Let's Talk Wellness Now

Dr. Deb 0:00These aren’t miracle cures. This is science delivering precisely what your body needs exactly where it needs it. Today on Let’s Talk wellness. Now. We’re exploring how IV therapy is truly faster than food, revolutionizing wellness as you know it.

Dr. Deb 0:23Welcome to Let’s Talk wellness now the Podcast where we explore cutting edge approaches to help and empower you to make informed decisions about your wellness journey. I’m Dr Depp, and today we’re exploring a treatment that’s been used in hospitals for decades, but is now revolutionizing preventative health and performance optimization intravenous therapy or IV therapy.

Dr. Deb 0:48Maybe you’ve seen celebrities posting IV drip selfies, or perhaps your Local Wellness Center has started offering vitamin drips. You might be wondering, is this just another wellness trend, or is there solid science behind it?

Dr. Deb 1:05Today, we’ll cut through the hype and examine that IV therapy really is how it works in your body and the research behind its effectiveness for everything from athletic performance to immune support and chronic illness management. We’ll explore why oral supplements sometimes fall short the different types of IV formulations available, and how to determine if IV therapy might be right for your specific health needs. You’ll discover how direct to vein delivery of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients can create effects that simply aren’t possible with traditional supplementation.

Dr. Deb 1:46Whether you’re a performance focused athlete, sorry, a busy professional battling fatigue, someone with absorption issues, or just curious about optimizing your health, this episode will give you the science based insights you need to understand this powerful therapeutic approach. So as always, grab your favorite cup of tea or coffee, settle in, and let’s talk about the science of IV therapy and why is becoming a game changer in the world of health optimization.

Dr. Deb 2:24So let’s start with the basics. IV therapy, or intravenous therapy, delivers fluids, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients directly into your bloodstream, bypassing digestive system entirely. And this is not a new concept. Hospitals have used IV fluid delivery for over a century. What’s new is how we’re applying this technology for preventative health and performance optimization. The science behind IV therapy is straightforward but powerful.

Dr. Deb 2:57When you take an oral supplement, it must pass through your digestive system, where several factors limit absorption. First, your stomach acid breaks down many nutrients before they can be absorbed. Second, your digestive tract has limited absorption capacity, what scientists call bioavailability. And third, certain health conditions and medications can further reduce this absorption. Research published in the Journal of parental and enteral nutrition shows that even in healthy individuals, oral vitamin C absorption maxes out at about 200 to 250 milligrams per dose, with the rest being excreted. This is why, when you take those 1000 milligram vitamin C tablets, you often end up with expensive urine or stool if it causes what we call a flush, rather than therapeutic blood levels. In contrast, IV delivery achieves 100%

Dr. Deb 3:59bioavailability because it bypasses these digestive limitations. A 2019 study in the Journal of Translational Medicine found that IV vitamin C could achieve blood concentrations up to 70 times higher than what’s possible with oral supplementation. Those aren’t just numbers. That’s the difference between being a therapeutic effect and a minimal impact.

Dr. Deb 4:28The key advantages of IV therapy include complete absorption. Every molecule of nutrient delivered goes directly into circulation. Higher dosing. Potential therapeutic doses, impossible to achieve orally, immediate effects, no waiting for digestion and absorption. Customized formulations, tailored combinations based on individual needs. This is why we see such dramatic response.

Dr. Deb 5:00Responses in certain patients. It’s not placebo, it’s physiology.

Dr. Deb 5:07Now, not all IVs are created equal. Let’s explore the most common formulations and the science behind their benefits. A Myers cocktail, very common. This is the original IV nutrient therapy developed by Dr John Myers in the 1970s

Dr. Deb 5:25the classic formulation includes magnesium, calcium, B vitamins and vitamin C. A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that Myers cocktails recipients experienced significant improvement in fibromyalgia symptoms, including pain and fatigue. It’s considered the foundation formula that works well for general wellness, immune support and energy enhancement,

Dr. Deb 5:54high dose vitamin C. This isn’t just about preventing scurvy at IV doses, vitamin C functions differently in the body. Research from the National Institutes of Health shows that while oral vitamin C acts primarily as an antioxidant, intravenous vitamin C at high doses, typically 25 to 50 grams, can generate hydrogen peroxide, which selectively damages cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.

