Eating Disorder Treatment: A Functional Medicine Approach

Feb 27, 2024

Dr. James Greenblatt discusses the importance of nutrition and medications in treating eating disorders. Topics include addressing malnutrition, zinc deficiency impact, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and the connection between brain health and nutrition in psychiatry. Dr. Greenblatt shares his approach to eating disorder treatment based on over 30 years of experience in functional medicine and psychiatry.

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Introduction

00:00 • 4min

Exploring the Role of Zinc Deficiency in Eating Disorders

03:33 • 14min

The Brain-Based Nature of Eating Disorders and Nutritional Interventions

17:58 • 18min

Nutritional Interventions and Functional Medicine in Eating Disorder Treatment

36:16 • 9min

Exploring Books on Anorexia, Depression, ADHD, and Lithium for Brain Health

45:27 • 2min

Exploring the Benefits of Low-Dose Lithium Orotate and its Impact on Irritability and Suicide Risk

47:08 • 2min

Exploring Hair Mineral Analysis for Mental Health Predictions

49:10 • 3min

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we navigate the importance of nutrition and medications in treating eating disorders and mental illnesses with Dr. James Greenblatt. You’ll hear us discuss:

Addressing malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies in eating disorder treatment
How does zinc deficiency impact eating disorders?
The role of omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins in eating disorder treatment
The connection between brain health and nutrition in psychiatry
Dr. Greenblatt’s approach to eating disorder treatment

With over 30 years of experience, Dr. James Greenblatt is a dedicated clinician, health system leader, and innovator in medical education. He is the Founder and Medical Director of Psychiatry Redefined, the Chief Medical Officer at Walden Behavioral Care, as well as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine. With a prolific writing career, Dr. Greenblatt has authored numerous books on integrative medicine and frequently shares his knowledge through podcasts and social media.

Labs Mentioned:

Guest Details:

Dr. James Greenblatt’s Website
Dr. James Greenblatt on LinkedIn
Dr. James Greenblatt on Facebook
Dr. James Greenblatt on Instagram
Dr. James Greenblatt on X
Dr. James Greenblatt’s Books
Dr. James Greenblatt’s Articles
Psychiatry Redefined Website
Walden Behavioral Care Website
Tufts University School of Medicine Website

Rupa Health Details:

Rupa Health's Website
Rupa Health on LinkedIn
Rupa Health on Instagram
Rupa Health on Tik Tok
Rupa Health on YouTube
Rupa Health Reference Guide
Rupa Health Magazine
Dr. Kate Kresge’s Website
Dr. Kate Kresge on LinkedIn
Dr. Kate Kresge on Podcast
Dr. Kate Kresge on Instagram
Dr. Kate Kresge on Twitter
Dr. Kate Kresge on Youtube

Timestamps

03:43 - Addressing Malnutrition in Eating Disorder Treatment

04:40 - The different types of eating disorders

07:03 - Zinc deficiency: symptoms, testing, and supplements

15:54 - How omega-3 treats eating disorders and body dysmorphia

19:09 - Brain differences and adaptive responses in eating disorders

22:52 - Dietary changes, genetic vulnerability, and eating disorders

26:53 - The role of B vitamins in eating disorder treatment

30:31 - Celiac disease and its link to eating disorders

34:33 - Treating binge eating disorder

37:47 - The importance of amino acids in nutrition and mental health

38:36 - An innovative medical model in eating disorder treatment

39:58 - Training clinicians in functional approaches for mental health

41:13 - Dr. Greenblatt's journey, practice, and books

47:06 - Lithium as a nutrient versus prescription medication