Brain Body Reset

In this episode I dive into chronic fatigue syndrome and functional medicine from different angles.

1. CFS is a syndrome, not a disease, involving neurological, immune, and gut dysfunction, often leaving patients feeling dismissed.
2. Root causes include infections (Epstein-Barr, Lyme, mold), gut dysbiosis, and neuroinflammation, with immune weakness playing a key role.
3. Traditional medicine only manages symptoms with medications, failing to address the underlying issues, leaving many without lasting relief.
4. Functional medicine targets root causes, using personalized lab testing and treatments rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
5. Functional neurology is crucial for CFS recovery, assessing brain function and connectivity to ensure a more effective treatment plan.

You may read our entire blog post version of this episode: https://peakbrainandbody.com/functional-medicine-approach-to-chronic-fatigue-syndrome/

Genetic Blueprint for Sustainable Weight Loss with Dr. Phyllis

Key Takeaways:

• Genetics & Weight Loss Resistance
  Dr. Phyllis shares how genetic testing helped her lose 100 pounds and how understanding genetic variations can reveal why traditional diets fail for some people.
• 12 Genetic Avatars & Personalized Strategies
  She explains her concept of “genetic avatars,” including cortisol carriers and dopamine drivers, and how tailoring diet, exercise, and lifestyle based on genetics leads to sustainable weight loss.
• Beyond "Calories In, Calories Out"
  Genetic factors like reduced thermogenesis, inflammation, and fat storage efficiency play a major role in weight struggles, debunking the idea that willpower alone determines success.
• Brain-Body Connection & Emotional Eating
  Stress, gut health, and neurotransmitters like dopamine significantly impact cravings, metabolism, and weight regulation, making mindset shifts essential for long-term results.
• Fasting, Hormones & Long-Term Success
  Dr. Phyllis discusses the pros and cons of fasting, the impact of stress hormones on weight loss, and how sustainable changes—not quick fixes—are key to achieving and maintaining results.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome: A Band-Aid Diagnosis or Root Cause Issue?

1. Understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) – Dr. Zimmerman breaks down the diagnostic criteria for CFS, also known as myalgic encephalomyelitis, including persistent fatigue, post-exertional malaise, and unrefreshing sleep.
2. Overlapping Symptoms & Misdiagnosis Risks – Many conditions share symptoms with CFS, such as autoimmune disorders, thyroid dysfunction, and neurological issues. Without proper testing, a CFS diagnosis may be a "band-aid" rather than addressing the true cause.
3. Key Systems to Evaluate – Dr. Z emphasizes the importance of examining three major systems: the immune system (COVID, mold exposure, autoimmunity), the nervous system (concussions, strokes), and energy production (blood sugar, thyroid, anemia, hormones, sleep). The nervous system should still be evaluated even if you haven't had a concussion or a stroke.
4. The Link Between Long COVID & CFS – Many post-COVID symptoms closely resemble CFS, suggesting viral triggers may play a significant role. Identifying immune system dysfunction is key to proper treatment.
5. A Whole-Body Approach to Recovery – Instead of symptom management, Dr. Z advocates for a root-cause approach, integrating functional neurology and medicine to optimize brain-body health and restore energy levels.

🔹 Listen now to learn how to uncover the real reason behind your chronic fatigue and take steps toward lasting recovery!

Today, I’m joined by Dr. Ken Sharlin, a board-certified neurologist, to discuss the truth about Alzheimer's disease—what causes it, why early detection is critical, and how functional medicine is changing the game. We dive into:

✅ The real difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia
✅ Why conventional neurology often fails patients
✅ The latest diagnostic tools & treatments—including blood-based biomarkers
✅ The power of lifestyle medicine to prevent & slow cognitive decline
✅ The future of regenerative medicine & stem cell therapy for brain health

This episode is packed with cutting-edge research and practical strategies you won’t hear from your regular doctor. Tune in now! 🎧

In this episode I do a deep dive on POTS:

• What is POTS? Learn about Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome, how it impacts the nervous system, and why it's on the rise—especially post-COVID.
• Symptoms & Diagnosis: Discover the key criteria for diagnosing POTS, how it differs from other forms of dysautonomia, and common symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, brain fog, and gut issues.
• Root Causes & Triggers: Understand the connection between POTS and factors like autoimmune conditions, concussions, long COVID, gut health, mast cell activation, and hormonal imbalances.
• Why Conventional Treatments Fall Short: Find out why simply taking salt tablets, wearing compression stockings, or using beta-blockers may not be enough—and what a more comprehensive approach looks like.
• A Functional Approach to POTS: Dr. Zimmerman breaks down a neurological and immune-based framework for evaluating and treating POTS, focusing on brain function, balance, gut health, and inflammation.

To learn more about POTS we have a blogpost on our clinic website: https://peakbrainandbody.com/dysautonomia-and-pots-why-you-have-dizziness-headaches-and-chronic-fatigue/

This is part 2 of a two part series on fish oils and their role in concussion recovery.

I'm joined by Dr. Michael Lewis who is an expert in the field of concussions and fish oils. 

In this episode we discuss we discuss more in depth about what you should know about fish oils.

In this episode we introduce you to your host, Spencer Zimmerman. He's known by his patients as Dr. Z.

His wife interviews him to help you learn more about who he is, what drives him, and some odds and ends.

This is part 1 of a two part series on fish oils and their role in concussion recovery.

I'm joined by Dr. Michael Lewis who is an expert in the field of concussions and fish oils. 

In this episode we discuss what you should know about concussions and tackle many of the myths individuals fall for.

We briefly talk about fish oils in this episode as we lay the ground work for part 2 which will be released as episode 6. 

Millions of concussions happen each and every year. Unfortunately many never get diagnosed. Even those that do are often diagnosed only based off symptoms, which isn't the best way to do it.

We will cover what you should be looking for in a concussion evaluation, reviewing myths, and understanding what happens in the brain with a concussion.

Are you struggling with dizziness and not sure what to do?

This is the episode for you. We dive into the complexities and dizziness in a way that you've never heard it before.

There are many different factors that contribute to dizziness and we walk through many of them. 

Check out our blog post on this: https://peakbrainandbody.com/what-causes-dizziness/