Join host Roland Pankewich as he welcomes Jeff Porubcan to discuss the challenges and strategies for staying healthy while traveling. As August marks a peak travel period, they explore the impact on the gut and immune system. Jeff shares personal anecdotes about travel mishaps, emphasizing the value of supplements like Theralac and Enzalase. 

They delve into topics such as probiotics for immune support and the role of digestive enzymes. Tune in for practical advice to ensure a healthier and smoother travel experience.

Roland and Jeff emphasize the connections between travel, immune system function, and gut health. They stress the importance of preparation, recommending a strategic approach to supplementation, highlighting specific products like Theralac, TruFlora, and Enzalase for different scenarios. The episode is rich with actionable insights, drawing on personal anecdotes that illustrate how travel can disrupt daily routines and why digestive health should be prioritized. They also touch upon non-supplementary aspects, like diet and sleep, underlining the multifaceted approach necessary for travelers to maintain health on the go.

About the Guest:

Jeff Porubcan is the second-generation leader of Master Supplements Inc. and the U.S. Enzymes Brands. With substantial experience in the health and wellness industry, Jeff is dedicated to advancing the understanding of gut health and probiotics. As a seasoned traveler and father, he leverages his personal and professional experiences to provide practical and expert advice on maintaining health during travel, emphasizing immune system support and digestive wellness.

“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."

Roland Pankewich delves into the intricacies of the microbiome, exploring its pivotal role in health. He explains the interconnected axes between microbes, the immune system, and the epithelial mucosal layer, highlighting how imbalances can lead to health issues. 

Pankewich discusses the significance of initial gut health formed at birth and how long-term dysbiosis can manifest in various symptoms. By understanding the microbiome’s mechanics, listeners gain insights into effective interventions for maintaining gut health. 

Discover the deep connections between gut microbiota and overall well-being, along with practical strategies for management.

About the Host:

Roland Pankewich is the host of the “Following Your GUT” podcast, where he delves into the intersection of health science and clinical wisdom. With a background in health sciences, Roland is dedicated to making complex health topics comprehensible and practically actionable for his audience. He is also known for his lectures with Master Supplements and US Enzymes, contributing years of educational content on topics such as gut health, the microbiome, and digestion.

“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."

Roland Pankewich dives into the world of ketones with guest Bonnie Barnes, a passionate advocate and founder of a ketone-centric company. Explore how ketones, often misunderstood as only part of a keto diet, serve as a valuable macronutrient for brain energy and metabolic health. Barnes shares her personal and professional journey, emphasizing ketones’ role in supporting brain function, particularly for women, athletes, and those seeking metabolic balance. Discover the benefits and applications of ketones in enhancing focus, energy, and overall health.

About the Guest:

Bonnie Barnes is a passionate advocate for ketone supplementation and a seasoned expert in health and wellness. With a remarkable career that budded at the youthful age of 18, Bonnie has evolved from a personal trainer to a businesswoman. She has worn many hats in the fitness industry, including gym ownership and competitive bodybuilding. Over nearly two decades, her journey through health challenges and personal transformations has ignited a profound interest in nutrition and ketones. Bonnie now helms a company specializing in ketone products, aiming to empower individuals with the benefits of enhanced brain energy and metabolic health.

Key Takeaways:

Ketones as a Macronutrient: Ketones are introduced alongside carbohydrates, proteins, and fats as an essential macronutrient that supports brain energy and metabolic health.

Metabolic Connectivity: Achieving a balance between carbohydrate and ketone utilization can help optimize metabolic functions, particularly in acting as both anabolic and catabolic agents.

Impact on Cognitive Function: Ketones are shown to enhance focus and brain energy without the jitters of stimulants like caffeine, making them a viable option for cognitive support.

Gender-Specific Benefits: Women’s health may particularly benefit from ketone supplementation due to varied energy demands across menstrual cycles and conditions like PCOS.

Supporting Digestive Health: Ketones can synergize with probiotics and prebiotics to promote gut health by offering energy for fasting states that aid in digestive repair and optimization.

“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."

Roland Pankewich delves into the intricacies of health across different decades, exploring the shift in physical challenges and the increased health issues faced by younger generations. He differentiates between chronological and biological age, emphasizing how modern stressors impact cellular health and overall well-being. Roland offers insights on optimizing health through lifestyle changes, and the potential for recovery, even in later years, despite the presence of chronic conditions. He advocates for personal responsibility in health management, providing actionable strategies and highlighting the role of the gut in maintaining overall health.

Roland Pankewich is the host of the “Following Your Gut” podcast and a specialist in digestive wellness. Partnered with US Enzymes and Master Supplements, Pankewich focuses on health optimization across various life stages. With a clinical nutritionist background, Pankewich is dedicated to providing insights into health trends and how individuals can adapt to maintain wellness through the decades.

