December 4, 2024

Addressing Anxiety and Panic Disorder through Functional Medicine: A Comprehensive Path to Emotional Well-Being

by Dr. Andrew Fong

There will usually be a triggering factor! As a functional doctor, we thrive to look for these, without removing that the anxiety may continue. In conventional medicine, people rely on pills to make them feel less anxious, but what really matters is the guts! Guts make serotonin and we need that to feel calm and happy! So, we as a functional doctor, try to look into a different perspective by restoring your guts health, balancing your guts microbiome and make sure you are getting enough good quality nutrients to support your guts to reverse the mental disorders!

 

Doctors in AgeeWell clinic are friendly and give our patients their best as we know everyone needs love and care,especially patients who are having mental disturbances, they need more attention and cares.

 

At Ageewell clinic, we recognize that anxiety and panic disorder are complex conditions influenced by physical, emotional, and environmental factors. Our functional medicine approach takes a whole person view to understand and address the root causes of your symptoms, helping you achieve lasting emotional resilience and a greater sense of calm.

 

Comprehensive Assessment

We begin with an in-depth assessment to uncover the underlying factors contributing to your anxiety or panic disorder, which may include:

  • Neurotransmitter Testing: Evaluating levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and GABA, as imbalances in these brain chemicals can significantly impact mood and stress responses.
  • Hormonal Testing: Checking cortisol (stress hormone) levels throughout the day, as chronic stress and adrenal dysfunction are often linked to anxiety and panic symptoms. We may also assess thyroid and sex hormones, as imbalances in these can contribute to mood instability.
  • Nutrient Deficiency Testing: Identifying deficiencies in critical nutrients like magnesium, B vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain health, mood regulation, and the body’s stress response.
  • Gut Health Analysis: Investigating gut health, as gut imbalances can influence mental health. Dysbiosis or “leaky gut” may contribute to inflammation and affect the gut-brain axis, a pathway that links gut health with emotional well-being.
  • Genetic Testing: Assessing genetic factors such as MTHFR mutations, which can affect mood and anxiety by altering methylation and neurotransmitter function.
  • Environmental Toxin Testing: Examining potential toxin exposure from heavy metals or chemicals that may impact brain function and contribute to anxiety.

 

Personalized Treatment Plans

Based on your unique assessment results, we develop a personalized plan to address your anxiety and support a calm, balanced mind, which may include:

  • Nutritional Support: Implementing a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet to support mood and brain health. Key components include:
  1. Balanced Macronutrients: Focusing on complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and lean proteins to stabilize blood sugar, as fluctuations in blood sugar can exacerbate anxiety.
  2. Anti-inflammatory Foods: Incorporating foods like turmeric, leafy greens, and fatty fish to reduce inflammation, which can have a positive effect on brain health.
  3. Gut-Healing Protocol: Including gut-supportive foods like fermented foods (if tolerated), prebiotic-rich vegetables, and fiber to nourish the microbiome and support the gut-brain connection.
  4. Limiting Stimulants: Reducing caffeine, alcohol, and sugar intake, as these can contribute to anxiety and interfere with sleep.

 

  • Targeted Supplementation such as:
    1. Magnesium for its calming effects on the nervous system and to reduce muscle tension.
    2. B Vitamins (especially B6, B12, and folate) to support neurotransmitter production and mood regulation.
    3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids to reduce inflammation and support cognitive health.
    4. Adaptogens like ashwagandha and Rhodiola, which can help balance the stress response and promote resilience.
    5. GABA and L-Theanine for natural calming effects, as they promote relaxation and reduce the overstimulation of the nervous system.
    6. Probiotics to support gut health and help regulate the gut-brain axis.

 

Lifestyle and Mindfulness Practices designed to reduce stress and promote relaxation, including:

  • Mindfulness Meditation and Breathing Exercises: Teaching techniques to calm the nervous system, lower cortisol levels, and improve your ability to manage anxiety in daily life.
  • Exercise and Movement: Encouraging regular physical activity, such as yoga, walking, or other low-impact exercises, to help reduce stress and improve mood.
  • Sleep Optimization: Providing guidance on sleep hygiene and routines, as quality sleep is critical for emotional balance and resilience.
  • Digital Detox and Nature Therapy: Reducing screen time, especially before bed, and spending time outdoors to help reset the nervous system and reduce anxiety.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Emotional Processing: Recommending therapy and support for addressing thought patterns, identifying triggers, and learning effective coping strategies. Combining therapy with functional medicine interventions can enhance results and improve mental health.

 

Ongoing Support and Monitoring

We provide regular follow-ups to track your progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan. Through this ongoing support, we aim to empower you with tools and strategies to achieve sustainable mental well-being.

 

By addressing anxiety and panic disorder through a functional medicine approach, we help you find relief from symptoms and support a calm, balanced life. Let us partner with you on your journey to emotional resilience and wellness.

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Co Founder & Functional Medicine Doctor

Dr. Andrew Fong Wai Yew

Qualification

  • Functional medicine consultant
  • Lifestyle medicine consultant
  • Certified Nutritional medicine
  • Certified Practitioner in Bio identical Hormone Restorative Medicine
  • Homeopathy Advisor
  • Member of Society of Anti Aging, Aesthetic and Regenerative Medicine Malaysia (SAAaRMM)