Conversations for Health (Designs For Health)

Dr. Christy Sutton is a chiropractor who focuses on finding and correcting the root cause of their health problem, preventing future health problems, and giving her patients the tools they need to have the healthiest life possible. She uses many tools, including applied kinesiology, nutrition, chiropractic adjustments, exercise programs, lab, and genetic testing, to give her patients a precise and powerful treatment plan that goes beyond what they could find anywhere else. In addition to providing her patients with the highest level of care, she is an author and teacher of epigenetics and using genetic testing with environmental changes to take your health beyond your genes and prevent health problems. Dr. Sutton earned her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Anatomy, and Health and Wellness from Texas State University and Parker University. She earned her Doctorate of Chiropractic from Parker University. She was drawn to health care because of her extensive personal health struggles, which included being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of 16.

In the second part of our discussion about iron overload and hemochromatosis, Christy and I discuss strategies for obtaining sufficient protein while maintaining caution about red meat intake, the connection between high iron and low copper, supplements that will reduce iron, and antioxidant recommendations. Christy underscores the importance of iron testing and genetic testing and offers clinical pearls regarding hemochromatosis, anemia, and B12. Our conversation is filled with information that every practitioner needs to know and highlights the easily addressed and corrected concerns that iron overload and hemochromatosis present.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Christy Sutton - https://www.drchristysutton.com/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Designs for Health Practitioner Exclusive Drug Nutrient Depletion and Interaction Checker - https://www.designsforhealth.com/drug-nutrient-interaction/

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro.

01:11 Iron saturation is a formula that examines serum iron and TIBC.

02:54 My recent experience with testing my iron ferritin levels before donating blood.

5:21 How often are patients told to take an iron supplement unnecessarily?

9:16 Clinical pearls regarding hemochromatosis, anemia, and B12.

11:46 Managing iron levels is not a trivial issue at any stage of life.

14:05 Difficulty absorbing iron does not directly correlate with ferritin levels.

20:33 Obtaining sufficient protein while maintaining caution about red meat intake.

26:09 Supplements that will reduce iron, and antioxidant recommendations.

35:44 If your patients need increased iron, they should not be afraid to take iron.

39:00 Increasing iron absorption through dietary means and meal preparation.

43:16 The connection between high iron and low copper.

47:58 Christy’s personal supplement preferences, top health preferences, and the genetic ideas that she has changed her mind about in her career.

A highly regarded lecturer, teacher, and innovative fascia therapist, Simone Fortier is also the author of How to Beat Brain Burps (an exercise-based way for children to ignite all facets of their brain for streamlined learning) and Gaining Control Over Pain which contains eleven secret healing therapies that patients can practice in their own time. As an acclaimed International Concussion Teacher and ADHD Consultant, her expertise extends far beyond the realms of traditional therapy. Simone is a Fascia Treatment and Course creator, whose results have been hailed as transformative by professionals across the globe, from the elite spheres of  NHL, MLB, and NFL athletes to the precision-driven world of Olympic competitors. Simone sees the bigger picture and works backward. Knowing that treating the symptom of a problem will lead to continuous treatments without resolution, she teaches us to get to the root cause of the problem to create permanent change. Sought after in the four corners of the world, Simone's mission has always been to help people. Now, with her expertise in high demand, she travels the world to share her knowledge with Health Practitioners and Advanced strength Coaches so that their clients and athletes will have access to true fascia therapy and the ability to find real brain-boosting and pain-healing solutions in their own locations.

Together Dr. Simone and I discuss traumatic brain injury, brain health, ADHD, and specifically, healing in the 20% of people who do not heal from traumatic brain injuries within 4 weeks. Simone has personal experience with ADHD, traumatic brain injuries, and chronic pain, and has dedicated her professional life to serving those with brain injuries through systems that optimize healing with supplements that get the brain out of fight or flight mode. In our conversation, she underscores the danger of picking and choosing which supplements to take each day and highlights key components of her systematic approach to treating neurotransmitter issues. Simone also touches on the importance of attending to the fascia and offers simple techniques to engage the fascia for optimal health. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Simone Fortier

Simone's Brain Health Assessment

Designs for Health

Nutrition Blog: Can Taurine Support Neurological Health?

Nutrition Blog: The Association of Vitamin D and ADHD in Children

Research Blog: Taurine’s Impact on Stress and Mental Health

Research Blog: The Potential Role of the GABAergic System in ADHD Development

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro.

02:22 Simone’s personal experience with ADHD, traumatic brain injuries, and chronic pain. 

06:18 Simone’s head injury systems and supplement collaboration with Designs for Health. 

07:40 80% of people heal from brain injuries within 4 weeks, but what options are available for the other 20%? 

10:52 ADHD does not develop as a result of brain injury, rather it is a genetic condition that people are born with. 

14:07 Simone’s approach to treating brain injuries with higher supplemental doses that get the brain out of fight-or-flight mode. 

20:10 The danger of picking and choosing which supplements to take each day. 

25:48 Key components of Simone’s systematic approach to treating neurotransmitter issues. 

29:42 Reasons that supplemental blends may compete rather than optimize performance. 

33:40 Success stories of Simone’s systems for injured athletes who have been self-medicating. 

35:55 Highlights from Simone’s current research regarding nutrient deficiencies and genetics. 

40:11 Forward head posture and other physical aspects that are impacting the fascia. 

44:44 Simone’s long-time fascial work and approach to engaging the fascia to open up. 

48:58 Nutrition and timing of taurine supplements to help the 20% that don’t heal from brain injuries. 

50:51 Simone’s changing perspective on nutrition and the importance of supplements, her personal favorite supplements, and her preferred health practices.

Dr. Ari Calhoun is a perinatal and pediatric naturopathic doctor and mother of two.  She is the owner and director of Wholesome Brain Medicine, focusing on optimizing neurodevelopment and emotional regulation from the womb onward. As an adjunct faculty of the Medical Academy of Pediatrics, she is a passionate speaker and advocate on the importance of a biomedical approach toward neurodevelopmental disorders. She is licensed by the California Board of Naturopathic Medicine, holds a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in San Diego, California, and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science and a Minor in Clinical Nutrition Sciences from Syracuse University in Syracuse, New York.

Together Dr. Ari and I dive into the many ways that practitioners can take a proactive stance on prenatal and neurodevelopmental care to support the high-risk profiles of their patients. She shares tactics for mitigating risk and supporting proactive prenatal and neurodevelopmental care through nutrients. She highlights research behind anti-brain antibodies in pregnant moms, details folate receptor antibodies, offers lab recommendations, and explores the need for dairy in most diets. Ari also covers the risks associated with maternal infections, the supplements and lab tests that she recommends for her patients, and the danger of a zinc-copper imbalance. Ari has a wealth of information on these lesser-known topics, and our conversation is filled with a variety of clinical pearls that practitioners can use to help support parents as they navigate prenatal and postpartum care as well as for children with autism.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Ari Calhoun

Wholesome Brain Medicine

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Nutrition Blog: Choline – A Critical Nutrient During Pregnancy - https://www.casi.org/node/1080

Research Blog: Do Higher Prenatal Choline Levels Mitigate Fetal Impact of Respiratory Infections - https://www.casi.org/node/1274

Research Blog: Autism and Cerebral Folate Deficiency - https://www.casi.org/bid/166694/Autism-and-Cerebral-Folate-Deficiency

Research Blog: Functional roles of Zinc - https://www.casi.org/node/1193

Science Update: Recent Study Explores Impact of Folate Supplementation During Pregnancy on Newborn’s DNA Methylation and Neural Outcomes - https://www.casi.org/node/1596

Science Update: New Study Investigates the Effect of Vitamin D Status during Pregnancy on Infant Neurodevelopment - https://www.casi.org/node/1312

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

02:05 Ari recalls the experiences that fueled her passion for brain health, fertility, and working with children.

04:45 Holistically optimizing neurodevelopment starts with a focused approach to maternal prenatal health.

08:04 The impact of maternal immune activation and inflammation on neurodevelopment. 

13:02 Common maternal infections that tend to trigger immune activation, include stress and metabolic conditions.

16:41 Ari highlights safe prenatal nutrients that have been sufficiently studied and optimize prenatal care.

21:39 Details and dosing for zinc, copper, folate, Vitamin C, and other beneficial supplements.

27:00 Research regarding the safety and concerns of melatonin use in pregnancy.

28:49 Ari weighs in on glutathione controversy and Tylenol usage in pregnancy.

32:07 The phenomenon of anti-brain antibodies and their association to severe forms of autism, and key risk factors for mom and baby.

36:51 Determining the appropriate timing for anti-brain antibody testing to proactively support high-risk patient profiles.

38:48 Specialized lab testing recommendations for preconception care based on mom's immune concerns and history of miscarriage.

42:00 Addressing concerns before conception based on the patient's ideal timeline.

44:05 Ari shares the teaching and personal experiences that have shaped her compassion and desire to help parents find answers and solve the pieces of their child's puzzle.

46:18 Pro-resolving mediators can be used in high doses for infection and injury in pregnancy as well as for children with autism.

47:52 The danger of low zinc-to-copper ratios and the mechanisms behind the imbalanced levels.

54:32 Supplementing with zinc and other supplements can be the easy solution to most copper imbalance-related issues.

55:20 Ari highlights the training and experience that she has gained in these little-researched topics.

58:10 Ari shares her top three supplements, her evolving health practices around diet, sleep, and exercise, and the dairy-free idea that she has changed her mind about.

Kristine Burke, MD is a triple board-certified Functional Medicine physician, entrepreneur, author, educator, and researcher. She is an expert in the reversal and prevention of chronic diseases such as dementia, diabetes, heart attacks, and strokes. She has a special focus on mold-related illness and its connection to many conditions including research into reversing the cognitive decline of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia. She teaches Functional Medicine in her role as Asst Clinical Professor of Preventive Medicine at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and is the Founder and Medical Director of True Health Center for Functional Medicine in Northern California - a multi-disciplinary practice that delivers personalized primary care with a proprietary data-driven wellness plan that has successfully prevented any heart attacks from occurring among its patients for over a decade.

I am delighted to invite Dr. Kristine Burke back to the podcast.  Together we take a look at a myriad of misconceptions surrounding mold and mold-related illness. The negative impact of mold is far-reaching and severe, but it is impossible to heal in the environment that a patient initially gets sick in.  Dr. Burke shares her personal experience with discovering and healing her brother-in-law’s physiological issues that were triggered by black mold.  She explains the key indicators that signal when to test the patient and when to test the home, highlights the essential tests for both patient and home and offers practitioner strategies for guiding patients in the analyzing and interpretation of their test results to move toward healing and restoring whole body health and wellness. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Kristine Burke - https://www.ifm.org/about/profile/kristine-burke/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Nutrition Blog: Lifestyle Changes and Nutraceuticals to Support the Body’s Response to Mycotoxins - https://www.casi.org/lifestyle-changes-nutraceuticals-and-mycotoxins

Nutrition Blog: The Latest Clinical Research on Zeolite and Heavy Metal Detoxification - https://www.casi.org/latest-clinical-research-zeolite-heavy-metal-detoxification

Nutrition Blog: Activated Charcoal’s Role in Clearing Environmental Toxins from the Body - https://www.casi.org/activated-charcoal-clearing-environmental-toxins

Designs for Health Practitioner Exclusive Drug Nutrient Depletion and Interaction Checker - https://www.designsforhealth.com/drug-nutrient-interaction/

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

02:27 The near-constant presence of EMF is affecting both humans and mold.

05:38 Kristine’s work in the mold epidemic started with a personal interest in the genetic component.

11:04 Mold-related toxicity is commonly tested positive in cognitive decline patients.

13:53 Key indicators that signal when to test the patient and when to test the home.

18:38 Effective dementia reversal testing, mycotoxin urine testing, home dust, and water damage testing and their potential findings.

24:38 Guiding patients in the analysis and interpretation of their test results.

30:00 VOCs and IGG serum allergy testing considerations.

33:52 First steps for solutions from VCS and urine micro tests to eliminating environmental exposures.

35:50 Sequential treatment steps after proper remediation to remove internalized toxins.

40:30 Handling resistance when patients are on treatment for up to 4 years.

43:23 Utilizing binders as dictated by sensitivities and limiting heavy metals intake long-term.

47:48 Psychological issues that were triggered by black mold in Kristine’s brother-in-law.

50:51 Cholestyramine and other binders and addressing the controversy of the dietary component to healing.

58:00 Reducing susceptibility to the point that patients can withstand exposure.

1:01:08 Kristine shares the biggest misconception she has changed her mind about in her work with mold.

Dr. Mark Tager, MD is a speaker and the author of Feed Your Skin Right: Your Personalized Nutrition Plan for Radiant Beauty and is the CEO of San Diego-based ChangeWell Inc.  Mark attended Duke University Medical School and trained in family practice at The Oregon Health & Science University. As a physician, he is well-grounded in aesthetic, lifestyle, regenerative, and integrative medicine. Mark founded one of the first integrative medicine centers in the U.S., the Institute of Preventive Medicine, and served as corporate Medical Director for Electro Scientific Industries and as Director of Health Promotion for Kaiser Permanente Oregon. He has been actively involved in training and consulting projects in aesthetics, stem cells, medical malpractice prevention, skin care, and advanced cardiac biomarkers.

Together Dr. Tager and I discuss supplement health for beauty. Patients may come to a practitioner with questions about balancing their hormones, losing weight, or boosting their energy, but almost inevitably they are also interested in optimizing their beauty.  Dr. Tager outlines the personalized nutrition questions that practitioners can ask to start the conversation, highlights the essential supplements that can optimize skin health, details the importance of blood flow, Vitamins D, C, and E, and shares insights from simple and powerful skin nutrigenomic testing and SNPs. He also offers clinical pearls regarding collagen and microneedling and shares a wealth of additional supplemental areas for optimizing skin health that can meet the needs of every patient.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Chapters:

00:00

01:52 Dr. Mark Tager performs his life’s work at the intersection of integrative, functional medicine and aesthetics.

03:50 The four questions behind Dr. Tager’s newest book Feed Your Skin Right.

04:50 Personalized nutrition questions that practitioners can ask patients regarding skin health in the realm of functional medicine.

08:54 The key pieces to an optimal diet in maintaining healthy skin including increased Vitamin C and fiber intake.

16:47 Insights from simple and powerful skin nutrigenomic testing and SNPs.

19:15 Shining a light on the effect of dark chocolate on skin health.

20:27 The importance of blood flow to the skin through exercise for optimal health.

23:06 Top supplement recommendations for skin health including bioactive collagen peptides and Omega-3.

28:06 Clinical pearls regarding collagen and microneedling.

30:05 The importance of Vitamin C and Vitamin D in skin health and optimal absorption.

33:01 Mitochondrial health completions and the overlay of drug nutrient completions.

34:10 The simple value of getting enough sleep every night and employing time-restricted eating.

35:00 Two key elements to integrating the Designs for Beauty tools into any practitioner's work.

41:45 Vitamin E is used both topically and orally for skin health and beauty.

43:37 Additional supplemental areas for optimizing skin health including research supporting topical peptides.

48:45 Dr. Mark shares his changed opinion on collagen, his three personal supplements, and his preferred health practices.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Mark Tager - https://www.drtager.com/

Designs for Beauty - https://www.designsforbeauty.com/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Nutrition Blog: Ten Nutrients to Help Your Skin Glow from the Inside Out - https://www.casi.org/ten-nutrients-help-skin-glow-from-the-inside-out

Research Blog: Summer Glow: Tips to Tone Your Face and Support Skin Health - https://www.casi.org/summer-glow-tips-to-tone-face-support-skin-health

Nutrition Blog: What’s Happening on the Outside Could be Caused from Something on the Inside - https://www.casi.org/node/1122

Research Blog: Nitric Oxide – Say Yes to “NO” - https://www.casi.org/node/957

Nutrition Blog: Collagen: A Clinical Look at Hair and Skin Health - https://www.casi.org/collagen-clinical-look-at-hair-and-skin-health

Research Blog: Skin Health: The Benefits of Collagen Peptides - https://www.casi.org/benefits-of-collagen-peptides

Nutrition Blog: Resveratrol to Support Healthy Aging and Skin Elasticity - https://www.casi.org/resveratrol-support-healthy-aging-skin-elasticity

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Jenna Hilton is a Certified Physician Assistant, specializing in Family, Internal Medicine, and Medical Aesthetics. She co-founded Vibrant EDU courses at Vibrant Skin Bar and regularly performs one-on-one training with fellow injectors. She teaches Aesthetic and Advanced Injectable Courses at the National Laser Institute, has been named Preceptor of the Year, and is an Adjunct Faculty Member at Midwestern University. In our conversation, Jenna and I discussed all things aesthetics, from detox and gut health to the importance of nutrient therapy in aesthetics. Jenna shares nutrients and supplements for treating acne, her systemic approach to patient healing, and the protein, nutrient deficiencies, and hormonal changes that affect aging patients. She also covers topical and stimulating treatments for hair loss patients, menopause-induced hormone imbalance changes that can be treated with bioidentical hormones, and the critical role of functional medicine in the constant evolution of the aesthetics industry.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Jenna Hilton - https://vibrantskinbar.com/meet-the-staff/jenna-hilton/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Designs for Health Practitioner Exclusive Drug Nutrient Depletion and Interaction Checker - https://www.designsforhealth.com/drug-nutrient-interaction/

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

The Designs for Health Podcast is produced in partnership with Podfly Productions.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro.

01:32 Detox and gut health conversations are lighting Jenna up in the new year.

1:56 Jenna’s skin health journey as a passionate PA began in college with a roommate's fatal rash. 

5:02 The importance of nutrient therapy in aesthetics. 

6:18 Nutrients and supplements for treating acne at different stages of a patient’s life. 

9:21 Liposomal glutathione dosing for skin brightening and insights into melasma treatments and procedures.

14:00 Jenna’s systemic approach to patient healing. 

16:12 The ‘skintelligent’ patient wants to age gracefully and focuses on gut and hormonal health in addition to outer aesthetics. 

18:38 Protein, nutrient deficiencies, and hormonal changes that affect aging patients. 

22:52 Lifestyle coaching in Jenna’s office is supported in-house. 

24:54 Post-procedure nutrient standard protocol for biostimulation and hair loss patients. 

27:49 Topical and stimulating treatments for hair loss patients. 

29:13 Hormone imbalance changes that are common in perimenopause and menopause that can be treated with bioidentical hormones. 

32:25 Jenna’s success story of pairing an aesthetic treatment with supplements for an incredible outcome. 

33:51 The role of functional medicine in the constant evolution of the aesthetics industry. 

35:50 Jenna’s personal favorite supplements, current health practices, and the gut health/skin link that she has changed her mind about. 

Dr. Oscar Coetzee has been a pioneer in the field of nutritional science and research for more than 25 years and currently serves as the Senior Director of Clinical Education at Designs for Health.  He is an Associate  Professor at the Maryland University of Integrative Health, Associate Director of the DHSc program at the University of Bridgeport, and Adjunct Professor at Georgetown Medical School. He is a Certified Board Supervisor for the Certified Nutrition Specialists and is on the National Board Exam Committee for the National Association of Nutrition Professionals. Dr. Coetzee has been on the Designs for Health Scientific Advisory Board since 2016. His professional career began at Fair Oaks Hospital in New Jersey, where he served as a drug counselor, suicide intervention advisor and co-dependency specialist. 

In our conversation, return podcast guest Dr. Coetzee brings to light the metabolomic component of GI health and how it relates to mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, and ADHD. He offers insights into the world of psychogenomics, key underrated nutrients that can help with managing anxiety and depression, and the importance of first mastering the circadian rhythm, inflammation, and understanding gene function and expression.  Dr. Coetzee shares the one test would run if he only had a few dollars to spend on determining baseline mental health from a functional perspective and reminds listeners of the importance of meeting that standardized baseline before moving to advanced stage interventions.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Oscar Coetzee https://naturalhealthcarecenter.com/dr-oscar-coetzee-ph-d-dcn/

Webinar: July 2024 - Sports Performance and Its Association with Psychonutrigenomics - https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-education/library/webinar/sports-performance-and-psychonutrigenomics

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Spotlight Functional Wellness Tests - https://www.designsforhealth.com/spotlight

Science Blog: Recent Review Investigates Association Between Mood Health and Gut Microbiome - https://www.casi.org/review-investigates-association-between-mood-health-gut-microbiome

Lifestyle Blog: Digging a Little Deeper into Depression - https://www.casi.org/digging-a-little-deeper-into-depression-0

Research Blog: The Latest on Vitamin D and Mood Health - https://www.casi.org/vitamin-d-and-mood-health

Research Blog: Supporting Mental Health with Healthy Homocysteine - https://www.casi.org/supporting-mental-health-with-healthy-homocysteine

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

02:44 The impact of Dr. Coetzee’s early work as a drug counselor, suicide intervention advisor and co-dependency specialist on his career. 

06:10 The value of leaning into the intersection between psychology, psychiatry and nutrition. 

09:39 Psycho-nutrigenomics benefits can be optimized as physicians focus both on the mental and physical health of their patients. 

13:05 Key underrated nutrients that can help with managing anxiety and depression.

17:50 A personalized approach to determining deficiencies through bloodwork, blood sugar levels, gut microbiome, inflammation levels, and more.

21:34 Dr. Coetzee shares memorable experiences with tackling patient thyroid levels, psychobiotics, and anemia. 

24:47 Gene function, SNPs, and genetic expression when assessing B vitamins for optimal mental health. 

31:06 Anxiety and depression — the circadian rhythm, inflammation and LPS, and the Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor. 

37:28 Does inflammation cause anxiety and depression or does anxiety and depression cause increased inflammation? 

42:25 The importance of meeting a standardized baseline before moving to advanced stage interventions.

45:02 Conquering the circadian rhythm piece of anxiety and depression with psychobiotics. 

48:46 Determining how and when to work with neurotransmitters when approaching ADHD. 

54:15 Dr. Coetzee’s aggressive approach to dosing when oversaturation is needed. 

58:33 If Dr. Coetzee could spend his money on any design related to mental health, this is where he would focus his efforts.

01:01:11 Sporebiotics as they relate to intestinal permeability and psychobiotics as they support brain health.

Dan Kalish, DC, IFMCP, is the founder of the Kalish Institute For Functional Medicine, an online practice implementation training program dedicated to building Integrative and Functional Medicine practices through clinical and business courses. He has trained over 7,000 practitioners in building successful functional medicine practices. The Kalish Institute teaches clinical application and patient communication techniques through a hands-on, case-based approach.  Dr. Kalish has published a research study on his clinical methods with the Mayo Clinic and is the author of three books on functional medicine.

Together Dr. Kalish and I discuss metabolomics and organic acids testing. He simplifies the complex concepts of organic acids testing, who it would be best for, and how practitioners can incorporate these concepts into their practice. He highlights the four main areas that are included in metabolomic and organic acids tests, the key markers of the tests, and the main deficiencies that are better addressed by these tests over a micronutrient panel.  Our conversation touches on the Krebs cycle, carnitine deficiencies, and practitioner limitations in understanding various pathways. Dan offers recommendations for practitioners to sequentially structure a supplement program and shares information regarding panels, tests that indicate healthy neurotransmitter function, and cortisol insights.  His approach is practical, inspiring, and encouraging for practitioners who are interested in metabolomics and organic acids testing and need to know where to start.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[2:28] Dr. Kalish offers an overview of his journey in this field and his passion for teaching it to other practitioners.

[4:19] The four main areas that are included in metabolomic and organic acids tests, and common patient issues and symptoms that indicate the need for the test.

[8:44] Key markers in the test, including lactic and pyruvic acids, and main deficiencies that are addressed in this test versus a micronutrient panel.

