Although mainstream medicine typically looks at anxiety and depression as separate conditions, a holistic, integrative approach may see them as interconnected. That’s where functional medicine comes in. This blog dives into a holistic approach to anxiety and depression with an Overland Park Functional Medicine Doctor.
Holistic Approach to Anxiety and Depression
Functional medicine doctors take a comprehensive, individualized approach to wellness, taking into account all the factors that may be affecting a person’s health. That includes physical, mental, and emotional health, as well as lifestyle and environmental factors. If you’re looking for alternative doctors with a holistic approach, functional medicine is the right answer!
With this approach, functional medicine doctors can help identify and treat the root causes of anxiety and depression, rather than just the symptoms. They may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as exercise, sleep, and stress management, as well as natural supplements and therapies, such as acupuncture or chiropractic care.
If you’re looking for a more holistic approach to treating anxiety and depression, a functional medicine doctor in the Kansas City area (more specifically, Dr Melinda Griffin at Functional Health KC in Overland Park) may be the right provider for you.
Gut Health and Anxiety
There’s a saying in functional medicine, fire in the gut, fire in the brain, which means that if you have gut inflammation, it’ll produce an inflammatory response in the brain. Unfortunately, not a lot of doctors are aware of this connection, but it’s well-established in the scientific literature.
Did you know that there is more serotonin produced in the gut than in the brain? Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter and has 400 times more of it in the gut than in the brain and is pretty fascinating. Some physicians and researchers have even gone so far as to say that the gut is the second brain. This is because the enteric nervous system (which is just a big bundle of nerves) is essentially its branch of the nervous system. So, it’s no surprise that there is such a strong connection between the gut and the brain. And when there is dysfunction in the gut, it can lead to a variety of cognitive, mood, and behavioral disorders—not just anxiety, but depression too.
The Link Between Inflammation and Depression
Did you know that inflammation may be linked to depression? It’s true! The inflammatory cytokine model of depression holds that inflammation, whether it starts in the gut or somewhere else in the body, suppresses the activity of the frontal cortex and causes all the telltale signs of depression. This means that gut problems could be at the root of a lot of other cognitive, behavioral, or mood disorders. Pretty fascinating stuff, don’t you think?
Types of Tests Offered By Dr. Melinda of Functional Medicine KC in Overland Park:
- Thyroid Panel
- Adrenal Stress Index
- Hormone Panel
- Food Sensitivity
- Advanced Celiac Profile
- Stool Analysis
- Genetic
- NutrEval
- Organic Acids
How Much Does Functional Medicine Cost?
At Functional Health KC we are upfront about costs. In addition to our package plans, we offer an integrative approach that could include chiropractic or acupuncture care. These aren’t required but are a nice perk to have right there on-site. Below is a breakdown of what a treatment plan will cost you:
- New Patient Consultation – $300
- Review of Findings and Treatment Plan Appointment – $300
- Follow Up Phone Consultations to monitor treatment progress will be billed at $300 per hour. Follow-up appointments are typically between 15-30 minutes. A follow-up phone call is recommended 2 weeks after beginning supplements, 4 weeks after beginning supplements, then monthly while the active treatment plan is taking place (approximately 6 months).
- Patients should budget $500-$850 for Functional Medicine laboratory testing and $200-$300 per month for supplements.
- Lab interpretation fee of $40 per laboratory test performed.
Integrated Care with Chiropractic and Functional Medicine
Combining the expertise of chiropractic care and functional medicine offers a comprehensive approach to health that significantly benefits patients. Chiropractic care focuses on the musculoskeletal system, providing relief from issues such as back pain, headaches, and joint discomfort. Functional medicine, on the other hand, dives deeper to address the root causes of diseases, such as digestive issues and chronic fatigue, by considering the patient’s lifestyle, diet, and overall well-being.
Having a doctor trained in both disciplines means patients receive personalized treatment plans that not only alleviate symptoms but enhance their overall health. This integrated approach leads to more thorough evaluations and tailored therapies that align with each patient’s unique needs. Furthermore, patients gain valuable insights through enhanced education on maintaining long-term health via lifestyle changes and effective rehabilitation programs.
The synergy of chiropractic and functional medicine ensures improved communication and coordination within the patient’s care team, streamlined under one knowledgeable provider. This holistic, patient-centered approach not only targets immediate health concerns but also implements preventive measures, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes and higher satisfaction.
Contact Us For Your Initial Consultation
If you’re suffering from anxiety, working with an integrative medicine doctor in the Kansas City area to check for SIBO, parasites, fungal overgrowth, dysbiosis, and inflammation is a really good step to take. Consider making an appointment with Dr. Melinda Griffin in her Functional Medicine Overland Park office. She is a highly experienced functional medicine doctor who takes a natural approach to treating her patients. Dr. Melinda Griffin has been a chiropractor for over 20 years and started functional medicine training after seeing the impact it made on her mother who had an autoimmune disease. She enjoys sharing her knowledge and passion for health with each of her patients. You can fill out a form on our website to get started setting up your appointment.
