Self Care is the New Healthcare

There are many things to consider before starting the journey towards opening your own functional medicine practice. There is no standard "business plan", and this type of practice is very different than those operating within the conventional medicine/insurance model. Don't make the mistakes I did! Paul and I discuss our journey, from leaving the ER to now owning and operating a telemedicine functional medicine practice.

The majority of Functional Medicine practitioners seem to go to great lengths to avoid anything to do with the Christian faith but will embrace anything new age, or culturally appropriate any other religion's "metaphysical" aspects. This could be a reason that some Christians are wary of Functional Medicine. The truth is that Functional Medicine is MADE for Christians. The Bible is full of "Functional Medicine" tips. This podcast looks at Functional Medicine from the optics of the Christian faith and explains how Christians should not be wary of Functional Medicine. The truth is Christianity is the best way to fully harness the benefits of Functional Medicine. Don't let the secular misinformation bullies keep you from Functional Medicine. God wants us to do our part to stay healthy and then lean on his Grace to finish healing.

Don't fall for it. Don't accept the excuses... "getting older" or "it's your genes" or "it's just something that happens". Chronic diseases are increasing at an alarming rate. And more testing and better treatments are not what's needed. We discuss what is contributing to this dramatic rise in diseases that were once considered uncommon, and what you need to do about it should you find yourself with a common but not normal disease.

We go over the 15 signs of an abusive relationship according to psychologists (for what that's worth). And it appears we are currently in one with regards to the advice provided by "medical experts". But also, many of the signs are consistent with the experiences I and many others have had with their healthcare providers. If these signs ring true for you, it's time to get out of the abusive relationship.

If you want your child to thrive and reach their full potential, stop feeding them JUNK! Annie Hale, one of my health coaches and mother of 6, shares some of her tried and true strategies for providing healthy meals and snacks on a budget. She can help you change your child's mindset--they will WANT to eat healthy.

What you feed your child can directly impact their behavior and cognitive ability. From temper tantrums to poor results in school, what you feed your child is the major driver. If you want them to reach their full potential it's time to get serious about their diet.

This 60-day program was so successful in my practice that we are now offering it to anyone. This program addresses the key areas all functional medicine practitioners are going to address (or should be), no matter the chronic issue. This program is the first step, and often the last step for many, for overcoming chronic issues once and for all.

Many common household products are full of harmful chemicals that cause endocrine disruption, cancer, and immune dysregulation. Reduce your exposure to these toxicants to reduce their harmful effects on your health.

Being sedentary is the new smoking. It's THAT bad. Physical activity is as essential as the air you breathe. Paul and I discuss the MANY ways physical activity reduces immune dysfunction via its positive effects on mitochondrial function, gut health, hormone and thyroid balance, detoxification, etc. We also discuss the pitfall of overexercising and how too much exercise can backfire and make it much more difficult to lose weight. Move your butt or get a gut.

Most people underestimate the amount of chronic stress present in their lives, as well as its negative impacts on their health. Chronic stress produces chronic elevations in cortisol. Not a good scenario for your waistline and backside. Paul and I discuss how cortisol makes you fat, the often under appreciated sources of chronic stress, and the steps you need to take to keep those cortisol levels low.

In this episode we discuss how the microbiome directly impacts your weight and your health. It is essential to understand this connection for your health and any weight issues that you might be having. As Hippocrates said over 2000 years ago "All diseases begin in the gut". Your weight issues are a symptom of metabolic derangements and systemic inflammation. As we always say "if you want to lose your butt, you have to heal your gut".

There is no successful one-size-fits-all diet plan. There are many things to consider when trying to determine what foods you should (and should not) be eating: food sensitivities and intolerances, gut health needs, activity levels, toxin exposures, stage of life, GI surgeries, and many other things. The "perfect" diet is one that is perfect for you and you only. You are unique, and your dietary needs should reflect and accommodate your lifestyle, environmental exposure, and genetics (to a small degree). We discuss our strategy for determining the "perfect" diet.

This is the first in a series of podcasts explaining the common mistakes and misconceptions regarding weight loss. There is a TON of misinformation out there on the internet. Overcoming obesity and weight-related issues requires a holistic approach and a sound understanding of how lifestyle choices and environmental exposures contribute to metabolic derangements and systemic inflammation. MDs were not taught this, and many well-meaning health enthusiasts know just enough to be dangerous.

A look at the first steps that are needed to overcome chronic inflammation that is associated with most of today's chronic health issues. No matter the "ism", "itis" or ICD-10 code, gut health should always be a key focus when reducing systemic inflammation and regaining immune balance. Hippocrates got it right over 2000 years ago when he said, "All diseases begin in the gut." And there are many lifestyle behaviors and environmental exposures that impact gut health other than what you put into your mouth. It's much more than taking a probiotic. Much, much more.

Not many understand the education, training, and culture of medical school. If they did, they would better understand the poor health outcomes, especially when it comes to treating chronic disease. Root causes of disease, which are most often lifestyle-related, are rarely addressed in medical school and residency. The culture of medical school is one of elitism, blown-up egos, and dismissiveness of anything deemed "natural" or anti pharmaceutical. Don't you dare go talkin' about herbs, vitamins, food as medicine! Bow ties go hand-in-hand with the term "idiopathic."

Change your approach to chronic pain. Pills and procedures don't work long term and can have terrible side effects. Don't manage your pain, remove it by removing inflammation. Inflammation is the source of all chronic pain.

Fool me once shame on you, fool me twice shame on me. This episode covers how censorship and misinformation is rampant in medicine and what you can do to try to separate the wheat for the shaft. A little rambling but still some good info.

We discuss how to save money within the current system by taking advantage of cash rates for multiple health services and health sharing plans. We also discuss how to use the current system with a functional medicine and self care mindset so that it benefits your health and pocketbook and doesn't leave you frustrated.

We discuss exactly what self care is and why you need to practice it.