Dr. Deb 6:25A 2020 review in the journal nutrients confirmed that high dose vitamin C can reduce inflammation, fight infection, and may help improve outcomes when used alongside conventional cancer treatments. Linus Pauling actually received the Nobel Peace Prize for high dose vitamin C research.

Dr. Deb 6:48NAD plus nicotinamide, adenide, dinucleotide. That’s a mouthful. This coenzyme is essential for cellular energy production and DNA repair. NADH levels naturally decline with age, and research in Nature Communications suggests this decline contributes to many aspects of aging. IV NADH therapy can take several hours to administer, but has shown promising results for neurological recovery, addiction treatment and cognitive performance. A 2018 study in the journal Cell Metabolism found that restoring NAD plus levels improved mitochondrial function and reversed certain aspects of aging in animal models,

Dr. Deb 7:38glutathione often called the body’s master antioxidant. Glutathione is produced naturally in our liver, but becomes depleted with age, illness and toxin exposure. It’s poorly absorbed orally, making IV delivery particularly valuable. Research published in Clinical pharmacokinetics confirms that IV glutathione achieves significantly higher blood levels than oral supplementation. Benefits include detoxification support, immune enhancement and reduced oxidative stress. Some patients report improvements in inflammatory conditions, fatigue and even skin quality,

Dr. Deb 8:18hydration formulas, sometimes the simplest interventions are the most powerful basic hydration. IVs, containing electrolytes, can rapidly restore fluid balance. A study in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning research found that IV hydration restored exercise performance more quickly than oral hydration in dehydrated athletes. For anyone with intense physical demands, travel, fatigue or recovery needs, proper hydration at the cellular level can be transformative.

Dr. Deb 8:53Chelation therapy, this specialized treatment uses agents like EDTA to bind to heavy metals in the bloodstream, allowing them to be excreted. The tact trial to assess chelation therapy study published in JAMA found that chelation therapy reduced cardiovascular events in patients with a history of heart attack, particularly those with diabetes. While more research is still needed, this suggests potential benefits beyond metal detoxification,

Dr. Deb 9:25as with any medical intervention, the key is personalization. The most effective approach matches the specific formulation to your individual health needs, which is why professional assessment before beginning IV therapy is essential, while IV therapy can benefit many people, certain groups tend to see particular significant results. Let’s explore who might consider this approach and when it’s most valuable,

Dr. Deb 9:56athletes and active individuals for those pushing their.

Dr. Deb 10:00Physical limits, nutrient demands increased dramatically. Research published in the Journal of International Society of Sports Nutrition found that IV therapy improved recovery times and reduced muscle damage markers after intense exercise compared to oral hydration alone. Elite athletes often use IV therapy during intense training blocks or between competitions to maintain peak performance and accelerate recovery.

Dr. Deb 10:29Individuals with absorption issues, people with GI conditions that impair nutrient absorption, like Crohn’s, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, SIBO, often struggle to maintain optimal nutrient levels through diet alone. A study in the American Journal of gastroenterology showed that IV nutrient therapy improved quality of life measures and reduced fatigue in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, IBD, if you’ve been diagnosed with malabsorption issues, IV therapy can be particularly valuable for you.

Dr. Deb 11:06Those with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, these complex conditions often respond poorly to conventional treatments alone. A randomized controlled trial published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that patients receiving weekly Myers, cocktails infusions experienced significant improvement in tender points, pain scores and overall quality of life compared to the placebo group. For these patients, IV therapy may provide relief when other approaches fall short.

Dr. Deb 11:41Individuals recovering from illness or surgery, recovery periods demand additional nutrients to rebuild tissues and restore normal function. Research in the Journal of surgical research demonst...

