Show Notes
Still Anxious or Low—Even on an SSRI? The Nutrient & Mind–Body Fix You Haven’t Tried.
Depression and anxiety aren’t always “all in your head.” Sometimes they’re in your nutrients, gut, hormones, sleep, and stress load. In this episode, Dr. Rose (Functional Medicine Practitioner, 20+ years) explains how common vitamin and mineral deficiencies can mimic mood disorders—and how a root-cause plan can work with your current care (never DIY stopping meds).
In this episode you’ll learn:
🧠 The mind–body connection: how inflammation, gut health, and sleep shape mood
🧪 Key nutrient gaps linked to low mood/anxiety: B12, folate, iron/ferritin, vitamin D, omega-3s, magnesium, zinc, B6, thiamine
🔄 Why SSRIs may help symptoms but still leave you “stuck” if the terrain is off
🧰 Step-by-step plan: food, labs, targeted supplements, light/sleep, and movement
🧬 Hormone check-ins: thyroid, cortisol rhythm, blood sugar and their role in mood
This episode is for you if:
🧩 “Normal labs,” but you still feel flat, wired-but-tired, or foggy
🍳 Low protein intake, minimal fish, or limited sun exposure
💊 You’re on an SSRI/SNRI and still not yourself (or you have side effects)
🌀 IBS, reflux, or histamine issues that flare with stress or certain foods
We help adults who are tired of “normal labs” but real symptoms. Our care combines advanced testing with a personalized plan to restore energy, focus, sleep, and long-term resilience.
👉 Visit our site to book a Functional Medicine Mood & Energy Assessment with Med Matrix: www.medmatrixusa.com
Important! This video is educational and not medical advice. Do not start, stop, or change psychiatric medications without your prescriber!
Credit
Host: Cole Siefer
FAQ
1. When are SSRIs truly medically necessary for anxiety or depression?
As discussed in the podcast, SSRIs can be appropriate in cases of severe or debilitating depression or anxiety, particularly when there is suicidal ideation or inability to function. Outside of these situations, SSRIs may act as symptom management rather than addressing underlying root causes.
2. Why are so many patients on antidepressants for decades?
Dr. Rose explains that many patients are started on SSRIs in primary care and continue them long term due to brief medical visits, medication refills without reassessment, and lack of investigation into why symptoms started in the first place.
3. What are the most common long-term side effects of SSRIs?
Long-term SSRI use is associated with weight gain, low libido, emotional blunting, and cognitive “numbing.” Some patients also report persistent brain fog and a sense of emotional flatness over years of use.
4. Can antidepressants ever worsen depression over time?
The episode notes emerging evidence and clinical observations suggesting that in some individuals, long-term SSRI use may contribute to worsening mood or emotional disengagement, reinforcing the need to reassess treatment plans regularly.
5. What root causes of anxiety and depression does functional medicine focus on?
Rather than labeling symptoms alone, functional medicine evaluates gut health, nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, neurotransmitter patterns, trauma, and lifestyle factors that may be driving anxiety or depression.
6. How does gut health affect anxiety, depression, OCD, and ADHD?
The gut contains the largest concentration of neurotransmitter receptors in the body, including serotonin and dopamine receptors. Disruption of the microbiome or gut inflammation can impair neurotransmitter signaling and significantly impact mental health.
7. What is the enteric nervous system and why does it matter for mental health?
The enteric nervous system often called the “second brain” is the network of nerves in the gut that communicates directly with the brain. Dysfunction in this system can alter mood regulation, stress response, and cognitive function.
8. Can poor nutrient absorption cause mental health symptoms?
Yes. Even with a high-quality diet, impaired gut absorption can lead to deficiencies in nutrients like vitamin D, B12, magnesium, and iron, all of which play critical roles in neurotransmitter balance and brain chemistry.
9. How do hormones influence anxiety and depression?
Hormonal shifts especially during perimenopause or menopause can trigger new-onset anxiety, depression, and brain fog. These symptoms may occur even when diet and lifestyle have remained unchanged.
10. Why are women more frequently diagnosed with depression?
The podcast discusses both biological factors, such as hormonal fluctuations, and cultural factors, including greater emotional awareness and willingness to report symptoms, as contributors to higher diagnosis rates in women.
11. How does functional medicine evaluate mental health differently?
Functional medicine uses comprehensive history-taking, advanced lab testing, gut assessments, nutrient panels, and hormone evaluation to uncover imbalances rather than relying solely on symptom-based diagnoses.
12. What role does sugar and caffeine play in anxiety and ADHD?
Sugar and caffeine act as stimulants and are often used subconsciously for self-medication. While not inherently harmful, excessive or frequent use can worsen neurotransmitter imbalances and contribute to anxiety, crashes, and dependency.
13. Can anxiety be caused by nervous system dysfunction rather than psychology?
Yes. Conditions like autonomic nervous system imbalance or dysautonomia (including POTS) can mimic anxiety symptoms such as racing heart and palpitations, leading to misdiagnosis if not properly evaluated.
14. How does Med Matrix support patients with gut-related mental health issues?
Med Matrix uses comprehensive stool testing, dietary analysis, and targeted gut support while simultaneously addressing neurotransmitter balance, allowing for parallel treatment of both gut and mental health systems.
15. Is it possible to safely reduce or stop antidepressants with functional medicine?
The episode emphasizes that tapering antidepressants must be done gradually and under medical supervision, often alongside nutritional, hormonal, gut, and lifestyle support to ensure a safe and sustainable transition.