[13:42] Overcoming the practitioner's limitations of understanding the intricacies of various pathways, including Dan’s favorite pathway beta-oxidation.

[19:25] Potential underlying reasons and resulting defects for carnitine deficiencies.

[22:34] The most relevant steps in the Krebs cycle in a metabolomic test.

[25:04] Common results and recommendations from the individual markers of the metabolomic test.

[31:08] The critical role of supplementing with B vitamins in the Krebs cycle.

[34:18] Timelines for realizing expected results in patients and the longevity of the vitamin effectiveness.

[37:56] Dan’s recommendations for practitioners to sequentially structure a supplement program.

[40:15] Markers on organic acids and metabolomic tests that indicate healthy neurotransmitter function and cortisol.

[44:25] The full salivary adrenal panel covers three tests and three body systems including HPA analysis or salivary cortisol testing, GI testing, and organic acids testing.

[45:35] Determining whether high neurotransmitter markers are clearance issues or issues of being too high starts with acquiring the learning of markers.

[51:12] Final questions regarding quinolinic acid and other organic acids.

[56:00] How to connect with Dr. Kalish, his changed perspective on microbiome health, and his go-to supplements and health practices.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Dan Kalish

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Spotlight™ Functional Wellness Tests

Webinar: Spotlight Suite Functional Wellness Tests

Blog: Optimizing Micronutrient Status for Energy Metabolism

Research Blog: B Vitamins and Overall Stress Response

Research Blog: The Latest on Magnesium for Healthy Blood Sugar Support

Science Update: Recent Review Explores Potential Relationship Between Magnesium Status and Cardiometabolic Health

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

Dr. Fabian is a leading expert on the role of the microbiome in health, immune function, chronic disease, and aging. As a translational scientist, his primary focus is on the clinical application of microbiome research in the integrative and functional medicine space. He received his PhD in molecular biology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and has worked as a biomedical researcher in the biotechnology industry, and more recently, as a consultant in the microbiome testing field. Currently, Dr. Fabian serves as a translational science consultant and science advisor with Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, and he is also a Science Advisory Board member with Designs for Health. He is also certified as a Nutrition Therapy Practitioner by the Nutrition Therapy Institute in Denver.

Together Dr. Fabian and I discuss the essential role of the microbiome in gut health, food sensitivities, histamine intolerance, and more. He shares a variety of clinical pearls regarding histamine-producing microbes, short-chain fatty acids, and digestive enzymes, and addresses the prevalence of parasites in the general population.  Dr. Tom offers encouraging insights and practical recommendations for anyone who is looking for ways to heal their gut and maximize their microbiome.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[2:07] Tom shares how he became interested in the microbiome and a snapshot of a regular day as a translational science consultant.

[6:52] The role of the microbiome and specific microbes in food sensitivities and common food reactions.

[15:49] Oral tolerance and key distinguishers between and mass cell and histamine activation.

[18:44] The role of good bacteria in interacting with the species that produce histamine.

[23:15] Overgrowths of histamine-producing microbes are commonly found in patients with food reactions.

[27:35] Delimitation factors for recommendations for digestive enzymes and recommendations for taking supplemental DAO.

[29:30] The likelihood of achieving perfect gut health after testing and treatments.

[30:51] Clinical pearls regarding indicators in major short-chain fatty acids.

[34:14] Considerations for major histamine-producing intolerances that are not accompanied by gut-related symptoms.

[37:22] Insights into repairing and regenerating the gut barrier and protocol recommendations.

[43:01] Dr. Tom’s antimicrobial duration and cycling factors and recommendations.

[47:45] General prevalence of parasite testing, measurements, and treatments.

[50:30] Findings and recommendations from low FODMAP diet studies.

[58:22] Dr. Tom’s evolving health mindset, his favorite personal supplements, and preferred health practices.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Tom Fabian

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Blog: Histamine Intolerance and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Any Connection?

Blog: Recent Review Explores Relationship Between Gut Microbiome Integrity and Healthy Aging

Blog: Recent Review Explores Potential Relationship Between Food Allergy and the Gut Microbiome

Blog: Recent Review Explores Relationship Between the Gut Microbiome and Certain Neurodegenerative Diseases

Blog: Recent Review Explores Potential Connection Between Oral Microbiome and The Immune System

Blog: Recent Review Investigates Potential Link Between Cardiovascular Health, Inflammation, and the Gut Microbiome

Webinar: Phytochemicals-Keys to Optimizing Microbiome and Mucosal Health with Dr. Tom Fabian

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

Dr. Mark Houston, Internist, and hypertension and cardiovascular specialist, is the cofounder of The Hypertension Institute, which immediately received national acclaim as one of the leading Institutes in the US for the treatment of hypertension and related cardiovascular disorders. Dr. Houston has presented over 10,000 lectures, nationally and internationally, and published over 250 medical articles, and scientific abstracts in peer-reviewed medical journals, books, and book chapters. He is an author, teacher, clinician, and researcher and is triple-boarded in hypertension as an American Society of Hypertension (ASH) specialist and Fellow of the American Society of Hypertension (FASH), Internal Medicine (ABIM), and Anti-aging Medicine (ABAARM). He also has a Master’s degree in Human Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut, and a Master of Science degree in Functional and Metabolic Medicine from the University of South Florida in Tampa.

Together Dr. Houston and I discuss a functional medicine approach to hypertension, including supplements, diagnosis, endophilia glycocalyx, and more. He shares hypertension statistics, why high blood pressure is so prevalent in the US, and the consequences of high blood pressure that physicians need to share with their patients. He offers insights into clinical trials and results of key blood pressure testing, the nutrients, dietary supplements, and lifestyle changes that can better support endophilia dysfunction, and key diet and lifestyle recommendations for hypertension including meat, fish oil, and sodium chloride intake. As Dr. Houston notes, hypertension can be impacted by both genetics and environment, and our conversation is filled with clinical pearls for physicians to share with their patients today for healthier blood pressure tomorrow.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[2:45] Dr. Houston shares the family history that started his journey into integrative medicine.

[4:32] Hypertension statistics, why it is so prevalent in the US, and the consequences of high blood pressure that physicians need to share with their patients.

[7:06] Correctly diagnosing hypertension starts with properly testing blood pressure in the office and prescribing the correct medication to be taken at the right time of day.

[12:03] Key concerns with medicines that result in low blood pressure and appropriate testing options.

[15:57] The pathophysiology of hypertension as it relates to the arteries and endophilia glycocalyx.

[18:32] Nutrients, dietary supplements, and lifestyle changes that can better support endophilia dysfunction to enhance nitrous oxide production and viability.

[20:23] Dr. Houston highlights the clinical trials and results of key blood pressure testing.

[24:17] Blood pressure medications and common nutrients that can be helpful for reducing blood pressure.

[28:47] The relationships between nitric oxide production and the endothelial lining.

[31:02] Physical improvements that accompany increased nitric oxide production and its potential impact on low blood pressure.

[33:05] Dr. Houston’s diet and lifestyle recommendations for hypertension including meat, fish oil, and sodium chloride intake.

[38:38] The impact of genetics, stress, and exercise on hypertension.

[44:10] The connection between the oral microbiome and blood pressure and cardiovascular health.

[46:36] The relationship between iron and cardiovascular health.

[49:03] Dr. Houston shares what he is most excited about in the future of the field of integrative and functional cardiology.

[52:14] Dr. Houston highlights the greatest change he made over the course of his career, his three personal favorite supplements, and his preferred health practices.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Mark Houston

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Blog: Exploring the Dual Pathways and Nutrients for Enhanced Nitric Oxide Production

Blog: The Intelligent Inner Lining of Blood Vessels: Nutrients that Support Vascular Health

Nutrition Notes: The Intelligent Inner Lining of Blood Vessels: Nutrients that Support Vascular Health

Webinar: The Supplement Toolbox - Research on Glycocalyx Regeneration and Nitric Oxide

Webinar: The Role of the Endothelial Glycocalyx in Cardiovascular Disease

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

Dr. Nora Khaldi is a renowned biotech entrepreneur, mathematician, scientist and founder and CEO at Nuritas, an AI-enabled synthetic biology company focused on creating the next generation of intelligent ingredients. Dr. Khaldi is an industry leader in the field of life science, biotechnology and food technology.  She holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Evolution, Comparative Genomics and Bioinformatics from Trinity College Ireland and a masters in mathematics from Aix-Marseille University.  Her research has focused primarily on research evolution and comparative genomics. Nora holds over 30 patents and is a highly published author.  

Together Dr. Khaldi and I dive into the world of peptides and the infinite possibilities of the Nuritas peptide finder. We explore the characteristics of peptides that can change and improve targeted areas, including maintaining muscle health while losing weight, skin health and wrinkles through collagen production and reduced inflammation, and glucose, craving control, sleep promotion, and skin health. Dr. Khaldi reviews the PeptiStrong timeline, highlights targeted populations and shares observations from her personal use. She also addresses the possibilities and concerns associated with AI, reminding us how scientists can enhance their research with its assistance. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Nora Khaldi - https://www.nuritas.com/team/dr%E2%81%9Fnora%E2%81%9Fkhaldi/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Research Blog: Decoding Peptides: The Body’s Little Helpers - https://www.casi.org/decoding-peptides-bodys-little-helpers

Research Blog: Bioactive Peptides From the Fava Bean: The Future of Muscular Health? - https://www.casi.org/bioactive-peptides-from-the-fava-bean-future-of-muscular-health

Designs for Health Practitioner Exclusive Drug Nutrient Depletion and Interaction Checker - https://www.designsforhealth.com/drug-nutrient-interaction/

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro.

03:09 Dr. Khali’s interest in mathematics and life sciences converged as her career progressed.

5:58 The moment that peptides became the focus of Dr. Khali’s research involved wallaby milk. 

9:27 Details about peptides and the infinite possibilities of the Nuritas peptide finder. 

13:03 The molecular universe of an apple includes more molecular data than all social media put together. Dr. Khali details this library of peptides. 

15:44 A timeline of the peptide finder’s work and how its inaccuracies are corrected over time to identify solutions.

18:14 Determining which areas to focus on and bring to market starts with securing both health and longevity. 

21:16 Pillars in seeking peptides that can change and improve targeted areas, including maintaining muscle health while losing weight. 

24:01 Discovering the muscle building mechanisms that became the ingredients in PeptiStrong. 

27:51 Why can’t humans access all nutrients that are hidden in plants? 

31:42 The role of AI in identifying properties and the role of humans in ensuring accuracy. 

35:25 Pre-market control testing markers and models and findings from early human clinical trials.

42:18 PeptiStrong timeline and targeted populations and observations from Dr. Khaldi’s personal use. 

47:15 Designs for Health CEO Amardeep Kahlon’s testimonial for performance peptides. 

49:15 The combination of mathematics and computer science is AI, and scientists can enhance their research with its assistance. 

52:25 PeptiYouth focuses on skin health and wrinkles through collagen production and reduced inflammation. 

54:42 Upcoming areas of Nuritas peptide research include glucose, craving control, sleep promotion, and skin health.

58:50 Is it possible that the answers for cancers and other diseases might be found in peptides? 

1:01:27 Dr. Nora Khaldi personal favorite supplements, top health practices, and her changing post-pandemic views on remote work. 

Dr. Vincent Pedre, medical director of Pedre Integrative Health, is a board-certified internist and a Functional Medicine–certified practitioner in private practice in New York City. Dr. Pedre’s integrative medical approach combines both Western and Eastern traditions. He is a clinical instructor at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, and is also certified in yoga and medical acupuncture. His holistic philosophy is patient-centered and focuses on uncovering the root causes of illness to create long-term wellness. He is also the founder of Dr. Pedre Wellness, which offers health-enhancing programs, content and lifestyle products, dietary supplements, and weight loss programs. In our conversation, Dr. Pedre and I explore the critical role of gut health in overall wellness, the personalized approach outlined in his books, and strategies for optimizing gut health. He underscores the critical intersection of gut health and a productive immune system, highlights the danger of claiming that one health plan will fix all gut problems, and shares the sequence of his personalized patient protocol. He also shares his approach to dosings for prebiotics and gut healing nutrients, and shares his enthusiasm for meeting patients wherever they are in their journey toward optimal gut health. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Vincent Pedre - https://pedremd.com/

The GutSMART Protocol: Revitalize Your Health, Boost Your Energy, and Lose Weight in Just 14 Days with Your Personalized Gut-Healing Plan

Happy Gut: The Cleansing Program to Help You Lose Weight, Gain Energy, and Eliminate Pain

Happy Gut Coffee

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Designs for Health Practitioner Exclusive Drug Nutrient Depletion and Interaction Checker - https://www.designsforhealth.com/drug-nutrient-interaction/

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

01:40 Dr. Pedre is finding gratitude amidst the fires in California. 

2:35 The power of a practitioner's ability to impact on a patient’s overall life and health. 

06:55 Dr. Pedre’s journey with gut healing began in childhood and shaped his career.

10:35 The critical intersection of gut health and a productive immune system. 

14:28 Dr. Pedre’s books were inspired by his becoming an accidental gut expert. 

19:48 The danger of claiming that one health plan will fix all gut problems. 

24:04 Recommended Vagus nerve techniques including breathing and humming to counter depression. 

28:16 The sequence of Dr. Pedre’s patient protocol starts with a thorough interview and a personalized diet protocol. 

33:54 Dosings for prebiotics, gut healing nutrients and serum bovine immunoglobulin. 

37:48 Microplastics and the microhabits that are endangering gut health including K-cups and espresso machines.

45:27 Recommendations for minimizing exposures and increasing detox practices. 

48:38 Emerging research and health trends surrounding gut health and the microbiome. 

52:03 Top personal supplements, top health practices, and the stress-management priority that Dr. Pedre has changed his mind about. 

Lara Adler is an Environmental Health Educator and Science Communicator who teaches health professionals and individuals with health-based businesses to better understand the role of environmental chemical exposures in causing or contributing to chronic health issues so they can more comprehensively support the clients/patients they serve. She trains practitioners to become experts in everyday toxic exposures to improve client outcomes without spending hundreds of hours researching on their own.  Combining environmental health education and business consulting, she’s helped thousands of health professionals in over 35 countries worldwide elevate their skills, get better results for their clients, and become sought-after leaders in the growing environmental health & detoxification field.

Together Lara and I explore the truth behind the dosing dangers of over 1,400 endocrine-disrupting chemicals and the importance of addressing environmental toxins to clear the noise of the body and optimize health. Lara contextualizes the why behind the chemical and regulatory toxin landscape and explains the common endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in everyday life.  She addresses findings from recent studies, pinpoints the ages and stages of life that are in greatest need of minimizing toxins, and offers clear and simple ways that practitioners can help their patients on the path to reducing environmental toxins. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[2:30] Lara’s passion for environmental toxins ignited when she was working to combat metabolic-related weight loss resistance.

[6:04] Common health issues where toxins are likely a key player.

[7:54] Key differentiators between plant or animal-produced toxins and man-made toxins.

[9:28] Contextualizing the why behind the chemical and regulatory toxin landscape.

[13:42] ‘The dose makes the poison’ – the truth behind this dangerous idea.

[21:28] Common endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in everyday life and their impact on receptor bindings.

[27:15] The importance of persistence in lowering symptoms for optimal health and other targeted endpoints.

[33:41] Vulnerable times for minimizing exposure to toxins, including women of childbearing age.

[38:27] Lara highlights the findings from an environmental toxins breast cancer study.

[43:00] The power of the increased interest in endocrine-disrupting chemicals, including more research and more findings.

[47:58] Common mistakes practitioners make when talking about toxins include sensationalism and fear-mongering.

[52:35] Lara’s practical recommendations for starting the conversation with patients about reducing environmental toxins.

[1:00:11] Resources to get patients started with optimized environmental health.

[1:03:15] Lara’s favorite supplements, prioritized health practices, and the rigid language she has changed her mind about in her years of work.

Episode Resources:

Lara Adler

Environmental Health Intake Form

Clearya App

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Blog: The Role of Toxins in Weight Gain

Blog: Creating a Holistic Detox Plan for Sustainable Weight Management

Blog: Activated Charcoal’s Role in Clearing Environmental Toxins from the Body

Research Blog: Common Pollutants from PFAS Linked to Higher Blood Glucose in Pregnancy

Webinar: Beauty and the Beast: The Perverse Relationship Between Environmental Estrogens, Endocrine Function, and Breast Cancer

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

Audrey Neff serves as the Director of Marketing for PatientNow, which provides practice management and marketing solutions for over 3,000 aesthetic practices worldwide. Audrey brings over a decade of experience in elective medicine and sales and marketing, seven years of which has been in the healthcare and medical aesthetic verticals. She has a strong passion for helping practices achieve maximum success in their business, and is a frequent industry speaker on practice management and marketing strategy and is faculty for 28 prestigious medical associations and conferences across the U.S.

Together Audrey and I explore the medical aesthetics industry and the growing trend of functional medicine providers offering aesthetics as part of their practices. We discuss the key factors that are driving the exponential growth of the medical aesthetic industry, effective ways to incorporate a supplemental nutrition program into your practice, and how to tailor offerings to meet the needs of both male and female patients, including the language that practitioners want to use – and avoid.  The future of the medical aesthetic industry is happening now, and practitioners who are considering taking part in this exciting and growing aspect of whole health will be delighted to learn more about the Designs for Beauty offerings from Designs for Health. 

Designs for Beauty

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Audrey Neff - https://www.alkemist.com/about-elan-sudberg/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

03:15 Audrey broke into the medical aesthetic industry at age 22 and quickly excelled with the help of a powerful mentor. 

6:16 Key factors that are driving the exponential growth of the medical aesthetic industry. 

9:23 Highly effective marketing directed at millennials starts with addressing their 5 core values. 

14:10 The importance of practitioners addressing patient values and strategies in their practice efforts.  

19:15 The value of before and after photos in establishing client relationships. 

20:45 Numbers and growth trends in the medical aesthetic industry, as well as some of the greatest challenges. 

27:25 Strategies for making effective supplement and nutrition recommendations and selling value over price.

32:15 Incorporating supplements into a full treatment plan for greater conversion rates.

38:14 The value of offering nutrition protocols in establishing long-term patient loyalty. 

40:20 Potential future benefits of offering GLP-1 medicines as a key practice differentiator. 

44:54 Tactics for crafting membership models that include contractual commitments and a monthly fee. 

49:00 Crafting a tailored offer that is designed to meet the needs of male patients.

50:53 Audrey’s career advice to you younger self, the ideas she has changed her mind about, favorite supplements, and top health practices.

This episode of Conversations for Health features Designs for Health Founder and CEO Jonathan Lizotte. With over 30 years of experience in the integrative medicine, medical foods, and nutritional supplement industry, Jonathan is an expert in the business of the therapeutic use of natural products. Under Jonathan’s leadership, DFH has become one of the fastest growing, most respected manufacturers and distributors of nutritional supplements nationwide.

In our conversation, Jonathan highlights the standards that make Designs for Health stand out in the saturated nutritional supplements market. We explore the DFH research standards, unique product features and quality approach to supplement trends that set Designs for Health apart from anything else available to consumers. Jonathan shares his journey with DFH and his inspiring outlook on the core benefits and future of nutritional supplements. 

I’m your host Evelyn Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us. 

Key Takeaways:

[1:13] The inspiration and drive behind the founding of Designs for Health. 

[3:45] Jonathan’s upbringing shaped his passion for whole health and wellbeing. 

[4:25] Significant milestones that shaped Designs for Health into the company it is today.

[6:20] An overview of regulatory and product changes in the supplement industry. 

[8:11] Key measures that address safety and regulatory concerns. 

[11:24] Details about third party testing details and circumstances. 

[13:22] Unique features and approaches that set Designs for Health at the top of the market.

[15:30] The Science-First research and development process for creating DFH products. 

[19:06] Changing trends in supplement offerings and the industry as a whole. 

[21:49] Jonathan’s top three favorite supplements and his personal health and nutrition practices.   

[28:22] An overview of GG research and findings and why Jonathan recommends including it in every diet.

[30:35] The core nutrient concept that Jonathan has not changed his mind about in recent years. 

Episode Resources:

Jonathan Lizotte

DSHEA - Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994

PubMed: Calcium supplement: humanity's double-edged sword

PubMed: Folate, folic acid and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate are not the same thing

The Weston A. Price Foundation (WAPF) 

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health 

The Designs For Health Philosophy

Designs For Health Quality and Manufacturing

Tocotrienols White Paper

Blog: Berberine’s Potential to Support Heart Health and Blood Sugar Metabolism

Blog: Intro to Geranylgeraniol

Blog: Vitamin E Tocotrienols, Metabolic Health, and Healthy Aging

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars and our blog. 

This episode of Conversations for Health features Dr. Nancy O’Hara, MD, author of Demystifying PANS/PANDAS: A Functional Medicine Desktop Reference on Basal Ganglia Encephalitis. Nancy is a board-certified pediatrician who specializes in treating PANS, PANDAS and BGE and other neurodevelopmental disorders. She is a leading trainer and mentor of clinicians in the US and globally, educating medical professionals to recognize, diagnose and treat these conditions and began her consultative, integrative practice for children with special needs, dedicating her practice to treating children with neurodevelopmental disorders, ADHD, PANS/PANDAS and BGE, OCD, Lyme, and Autism Spectrum Disorder in 1999. 

In our conversation, Nancy highlights PANS and PANDAS, its symptoms, triggers, and treatment. She shares success stories, advancements in research and tactics for helping children and their parents better navigate these lesser known clinical diagnoses. With insights into dosing, treatment steps and advice for the health team that can help to restore health, this conversation is filled with hope for anyone who is looking for answers to all of their  PANS/PANDAS journey questions. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[1:51] Nancy recalls her journey of working with children with autism, pediatrics, and functional medicine. 

[4:40] Key differences, defining characteristics, and symptoms of PANS and PANDAS. 

[9:22] Challenges of obtaining a correct diagnosis and the rates of occurance in children. 

[11:10] Best practices for achieving correct diagnoses including antibodies and specialty labs. 

[16:05] Bartonella testing recommendations and key symptom indicators that encourage testing. 

[17:19] A timeline of basal ganglia encephalitis and the silver lining role of Covid-19 in treating BGE. 

[19:54] Genetic markers and other risks that increase susceptibility to autoimmune disease. 

[21:13] First steps for treatment, including critical medicines, supplements and nutrition. 

[24:31] Nancy’s recommendations for dosing supplements for children and the underlying deficiency causes of disordered eating. 

[28:45] NAC dosing as it can be used for OCD and addictive behaviors. 

[31:00] Tactics for helping kids and adults swallow capsules with greater ease.

[33:10] Identifying the triggers behind PANS/PANDA and next step supplement treatments. 

[36:51] Reference ranges for vitamin A and D dosage levels for children. 

[38:20] Antibiotics, restoration of the microbiome, and reducing toxic burden in the gut and nervous system. 

[41:23] The role of immunotherapy in Nancy’s practice. 

[45:17] The waxing and waning course of healing and the rates of recurrence. 

[49:30] The team that Nancy employs to help regulate the nervous system.

[50:00] Nancy’s favorite recovery story. 

[54:28] Nancy’s favorite supplements for herself and for children, her top health practices, and the hopeful changes she has experienced as she has learned to listen to her body. 

