Inflammation and the brain
Inflammation is the immune systemโs response to injury, infection and stress. When it becomes chronic and low-grade, research suggests it can affect the brain, contributing to fatigue, low motivation, slowed thinking and low mood in some people. Chronic inflammation is linked with factors such as poor sleep, excess abdominal weight, insulin resistance, smoking, inactivity, ongoing stress and certain medical conditions. This is an evolving area of science, and we are careful to separate what is well established from what is still being studied.
Symptoms people describe
- Brain fog and slowed thinking
- Forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating
- Fatigue and low motivation
- Low mood that has not responded fully to treatment
- Symptoms that began after an infection or illness
New or rapidly worsening memory problems, confusion or neurological symptoms need prompt medical and neurological assessment.
Our approach
Assessment
We review medical history, sleep, diet, weight, activity, stress, medications and mood, and check relevant markers such as blood sugar, lipids, thyroid function, vitamin B12, vitamin D and general inflammatory markers where appropriate. We coordinate with your primary care provider or specialists when further workup is needed. See lab testing for mental health.
Addressing well-established drivers
- Improving sleep and treating sleep apnea where present; see sleep and insomnia
- Regular physical activity, one of the most consistently supported tools for both mood and cognition
- A whole-food, Mediterranean-style eating pattern; see nutritional psychiatry
- Blood sugar and metabolic health
- Stress reduction and treating depression and anxiety; see inflammation and depression
- Correcting nutrient deficiencies
Tracking progress
We use questionnaires and simple measures of energy, mood and concentration to see whether changes are helping.
Our providers are licensed naturopathic physicians and mental health counselors led by Dr. Koichi Tanji, ND, LMHC. In Washington, controlled substances such as ADHD stimulants and benzodiazepines are outside naturopathic prescribing scope, so when one is part of the right plan we coordinate with your prescribing physician or nurse practitioner.
Related reading: fatigue and brain fog and functional psychiatry and root causes.
Getting started
We see patients in person at 2135 112th Ave NE, Suite 201, Bellevue, and by secure telehealth anywhere in Washington. We are in-network with Premera, Regence, BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, Cigna and Kaiser PPO. Most people begin with our Biopsych Assessment. Book online or call (425) 278-6166.
If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911.