Dr. Deb 0:00But the doctor told me it was just anxiety. Three days later, I was in the emergency room having a heart attack. For eight years, they said my symptoms were depression. Turns out it was Lyme disease. These people weren’t crazy. They weren’t overreacting. They were right all along today on Let’s Talk wellness now. We’re exposing the dangers the reality of medical gaslighting and why it might be happening to you right now. Welcome to Let’s Talk wellness now, the podcast where we uncover hidden truths about the healthcare system and empower you to take control of your health. I’m Dr Deb, and today we’re diving into something that affects millions but is rarely discussed openly, medical gaslighting, when healthcare providers dismiss your symptoms and make you question your own reality. Have you ever described your symptoms to a doctor, only to be told it’s all in your head, or maybe you’ve been prescribed antidepressants when what you really needed was further testing. Perhaps you’ve been told you’re too young or too healthy looking to have something serious, maybe. Well, medical gaslighting isn’t just frustrating, it can be deadly. According to a study published in the Journal of women’s health, women are 50% more likely than men to receive an incorrect initial diagnosis after a heart attack. For black women, the number jumps to 75% today, you’ll hear from real patients who fought for years to be believed. You’ll hear my professional insights as a naturopath, along with evidence based data and powerful patient stories, and most importantly, you’ll discover exactly how to advocate for yourself in a medical system that often prioritizes efficiency over accuracy. You see, this isn’t just another medical horror story podcast. By the end of this episode, you’ll have concrete strategies to ensure you never become another statistic in medical gaslighting epidemic. If you’ve ever felt like the medical system was working against you instead of for you, this episode might just save your life or the life of someone you love. So grab your favorite cup of tea or coffee, settle in, and let’s talk about the complexities of medical diagnosis and the journey to finding the truth. So what the heck is this term medical gas lighting anyway? Well, it comes from a 1944 film where a husband manipulates his wife into thinking she’s going insane. Medical gaslighting happens when healthcare providers make you question your own experiences through dismissal, minimization or even blame. It sounds kind of like this. Your laps are normal. There’s nothing wrong with you. You’re probably just tired. Try to get more sleep. You’re too young to have that condition.

Dr. Deb 3:39Women, your age, hear this again? Women your age often get anxious about their health. Have you considered therapy? These dismissals aren’t just frustrating, they’re dangerous. Now let me share some shocking statistics a John Hopkins study published in the BMJ quality and safety found that medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States, and misdiagnosis plays a major role when it comes to cancer. Specifically, the statistics are alarming. Studies published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology show that approximately 12% of cancer patients are initially misdiagnosed for certain cancers like lymphoma, sarcoma and melanoma. Misdiagnosis rates can reach up to 44% According to research from the Journal of the American Medical Association, even more concerning a 2020 JAMA Network open study found that one in five patients seeking a second opinion at a major medical center received a substantially different diagnosis that changed their treatment. Treatment plan entirely. The average autoimmune patient waits four years and sees five doctors before receiving a correct diagnosis. According to the American autoimmune related disease Association, the diagnostic journey for specific conditions is even more troubling. Multiple Sclerosis patients typically wait an average of seven years from symptom onset to diagnosis, with many being told they have psychiatric issues or stress. According to a 2022 study in the multiple sclerosis journal, Parkinson’s disease, patients often experience a two to three year delay in diagnosis, with up to 25% initially misdiagnosed with conditions like essential tremor or stress related symptoms, as reported in a 2021 study published in the Journal of Parkinson’s Disease. Lyme disease patients face some of the longest diagnostic journeys, an average of 1.9 years. I’m going to say that’s incorrect, because the clients I see are much longer than that, sometimes five to 10 years. And many of these visits, according to the Journal of Medicine, five healthcare providers before a correct diagnosis. My clients that I see are closer to 50, with many being labeled as having chronic fatigue syndrome or fibromyalgia, according to research from the International Journal of Medicine, women, you get to win on this one,

