About this episode
In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Carrie Jones sits down with Dr. Peter Bongiorno, a naturopathic doctor specializing in mental health, to explore holistic approaches to managing mental health conditions. You'll hear them discuss: The growing mental health crisis and the limitations of conventional treatments The difference between conventional medicine's focus on symptom management and naturopathic medicine’s root cause approach The role of diet, nutrient deficiencies, sleep, hormones, and lifestyle in mental health How neurotransmitters work and why medications often don’t address underlying issues The microbiome and the direct line that gut health has to your nervous system A healthy and holistic approach to food supplements Dr. Peter Bongiorno is a licensed naturopathic doctor and acupuncturist, and he takes a holistic approach to health that looks towards the most natural way of healing available. He is the author of multiple books on holistic mental health and a renowned educator on integrative medicine’s role in addressing the root causes of anxiety and depression. Labs Mentioned Iron Panel Thyroid Panel Vitamin D Levels B Vitamins Inflammation Markers Electrolyte Panel Complete Blood Count Heavy Metals Guest Details: Dr. Peter Bongiorno Website , LinkedIn , Facebook , X , Instagram , Books Rupa Health Details: Rupa Health's Website , LinkedIn , Instagram , YouTube Rupa Health Reference Guide & Magazine Dr. Carrie Jones Website , LinkedIn , Instagram , Facebook & TikTok Timestamps 03:29 - Conventional vs. Integrative Approaches to Mental Health 07:25 - The Root Causes of Anxiety and Depression 11:39 - Understanding Neurotransmitters and How Medications Work 13:44 - The Limits of Conventional Medications 15:00 - Nutritional Deficiencies and Mental Health 17:02 - Hormones and Their Role in Mental Health 19:47 - Healing Beyond Medications: Processing Emotions 23:30 - The Gut-Brain Connection 25:45 - Food Sensitivities and Anti-Inflammatory Diets 28:23 - Foundational Lab Work for Mental Health 30:07 - Understanding Thyroid and Iron Panel Results 34:36 - The Power of Probiotics and Classic Supplements 36:50 - Practical and Tactical Takeaways for Mental Health 38:52 - Where Can You Find Dr. Peter Bongiorno?