Is Functional Medicine Causing Mental Health Issues?

In this episode of Integrative You Radio, Dr. Nicole challenges the current state of functional and integrative medicine, questioning whether it has become a source of stress and anxiety rather than a solution. She discusses how fear-based health narratives, extreme elimination diets, and rigid wellness protocols may actually contribute to mental health struggles rather than improving overall well-being. Through personal experiences and industry insights, she explores the importance of balance, mindset, and emotional resilience in achieving true health.

Dr. Nicole also dives into the cultural contrasts she has observed while living in Italy, where people lead healthier lives with less obsession over "clean living." She highlights the importance of nervous system regulation, stress reduction, and shifting from a fear-based approach to a more aligned, intuitive way of taking care of oneself. Are we unknowingly becoming victims of the wellness industry? Tune in to find out.

What you’ll learn:

Wellness Extremes Can Be Harmful – Over-focusing on eliminating every toxin, food, or environmental factor can lead to anxiety, stress, and a dysregulated nervous system, ultimately harming mental and physical health.
Mindset and Stress Matter More Than Obsession – People in cultures with less stress, like Italy, often live healthier lives without obsessing over every food ingredient or environmental toxin.
True Functional Medicine Isn’t About Fear – Practitioners and influencers pushing extreme health narratives may be creating more stress and fear than actual healing; real health comes from balance, not perfection.

Quotes:

"If you're constantly living in fear of your environment, your food, and your body, you're already setting yourself up for failure—your nervous system is in survival mode." - Dr. Nicole

"True health isn't about eliminating everything in your life that could harm you—it's about creating a foundation of resilience, balance, and alignment." - Dr. Nicole

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Links:

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