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A standard lab report is a bit like a pass/fail grade. It tells you whether you cleared the bar, but not whether you’re slowly sliding toward it. For many adults with Down syndrome, the most useful information sits between the lines.
In this episode, Dr. Blake Butler, DC introduces Down For Greens Labs: Functional Blood Chemistry, a blood chemistry analysis built for the Down syndrome community. Blake explains why adults with Down syndrome have their own health patterns. Thyroid changes, nutrient gaps, metabolic and cardiovascular shifts, and inflammation can develop quietly for years, so a single “normal” result at an annual physical can miss the bigger picture.
The conversation covers how functional ranges read each marker in context, and what’s inside the two adult panels. The Essential Panel includes 50+ biomarkers across seven categories, including ApoB, fasting insulin, hemoglobin A1c, thyroid antibodies, vitamin D, B12, folate, and full iron studies. The Comprehensive Panel adds hsCRP, homocysteine, Free T4, and Free T3. Blake also explains why self-pay testing often makes sense. Many of these markers are inconsistently covered by insurance, and paying directly means no referral, a known upfront cost, and the freedom to retest on your own schedule.
Because a blood draw can be a big deal for some individuals with Down syndrome, Blake closes with practical prep tips. Hydrate well (water is fine while fasting), book an early morning appointment, keep communication simple and predictable, bring comfort items, and plan a protein-rich snack for afterward.
The takeaway: you can’t support what you can’t see. A clearer baseline makes it easier to notice early signals, have better conversations with your provider, and make simple, sustainable changes.
How it works
Available to adults 18+ in the U.S. (not available in NY, NJ, RI, or HI).
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Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
A note for families
This episode is for general education and is not medical advice. Down For Greens Labs provides wellness insights, not medical diagnoses or treatment plans, and does not replace care from your own or your loved one’s healthcare provider. Please keep up routine care, and make any supplement, dietary, or lifestyle changes together with your provider. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA, and this service is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
About the podcast
The Down For Health Podcast is hosted by Dr. Blake Butler, a functional medicine practitioner trained through The Institute for Functional Medicine and founder of Down For Greens. Blake’s older brother Nick has Down syndrome, and that experience shapes every episode.
In this episode
Show notes
A "normal" BMI is like a smoke detector that only goes off once the kitchen's already on fire. For many people with Down syndrome, real metabolic risk builds quietly for years before weight ever flags a problem.
In this episode, Dr. Blake Butler unpacks the distinct cardiometabolic pattern seen in Down syndrome: earlier weight gain, higher rates of metabolic syndrome and prediabetes, a sneaky cholesterol profile where even normal-weight individuals can have low "good" cholesterol, elevated insulin resistance, and heart and stroke risk that shows up years earlier than in the general population. This isn't "regular metabolic risk plus Down syndrome" — it's its own pattern, and worth knowing.
The conversation covers two newer tests, ApoB and fasting insulin/HOMA-IR, that catch trouble upstream, along with updated screening timelines and practical strategies: diet paired with targeted nutritional support, movement for its own sake, routine thyroid checks, and gut health, discussed honestly, including what's proven and what's still early-stage. It closes with a straightforward action plan for your next appointment.
The takeaway: Down syndrome comes with its own metabolic weather pattern. Different tests catch it, and simple, sustainable steps can change the forecast.
Related on Down For Greens
Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
A note for families
This episode is for general education and is not medical advice. Any supplement, dietary, or lifestyle changes should be made with your own or your child's provider.
About the podcast
The Down For Health Podcast is hosted by Dr. Blake Butler, a functional medicine practitioner trained through The Institute for Functional Medicine and founder of Down For Greens. Blake's older brother Nick has Down syndrome, and that experience shapes every episode.
In this episode
Show notes
In this episode, Shandy Watters, MA, CCC-SLP, FNTP joins Dr. Blake Butler for a conversation about feeding challenges, oral-motor development, and complex picky eating in individuals with Down syndrome.
The discussion explores why feeding difficulties are often connected to oral-motor skills, sensory processing, nervous system regulation, gut health, and overall development rather than simply behavior alone. Shandy shares how a whole-child, functional approach can help families better understand the root causes contributing to mealtime stress and food aversions.
The episode also covers practical strategies for reducing pressure around food, using supportive language, modeling calm eating behaviors, and helping children build safety and trust during meals over time.
