#327: Making Space for Brain Health with Dr. Ellie MacGregor
“We're not learning how to create a generation of healthy, happy adults. Yeah. No, I think this is what I explained to people. Medicine really is acute care. We're just treating things that could kill somebody. We're doing surgeries to you know fix things from traumas, you know heart attacks those kinds of things, but medicine I don't think for a long time… maybe never... I don't know maybe in the beginning it was… but I feel like now It's not really the focus isn't about keeping people healthy.”— Dr. Ellie MacGregor
IIn this episode of I AM HUMANI interview Dr. Ellie MacGregor - an Integrative and Functional medicine pediatrician - who specializes in brain health about her journey to holistic medicine.
We explore the profound connection between brain and body health, particularly through the lens of complex conditions like celiac disease and ADHD. Dr. McGregor shares eye-opening case studies, such as that of a college student misdiagnosed with ADHD, whose focus issues were actually due to nutritional deficiencies from undiagnosed celiac disease. We discuss how holistic approaches that consider gut health, nutrition, and overall bodily function can lead to more accurate diagnoses and effective treatments, moving beyond simple mental health labels.
Lastly, we dive into the lifestyle factors affecting pediatric health, from dietary habits to sleep routines and the impact of community environments. Dr. McGregor emphasizes the importance of compassion and empathy in medical practice, offering practical strategies for families to improve health habits in sustainable ways. We also touch on the pitfalls of over-reliance on supplements and the critical role of conventional medicine during acute crises.
Discussion points:
(00:00) Guest intro, background, path to pediatrics and integrative medicine, addressing mental health in children and combining art and science in her practice.
(10:38) What is NOT taught in medical school, food sensitivities, nutritional deficiencies, and interconnectedness of brain and body.
(19:53) Brain health, lifestyle changes for patients include building trust, diagnostic testing, prioritizing sleep, and balancing downtime.
(27:14) Teenagers, fatigue, the multifactorial nature of ADHD, including genetics, environment, and shifting perceptions of diagnoses.
(38:36) Compassion and empathy are important for children's health, including sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Multi-pronged solutions are needed for families.
(49:09) If you had a magic wand….our schedules would allow for healthy eating, rest, meditation, and overall health
(52:38) Supplements alone are not enough for mental health; third-party testing is important; conventional medicine is necessary; balance and health are key; personal story of celiac disease and food allergies.
(56:33) Closing questions, what we wish people knew
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Dr. Ellie MacGregor
Integrative/functional medicine pediatrician specializing in brain health
Dr. Ellie MacGregor is an integrative/functional medicine pediatrician specializing in brain health. Her work involves treating teens, children and young adults with anxiety, depression and ADHD while reducing or eliminating the need for medication. With 16 years experience as a board certified pediatrician, her expertise is supported by extensive continuing education.
She graduated from one of the most highly respected Integrative Medicine programs in the country, The University of Arizona Andrew Weil’s Center for Integrative Medicine. Her pediatric training was performed at Nicklaus Children’s Medical Center in Miami, Florida and she studied at one of the top tier Osteopathic Medical Schools in the country, Kansas City University. Additional education was received from the Kalish Institute, the Institute of Functional Medicine and the Kresser Institute for Functional and Evolutionary medicine. She is not just a pediatrician, she’s a yogi, celiac warrior and hiking enthusiast who shares her 750 square foot cottage with both her husband and three obnoxiously loud shepherd mixes. Check out her free guide to enhancing brain health via gut health to learn more about what she does!
The information on this blog, website and podcast is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your or your child’s eating, nutrition or growth, consult a doctor.