc plays an important role in the central nervous system, immune system, gastrointestinal function, and connective tissue, including the skin and joints. Vitamin B6 is required for the synthesis of several neurotransmitters. In this reel, I discuss how this nutrient imbalances may contribute to difficulties with resilience and “bouncing back” after a stressor or illness. When it comes to EMF sensitivity, most people think of the series “Better Call Saul,” where the main character’s older brother, Chuck, has electromagnetic hypersensitivity — portrayed as being largely psychosomatic. In 2015, Igor Yakymenko and colleagues reviewed 100 studies examining the effects of radiofrequencies on living organisms and found that 93 reported radiofrequency radiation (RFR) induced oxidative effects in biological systems. Oxidative stress can deplete protective antioxidants and contribute to cellular and DNA damage. In this reel, I discuss my experience treating individuals with EMF sensitivity — many of whom had little to no awareness of EMFs or the effects, before their symptoms began, often shortly after a significant increase in EMF exposure. I also break down the three key components of treatment, including identifying and addressing the underlying root cause. How We Can Assess & Lower Our EMF Exposure Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, now more commonly referred to as Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME/CFS), is a debilitating physical illnesss. Many people who struggle with this condition often don’t “look sick.” Core symptoms include: • Post-Exertional Malaise (PEM): Even minor physical or mental exertion can trigger a severe and prolonged worsening of symptoms. • Unrefreshing Sleep: Patients often wake up feeling just as exhausted as when they went to sleep. • Cognitive Impairment: Commonly referred to as “brain fog,” causing difficulty with memory, concentration, and clear thinking. • Orthostatic Intolerance: Dizziness or lightheadedness that worsens when moving from sitting or lying down to standing. • Additional Symptoms: Muscle and joint pain, headaches, flu-like symptoms, and more. In this reel, I discuss common root causes I frequently see in my practice that are also supported by research conducted by Dr. Joseph Brewer, an infectious disease specialist. (My own healing from CFS/ME came about by addressing this toxin along with mast cell activation). A male-pattern finger length ratio (the ring finger is longer than the index finger) in women has been associated with an increased risk of anxiety, as well as higher self-reported competitiveness, assertiveness, and a greater propensity for risk-taking. There also appears to be a higher incidence of giftedness and neurodivergence among women with this trait. Economists studying founders and business leaders have found that some of the most successful female entrepreneurs and executives often had ring fingers 10–20% longer than their index fingers. In this reel, I discuss how finger length ratio may relate to various brain-related traits and symptoms. (Though not discussed in this reel and fitting with RCCX theory, this relationship may be due to a genetic variant affecting 21-hydroxylase, an enzyme involved in hormonal pathways.) Psychiatric research often starts with the assumption that, for a given condition, there is one cause and therefore one treatment. Researchers may study the effects of a single medication on 1,000 people with depression. Even if some respond well, if enough people do not respond, the treatment may be deemed a failure. This clinical trial design is largely shaped by regulatory agencies and the pharmaceutical industry, both of which rely on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). However, DSM diagnoses do not account for the different biotypes underlying these conditions. In this reel, I discuss the five biotypes (biochemical imbalances) of depression identified by the Walsh Research Institute, each with its own distinct traits, lab findings, and treatment. Walsh Biotypes of Depression With a Focus on Undermethylation Though I’ve been treating mold toxicity for the last 9 years, I’m still surprised by how common it is among people experiencing brain-related symptoms such as depression, anxiety, brain fog, fatigue, mood swings, and at times, even psychosis. I often see students who have had to leave college because of new-onset symptoms that appear to be largely related to mold toxicity acquired in their dorm or off-campus apartment. Once properly diagnosed — often with the help of urine mycotoxin testing — and treated (which can take time), most are able to return to their educational path. Sadly, many students leave college never realizing they have mold toxicity, and instead come to believe that their loss of energy, motivation, and focus simply means that “college isn’t for them.” Mold Toxicity: A Common Cause of Brain Symptoms We’re allotted only so much time, energy, and attention in this life. When we say “yes” to requests we really want to say “no” to, we’re also saying “no” to the things that truly deserve those scarce resources. Resentment builds, our health and relationships suffer, and we forget what we’re actually here for. Uncontrollable anger can create trauma in others, destroy relationships, result in expulsion from school, end careers, and even result in incarceration. The prevailing psychological view is that rage often masks underlying feelings like fear, sadness, or extreme powerlessness. In my experience (and in the extensive data from the Walsh Research Institute), there is a very strong relationship between tantrums and rage and relatively high copper levels (in both children and adults). We know how to evaluate for copper overload and how to safely bring copper into a more optimal range (based on the Walsh data), usually with very positive results. Social anxiety can be debilitating. It can feel like there is always some fear inducing event around the corner - the next book report, the next having to read out loud in class, the next presentation to colleagues, the next, “Let’s go around the room and introduce ourselves and tell why we are here,” and for some, the next ordering at a restaurant. Social anxiety can impact the choices one makes about life - guide people away from careers that align with their gifts, have them forgo activities where they may have developed life long connections, or keep them from saying hello to someone they’d love to get to know. In this reel, I discuss a common nutrient imbalance that I see in those with social anxiety and how this is addressed in treatment. Most of the people that I see who have problems with their thoughts getting stuck (intrusive thoughts, ruminations, obsessional thinking) are “undermethyated”. Methyation, a biochemical process in the body, serves many functions, including the breakdown of histamine. High histamine in the body can cause allergies. High histatmine in the brain can cause thoughts to get stuck, as I describe in this reel. Those of us trained by the Walsh Research Institute assess for methylation imbalances and use nutrient protocols (personalized combination of nutrients) to address undermethylation and high activity at the NMDA receptor. In my experience as a holistic and functional psychiatrist, I’m always surprised at how common (and treatable) mold toxicity is. Respiratory symptoms do not need to be present for someone to be affected. In this reel, I discuss how mold toxicity can contribute to brain symptoms, but also to personality changes, and marital discord. In this reel, I discuss how a course of medication in our childhood or teens (e.g. medications for acne, recurrent ear infections or strep ) may be impacting our mental health throughout the course of our lives today. |
Courtney Snyder, MDFor anyone experiencing brain symptoms. This blog (and weekly newsletter) is your guide to demystifying root causes and learning about surprising paths to healing. From a holistic - functional adult and child psychiatrist dedicated to helping people heal and thrive. Categories
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