Wellness 101

We discuss the two things that could be happening when someone is sick or having symptoms: their body has something that it should not have or it is missing something that it needs. All human chronic conditions and problems can be broken down into these two categories. We dive into this statement and talk about possible combinations of the two categories and the importance of getting to the root cause of your symptoms instead of treating symptoms one at a time.

We discuss options and foods to eat when going gluten free and dairy-free

We discuss beginner tips for going gluten-free and dairy-free.

We discuss nutrition and nutritional supplements, how to look for and find quality supplements.  We touch on things to avoid, supplements that are beneficial for everyone as well as our own supplement company Optimal Nutraceuticals.

We discuss the differences between the two medical systems, what a patient can expect when they go in to see a functional medicine practitioner versus a conventional medicine practitioner. We talk about how disease and health is viewed differently.

We discuss why cholesterol is not a good measure of heart health. We dive into what cardiovascular disease really is, and what it is not. We cover the link between testosterone and cardiovascular health. We provide information on various natural treatments for common cardiovascular issues.

We discuss the differences between bio-identical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) and conventional hormone replacement therapy (HRT). We discuss why BHRT is better than HRT, when someone should have their hormones tested, and the long-term issues if hormones remain out of balance. We also address the link between hormones, specifically how thyroid hormone and our sex hormones are linked as well as how our sex hormones affect inflammation in the body. We cover the benefits of BHRT for brain, bones, breast tissue, and our heart as well as common improvements seen in people receiving BHRT.

We answer questions sent to us by our listeners.  The topics of the questions were related to natural sugar/artificial sweeteners, heartburn and the use of antacids, gout, yeast infections, hair loss, and the use of rice cereal in young babies.

We discuss a parent’s number one priority; their children. Like adults, kids are becoming more and more unhealthy. Unhealthy foods are becoming the norm and inactive entertainment is at an all time high. We discuss how to combat these problems and what you can do, as a parent, to help your kids stay healthy.

We tackle common questions people ask regarding thyroid and potential thyroid issues including possible symptoms, testing, and treatment. We also discuss thyroid health and fertility.

We discuss cardiovascular health from a functional medicine perspective.  Conventional medicine looks at heart disease typically as high cholesterol or hypertension (with a few exceptions) and the answer seems to typically be cholesterol lowering  or antihypertensive medications.  We dive into other root causes of heart disease such as Lifestyle, Obesity, Environmental factors, Chronic Infections, Nutritional deficiencies, psychological issues and even sleep.  Identifying and addressing root causes of heart disease, rather than taking a pill to suppress a symptom, is important for long term cardiovascular health.

We discuss treatment strategies for a properly functioning immune system.  We discuss how sickness is often a result of an improper, low functioning, immune response rather than an overactive hyper response.  We highlight the Washington University School of Medicine podcast "Show me the Science," we they discussed how boosting the immune system is an appropriate treatment strategy against COVID-19.  We talk about the importance of three supplements that may improve immune function:  Zinc glycinate, Vitamin D3, and Turmeric Complete.  We highlight our nutritional supplement company Optimal Nutraceuticals.  More information about the dietary supplements can be found at wwwoptimalforlife.com

We discuss the dangers of low cholesterol.  Cholesterol is an important compound in the body.  It is an integral component of cellular membranes, brain tissue, our sex hormones are made from cholesterol, and these are just a few of the things that cholesterol is important for in the body.  Low levels of cholesterol can lead to many problems including; cognitive impairment, anxiety/depression, low hormone levels, low vitamin levels, and can result in a decreased ability to heal and repair.  Optimizing cholesterol levels is an important component of overall health, wellness, and vitality.

We discuss the importance of functional medicine as a model for healthcare.  We compare and contrast differences between conventional medicine and functional medicine.  Conventional medicine is the system of “what.”  What disease is present, and what pill or surgery should be prescribed for that disease.  Functional medicine is the system of “why.”  Why are you having these problems?  This “why” approach allows functional medicine doctors to get to the root cause of an issue rather than simply masking symptoms with medications.  Conventional medicine is a disease-centered, generalized approach to healthcare, while Functional medicine is a patient-centered personalized approach to healthcare.