“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."

In this compelling episode of the Following Your Gut Podcast, Roland Pankewich welcomes Dr. Kelly Halderman for a deep dive into the world of Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), a naturally occurring compound with potent anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. Dr. Halderman, a seasoned expert in medical translation and formulation, shares her personal health journey from conventional medicine to becoming a practitioner of naturopathic solutions. This episode blends scientific insights, personal anecdotes, and practical applications.

The central theme of this episode revolves around the multifaceted benefits of PEA, also known as the body’s natural chill pill. Dr. Halderman elaborates on PEA’s role in modulating inflammation without causing psychoactive effects, providing relief in conditions like chronic pain, fibromyalgia, and neurological disorders. With references to her own formulation, SunBalance, the discussion expands into broader health topics, including the impact of emotional well-being on physical health. For those intrigued by functional nutrition and holistic care, this engaging conversation delivers actionable insights and underscores the importance of addressing foundational health to combat modern-day health challenges effectively.

Key Takeaways:

•             Understanding PEA: Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a naturally occurring compound in the body that supports natural inflammatory function in the body and neuroprotective effects.

•             Formulation Synergy: The SunBalance formulation combines PEA with luteolin and quercetin to enhance its effects on brain health, inflammation modulation, and immune support.

•             Foundational Health: While PEA is beneficial, Dr. Halderman emphasizes the importance of foundational health practices, including diet, lifestyle, stress management, and hydration.

•             Emotional Well-being: Addressing emotional health is crucial for overall wellness, and PEA can support this by mitigating neuroinflammation and promoting a balanced mindset.

“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."

In this enlightening episode of the “Following Your Gut” podcast, host Roland Pankewich engages in a dynamic discussion with Dr. Brady Wirick, DC, delving into the pressing topic of healthy aging amid today’s health challenges. As an experienced functional neurologist, Dr. Wirick shares his insights on the contemporary health landscape, characterized by the pervasive presence of inflammatory and metabolic dysregulation. With the summer months approaching, listeners are treated to an exploration of how to maintain equilibrium in light of these challenges, underscoring the importance of lifestyle modifications.

The episode zeroes in on the trajectory of healthy aging, questioning the inevitability of degenerative conditions and highlighting the avenues for prevention. Crucial themes such as the dangers of the “standard American diet,” the underappreciated role of inflammation markers like high-sensitivity CRP, and the significance of fasting insulin levels are meticulously discussed. Dr. Wirick passionately emphasizes the need for lifestyle overhauls, covering aspects from dietary reform to stress management, sleep, and even electromagnetic exposure. Listeners are encouraged to adopt a holistic approach to health, integrating mind-body balance to combat the stressors of modern living.

Key Takeaways:

•             Metabolic Dysfunction and Inflammation: A core contributory factor to chronic degenerative diseases, metabolic dysfunction often goes undetected until serious manifestations occur.

•             Lifestyle Modifications: Prioritizing sleep, managing electromagnetic exposure, and fostering emotional and mental well-being are pivotal steps in maintaining overall health.

•             Dietary Considerations: Transitioning away from the processed “standard American diet” towards whole, natural foods can significantly reduce inflammation and prevent disease.

•             Importance of Testing: Underutilized tests such as high-sensitivity CRP and fasting insulin are essential in identifying early signs of metabolic and inflammatory health issues.

•             Holistic Health Approach: True healing involves addressing the fundamental lifestyle elements rather than relying on quick fixes or overly supplement-based interventions.

“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."

In this episode of the “Following Your Gut” podcast, Roland Pankewich explores the foundation and application of the US Enzymes Master supplements philosophy. Designed to guide both practitioners and health-conscious individuals, the philosophy embraces a systems-thinking approach to health, focusing on digestive health as the cornerstone of overall well-being. Roland articulates how this framework can simplify the complexities of self-diagnosis and product selection, emphasizing the pivotal role of the gut in maintaining optimal health.

Throughout the episode, Roland delves into the crucial stages of the master philosophy, highlighting the interconnectedness of the digestive system with systemic health. He begins with foundational gut support through digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid supplements to unravel the root of many health issues. The episode progresses into offering systemic support and addressing specificity in health strategies, underlining the strategic use of supplements to bolster the body’s natural healing processes. Roland’s insights illuminate how these stages can guide listeners in their journey towards health recovery and optimal wellness, encapsulating the philosophy’s potential in a market flooded with complex and often contradictory health advice.

Key Takeaways:

• The master philosophy offers a structured framework to address health issues starting with digestive health as a basis.

• Digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid supplements play a pivotal role in creating a healthy gut environment, essential for avoiding systemic health problems.

• Phase two of the philosophy promotes systemic support, focusing on the use of nutraceuticals and herbal extracts to manage immune stress and inflammation.

