Functional Nutrition for OCD

How Do You Recognize OCD and OCPD?

First, let’s see if your symptoms align with the traditional signs of OCD and OCPD. In most cases, symptoms will remain for more than a moment. Feeling overwhelmed or hyper-focused once a week usually isn’t a sign of OCD. However, constant anxiety and compulsive inclinations are more in line with what we expect to see.

When you work with me, I will learn more about your health history and specific symptoms. That way, we can pinpoint the root causes of your health issues. Whatever the underlying cause of your OCD, I will make sure you live a more vibrant life!

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) are two distinct but sometimes overlapping mental health conditions. While they share some similarities, they also exhibit unique symptoms:

Symptoms of OCD

• Obsessions
  People with OCD experience intrusive, distressing, and persistent thoughts, images, or urges that they cannot control or ignore. These obsessions often revolve around fears, contamination, harm to self or others, or a need for symmetry.

• Compulsions
  To alleviate the anxiety caused by their obsessions, individuals with OCD engage in repetitive, ritualistic behaviors or mental acts. These compulsions can include excessive handwashing, checking locks repeatedly, counting, or seeking constant reassurance.

• Time-Consuming
  OCD rituals can be incredibly time-consuming, often taking up hours each day, interfering with daily life, work, and relationships.

• Distress and Impairment
  The obsessions and compulsions in OCD cause significant distress and impairment in functioning, leading to a reduced quality of life.

• Workaholism
  They may be workaholics, prioritizing work and productivity above all else, even at the expense of personal relationships.

Symptoms of OCPD

• Perfectionism
  People with OCPD have an obsession with perfection and high personal standards, often to the detriment of flexibility and adaptability. Individuals with OCD are also perfectionistic, but tend to be more flexible.

• Preoccupation with Rules
  They tend to be excessively focused on rules, lists, and details, making them inflexible and controlling in their interactions with others.

• Rigidity
  OCPD individuals are often seen as rigid and unable to delegate tasks to others, as they believe their way is the only correct way.

• Lack of Adaptability
  OCPD individuals struggle to adapt to change or new situations, as they prefer a sense of control and predictability.

What Does OCD Look Like in the Body?

If we want to address the root causes of OCD with functional nutrition, it’s important to be educated. During our time together, I aim to boost your knowledge of your own body. When you understand what’s going on with your health, then you’ll be empowered to make informed choices and stick to lifestyle plans that improve your health each and every day. 

First, let’s talk about serotonin. This is a chemical that regulates mood, contentment, brain function, and more. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, plays a central role in the pathophysiology of OCD. It is believed that dysregulation of serotonin signaling in the brain contributes to the development of OCD symptoms. Medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often used to treat OCD by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain.

OCD is associated with abnormalities in specific brain circuits, particularly the cortico-striato-thalamo-cortical (CSTC) circuit. This circuit involves the frontal cortex, basal ganglia, and thalamus and is responsible for regulating thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Dysfunctions in this circuit may lead to the repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and compulsive behaviors characteristic of OCD.

Emerging research suggests a potential link between neuroinflammation and OCD. Activation of the immune system and increased levels of inflammatory markers have been associated with OCD in some studies. This connection is still being explored, and it may open up new avenues for understanding and treating the disorder.

Likewise, environmental factors, such as early-life stress or trauma, can also influence the development of OCD. Stress can affect the brain’s structure and function, potentially making individuals more vulnerable to OCD symptoms. Constant stress also leads to elevated inflammation, making symptoms worse.

Given what we know about the body and OCD, it’s no wonder why willpower alone is rarely enough to manage OCD. We need to address the condition from a biological perspective. Thankfully, functional nutrition helps here!

OCD and Undermethylation

Recent research has explored the potential connection between obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and undermethylation, a biochemical imbalance in the body. Undermethylation occurs when the body does not produce adequate levels of methyl groups, which are essential for various biological processes, including neurotransmitter regulation.

Undermethylation is associated with imbalances in the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters play a crucial role in mood regulation, and their dysregulation is often linked to mental health conditions like OCD.

If you obsess about one or two things (which for me was food and my body) and have a calm exterior with lots of inner tension, you might have a problem with undermethylation.

OCDP and Overmethylation

As you can guess, overmethylation occurs when the body produces excessive methyl groups, which can lead to various physiological and psychological effects. We often see obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) in our overmethylated clients.

This condition creates excess levels of the important neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, which leads to hyperexcitability in the brain. If you have very noticeable high anxiety, excessively fixate on minor details, and often come off as a bit crazy or erratic, then overmethylation may be the problem.

Why Functional Nutrition?

If you haven’t heard my story through my podcast or blog, I’m Samantha Gilbert, FNC, CHNP, CNC. For years, I’ve helped people overcome complex conditions using nutritional therapy. For years, my clients hopped from medication to medication without results. Why?

Because they weren’t able to get to the root causes of their problems!

Functional nutrition is an approach to dietary and nutritional planning that goes beyond simply addressing nutritional deficiencies. It focuses on the intricate relationship between diet, genetics, and overall health, aiming to optimize well-being by addressing underlying imbalances and promoting overall vitality. Here’s why functional nutrition might be the solution for you.

• Personalized Approach
  Functional nutrition recognizes that each person has a unique genetic makeup, lifestyle, and dietary history. It tailors nutrition plans to individual needs, taking into account factors like genetics, metabolism, and health conditions.

• Holistic Health
  I view the body as a complex system where various factors, including nutrition, inflammation, gut health, and hormonal balance, are interconnected. By addressing the root causes of health issues, functional nutrition aims to improve overall health, not just manage symptoms. Because nutrition is fundamental, I can use it to address imbalances in nearly every area.

• Preventive Health
  While most people visit me for existing health issues, functional nutrition also emphasizes preventive care by identifying potential health risks before they manifest as symptoms or diseases. It promotes early intervention and lifestyle adjustments to prevent chronic health conditions.

You can learn more about the foods to eat and avoid with OCD in my Biotype Cookbooks here.

See How Functional Nutrition Can Resolve Your OCD Symptoms

If you’re ready to take the next step towards a healthier, more balanced life, and explore how functional nutrition can play a role in managing your OCD, I invite you to schedule a free consultation with me. During this consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, discuss your concerns, and learn more about the tailored solutions I can offer you.

Don’t let OCD control your life any longer. Reach out today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step towards a brighter, more balanced future. I’m here to support you on your journey to improved mental health and overall well-being.