Eating Disorder Treatment: A Functional Medicine Approach

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: Blood testing Alkaline phosphatase enzyme test White blood cell count Hair mineral analysis test Kryptopyrrole testing Vitamin B12 level test Vitamin D level test Organic acid test Plasma amino acids test 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