Clinical Services · Walsh Protocol

Biochemical Nutrient Therapy for Mood, Attention, and Nervous System Regulation

Q: Can the Walsh Protocol work alongside psychiatric medication?

Yes. The Walsh Protocol is an adjunctive approach and is designed to complement, not replace, existing psychiatric care. Medication management remains with the prescribing physician. Dr. Gil works collaboratively with patients' existing providers when appropriate.

Targeted supplementation based on measurable physiological subtypes — not symptoms alone, and not a one-size protocol.

What Is the Walsh Protocol?

Conventional psychiatric care typically focuses on symptom management and diagnosis. The Walsh Protocol adds a biochemical assessment layer — intended to identify measurable physiological patterns that may be contributing to those symptoms and that standard psychiatric workups don't typically evaluate.

Developed by William Walsh, Ph.D. through research involving more than 30,000 clinical cases at the Walsh Research Institute, the framework identifies biochemical subtypes associated with mood, attention, behavioral, and cognitive symptoms. Each subtype has a distinct biochemical signature and responds to a different nutritional approach. Identifying the subtype makes targeted support possible where generic supplementation hasn't worked.

This is an adjunctive approach — it works alongside existing psychiatric care, not in place of it. Medication management stays with the prescribing physician. Lab interpretation and nutrient protocols are Dr. Gil's domain. Many patients work collaboratively between both providers.

Who Typically Seeks This Work

Most patients arrive after years of trying other approaches — not as a first step. The common thread is symptoms that keep returning despite reasonable effort.

The treatment-resistant patient

Medications have helped partially or not at all. Therapy has been useful for coping but hasn't resolved the underlying anxiety or mood instability. The presenting question: why does it keep returning? Biochemical assessment frequently identifies a factor that hasn't been evaluated before.

The supplement-confused patient

Already taking multiple supplements without consistent improvement — sometimes with worsening. A methylated folate that helps one person can significantly worsen another. Without subtype identification, supplementation is guesswork. Testing resolves the confusion and stops the trial-and-error cycle.

The parent of a struggling child

A child with behavioral, attention, or learning difficulties that haven't responded well to standard interventions. Pyroluria in particular is frequently found in children with explosive anger, sensory sensitivity, or difficulty sustaining focus — and tends to respond reliably once the deficiency is addressed.

The patient building a complete picture

Already working with a psychiatrist or therapist and looking to add a biochemical layer. The Walsh Protocol doesn't replace existing care — it assesses a dimension that standard psychiatric workups typically don't include. Many patients bring their results to their existing providers.

What improvement looks like varies by subtype and individual. For some, the change is significant within the first several weeks — better stress tolerance, more stable mood, clearer thinking. For others, progress is gradual and requires protocol refinement over time. The first consultation is focused on determining whether this approach is a reasonable fit before any protocol begins.

The Five Biochemical Subtypes

These biochemical patterns are part of the Walsh clinical framework and are not formal psychiatric diagnoses. They don't map one-to-one to a diagnosis either — two people presenting with depression may have completely different underlying biochemistry and need different protocols. What the testing identifies is the physiology, not the label.

Pyroluria (Pyrrole Disorder)

Within the Walsh framework, elevated kryptopyrroles in urine are interpreted as a marker associated with oxidative stress and functional depletion of zinc and vitamin B6 — not in measurable blood levels, but in availability to the body. Associated patterns include anxiety, explosive temper, poor stress tolerance, poor dream recall, light and sound sensitivity, and frequent infections. In children, it often presents as behavioral dysregulation or learning difficulties. Some patients report noticeable changes within the first several weeks; others require longer investigation and protocol adjustment.

Learn more about pyroluria testing and treatment →

Undermethylation

Methylation regulates gene expression, neurotransmitter production, and cellular communication. Approximately 30% of the population carries an inherited methylation variant; not all require treatment. When undermethylation is clinically relevant, associated patterns include depression, perfectionism, high internal motivation combined with high anxiety, OCD tendencies, and seasonal allergies. Addressing methylation directly — rather than the downstream presentation — can produce results where medication has not.

Listen: Epigenetics and Methylation →

Overmethylation

A distinct clinical picture: anxiety, hyperactivity, low motivation, food and chemical sensitivities, and elevated histamine. Treatment differs significantly from undermethylation — which is why identifying the subtype before recommending folate or methyl-B12 matters. The wrong intervention for the wrong methylation type can worsen symptoms.

