Are We Missing the Root Cause of Teen Mental Health Struggles?

Daily Wellness Podcast - Teen Mental Health: A Functional Medicine Approach with Dr. Zendi Moldenhauer

Anxiety. Depression. ADHD.

Teen mental health issues are at an all-time high, and families everywhere are searching for answers. But what if we’re only treating the symptoms while the real problem goes unaddressed?

In the latest episode of the Daily Wellness podcast, Dr. Zendi Moldenhauer—our Co-Founder and Director of Medicine—dives deep into a functional medicine approach to teen mental health. She unpacks how gut health, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies play a bigger role in mental well-being than most people realize.

This conversation is a must-listen for any parent, caregiver, educator, or healthcare provider looking to understand why so many teens are struggling—and what we can do about it.

Teen Mental Health: More Than Just a Chemical Imbalance

Traditional approaches to mental health often focus on brain chemistry alone. But research continues to show that mental health isn’t just in our heads—it’s in our bodies too.

• Gut health & the brain are directly connected. Studies show that 90% of serotonin (the "feel-good" neurotransmitter) is made in the gut. If gut health is compromised, mental health often suffers.
• Inflammation plays a role in anxiety & depression. Chronic inflammation, triggered by diet, stress, or environmental toxins, has been linked to mental health disorders in both teens and adults.
• Nutrient deficiencies can impact mood & focus. Low levels of zinc, magnesium, omega-3s, and B vitamins are commonly seen in teens with ADHD, anxiety, and depression.

While medications can be helpful in some cases, they don’t address these underlying issues. Functional Medicine takes a root-cause approach to mental health, looking beyond symptoms to understand what’s really happening inside the body.

A Functional Medicine Approach to Supporting Teen Mental Health

In this episode, Dr. Zendi shares science-backed strategies that parents can start using right away to support their teen’s mental well-being, including:

• Balancing blood sugar – Reducing sugar spikes and crashes can stabilize mood and improve focus.
• Healing the gut – Probiotics, fiber-rich foods, and reducing processed foods can support gut-brain health.
• Reducing inflammation – Cutting out inflammatory foods and incorporating omega-3s can help calm the nervous system.
• Optimizing nutrient levels – Identifying and correcting key deficiencies can have a major impact on mental clarity and emotional resilience.

These simple shifts can help teens feel better—mentally and physically—without relying solely on medication.

Listen Now: The Podcast Episode Every Parent and Caregiver Needs

If you’ve been searching for real answers about why so many teens are struggling with their mental health, this episode is for you.

Listen now

Mental health is complex—but healing is possible. Let’s change the conversation and give our teens the support they truly need.

If this resonates with you, request a free 20-minute Discovery Call to see if Functional Medicine might be right for you.

This Website has been created to provide information about functional health care services and is for general informational purposes regarding functional health care that should never be construed as medical advice for any person, including patients of the Practice. The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.