Conversations for Health

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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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.