Episode Resources:

Dr. Nancy O’Hara 

Demystifying PANS/PANS: A Functional Medicine Desktop Reference on Basal Ganglia Encephalitis

Clark's Rule

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Webinar: Children's Digestive Care: The Role of the Gut and Microbiome in Pediatric Health & Disease with Dr. Nancy O'Hara

Live Presentation: Lindsey Wells and Nancy O’Hara – Clinical Round | Pediatric Post-Infectious Cases

Blog: Picky Eating in Childhood

Blog: Factors Affecting Focus

Blog: Sleep Aids for Children

Blog: Sleep Soundly with 5-HTP

Blog: New study demonstrates effect of dietary supplements on clinical aspects of autism

Blog: Dietary Interventions for Autism

Blog: From Epigenetics to the Microbiome in Autism

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

As a triple-board certified nutrition expert and Fitness Hall of Famer, JJ is a passionate advocate of the healing power of nutrition and is mission-driven to change the way the world sees aging and longevity. She has launched 3 multimillion-dollar businesses, including a 7-figure personal brand, and founded the Mindshare Collaborative, the most influential professional community in health. JJ is a prominent TV and media personality, the author of four NY Times bestsellers, and the host of the Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin podcast, which has over 19 million downloads, and one of the original DFH reps.

Together JJ and I take a look at the realities of aging powerfully, especially for women over 40. With over 40 years of experience in the field, JJ is truly an expert at aging intentionally and in ways that will benefit the body over time.  She shares insights into diet, exercise, supplements, tocotrienols, Ozempic, and more. JJ also offers a variety of practical advice that practitioners can share with their patients to improve strength training, regardless of which decade of life they are in, so they can continue to reap its many benefits.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[4:04] What matters to JJ today versus what she thought was important at the beginning of her career.

[6:24] The science-backed importance of aging powerfully, not just gracefully.

[11:02] Tools that can help patients improve strength training in every decade of their lives.

[16:53] DEXA scans and alternative options for tracking bone density changes.

[18:58] JJ shares the additions she has made to her diet as she ages powerfully.

[25:30] Figuring out the protein piece of the puzzle in your daily diet.

[29:45] The immense value of creatine and other essential supplements for women over 40.

[37:34] JJ’s experience with tocotrienols and GG- what she calls the most amazing experience that no one is talking about.

[42:20] The role of protein quantities in extending a lifespan.

[47:12] Concerns of triggering autophagy through fasting and exercise and the importance of putting on muscle to avoid frailty in later years.

[49:19] JJ addresses the pros and cons of Ozempic and offers dietary recommendations to maintain quality muscle.

[54:15] Suggested steps to take to lose 10-15 pounds and increase muscle mass before turning to Ozempic.

[55:53] JJ shares one of her favorite success stories from the Mindshare community.

[1:00:29] JJ’s personal health practices that keep her healthy and balanced.

Episode Resources:

JJ Virgin

JJ Virgin on Instagram

Mindshare Collaborative

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Blog: Creatine Monohydrate for Healthy Aging and Brain Function

Research & Education: Effects of High Protein Intake on Aging, Metabolic Health, and Weight

Research & Education: Vitamin E Tocotrienols, Metabolic Health, and Healthy Aging

Science Update: Long-term Study Explores Potential Influence of Collagen Supplementation on Bone Health in Postmenopausal Women

Research & Education: Intro to Geranylgeraniol

Webinar: Geranylgeraniol-A Groundbreaking Anti-Aging Solution from the Amazon

White Paper: Geranylgeraniol:  A Novel Nutrient in Healthy Aging

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

This two-part episode of Conversations for Health features Dr. Kat Toups, a Functional Medicine Psychiatrist at Bay Area Wellness in Walnut Creek, CA, and organizer and administrator for Bay Area Functional Medicine Group since 2012. She is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.  Dr. Toups is a former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UC Davis, and later the Owner and Medical Director of Bay Area Research Institute, a Clinical Trials Research Center in Lafayette, CA. After serving as the Principal Investigator on over 100 clinical trials for 12 years, including 20 failed trials for Alzheimer's drugs, she realized that the elusive cure for Brain and Psychiatric illness was not going to be found in a pill.

In the second part of our conversation, Dr. Toups continues our exploration of approaches to Alzheimer's, dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and general cognitive health. She highlights the role of toxins testing, the importance of sleep hygiene and dietary monitoring, and the part that hormones play in overall brain health.  Her personal and professional experiences are both encouraging and enlightening, and she offers an array of action items for anyone that is invested in dementia prevention efforts.

I’m your host Evelyn Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[1:24] Kat’s experience with toxins testing, treatment, and study findings.

[7:52] Two main considerations of the role of genetics in treatment protocol.

[11:30] Dietary monitoring recommendations for advanced APOE4 genetic lipid markers

[14:42] Sleep hygiene considerations and device recommendations.

[17:05] Two Designs for Health supplements were used in the trial study.

[20:14] Dementia prevention supplement recommendations include fish oil, B-complex, and vitamin D.

[23:53] Kat’s personal favorite supplements and mitochondrial support.

[27:03] Kat’s top and non-negotiable health practices start with what she puts in her mouth.

[32:08] A holistic approach is the answer to finding lasting health.

[33:40] The role of hormones in achieving optimal brain health.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Kat Toups 

Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease Precision Medicine Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease: Successful Pilot Project 

Dementia Demystified 

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health 

Blog: Minerals for Detoxification Support

Blog: The Latest Clinical Research on Zeolite and Heavy Metal Detoxification

Blog: Exploring the link between the ApoE4 gene and increased risk for Alzheimer’s

Webinar: Fueling and Building the Brain - Understanding the Role of Fat & Ketones in the Brain

Journal: Fish oils review, Chapter 91, 2020 Textbook of Natural Medicine

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

Welcome to Conversations for Health, the podcast dedicated to engaging discussions with industry experts, exploring evidence-based, cutting-edge research, and practical tips. Our mission is to empower you with knowledge, debunk myths, and provide you with clinical insights. Join us weekly for insightful, in-depth interviews and deep dives into evidence-based, emerging research. Immerse yourself in the current landscape of Functional Medicine with an irresistible line-up of industry leaders.  I’m your host Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us. 

What if every cancer patient had a plan for their health, and not just for their disease?  This is the question and the mission of today’s guest, Doctor Nalini Chilkov.  Dr. Chilkov is the founder of the American Institute of Integrative Oncology and leading authority on Integrative Cancer Care, Immune Enhancement, Optimal Nutrition and Wellness Medicine. Her OutSmart Cancer Programs are recognized as the most comprehensive, science based, safe, natural programs for supporting cancer patients, cancer survivors and those who do not want to get cancer. 

For over thirty years, Dr. Nalini has helped thousands of people; many with serious and chronic illnesses, achieve and maintain extraordinary health and longevity. In our conversation she highlights the importance of focusing not only on cancer management but on maintaining extraordinary health and longevity.  She shares her approach to designing an integrative health team, her recommendations for achieving a healthier diet and lifestyle both during cancer treatment and over a lifetime, and the research-based recommendations and treatments that she shares with anyone who is interested in Outsmarting Cancer. 

Key Takeaways:

[:58] Dr. Nalini Chilkov highlights her personal health journey into integrative oncology. 

[2:45] What if every cancer patient had a plan for their health, and not just for their disease?

[5:35] The OutSmart Cancer System aims for a healthy lifestyle that results in an ideal outcome and stable future. 

[7:30] Creating an integrative health team starts with a win-win collaboration with oncologists. 

[9:34] Dr. Chilkov’s approach to restoring normal function in the digestive system and gut microbiome.

[11:54] The value of a metabolic approach to fighting cancer with an insulin-blood sugar balanced diet. 

[15:39] Tactics for achieving healthier sleep beyond basic sleep hygiene measures. 

[16:41] Dr. Chilkov’s recommendations for nutraceuticals that support better sleep, reduced anxiety, and a healthier gut.

[22:30] Highlights from the latest research on the benefits of using glutamine to manage adverse effects of cancer treatment. 

[24:55] Effective treatments for managing neuropathy by restoring normal nerve function and repairing nerves. 

[28:08] Resources available on Dr. Chilkov’s website includes a supplement guide and the OutSmart Cancer Care Planner.

[32:04] Recommendations for alcohol intake when taking control of cancer risks. 

[33:28] Dr. Chilkov shares her personal favorite supplements, top health practices, and what she has recently changed her mind about.

Episode Resources:

American Institute of Integrative Oncology

Nalini Chilkov

OutSmart Cancer Care Planner

32 Ways to OutSmart Cancer by Dr. Nancy Chilkov

Integrative Cancer Answers 

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health 

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars and our blog.

Mel Luther is a dedicated nutrition consultant with experience in one-on-one coaching, group coaching, public speaking as a nutrition educator, and hosting wellness retreats.  She is passionate about nutrition education, coaching, and science writing. Mel earned her undergraduate degree in Nutritional Anthropology from the University of Hawaii, followed by certification as a holistic nutritionist through the Energetic Health Institute. She also holds a master's degree in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States. Her diverse background includes working in integrative nutrition and pharmacy centers, and cardiac rehabilitation programs, and contributing to the writing and educational platforms at Designs for Health.

Mel’s work in cardiac rehab as a nutritionist underscores the importance of blood sugar management and heart disease. The relationship between cardiovascular health, diabetes, and blood sugar management is often overlooked by practitioners but plays a critical role in optimal patient health. Together Mel and I discuss the key changes that her clients implement for blood sugar management, including effective nutrients, quality sleep, timing meals, continuous glucose monitoring, and hemoglobin levels. She shines a light on what really works and what doesn’t, the role gender plays in blood sugar management, and the surprising relationship between coffee consumption and ovarian health.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Mel Luther - https://www.nutritionwithmel.com/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Nutrition Blog: 4 Surprising Botanicals to Promote Normal GLP-1 Production - https://www.casi.org/4-surprising-botanicals-promote-normal-glp-1-production

Nutrition Blog: Berberine: For Blood Sugar, Healthy Weight, and Beyond - https://www.casi.org/berberine-for-blood-sugar-healthy-weight-and-beyond

Science Blog: Recent Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Explores Potential Link Between Certain Micronutrients and Glucose Metabolism - https://www.casi.org/micronutrients-and-glucose-metabolism

Designs for Health Practitioner Exclusive Drug Nutrient Depletion and Interaction Checker - https://www.designsforhealth.com/drug-nutrient-interaction/

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro.

02:32 Mel’s introduction into functional medicine started with unresolved asthma and digestive issues in her youth.

05:20 Nutritional Anthropology considers practices that have been utilized for thousands of years.

08:29 Mel’s work in cardiac rehab as a nutritionist underscores the importance of blood sugar management in heart disease.

10:25 An overview of three pillars in Mel’s rehab program – nutrition, exercise, and mindset.

13:25 Cardiac events are the number one reason Mel’s patients seek health coaching and motivational interviewing.

15:20 Top changes that Mel’s clients implement for blood sugar management.

17:24 Timing meal recommendations for blood sugar management.

19:15 Nutrients that play a key role in blood sugar management, include niacin, magnesium, and thiamine.

25:20 Vitamin B6 and folate deficiencies in neuropathy, mental health, and blood sugar management.

28:08 Top pre-diabetes medications that result in nutrient depletions, including GLP-1.

32:20 Herbal and nutrient support for patients, including fiber and berberine.

34:09 The connection between blood sugar, mental health, and quality sleep.

40:45 Continuous glucose monitoring for non-diabetics.

44:25 Key sex differences in blood sugar management, especially during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

45:51 Hemoglobin levels are not directly connected to blood sugar levels.

48:08 PCOS symptoms and indicators.

51:45 The relationships between coffee consumption and ovarian health.

54:02 Mel’s top three supplements, favorite health practices, and her changing views on vegetarianism.

This episode of Conversations for Health features integrative dietitian and menopause expert Esther Blum.  Over the last 27 years, Esther has helped thousands of women master menopause through the perfect cocktail of nutrition, hormones and self advocacy. 

Esther is known as Gwyneth Paltrow’s menopause mentor and by Forbes for helping women thrive through menopause. Esther received a Bachelor of Science in Clinical Nutrition from Simmons College in Boston and is a graduate of New York University, where she received her Master of Science in Clinical Nutrition. Esther is credentialed as a registered dietitian, a certified dietitian-nutritionist and a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), the certification from the Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (BCNS).

In our conversation, Esther addresses the timing and symptoms of perimenopause, details of hormone replacement therapy, the importance of prioritizing mental health and optimizing nutrition to reduce cravings, increase fat loss, and improve sleep, and the importance of advocating for yourself and building an integrated team that can support you through the menopause years. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Esther Blum

See Ya Later, Ovulator! 

The Happy Hormone Cocktail

Gabby Bernstein - Motivational Speaker

Davidji - Insight Timer

Heal Documentary

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Webinar: Navigating Menopause: Empowering Women Through the 'Change'

Blog: The Biochemistry of Ashwagandha

Blog: Rhodiola’s Impact on Cellular Energy Production and Mitochondrial Function

Blog: Topical Uses for Magnesium

Blog: Connection Between Magnesium and Vitamin B6 to Support a Normal Stress Response

Blog:  Genistein to Promote Menopausal Comfort and Bone Health

Blog: Research Review: Broccoli for Supporting Gut Microbial Health

Blog: Impact of Women’s Menstrual Cycle on Circadian Rhythms and Sleep

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog. 

Chapters:

[2:26] Esther’s passion for helping women through menopause has only increased as she has expanded her knowledge of hormones and testing. 

[5:18] The truth about hormone replacement therapy and an overview of key hormones  including progesterone, estrogen and cortisol in perimenopause. 

[12:15] Esther’s three standard lab tests and the importance of key findings. 

[17:29] Following testing, Esther prioritizes gut and adrenal support for the next step toward finding solutions. 

[19:20] Key lifestyle strategies that Esther prioritizes for her clients. 

[23:04] High quality research-backed supplements including holy basil, ashwagandha and trace minerals. 

[25:00] Nutrient guidelines for women regarding carb tolerance, continuous glucose monitors, and protein intake. 

[30:37] Estrobolome and the role of calcium D-glucarate in overcoming digestion interference. 

[34:23] Practical tips and serving recommendations for incorporating more fiber into an ideal diet. 

[36:58] Hormone replacement therapy symptoms, timing, and testing recommendations. 

[39:51] Findings from vaginal estrogen studies that can help to improve overall quality of life. 

[41:17] Esther’s approach to patient recommendations and collaborative approach to prescriptions as she refers clients to other functional medicine providers. 

[46:12] Research surrounding early intervention, including bone density preservation, cardiovascular risk prevention, and brain gray matter preservation. 

[48:01] Strategies for advocating for yourself through the menopause years. 

[50:32] The dangers of hormone pellets versus other, more manageable hormone dosages. 

[53:01] Hormone timing recommendations and financial accessibility for the average person. 

[58:43] The negative impact of alcohol and caffeine in the menopause years. 

[1:02:54] Esther’s top personal supplements, her go-to health practices, and the things that she has changed her mind about over her years of practice.

Stella Lizotte Talkie is an Experienced Functional Medicine Consultant and Certified Pregnancy Health Coach who supports women and families through trying to conceive, pregnancy, and the postpartum period. She has a Bachelor's degree in Food & Nutrition Science from Florida State University and works to help women optimize their nutrition, find solutions to health problems, prepare for birth, build their dream birth team, and achieve overall wellness in body, mind, and spirit. Together Stella and I discuss pregnancy complication prevention strategies including metabolomics and acid testing, addressing gaps in traditional OB care, and how functional medicine practitioners can step in to provide better support. We also discuss prenatal and other supplements to support women at each stage of pregnancy, as well as Stella’s unique experience of growing up with parents who started Designs for Health.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Stella Lizotte Talkie - https://www.stellarosewellness.com/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Designs for Health Practitioner Exclusive Drug Nutrient Depletion and Interaction Checker - https://www.designsforhealth.com/drug-nutrient-interaction/

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

The Designs for Health Podcast is produced in partnership with Podfly Productions.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro.

01:44 Stella is feeling full of love and family as the new year begins.

2:22 Stella’s personal and professional path was shaped from childhood by parents who started Designs for Health.

05:15 The decision to work at Designs for Health wasn’t an obvious one for Stella.

06:26 As a certified pregnancy health coach, Stella once was terrified of pregnancy and birth.

09:40 Stella’s services as a pregnancy health coach aim to optimize women’s health.

11:43 Patterns of the findings from the Designs for Health metabolomics spotlight test.

15:40 Prenatal vitamins that Stella uses and recommends.

21:52 Probiotics timing and strains and considerations for preeclampsia and gestational diabetes.

26:04 Examples of supplements that have successfully addressed pregnancy insomnia and other sleep problems.

31:30 The optimal timeline for preparing for pregnancy for both men and women.

34:27 Addressing the gaps in traditional OB care and assembling a dream birth team.

38:02 Tools that aid in implementing the advice of a pregnancy health coach.

40:27 Postpartum care and support from a health coach.

46:07 Stella’s personal favorite supplements, favorite health practices, and the changing fad diets that she has changed her mind about in her childbearing years.

Élan M. Sudberg is CEO of Alkemist Labs, a passionately committed contract testing laboratory specializing in plant authentication, botanical ingredient identification and quantitative analytical services to the Food & Beverage, Nutraceutical and Cosmeceutical Industries. He holds a degree in chemistry from California State University Long Beach and has authored numerous journal articles on phytochemistry and analytical techniques for the natural products and nutraceutical industry. He is on the executive committee of the AHPA, as well as AHPA’s Education and Research on Botanicals Foundation, and past chair of the Hemp and Medical Marijuana committee. He received the 2019 NutraIngredients-USA NutraChampion award for advocacy of best testing practices.

Together Élan and I explore the supplement industry, from the quality of supplements to the process of testing ingredients. Élan challenges the claim that the supplement industry is untested, unsafe and unregulated, and instead offers insights into what actually happens at each stage of testing and what it really means when raw materials are rejected. He gives an overview of the technology behind DNA testing for specific products, the role of HPTLC testing, commonly adulterated ingredients and the importance of challenging the healthcare and health science industries.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Élan M. Sudberg - https://www.alkemist.com/about-elan-sudberg/

FDA Dietary Supplement Regulation - https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements

HPTLC Testing - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3658041/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Designs for Health Quality & Manufacturing - https://www.designsforhealth.com/learn-more/quality-and-manufacturing

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

03:21 Élan was born into a scientist-filled family, cheated his way through high school chemistry, and now runs the world's biggest small-plant chemistry lab.

6:20 Élan takes on the pervasive myth that the supplement industry is unsafe, unregulated and untested. 

09:43 The impact of the Dietary Supplement, Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA). 

11:18 Details of the process of each stage of testing for supplemental raw materials. 

22:00 A brief but complex history of the technology behind DNA testing for specific products. 

28:53  HPTLC testing can distinguish a houseplant from a hot dog, but it can’t detect quality.

33:48 Insisting on high quality raw materials- and rejecting some- may or may not mean that suppliers are trying to get away with low quality. 

38:48 Commonly adulterated ingredients in the supplement industry including elderberry and ashwagandha. 

42:04 Industry trends that are on the rise. 

44:15 Élan preferred supplements, personal health practices, and his view on the importance of challenging the healthcare and health science industries.

Dr. Elana Roumell is a pediatric naturopathic doctor and mom of 3 with a mission to teach moms how to safely be a Doctor Mom. She teaches parents how to transform their fear, panic and overwhelm when their child is sick into feeling calm, competent, and confident to prevent illness and treat sickness wisely. She is the founder of The Doctor Mom membership with over a thousand members and host of The Doctor Mom podcast, and with almost 2 million downloads she has helped inspire moms around the world. 

This episode of Designs for Health focuses on children’s health with a special focus on GI and immune health. Together we discuss the insights into the body that can be gained from childhood illnesses and the importance of sickness in developing a strong immune system. Elana shares her recommendations for gut health testing and probiotic usage and offers her advice to parents who are feeling overwhelmed and stressed by the compounding environmental toxins and genetic factors that seem to be working against children’s health. Parents and practitioners alike will be encouraged by her perspective and wisdom. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[2:10] Dr. Elana’s journey to pediatric-focused naturopathic medicine started with a family tragedy. 

[4:18] Common concerns and anxiety-provoking topics that Elana regularly addresses including vaccines, eczema, constipation and frequent illness. 

[6:06] What parents should considered a ‘normal’ frequency of illnesses and why being sick is not a bad thing. 

[9:07] Elana’s 3-pronged approach to and recommendations for treating less severe illnesses. 

[11:44] Vitamin D, DHA and EPA in fish oil and probiotics dosing recommendations for children. 

[18:01] Recent gut testing in children shows that mold toxicity and other environmental factors continue to be a threat to children’s health. 

[21:34] Recommendations for gut health testing in children are based on the severity of symptoms and parental compliance – Elana shares her standard protocol. 

[26:44] Probiotic recommendations for the times when antibiotics need to be taken. 

[29:41] Tactics for dealing with picky eaters when improving gut health. 

[33:30] Eczema insights, considerations and recommendations. 

[38:09] Mold toxicity and genetic susceptibility and indicators that suggest testing for mycotoxins. 

[41:06] The value of herbal medicine in treating hyperactivity and lack of focus in children. 

[43:35] The powerful benefits of limiting screetime and social media during childhood. 

[47:01] Elana’s transition from in-person practicing to online practicing – ‘I’m living my dream’. 

[53:17] Elana’s healthful parenting mindset has shifted over the years, her personal favorite health practices and supplements, and the adaptogens she takes as a nursing mom. 

Episode Resources:

Dr. Elana Roumell

The Doctor Mom Membership

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Blog: Staying Up-to-Date on Probiotics for Pediatric Health

Blog: Probiotics and Children’s Gut Health

Blog: Recent Review Explores the Impact of Vitamin D Deficiencies in Children

Blog: Recent Study Investigates Potential Correlation Between Vitamin D Status and Bone Fracture Risk in Pediatric Populations

Blog: Research Study Explores the Effects of Supplementation with Omega-3 on Behavioral Health in Preschool-aged Children

Blog: The Latest on PUFAs and the Pediatric Allergic Response

Webinar: Children's Digestive Care: The Role of the Gut and Microbiome in Pediatric Health & Disease

Lindsey Wells – Managing Pediatric Post-Infectious Syndromes, including PANS and PANDAS

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

This episode of Conversations for Health features Designs for Health Chief Science Officer Dr. Barrie Tan for a conversation about vitamin E tocotrienols, geranylgeraniol (GG) and research that has been conducted regarding these compounds. As a professor of Chemistry and Food Science and Nutrition at the University of Massachusetts, Dr. Barrie Tan is hailed as a trailblazer and the world’s foremost expert on vitamin E. Dr. Tan is credited with discovering a form of vitamin E called tocotrienol in the three major sources – Palm, Rice and Annatto. Described as a scientific pioneer, Dr. Tan is pursuing the simple mission of improving the everyday health of people’s lives through a tocotrienol product that is extracted from annatto and is the most potent form of vitamin E in existence today.

In our conversation, Dr. Tan highlights key differences between tocotrienols and tocopherols and offers insights into the cancer-prevention work that has shaped two decades of his life. He shares a high level overview of the benefits of tocotrienols, including several human clinical trials; the role of geranylgeraniol (GG); and offers simple ways to both explain and understand the function of these critical compounds in the journey toward longevity and health. 

I’m your host Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us. 

Key Takeaways:

[1:53] Dr. Barrie Tan recounts his serendipitous discovery of tocotrienols in the annatto plant. 

[5:44] Key chemical and research-supported differences between tocotrienols and tocopherols.

[9:56] Benefits of tocotrienols including inflammation management and oxidative protection. 

[13:43] Tactics for explaining the consistent benefits of tocotrienols to patients. 

[14:58] An overview of the chronic condition human clinical trials conducted by Dr. Tan.

[17:40] Conditions and outcomes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease studies. 

[26:15] The science behind specific tocotrienol dosage recommendations. 

[28:31] Dr. Tan highlights the impact of tocotrienol on genetic expression and why he rarely discusses it. 

