Causes or Cures

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In this episode of Causes or Cures, Dr. Eeks sits down with Benjamin Lightburn, CEO of Filament Health, to explore the key differences between natural and synthetic psychedelics—and why those differences matter. Ben breaks down how Filament Health develops its natural psychedelic medicines, shares insights from ongoing clinical trials with top academic institutions, and discusses the early results. He also explains how Filament plans to bring these treatments to market and what sets them apart in the rapidly growing psychedelic space.

Ben is a pioneer in natural drug development, having co-founded Filament Health to create the first-ever safe, naturally derived psychedelic medicines for conditions like substance use disorder. With 15 clinical trials underway across North America and Europe and a business now valued at $210M, Filament is making waves in the industry. Before this, Ben built and sold a successful natural extraction startup, Mazza Innovation, securing major deals with multinationals before its $26M acquisition.

Tune in for a fascinating deep dive into the future of psychedelics—where nature meets science!

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In this episode of Causes or Cures, Dr. Eeks chats with Dr. Torkil Færø about heart rate variability and why he believes it's key to optimal health and longevity. Dr. Færø explains what heart rate variability is, the differences between high and low variability, and how to monitor it using top wearables. He also discusses his best-selling book, The Pulse Cure, which offers a revolutionary method to balance stress, optimize health, and live longer. Plus, he shares eight strategies everyone should adopt to add '24 years' to their life. 

Dr. Færø is a physician, documentary filmmaker, author, and award-winning photographer. With 26 years as a freelance doctor across Norway and over 100,000 consultations, he recognized that many diseases stem from lifestyle-induced stress. After his father's death at 73, he overhauled his own health, shedding 40 pounds and using wearables to track and regulate his nervous system. He has authored The Pulse Cure, The Camera Cure, created TV films on pilgrimages, and traveled to over 80 countries, speaking eight languages. He lives in Norway. 

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Disclaimer: Causes or Cures is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, and no medical claims are being made. Always talk to a qualified healthcare provider about your personal health. 

In this episode of Causes or Cures, Dr. Eeks sits down with Chris Kilham, the renowned "Medicine Hunter," to discuss his incredible global adventures in search of medicinal plants. Chris shares fascinating stories about traveling to over 45 countries, collaborating with indigenous communities, and transforming botanical discoveries into market-ready products. He provides practical advice on plant-based solutions for hair and skin health, managing anxiety, and even low libido, drawing on his deep exploration of natural aphrodisiacs.

Chris also delves into how plant-based medicinals can be thoughtfully incorporated into conventional approaches to medicine, bridging the gap between traditional remedies and modern healthcare. He explores the rising popularity of psychedelics and offers valuable tips for identifying reputable supplement companies in a crowded market.

With more than 50 years of experience in natural health, Chris leads Berkem's Global Plant Exploration Initiative, spearheading sustainable plant discovery and development, while simultaneously supporting the natural environment and indigenous communities. As a researcher, author, yoga teacher, and advocate for traditional remedies like ashwagandha, kava, and maca, Chris brings unparalleled expertise and insight into the world of medicinal plants and wellness.

*Keep in mind that this is a conversation and not medical advice. The podcast team does not endorse any supplements or natural products and advises anyone interested in either to do their homework.

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 In this episode of Causes or Cures, Dr. Eeks sits down with Dr. Sherlock Li to explore his recent research on the impact of forever chemicals (PFAS) on sleep, a pressing public health concern given the strong links between poor sleep and a range of health issues. Dr. Li begins by providing an overview of what forever chemicals are and how they persist in the environment and human body. He then delves into the methodology of his latest study, detailing the observed effects of PFAS on sleep patterns and the emerging theories behind these disruptions. The conversation also touches on the broader public health implications of PFAS exposure and Dr. Li’s cautionary note that the replacement chemicals being introduced may not offer any improvements for our well-being.

Dr. Sherlock Li, PhD, is a postdoctoral researcher in the Department of Population and Public Health Sciences at the Keck School of Medicine.

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In this episode of Causes or Cures, Dr. Eeks sits down with international infectious disease expert Dr. Eskild Petersen to discuss the current bird flu outbreak. Dr. Petersen provides an overview of the history of influenza and the origins of avian influenza (bird flu), shedding light on the ongoing outbreak in animals and its unexpected detection in cows. He explores the science behind the receptors bird flu binds to, explains the differences in these receptors between humans and animals, and highlights how they play a crucial role in determining the severity of infections and the potential for human-to-human transmission. (As of now, there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission.) Finally, he outlines actionable steps for prevention, early treatment strategies, and shares his perspective on the current level of concern. 

Dr. Petersen is a Professor Emeritus of infectious diseases, Institute for Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, Aarhus University, Denmark, and is a member of the PandemiX Center of Excellence at Roskilde University, Denmark. He served as chair of the European Society of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (ESCMID) Emerging Infections Task Force, Basel, Switzerland and is internationally renowned for his contributions to global health, travel medicine and emerging infections. He worked at the Danish national public health institute, Statens Serum Institut, from 1989 to 2003 after which he returned to clinical work in hospitals and treating patients with infectious disease. He served as Editor-in-Chief of the International Journal of Infectious Diseases from 2012 to 2022 and is now Editor-in-Chief of IJID Regions. Professor Petersen has authored several textbooks, including “Infectious Disease: a Geographic Guide” now published by Routlege in its 3rd edition.

