Take Charge of Your Health

In this episode of Take Charge of Your Health, co-hosts Corinne Furnari and Carol Petersen, delve into the misunderstood world of histamine intolerance—a condition often misdiagnosed as a typical allergy. They explain that histamine, a natural compound involved in immune responses and inflammation, can trigger a wide array of symptoms when it accumulates in excess. The hosts outline how histamine intolerance affects multiple systems in the body, leading to symptoms that mimic allergies, such as rashes, headaches, digestive issues, and fatigue. They discuss how the elimination diet remains the most effective diagnostic tool, and they explore a range of holistic and conventional treatment options. Key approaches include balancing hormones (notably progesterone), supporting detoxification pathways with B vitamins and vitamin C, and introducing certain probiotics that help break down histamine. The episode also highlights foods to avoid—like aged cheeses, fermented products, and alcohol—and offers guidance on foods that support a low-histamine diet. Emphasizing root-cause healing over symptom suppression, Furnari and Petersen advocate for a functional approach to restoring histamine balance and overall health.  

 In this follow-up episode of Take Charge of Your Health, host Corinne Furnari, continues exploring the misunderstood relationship between hormones and cancer. Picking up from the prior interview with Dr. Jeffrey Dach, Furnari focuses on dismantling the widespread fear that estrogen causes breast cancer—a belief rooted in outdated science and misinterpreted studies. With co-host Carol Petersen absent, Furnari leads the conversation solo, drawing on scientific research and past expert interviews to explain that the real concern lies with synthetic progestins, not natural or bioidentical estrogen. She revisits the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study, clarifying how its early conclusions were later revised, and stresses the importance of distinguishing between conventional hormone replacement therapy and bioidentical hormone therapy, which more closely mimics the body's own chemistry. Throughout the episode, Furnari fields live listener calls, offering personalized insights based on holistic principles, and emphasizes the value of supportive nutrients like iodine, selenium, and DIM for hormone regulation and cancer prevention.   By combining clinical insight with compassionate guidance, the episode empowers women to challenge fear-based narratives and consider safe, individualized strategies for maintaining hormonal health and reducing long-term risk.  

 In this episode of Take Charge of Your Health, hosts Corinne Furnari and Carol Petersen welcome Dr. Jeffrey Dach, a former radiologist who shifted his focus to hormone health after seeing the limitations of conventional medicine. The conversation challenges widespread misinformation about hormones, particularly the long-standing fear of estrogen therapy and its supposed link to breast cancer.   Dr. Dach revisits the influential Women's Health Initiative study, explaining how its early conclusions painted estrogen in a negative light, only to be later corrected by follow-up analyses that showed different outcomes. Together with the hosts, he emphasizes that not all hormones are equal—bioidentical hormones, when prescribed correctly, can support not only cancer prevention but also long-term wellness and vitality.  The discussion highlights the importance of correct formulations such as Biest (a balanced mix of estradiol and estriol), while also addressing the role of supportive nutrients and compounds like iodine, selenium, and DIM (diindolylmethane) in maintaining hormonal balance and reducing cancer risk.  Listeners are also directed to Dr. Dach's book, Bioidentical Hormones 101, and his website for deeper resources on navigating hormone therapy safely and effectively. By combining medical research, clinical insights, and practical guidance, the episode reframes hormone therapy as a proactive strategy for health rather than a risk to be feared.

In this episode of Take Charge of Your Health, hosts Corinne Furnari and Carol Petersen explore the rejuvenating benefits of juicing, sparked by Corinne's own uplifting experience with a three-day juice fast. They trace the roots of juicing as a therapeutic practice, discuss the pros and cons of different juicer types—including ease of use and cleaning—and explain how juicing supports hydration and nutrient intake while affecting fiber consumption. Practical tips include how to properly clean and prepare produce, the value of organic sourcing, and ways to combine ingredients for both taste and health. Throughout the show, listener calls bring in fresh perspectives, from recipe ideas to questions about juicing's role in a balanced lifestyle. The episode blends personal stories, scientific insights, and hands-on advice, making a compelling case for incorporating fresh juice into daily wellness routines.  