The takeaway we leave families with: progress in feeding often starts with understanding, patience, and supporting the nervous system rather than forcing outcomes.
Related on Down For Greens
Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop in the Down For Health Podcast feed.
A note for families
This episode is for general education and is not medical advice. Any supplement, dietary, or lifestyle changes should be made with your own or your child’s provider, who can personalize a plan to you.
About the podcast
The Down For Health Podcast is hosted by Dr. Blake Butler, a functional medicine practitioner with postgraduate training through The Institute for Functional Medicine and the founder of Down For Greens. Blake’s older brother Nick has Down syndrome, and that lived experience shapes every episode. The show exists to give families, caregivers, and clinicians a functional medicine lens on the health questions that matter most in the Down syndrome community.
In this episode
Show notes
After months of research, formulation, and collaboration, Down For Greens Daily Support is officially here.
In this episode, Dr. Blake Butler shares the vision behind creating a greens formula specifically designed to support the unique nutritional needs of individuals with Down syndrome. The conversation explores why foundational nutrition matters, how the formulas were thoughtfully developed for both children and adults, and what makes Down For Greens different from many traditional greens products on the market.
The episode also discusses the broader mission of Down For Health: improving health outcomes through accessible education, functional medicine, and practical tools families can use consistently in everyday life.
The takeaway Blake leaves families with: long-term health support doesn’t need to be complicated. Consistent, foundational nutrition can play an important role in supporting immune health, gut health, and overall resilience over time.
Related on Down For Greens
Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop in the Down For Health Podcast feed.
A note for families
This episode is for general education and is not medical advice. Any supplement, dietary, or lifestyle changes should be made with your own or your child’s provider, who can personalize a plan to you.
About the podcast
The Down For Health Podcast is hosted by Dr. Blake Butler, a functional medicine practitioner with postgraduate training through The Institute for Functional Medicine and the founder of Down For Greens. Blake’s older brother Nick has Down syndrome, and that lived experience shapes every episode. The show exists to give families, caregivers, and clinicians a functional medicine lens on the health questions that matter most in the Down syndrome community.
In this episode
Show notes
In this episode, Dr. Perry Maynard joins Dr. Blake Butler for a conversation about brain health, cognitive resilience, and the unique biological considerations involved in supporting individuals with Down syndrome across the lifespan.
The discussion explores why cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s pathology in Down syndrome cannot be reduced to a single nutrient deficiency or isolated pathway. Instead, the conversation examines how the extra copy of chromosome 21 may contribute to lifelong patterns of oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, altered methylation, and metabolic imbalance that collectively influence brain health over time.
The episode breaks down the rationale behind several nutrients commonly discussed in functional medicine approaches to brain support, including methylated B vitamins, choline, magnesium, zinc, selenium, NAC, curcumin, and Lion’s Mane, while emphasizing the importance of realistic expectations and evidence-informed decision making rather than exaggerated claims.
The conversation also introduces DFG 01 and DFG Kids, the greens formulas developed specifically for the Down syndrome community. Blake shares the philosophy behind the formulations: supporting foundational physiology through a thoughtful, layered approach designed with safety, complexity, and long-term support in mind.
The takeaway Blake leaves families with: brain health support should focus on systems, not shortcuts. Consistent, foundational habits and thoughtful long-term strategies matter far more than any single ingredient or trend.
Related on Down For Greens
Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop in the Down For Health Podcast feed.
A note for families
This episode is for general education and is not medical advice. Any supplement, dietary, or lifestyle changes should be made with your own or your child’s provider, who can personalize a plan to you.
About the podcast
The Down For Health Podcast is hosted by Dr. Blake Butler, a functional medicine practitioner with postgraduate training through The Institute for Functional Medicine and the founder of Down For Greens. Blake’s older brother Nick has Down syndrome, and that lived experience shapes every episode. The show exists to give families, caregivers, and clinicians a functional medicine lens on the health questions that matter most in the Down syndrome community.
In this episode
Show notes
Blood sugar balance is about much more than diabetes. The brain depends on a steady supply of glucose for focus, memory, emotional regulation, and overall cognitive function. Although the brain makes up only a small percentage of total body weight, it uses a significant portion of the body’s energy at rest, making stable blood sugar especially important for day-to-day function and long-term brain health.