[33:09] The effective use of tocotrienols and tocopherols in skin health and hair growth. 

[38:50] The ideal combination of supplements to support bone health and density. 

[41:28] Dr. Tan’s discovery of GG, its location and functions in the body, and the mevalonic acid pathway. 

[45:00] Three simple ways to identify the functions and purpose of GG. 

[47:39] Why the body makes menaquinone-4 and the mechanism used to regulate it. 

[53:25] Dr. Tan pieces together the relationship between bone health, MK-4, and GG. 

[1:00:50] Dr. Tan shares his personal favorite supplements, his favorite health practices, and what he has changed his mind about after years in his field.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Barrie Tan 

The Truth About Vitamin E: The Secret to Thriving with Annatto Tocotrienols 

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health 

Blog: Vitamin E Tocotrienols, Metabolic Health, and Healthy Aging  

Blog: Vitamin K2 and GG Mitigate Insulin Resistance by Improving Mitochondrial Function 

Tocotrienols White Paper

Webinar: Lipid-Soluble Nutrients in Metabolic Syndrome: The Supportive Roles of Tocotrienols, Resveratrol, and Vitamin D

Presentation: Dr. Barrie Tan at IHS 2023: Annatto’s Anti-Aging Benefits

Presentation: Dr. Barrie Tan at CASI 2022: Annatto Tocotrienol & Geranylgeraniol

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars and our blog.

Dr. David Brady is the Chief Medical Officer for Designs for Health, Inc. and Diagnostic Solutions Labs, LLC and an expert consultant for nutritional supplements and clinical laboratory industries. He has over 30 years of experience as an integrative practitioner and more than 25 years in health sciences academia. He is a licensed naturopathic medical physician in Connecticut and Vermont; he is board certified in functional medicine and clinical nutrition; and he is a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition. He held the long-time position as Vice President for Health Sciences and Director of the Human Nutrition Institute at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, where he continues to serve as an Associate Professor of Clinical Sciences, and he maintains a private practice, Whole Body Medicine, in Fairfield, CT, USA.

Dr. Brady has returned to the podcast for a discussion about fibromyalgia and offers a variety of clinical pearls throughout our conversation. He highlights the differentiating features between fibro and pseudo-fibromyalgia, explains the evolution of our understanding of fibro diagnostic markers and subsequent treatments, and details the environmental triggers, predisposition and trauma that tend to lead to the onset of fibromyalgia. He also offers potential solutions that utilize supplements for mitochondrial support and deficiencies and offers an update on long COVID and increased autoimmunity in the population at large.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. David Brady - https://dss.designsforhealth.com/blogs/faculty-member/david-m-brady

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Designs for Health Practitioner Exclusive Drug Nutrient Depletion and Interaction Checker - https://www.designsforhealth.com/drug-nutrient-interaction/

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

The Designs for Health Podcast is produced in partnership with Podfly Productions.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro.

01:50 Dr. Brady is looking forward to the future of Designs for Health.

3:00 A definition of fibromyalgia and the parts of the body that are widely affected by it.

7:33 Differentiating features between fibro and pseudo-fibromyalgia.

9:32 The evolution of our understanding of fibro diagnostic markers and subsequent treatments.

15:25 Common nervous system set up that leads to fibromyalgia later in life.

18:25 Findings and actions resulting from cytokine testing, heightened neural inflammation, and glial cell activation.

23:00 Updates on the link between fibromyalgia and long-haul COVID 19.

26:14 The use of 5-HTP in regulating limbic system dysfunction, neurotransmitters and heightened pain receptors.

31:55 Utilizing botanicals in calming adaptogens and those that are not stimulating.

33:05 5-HTP use for those with SNPs in MAO-A or -B for brain retraining in calming and relaxation.

36:36 Fibromyalgia pain is presented in constant and regular symptomatology.

38:45 Environmental triggers that bring on fibromyalgia, in addition to the intersection of predisposition and trauma.

44:06 Gender and hormonal differences in the onset and presentation of fibromyalgia.

45:50 Potential solutions that utilize supplements for mitochondrial support and deficiencies. 

51:56 Managing inflammatory and joint pain in fibromyalgia.

54:42 Dietary patterns and food sensitivities that are common in patients with fibromyalgia.

56:48 Peptide therapy options for patients with fibromyalgia.

59:29 An update on long Covid and increased autoimmunity in the population at large.

1:02:48 Dr. Brady’s latest intrigue supplements, current health practices, and the need to be right all of the time that he has changed his mind about.

This episode of Conversations for Health features nurse practitioner Becky Murray.  Becky has been practicing functional medicine for over 25 years and is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board at Designs for Health. Becky practices at The Institute for Hormonal Balance and is a member of various organizations including Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), American College for the Advancement in Medicine (ACAM), Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine (AIHM), and Age Management Medicine Group (AMMG).

Becky focuses on the functions that are designed to lead to even greater health. She expounds on the three key  hormones that can sabotage weight loss goals, the importance of high quality sleep, and the personal experiences that led her away from traditional medicine and into the functional medicine approach that has changed her personal life and the lives of those she works with. 

I’m your host Evelyn Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[1:15] The most common health problems Becky encounters in her practice. 

[3:30] Dietary recommendations for blood sugar monitoring and insulin resistance. 

[7:40] The role of estrogen metabolites in optimal health. 

[12:23] Cortisol level spikes reflect stress and highlight gut health. 

[16:38] Thyroid antibodies, dietary changes, and asymptomatic diagnoses. 

[24:35] Becky’s personal experience with functional medicine. 

[25:12] Sleep disruptors including vaginal health and hormone levels. 

[28:10] Adrenal response and the importance of high quality sleep.

[32:05] Becky’s top three supplements, her personal health practices, and the traditional medicine approach that she has changed her mind about. 

Episode Resources:

Becky Murray

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health 

Blog: Berberine’s Potential to Support Heart Health and Blood Sugar Metabolism

The Association Between Stress and Hot Flashes

Blog: Dim Estrogen Dominance with DIM

Blog: Phytoestrogens to Help Diminish Mild Hot Flashes

Blog: Recent Systematic Review Investigates Relationship Between Selenium Supplementation and Ovarian Health

Blog: Selenium: Critical Support for Thyroid Function

Webinar: The Impact of Hormones in Women's Immune Health with Felice Gersh, MD

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog. 

Dr. Pedi Mirdamadi is a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor and Holistic Nutritionist specializing in Functional Medicine, practicing at Oasis Health and Medicine in San Diego. After earning his undergraduate degree from the University of Toronto, Dr. Pedi earned his Master of Science in Kinesiology at York University and became a Registered Holistic Nutritionist (RHN) at the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition. He graduated as a Naturopathic Doctor at Bastyr University California and has received training from leaders in functional medicine, the Institute of Functional Medicine and is an Institute of Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner. In our discussion, Dr. Pedi and I explore gut health, cardiometabolic health, and some business talk about his large social media following. He highlights common stress patterns that are negatively impacting digestive health, the connection between cardiovascular health and GI health, and tests, lab markers, and other considerations for Dr. Pedi’s personalized nutrition plans. He answers some of the questions he hears most frequently, including what makes a good diet, why people are sicker than ever, and the biggest overlooked issues in cardiovascular health.  He also highlights the power of social media in educating the public and reaching millions of potential patients and clients daily. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Pedi Mirdamadi - https://drpedinaturalhealth.com/about/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Designs for Health Practitioner Exclusive Drug Nutrient Depletion and Interaction Checker - https://www.designsforhealth.com/drug-nutrient-interaction/

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

The Designs for Health Podcast is produced in partnership with Podfly Productions.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro.

01:24 Rebuilding his health has been lighting Dr. Pedi up in the new year. 

2:32 Pedi journey toward practicing functional medicine began as a personal trainer. 

4:41 Common stress patterns that are negatively impacting digestive health. 

5:46 Lab findings regularly show an increasing presence of H. pylori. Dr. Pedi offers natural treatment options.

9:27 People seem to be sicker than ever before. Is it caused by a weakened GI or weakened immune issues? 

11:15 Dr. Pedi’s favorite gut health nutrients to target whole health and healing. 

13:50 Applications for post biotics including addressing leaky gut. 

14:30 The connection between cardiovascular health and GI health, and TMAO considerations. 

19:20 What does a good diet include? The answer can be both personalized and generalized. 

22:07 Lab markers and other considerations for Dr. Pedi’s personalized nutrition plans.

24:36 Addressing histamine intolerance and stabilizing mast cell response. 

26:55 Dr. Pedi’s interactions with Dr. Mimi Guarneri greatly shaped his journey as a doctor.

33:15 Clinical patterns that are found in stool testing for the GI and cardiology connection. 

34:05 Sleep apnea is one of the biggest overlooked issues in cardiovascular health. 

40:43 The connection between oral health and cardiovascular health. 

41:46 Supplement recommendations for increased cardiovascular health. 

42:16 Dr. Pedi highlights all that social media has allowed naturopathic doctors to accomplish. 

46:00 The power of consistently posting helpful marketing information on social media. 

50:08 Key lessons learned in building a business. 

52:25 Pedi’s personal favorite supplements, favorite health practices, and the approach to healing that he has changed his mind about in recent years.

Dr. Geo Espinosa is a renowned Naturopathic and Functional Medicine doctor specializing in urology and men's health. He has over two decades of experience and has provided care to thousands of men, addressing various urological and male health issues, from sexual dysfunction and low testosterone to different prostate conditions, including cancer. Leveraging natural therapeutics and integrative medicine based on rigorous clinical and scientific research, he and his team strive to offer the most up-to-date information and treatments. As a faculty member at the NYU Langone Department of Urology, Dr. Espinosa collaborates with some of the world's leading urologists. Dr. Geo is the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and formulator at the male-focused nutraceutical company XY Wellness, LLC and its sister company Mr. Happy. He is the co-founder and producer of the popular male health website, DrGeo.com, and the popular urological and male-focused podcast, The Dr. Geo Podcast. As an avid researcher and writer, Dr. Geo has authored numerous scientific papers and books, including co-editing the Integrative Sexual Health book, and author of the best-selling prostate cancer book: Thrive, Don’t Only Survive.

Together Dr. Geo and I address some of the most commonly asked questions regarding men’s health, from testosterone levels to prostate cancer prevention and the impact and potentially negative effects of testosterone replacement therapy on fertility and sperm production. Dr. Geo highlights ways to boost testosterone naturally, including nutraceuticals and lifestyle choices, and underscores the importance of recent findings from research addressing high levels of testosterone replacement therapy. He offers baseline screening advice for practitioners who are not specialized in men's health, insights into the key differences between prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and shares his approach to treating nocturia, or excessive nighttime urination. This conversation is filled with clinical pearls and insights into the world of prostate health.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Geo Espinosa - https://drgeo.com/

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Clinical Study: Geranylgeraniol Supplementation May Benefit Males With Low Testosterone - https://americanrivernutrition.com/geranylgeraniol-supplementation-may-benefit-males-with-low-testosterone-clinical-study/

Nutrition Blog: The Biochemistry of Ashwagandha - https://www.casi.org/biochemistry-of-ashwagandha

Science Update: New review demonstrates the role of ashwagandha in male infertility - https://www.casi.org/node/746

Nutrition Blog: Zinc - One of the Major Influencers of Male Fertility - https://www.casi.org/node/1109

Lifestyle Vlog: Magnesium for Men’s Health - https://www.casi.org/patient-blog/magnesium-for-men-s-health

Research Blog: Boron – Not Boring at All - https://www.casi.org/node/790

Research Blog: Natural Ways to Boost Testosterone - https://www.casi.org/natural-ways-to-boost-testosterone

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro.

02:06 Dr. Geo explains how the field of men’s health chose him and has continued to fascinate him.

05:36 An overview of the role of testosterone, how and where in the body it’s made, and common process interruption points.

08:47 Nutrients that Leydig cells need in order to effectively produce testosterone. 

10:26 Lab markers and hormones, in addition to total testosterone, that Dr. Geo looks for in a new patient.

14:12 Dr. Geo’s recommendations for clomiphene, a drug that is used to stimulate the production of testosterone.

15:58 Considerations and cautions for testosterone hormone replacement therapy and levels for SHGB and DHT.

21:41 Testosterone metabolism measurements and the utilization of DIM and chrysin to address high estrogen levels.

22:58 The impact and potentially negative effects of testosterone replacement therapy on fertility and sperm production.

29:11 Findings from research addressing high levels of testosterone replacement therapy. 

30:16 Ways to boost testosterone naturally include tonkadale, ashwagandha, and fenugreek. 

31:37 Lifestyle changes that can increase testosterone levels including improved sleep and exercise. 

35:32 Controversy around PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing for prostate health and prostate cancer screening. 

38:58 Unraveling the numbers behind PSA density, 4k scores, and IsoPSA testing when screening for prostate cancer. 

42:41 Baseline screening advice for practitioners who are not specialized in men's health. 

44:49 Dr. Geo’s advice for prostate cancer prevention through healthy lifestyle choices and formulated nutraceuticals.

52:39 Insights and key differences of prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). 

56:07 Dr. Geo’s approach to treating nocturia, or excessive nighttime urination. 

1:00:44 Nutraceutical recommendations for prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia. 

1:03:15 Dr. Geo’s changed opinion of medicines in the field of urology, his favorite personal supplements, and his favorite health practices.

Lexi Yoo is the Founder and Director of Yoo Direct Health in Indiana and is a double-board-certified nurse practitioner in the areas of family and pediatric medicine. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Purdue University and a Master’s from IUPUI as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Lexi has a particular interest in anti-aging medicine, integrative health, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, and a focus on peptide therapy. She is certified through BioTE Medical, where she is a mentor as well as a proctor. Lexi has completed all her functional medicine coursework through The Institute for Functional Medicine and has completed an Aesthetic Fellowship through the American Academy of Antiaging. She is a national speaker as well as a trainer in her areas of specialty. Lexi is also a GAIN trainer for Galderma Aesthetics. In 2022, she developed the Integrative Residency Program, where she created a virtual learning opportunity for other providers to learn about Thyroid Health, Hormone Optimization in Men and Women, Gut Health management, Peptide Therapy, and Aesthetic Medicine. In 2023 she developed the Yoo Direct Training Academy, a virtual-based platform for the like-minded provider. Lexi and I have a candid conversation about marketing longevity and achieving business growth in lasting ways. She shares key lessons she has learned about staffing, vision, creating a culture of growth and the importance of maintaining integrity in the face of success. She offers insights into her holistic approach to weight loss and longevity, details about GLP-1 receptor antagonists and other high demand treatment options that Lexi’s patients regularly ask about, and steps practitioners need to take to keep their patients healthy and happy as they navigate the journey toward longevity. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Lexi Yoo - https://www.yoodirecthealth.com/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Designs for Health Practitioner Exclusive Drug Nutrient Depletion and Interaction Checker - https://www.designsforhealth.com/drug-nutrient-interaction/

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

02:45 Lexi’s latest focus on neurotherapy offers valuable integrative therapies to her patients. 

03:20 The journey of Lexi’s business growth was both unexpected and incredibly rewarding – and included Crossfit. 

7:48 The why behind the Yoo Academy has benefitted Lexi as well as her like minded practitioner community. 

09:39 Key lessons Lexi has learned about staffing, vision, creating a culture of growth and maintaining integrity in the face of success. 

12:30 Longevity refers to both long life as well as high quality of life. Lexi works to help patients meet both of these goals. 

15:25 Key biomarkers of longevity that Lexi looks to in the total health panel. 

16:15 An overview of the standard intake visit at Yoo Direct Health. 

20:55 GLP-1 receptor antagonists and other high demand treatment options that Lexi’s patients regularly ask about. 

28:00 Considerations for patients regarding tirzepatide, semaglutide, fatty liver disease, and optimized hormones for longevity.

29:04 Pregnancy and increased fertility warnings and options for patients. 

30:32 Cycling GLP-1, refills, insulin resistance, menstrual cycles, and musical loss are all taken into consideration when optimizing patient health for longevity. 

35:24 Recommendations for carb, fat, and protein dietary intake starts with meeting the patient where they are. 

36:40 Appetite control and healthy weight loss is a matter of dosing semaglutide responsibility. 

38:27 Details about injectable growth hormones and peptides. 

40:23 A holistic approach to managing the side effects of commercially available GLP-1s. 

44:15 The future of GLP-1 includes stacked peptides and improved maintenance dosing. 

46:30 A supplemental approach to maintaining weight loss. 

47:49 Aesthetic offerings that can be added on in addition to GLP-1s, including stimulating collagen, hair restoration and acne recommendations. 

53:27 Top nutrients for healthy skin, hair and nails. 

53:53 Top personal supplements, top health practices, the idea that Lexi has changed her mind about over her years of practice, and her 5-year vision for the future of her practice.

Dr. Anthony Youn is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, anti-aging expert, and the award-winning author of The Age Fix, In Stitches, and Playing God. Known as ‘America’s Holistic Plastic Surgeon’, Dr. Youn is recognized as a leader in his field. He is the host of the public television special “The Age Fix”, and also hosts the podcast The Dr. Youn Show, He is the most followed plastic surgeon on social media with close to 15 million followers, and his new book Younger For Life is a bestseller and holistic guide to turning back the clock using the process of auto-juvenation. Dr. Youn is also the founder of The Youn beauty product line. Dr. Youn and I discuss the intersection of aesthetic medicine and wellness, nutrition for beauty, and his experience with business and social media. He shares supplement protocol recommendations to limit post-surgery complications, recommendations for nutrition integration in plastic surgery practices, and key lifestyle factors that affect accelerated skin aging. Dr. Youn also underscores the importance of helping patients avoid surgery and find self-acceptance in the face of aging. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Anthony Youn - https://www.dryoun.com/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Designs for Health Practitioner Exclusive Drug Nutrient Depletion and Interaction Checker - https://www.designsforhealth.com/drug-nutrient-interaction/

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

The Designs for Health Podcast is produced in partnership with Podfly Productions.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro.

01:24 Dr. Youn lights up when he interacts with foster dogs. 

4:04 The decision to become a plastic surgeon didn’t come immediately for Dr. Youn. 

6:18 Growing a social media following required Dr. Youn to think outside the influencer box. 

10:10 Creating high-quality, engaging content is a critical component of a successful social media platform. 

13:31 The importance of authenticity for social media success. 

15:22 Dr. Youn’s weekly schedule reflects his attempt at a healthy work-life balance. 

20:15 Forming relationships is a critical component of whole-life success. 

23:05 Dr. Youn’s trailblazing approach to combining nutrition with procedures. 

29:05 Supplement protocol recommendations to limit post-surgery complications. 

32:46 Recommendations for nutrition integration in plastic surgery practices. 

35:20 Key lifestyle factors that affect accelerated skin aging. 

38:10 Supplement recommendations to support collagen. 

43:05 Additional key supplements to support healthy aging including Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and zinc. 

45:08 Incorporating nutrition supplementation for each patient’s post-surgery protocol.

47:05 The hottest trends in aesthetics and plastic surgery and the ones Dr. Youn wishes would disappear. 

51:50 The importance of avoiding surgery and finding self-acceptance in the face of aging. 

55:35 Dr. Youn’s favorite supplements, favorite health practices, and his evolved opinion of chiropractors. 

Latisa S. Carson, M.D. is a board-certified physician in Obstetrics and Gynecology and a medical weight loss specialist and is board-certified in Obesity Medicine and is a member of the Obesity Medicine Association. She is the only female African American obstetrician-gynecologist in solo private practice in San Diego County. Her residency training was completed at Southern Illinois University, Springfield, Illinois and her internship year was spent at King/Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Carson is a University of Kansas School of Medicine graduate, from Kansas City, Kansas. She has a special interest in helping her community achieve a healthier weight and active lifestyle and offers physicians supervised, medically supported weight loss programs that include nutrition, behavior management, weight loss medication, and exercise guidance.

Together Dr. Carson and I dive into all things weight loss from GLP-1 receptors to the incredibly popular Ozempic and semaglutide compounded medicines.  Dr. Carson shares her experience with using GLP-1 receptor antagonists with her patients and offers her wisdom regarding the pillars of health that must be supported by practitioners to optimize lasting patient success.  She highlights both the negative and positive side effects associated with weight loss medicines, offers guidelines for effectively tapering off medication, and shares insights into the slow but steady functional medicine changes that are coming into traditional medicine. Her advice is both encouraging and pragmatic, and our conversation is filled with insights for any practitioner who is interested in successfully incorporating today’s hottest weight loss medications into their practice.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Chapters:

[3:18] Dr. Carson recalls her mother’s experience as a nurse, her own introduction to weight loss medicine, and her initial connection with Designs for Health.

[7:20] Defining GLP-1 and GLP-1 receptor agonists and the role of drugs including Ozempic and dual agonist drugs such as Terzepitide in obesity management.

[10:30] Key differences between brand names and semaglutide compounded medicines, as well as injected versus oral medicines.

[14:10] Semaglutide success rates, adherence rates, and average weight loss goal timelines.

[15:15] Dr. Carson’s individualized approach to dosing and titration at every stage of a weight loss journey.

[21:30] Dr. Carson’s comprehensive support program includes weekly visits, medicines, diet plans, and frequent patient engagement.

[25:35] Muscle mass loss and management of other extreme side effects and complications from these medications.

[33:42] Dr. Carson’s experience with favorable side effects in managing other addictions with these medicines.

[36:14] Guidelines for tapering off medication and successfully keeping the weight off.

[39:00] Addressing the mindset of a patient and past trauma in ways that will be most helpful.

[43:25] Dr. Carson shares her desire to integrate functional medicine into her traditional medicine OB practice earlier in her career.

[45:35] Detox pathways are a critical first step to weight loss.

[51:23] Dr. Carson shares what she has changed her mind about over the course of her career, her personal favorite supplements, and her favorite health practices.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Latisa Carson https://www.uniquelyfitmedicalweightloss.com/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Nutrition Blog: Muscle Tone Matters: The Key to Optimal Body Composition and Metabolic Health  - https://www.casi.org/muscle-tone-matters-key-optimal-body-composition-metabolic-health

Nutrition Blog: The Hidden Effects: Medications and Their Impact on Your GI Tract - https://www.casi.org/medications-and-their-impact-on-gi-tract

Research Blog: Influence of Probiotics on Weight Management in Obesity - https://www.casi.org/node/1557

Research Blog: The Stomach-Brain Axis: Hunger’s Not All in the Mind - https://www.casi.org/node/971

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Dr. Michael Jurgelewicz is the Director of Product Development, Research, and Clinical Support for Designs for Health, Inc., and has been studying nutrition and wellness for the past 17 years. He is a licensed Doctor of Chiropractic in Pennsylvania and Connecticut and is an adjunct professor for the Master of Science in Human Nutrition program at the University of Bridgeport as well as Sonoran University of Health Sciences. He is board-certified in Nutrition by the American Clinical Board of Nutrition, a Diplomate of the Chiropractic Board of Clinical Nutrition, and Certified Nutrition Specialist, and a Doctor of Chiropractic. He is also a member of the American Clinical Board of Nutrition’s Item Writer’s Committee and a contributor to various professional publications. In addition, Dr. Jurgelewicz specializes in functional medicine in the management of a variety of chronic health conditions.