This episode of Take Charge of Your Health, hosted by Corinne Furnari and Carol Peterson, dives deep into the roots of hormonal science by revisiting Dr. Louis Berman's groundbreaking 1922 book, The Glands Regulating Personality. Berman, a pioneer in early endocrinology, proposed that internal glands—such as the thyroid, pituitary, and adrenal glands—not only regulated physical health but were also key to shaping one's personality, intellect, and behavior.  In conversation with an AI-generated segment from The Deep Dive, the hosts unpack Berman's ideas, highlighting his belief that underactive or overactive glands could explain mental states, social roles, and even moral character. Although Berman's work is shadowed by some problematic associations with early 20th-century eugenics, the hosts emphasize his groundbreaking vision of a personalized, chemistry-driven understanding of human potential—one that predated modern functional medicine by nearly a century.  They contrast these early concepts with today's clinical practices, pointing out how modern medicine often still overlooks the interconnected, systemic nature of hormonal imbalances. This episode invites listeners to reflect on the historical roots of their own health journeys, emphasizing the continued importance of observing the body as a complex, integrated system.

In this episode of Take Charge of Your Health, Corinne Furnari and Carol Petersen have a dynamic discussion on personalized dietary strategies. They delve into the ketogenic (keto) diet, describing it as a powerful metabolic tool that shifts the body's energy source from glucose to fat—an approach shown to support cognitive health, particularly in conditions like Alzheimer's, where insulin resistance in the brain is a key concern. The conversation also explores the blood type diet, encouraging listeners to consider how genetic individuality might influence nutritional needs. A significant portion of the episode focuses on the challenges women face during perimenopause and menopause, including stubborn weight gain and fatigue. The hosts link these issues to hormonal imbalances—such as elevated cortisol and adrenaline, low thyroid function, and declining progesterone levels. The show's message: that lasting health comes from eating whole, natural foods and tailoring nutrition to each person's unique biology—not from one-size-fits-all commercial diet plans.  

 In this episode of Take Charge of Your Health, host Carol Peterson interviews best-selling author Jeff T. Bowles about his book ALS Breakthrough, which presents a bold theory that ALS may be caused by severe magnesium deficiency in the nerves. Drawing from over 25 years of independent research, Bowles outlines a therapeutic protocol involving high-dose magnesium, vitamin D3, and progesterone to slow or even reverse neurodegeneration. The conversation expands to explore how imbalances in these nutrients and hormones may also contribute to other chronic conditions such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and type 2 diabetes. Bowles emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper nutrient ratios and long-term supplementation, cautioning against simplistic or short-term fixes. The episode also addresses concerns about statin medications, which Bowles believes may increase the risk of neurological disorders like ALS by depleting essential nutrients. This thought-provoking discussion challenges conventional views on neurodegenerative diseases and highlights the potential of targeted, nutrient-based therapies.

 In this episode of Take Charge of Your Health, Corinne Furnari and Carol Petersen lead an insightful exploration into the misunderstood yet vital role of salt in human health. The hosts challenge conventional medical advice that promotes salt restriction, arguing instead for a return to natural, mineral-rich salts that have long supported the body's physiological functions. They detail salt's crucial role in maintaining proper hydration, supporting adrenal and hormonal balance, aiding immune function, and regulating blood pressure—not through reduction, but through balance with minerals. The conversation distinguishes between heavily processed table salt, often stripped of its natural minerals, and more beneficial alternatives like sea salt and Himalayan pink salt, which contain essential trace elements. They also delve into the importance of iodine, especially for thyroid health, noting that modern diets often leave individuals deficient without supplementation. 

 In this episode, Corinne Furnari and Carol Petersen tackle a range of health-related topics with a focus on exposing misinformation. They delve into the controversial role of seed oils in modern diets, highlighting their harmful effects and the industrial refining processes that make them toxic. Arguing that these oils were never part of traditional human nutrition, the hosts suggest their widespread use stems from orchestrated disinformation campaigns. Corinne and Carol stress the importance of critical thinking and evidence-based information in navigating today's overwhelming health landscape.

In this episode of Take Charge of Your Health, clinical nutritionist Corinne Furnari and pharmacist Carol Petersen dive into the hidden dangers of food additives commonly found in the American diet. The discussion highlights harmful substances such as artificial dyes, high-fructose corn syrup, and bromated wheat products—ingredients often banned in Europe but still prevalent in U.S. food. The hosts compare regulatory differences across continents and spotlight efforts by health advocates like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to eliminate these toxic additives, especially to protect children's health.

 Corinne Furnari and Carol Petersen, discussing the vital role of magnesium in human health, its connection to various chronic diseases like ALS, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's, and its interactions with other essential nutrients such as vitamin D, calcium, progesterone, boron, B6, zinc, and selenium. They emphasize the challenges in diagnosing magnesium deficiency and advise on proper supplementation and absorption.

In the previous show, Dr. Bar explained how she uses peptides in her practice.   We covered some of the most popular peptides such as BPC 157.   This week Dr. Bar returns with more insights and practice tips and we open the phone lines to some specific questions and conditions. 

