Bridging Mind and Body: Insights from a Naturopathic Doctor

Welcome to a New Holistic Healing Interview Series

I’m starting a new interview-style blog series at Tiny Cottage Therapy focused on how different healing professionals support mental health and wellbeing.

This goal is to share perspective from different professionals on how therapy and holistic approaches can work together to support clients. My goal is to offer readers an accessible, educational resource that highlights the value of integrated care, not to promote any specific treatment or provider.

Disclaimer:

This interview is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views expressed are those of the individual professionals and do not necessarily represent Tiny Cottage Therapy. If you are seeking medical or mental health support, please consult a qualified provider in your area. While we sometimes share professional referrals, this interview is not a paid or promotional partnership.

Introducing Dr. Kirstin Uncur, ND.

Today, I’m interviewing Dr. Kirstin Uncur, a naturopathic doctor who specializes in mental health, chronic fatigue, thyroid issues, hormone imbalances, and other complex illnesses. She sees clients in-person in San Diego, CA and virtually across California. We are here to talk about the relationship between your physical health and your mental health. 

Could you give us a little background on your naturopathic medicine approach to holistic mental health?

In naturopathic medicine, I see mental health as a communication from the body; as a symptom, rather than a separate entity. We always take a root cause approach to mental health. Some of the top underlying considerations I think about are digestive dysfunction, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, neurotransmitter imbalances, hormonal imbalances, and mitochondrial dysfunction.

In my practice, we consider holistically how these root causes as well as nutrition and lifestyle factors are affecting mental wellbeing. I do my best to treat the causes while helping individuals have some symptomatic relief through therapeutics and coping skills. 

What are some benefits of people struggling with their mental health getting their physical health checked? 

The body works as a whole - physical and mental health are intricately connected. Understanding your physical health is key to ever feeling truly healed mentally, and vice versa. Even getting your basic annual labs done may indicate key nutrient deficiencies, inflammation, thyroid dysfunction, or more that may be a crucial factor in your mental wellbeing. 

What types of tests and/or assessments can be beneficial to check?

There are a number of labs that you can ask your primary care physician to run. I recommend ferritin (iron storage), Vitamin D, and Vitamin B12/folate for nutrient levels. Checking the thyroid is also really key. I also appreciate looking at inflammation, which you can look at through markers such as hsCRP and ESR. If indicated, serum reproductive hormone levels can also be helpful. 

In functional medicine, we also have a number of “functional tests” that are really helpful - these are more comprehensive tests that aren’t typically covered through insurance. Some of my favorite tests include functional stool testing, urine neurotransmitter testing, urine hormone testing, and organic acid testing. These can be such helpful tools if you do decide to work with a functional practitioner. 

In your experience, what areas of holistic health do people often overlook?

As simple as it is, time and time again I see patients coming in with critical nutrient deficiencies that aren’t being addressed. It is really important to ensure your body has what it needs to heal - get these tested! I think more awareness is gaining in regards to the gut and hormonal health, but I definitely think there’s still a lot of room for practitioner-led support in this area. Lastly, mitochondria and their role in mental health is an upcoming research area that is still vastly under addressed in practice. 

How does lifestyle (exercise, nutrition, etc.) impact our mental health?

There’s a number of research studies indicating how nutrition and exercise can impact our mental wellbeing. For example, exercise generates a signaling molecule known as BDNF. This molecule leads to emotional stability and better cognition, while low levels are linked with depression. Exercise also optimizes our neurotransmitters, raising serotonin and dopamine while lowering cortisol. Nutrition is key for mental health as well. On a fundamental level, you need the building blocks to make neurotransmitters, including amino acids (from protein) and cofactors (nutrients that help us to form the neurotransmitters). Healthy fats are key as well, as 60% of your brain is made of fat and they are also key in inflammatory balance. The brain also runs primarily on glucose (blood sugar) for fuel. Complex carbs help to provide that fuel in a sustained way. 

What’s your opinion on herbal supplements and their use in mental health treatment?

I find herbal therapy to be really helpful in mental wellbeing. I recommend working with your practitioner to find the best herbal therapy for you, as some herbs may not be indicated for you or interact with medications. Some of my favorite herbal therapies include Rhodiola, Holy Basil, St John’s Wort, Saffron, and Valerian. 

There are also a number of nutrient therapies that are helpful in mental wellbeing. Some of my favorites here include L-theanine, SAMe, B vitamins, fish oil, and 5-HTP. 

What are some basic self-care habits that you think everyone (or just about) could benefit from?

Focusing on a whole foods diet and limiting simple sugars and processed foods is always beneficial. Including some type of movement in your lifestyle that brings you joy is another key - whether it’s yoga, hiking, dancing, long walks, pilates, swimming– you name it. Movement is key to an optimal diet. Lastly, I always discuss with patients building in time for peace and joy. Can you build in 5 minutes that are quiet and still per day? Can you name at least one regular activity that is filling your cup? 

Are there any misconceptions about naturopathic medicine and mental health that you want to address?

I think the two main misconceptions are that 1) I don’t believe in pharmaceutical treatments, and 2) I don’t believe in science. Pharmaceuticals such as antidepressants absolutely can be what’s most indicated for a patient, and I think they can be a vital part of a mental health plan. I think it’s crucial to have a candid discussion with patients on what they’re looking for for treatment options. Secondly, I love science. Sometimes, research is not as robust in natural therapeutics as it is in pharmaceuticals - that’s just an unfortunate “it is what it is”. I also try to understand the underlying science behind my patients’ symptoms and utilize evidence based treatments as much as I can. While, at the same time, recognizing the body has an ability to heal and working with that! 

What are some examples of interventions you recommend to clients struggling with their mental health?

The list for natural therapies for mental health is truly never ending. I always work towards building a nutritious diet through a mindful eating perspective. This of course depends on the patient’s needs and desires, but overall, emphasizing whole foods with adequate levels of healthy fat, protein, and healthy carbs is crucial. We also build in mind-body skills, such as yoga, diaphragmatic breathing, earthing, meditation, or visualizations. For natural therapies, I mentioned some of my favorites above, but I typically recommend a variety of herbs and nutrients. And then lastly, and most importantly, we work on the root cause! We do interventions to heal the gut, balance hormones, reduce inflammation, replenish nutrients, etc!