Together Dr. Jurgelewicz and I discuss autoimmune disease treatments, the third most common cause of chronic illness in women, with functional medicine. He highlights the most common autoimmune diseases, the health stage at which many patients come to work with him, and what he expects from patients from their very first interactions to optimize success. He shares probable outcomes with optimized vitamin levels and dosing preferences for his patients, his autoimmunity supplements preferences, and the rate at which he treats patients with gut-healing herbs and nutrients. As a key player in the development team at Designs for Health, he offers an overview of each phase of his treatment strategy, shares exciting developments in the field of autoimmune research, and underscores some of his all-time favorite product and technology developments in the world of autoimmune research and development.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Michael Jurgelewicz 

Clinical Trial: Vitamin D and marine omega 3 fatty acid supplementation and incident autoimmune disease: VITAL randomized controlled trial

Vitamin D inhibits monocyte/macrophage proinflammatory cytokine production by targeting MAPK phosphatase-1

Review: An Update on the Effects of Vitamin D on the Immune System and Autoimmune Diseases

Clinical Trial: Magnesium status and supplementation influence vitamin D status and metabolism: results from a randomized trial

The influence of omega-3 supplementation on vitamin D levels in humans: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Science Update: Recent Trial Investigates Potential Link Between Vitamin D, PUFAs, and Autoimmunity

Science Update: Pilot Study Explores Immunomodulatory Actions of Selenium and Vitamin D for Thyroid Health

Science Update: New study demonstrates selenium reduces antibody levels in Hashimoto’s patients

Science Update: New review demonstrates the role of dietary supplements in thyroid conditions

Nutrition Blog: Micronutrients to Support the Autoimmune Response

Research Blog: The Immune Supportive Properties of Mushrooms

Nutrition Blog: The Versatility of Nigella (Black Cumin) Seeds

Nutrition Blog: The Immune Support of Andrographis

Research Blog: Serum-derived Bovine Immunoglobulins and Gut Barrier Function

Educational Webinar - The Thyroid Reboot with Justin Marchegiani

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

02:30 Michael shares his journey into nutrition and the need for his work with autoimmune disease.

04:53 The most common autoimmune diseases and the health stage at which many patients come to work with Dr. Jurgelewicz.

09:14 Standard procedures and lab tests for patients with positive ANA antibodies.

14:29 Dr. Jurgelewicz shares ideal Omega 3 index and Vitamin D levels and probable outcomes with optimized levels.

20:35 Dosing preferences for patients with low Vitamin D levels and supplement recommendations for stimulators versus modulators.

28:48 Ideal levels for thyroid antibody recommendations and testing guidelines.

32:57 Dr. Jurgelewicz shares his preferences for autoimmunity supplements including medicinal mushrooms, black cumin seed oil, and Andrographis.

37:49 The rate at which Dr. Jurgelewicz is treating patients with gut-healing herbs and nutrients.

40:02 A closer look at the role of immunoglobulins in optimal gut health from a treatment perspective.

42:31 An overview of each phase of Dr. Jurgelewicz’s treatment strategy and the supplements and dietary restrictions he recommends at each stage.

50:20 Exciting developments in the field of autoimmune research including targeted therapies and antibody testing.

53:26 Dr. Jurgelewicz shares his top supplements, favorite health practices, and the testing approach that he has changed his mind about in recent years.

59:28 A bonus question - Dr. Jurgelewicz reveals his favorite product and technology developments at Designs for Health.

Dr. Chris D’Adamo is an epidemiologist with expertise in the synergistic effects of healthy lifestyles, environmental exposures, and genetics on human health and wellness. He received his PhD in epidemiology, is the Director of the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and is on the Scientific Advisory Board at Designs for Health. 

Together we explore key differences in clinical trials in the pharma and natural product spaces, the benefits of third-party testing, and the many challenges of getting natural product studies approved.  Dr. Chris highlights his preferred supplements and lifestyle practices, offers advice to help practitioners guide their patients in supplement usage, and details the underrated, research-identified supplements that should be implemented in more diets for optimal health. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[1:20] The current state and challenges of natural products research.

[3:00] Common hurdles to getting studies approved by the Institutional Review Board.

[4:36] The impact of the Dietary Health and Supplementation Act (DSHEA) on identifying supplements as regulated food, not drugs.

[5:15] Key differences between clinical trials in pharma and the natural product space.

[6:55] Funding studies and the standard cost of IND trials.

[8:26] Tactics for more effectively evaluating the findings of clinical trials.

[11:00] Accounting for the genetic and dietary factors that affect the whole health of patients in research.

[13:07] Chris shares advice for practitioner considerations when choosing a dietary supplement.

[14:36] Resources for practitioners to help patients make informed decisions about supplement usage.

[16:32] Top underrated supplements based on research that has demonstrated effectiveness.

[21:44] Major nutrient deficiencies that are commonly identified in the research include Vitamin D and magnesium.

[23:17] Reasons that doctors and insurance have stopped covering Vitamin D testing and treatments.

[25:18] Research-backed facts addressing the dangers and benefits of protein intake in humans and animals.

[30:13] Chris highlights his personal favorite supplements, his research on collagen, and his favorite health practices.

[35:48] The importance of nasal breathing and other practices Chris has changed his mind about.

Episode Resources:

Chris D’Adamo

DSHEA

Clinical Trial Registration

Examine

Mytavin

The NIH Glucosamine/Chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT)

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Blog: Effects of Creatine on Brain Health and Function

Blog: L-Carnitine for Energy Production and Beyond

Blog: Creatine – Benefits Beyond Exercise

Blog: Applications of the Antioxidant, Astaxanthin

Blog: Research Review: Glucosamine and Chondroitin in Osteoarthritis

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

Dr. Jessica Drummond, DCN, CNS, PT, NBC-HWC, is the founder and CEO of The Integrative Women’s Health Institute, The Outsmart Endo Health Coaching Program, and the creator of the Women’s Health Coach Certification.  She is passionate about caring for and empowering people who struggle with women’s and pelvic health concerns. She is equally passionate about educating and supporting clinicians and wellness professionals in confidently and safely using integrative tools to transform women’s and pelvic healthcare.  Dr. Drummond has two decades of clinical experience as a licensed physical therapist, licensed clinical nutritionist, and board-certified health coach working with women with pelvic pain, including endometriosis, vulvodynia, and bladder pain syndrome.  She brings a unique, conservative, and integrative approach to supporting women to overcome hormonal imbalances and chronic pain conditions. She is a sought-after international speaker on topics such as integrative pelvic pain management, natural fertility options, optimal hormone health, menopause, and female athlete nutrition.  Dr. Drummond was educated at the University of Virginia, Emory University, Duke Integrative Medicine, and Maryland University of Integrative Health.

Together Dr. Jessica and I discuss pelvic pain conditions, including endometriosis, and her journey with long COVID. She highlights the signs that indicate pelvic pain is more serious than period pain and shares what screening steps to take next to achieve optimal women's health from the earliest stage. She shares resources for supporting women’s health and increasing endometriosis education from school age, defines the relationship of endometriosis, hysterectomies, and fertility, and underscores the importance of starting with the nervous system in healing pelvic pain. She also shares her experience with long COVID as a practitioner and details how her own journey has changed her approach to helping patients heal. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Jessica Drummond - https://integrativewomenshealthinstitute.com/

Endo What? - https://endowhat.com/

Below the Belt Film - https://www.belowthebelt.film/

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Nutrition Blog: Clinical Studies Investigate the Role of Micronutrients to Support Menstrual Comfort - https://www.casi.org/clinical-studies-micronutrients-support-menstrual-comfort

Science Update: Review Explores Role of Micronutrients, Antioxidative Status, and Endometrial Health - https://www.casi.org/role-micronutrients-antioxidative-status-endometrial-health

Science Update: Recent Review Explores Relationship Between Pain Perception and the Gut Microbiome - https://www.casi.org/node/1567

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro.

02:16 How common is pelvic pain and what does it encompass? 

7:14 Jessica’s background and the career milestones that led her to work with women’s pelvic health.

10:15 Signs that pelvic pain is more serious than period pain and what screening steps to take next. 

16:00 Resources for supporting women’s health and increasing endometriosis education from school age. 

20:55 The ‘terrible triplets’ of common syndromes that can be addressed by a functional nutrition practitioner can assess for. 

22:48 Diagnosing endometriosis at every age of a woman’s life, and the relationship of endometriosis, hysterectomies, and fertility. 

28:35 The importance of starting with the nervous system in healing pelvic pain. 

32:52 Symptoms and causes of endometriosis, genetic SNPs, and optimizing valve functions. 

35:24 Endometriosis surgery requirements, preparations, effectiveness, and recovery.

39:55 Nervous system regulation through effective supplements and physical practices. 

44:19 Digestive support and supplements to assist endometriosis healing. 

46:05 Jessica’s experience and lessons learned from long COVID as a practitioner. 

54:36 Lifestyle and supplement tools that proved helpful to Jessica through long COVID. 

1:06:45 Demographics of long COVID risks and sufferers. 

1:07:45 Jessica’s supplement list, favorite health practices, and the approach to patients that she has changed her mind about over the years. 

Dr. Lara Zakaria is an integrative pharmacist, nutritionist, professor, and public health professional specializing in Functional Medicine. A graduate of the Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy, at Rutgers University, she spent 20 years in community pharmacy practice. After developing an interest in nutrition, she earned a MS in Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport and subsequently qualified as a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS) as well as an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner (IFMCP). Lara currently practices as part of a multi-disciplinary Functional Medicine practice and supervises a professional mentorship program for nutrition and FxMed. Lara is passionate about prevention and reversal of metabolic and autoimmune disease and working with pharmacy professionals to leverage their unique expertise in medication management, drug-drug/drug-nutrient interactions, and genomics to optimize patient medical and nutritional programs.

Together Lara and I discuss the role of the independent pharmacist; drug nutrient interactions and depletions; and Lara’s passion about the prevention and reversal of metabolic allergic and autoimmune disease as well as her passion for teaching about the practical application of nutrition and supplements into community pharmacy practice. We explore ideas for providing foundational support for patients, including personalization offerings and consultations; the critical need to evolve and change the way that pharmacy is done while still meeting the needs of patients; and the impressive herbal medicine research findings from a global, cultural and historical perspective that support the work of both pharmacists and functional medicine nutritionists. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Lara Zakaria - https://larazakaria.com/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Designs for Health Practitioner Exclusive Drug Nutrient Depletion and Interaction Checker - https://www.designsforhealth.com/drug-nutrient-interaction/

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

04:15 Lara’s transition from major retailer pharmacist to a community pharmacy to functional medicine and nutrition. 

09:45 Lara’s pharmacy background provides the ideal groundwork for her focus on herbalism and supplements. 

13:17 Implementing the practical application of nutrition and supplements in community pharmacy practice. 

18:04 Ideas for providing foundational support for patients, including personalization offerings and consultations.

22:27 Generalized billing clarification regarding collaboration. 

23:49 Key changes regarding insurance reimbursement with third-party payers. 

27:18 The critical need to evolve and change the way that pharmacy is done while still meeting the needs of patients.

28:34 Details of drug nutrient interactions, depletions and supportive interaction checkers. 

34:10 Addressing the myths of the supplement industry in favor of being productively critical and supportive of clinically relevant research. 

39:01 Herbal medicine research findings from a global, cultural and historical perspective. 

44:13 Lara’s teaching and volunteer work centers around a holistic and integrative approach to pharmacology. 

46:15 Lara’s work on the board of the Ocular Wellness and Nutrition Society. 

49:01 Connecting with Dr. Lara and resources for pharmacists who want to learn more about functional medicine specific to their profession.

51:42 Lara’s personal favorite supplements, top health practices to stay balanced, and the idea that she has changed her mind about in recent years.

Welcome To Conversations for Health

This episode of Conversations for Health features Dr. Mark Menolascino, the Medical Director of the Meno Clinic – Center for Functional Medicine. He has over 35 years of healthcare experience, is Board Certified as an Internal Medicine Specialist, Board Certified in Holistic Medicine and in Advanced Hormone Management and Anti-Aging Medicine. He additionally has a Master’s Degree in Pharmacology and Immunology, part of the Heart Disease Reversal Team with Dr. Dean Ornish.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States, and in our conversation, Dr. Menolascino highlights the key differentiators regarding women’s cardiovascular health from men’s health. He expounds on the importance of both primary and secondary prevention and highlights valuable testing recommendations, dietary supplementations, and the importance of lifestyle choices in actively preventing heart disease. 

I’m your host Evelyn Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[1:50] Key differentiators regarding women’s cardiovascular health.

[4:02] Major signs that indicate heart disease and distress or failure.

[6:15] Heart attack prevention tests, including LP(a) and small dense LpL levels.

[13:35] The importance of cardiovascular testing and functional stress tests.

[18:54] Physician recommendations for key testing frequency and age milestones.

[26:26] Information that is gathered from heart testing and what physicians do with it.

[28:31] LP(a) treatment, supplements and interventions.

[34:53] The impact of lowering cholesterol and other markers.

[38:03] Dr. Mark’s nutraceutical recommendations for supplementing healthy lifestyle choices.

[42:05] General recommendations for personalized precision medicine practices.

[46:05] Diet principles for cardiovascular health include organic red meat and gluten.

[50:43] Women’s health hormones as they relate to cardiovascular risk.

[54:15] Dr. Mark’s favorite supplement, personal health practices, and the medicine usage he has changed his mind about.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Mark Menolascino

Heart Solution for Women: A Proven Program to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease by Dr. Mark Menolascino

Medical Journal: The Histological Basis of Frank’s Sign

PubMed: Corneal arcus as coronary artery disease risk factor

Medical Journal: Efficacy of alternate day versus daily dosing of rosuvastatin

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health 

Blog: New Research Finds Powerful Link Between Type 2 Diabetes and Women’s Risk for Heart Disease

Blog: Recent Study Explores Potential Role of Nutraceuticals in Supporting Healthy Cholesterol Metabolism

Blog: Nitric Oxide – Say Yes to “NO”

Blog: Recent Review Investigates Potential Link Between Cardiovascular Health, Inflammation, and the Gut Microbiome

Blog: Rhamnan Sulfate to Support the Endothelial Glycocalyx

Blog: The Latest on CoQ10: Supporting Heart Health and Beyond

Blog: Recent Randomized Controlled Trial Investigated Potential Link Between Selenium, CoQ10, and Cardiovascular Health

Blog: Support Foundational Health with Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Blog: Methylated Folate for Normal Homocysteine Status

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog. 

Austin Perlmutter, M.D., is a board-certified internal medicine physician and New York Times bestselling author. He is an expert in brain health, neuroinflammation, immunometabolism, and neuroplasticity. He received his medical degree from the University of Miami and completed his internal medicine residency at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Oregon. His focus is in helping others to improve decision-making and quality of life. He is also interested in methods of understanding and reducing burnout in the medical field. He is the co-author of Brain Wash. He is the host of the podcast Get The STUCK Out, where he examines things that keep us stuck through open minded questions and conversations. In our conversation, Dr. Perlmutter and I examine various reasons that a person’s decision making can be biased by their biology in unhealthy ways, and what can be done about it. Practitioners who are facing clients who are noncompliant will benefit from listening to his explanation of the mechanisms of the connection between brain and systemic inflammation and the pathways that are involved in the blood-brain barrier, systemic immunity and the brain. We also explore common triggers and solutions of neuroinflammation, especially sleep deprivation, the effects of polyphenols in the context of immunometabolism, and the effects of smoke and air pollution, sedentary behavior, alcohol and sugar consumption on brain health. Dr. Perlmutter’s insights clearly highlight his passion for educating people about the reasons that lifestyle medicine not only matters, but is critical to brain health and longevity.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Austin Perlmutter - https://www.austinperlmutter.com/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Designs for Health Practitioner Exclusive Drug Nutrient Depletion and Interaction Checker - https://www.designsforhealth.com/drug-nutrient-interaction/

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

The Designs for Health Podcast is produced in partnership with Podfly Productions

Chapters:

00:00 Intro.

01:50 Dr. Perlmutter is passionate about the substantial preventions and improvements breakthroughs in preventive health.

4:34 Austin’s father Dr. David Perlmutter’s career influenced, but didn’t entirely dictate his writing and medical career path.

10:01 Is decision making based on psychology or biology? Dr. Perlmutter explains.

14:30 Sleep is the number one action that can positively or negatively impact brain function.

17:40 The mechanisms of the connection between brain and systemic inflammation.

23:02 Pathways that are involved in the blood-brain barrier, systemic immunity and the brain.

29:51 Common triggers and solutions of neuroinflammation, especially sleep deprivation.

36:06 Dedicated stress relief practices including meditation, movement, decreased screen time seeking professional health, and dietary changes.

42:20 The benefits of utilizing a continuous glucose monitor.

43:20 The effects of polyphenols in the context of immunometabolism.

51:30 Overt signals that alcohol consumption is creating a risk for brain health.

54:24 Sedentary behavior dramatically increases the risk for brain issues, these tactics will counter its effects.

58:10 Smoke and air pollutants as a driver of microglial activation and needed action steps.

1:10:45 Tactics for improving air quality in the home.

1:12:40 Top personal supplements, top health practices, and the muscle health priority that Dr. Perlmutter has changed his mind about.

Jen Donovan is a gut-brain axis specialist who completely rebuilt her life and career as a result of her experience with severe chronic illness. Jen has diverse and comprehensive training including a master’s of science in family therapy, a Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises certification, a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner certification, and a Gut and Psychology Syndrome certification. She is also the author of Rebuild Yourself: Whole Body Practices to Heal Your Brain and Your Nervous System. Through her personal and professional journey, Jen has developed Six Support Protocols to provide a clear, structured, evidence-based, and all-encompassing approach to addressing gut-brain axis neurological issues and finding a thriving life again.

In our conversation, we explore Jen’s healing journey from Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, her work with clients on trauma release and nervous system regulation, and how she works with clients with complex chronic illnesses.  She shares the series of chronic health challenges that led her to change careers and subsequently prove herself wrong about mental health challenges.  She highlights effective nervous system regulation practices, nutrients and supplements that can manage histamine symptoms and nervous system regulation, effective somatic experiencing and shaking exercises, and tactics for practitioners to set realistic timelines that will help patients find success in their healing journey.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Jen Donovan - https://wholebodyhealingwithjen.com/

Jen’s Book - https://www.amazon.com/Rebuild-Yourself-Practices-Nervous-System/dp/B0BRZ1R49C/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Research Blog: Stinging Nettle: A Potent Herb to Support Immune Health - https://www.casi.org/stinging-nettle-support-immune-health

Nutrition Blog: Clinical Studies Investigate the Role of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in Mood Health - https://www.casi.org/role-of-lactobacillus-and-bifidobacterium-in-mood-health

Research Blog: Spotlight on Benfotiamine - https://www.casi.org/node/640

Science Blog: How the Gut-Brain Axis May Play a Role in Certain Neuropsychiatric Disorders - https://www.casi.org/node/1495

Research Blog: The Relationship Between Histamine Intolerance and Gastrointestinal Health - https://www.casi.org/relationship-between-histamine-intolerance-and-gastrointestinal-health

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro.

03:44 A series of chronic health challenges led Jen to change careers and prove herself wrong about mental health challenges.

05:21 The symptoms that led Jen to a diagnosis and a root cause approach to healing chronic health issues.

09:17 Seeking answers for herself led Jen to the world of natural health options.

12:54 The incorrect association between the physical and mental symptoms of the gut-brain axis and mast cell disorders.

14:32 Although Jen was finding answers, she didn’t immediately start implementing new information into her practice.

15:55 Two years of healing included several aspects of natural healing and advanced somatic nervous system regulation techniques.

19:30 Nervous system regulation practices that Jen has implemented into her work with patients, including allowing shaking when the body demands it.

25:47 Shaking exercises for stress management and stimulation of the neurogenic tremor response from the brain stem.

28:55 Somatic experiencing includes much more than simply noticing sounds and colors.

35:32 Jen’s dietary recommendations and tactics for empowering patients to stick with a restricted GAPS diet.

42:33 Dietary timelines for adding new foods while balancing the gut microbiome.

47:17 Setting realistic patient expectations for a years-long timeline for healing.

51:19 Jen recommends nutrients and supplements that help manage histamine symptoms and nervous system regulation.

57:50 The importance of building muscle mass and addressing posture in healing.

1:00:00 The structure of Jen’s business is designed to meet the needs of every type of patient.

1:02:40 Jen’s favorite supplements, top personal well-being practices, and the fad-following ideas she has changed her mind about in her years of practice.

Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP is an internationally acclaimed thyroid specialist and licensed pharmacist who has dedicated her career to addressing the root causes of autoimmune thyroid disease, fatigue and mystery illnesses after being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in 2009. She is the author of the New York Times best-selling patient guide Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause, the #1 New York Times best-selling protocol-based book Hashimoto’s Protocol: A 90-Day Plan for Reversing Thyroid Symptoms and Getting Your Life Back, Hashimoto's Food Pharmacology: Nutrition Protocols and Healing Recipes to Take Charge of Your Thyroid Health, and Adrenal Transformation Protocol: A 4-Week Plan to Release Stress Symptoms and Go from Surviving to Thriving. Together we discuss the experiences that led her to write about Hashimoto’s and the adrenal protocol. She highlights the importance of shifting the stress response when supporting adrenals, the value of building resilience over avoiding stressors altogether, and the connection between adrenal dysfunction and thyroid health. Dr. Wentz touches on a myriad of details about HPA Axis Dysfunction, including balancing adrenals, testing options, the connection between adrenal dysfunction and thyroid health, and the success rates she has seen as she has dedicated her work to helping patients heal from Hashimoto’s. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Izabella Wentz - https://thyroidpharmacist.com/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Designs for Health Practitioner Exclusive Drug Nutrient Depletion and Interaction Checker - https://www.designsforhealth.com/drug-nutrient-interaction/

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro.

02:45 Dr. Wentz’s diagnosis with Hashimoto's led her to write books that have helped suffering people around the world. 

06:15 The importance of shifting the stress response when supporting adrenals. 

08:34 Are patterns of dysfunction unavoidable as life and career stressors mount? 

11:02 The value of building resilience over avoiding stressors altogether. 

12:09 Adrenal fatigue and HPA Axis Dysfunction terminology has changed over time, but the importance of providing options to patients has remained the same. 

14:17 The role of hormones and concerns about their side effects. 

17:43 Coffee, wine and sleep may not be the reason a patient is sick, rather they may be self-medicating attempts to balance adrenals. 

19:35 Testing options, including the adrenal salivary index and the Dutch test. 

21:25 The connection between adrenal dysfunction and thyroid health. 

23:25 Key chronic stressors that cause adrenal dysfunction issues. 

25:00 Dr. Wentz weighs in on the ABC’s – adaptogens, B vitamins and Vitamin C – as the most important areas to address from the supplement front. 

28:49 Dr. Wentz’s typical approach to the Hashimoto’s patient is looking for symptom management versus total reversal. 

32:43 How long does it take to get a reduction in thyroid antibodies? 

35:12 What does realistic weight loss look like when coupled with Hashimoto’s? 

37:40 Exercise recommendations for people with HPA Axis Dysfunction. 

40:00 Modalities for improving psychological safety. 

42:35 Dr. Wentz shares her personal favorite adaptogens and how they have helped her. 

45:20 The autoimmune paleo-protocol is often a temporary elimination rather than a lifelong change. 

48:20 Details of the ultimate gut reaction study and Dr. Wentz’s husband’s experience with hemochromatosis. 

52:40 Top personal supplements, top health practices, and the idea that Dr. Wentz has changed her mind about over her years of practice.

Laura Frontiero, FNP-BC, has served thousands of patients as a Nurse Practitioner over the last 22 years. Her work in the health industry marries both traditional and functional medicine.

Laura’s wellness programs help her high-performing clients boost energy, renew mental focus, feel great in their bodies, and be productive again. She believes that to create optimal wellness we need to identify and clear the root causes of our health problems first, usually toxins and chronic infections, then eliminate inflammation, and restore gut and mitochondria health. In addition to clinical medicine, Laura is a Master Leadership Trainer who has mentored hundreds of students on shifting mindset and being responsible for their health. Her mission is to help them navigate the myths in modern medicine, eliminate negative self-limiting beliefs, remove toxins from the body, and restore health for peak performance.