• Specificity in supplement application allows targeted support for particular body systems, furthering personalized health recovery efforts.

• Roland emphasizes using supplements strategically to empower natural healing without over-relying on them as sole solutions.

“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."

About the Guest:

Dr. Tracy Tranchitella is a highly regarded naturopathic doctor with an extensive background in integrative health, focusing on gut health, hormonal balance, and the stress response. Currently associated with the Sunrise Center for Wellness, Dr. Tranchitella has a deep interest in metabolic syndromes, particularly focusing on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its implications on overall health. Her work includes clinical consulting and educational outreach, with contributions to scientific writing, including articles for ZRT Laboratory, a leader in salivary hormone testing and metabolic markers.

Episode Summary:

In this captivating episode of the “Following Your Gut” podcast, Roland Pankewich sits down with Dr. Tracy Tranchitella to explore the intricate relationship between gut health and liver function, particularly focusing on the Gut Liver Axis. As Dr. Tranchitella delves into the realm of NAFLD and NASH, listeners are guided through the latest insights into these pervasive yet preventable conditions. The discussion emphasizes the profound impact lifestyle choices and dietary habits have on liver health and underscores the importance of holistic approaches to healing.

This episode offers an insightful look into the physiological changes occurring in the liver due to NAFLD and its alarming rise as the leading cause of liver transplants. Dr. Tranchitella details the role of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and sedentary lifestyles in the progression of NAFLD, highlighting how these conditions interconnect with gut health. The conversation extends to explore the often-overlooked psychological and lifestyle factors contributing to chronic liver issues. By understanding the holistic nature of health, listeners can appreciate the intricate dance between lifestyle, diet, and disease, motivating them towards sustainable wellness strategies.

“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."

In this engaging episode of the “Following Your Gut” podcast, host Roland Pankewich delves into the critical topic of digestion and its significance to human health. This solo venture away from conventional interviews shines a light on the intricate processes that begin before the first bite and continue through to the elimination of waste. Roland’s approachable style combines humor with science, ensuring listeners both understand and appreciate the complexities of digestion.

The episode highlights digestion’s pivotal role in nutrient absorption and overall wellness, debunking common misconceptions and introducing listeners to phases often overlooked, like the cephalic stage. Roland elaborates on how digestion is not merely the mechanical breakdown of food but a sophisticated process that requires mindfulness to support optimum body function. The journey through the digestive system is enriched with insights into the microbiome’s importance, the various phases of nutrient assimilation, and why poor digestion could potentially be more toxic than beneficial if not aligned with the body’s needs.

Key Takeaways:

• Digestive Awareness: Understanding and consciously engaging in all stages of digestion can enhance health and prevent issues over time.

• Cephalic Phase: Digestion starts with the anticipation and sensory experience of eating, not just the act of consuming food.

• Role of Microbiome: A healthy gut microbiome plays a crucial role in breaking down fiber and protecting against pathogens.

• Impact of Stress: Stress and lifestyle significantly affect digestion, highlighting the importance of a relaxed ‘rest-and-digest’ state for optimal nutrient absorption.

• Nutrition Education: Awareness about digestion aids in making informed decisions on using digestive aids like enzymes and probiotics effectively.

“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."

In this episode, Dr. Kurt Woeller delves into the intricate world of mitochondria and their crucial role in energy production, explaining complex biochemical pathways in an accessible manner. From glycolysis and beta oxidation to the Krebs cycle and electron transport chain, Dr. Woeller articulates the processes that occur within the mitochondria to convert carbohydrates and fatty acids into ATP, the body’s energy currency. Emphasizing the importance of nutrients such as B vitamins and magnesium, he illustrates how these are essential for the optimal function of enzymes involved in metabolic pathways.

Understanding mitochondrial dysfunction is imperative for addressing various health conditions. In this episode, Dr. Woeller discusses this dysfunction’s manifestations from mild issues like brain fog and fatigue to severe mitochondrial diseases that can be life-threatening. He highlights the importance of holistic approaches, integrating nutrition, lifestyle, and environmental factors into treatment plans. Dr. Woeller also touches on advanced topics like apoptosis, cytochrome C, and the impact of oxidative stress on mitochondrial efficiency. The session concludes with an encouraging call for practitioners to delve deeper into research, embracing a comprehensive approach to health.

Key Takeaways:

•             Mitochondria are integral to energy production, with complex biochemical pathways converting nutrients into ATP.

•             Nutrient deficiencies, environmental toxins, and genetic factors can severely affect mitochondrial function.

•             Mitochondrial dysfunction manifests in a spectrum from chronic fatigue to serious, life-threatening diseases.

•             A holistic approach combining nutrition, lifestyle changes, and an understanding of environmental impacts can improve mitochondrial health.

•             Education and critical thinking are crucial for health practitioners to effectively manage and treat mitochondrial dysfunctions.

“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."