Mental Health | Pro Health Medicine

Anxiety affects millions of people worldwide, often disrupting daily life and well-being. Whether chronic or acute, anxiety is one of the most common mental health challenges. Understanding the body’s chemistry and adopting lifestyle habits can help manage anxiety effectively. This post explores how physical activity, diet, sleep, substance use, mindfulness, social connection, and journaling can support mental balance. It also offers practical tips to take control during anxiety and panic attacks.

Taking Charge of Anxiety: Lifestyle Strategies to Balance Your Mind and Body

Advanced tests are available to identify the underlying causes of anxiety. Based on the results of these tests, a personalized treatment plan can be developed. Examples of tests that help uncover the root causes of anxiety include genetic testing, food allergy assessments, micronutrient evaluations, toxin screenings, and chronic inflammation markers.

Kristina Reynolds

5 days ago5 min read

If you carry the slow COMT gene mutation, specifically the Met/Met variant, your body processes dopamine and norepinephrine much more slowly than average. This difference in how your brain handles these neurotransmitters means that medications to treat ADHD, depression, narcolepsy, and chronic pain, which increase their levels, can cause serious side effects.

Why Individuals with Slow COMT Gene Should Steer Clear of Some Medications for ADHD and Depression

Understanding your COMT gene status empowers you to make informed decisions about medications like NRIs. If you have the slow COMT variant, avoiding NRIs can prevent serious side effects and support a calmer, healthier brain function. Genetic testing combined with lifestyle changes offers a path to better mental health tailored to your unique biology.

Kristina Reynolds

May 43 min read

The COMT gene plays a crucial role in how our bodies manage key brain chemicals like dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and estrogen. Variations in this gene affect the activity of the catechol-O-methyltransferase enzyme, which breaks down these substances.

Is Stress in Your DNA: How COMT Gene Mutation Impact Mental Health and Stress Responses

These differences can influence how people respond to stress, their cognitive abilities, and their risk for conditions such as anxiety, ADHD, and schizophrenia. Understanding these variations helps explain why some people handle stress better or worse than others and why mental health symptoms can vary widely.

Kristina Reynolds

Apr 224 min read

Depression affects millions worldwide, often requiring long-term treatment with therapy or medication. Yet, recent research reveals a powerful, natural alternative that many overlook: exercise.

The Power of Exercise: A Natural Approach to Treating Depression

Several high-quality studies, including a 2024 JAMA study involving over 14,000 participants, show that aerobic exercise, strength training, and yoga can be as effective as cognitive behavioral therapy or medication for treating depression.

Kristina Reynolds

Mar 53 min read

As an integrative and functional medicine practice, we understand how important it is to manage stress effectively. One practical way to reduce stress is by controlling screen time.

Managing Stress in a Digital Age: Strategies to Limit Screen Time and Enhance Wellbeing

Pro Health Functional Medicine is an integrative and functional medicine practice that recognizes the negative impact stress can have on the mind and body. We include stress management and habits in our patients' medical care plans.

Kristina Reynolds

Feb 24 min read

Pro Health Functional Medicine offers ketamine treatments that provide hope for those who have struggled with depression, anxiety, PTSD, suicidality, and various types of pain, when other approaches have failed.

Exploring the Benefits of Ketamine Treatments for Mental Health and Chronic Pain

Ketamine offers a new path for people facing difficult mental health and pain challenges. Its rapid action and unique effects provide relief where other treatments may not work. Pro Health Functional Medicine’s careful approach to dosing and administration ensures patients receive safe, effective care.

Kristina Reynolds

Jan 293 min read

As 2025 draws to a close, many of us look ahead with hope and determination to improve our health and well-being. Setting broad goals like losing weight or exercising more can feel overwhelming and vague. Instead, focusing on specific, manageable actions can create meaningful change.

10 Simple Yet Powerful Steps to Transform Your Health in the New Year

Drawing from experience in integrative and functional medicine, here are ten practical steps you can take to boost your health in the coming year. These steps are grounded in science, easy to track, and within your control.

Kristina Reynolds

Dec 23, 20254 min read

At Pro Health Functional Medicine in Chandler, AZ, we focus on gut health and offer advanced testing to assess the health of our patients' microbiomes.

The Gut Brain Connection: How Microbiome Healing Could Transform Your Mental Health

When the gut microbiome is thriving, it produces beneficial compounds like short-chain fatty acids, which have been shown to improve brain function.

Kristina Reynolds

Aug 8, 20254 min read

A simple blood test at Pro Health Functional Medicine will help you and your provider know if hormones are contributing to your anxiety

Is Your Anxiety Tied to Hormonal Imbalances? What You Need to Know.

If you suspect that your anxiety may be connected to hormonal imbalances, seeking evaluation and appropriate treatment is essential. Understanding the interplay between hormones and anxiety opens up innovative pathways for better mental health management.

Kristina Reynolds

Jun 2, 20254 min read