Together Laura and I explore clinical and business topics, including building an audience, scaling a business up, optimizing supplement sales, and gut repair, dietary changes, and supplement recommendations. As someone who successfully 4Xed her business in one year, Laura openly shares the business tactics, numbers, and strategies she has employed as a nurse practitioner turned functional health consultant.  She highlights the triumphs and struggles of becoming a business owner and reflects on the impact that she now has on helping people around the world get results that work.  Laura also reveals the missing pieces to find the true root cause of nutrient deficiencies, including chronic hidden infections and toxins, and offers valuable advice and insights for patients, practitioners, business owners, and anyone ready to make lasting changes toward a healthier lifestyle.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[2:34] Laura highlights her transition from Kaiser to the fulfilling work that she offers clients today.

[5:40] Building a successful business starts with offering high-ticket, high-commitment coaching.

[8:03] Laura shares real numbers for her private health coaching and functional lab testing services.

[9:52] Transitioning into the group model, for Laura, was the critical next step for scaling her business.

[16:25] Webinars, seminars, and other strategies for building an audience and attracting high-quality clientele.

[21:50] The danger of perfectionism in building a business that effectively serves others.

[22:58] A profile of Laura’s ideal avatar, or person she is speaking to, and how she crafts her message directly to them.

[26:20] Adopting a mindset that allows you to give away your knowledge and concepts without giving away your proprietary formula.

[32:11] Guidelines for determining how to reinvest back into your business at every stage.

[38:55] The critical role of a top-caliber customer service team as your business scales.

[42:50] Selling between $100,000 and $200,000 of supplements per month is easy when people are getting optimal results.

[44:25] Tremendous results start with identifying the true root cause of health problems that were stealing nutrients.

[47:20] GI map testing, toxin testing, and gut health repair steps that Laura takes to prompt the body back toward health.

[49:20] Top supplements that Laura utilizes to promote gut and mitochondrial health.

[55:30] Laura’s favorite supplements and health practices to combat stress, toxins, and sleep disruptions.

Episode Resources:

Laura Frontiero

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

Dr. Robert Bonakdar is the Director of Pain Management at the Scripps Center for Integrative Medicine and a member of the Scripps Green Hospital Pain Management and Physician Wellness Committees.  He also serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine and is the current president of the American Academy of Pain Management. After completing his family medicine residency he completed a fellowship in integrative medicine at Scripps Clinic with a focus on integrative pain management.  He has additionally completed the UCLA Acupuncture Course for Physicians and a Richter Fellowship in Southeast Asia, where he studied acupuncture, Tai Chi, and mind-body practices. His clinical and research interests include integrative approaches to chronic disease management with a focus on pain management and metabolic disease.

Together Dr. Robert and I examine all things migraine.  From the most common triggers and demographics of main sufferers to the importance of education as a tool to help patients combat migraines, Dr. Robert shares a host of information that practitioners can use to empower their patients.  He shares a wide variety of supplements and dietary recommendations that can be used in treatment and underscores the importance of optimizing eye health, prioritizing exercise, limiting caffeine, and other pearls of proactive care for optimal migraine and pain management.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Robert Bonakdar - https://www.scripps.org/physicians/5903-robert-bonakdar

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Research Blog: Predictors of Progression to Chronic Migraine - https://www.casi.org/node/1235

Nutrition Blog: New Ways to Think About CoQ10 Supplementation - https://www.casi.org/node/1362

Nutrition Blog: Topical Uses for Magnesium - https://www.casi.org/node/1389

Research Blog: Ginger for Healthy Muscle Recovery - https://www.casi.org/ginger-for-healthy-muscle-recovery

Educational Webinar: Modernizing Migraine Care: Innovations in Migraine Management - https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-education/library/webinar/modernizing-migraine-care-innovations-in-migraine-management

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro.

02:26 Dr. Robert recalls the experiences that first piqued his interest in integrative pain management. 

3:47 Key differentiators between tension headaches and migraines and the hormonal connection to women sufferers.

6:01 Drugs that are commonly used for migraines and concerns about their mechanisms of action.

9:16 Compounds that routinely affect the gut and brain in accentuating headaches and natural approaches that work for migraines.

11:50 Hormones, cycles, and life events that have the greatest impact on headaches, and genetic SNPs that are connected to headaches.

13:55 The role of central sensitization in pain management for headaches.

16:51 Supplement treatment and dosing for common micronutrient deficiencies that trigger headaches.

24:33 Dietary recommendations that are beneficial in treating migraines and Dr. Robert’s approach to common food sensitivities.

30:38 Overconsumption of caffeine is a common migraine trigger; Dr. Robert offers suggestions on appropriate servings.

32:44 Ketogenic dietary considerations, timelines, and recommendations.

34:55 Compounds, supplements, and herbs that Dr. Robert regularly recommends for migraine treatment.

40:10 The correlation between eye health and migraines, and acute herbal supplement recommendation.

43:10 The power of educating patients about migraines in addition to offering remedies and treatments.

45:12 Dr. Robert’s personal favorite supplements, top wellness practices, and the leaky gut link to migraines that he has changed his mind about.

This episode of Conversations for Health features Gray Area Drinking expert Jolene Park.  Jolene stopped drinking in 2014 and has studied the functional impact of food, emotions, environments, and movement in relationship to our physical bodies, which she speaks about in her TED talk about gray area drinking. She founded Healthy Discoveries in 2001 and created Craving Brain private coaching for individuals, the Sober Choice online course for the public, and the NOURISH Method training program for coaches and healthcare practitioners who would like to specialize in Gray Area Drinking Coaching.

In our conversation, Jolene addresses the key characteristics of gray area drinking. She offers tactics for practitioners who are supporting patients and clients as they evaluate their alcohol intake, including the questions to ask patients that will quickly and accurately assess their alcohol consumption. She highlights her personal experience with quitting alcohol, the supplements that helped her through the process, and the positive impact that sobriety has had on her health. Jolene offers resources, information, and encouragement for practitioners as they guide patients through gray area drinking toward a healthier lifestyle.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[2:15] Jolene defines gray area drinking as the space between two extremes of drinking.

[4:17] Alcohol use disorder varies from alcoholism in one very specific way.

[6:24] Tactics for quickly identifying patients as gray area drinkers.

[8:54] Key risk factors that contribute to drinking alcohol include stress in relationships, work, or sleep.

[12:05] Inappropriate advice about stress management and alcohol recommendations from therapists.

[15:38] Jolene’s personal experience with quitting alcohol consumption.

[19:00] 80% of Jolene’s clients are healthcare experts including therapists, naturopaths and nutritionists, and doctors.

[20:40] The physiological response to alcohol intake and comparable substitution options.

[25:00] The biggest change that Jolene has seen in her own health since abstaining from alcohol.

[27:04] A comprehensive approach to supporting gray area drinkers in their non-drinking journey.

[30:09] Supporting healthy neurotransmitters with nutrients and supplements.

[33:10] The negative impact of alcohol on perimenopause and menopausal women.

[35:00] Nutrient recommendations including inositol and Jolene’s favorite herbs for anxiety support.

[37:15] Additional tools including Dr. Braverman’s personality questionnaire and tactics for living sober in an alcohol prominent environment.

[44:33] Making connections between anxiety, overall health, and drinking alcohol.

[47:28] Reframing the decision not to drink in a way that makes you feel empowered.

[49:20] Jolene’s personal favorite supplements, favorite health practices, and her new opinion on beans.

[55:00] Jolene’s practitioner training program and resources for practitioners who want to guide patients through gray area drinking.

Episode Resources:

Jolene Park

Gray Area Drinkers

Gray Area Drinking TED Talk

Dr. Braverman’s Personality Questionnaire

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Blog: Alcohol and Nutrient Depletion

Blog: Impacts of Stress, Sleep, and Loneliness on Immune and Mental Health

Blog: GABA, Tyrosine, and Taurine: Amino Acids to Support a Healthy Mood

Blog: Recent Review Explores Potential Link Between Inositol and Mood Health

Blog: Lemon Balm and Its Many Uses

Blog: April Showers Bring May Flowers

Blog: The Calming Properties of L-Theanine

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

This episode of Conversations for Health features The Fertility Expert Dr. Marc Sklar. Dr. Marc is a natural fertility expert who has been helping couples get pregnant for 20 years and his mission is to help couples feel confident about their fertility journey. Reproductive Wellness is his clinic in San Diego and he also offers online fertility coaching as the creator of Fertility TV on YouTube.  Marc is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, trained at the Harvard Medical School Mind/Body Medical Institute, and is a Fellow of the Acupuncture and TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine.

In our conversation, Dr. Marc addresses the challenges of infertility for both women and men, including the environmental and internal factors that are increasingly impacting fertility. He highlights his standard testing and nutrient recommendations as well as the importance of focusing on gut health and improved diet and movement as a complement to all treatments. Dr. Marc shares the hope of turning every unique infertility story into a successful pregnancy and offers his encouraging advice for anyone who has been facing the frustrations of infertility.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[2:18] Dr. Marc reflects on the first pregnancy that he helped make possible.

[4:30] Key reasons for the rise in today’s increasing numbers of infertility issues.

[8:22] First steps in assessing female infertility, including lab tests and individualized first treatments.

[13:22] Common toxins that Dr. Marc finds in environmental and toxin panels.

[15:30] Next steps in addressing the findings from a health history workup.

[19:45] The value of focusing on gut health and detox in working toward a successful pregnancy.

[21:50] Male factors in attempted pregnancy account for 50% of infertility issues.

[25:58] Changing male parameters of sperm count limits, DNA fragmentation, and age limits.

[32:27] Dr. Marc’s generalized advice for men to help increase sperm count.

[36:12] Nutrient recommendations from Dr. Marc to help enhance male fertility.

[39:20] Diet and lifestyle are essential first conversations before Dr. Marc recommends supplements.

[40:12] Research findings surrounding NAD, NMN, FSH, and AMH for older women.

[47:03] The hope that Dr. Marc sees in each of his fertility stories regardless of the specifics.

[51:52] Recommendations for high-quality female supplements and hormones.

[53:33] The impact of glucose metabolism as it impacts fertility.

[55:20] Dr. Marc’s personal supplement favorites, health practices, and the misconceptions that he has changed his mind about.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Marc Sklar

Fertility TV

The Fertility Expert on TikTok

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Blog: Fertility Facts

Blog: Lifestyle, A Factor in Fertility?

Blog: How Environmental Toxins Affect Offspring

Blog: Endocrine Disruptors in Infertility

Clinical Protocol: Female Fertility

Clinical Protocol: Male Fertility

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

Dr. Rudrani Banik is a Board-certified Ophthalmologist, fellowship-trained Neuro-Ophthalmologist, and Functional Medicine expert. She is fully trained in ophthalmic surgery and Botox, and she has a special interest in treating headaches and migraine. Dr. Banik manages a wide spectrum of conditions affecting vision, as well as the complex connections between the eye and brain. She graduated with a B.A with Honors and M.D. from Brown University. She trained in Internal Medicine at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami, followed by Ophthalmology at the University of California, Irvine, and Neuro-Ophthalmology at the Wilmer Eye Institute at Johns Hopkins. Dr. Banik is the founder of Envision Health NYC, a private practice based on the Upper East Side in New York City, and is an Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine. Dr. Banik brings more than 20 years of experience and extensive knowledge of the eye and brain, combined with a holistic approach, to her own practice.

Together Dr. Rani and I explore the role that functional medicine plays in achieving optimal eye health.  She offers updates on the latest research, shares vitamin recommendations, and highlights the importance of eye exams in understanding overall body health. Rani answers the questions that she hears most often from her patients, including the effectiveness of blue light-blocking glasses, eye drop recommendations, and warnings, and how to meet the daily requirements of natural plant foods in a healthy diet. She also covers the research, food, and supplement recommendations for popular antioxidants and bioflavonoids and offers key talking points for practitioners to engage their patients in optimal eye health.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Rani Banik

Lutemax 2020 Science Overview

Iris: Blue light filter and eye protection software

Age-Related Eye Disease Studies (AREDS/AREDS2)

Designs for Health

Science Update: Recent Review Explores Relationship Between Eye Health and Nutrients to Support Antioxidative Status

Science Update: Recent Review Investigates Eye Aging and Supporting Antioxidative Status

Nutrition Blog: Eye Health Effects of Vitamin E Tocotrienols

Nutrition Blog: Nutritional Support for Eye Health

Nutrition Blog: Nutrient Protection Against Photooxidation and Blue Light Exposure

Educational Webinar: Modernizing Migraine Care: Innovations in Migraine Management

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

02:10 Dr. Rani recounts her journey from an ophthalmologist and neuro-ophthalmologist facing migraine headaches to a patient of functional medicine.

5:56 Key changes that Rani saw in her migraine and macular degeneration patients once she implemented functional medicine in her ophthalmology practice.

9:35 Indicators of over 200 overall body health conditions can be identified in an eye exam including diabetic retinopathy for diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson's disease.

12:19 Changes in the retina can indicate warning signs for serious health concerns.

14:02 30 nutrients that are needed for optimal eye health can be broken into 3 main categories of antioxidants, nutrients that support mitochondrial function and energy production, and anti-inflammatory nutrients.

18:04 Recommendations for safe and effective eye drops to address dry eye symptoms.

19:15 Rani’s vitamin recommendations for optimal eye health include optimized forms of Vitamin A and natural antioxidants from macular carotenoids.

25:10 An ophthalmologist’s warning against looking directly into the sun and a reasonable alternative to setting your circadian rhythm.

27:12 Measuring carotenoid concentrations in the retina with Macular Pigment Optical Density (MPOD).

29:50 Natural food and supplement recommendations to maintain healthy levels of lutein and zeaxanthin.

34:00 The negative effect of screen time on eye health needs to be counterbalanced by macular carotenoids and blue light-blocking glasses.

39:30 Research, food, and supplement recommendations for popular antioxidants and bioflavonoids that support eye health.

45:12 Rani’s recommendation for 5 cups of plant foods every day can easily be met with her green smoothie recipe.

46:52 Findings from age-related eye disease studies (AREDS) and key missing links to supporting eye health.

53:43 Rani’s top three personal supplements, prioritized health practices, and individualized journey advice that she has changed her mind about over the years.

This two-part episode of Conversations for Health features Dr. Kat Toups, a Functional Medicine Psychiatrist at Bay Area Wellness in Walnut Creek, CA, and organizer and administrator for Bay Area Functional Medicine Group since 2012. She is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.  Dr. Toups is a former Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at UC Davis, and later the Owner and Medical Director of Bay Area Research Institute, a Clinical Trials Research Center in Lafayette, CA. After serving as the Principal Investigator on over 100 clinical trials for 12 years, including 20 failed trials for Alzheimer's drugs, she realized that the elusive cure for Brain and Psychiatric illness was not going to be found in a pill.

In the first part of our conversation, Dr. Toups explores key distinguishers between Alzheimer's, dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and general cognitive health. She highlights the real source of the cure for dementia and considers the underlying causes that can trigger dementia.  Together we discuss her pilot study, statistics regarding the benefits of investing time and money in cognitive health, and the role that hormones and oral hygiene play in brain health.

I’m your host Evelyn Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[1:56] Kat reveals where the cure for dementia is going to be found.

[4:13] Details of her pilot study in which 84% of patients showed statistically relevant signs of improvement in cognitive decline.

[8:44] Surprising head scan findings at the conclusion of the study.

[10:56] Key distinguishers between mild cognitive impairments, dementia, and Alzheimer's.

[18:20] Approaching the challenges of multi-layer interventions and addressing multiple variables.

[26:18] Infectious causes of Alzheimer's and herbal and immune support treatment modalities for Lyme disease and EBV.

[38:37] Oral pathogen testing and the impact of dental infections on cardiovascular health.

[44:40] Kat’s personal experience with dental health and immune system triggers.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Kat Toups 

Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease Precision Medicine Approach to Alzheimer’s Disease: Successful Pilot Project 

Dementia Demystified 

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health 

Alzheimer's Protocol

Chronic Lyme Disease Support Protocol

Oral Health Support Protocol

Presentation: (CASI 21) Keynote | Dale Bredesen, MD - The End of Alzheimer's: Preventing & Reversing Cognitive Decline

Presentation: (CASI 22) Richard Horowitz – Lyme Disease & Stealth Infections: The Current State of Diagnosis and Treatment

Blog: Recent Review Explores the Roles of Certain Nutrients in the Risk of Developing of Alzheimer’s Disease

Blog: Recent Review Explores Potential Connection Between Oral Microbiome and The Immune System

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

This episode of Conversations for Health features gut health expert Dr. Oscar Coetzee. Dr. Coetzee has been a pioneer in the field of nutritional science and research for more than 25 years and currently serves as the Clinical Director of the Nutrition Department at Natural Healthcare Center. He is an Associate Professor at the Maryland University of Integrative Health, Associate Director of the DHSc program at the University of Bridgeport, and Adjunct Professor at Georgetown Medical School. He is a Certified Board Supervisor for the Certified Nutrition Specialists and is on the National Board Exam Committee for the National Association of Nutrition Professionals. Dr. Coetzee has been on the Designs for Health Scientific Advisory Board since 2016 and is the Senior Director of Clinical Education.

In our conversation, Oscar brings to light a wide spectrum of gut health factors, including functional GI testing, how to implement an effective gut protocol, insights into akkermansia and butyrate, the gut/brain connection, and the role that lab testing can play in taking effective steps toward health. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[2:29] Oscar’s passion for developing functional lab testing tools for practitioners grew as he recognized an overall industry lack of tools and testing options.

[4:50] The importance of optimizing wellness rather than diagnosing disease and the functional testing that promotes optimal health.

[7:20] Oscar’s preferred tests address three categories — organic acids, gastrointestinal, and genomics.

[8:36] An algorithm-based approach to GI spotlight testing has the potential to guide clinicians to improved outcomes.

[10:54] The ideal practitioner candidate for the benefits of algorithm-based testing includes anyone who is committed to finding answers for their patients.

[13:19] The test covers several categories including gut bacteria in the microbiome, inflammatory indicators, gut barrier integrity, inflammation, and fungal factors.

[15:00] Markers that comprise the gut barrier integrity, LPS, and coordinating supplements.

[20:38] Determining when to use nutrients and herbs versus serum bovine immunoglobulins or colostrum.

[23:55] Balancing intuition and lab testing results when approaching functional testing.

[30:01] Oscar’s recommendations for the timing of each phase of testing and GI health change maintenance once the program is ‘complete’.

[36:53] Tactics for boosting and maintaining healthy levels of akkermansia in gut health, including intermittent fasting.

[42:34] Insights into the link between LPS levels and anxiety and depression, the gut-brain connection, and the multifactorial inflammation model.

[47:07] Testing possibilities for patterns in bacteria metabolomics and Vitamin B production.

[51:18] Markers that indicate a need for more butyrate and tactics for a gut diversity dietary approach.

[56:00] Resources for in-depth information about marker research and implementation.

[57:31] Oscar’s favorite personal supplement recommendations.

[59:20] Probiotics, gene expression, and antimicrobial protocol recommendations.

[1:08:30] Oscar’s personal health practices and the pharmaceutical approach he has changed his mind about in recent years.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Oscar Coetzee

Spotlight Teachable Online Training

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Spotlight Test Information

Webinar: Spotlight Suite Functional Wellness Tests

Blog: Serum-derived Bovine Immunoglobulins and Gut Barrier Function

Blog: Recent Review Explores Biochemical Relationship Between Gut Metabolites and Metabolic Health

Blog: Supportive Role Probiotics Play on Gut-Brain Axis and Mood Health, According to Recent Review

Blog: Recent Review Explores Relationship Between Berberine and the Gut Microbiome

Blog: Anti-inflammatory Effects of Supplemental Butyrate

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

Doctor Staci Whitman is a Functional Kids’ Dentist in North Portland, Oregon. She is the founder of NoPo Kids Dentistry where she takes a whole-body, holistic, and functional approach with her patients. Doctor Staci attended Tufts University School of Dental Medicine and worked as a general dentist for 2 years before earning a certificate in pediatric dentistry from Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). She has always been passionate about children’s sleep and airway health, focusing her research in residency on how to improve airway assessments and diagnostic tools in the pediatric population. In 2019, she founded NoPo Kids Dentistry with a mission to practice a whole-body approach to dentistry. She became a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in 2012 and is a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist and a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. She is also involved in many organized dentistry groups, including the Holistic Dental Association, the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine, and the American Association of Ozonotherapy.

Together Dr. Staci and I look into the importance of oral health from a holistic approach.  Starting in the womb with prenatal care, through childhood, and into adult years, she has insights into every stage of optimal oral health.  She shares the key dental health points and patient support that traditional pediatric dentists tend to overlook, including airway assessment tests and the local and systemic roles of the oral microbiome. Dr. Staci highlights considerations for tongue tie correction and palate expanders for adults, the dangers of and alternatives to fluoride, and her recommendations for effective oil pulling, tongue scraping, and mouth washing, all to optimize oral health alignment at every age.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Staci Whitman

NoPo Kids

Designs for Health

Nutrition Blog: Hydroxyapatite for Dental Enamel and Tooth Integrity

Nutrition Blog: The Potential Role of Oil Pulling in Oral Wellness

Nutrition Blog: The Latest on Probiotics and Periodontal Health

Research Blog: The Synergy of Vitamins D and K on Bone Health

Science Update: Recent Review Explores Potential Connection Between Oral Microbiome and The Immune System

Educational  Webinar: The Oral-Somatic Connection- Impact on Systemic Inflammation

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro.

02:22 The realization that led Dr. Staci to change her course after beginning her career as a regular dentist. 

06:07 The highlights of Dr. Staci’s work as a functional kid’s dentist.

07:47 Key dental health points and patient support that Dr. Staci offers that traditional pediatric dentists tend to overlook.

11:27 Under-mineralized teeth and microplastics findings according to the research.

16:46 Findings from Dr. Staci’s airway assessment and recommendations for patients to overcome airway devolution.

23:21 Considerations for tongue tie correction and palate expanders for adults.

27:22 Insights into the local and systemic roles of the oral microbiome.

31:18 Testing that assesses the 700+ microbes in the mouth.

32:55 Dietary and hygiene recommendations for optimizing oral microbiome health.

37:06 Success stories of switching from fluoride to hydroxyapatite and systemic concerns of overexposure to fluoride.

43:15 Recommendations for effective oil pulling, tongue scraping, and mouth washing.

51:38 Dr. Staci’s favorite supplements, her personal health practices including sleep hygiene and hydration, and the shift she has made toward prioritizing emotional health.

Dr. Navaz Habib is the bestselling author of Activate Your Vagus Nerve and the newly released Upgrade Your Vagus Nerve. He is also the host of ‘The Health Upgrade Podcast’. After graduating as class valedictorian from Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College in 2010 he went on to practice traditional chiropractic for years until he utilized the power of functional medicine to transform his own health. Dr. Habib is the founder of ‘Health Upgraded’, an online functional health consulting clinic, supporting optimal health by elevating the awareness and function of the Vagus nerve.

