Anatomy of Anxiety with Integrative Psychiatrist, Dr. Ellen Vora

In today’s episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with Dr. Ellen Vora to discuss a revolutionary framework for understanding anxiety—not as a disorder, but as a message from the body or soul. They explore the difference between false anxiety, which stems from physiological imbalances like blood sugar crashes, sleep disruption, and inflammation, and true anxiety, which often points to deeper emotional or existential truths. You’ll hear them discuss: - Why anxiety is the beginning of an inquiry—not a final diagnosis - The difference between “false” (body-based) and “true” (purpose-driven) anxiety - How nutrient deficiencies and gut imbalances can mimic psychiatric symptoms - The surprising mental health effects of hormonal birth control - How to use food as medicine to support neurotransmitter balance and calm - The dangers of benzodiazepines—and how to taper with the help of functional medicine - The power of psychobiotics, circadian rhythm, and inflammation reduction - Why GABA, inositol, and phosphatidylcholine are key to recovery - How to approach anxiety with both compassion and curiosity