The Dr. Hyman Show

Is Brain Inflammation The Cause of Depression, Dementia, ADD, And Autism? A Functional Medicine Approach To Neuroinflammation with Dr. Todd LePine

May 24, 2021

Dr. Todd LePine, a board-certified internist with expertise in integrative functional medicine, discusses the often-overlooked connection between brain inflammation and mental health disorders like depression and Alzheimer's. He argues that many conditions share underlying factors, challenging conventional medical views. The conversation highlights the critical roles of glial cells, gut health, and quinolinic acid in neuroinflammation. Dr. LePine advocates for holistic treatment approaches to restore mental and physical well-being by addressing root causes.

53:29

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Episode guests

Todd LePine, MD

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Episode notes

Intro

4min

Understanding Brain Inflammation and Its Impact on Mental Health

2min

The Hidden Role of Glial Cells in Mental Health

12min

Neuroinflammation and Mental Health

27min

The Impact of Quinolinic Acid on Brain Health and Psychiatry

3min

Transformative Healing: The Connection Between Physical and Mental Health

5min

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