Together Dr. Habib and I dive into the details of the Vagus nerve, including what exactly it is, how Vagus nerve function is assessed, and tools that practitioners can utilize to optimize Vagus nerve health in their patients or clients. We discuss common conditions and symptoms that can be linked to Vagus nerve dysfunction and the four major possible causes that can lead to Vagus nerve dysfunction including daily, physical, biochemical, and psychological stressors.  Dr. Habib highlights the critical role of breath and breathing in Vagus nerve stimulation as well as the importance of reducing stressors, engaging gut function, engaging in stress-reducing psychological therapy, exercise and recovery, and managing daily emotional and psychological stressors to optimize this lesser-known but critical component of optimal health. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Navaz Habib - https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabib

Truvaga - https://www.truvaga.com/

gammaCore - https://www.gammacore.com/

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Research Blog: Probiotics and the Vagus Nerve – a New Frontier for Psychiatric Conditions - https://www.casi.org/node/892

Science Update: Recent Review Explores Relationship Between Pain Perception and the Gut Microbiome - https://www.casi.org/node/1567

Research Blog: The Supportive Role of L-Glutamine in Mental Health and Gut Health - https://www.casi.org/Supportive-Role-L-Glutamine-Mental%20Health-Gut-Health

Blog: Lifestyle Choices for Cardiovascular Wellness: The Latest Clinical Research - https://www.casi.org/lifestyle-choices-cardiovascular-wellness-latest-clinical-research

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro.

01:54 What is the Vagus nerve and what do all practitioners need to know about it? 

04:30 Dr. Habib’s personal health journey brought him into the functional medicine world. 

06:43 The body-brain connection and the afferent and efferent fibers of the Vagus nerve.

10:14 The influence of the Vagus nerve on the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic. 

12:28 Is the Vagus nerve actually the problem or the symptom? 

15:01 Common conditions and symptoms that can be linked to Vagus nerve dysfunction. 

18:43 Four possible causes that can lead to Vagus nerve dysfunction including daily, physical, biochemical and psychological stressors.

26:00 Dr. Habib’s approach to assessing Vagus nerve function and HRV signals as recommendations for when to push and when to recover. 

30:10 Variables and measurements to consider when recommending HRV tools. 

32:48 Tactics for improving heart rate variability and Vagus nerve function. 

36:46 Expected results from the electric stimulation of the cervical trunk of the Vagus nerve. 

39:00 A comparison of the Truvagu and GammaCore nerve stimulator devices. 

40:35 Dr. Habib highlights case studies of using electrical stimulation in his practice. 

46:40 Three key recommendations for Vagus nerve stimulation at home. 

53:25 Enhancing breath control through daily practices of humming, gargling, chanting, and singing. 

57:25 Advances in Vagus nerve research and inflammation. 

59:51 Dr. Habib personal favorite supplements, top health practices that keep him resilient and healthy, and the daily health practice that he has changed his mind about.

Dr. Christy Sutton is a chiropractor who focuses on finding and correcting the root cause of their health problem, preventing future health problems, and giving her patients the tools they need to have the healthiest life possible. She uses many tools, including applied kinesiology, nutrition, chiropractic adjustments, exercise programs, lab, and genetic testing, to give her patients a precise and powerful treatment plan that goes beyond what they could find anywhere else. In addition to providing her patients with the highest level of care, she is an author and teacher of epigenetics and using genetic testing with environmental changes to take your health beyond your genes and prevent health problems. Dr. Sutton earned her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Anatomy, and Health and Wellness from Texas State University and Parker University. She earned her Doctorate of Chiropractic from Parker University. She was drawn to health care because of her extensive personal health struggles, which included being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at the age of 16.

In this highly anticipated episode, Christy and I are exploring iron overload and hemochromatosis, a grossly underdiagnosed and fully treatable genetic disorder that is widely misunderstood and extremely dangerous. Christy’s comprehensive resource The Iron Curse details the acute and long-term symptoms and dangers of iron overload.  Christy recounts the frustrating journey that she navigated while trying to get her husband accurately diagnosed, and I share my personal story and diagnosis of hemochromatosis. Our conversation is the first of a two-episode conversation that needs to be happening with greater urgency among practitioners and patients around the world, especially in countries with a largely Caucasian population.  

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Christy Sutton - https://www.drchristysutton.com/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Designs for Health Practitioner Exclusive Drug Nutrient Depletion and Interaction Checker - https://www.designsforhealth.com/drug-nutrient-interaction/

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro.

02:57 Christy’s deep interest in hemochromatosis led her to write The Iron Curse.

05:25 Clinical details of her husband’s diagnosis including a false positive for autoimmune hepatitis and Cushing’s Syndrome.

11:11 The difference that an early hemochromatosis diagnosis could have made in Christy’s husband’s health trajectory.

14:29 The scientific differentiators of hemochromatosis from iron overload.

16:10 The myth of hereditary hemochromatosis and the misuse of the term ‘carrier’.

19:30 Numbers of the frequency of presence and diagnosis of hemochromatosis in Caucasians across Europe.

24:24 Genetic advantages of absorbing too much iron and details of gene terminology.

30:19 Acute and long-term symptoms and dangers of iron overload.

35:15 An extensive list of ways that excess iron presents itself throughout the body.

37:52 The negative impact of undiagnosed hemochromatosis at every stage of life.

41:18 My personal story and diagnosis with hemochromatosis.

45:12 Lab markers and testing levels that aid in diagnosing hemochromatosis.

This episode of Conversations for Health features Dr. Beverly Yates ND, an internationally acclaimed diabetes expert who uses the Yates Protocol to help people get control over their blood sugar, reclaim their energy, and enjoy life again. The Yates Protocol was developed over the course of her 20-plus-year clinical career, using the Systems Approach from her prior career as an MIT-trained Electrical Engineer. Diabetes is on the rise globally, and the Yates Protocol has helped thousands of people around the world with Type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes to get control of their blood sugar and live life the way they want to.

In our conversation, Beverly shares a variety of clinical pearls regarding diabetes and blood sugar.  She highlights five key lifestyle aspects that prevent or control diabetes, the lab numbers that are cause for alarm, and the role that culture sensitivity plays in effective practitioner recommendations.  She weighs in on the various monitors, diets, medications, and popular hacks that can be used to control blood sugar and offers her wisdom and practical advice for anyone who is struggling to manage their blood sugar more effectively. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[2:10] Beverly’s personal illness journey led her to specialize in naturopathic medicine.

[5:00] A family history of diabetes in Beverly’s family tree didn't stop her from taking control of her personal health.

[7:44] Awareness of culturally sensitive diets is a key point of effective connection and healing.

[10:43] Key lab numbers that should result in sounding the alarm on fasting blood glucose (FBS), fasting insulin, and hemoglobin A1C.

[17:03] A comparison of the effectiveness of continuous blood glucose monitors and glucometers and what actions can be taken based on the data results.

[20:10] Basic glycemic control is reflected in normal, timely rises and falls in blood sugar levels based on activity level and dietary intake.

[21:36] Surprising foods that may cause a spike in blood sugar — and some that don’t.

[23:30] Snacking throughout the day is not the answer to controlling blood sugar.

[26:04] The Theia Health app can be used by practitioners to collect patient CGM data.

[28:18] Beverly’s 4 recommended food combining hacks that can be used to support blood sugar regulation.

[32:10] Additional meal timing considerations that have the potential to cause a spike in blood sugar.

[35:55] The role of medications including Ozempic and GLP-1 agonists as the answer to Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

[43:17] Tactics for practitioners to help manage potential side effects of medications.

[46:02] Nutrients and herbs that can help support blood sugar management.

[49:50] The role of the gut microbiome in managing diabetes can be impacted by diet and insulin resistance issues.

[52:32] Beverly shares her personal favorite supplements, her favorite health practices, and the outdated advice that she has changed her mind about over her years of practice.

 Episode Resources:

Dr. Beverly Yates 

Heart Health for Black Women: A Natural Approach to Healing and Preventing Heart Disease 

Natural Health Care 

Theia Health App

The Patient Will See You Now

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Research Article: Effects of delta-tocotrienol supplementation on Glycemic Control, oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers and miRNA expression in type 2 diabetes mellitus: A randomized control trial

Research Article: A Novel Mixture of δ-Tocotrienol, Vitamin D3, Resveratrol (NS3) Significantly Decreases Diabetes Biomarkers Including Inflammatory in People with Type 2 Diabetes

Blog: The Latest on Berberine and Gut Health

Blog: Berberine’s Potential to Support Heart Health and Blood Sugar Metabolism

Blog: Recent Review Explores Relationship Between Berberine and the Gut Microbiome

Blog: New study links inflammation and changes in the gut microbiome to type I diabetes

Blog: The Potential Link Between CoQ10 and Endocrine Health

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

This episode of Conversations for Health features Dr. Carrie Jones, a Naturopathic Physician who is board-certified in Naturopathic Endocrinology with a Master's in Public Health having over 17 years in the field of functional and integrative medicine. As a former Adjunct Faculty for the National University of Natural Medicine, she taught courses in both Gynecology and Advanced Endocrinology and was the Medical Director for two large integrative clinics in Portland, Oregon, and the Medical Director for Precision Analytical Inc., creators of the DUTCH Test, for almost 10 years. She served on the Human Performance Council for Under Armour and was the Clinical Expert for the Lifestyle Matrix Resource Center serving the SOS Stress Recovery Program. Most recently she served as the Head of Medical Education at Rupa Health and now Metabolic Mentor University.

In our conversation, Dr. Carrie takes a deep dive into all things female hormones, from the different types of hormone testing that are available to the different types of hormonal conditions and patterns, as well as nutritional supplements and hormone replacement therapies.  She offers actionable steps to managing hormones at every stage and shares the popular supplements that she recommends for hormone treatment and an empowered approach to menopause. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[3:00] The genesis of Dr. Carrie’s interest in naturopathic medicine and women’s hormones.

[5:00] Recommendations for using the DUTCH test in clinically insightful ways.

[9:15] Symptoms that can warrant additional long-term testing.

[12:24] The correlation between higher levels of estradiol and monthly symptoms.

[14:55] Dr. Carrie’s definition of hormone imbalance.

[18:00] Considerations when approaching treatment of estrogen dominance.

[22:00] Top exposures to avoid for the greatest impact on hormonal health.

[27:55] The science behind how xenoestrogens impact estrogen receptors.

[31:29] Phytoestrogens as they affect alpha and data receptors differently.

[39:39] An overview of popular supplements that are used for hormones.

[45:24] Dr. Carrie’s top three favorite actions for each stage of hormone health.

[53:40] Sources for high-quality bioidentical hormone replacement information.

[56:24] Dr. Carrie’s favorite health practices, her personal daily supplements, and her new view of thinking on estrogen.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Carrie Jones

Estrogen Matters: Why Taking Hormones in Menopause Can Improve Women's Well-Being and Lengthen Their Lives -- Without Raising the Risk of Breast Cancer

Reappraising 21 Years of the WHI Study: Putting the findings in context for clinical practice

DUTCH Test

Pub Med: Fragrance compounds: The wolves in sheep's clothing

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Spotlight Metabolomics Test

Blog: Endocrine Disruptors in Infertility

Blog: Phytoestrogens to Help Diminish Mild Hot Flashes

Blog: Resveratrol and Curcumin to Promote Mitochondrial Biogenesis

Research Review: Broccoli for Supporting Gut Microbial Health

Blog: Dim Estrogen Dominance with DIM

Blog: Support Detoxification with Calcium-D-Glucarate

Blog: Recent Review Explores Potential Link between Nutrients that May Support Antioxidative Status and Age-related Neural Changes

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

Dr. Tom O’Bryan is an internationally recognized and sought-after speaker specializing in wheat, its impact on health, and the development of autoimmune diseases as they occur inside and outside the gut. Dr. Tom is the author of You Can Fix Your Brain and The Autoimmune Fix, the creator of the documentary series “Betrayal: The Autoimmune Solution They’re Not Telling You” and he holds teaching positions with the Institute of Functional Medicine and the National University of Health Sciences.

Together we discuss the dangers of going gluten-free, the history behind autoimmune disease, the power of employing different antibodies, molecular mimicry in the gut, and more. Dr. Tom shares his knowledge and passion about gluten and autoimmune conditions and doesn’t shy away from the facts about what it will take to heal an adult’s relationship with gluten.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[2:05] Dr. Tom’s interest in gluten and autoimmune conditions initially developed from infertility issues.

[5:55] Distinguishing gluten sensitivity from wheat sensitivity and celiac disease from non-celiac disease.

[9:48] The four horsemen of Celiac research, their findings, and the tests that are being conducted on gluten sensitivity.

[12:30] Labs that test IGG and IGA and the surprising lack of accurate results.

[17:03] The value of lab testing sequences and specific genetic testing.

[21:12] Details of the most commonly tested protein in wheat and their actions.

[28:25] The key cause of intestinal permeability and leaky gut in every single human.

[30:52] The negative impact of glyphosate on our food supply.

[33:55] Dr. Tom’s son is a living example of a healthy microbiome.

[34:42] The revealing relationship between memory B-cells and gluten.

[39:09] Humans have been negatively reacting to wheat through transient permeability for over a century.

[43:05] Five elements of the perfect storm that activate wheat-related disorders including genetics and environmental triggers.

[48:22] Details regarding elevated zonulin and the transient leaky gut.

[49:35] Autoimmune antibodies and their relationship with the thyroid.

[52:52] Dr. Tom’s approach to teaching patients to implement effective gluten-free diets.

[58:46] Rebuilding the microbiome and employing the digestive enzymes that actually work.

[59:33] Dr. Tom’s favorite personal supplements and health practices and the key knowledge he has gained over the course of his career.

Episode Resources:

Tom O’Bryan

House Plants Are Air Purifiers

The Dangers of a Gluten-free Diet

Nutritional Wheat Amylase-Trypsin Inhibitors Promote Intestinal Inflammation via Activation of Myeloid Cells

All disease begins in the (leaky) gut: role of zonulin-mediated gut permeability in the pathogenesis of some chronic inflammatory diseases

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Blog: Serum-derived Bovine Immunoglobulins and Gut Barrier Function

Blog: Polyphenols May Support the Body’s Response to Increased Intestinal Permeability

Blog: The Relationship Between Histamine Intolerance and Gastrointestinal Health

Blog: How Diet Guards Against Leaky Gut

Blog: Supportive Role Probiotics Play on Gut-Brain Axis and Mood Health, According to Recent Review

Blog: The Adaptogen Advantage

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

Dr. Michael Twyman is a heart attack prevention expert, the founder of Apollo Cardiology, and a board-certified cardiologist. He is also a veteran who served as a Medical Corp physician in the Navy and now works out of St. Louis to integrate conventional and functional medicine to get to the root cause of his patients' cardiovascular issues. He serves as the Cardiovascular Director for the Institute of Muscle-centric Medicine and is recognized nationally as a speaker regarding cardiovascular risk and more. His mission is to help his patients live better and longer lives by optimizing their mitochondrial function to become heart attack-proof.

Together Dr. Twyman and I explore what it takes to not only treat but effectively prevent heart disease. He offers a high-level overview for practitioners to help patients become heart attack-proof by preventing cardiovascular disease from taking hold at an early age. He highlights the four main levers to optimize health, including exercise, stress mitigation, sleep, and sunlight, and shares clinical pearls addressing testing and dosing, as well as the relationship between the endothelium and nitric oxide.  He shares the success stories he has seen in protecting the glycocalyx and endothelium and offers insights into the role that AI will play in the future of heart attack-proofing patients.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[2:17] Dr. Twyman highlights his journey from conventional to integrative and functional medicine.

[4:04] A high-level overview of helping patients become heart attack-proof by preventing cardiovascular disease from taking hold at an early age.

[6:02] Dr. Twyman’s ‘starter pack’ recommendations for practitioners when testing for cardiovascular health.

[13:00] Devices that Dr. Twyman utilizes include the endopap and Max Pulse.

[13:24] An overview of the pathways by which nitric oxide is produced and the importance of it in heart health.

[16:08] The impact of smoking and vaping on a healthy oral microbiome.

[18:26] Optimizing nitric oxide production in the body through exercise, sunlight, and protected circadian rhythms.

[24:50] Recommendations for effective utilization of photobiomodulation, or light therapy, in optimizing patient health.

[31:02] Ingredients and dosing recommendations in supplements and nutrients when raising nitric oxide production.

[34:57] Positive effects that Dr. Twyman has seen in his patients when using products like Vascanox.

[36:52] Addressing the oral microbiome in effective ways that will reduce damage and protect the glycocalyx and endothelium.

[39:55] Dr. Twyman’s success stories in protecting the glycocalyx and endothelium.

[41:50] An overview of the relationship between the endothelium and nitric oxide.

[43:00] Determining when to use arterial preventative products before plaque is present.

[44:10] The relationship between erectile dysfunction and endothelial dysfunction, and Dr. Twyman’s clinical pearls when treating both.

[47:27] Recommendations for utilizing the Cleerly Scan when identifying and quantifying heart plaque.

[51:38] Dr. Twyman highlights the technology and testing features he is excited about in the field of cardiovascular medicine.

[52:56] Dr. Twyman reveals what he has changed his mind about over his years of practice, his personal favorite supplements, and the health practices that keep him healthy and resilient.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Michael Twyman

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Blog: Exploring the Dual Pathways and Nutrients for Enhanced Nitric Oxide Production

Blog: The Intelligent Inner Lining of Blood Vessels: Nutrients that Support Vascular Health

Nutrition Notes: The Intelligent Inner Lining of Blood Vessels: Nutrients that Support Vascular Health

Webinar: The Supplement Toolbox - Research on Glycocalyx Regeneration and Nitric Oxide

Webinar: The Role of the Endothelial Glycocalyx in Cardiovascular Disease

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

Dr. Elisa Song is a Stanford-, NYU-, UCSF-trained holistic pediatrician. She founded Whole Family Wellness (formerly Whole Child Wellness), an integrative pediatric practice in Belmont, CA – one of the first and most highly regarded holistic pediatric practices in the country. She also created Healthy Kids Happy Kids – dedicated to empowering parents to take charge of their kids’ health by integrating conventional and functional pediatrics with an evidence-based approach.  Dr. Song is a holistic pediatrician, integrating conventional pediatrics with functional medicine, holistic nutrition, homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal medicine, and essential oils. She is also a lecturer for the Center for Education and Development in Clinical Homeopathy (CEDH), Academy for Pain Research, Institute for Functional Medicine, and Holistic Pediatric Association.

Together Dr. Elisa and I examine the importance of supporting children’s gut microbiome from their very first days to support a long life of health and wellness. She covers the full spectrum of holistic pediatric care, from stress-reducing prenatal care and first solid foods to effective and appropriate supplements and probiotics in the teen years.  She offers a practical approach for practitioners to effectively support their patients and their children’s gut.  Elisa also highlights the dangers of inappropriate levels of antibiotic use and shares a host of supplement recommendations that parents can consider when finding the right balance of functional and traditional medicine for their children. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Elisa Song - https://healthykidshappykids.com/

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Research Blog: Staying Up-to-Date on Probiotics for Pediatric Health - https://www.casi.org/node/1295

Research Blog: Functional roles of Zinc - https://www.casi.org/node/1193

Research Blog: Benefits of Fiber Intake in Children - https://www.casi.org/node/1631

Research Blog: Potential Benefits for Bovine Colostrum in Pediatric Health - https://www.casi.org/node/1564

Research Blog: Probiotics May Support Pediatric Gastrointestinal Health and Colic in Infants - https://www.casi.org/node/1454

Nutrition Blog: Supporting the Pediatric Allergic Response with Quercetin - https://www.casi.org/node/1630

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

02:26 Dr. Elisa’s steps to incorporate holistic and functional medicine into her pediatric practice. 

5:05 Known areas of impact in children’s gut microbiome including the gut-brain connection, the effects of antibiotic use, and the impact on every system in a child’s body.

9:09 The critical importance of a healthy gut microbiome in the first 1,000 days of a developing immune system. 

14:31 Timelines for introducing solid foods and the dangers of not properly managing stress while supporting a healthy gut microbiome.

21:08 Tactics for practitioners to effectively support patients through gut-friendly stress management. 

26:02 Important facts about the impact of glyphosate and antibiotics on the gut microbiome. 

38:14 Tactics for supporting gut health during times when antibiotics are necessary. 

42:58 Supplement dosing recommendations for zinc, omega-3, glutamine, and quercetin. 

53:26 Elisa’s recommendations for probiotics and daily fiber requirements from infancy through childhood and what she has changed her mind about through her years of practice. 

1:01:25 Tactics for supporting a healthy gut microbiome through fermented foods in the diet and flavor learning.

1:07:30 Elimination diet tips and tricks and timelines for success. 

1:12:40 Antimicrobial recommendations for children.  

1:15:20 Elisa’s personal favorite supplements and top health practices that keep her well. 

Dr. Stacy Sims, MSC, PHD, is a forward-thinking international exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist who aims to revolutionize exercise nutrition and performance for women. She has directed research programs at Stanford, AUT University, and the University of Waikato, focusing on female athlete health and performance and pushing the dogma to improve research on all women. She is the author of the book ROAR, written to explain sex differences in training and nutrition across the lifespan.  This book challenges the dogma for women in exercise, nutrition, and health and this paradigm shift is the focus of her famous TED Talk "Women Are Not Small Men”. Her latest book is called Next Level and is focused on crushing goals through menopause and beyond. Dr. Sims has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers and several books and is a regularly featured speaker at professional and academic conferences. 

The lack of research on women’s performance and nutrition has negatively affected women’s health for generations, but Stacy is on a mission to change that. She and I explore the sex differences in hormones as they relate to performance and how menstrual cycles can be used to a woman’s health benefit as an ergogenic aid. She offers recommendations for performance, supplements, nutrition, and recovery in both the follicular luteal phases and highlights the impact of hormonal changes on performance during perimenopause and postmenopause. We touch on supplements, intermittent fasting, and practitioner guidelines for guiding patients through life with confidence in their ability to lift weights, train effectively, and navigate every stage of reproduction with empowering knowledge and confidence.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Stacy Sims - https://www.drstacysims.com/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Designs for Health Practitioner Exclusive Drug Nutrient Depletion and Interaction Checker - https://www.designsforhealth.com/drug-nutrient-interaction/

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro.

04:07 Why has there been so little research on women in the medical field, specifically in nutrition and exercise physiology?

07:00 Implications of the lack of research in women’s performance and nutrition.

08:38 Sex differences in hormones as they relate to performance.

13:00 Stacy’s ideal research study would be a transdisciplinary effort that incorporates a wide variety of testing for women.

16:20 Menstrual cycles can be used to a woman’s health benefit as an ergogenic aid.

20:17 Recommendations for performance, supplements, nutrition, and recovery in the follicular phase.

23:55 Stacy’s dietary recommendations for athletes that meet appropriate nutrition for the training.

26:40 Protein and carbohydrate intake guidelines during the luteal phase.

30:01 Current research on oral contraceptives and performance.

33:51 The impact of hormonal changes on performance during perimenopause and postmenopause.

38:45 Heavy weight lifting recommendations for whole life health and performance.

43:39 Training, nutrition, and supplement recommendation differences during perimenopause and menopause.

45:58 Tactics for practitioners to support patients in invoking effective change in sleep hygiene and physical training to increase mobility.

51:15 Creatine and other supplement recommendations for women.

54:30 Iron, estrogen, and testosterone in perimenopausal women.

55:55 Stacy’s supplement recommendations include adaptogens based on scientific research.

59:22 Intermittent fasting in women is an easy no for most women.

1:03:33 Stacy’s personal daily supplements, favorite health practices, and the ideas she has changed her mind about in recent years.

1:08:05 What Stacy wishes for her daughter as she grows up as an empowered woman.