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You’ve heard the phrase, “Sitting is the new smoking,” but is it really true—or just an oversimplification? And do standing desks at work actually improve your health? In this episode of Causes or Cures, Dr. Eeks chats with Dr. Bethany Barone Gibbs about her recent study on standing desks and their surprising effects on blood pressure, a key indicator of health. Dr. Gibbs explains how the study was conducted, what the outcome measures revealed, the unexpected findings, and her recommendations for the broader public. Plus, she shares her expert take on whether “sitting is the new smoking” holds up to scientific scrutiny.

Dr. Bethany Gibbs is the chair and professor of the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at West Virginia University School of Public Health. Her research focuses on cardiovascular and physical activity epidemiology, as well as lifestyle interventions to prevent heart disease. Learn more about her work here.

So, before you fully commit to a standing desk, tune in to hear what the science really says about the workplace wellness trend!

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In this episode of Causes or Cures, Dr. Eeks chats with Dr. Lorenzo Pasquini and Hannes Kettner about their research on the effects of psychedelics in older adults who attended psychedelic retreats! They delve into their shared interest in exploring psychedelics as a potential avenue for improving mental health and well-being in this population, where better treatments are urgently needed. The conversation covers their research process, details about the psychedelic retreats attended by participants, and the substances used. They also share key outcomes related to participants' health and well-being and discuss exciting future directions for their work.
Dr. Pasquini is Assistant Professor of Neurology at UCSF whose research focuses on the brain's role in emotional states and social behavior. Using neuroimaging and neurophysiological techniques, he explores how these systems change with aging, neuropsychiatric diseases, and novel interventions like psychedelics. Hannes Kettner is a researcher and PhD candidate at the Centre for Psychedelic Research, Department of Brain Sciences at Imperial College, London.

This episode is sponsored by Greco Gum, the all-natural chewing gum for your mouth and gut that is made from only ONE ingredient! Visit GrecoGum.com and use code ERIN15 to get 15% off your first order.


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Disclaimer: Causes or Cures is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, and no medical claims are being made. Always talk to a qualified healthcare provider about your personal health. 

In this episode of Causes or Cures, Dr. Eeks chats with Australian medical herbalist Lee Carroll about Ergothioneine—what he calls "the most important nutrient you’ve probably never heard of." Found in high concentrations in mushrooms, Lee explains its properties, functions, and why some researchers have dubbed it a "longevity vitamin." While the scientific evidence is still emerging, Ergothioneine’s unique characteristics have sparked significant interest with researchers. Lee also shares the best ways to cook and eat mushrooms to maximize their health benefits.

Lee Carroll, Chief Medical Herbalist with the Science Team at Real Mushrooms, brings over 30 years of expertise in holistic health and botanical medicine. A renowned educator and mentor, he has dedicated his career to exploring the health benefits of mushrooms. Since 2013, he has run a clinical practice in Australia and founded Herba Meditari, an innovative platform for educating health professionals worldwide.

With degrees in Western Herbal Medicine and Botany, Lee seamlessly blends traditional wisdom with modern science. His prior roles at MediHerb, where he excelled in research, development, and education, further highlight his extensive expertise.

This episode is sponsored by Greco Gum, the all-natural chewing gum for your mouth and gut. Visit GrecoGum.com and use code ERIN15 to get 15% off your first order!

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In this episode of Causes or Cures, Dr. Eeks sits down with Dr. Alan Lightman to explore "spiritual materialism," the idea that we can embrace awe-inspiring, spiritual moments without turning to the supernatural for explanations. Dr. Lightman shares insights from his new book, The Miraculous From the Material: Understanding the Wonders of Nature, and delves into profound topics like consciousness, near-death experiences, the possibility of a higher power, immortality, relationships, and whether falling in love leaves space for magic. If you love pondering life’s biggest questions, this episode is a must-listen.

Dr. Lightman is a renowned physicist, author, and entrepreneur. A former Harvard faculty member and current professor at MIT, he holds a degree from Princeton University and a PhD in physics from Caltech. He’s the bestselling author of the modern classic Einstein's Dreams, The Diagnosis, The Transcendental Brain, and The Accidental Universe. Dr. Lightman also hosts the acclaimed PBS series Searching: Our Quest for Meaning in the Age of Science. Since 2023, he is a member of the United Nations’ Scientific Advisory Board.

This episode is sponsored by Greco Gum, the all-natural chewing gum for your mouth and gut. Visit GrecoGum.com and use code ERIN15 to get 15% off your first order!

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Disclaimer: Causes or Cures is for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, and no medical claims are being made. Always talk to a qualified healthcare provider about your personal health.

In this episode of Causes or Cures, Dr. Eeks welcomes Dr. Shai Efrati, a world-renowned physician from Tel Aviv specializing in internal medicine, nephrology, and hyperbaric medicine. Dr. Efrati is the director of the Sagol Center for Hyperbaric Medicine and Research, the largest hyperbaric center globally, treating over 350 patients daily. He is a leading researcher with over 170 scientific publications, a professor at Tel Aviv University, and co-founder of Aviv Scientific.

Dr. Efrati recently released his book, Beyond Normal, which explores how the latest advancements in enhanced medicine can boost performance and repair brain injuries. In this episode, he explains what enhanced medicine is, with a special focus on his pioneering protocols for hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). They explore how HBOT can be utilized to enhance both body and mind, diving into studies on PTSD, Long COVID, fibromyalgia, and an ongoing investigation into its effects on dementia prevention. Dr. Efrati also shares insights on how professional athletes use this therapy to optimize performance and potentially slow the aging process.

Join us as we connect with Dr. Efrati to learn about the cutting-edge world of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and its potential to reshape health and performance enhancement.


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