Read: Methylated Folate and Anxiety →

Copper Overload

Copper and zinc exist in a physiological balance. When copper accumulates — through hormonal factors, genetic variants in copper transport, or environmental exposure — associated patterns include anxiety, mood instability, headaches, difficulty with anger, and hormonal dysregulation. A reliable clinical indicator in women: feeling significantly worse except during pregnancy, when the developing fetus draws copper through the placenta. Measurable and addressable through targeted testing.

Read: Copper Overload →

Zinc Deficiency

Zinc deficiency alone can produce patterns that overlap with copper overload and pyroluria — anxiety, cognitive difficulty, behavioral dysregulation, immune vulnerability. Testing distinguishes zinc deficiency from these other subtypes and directs treatment accordingly. Zinc is foundational to hundreds of enzymatic processes; functional deficiency has downstream effects across multiple body systems.

How Testing Works

The subtype is identified through a combination of blood and urine analysis. Results determine the protocol — not symptoms alone, and not a generic nutrient panel.

Blood Panel

Zinc, copper, ceruloplasmin, and histamine. Together these establish the biochemical landscape and rule out overlapping subtypes.

Urine Test

Measures kryptopyrroles — the diagnostic marker for pyroluria. Sample must be frozen immediately after collection; proper handling matters for accuracy.

Methylation Markers

Histamine and additional markers evaluate methylation status and distinguish undermethylation from overmethylation.

Remote Testing

Lab coordination is available across most of the United States for telemedicine patients. Testing can begin before the first full consultation in many cases.

Lab results are interpreted in the context of clinical history — not in isolation. A result that looks normal on a standard panel may indicate functional deficiency when read alongside other markers and presentation.

Patterns Often Seen in Practice

The Walsh Protocol doesn't treat diagnoses — it addresses the biochemical patterns associated with them. The same diagnosis may have multiple underlying subtypes requiring different protocols.

Anxiety and stress intolerance Including treatment-resistant anxiety where conventional approaches have not held

Depression Biochemical subtype determines which nutrients support — and which to avoid

Obsessive thinking patterns Frequently associated with undermethylation; often responsive to targeted protocol

Attention and focus dysregulation Subtypes vary; testing distinguishes pyroluria, zinc deficiency, and methylation-related presentations

Mood instability Nutrient therapy as a stabilizing adjunct within a broader care plan

Sensory overwhelm and emotional volatility Often pyroluria-related; associated serotonin and GABA floor is addressable

Behavioral and learning difficulties in children Pyroluria is frequently present in children with anger, attention, and learning challenges

Sleep dysregulation Biochemical contributors to insomnia and poor sleep quality are often overlooked

The Walsh Protocol is used as an adjunct to conventional care for complex presentations including bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum conditions. Dr. Gil does not manage psychiatric medications. Patients with these diagnoses are encouraged to maintain care with their existing providers.

What the Walsh Protocol Is Not

Understanding the scope of this work matters — both for setting accurate expectations and for making an informed decision about whether it fits your situation.

Not a replacement for psychiatric care. This is an adjunctive approach. Medication management, crisis support, and psychiatric diagnosis remain with your existing providers.

Not a one-size supplement protocol. Every protocol is based on individual lab results. Generic nutrient stacking without subtype identification can worsen symptoms.

Not anti-medication. Dr. Gil works alongside patients who are on psychiatric medication. The goal is biochemical support, not an ideological position on pharmaceuticals.

Not generic nutrition advice. This involves advanced clinical lab interpretation and individualized dosing — not standard dietary recommendations.

Not symptom suppression. The goal is to identify and address the underlying biochemical contributor — not to manage symptoms without understanding their source.

Not a guaranteed outcome. Many patients experience significant improvement. Some require further investigation. Clinical results vary based on the individual, the subtype, and concurrent factors.

Working with Dr. Gil

Dr. Gil Winkelman, ND has incorporated Walsh Protocol principles into clinical practice since 2010, including advanced training through the Walsh Research Institute — the organization founded by William Walsh, Ph.D. that trains and certifies practitioners internationally. He is a member of the Walsh Research Institute practitioner network and among the most experienced Walsh Protocol clinicians in Hawaii.

