Have you ever wondered if our approach to mental health is missing something fundamental? In this Longevity episode, I chat with functional mental health expert Brendan Vermeire as we discuss tracking physiology when it comes to mental health. We dive into societal pressures around food and alcohol, the impact of social media on mental health, and the need for nuance in health discussions. We also discuss the role of inflammation, neuroendocrine dysregulation, nutrient status, and neurotrophic factors in mental health disorders, while highlighting the need for objective lab testing to track physiological function and identify root causes.   Brendan Vermeire is a Mental and Metabolic Health Scientist & Researcher, Functional Medicine Educator, and Board-Certified Holistic Health Practitioner. He founded the Metabolic Solutions Institute for Functional Health and Fitness Practitioners and created innovative tools like The Mental M.A.P.™ lab panel and the Functional Mental Health Practitioner (FMHP™) Certificate Program. Brendan is dedicated to advancing the science of mental health through his not-for-profit foundation and educating healthcare professionals on integrative approaches to mental well-being.   Thank you to our sponsors for making this episode possible: Vitali: Visit https://www.vitaliskincare.com and use code NAT20 to save on your order.  Jaspr: Get your Jaspr pro at https://jaspr.co and use code NAT to save on your order.  BiOptimizers: Go to bioptimizers.com/bionat and enter the coupon code bionat to get 10% off your order.   Find more from Brendan Vermeire:  Website: https://www.metabolicsolutionsllc.com/  Instagram: @the_holistic_savage  Podcast: Holistic Savage    Find more from Nathalie: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmholC48MqRC50UffIZOMOQ  Join Nat’s Membership Community: https://www.natniddam.com/bsp-community  Sign up for Nats Newsletter: https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/i7d5m0  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nathalieniddam/  Website: www.NatNiddam.com    Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/biohackingsuperhumanperformance  What We Discuss: 07:56 The Holistic Approach of Functional Medicine 28:55 Assessing The Physiological Function of the Body 35:31 The Nocebo Effect in Functional Medicine 45:40 The Paradigm Shift in Mental Health 55:02 Understanding Biomarkers and Lab Testing 1:00:00 The Value and Limitations of Genetic Testing 1:08:16 The Importance of Trust in the Body's Innate Wisdom