31/05/2025
From my own experience as a mom and as an integrative health practitioner who’s supported many women who struggle with anxiety, I’m disheartened that medication would be an initial intervention in a study on children.
I’ve seen the immense impact that diet, targeted supplements and lifestyle changes can make, but these options are rarely part of our conversations about mental health.
Which is why I want to share my 2 cents.
Yes, we have an anxiety epidemic. But can we separate that from the epidemic of poor nutrition, poor gut health, blood sugar dysfunction, sedentary lives, too much screen time / social media exposure at an early age, poor sleep, social disconnection, and not enough time in nature…? (In fact, most children in the US spend less time outdoors than maximum security inmates according to a 2017 study!)
I’m not here to say that therapy or medications can’t be helpful, but I do believe we should look at the full picture. And we have to carefully assess the consequences of any pharmaceutical intervention. Especially for children. Because if we’re not addressing the root cause (and potentially making gut health worse, and hindering their natural neurotransmitter production), then what is the long term plan or prognosis?
We had a life-changing experience working with , who helps families get to the root of anxiety and challenging behaviors. She starts with functional tests that assess nutrient levels, neurotransmitter production, gut health, methylation, genetics, and more. Then she creates a customized plan to help based on the needs of the individual.
I wish this type of treatment was the standard of care in our country. In the meantime, I want people to know that an integrative approach is possible - and can be profoundly impactful.
We also have to recognize what a powerful force the pharmaceutical industry plays in our healthcare system (e.g. funding med schools, these kinds of studies, and working with doctors directly - who btw rarely received training about nutrition or integrative healing modalities).
What are your thoughts? Have you heard about integrative or function nutrition for anxiety?