His clinical approach integrates the Walsh Protocol within a broader naturopathic framework. Biochemical patterns are assessed alongside gut function, physiological contributors to nervous system dysregulation, and other factors. The protocol identifies one layer — often an important one — within a more complete clinical picture.

Dr. Gil works collaboratively with patients' existing psychiatric and medical providers. He does not manage psychiatric medications. Many patients share their lab results and proposed protocols with their psychiatrist or GP as part of a coordinated approach. Informed clinical collaboration is the standard, not the exception.

Consultations are available in person in Honolulu and via telemedicine across multiple states. Lab testing can be coordinated remotely for patients anywhere in the continental United States.

Phone and text: 808-726-2772
Email: info@askdrgil.com

What to expect in a first consultation

Dr. Gil will review your history, symptoms, and any prior lab work. He will determine whether Walsh Protocol testing is appropriate, which markers to run, and outline a clinical path forward before any protocol begins.

Lab results and an initial proposed protocol are typically available within two to three weeks of testing. Protocols are adjusted based on clinical response over time — this is not a one-appointment process.

Credentials: Naturopathic Doctor (ND) · Advanced Walsh Research Institute training · 20+ years clinical practice · Hawaii license · Telemedicine across multiple states

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Walsh Protocol?

The Walsh Protocol is a biochemically individualized approach to mental health support developed by William Walsh, Ph.D. through research involving more than 30,000 cases. It identifies measurable physiological subtypes — including pyroluria, methylation variants, copper imbalance, and zinc deficiency — and uses targeted nutrient therapy to support biochemical balance. It is an adjunctive approach, not a replacement for conventional psychiatric care.

Is the Walsh Protocol evidence-based?

The Walsh Protocol is grounded in clinical research developed over decades by William Walsh, Ph.D. and the Walsh Research Institute, which has studied biochemical patterns across tens of thousands of cases. The approach uses standard laboratory testing to identify measurable imbalances. It is not a mainstream psychiatric treatment. Patients are encouraged to maintain care with their existing providers.

What lab testing is involved?

Testing typically includes a blood panel measuring zinc, copper, ceruloplasmin, and histamine, along with a urine test measuring kryptopyrroles (the diagnostic marker for pyroluria). Methylation status is evaluated through histamine and additional markers. Testing can be coordinated remotely for patients outside Hawaii.

How long does it take to see results?

Many patients notice meaningful improvement within two to three weeks of beginning targeted supplementation. The timeline varies depending on the subtype identified, the degree of imbalance, and whether additional contributing factors are present. Some patients require adjusted protocols over a longer period.

Can this work alongside psychiatric medication?

Yes. The Walsh Protocol is designed to complement, not replace, existing psychiatric care. Medication management remains with the prescribing physician. Dr. Gil works collaboratively with patients' existing providers when appropriate and does not manage psychiatric medications.

What is undermethylation?

Undermethylation is a biochemical state in which the body's methylation processes — which regulate gene expression, neurotransmitter production, and cellular communication — are operating below optimal levels. It is associated with patterns including depression, perfectionism, high anxiety, OCD tendencies, and seasonal allergies. Treatment addresses the methylation directly rather than the downstream presentation.

What is pyroluria?

Pyroluria is a sign of oxidative stress in which elevated kryptopyrroles in the urine bind to and deplete zinc and vitamin B6, making them functionally unavailable. It is associated with anxiety, mood instability, poor stress tolerance, light and sound sensitivity, and poor dream recall. It is identified through urine testing and typically responds well to targeted zinc and B6 supplementation. Learn more about pyroluria →

Do you work with patients outside Hawaii?

Yes. Dr. Gil offers telemedicine consultations and can coordinate lab testing for patients across most of the United States. The full clinical workup — including testing and individualized protocol development — is available remotely.

Some patients later explore broader nervous system and behavioral pattern work through the educational offerings at AskDrGil.com. See the full offering map →

Not sure whether Walsh Protocol testing fits your situation?

The first step is a clinical consultation — focused on whether a biochemical workup makes sense for your symptoms and history. No protocol begins before that determination is made.

Schedule a Consultation

808-726-2772 · info@askdrgil.com · Hawaii & telemedicine