Collagen supplements have become very popular.  There are those that target different distinct tissues like the skin.  Does the research show that these supplements deliver?

Methylation is an important detoxification process for estrogens, adrenaline, histamine and more.  Learn how your methylation efficiency can affect your hormones.  https://forum.worldhealth.net/articles/hormones-on-a-methylation-leash-calming-the-endocrine-storm/

The true drivers of appetite, weight and mood. This was the topic that Corinne Furnari explored while she interacted with the audience as her cohost.

Osteoporosis is a serious loss of healthy bone turnover.  Conventional medicine offerings focuses on bisphosphonate drugs which stops bone remodeling.  This looks good on a bone density test but retains poor quality bone.  Bisphosphonate drugs even interfere with cholesterol production just as statin drugs to. 

We wanted to discuss some pearls like vitamin C babies, black seed oil benefits, licorice and DGL and other remedies that might come up.  We discussed erectile dysfunction as the topic came up - included increasing circulation, herbal remedies that improved testosterone and testosterone itself.

This week Corinne was speaking with Seth Greiner, physical therapist. The discussion was about the importance of  maintaining physical strength.  Strength is the foundation of physical function. It underpins our ability to perform everyday tasks, from carrying groceries to getting up from a chair. As we age, we naturally lose strength, which can lead to decreased independence, increased risk of falls and injuries, and a decline in overall quality of life. Even with conditions like Parkinson's, targeted strength training can improve balance, despite muscle-building challenges. Getting stronger, even in later years, can help maintain or regain the ability to do the things we enjoy, improve bone density, enhance balance (in many cases), and increase resilience against age-related physical decline.

If you want to live a long, healthy life, there's one truth you can't escape:  your body needs to move.  Exercise isn't just about shedding pounds or flexing in the mirror—it's a scientifically proven weapon against the ravages of aging. From your heart to your brain, regular physical activity can rewind the clock on many of aging's harmful effects. And yet, despite mountains of evidence, it remains one of the most neglected tools in our health and medical arsenal. Why?

No one really knows what gets endometriosis started.   The estrogen sensitive and estrogen producing plaques can show up virtually everywhere in the body and cycle with the ovarian cycle creating pain and inflammation.  We discuss the nature of endometriosis and some ideas for solutions and relief.

Brain fog is a very common complaint that turns out to have many causes.   We start to cover some of the underlying circumstances that affect brain acuity and the distress that it creates in one's life.

There are lots of studies around progesterone particularly the surge in production after ovulation and critical for pregnancy.  However men made progesterone too in the testes, adrenal glands, brain, nerve cells, and mast cells. Normal serum levels for men are the same as the follicular phase in women. Sadly, the research in men is paltry and conventional medicine likes to treat with finasteride, a non bioidentical molecular attempting to mimic progesterone.  

insulin and glucose dysregulation is pervasive.   High insulin affects other hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, progesterone and thyroid.   Learn about the interrelationships and the keys to managing insulin.    

Insulin resistance is rampant.  There are times at puberty and during pregnancy and during times of famine that high levels of insulin can be needed.  But for most of us, due to the poor quality of our diets and food choices, insulin and glucose become imbalances and leads to health problems body-wide.    

There are so many facets of good healthy sleep.  Often that is a primary directive - get more sleep.  What happens when you can't sleep.  We look into some of the reasons.

At the first of the year, many resolve to change or add something to their lives and unfortunately this resolve can often fade within a few months.  Yet, it is the consistency of new habits that can really make huge positive changes.  We discuss what needs to happen to take charge of your health and your life.

Santa Bob Derezinski joined us to tell us his eye view of the Christmas Holiday Season.  We continue into the many types of exercise modalities and the published benefits from HIT (High Intensity) to slow sustained to lymphatic movement.  Start the new year with movement!  

 We look at the diagnosis of osteoporosis but underlying that we are back to digestion.  Not only do we have to nourish our bodies with good nutrition. we have to ensure that our digestive system is adequate to take in, digest and use the nutrition provided. 

Circulation is pretty basic. Today Corinne takes a deep dive into techniques designed to improve circulation and various herbs and nutrients that can improve the circulation of blood to the tiniest of capillaries. 

 Although inspired by holiday overindulgence, this show covers how critical good digestion is to our well being.   We discuss challenges to our digestive tract and techniques and support to better assimilate the food we eat. Holidays can be especially challenging.  This is a replay covering a theme we regularly focus on for the holiday season.

