Why Love is Not Enough, Cultural Differences, Nazi Parenting Manual, Cycle of Abuse, Narcissistic Family Dynamic, Family Stress, Poor Quality Day Care, Screen Media
By Courtney Snyder, MD In a recent newsletter, I explored how our early attachment experiences—particularly those within our first three years—shape our autonomic nervous system, stress responses, sense of self-worth, expectations of others, and worldview. While we may not consciously “remember” these early years, the experiences of our infant and toddler selves live on in our neurophysiology. They influence how we handle stress, regulate emotions, connect with others, and perceive ourselves.
Our culture often frames early life experiences in simplistic terms: either all good or all bad. We tend to think, "We were either abused, raised in an institution or foster care, or we weren't. Our parents either loved us or they didn't."
In this newsletter, I’ll delve deeper into:
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Understanding Smart Meters and EMF Exposure: Insights from Eric Windheim
Eric Windheim, BA, BBEC, EMRS, RFSO, is a Certified Electromagnetic Radiation Specialist and Building Biology Environmental Consultant. As the founder of Windheim Solutions, he specializes in inspecting, testing, and remediating harmful electromagnetic fields (EMFs). In this episode, we explore the topic of smart meters—digital devices that measure real-time electricity usage and wirelessly transmit this data to utility companies. Smart meters are also sometimes used for gas and water monitoring.
Smart meters primarily emit radio frequencies, one of the four harmful types of electromagnetic fields, alongside electric fields, magnetic fields, and dirty electricity. EMF exposure has been linked to a variety of brain symptoms, such as insomnia, memory issues, irritability, depression, personality changes, inattention, fatigue, confusion, headaches, tinnitus, dizziness, numbness, and tingling.
Problematic EMFs impact the brain in multiple ways, contributing to oxidative stress, neurotoxicity, immune system disruption, hormonal imbalances, microbiome disturbances, and compromising the blood-brain barrier. EMFs can even elevate blood sugar levels. Fortunately, there are numerous ways to reduce exposure. In this newsletter: Eric shares:
We discuss:
By Courtney Snyder, MD
Protecting Our Brain Early Starting With Understanding the Role of Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Insulin Resistance, a Potential Microbial Presence & APOe4 Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative disease that involves the gradual death of brain cells, leading to the loss of brain tissue. The changes in the brain that lead to Alzheimer’s dementia can start up to 20 years before symptoms appear. This is crucial because emerging research and clinical experience in functional medicine suggest that many of the contributing factors can be influenced before symptoms progress. In this newsletter and podcast episode, I’ll explore:
In the next episode, I’ll delve into mainstream treatments and explore functional, integrative, and holistic approaches that target blood sugar regulation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and even mold and candida as potential contributors. Mentioned Resources: Other Related Newsletters: Medical Disclaimer: This newsletter is for educational purposes and not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for either yourself or others, including but not limited to patients that you are treating (if you are a practitioner). Consult your own physician for any medical issues that you may be having. 
By Courtney Snyder, MD
If you’re like I was, you might feel both drawn to and resistant to starting a meditation practice. My many attempts to begin and then stop were less about meditation itself and more about not prioritizing self-care. For many of us, learning to sit still in silence—and often in solitude—can be challenging. Our minds may chatter nonstop about things we’d rather not confront: the to-do lists, worries, ruminations, irritations, regrets, "should haves" and "shouldn't haves," "what ifs," things we said or did, things others said or did, judgments, and even judgments about those judgments. Our attachment to how we believe things should be is a significant part of our suffering.
All forms of meditation aim to guide our minds (and bodies) away from day-to-day thoughts and into the present moment. Since the sights and sounds around us often distract our minds, most meditation practices involve removing these stimuli by sitting in a quiet place with our eyes closed.
Even in a quiet setting, the mind will wander, especially in the beginning. This is why many meditation practices encourage us to focus on something—like our breath, a phrase, or an image. The goal is to gently bring our attention back to this anchor whenever we notice the mind drifting. If you’re interested in starting a meditation practice, don’t let the variety of options make you think there is a "best" or "right" way to meditate. The best meditation practice is the one that makes you think, “Okay, I could see myself doing that.” The right way is simply to begin. The common thread in all meditation practices is learning to be present. To do this, we use something to anchor us in the moment. What differentiates various types of meditation is simply the anchor that is chosen. 
“Worthy to Receive” - #2 (Cut paper and ink on dining room table)
By Courtney Snyder, MD
Roots, Common Traits, and Healing from Hidden Sources of Chronic Stress. Even if you don’t personally identify with one of the labels in the title, you likely know someone who does. These tendencies are particularly common among those of us in caring professions. However, like all labels, they don't define us completely. People who share these patterns are not identical, nor do they struggle to the same degree. Still, this psychological construct has been repeatedly recognized in mental health circles. Due to its prevalence, it isn't classified as a specific condition or personality disorder in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). Yet, this way of engaging with the world can be both painful and stressful, often limiting our ability to fully enjoy life.  “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:
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. Lunch with Dr. William Walsh - His Story, Discoveries & the Future of Nutrient-Based Psychiatry7/1/2016 
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 and other conditions. 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. |
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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