Healing Trauma, Depression, and Your Brain with Psychedelics
May 13, 2024
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Dr. Sara Gottfried, an integrative medicine physician focusing on women's health, and Paul Stamets, a mycologist renowned for his work with medicinal mushrooms, dive into the fascinating world of psychedelics and their potential to heal trauma and depression. They explore neuroplasticity, revealing how psychedelics like ketamine and psilocybin can rewire the brain for better mental health. The conversation highlights the profound impact of holistic approaches and personal narratives, offering hope for those battling mental health challenges.
Psychedelics can help rewire the brain to treat depression and trauma.
Foundation for neuroplasticity: sleep, nutrition, stress management, and learning.
Combining functional medicine with psychedelic therapy can lead to significant health improvements.
Deep dives
Neuroplasticity and Brain Function
The brain's ability to change itself, known as neuroplasticity, is a crucial aspect of mental and overall health. Neuroplasticity allows for long-lasting shifts in emotional, cognitive, and behavioral patterns. Various methods, including psychedelics, can trigger significant changes in the brain, promoting rewiring and improved brain function.
Optimizing Neuroplasticity Through Lifestyle Changes
To enhance neuroplasticity and brain function, foundational aspects such as sleep, nutrition, stress management, and learning are essential. Acetylcholine and epinephrine play key roles in supporting attention, focus, and memory. Engaging in focused learning, reading regularly, and balanced nutrition can optimize neuroplasticity.
Patient Case Study: Transforming Health Through Functional Medicine and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
The story of Christina, a yoga teacher facing traumatic stress and initial signs of rheumatoid arthritis, showcases the power of a holistic approach. By combining functional medicine interventions with psychedelic-assisted therapies like Bufo, Christina experienced significant improvements in her health, including pain relief and immune function optimization.
Harnessing the Healing Potential of Psychedelics
Psychedelics like ketamine and psilocybin have shown promising results in mental health and overall well-being. These substances not only address psychological issues but also induce physiological changes including improved heart rate variability and immune system function. Through psychedelic therapies, patients like Christina have seen profound shifts in their health and resilience.
The Ancient Use of Psilocybin in Different Cultures
Throughout history, psilocybin mushrooms have been utilized in various cultures for religious, cosmological, and therapeutic purposes. Ancient Egyptians integrated psilocybin into their rituals, as indicated by hieroglyphics in temples. The profound effects of psilocybin on neurobiology, including neurogenesis and alleviation of mental health issues, have sparked a renaissance in mainstream medical literature, leading to a reevaluation of mental health treatments.
Psilocybin's Impact on Brain Receptors and Depression Treatment
Psilocybin works by docking with the 5-He2a receptor, a neuroreceptor present in the brain that influences serotonin pathways. Research has shown that psilocybin binds to receptors associated with antidepressants like track B, stimulating neurogenesis. Clinical trials have demonstrated promising results in treating depression and PTSD with psilocybin therapy, highlighting its potential for transforming mental health care and preventing trauma outcomes.
Our brain has the ability to adapt, change, and grow new neurons through a concept known as neuroplasticity.Compounds in psychedelics are finally being recognized as powerful tools to change the wiring of the brain which means we’re not doomed to become a statistic and lose our minds as we get older or carry destructive trauma in our bodies for the rest of our lives.
In this episode, Dr. Hyman speaks with Dr. Andrew Huberman, Dr. Sara Gottfried, and Paul Stamets about what exactly neuroplasticity is and how psychedelics like ketamine and psilocybin may be a helpful treatment for depression, trauma, addiction, and more.
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