Anxiety Sucks & Depression is a Symptom - What Your Doc Won't Tell You Brandy Zachary #039

July 23, 2025•4 min read

About My Guest

Dr. Brandy Zachary, DC, IFMCP, known by her colleagues and patients as “Dr. Z,” is a powerful and unique Functional Medicine teacher, a successful fifth-generation female entrepreneur, & award-winning practice owner. Her most recent launch in Functional Medicine went from $0-$7 million in one year! She just won the highly coveted 2 Comma Award, earned by less than 1% of online teachers and coaches.

But what I love most about Dr Z and what I truly saw as her superpower is that she LOVES teaching women about their bodies and mental health revelations that are rarely shared.

She currently lives on the Caribbean coast of Mexico with her husband and daughter, a wild puppy pack of 3 dogs, and one grumpy cat.

Dr. Z has taught classes for or been interviewed by IFM (Institute for Functional Medicine), Rupa Health, Designs for Health, 3x4 Genetics, SIBO SOS, Health Means, SIBO Doctor, and more. She regularly teaches a multidisciplinary audience, including MD, DO, DC, ND, FNP, RN, PharmD, LAc, and other nutritional practitioners.

She has previously published peer-reviewed literature and created a unique personality profiling system published by McGraw-Hill, NY, which was a best-seller and won awards in sales. She is the creator of the LabDX software, which has revolutionized Functional Medicine lab analysis and is the first of its kind worldwide.

Summary

Discover the hidden truths about anxiety and depression that could transform your approach to mental health. In this revealing conversation, host Leah Vachani interviews Dr. Brandy Zachary, a functional medicine expert who challenges conventional thinking about mental health treatment.

Dr. Z shares her personal journey through health crises that led her to uncover the root causes of mental health issues, emphasizing why depression should be understood as a symptom rather than a standalone condition. This discussion is particularly relevant for women facing unique mental health challenges, especially during menopause and hormonal transitions.

Key Topics Covered:

The multifaceted causes of depression including hormonal imbalances, gut health, and lifestyle factors
Why anxiety rates are skyrocketing among women
The crucial role of patient empowerment in healthcare
How food and nutrition directly impact mental wellness
Understanding the microbiome's connection to anxiety and depression
The link between chronic inflammation and cognitive decline
Practical strategies for finding healthcare practitioners who truly listen

Powerful Insights:

"Depression is just a symptom" - Dr. Z explains how this reframe can revolutionize your healing journey

"Food is the crux of everything" - Discover the profound connection between nutrition and mental health

"You have to drive the questions" - Learn why patient advocacy is essential for better outcomes

This episode offers hope and practical guidance for women ready to move beyond surface-level treatments and address the root causes of their mental health challenges through functional medicine and holistic approaches.

Perfect for: Women struggling with anxiety and depression, those interested in functional medicine, health practitioners seeking root cause solutions, and anyone ready to take charge of their mental wellness journey.

Where to Listen/Watch:

🎧 Listen on Spotify

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcast

The information provided during this podcast is for educational purposes only. The speaker may be a licensed medical professional and may present case studies of actual patients or refer to patients' treatment during the program. Please be reminded that the Scope of Practice for Holistic Nutrition Professionals prevents us from diagnosing, preventing, treating, curing, prescribing, managing, or healing disease. Holistic Nutrition Professionals are not licensed in any state and work with clients, not patients.