The Hidden Role of Glial Cells in Mental Health

This chapter explores the critical function of glial cells in the brain, particularly focusing on microglial cells and their role in neuroinflammation. It challenges traditional views by linking inflammation to various mental health conditions and advocating for a holistic approach to treatment. The chapter also delves into the connections between gut health and neurological disorders, emphasizing the emerging role of scent detection in diagnosing diseases like Parkinson's.

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Is Brain Inflammation The Cause of Depression, Dementia, ADD, And Autism? A Functional Medicine Approach To Neuroinflammation | This episode is sponsored by Thrive Market and Athletic Greens

The emphasis on naming diseases is pervasive throughout medicine, and it is a primary obstacle to changing the way we do things and finding answers to our health problems. For instance, two brain disorders with two completely different names might have a lot more in common than you may otherwise think. The brain has an incredible connection to the immune system, called the glymphatic system, which helps it detoxify, receive valuable nutrients, and more. When the glymphatic system is threatened, neuroinflammation is created.

In this episode, Dr. Hyman speaks with Dr. Todd LePine about inflammation in the brain. They discuss the many factors that can drive neuroinflammation, the range of conditions that are linked to brain inflammation, and how they work with patients to cool this inflammation.

Dr. LePine graduated from Dartmouth Medical School and is Board Certified in Internal Medicine, specializing in Integrative Functional Medicine. He is an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner. Prior to joining The UltraWellness Center, he worked as a physician at Canyon Ranch in Lenox, MA, for 10 years. Dr. LePine’s focus at The UltraWellness Center is to help his patients achieve optimal health and vitality by restoring the natural balance to both the mind and the body. His areas of interest include optimal aging, bio-detoxification, functional gastrointestinal health, systemic inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and the neurobiology of mood and cognitive disorders. Dr. LePine teaches around the world, and has given lectures to doctors and patients at American College for Advancement in Medicine (ACAM), Age Management Medicine Group (AMMG), the University of Miami Integrative Medicine Conference, The Kripalu Center in Lenox, MA, and is on the faculty for American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M). Dr. LePine is the head of the Scientific Advisory Board for Designs for Health and a consultant for Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory. He enjoys skiing, kayaking, hiking, camping, and golfing in the beautiful Berkshires, and is a fitness enthusiast.

This episode is sponsored by Thrive Market and Athletic Greens.

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In this episode, Dr. Hyman and Dr. LePine discuss:

Glial cells, microglial cells, and dark matter of the brain

How conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, depression, strep infection, PANDAS, and more are related to neuroinflammation