Eating Disorder Treatment: A Functional Medicine Approach

The Root Cause Medicine Podcast

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:

1. Addressing malnutrition and nutrient deficiencies in eating disorder treatment
   
2. How does zinc deficiency impact eating disorders?
   
3. The role of omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins in eating disorder treatment
   
4. The connection between brain health and nutrition in psychiatry
   
5. 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