The approach to health and the importance placed on health has forever changed.  It is imperative that we take control of our own health to become the healthiest version of us that we can become.  This show can guide you on where to begin if you are looking to take control of your own health.

All too often, when patients claim to react poorly to certain foods but labs don’t show an allergy, their concerns are dismissed and they’re told, “It’s all in your head.” Although we have a lot to learn about food intolerances, ever-growing research proves that they aren’t psychological or make-believe. Learn the differences between a true food allergy and a food intolerance, some examples of common food intolerances, and how healing your gut can, in some cases, alleviate the problem. Tune in every Sunday to 97.1FM Newstalk Radio to hear our podcasts live!

We go over the best and worst foods to eat while pregnant. Pregnancy can be a significant change on your life, make sure that you're eating the right way so that both you and your child are healthy. Download or stream it on Spotify or Apple Podcasts today! Tune in every Sunday to 97.1FM Newstalk Radio to hear our podcasts live!

The number one cause of obesity, heart disease, cancer, dementia, and of course type 2 diabetes. You might hear many terms used to describe this one basic phenomenon–a new epidemic of disordered biology and disease. Diabesity describes a continuum of disease from optimal blood sugar balance to insulin sensitivity to full-blown diabetes. We discuss how this condition has risen to near epidemic level proportions in the last 30 years, as well as why conventional medicine is failing us in this concern. Tune in every Sunday to 97.1FM Newstalk Radio to hear our podcasts live!

While most Over-The-Counter drugs have long been considered relatively harmless, recent research suggests otherwise; in many cases, the long-term consequences of taking Over-The-Counter drugs were inadequately explored before their release on the market, and we are only now beginning to understand their numerous adverse effects. This week we talk about the health risks of common Over-The-Counter meds, including ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen, decongestants, antacids, and antihistamines, and discover safe alternatives to these drugs. Tune in every Sunday to 97.1FM Newstalk Radio to hear our podcasts live!

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans (issued by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Health & Human Services) recommend that the average American adult consume 225 to 325 grams of carbohydrates per day. Unfortunately, for most Americans, a significant portion of this massive carbohydrate intake comes from refined flour in the form of cookies, cakes, cereal, bread, and pasta. Refined flour may not sound so bad at first glance, but it is depleted in nutrients and contains harmful additives. We go over the harmful effects of refined flour, where it is hiding in your diet, and what to eat instead. Tune in every Sunday to 97.1FM Newstalk Radio to hear our podcasts live!

Relationships are important. This is something that most people know already, but what isn’t always considered is that relationships can affect your physical health. Socialization has always been important, but we’re missing out on important social interactions now more than ever as our society is constantly connected to technology. In this episode, we cover how to bridge this gap to help create and maintain healthy social relationships. Tune in every Sunday to 97.1FM Newstalk Radio to hear our podcasts live!

If you are being treated by conventional medicine for one of the many chronic health problems that people suffer from today—such as IBS, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, autoimmune disease, etc.—you will likely be given a drug to manage your symptoms and not much else. The key to successfully treating these conditions, however, is addressing their underlying cause. We cover this, the core pathologies that underlie chronic disease, and what you can do to get well. Tune in every Sunday to 97.1FM Newstalk Radio to hear our podcasts live!

Breaking bad habits can be very hard to do, which is a reason many sick people struggle to get better. If you’re facing a chronic health condition or would like to reduce your risk of developing one in the future, then perhaps a change in lifestyle is something you should take into consideration. In this episode we discuss how habits form and our tried and true methods for replacing your bad habits with ones that will help you reach your goals. Tune in every Sunday to 97.1FM Newstalk Radio to hear our podcasts live!

Are you concerned about eating too much fat? Fat is one of the three main macronutrients (along with carbohydrate and protein) that our bodies need to function and survive. We address the healthy fats that can benefit your health and how to balance them accordingly. Tune in every Sunday to 97.1FM Newstalk Radio to hear our podcasts live!

Following up to our previous episode on brain performance, we discuss foods that can benefit cognitive function. The connection may not be seen initially, but there is abundant evidence that demonstrates an intimate relationship between the food one consumes and cognitive function. In this episode we discuss some easy and natural ways to improve your cognitive performance. Tune in every Sunday to 97.1FM Newstalk Radio to hear our podcasts live!