In this episode, Dr. Blake Butler explores why individuals with Down syndrome may be more vulnerable to metabolic dysfunction, insulin resistance, and blood sugar instability across the lifespan. The conversation breaks down the science in approachable terms while examining how unstable glucose patterns may contribute to fatigue, focus challenges, mood changes, inflammation, and increased cardiometabolic and cognitive risk over time.
The episode also reviews current research surrounding diabetes risk, Alzheimer-type dementia, and the importance of early metabolic monitoring before significant symptoms develop. Practical strategies discussed include consistent movement, post-meal walking, balanced meals, meal timing, sleep support, and food pairing techniques that may help promote steadier energy and healthier glucose regulation.
The discussion also touches on supplements and trending dietary approaches, clarifying what currently has supportive evidence, what remains experimental, and what should only be considered with appropriate medical oversight.
The takeaway Blake leaves families with: supporting blood sugar balance is about creating steady, reliable fuel for the brain, and small, sustainable habits can have a meaningful impact on long-term metabolic and cognitive health.
Related on Down For Greens
Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop in the Down For Health Podcast feed.
A note for families
This episode is for general education and is not medical advice. Any supplement, dietary, or lifestyle changes should be made with your own or your child’s provider, who can personalize a plan to you.
About the podcast
The Down For Health Podcast is hosted by Dr. Blake Butler, a functional medicine practitioner with postgraduate training through The Institute for Functional Medicine and the founder of Down For Greens. Blake’s older brother Nick has Down syndrome, and that lived experience shapes every episode. The show exists to give families, caregivers, and clinicians a functional medicine lens on the health questions that matter most in the Dow
In this episode
Show notes
In this episode, Dr. Blake Butler shares the story behind Down For Health and the deeper mission that drives the podcast, platform, and broader community.
At the center of that story is Nick, Blake’s older brother, whose life, resilience, and personality helped inspire everything Down For Health has become. Nick is an actor, songwriter, martial artist, and a constant reminder of the strength, joy, and individuality that exists within the Down syndrome community.
The episode explores why Down For Health was created: to provide families with accessible health education, practical functional medicine insights, and a supportive community where parents and caregivers can feel empowered rather than overwhelmed. The goal is not perfection, but helping families make informed, sustainable choices that support better long-term health outcomes and quality of life.
The takeaway Blake leaves families with: every individual with Down syndrome deserves the opportunity to thrive, and families deserve trustworthy guidance, meaningful support, and hope along the way.
Related on Down For Greens
Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop in the Down For Health Podcast feed.
A note for families
This episode is for general education and is not medical advice. Any supplement, dietary, or lifestyle changes should be made with your own or your child’s provider, who can personalize a plan to you.
About the podcast
The Down For Health Podcast is hosted by Dr. Blake Butler, a functional medicine practitioner with postgraduate training through The Institute for Functional Medicine and the founder of Down For Greens. Blake’s older brother Nick has Down syndrome, and that lived experience shapes every episode. The show exists to give families, caregivers, and clinicians a functional medicine lens on the health questions that matter most in the Down syndrome community.
In this episode
Show notes
Seed oils have become one of the most debated topics in nutrition, often labeled as “pro-inflammatory” online. But the research tells a more nuanced story. When minimally processed seed oils replace saturated fats, many studies show improvements in cholesterol balance, cardiovascular health, and overall cardiometabolic risk.
In this episode, Dr. Blake Butler explores the science behind seed oils, omega-3 fats, and inflammation through a functional medicine lens, with a focus on why this conversation may be especially important for the Down syndrome community where oxidative stress, inflammation, and cardiometabolic concerns are already elevated.
The discussion covers the differences between saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated fats, the role of omega-3-rich foods like salmon and sardines, and why processing methods matter. Highly refined oils may lose protective antioxidants and become more susceptible to oxidation, while cold-pressed and minimally processed oils tend to retain more beneficial compounds.
The episode also offers practical guidance for families, including choosing higher-quality oils, increasing omega-3 intake, properly storing delicate oils, and making simple swaps that support long-term metabolic and cardiovascular health.
The takeaway Blake leaves families with: context and quality matter. Minimally processed oils, balanced with adequate omega-3 intake and an overall nutrient-dense diet, can support healthier inflammation and cardiometabolic function over time.
Related on Down For Greens
Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop in the Down For Health Podcast feed.
A note for families
This episode is for general education and is not medical advice. Any supplement, dietary, or lifestyle changes should be made with your own or your child’s provider, who can personalize a plan to you.
