The number of prescriptions for antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications is through the roof, but there are other treatment options that are much safer and more effective!

My guest today is Ashley Mannell. Ashley is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Registered Dietitian in Richmond, Virginia. She’s certified in functional medicine, and recently became certified in mind-body medicine.

Listen today as Seth and Ashley discuss a functional medicine approach to mental health and how looking at all of the interconnected systems in your body can uncover what’s really behind anxiety and depression.

In this episode, Seth and Ashley discuss:

• Getting to the root cause and fixing the issue is what leads to long-term resolution. 
• Doling out medication just suppresses the symptom. When you take the medication, the symptoms go away, but when you stop, the symptoms come back. 
• Your brain and neurotransmitters need the right fuel to function. Some nutrient deficiencies, including zinc, B vitamins, and magnesium are linked to depression.
• 90% of serotonin is made in the gut. If patients have an imbalance in the digestive tract from poor nutrition, lack of enzymes, an infection, an overgrowth, or an allergy, they often feel substantially better after addressing it.
• There is a very complex relationship between estrogen, progesterone, neurotransmitters, and the brain. Fixing issues in one area can restore balance in another.

Ashley’s health tip: Get up and move your body. Exercise is the best antidepressant! Get out for a walk 15 minutes a day.

More About Ashley Mannell

Ashley is the owner and a practitioner at Nourish Health & Wellness and her areas of expertise include the impact of childhood and adult trauma on physical and mental health.

You can find more information about Ashley and Nourish Health & Wellness at www.nourishhealthandwellness.com

Find out more information about Mind-Body Medicine, head over to: www.cmbm.org

Connect with Ashley on Facebook: @richmondfoodandmood

Follow Ashley on Instagram: @rvafoodandmood

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About the Author: Dr. Seth Osgood is a Doctor of Nursing Practice and Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM) Certified Practitioner. Dr. Osgood received his post-graduate training in Functional Medicine through the IFM and from working with Dr. Amy Myers. He has helped people from around the world improve their health utilizing a Functional Medicine approach.

Want to work with Dr. Osgood and the GrassRoots team? Check out our Adaptation Program and book your free discovery call to find out if you’re the right fit.