Pretty much all of us has dealt with brain fog, or loss of words, or forgetfulness at some point in our lives. Oftentimes we attribute loss of brain function or memory to getting older, having children, or daily stressors. However, this isn’t always the case and there can be a number of issues that can lead to a lower cognitive function. In this episode, we address possible causes of the issue and why it is important to take a proactive approach to your brain’s performance. Tune in every Sunday to 97.1FM Newstalk Radio to hear our podcasts live!

Recently, due to large verdicts and mass media coverage, glyphosate has come under much-needed scrutiny. Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Roundup, a weed killer that has been found to be killing more than just weeds. Epidemiological studies have shown correlations between glyphosate and kidney failure, fertility, birth defects, cancer and much more. In this episode we discuss how glyphosate affects the body and what you can do to avoid its toxic effects. Tune in every Sunday to 97.1FM Newstalk Radio to hear our podcasts live!

Many, if not most, people assume that if a medicine is available over-the-counter it must be safe. Unfortunately, that’s usually not the case. People can fall into a rut of taking medications, like ibuprofen, multiple times a day, every day. Research is now showing that over-the-counter medications aren’t as beneficial to us as we had originally thought. Learn the potential dangers of these medications, which ones to be aware of, and some much healthier alternatives to each. Tune in every Sunday to 97.1FM Newstalk Radio to hear our podcasts live!

Lead toxicity is something that effects more people than most of us realize. Statistics show that 40% of the population has toxic levels of lead in their bodies! This can cause nausea, depression, decreased sex drives, insomnia, and a plethora of additional alarming issues. In this episode we explain methods you can take to detoxify and practices to safeguard yourself and those around you from lead toxicity. Tune in every Sunday to 97.1FM Newstalk Radio to hear our podcasts live!

People are exposed to toxins on a daily basis and these toxins are affecting our health. 2.5 billion pounds of toxic chemicals, including mercury, are released into the atmosphere every year. Growing industry has surrounded our planet with pollutants and our bodies are absorbing a substantial amount of it. This week we and address some of the best ways to detox and how to prevent the absorption of toxins in the future. Tune in every Sunday to 97.1FM Newstalk Radio to hear our podcasts live!

Carbs have become a hot topic over the last few years—and a sore subject. They’ve come under even more scrutiny recently with ketogenic diets picking up in popularity. While a ketogenic diet can benefit some, it’s not a cure-all and won’t work for everyone. We dive into the research regarding carbs this week and address who can improve their health by actually increasing their carb intake. Tune in every Sunday to 97.1FM Newstalk Radio to hear our podcasts live!

Mold exposure is a serious problem in the US. Most building (85%) have previous water damage and about half (45%) have current water leaks. Considering it takes less than 24 hours for mold to grow, mold toxicity is a major concern. In this episode we discuss how mycotoxins (the toxic byproduct of mold) impact the entire body including our immune system, digestive system and our brain just to name a few. We also discuss steps you can take to identify if mold toxicity is affecting you and what you can do to return yourself to optimal health. Tune in every Sunday to 97.1FM Newstalk Radio to hear our podcasts live!

Did you know that over 700 million people around the world are affected by an autoimmune disease? Despite so many people being afflicted, conventional medicine has done little in terms of treatment. Thankfully there is hope. A root cause approach and a proper nutritional strategy can slow or even reverse the progression of autoimmune disease. In this episode, we talk about what research shows regarding the connection between diet and autoimmune disease. Tune in every Sunday to 97.1FM Newstalk Radio to hear our podcasts live!

Functional medicine has been gaining popularity worldwide, which begs the question: What exactly IS functional medicine? Functional medicine is a collaborative, holistic, healing-focused practice that addresses the root cause of symptoms. In this episode we talk about how functional medicine differs from conventional and alternative medicine and why it is the only hope for truly addressing our healthcare crisis. Tune in every Sunday to 97.1FM Newstalk Radio to hear our podcasts live!

Stress is a part of everyone’s life. Sometimes stress can be so heavy that we need to seek help in dealing with it. But have you ever considered that chronic stress could cause hypothyroid symptoms? We explain the connection between chronic stress and circulating levels of thyroid hormone. Tune in every Sunday to 97.1FM Newstalk Radio to hear our podcasts live!