About the podcast
The Down For Health Podcast is hosted by Dr. Blake Butler, a functional medicine practitioner with postgraduate training through The Institute for Functional Medicine and the founder of Down For Greens. Blake’s older brother Nick has Down syndrome, and that lived experience shapes every episode. The show exists to give families, caregivers, and clinicians a functional medicine lens on the health questions that matter most in the Down syndrome community.
Sources:
K. Petersen, Mark Messina, Brent Flickinger (2025). Health Implications of Linoleic Acid and Seed Oil Intake.Nutrition Today
Lucas Fornari Laurindo, Lívia F
In this episode
Show notes
The first 1000 days of life, from pregnancy through early childhood, play a major role in shaping long-term health. During this window, the gut microbiome helps guide immune development, digestion, metabolism, and even brain function through the gut-brain connection.
Research suggests that individuals with Down syndrome often experience lower microbial diversity and altered gut bacteria patterns, which may contribute to challenges involving digestion, immune regulation, inflammation, and cognition. Early-life factors like birth method, antibiotic exposure, infant feeding practices, and dietary patterns can all influence how the microbiome develops over time.
In this episode, Dr. Blake Butler explores how a functional medicine approach can support healthier gut development early in life. The conversation covers practical strategies including breastfeeding support, probiotic and prebiotic-rich foods, nutrient-dense nutrition, and reducing unnecessary disruptions to the microbiome whenever possible.
The takeaway Blake leaves families with: supporting gut health early may help build a stronger foundation for immune resilience, digestion, and cognitive development over the long term.
Related on Down For Greens
Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes drop in the Down For Health Podcast feed.
A note for families
This episode is for general education and is not medical advice. Any supplement, dietary, or lifestyle changes should be made with your own or your child’s provider, who can personalize a plan to you.
About the podcast
The Down For Health Podcast is hosted by Dr. Blake Butler, a functional medicine practitioner with postgraduate training through The Institute for Functional Medicine and the founder of Down For Greens. Blake’s older brother Nick has Down syndrome, and that lived experience shapes every episode. The show exists to give families, caregivers, and clinicians a functional medicine lens on the health questions that matter most in the Down syndrome community.
Sources:
Episode Summary
Seed oils are often labeled “pro‑inflammatory,” yet many studies show they can lower heart‑disease risk when they replace saturated fat. In this episode, we cut through the confusion, examining how seed oils, omega‑3s, and oil processing influence inflammation, cardiometabolic health, and overall well‑being for individuals with Down syndrome.
What You’ll Learn
🌱 Seed‑Oil Basics
❤️ Cardio‑Metabolic Benefits
🔥 Inflammation & Omega Ratios
⚙️ Processing Matters
🍽️ Practical Tips for Families
Key Takeaway
Seed oils, when minimally processed and used to replace saturated fats, offer clear cardiometabolic benefits and are not inherently inflammatory. Prioritizing quality oils and boosting omega‑3s gives the Down syndrome community added protection against chronic inflammation.
Sources:
K. Petersen, Mark Messina, Brent Flickinger (2025). Health Implications of Linoleic Acid and Seed Oil Intake.Nutrition Today
Lucas Fornari Laurindo, Lívia Fornari Laurindo, Victória Dogani Rodrigues, Jéssica da Silva Camarinha Oliveira, Beatriz Leme Boaro, and 8 more (2025). Evaluating the effects of seed oils on lipid profile, inflammatory and oxidative markers, and glycemic control of diabetic and dyslipidemic patients: a systematic review of clinical studies. Frontiers in Nutrition
J. DiNicolantonio, J. O’Keefe (2018). Importance of maintaining a low omega–6/omega–3 ratio for reducing inflammation. Open Heart
Somaia A Al-Madhagy, Naglaa S. Ashmawy, Ayat-Allah Mamdouh, O. Eldahshan, Mohamed A. Farag(2023). A comprehensive review of the health benefits of flaxseed oil in relation to its chemical composition and comparison with other omega-3-rich oils. European Journal of Medical Research
D. Mozaffarian, R. Micha, Sarah K. Wallace (2010). Effects on Coronary Heart Disease of Increasing Polyunsaturated Fat in Place of Saturated Fat: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. PLoS Medicine
From the publisher's feed
Down For Health is a single-host podcast dedicated to empowering families of individuals with Down syndrome by exploring the transformative power of functional medicine. Hosted by an experienced…