We have had blockbuster presentations by Dr. Ed Lichten, Dr. James Joseph, Dr. Jeff Baker and Dr. Dale Bredesen - covering hormones particularly testosterone, a chronic fatigue the ended with the use of oxygen, a natural and nutritional answer to migraine headaches and the end of Alzheimer's.   As expected, we had many comments and pearls called in by our listeners.   

Dr. Dale Bredesen dared to publish a book "The End of Alzheimer's"  pointing out that we have looked at this health issue too simplistically.   The causes are multifactoral and most sufferers have  more that one root cause to address.   Dr. Bredesen's book is organized by identifying the problems, helping to define the issue in a particular individual and supplying solutions.   This is precision medicine at its best.   Dr. Bredesen has created an army of trained physicians and coaches to use this method and has published many success stories.

 Dr. Dale Bredesen dared to publish a book "The End of Alzheimer's"  pointing out that we have looked at this health issue too simplistically.   The causes are multifactoral and most sufferers have  more that one root cause to address.   Dr. Bredesen's book is organized by identifying the problems, helping to define the issue in a particular individual and supplying solutions.   This is precision medicine at its best.   Dr. Bredesen has created an army of trained physicians and coaches to use this method and has published many success stories.

Dr. Lichten has been prodigious in his studies and application of bioidentical hormones.  He focused on testosterone and its relationship with diabetes, for instance  Here we try to share pearls of information Dr. Lichten has organized into 10 points.  Dr. Lichten is a bit difficult to understand as he struggles with health issues but this information is too important not to share.

Dr. James Joseph joins us to discuss the many facets of chronic fatigue  To illustrate he shares his personal journey.  In his case, he finally found that a vasculitis problem interfered with microcirculation and the ability for his body to use oxygen.   Oxygen became a key to his recovery.

 Carol and Corinne discuss topics like what doctors have told us about our health. They discuss lycopene and its role in skin health, progesterone deficiency and its impact on women's health and misconceptions about the absorption of progesterone.    

Sodium Bicarbonate has been in medical use since the 1700's.  Our kidneys product about 1/2 pound per day to help keep the blood stream slightly alkaline.  Bicarbonate deficiencies are real and contribute to minor health problems all the way to cancers, lupus, myastenia gravis, MS, scleroderma.  Dr. Tulio Simoncini pioneered treating cancer tumors with direct injections of sodium bicarbonate.

Adrenal fatigue is not readily accepted in conventional medicine. But nonetheless men and women alike can suffer from declining cortisol creating debilitating fatigue. It is not just a lack of one hormone.   Leading up to the fatigue is the excessive production of adrenaline from stressors of all sorts which ultimately exhausts the production of cortisol   The fatigue is multifaceted but taking charge of your health with this information can bring relief.  

Corinne and Carol have a discussion on diets, ways of supporting dietary patterns that influence your 39 trillion resident bacteria to assist your health. Types of diets to benefit healthy microbiomes.

Corinne and Carol discuss Urine Therapy - What is it and what's it all about?

Low boron is easy to diagnose with hair analysis and can be deficient in parts of the world with low boron in the soil. We do a deep dive into the many properties of boron as a pain reliever, antiinfective agent. We round out the hour discussing Chinese herbal cold remedies

Corinne and Carol invite Dr. Phyllis Bronson a research scientist, biochemist, and clinician on the show to discuss all things progesterone. 

Connie and Carol. Discuss Candida - how it develops, what are its symptoms, and how it morphs.

Connie and Carol.. Discuss The physiology of desire, low libido and testosterone in relationship to women. 

Discuss The Food Pyramid - how and why it was created.  Artificial or Imitation foods and the effects on our health today. 

Take charge of your health with Connie and Carol Discuss   Adrenal Fatigue - their function and best way to support them with nutrients to be able to appropriately respond.

Take charge of your health with Connie and Carol  Discuss Epidemic of mass cell activation syndrome

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is complex and often not diagnosed until a woman is unable to get pregnant. Chief problems are insulin and glucose disturbances, progesterone deficiency and testosterone excess.

Parkinson's isn't just a straightforward simple disease. Add l-dopa and that's the best you can do. We discuss all the nuances also present in Parkinson Disease patients and many many avenues which intertwine with these symptoms. See also forum.worldhealth.net for a posting of all the resources we accumulated.

The incidence of Parkinson's Disease is rising and conventional medicine says that there is no cure. People are offered l-dopa therapy with some easement of symptoms but downhill progression continues. There is a much larger story to be told. Listen to the myriad of directions that bear exploring further affecting Parkinson's patients.

 Acne can be severe and debilitating. Chris Masterjohn writes about an old study done with vitamin B5 pantothenic acid. The theory behind B5 is more compelling than the hormone theory and insulin theory