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, or GERD, is the most common digestive disorder in America. Symptoms occur in upwards of forty percent of the population each month, and twenty percent experience them weekly. Over thirteen BILLION dollars are spent each year on antacid and acid-stopping medications. Unfortunately, the health risk of the drugs used in treatment can be even more detrimental to one’s health. Tune in every Sunday to 97.1FM Newstalk Radio to hear our podcasts live!

Every year, the average American consumes 60 pounds of high fructose corn syrup. This week we do a deep dive into the confusion and horrors involving the unnatural sweetener. We discuss what products you should avoid bringing into your home and, most importantly, your body. Tune in every Sunday to 97.1FM Newstalk Radio to hear our podcasts live!

This show will include our top advice to make 2019 your healthiest year. There is so much advice out there that it can be overwhelming. Let us cut through the noise to help simplify your strategies to make 2019 great.

We discuss whether meat and dairy are good for you, whether you should include them in your diet and the false information out there regarding both.

We discuss our microbiome, both inside our gut and on our skin. We detail lifestyle choices that disrupt our microbiome including things like processed packaged foods, antibiotics, and antibacterial soaps. We also talk about things to help your microbiome grow strong and diverse including probiotics, prebiotics, and foods. We also discuss other things that impact our microbiome including stress and exercise habits.

We discuss various options for hormone replacement including injections, creams, pellets, and BioTE method pellet therapy. We are a BioTE Certified Clinic.

We discuss the 7 dwarfs of menopause and andropause in men. Both men and women as early as their 20s are experiencing hormonal imbalances that can and should be corrected. Fixing hormones is about identifying the root cause of the imbalance which can come from a number of things including: digestive problems, toxic metals, toxic chemicals, poor diet, immune imbalances, thyroid problems, PCOS, and weight gain to name a few. Ultimately hormone imbalances can prevent you from losing weight, proper detoxification, getting adequate sleep, and being happy.

We discuss acne and it common causes including: food sensitivities, sugar, gut dysfunction, nutritional deficiencies, and inflammation. We talk about how you can improve acne by addressing these issues.

We discuss the increasing incidence of ADD/ADHD and the medications prescribed to those diagnosed. We discuss common nutritional deficiencies in those with ADD/ADHD such as Omega-3s, Amino acids, vitamin B6, Vitamin A, magnesium, and zinc. We also discuss immune imbalances.

We discuss the common medical training with regard to yeast. We talk about the impacts chronic yeast overgrowth has on your system creating a whole host of symptoms including, but not limited to, fatigue, decreased libido, bloating, gas, itching, altered bowel function, hormonal disruption, depression, allergies, skin issues like eczema, etc. We also talk about what you can do to eliminate yeast and/or decrease your risk of developing yeast overgrowth.

We discuss the benefits of detoxification. We also talk about how to detoxify smartly. It is possible to detox too rapidly which can lead to numerous health problems.

We discuss the misinformation regarding nutrition. Nutrition science is inherently flawed due to lack of long term studies, conflicting information, poor study design, and an ignoring of food quality in the food industry. Confusion seems to be the name of the game when it comes to nutrition.

We discuss the causes, symptoms, conventional treatments, and natural treatments to IBS. We talk about the increased incidence of IBS in recent years. We also discuss the gut-brain connection and how a dysfunctional gut leads to a dysfunctional brain.

We discuss incorrect idea that if you know the name of what is wrong with you, then you know how to fix it. Unfortunately this method is outdated and dangerous. Once a label is assigned to you, everything that happens to you will be either blamed on your label or part of the explanation as to why you feel the way you feel. Just because you know the name of the disease does not mean you know the cause of the disease.

We discuss dietary fat and it's role in heart disease. We talk about the low-fat craze and the disaster it created. We discuss statin medications. And lastly we talk about what you can do to naturally to keep your cholesterol under control, the most important of which is to find a properly trained and certified functional medicine practitioner.

We discuss a functional medicine approach to cancer. This includes discussions regarding detoxification, enhancing immune function, proper diet, and adequate testing.