From a young age, Dr. Tieraona Low Dog has been deeply drawn to the natural world and the field of natural medicine. Her academic journey encompasses a diverse range of disciplines including massage therapy, martial arts, midwifery, and herbal medicine, before going to earn her medical degree from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. She is the Founding Director of the Medicine Lodge Academy, and Dr. Low Dog served as a founding member of the  American Board of Physician Specialties' American Board of Integrative Medicine.  Her leadership extends to her tenure as Director of the first Inter-professional Fellowship in Integrative Health and Medicine, Fellowship Director for the University of Arizona's Center for Integrative Medicine that was founded by Andrew Weil, MD, and Co-Founder and guiding teacher for the New York Zen Center’s Fellowship in Contemplative Medicine. She currently oversees the Fellowship of Integrative and Functional Medicine at the University of California-Irvine's Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute. Recognized as a foremost authority in integrative medicine, women’s health, dietary supplements, and herbal medicine, her scholarly work encompasses over 54 peer-reviewed scientific articles, 25 chapters in medical textbooks, and numerous authoritative books on health and medicine. Dr. Low Dog's global influence is highlighted by her participation in over 600 medical and scientific conferences worldwide.

Dr. Low Dog has had a great impact on my professional work and it is an absolute honor to have her on the podcast today.  Together we discuss the incredible impact that she has had on both the holistic and traditional medicine communities and how she has effectively worked to bridge the gaps between herbal medicine and traditional medicine.  She reflects on the importance of continuing her education to expand her own knowledge and effectiveness and the power that comes with admitting that, even as a lifelong learner and practitioner, she doesn't know everything.  She also shares insights into the offerings from her Foundations in Herbal Medicine program and highlights the value of using herbs in clinical practice.  Together we discuss the dismal state of nutrition in America today and consider drug-nutrient interaction and depletion, strategies for effectively weaning patients off of PPIs, and the many plants and supplements that she recommends in achieving whole health and healing. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[3:16] From herbalist, midwife, and martial arts instructor to medical school student, Dr. Low Dog recalls the moment she realized the limits to what she could do without a medical degree. 

[7:15] The importance of training clinicians and expanding practitioners' knowledge of botanical medicine.

[11:16] Encouraging healing and creating change in the US healthcare system.

[15:18] Bridging the gap between herbal medicine and traditional medicinal care.

[21:00] Dr. Low Dog offers insights into the offerings from her Foundations in Herbal Medicine program.

[23:32] Treating anxiety with nervings starts with considering how a patient views the world.

[29:20] The value of storytelling when helping patients understand the value of plants in their healthcare.

[34:14] Accurate dosing based on patient information and health profile.

[38:16] Recommendations for herbs that are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

[42:47] The current state of nutritional health in the United States and the drug-nutrient interaction and depletion.

[49:02] Dr. Low Dog’s recommendations for transitioning patients off PPI’s, including utilizing melatonin.

[53:38] Dr. Low Dog shares what she has changed her mind about over her years of practice, her favorite supplements, and the health practices that keep her balanced.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Tieraona Low Dog - https://www.drlowdog.com/

Medicine Lodge Academy - https://www.medicinelodgeranch.com/

U.S. Pharmacopeia - https://www.usp.org/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Kristine Burke, MD is a triple board-certified Functional Medicine physician, entrepreneur, author, educator, and researcher. She is an expert in the reversal and prevention of chronic diseases such as dementia, diabetes, heart attacks and strokes. She has a special focus on mold-related illness and its connection to many conditions including research into reversing the cognitive decline of Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia. She teaches Functional Medicine in her role as Asst Clinical Professor of Preventive Medicine at Loma Linda University School of Medicine and is the Founder and Medical Director of True Health Center for Functional Medicine in Northern California - a multi-disciplinary practice that delivers personalized primary care with a proprietary data-driven wellness plan that has successfully prevented any heart attacks from occurring among its patients for over a decade. 

Together Dr. Burke and I tackle the topic of the leading cause of death in women – heart disease.  Our conversation centers around tactics for improving cardiovascular care in women, including detection, hormonal insights, testing, and treatment particularly for peri- and postmenopausal women. She challenges possible reasons that cardiovascular health has not been not a main concern for many health practitioners and patients, and underscores the importance of supporting balanced hormones and a healthy endothelial glycocalyx.  Dr. Burke shares a variety of clinical pearls for practitioners and highlights the evolving ideas and tactics that she has embraced as additional testing and research has become available in the world of cardiovascular health over her 30 year career, resulting in healthier, stronger aging women. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[2:26] Dr. Burke’s transition from traditional to integrative and functional medicine was fueled by the positive results she was seeing in women. 

[4:58] What students can expect from the introductory course to functional medicine at Loma Linda University, and the impact of the course in a variety of professional settings.

[7:28] The detection and hormonal reasons behind the increasing risk of heart disease as the number one killer of women. 

[9:36] Insights into bioidentical hormone replacement and balance for estrogen, progesterone and testosterone in cardiovascular and brain health.

[12:13] Possible reasons that female cardiovascular health is not a key concern for patients and practitioners.

[14:49] Symptoms associated with the majority of Dr. Burke’s peri- and postmenopausal patients. 

[16:37] Key tests that Dr. Burke offers beyond the conventional cholesterol panel work, including an advanced lipid profile and particle risk profiles. 

[22:27] Dr. Burke’s membership-based program gives patients access to multiple scans and tests throughout the year and a multifaceted team of doctors, dietitians and health coaches. 

[26:26] Diet and lifestyle recommendations for effective cardiovascular disease prevention. 

[35:30] The role that alcohol plays in cardiovascular health, particularly in the United States.

[38:07] Practitioner recommendations for explaining endothelial glycocalyx as it relates to the different pathways of nitric oxide production. 

[46:02] Dr. Burke shares powerful success stories of working with the endothelial glycocalyx. 

[48:53] The role of Arterosil in supporting the healthy endothelial glycocalyx and changes to macular degeneration and neuropathy in clinical practices. 

[52:36] Dr. Burke considers potential applications for Vascanox, including poor circulation, erectile dysfunction, and possibly to address lymphedema and encouraging lymphatic flow.

[56:15] Dr. Burke shares her personal favorite supplements, her resilience health practices and one of the many health ideas she has changed her mind about over her years of practice. 

Episode Resources:

Dr. Kristine Burke

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Research Blog: The Postmenopausal Decline of Estrogen and How it May Influence Cardiovascular Health

Blog: The Latest Research on Antioxidative Status for Optimal Cardiovascular Health

Blog: The Intelligent Inner Lining of Blood Vessels: Nutrients that Support Vascular Health

Research Blog: Exploring the Dual Pathways and Nutrients for Enhanced Nitric Oxide Production

Research Blog: The Role of the Oral Microbiome on Nitric Oxide Production and Healthy Blood Pressure

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

In addition to being a mom of 3, Jill Lane has spent over 15 years consulting, coaching, and teaching functional nutrition and exercise physiology. Her passion for helping pro athletes, sports families, and high achievers attain maximum strength, quick recovery, heightened energy, sharp focus, and optimal body fat for peak performance has become the cornerstone of her business. Some of her current and past clients include coaches and players from the NFL, NBA, and MLB as well as aspiring MMA and Olympic athletes. As a former High School All-American, Olympic Development Team Member, Collegiate, and Semi-Pro athlete herself, Jill has a clear understanding of what competitive athletes require to achieve and sustain their personal best. Her mission to support the next generation of student-athlete leaders (as well as those who lead them daily) comes full circle in her event, program, and academy called Fueling Champions™. Fueling Champions follows Jill’s proprietary 3-step process, FEED, LEAD, SUCCEED so families of student-athletes can achieve healthy success, together.

Together Jill and I discuss the health challenges facing elite student and professional athletes and the role that practitioners can play in optimizing their performance. Jill highlights the negative impact of RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport), the importance to functional medicine practitioners of understanding RED-S, and offers tactics to help practitioners have more effective conversations with their patients. Together we address key supplements for athletes, including protein intake, fish oil, and Vitamin D. Jill also offers recommendations based on her vast experience for injury prevention and illness reduction and shares the advice that practitioners need to hear to keep their elite athletes on the field, in the pool, or on the track.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[2:02] Jill’s journey into sports nutrition was born out of necessity and personal experience.

[5:02] Key changes Jill has seen in performance nutrition in recent years.

[7:15] RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport) in a timeline and a detailed description of chronic low energy availability.

[17:05] The importance to functional medicine practitioners of understanding RED-S and having effective conversations with patients about it.

[19:44] The negative impact of RED-S on hormone, bone, and organ development.

[22:38] 3 effective communication tactics for setting student-athletes up for optimal performance.

[29:21] Key macronutrient needs differences between endurance and strength athletes.

[32:22] RED-S intake form resources for practitioners and the importance of raising awareness.

[36:47] Nutritionally supporting clients in injury prevention and returning to performance.

[45:04] Protein powder age and dosing recommendations.

[46:45] Fish oil and Vitamin D action items for injury prevention and risk reduction.

[49:26] Evelyn shares an encouraging supplement concussion recovery success story.

[52:34] The importance of using Certified For Sports products for all athletes.

[58:12] Jill’s top three personal supplements, favorite health practices, and the viewpoint on carbohydrates that she has changed her mind about throughout her career.

Episode Resources:

Jill Lane

2014 IOC Consensus Statement on RED-S

2023 BJSM RED-S Update

Nicky Keay RED-S Endocrine diagram paper

Injury and Rehab Nutrition 

Fueling Champions

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Blog: Krill Oil for Muscle Health and Recovery

Science Update: Meta-analysis Investigates Efficacy of Vitamin D Supplementation on Bone Health

Blog: The Synergy of Vitamins D and K on Bone Health

Sports Performance Protocol

Nutrition Notes: Fuel Exercise Properly

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

Dr.Andy Franklyn-Miller is a world-leading specialist in sport and exercise medicine and the Chief Medical Officer at Nuritas. He is a highly accomplished physician with expertise in physiology, clinical design, and science communication, has a Ph.D. in Biomechanics, and served in the Royal Navy and Royal Marines for 16 years. Dr. Franklyn-Miller has extensive experience in working with high-profile sports teams and elite performers, has published more than 60 peer-reviewed papers, is an editor of the British Journal of Sports Medicine, and has authored a textbook and an IOC Handbook. With his expertise in machine learning, clinical trials, and end-user analysis, he oversees several departments at Nuritas, including software engineering, data curation, data science, proteomics, lab, and regulatory departments. Together, Dr. Franklyn-Miller and I explore the science behind PeptiStrong, a groundbreaking peptide developed by Nuritas, and discuss its clinical applications and research. If you have patients who are concerned with muscle retention as they age, who aren’t recovering as quickly as they would like after exercise, or who are on GLP-1 medications and need to retain lean muscle mass, this conversation will be particularly engaging to you. Together, we cover the latest peptides data and studies and what it all means for healthcare practitioners. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Andy Franklyn-Miller - https://www.nuritas.com/team/dr-andy-franklyn-miller/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Designs for Health Practitioner Exclusive Drug Nutrient Depletion and Interaction Checker - https://www.designsforhealth.com/drug-nutrient-interaction/

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library, which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

The Designs for Health Podcast is produced in partnership with Podfly Productions.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro.

02:28 Dr. Franklyn-Miller is feeling lit up by his current data analyses.

3:00 The ability to increase health in millions of people drew Dr. Franklyn-Miller to Nuritas.

4:02 What are peptides, and what are their function and benefits related to athletic performance?

7:33 Does PeptiStrong negatively impact those with a G6-PD deficiency?

8:52 Why don’t PeptiStrong peptides break down as amino acids?

11:33 Three human clinical studies and their results and mechanisms of action.

14:09 The importance and controversy of the mTOR 1 and 2 pathways.

17:19 Key findings about muscular energy from the second human study.

20:58 Factors that effectively inhibit pathways that lead to sarcopenia.

22:22 The third study examines the impact of PeptiStrong on both men and women.

24:59 The impact of PeptiStrong on reducing inflammation and the effect on TNF-Alpha and on ATP production.

28:12 Prioritizing creatine, HMB, and leucine benefits with peptides in a synergistic way.

30:27 Creating optimal impact of PeptiStrong on various patient outcomes.

33:04 Studies that will address muscle mass at each stage of a woman’s life.

38:52 Clinical guidelines for taking peptides to maximize effectiveness.

40:09 Observations from Dr. Franklyn-Miller’s personal experience with taking PeptiStrong.

43:36 Optimal designs for future clinical trials and the role of peptides in shaping the future of healthcare.

55:35 Dr. Franklyn-Miller’s personal favorite supplements, favorite health practices, and his evolved perspective on what food and medicine are really about.

This episode of Conversations for Health features Designs for Health, Inc. and Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, LLC Chief Medical Officer, Dr. David Brady.  With over 30 years of experience as an integrative practitioner and over 25 years in health sciences academia, Dr. Brady is a licensed naturopathic medical physician & clinical nutritionist, and professor and director emeritus of The Nutrition Institute at the University of Bridgeport.

In our conversation, Dr. Brady explores the rise and implications of long haul syndrome, or PASC, including popular correlation hypotheses, associations and patterns and insights from recent studies.  He details the challenges of major gaps in long haul syndrome clinical care, patient stories, and developing nutraceutical and traditional treatment options that have proven effective, as well as his own case-by-case approach to helping patients manage long haul syndrome effectively as answers continue to be uncovered by researchers and medical professionals. 

I’m your host Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us. 

Key Takeaways:

[1:36] Dr. Brady highlights the defining symptoms of long haul syndrome. 

[4:25] The prevalence of long haul syndrome in the U.S., according to a Brooking Institute study.

[5:18] Changes in our understanding of long haul syndrome from 2020 to the present. 

[8:10] Addressing the major gaps in clinical care regarding long haul syndrome. 

[10:33] Hypotheses regarding pathogenesis, mechanisms, and other fundamental long haul syndrome questions. 

[13:02] The association between long haul syndrome, immunological cytokine patterns and other metabolomic signatures. 

[19:24] Dr. Brady shares the resolution patterns and inconsistencies he has seen in panels. 

[21:58] Possible correlations between genetic SNPs and the propensity toward developing long haul syndrome. 

[24:43] Insights into the potential correlation between mitochondrial dysfunction and long haul syndrome. 

[28:28] Findings from Harvard and Yale long haul molecular and metabolic function studies. 

[30:49] Dr. Brady’s recommendations for addressing the vasculature aspect of long haul syndrome. 

[33:06] Information gained from the microbiota patterns in long haulers. 

[35:55] Dr. Brady details the journey of his wife from healthy, fit dancer to long hauler. 

[40:30] Evidence based drugs and nutraceuticals that are being used to manage long haul syndrome. 

[52:26] Dr. Brady’s approach to managing long haul symptoms on a case-by-case basis. 

[54:51] Nutraceutical recommendations for approaching long haul syndrome and POTS. 

[56:35] Dr. Brady shares his top three favorite supplements, his personal health practices, and what he has changed his mind about in recent years.

Episode Resources:

Dr. David Brady

Presentation: (IHS) Long Covid | Exploring the Latest Science and Pathways Forward

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health 

Presentation: (CASI 22) Bruce Patterson – Diagnosis, Treatment, and Immunopathogenesis of Chronic Inflammation, including COVID-19 Long-haul syndrome

Presentation: (CASI 22) David Brady – Clinical Round | COVID-19 Long Haul Syndrome

Blog: Specialized Pro-resolving Mediators Novel Mechanisms for Supporting a Healthy Inflammatory Response

Blog: Combination of Geranylgeraniol + Ubiquinol to Support Mitochondrial Function

Blog: Fueling Mitochondria for Illness Recovery

Blog: L-Carnitine for Energy Production and Beyond

Blog: Rhamnan Sulfate to Support the Endothelial Glycocalyx

Blog: How Polyphenols Promote a Healthy Gut Microbiome

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars and our blog. 

Dr. Brandy Zachary is a powerful and unique functional medicine teacher and award-winning practice owner. She has taken functional practices from zero to $1.8 million in mere months and has worked with thousands of health entrepreneurs on their branding, marketing, sales, speaking, clinical and practice strategies. Dr. Z helps practitioners grow 6 and 7 figure business and is passionate about the business of health and rapid practice growth. 

This episode of Designs for Health shifts gears away from the clinical side to all things business. Together we explore the common problems that overworked, under compensated health practice owners face and the strategies that will help them develop a better business.  We discuss essential business growth practices, including effective marketing, building a better team and her recommended business tools. Dr. Z is on a mission to help burnt-out practitioners improve their quality of life, consider their own needs and long-term future first, and craft a  practice that they are excited to continue working in for years to come. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[2:10] Dr. Z’s transition into functional medicine and a health practice consultation business that she directs from Mexico. 

[5:52] Tactics for rapid business growth including teaching and sharing content with others. 

[7:11] Essential business growth practices include effective marketing, an attractive offer and fulfillment. 

[9:15] Ideas for improving communication and engaging clientele at in-person events. 

[10:22] Dr. Z’s Practice Plan and mentorship models help practitioners focus on their long-term plan. 

[15:35] Bringing on additional practitioners is not the only answer to creating a dream practice.

[17:08] First steps to move away from the daily grind that burns out so many health professionals.

[19:38] Strategies for forging effective collaborations between health practitioners and nutritionists and health coaches. 

[24:00] The importance of maintaining a health license even after leaning into health coaching. 

[27:56] Best practices for creating successful ads in today’s today’s saturated marketing world. 

[33:16] No cost consults are sales calls that will increase interest, but may not be the best route to generate business.  

[37:11] Tactics for reconciling the high costs associated with dedicated care with the desire to help as many patients as possible.

[45:32] Dr. Z’s top tools for enhancing your functional medicine business and bringing the right people onto your team. 

[54:12] How to connect with Dr. Z. 

[55:10] The business tools that Dr. Z has changed her mind about using in recent years, her favorite supplements and preferred health practices. 

Episode Resources:

Dr. Brandy Zachary

The Practice Plan

The Dr. Z Academy

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Dietary Supplement Specialist Certification Program

Designs for Health Spotlight Functional Testing eLearning

How Dr. Brandy Zachary Reinvented her Functional Medicine Practice Online

Educational Webinar: Our Nutrition and Weight Loss Practice - "The Chemistry of Food" with Dr. Brandy Zachary

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

Return podcast guest and Designs for Health Chief Science Officer Dr. Barrie Tan is back on the Conversations for Health podcast for a continuation of our conversation about Vitamin E and  Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Together we discuss Dr. Tan’s invention of the combined CoQ10 and GG compound, key differences and similarities of ubiquinone and ubiquinol, and CoQ10 as a memory retention and agent that can counteract adverse effects of statin medications. Dr. Tan details his discovery of the benefits of the annatto plant and highlights the encouraging research findings regarding tocotrienol use in neurological health for those who are dedicated to improving the aging process. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[2:32] Dr. Barrie Tan details his invention of the combined CoQ10 and GG compound.

[5:13] Key differences and similarities of ubiquinone and ubiquinol.

[10:26] The dual benefits of both taking and making ubiquinol with GG to address a mitochondrial dysfunction energy deficit as we age.

[12:23] Identifying the functioning location of CoQ10 in particular cells.

[16:58] Dr. Tan explains his GG and CoQ10 recommendations for statin users.

[27:27] Dosing ranges for GG based on age, MK-4 levels, and other health concerns.

[33:23] Future research possibilities on compound GG include body fat, energy transfers, and body temperature regulation.

[38:36] Addressing concerns regarding tocopherols that are commonly found in food.

[41:35] The environmental impact of sourcing annatto plants.

[45:03] Dr. Tan reflects on his experience of finding the annatto plant.

[48:56] Research findings regarding tocotrienol use in neurological health.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Barrie Tan 

The Truth About Vitamin E: The Secret to Thriving with Annatto Tocotrienols

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Tocotrienols White Paper

Blog: Combination of Geranylgeraniol + Ubiquinol to Support Mitochondrial Function

Blog: CoQ10 Helps Promote Mitochondrial Function

Blog: Bisphosphonates and Bone Health: Is There a Role for Geranylgeraniol?

Blog: Vitamin E Tocotrienols, Metabolic Health, and Healthy Aging

Webinar: Lipid-Soluble Nutrients in Metabolic Syndrome: The Supportive Roles of Tocotrienols, Resveratrol, and Vitamin D

Presentation: Dr. Barrie Tan at CASI 2022: Annatto Tocotrienol & Geranylgeraniol

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

Dr. DJ Sims is a Naturopathic Doctor, published author, and prolific speaker. She received her Bachelor's in Biology from Prairie View A&M University, in Texas and completed her doctorate at Sonoran University of Health Sciences in Phoenix (formerly SCNM). She has served as an Assistant Professor and Core Faculty at Bastyr University California and was a former Adjunct Professor at SCNM in Arizona. ​Dr. DJ established the virtual clinic Superhero Skin+Care to remind women of their identity and bring out the adventurous, gorgeous superhero within them. To do this, she provides personalized treatment plans to improve the skin, reset the liver, and support digestion. Dr. DJ is a leader in naturopathic dermatology and a renowned keynote speaker who makes complex medical information accessible and entertaining. 

Together Dr. Sims and I talk about conquering acne, eczema, psoriasis, and hair loss. She highlights her approach to uncovering the root causes of common dermatological ailments, general diet, and supplemental recommendations for treating microbiome and food sensitivities, and shares clinical pearls regarding accessibility and affordability of skin healthcare. Dr. DJ talks about the value of supplements including Vitamin A and zinc when combating the dysbiosis that can cause acne, key differences in the topical skin barrier, dysbiosis and stress that can all lead to eczema, and the potential causes and nutritional and lifestyle analysis for treating hair loss.  Dr. DJ is working to not only treat her patient’s skin but to unleash their inner superhero and restore the confidence that comes with having clear skin. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[2:00] Dr. DJ Sims makes complex naturopathic dermatology and other complex medical information accessible and entertaining, even at Comic-Con.

[4:14] The role and encouragement that Dr. DJ’s parents offered as she entered the world of naturopathic medicine, and the patients that first inspired her to continue her work.

[8:52] A high-level overview of Dr. DJ’s approach to uncovering the root causes of common dermatological ailments.

[10:38] Top root causes of acne including hormonal imbalance of androgen or cortisol excess, dysbiosis or loss of good bacteria, and food sensitivities.

[12:05] Liver enzymes, genetic testing, and the need for higher liver support.

[13:05] Dr. DJ’s preferred method for hormone testing is DUTCH testing, which offers diet, lifestyle, and hormone answers.

[16:35] General diet and supplemental recommendations for treating microbiome and food sensitivities.

[20:10] Dr. DJ’s timeline to gut treatment, including healing and killing.

[21:55] Clinical pearls regarding GI Revive and L glutamine and accessibility and affordability of skin healthcare.

[24:44] The value of Vitamin A and zinc when combating the dysbiosis that can cause acne.

[29:10] Dosing recommendations for Vitamin A and zinc supplements.

[33:37] Addressing the skin microbiome, dietary concerns, and food sensitivities.

[39:46] Key differences in the topical skin barrier, dysbiosis, and stress can all lead to eczema.

[45:55] Addressing the depression and anxiety that accompanies acne and other skin issues.

[47:40] Psoriasis is often a grab bag of symptoms that acts like eczema but has its own unique sensitivities as well.

[49:50] Causes and nutritional and lifestyle analysis for treating hair loss, including biotin and amino acids.

[59:28] Dr. DJ shares what she has changed her mind about in her years of practice, her three favorite supplements, and essential health practices.

Episode Resources:

Dr. DJ Sims

Eye of Newt and Wool of Bat: The Science Behind Magic Potions and Spells | Comic Con@Home 2020

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Nutrition Blog: Ten Nutrients to Help Your Skin Glow from the Inside Out

Research Blog: Vitamin A & Retinoids for Skin Health

Research Blog: Skin Health: The Benefits of Collagen Peptides

Blog: Summer Glow: Tips to Tone Your Face and Support Skin Health

Blog: Dealing with Eczema at the Source: Autoimmunity

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.