Acupuncture

A classical ketogenic diet typically provides ~70–80% of calories from fat, ~15–20% from protein, and only ~5–10% (often 20–50 g/day) from carbohydrates. The metabolic shift to ketosis lowers blood glucose and insulin, raises ketone bodies (beta-hydroxybutyrate, acetoacetate), and is being studied for neurological and metabolic conditions. Variants include the Modified Atkins Diet (MAD), Medium-Chain Triglyceride (MCT) ketogenic diet, and the Low Glycemic Index Treatment (LGIT).

Typical duration: Often 3–6 months minimum to assess response; medically supervised protocols (e.g. for epilepsy) may be maintained for years.

Ketogenic therapy is a medical intervention when used for seizure disorders or oncology — work with a clinician or registered dietitian experienced in ketogenic therapy. Not recommended in pregnancy, type 1 diabetes without supervision, pancreatitis, certain fatty-acid oxidation disorders, or active eating disorders.

The anti-inflammatory diet is not a single protocol but a synthesis of the patterns most consistently linked to lower inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha) in human studies — Mediterranean-style eating, oily fish, abundant polyphenols, and low intake of ultra-processed foods, refined sugar, industrial seed oils, and excessive alcohol.

Typical duration: A long-term eating pattern.

Safe and flexible. Can be combined with Mediterranean, vegetarian, or plant-forward patterns.

An estimated 50% of adults consume below the EAR. Low magnesium is linked to insomnia, anxiety, migraines, muscle tension, and poor blood sugar regulation.

Reference intake: 310–420 mg/day RDA depending on age and sex.

Supplementation notes: Glycinate for sleep/anxiety, citrate for constipation, threonate for cognitive/brain effects. Avoid magnesium oxide (poorly absorbed).

Low vitamin D status is one of the most widespread deficiencies globally and has been linked to autoimmune disease activity (Hashimoto's, MS), mood disorders, recurrent infections, and poor skin barrier function.

Reference intake: Adults 600–800 IU/day RDA; functional medicine often targets 2,000–5,000 IU/day with monitoring.

Supplementation notes: Take with a fat-containing meal. Pair with vitamin K2 (MK-7) when supplementing higher doses long-term.

Deficiency contributes to anxiety, low mood, PMS, and sleep disturbance.

Reference intake: 1.3–1.7 mg/day; avoid >100 mg/day long-term (peripheral neuropathy risk).

Supplementation notes: P-5-P (active form) is preferred for those with poor conversion.

Low ferritin (iron stores) is a frequent driver of fatigue, hair loss, restless legs, and impaired T4→T3 conversion in hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's.

Reference intake: 8 mg/day men, 18 mg/day premenopausal women.

Supplementation notes: Take iron with vitamin C; avoid with coffee, tea, or calcium. Bisglycinate is gentler on the gut than ferrous sulfate.

Deficiency is common in vegetarians/vegans, older adults, and those on PPIs or metformin. Strongly implicated in neurological symptoms (MS-like presentations), fatigue, anxiety, and cognitive decline.

Reference intake: 2.4 mcg/day RDA; therapeutic 1,000 mcg/day sublingual methylcobalamin is common.

Supplementation notes: Prefer methylcobalamin or hydroxocobalamin over cyanocobalamin, especially with MTHFR variants.

Low EPA/DHA status correlates with depression, anxiety, dry skin, joint pain, and autoimmune flare risk.

Reference intake: 250–500 mg combined EPA+DHA/day baseline; 1–3 g/day therapeutic.

Supplementation notes: Choose IFOS-certified or molecularly distilled fish oils to minimize heavy-metal exposure.