Dr. Deb 6:43women are diagnosed with anxiety and depression at twice the rate of men, even when presenting with identical symptoms of physical disease, as found in a landmark study of the New England Journal of Medicine. Behind these statistics are real people whose lives have been forever changed by medical gas lighting. Now I want to tell you a story about Sarah. She spent six years being told her debilitating fatigue was just depression. I couldn’t get out of bed. I had brain fog so bad I couldn’t remember my address. Every doctor I saw prescribed antidepressants or told me to exercise more. One even suggested I was enjoying the sick role. Finally, a rheumatologist tested me for Sjogren syndrome, an autoimmune disease my labs came back with some of the highest antibody levels she’d ever seen. Six years of my life gone, all because no one would believe me. Sarah said,

Dr. Deb 7:51Sarah’s story isn’t unique. Let me share another patient’s experience. This is James, who was 42 when he first noticed a slight tremor in the right hand. James says my primary doctor told me it was an essential tremor and probably stress related. When I mentioned that I was also experiencing stiffness and balance issues, he suggested I try yoga. It took three years in a chance appointment with a neurologist who specialized in movement disorders to finally get my Parkinson’s diagnosis. He says by then he had lost his job because people thought he was drinking and he lost work due to his unsteady gait, those years of dismissal cost him his career. And then there’s Lisa, whose symptoms of Lyme disease were dismissed for nearly five years. Lisa says the joint pain started after a camping trip, then came the debilitating fatigue and the cognitive issues. I was diagnosed with, everything from fibromyalgia to depression. One doctor actually said chronic Lyme disease doesn’t even exist. It’s not real. She had another doctor tell her that Lyme doesn’t exist at all. All of this when she just simply asked to be tested for Lyme, because her symptoms started after a camping trip, when she finally found a Lyme literate doctor, her test came back positive, five years of her life spent in bed, unable to function, told it was psychological. She lost her entire 30s to medical gas lighting. These patient stories break my heart. They highlight how different conditions face unique challenges in the diagnostic process, but there’s a common thread medical. Dismissal that costs years of life and well being, not to mention 1000s of dollars. But what’s causing this widespread problem? Let’s explore these underlying factors. Medical gaslighting isn’t usually malicious. Most healthcare providers genuinely want to help. So why does this happen so frequently? Well, it’s the seven minute visit. The average primary care appointment lasts just 18 minutes with only seven minutes of actual doctor patient interaction, complex system, symptoms can’t be properly evaluated in that time frame, and the insurance model allows you to discuss one symptom at each visit. I’ve actually had clients tell me that their doctors have stopped them after them talking about three symptoms because it’s not allowed inside the healthcare system, they would have to make another appointment if they want to talk about more symptoms than that. Now, as a naturopath who specializes in complex chronic illnesses, I’ve seen this firsthand. I had a colleague once share with me, we’re working in a broken system. Doctors are expected to see 25 patients a day, document everything in real time, and somehow provide thoughtful care. Medicine has become a conveyor belt when faced with complex symptoms that don’t really fit neatly into a diagnostic box. It’s faster to attribute them to stress or anxiety than to dive deeper. It’s not defensible, but it explains why good doctors sometimes make terrible mistakes the elephant in the exam room. Well, research consistently shows that medical gas lighting disproportionately affects certain groups, women, especially those of reproductive health concerns, people of color, particularly black women, patients with obesity, who often have all of their symptoms attributed to their weight, and patients with existing mental health diagnoses, ultimately, the GET OUT OF diagnose free card for many doctors. So I want you to hear Marcus’s story. He’s a 32 year old black man whose appendicitis was repeatedly dismissed as drug seeking behavior. Here’s a story. I went to the ER with the worst pain of my life. The doctor barely examined me, asked if I needed something for pain, and sent me home with a diagnosis of constipation. I returned 12 hours later in septic shock. My appendix had ruptured. Later I saw my chart for the first time, and it said I was drug seeking and dramatic. I almost died because of their assumptions. Marcus’s story is unfortunately, not unusual. It happens more often than we think. Medical education focuses heavily on common condition...

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Dr. Deb 0:00Welcome to Let’s Talk wellness now, the podcast where we challenge the status quo of healthcare and empower you with knowledge to take control of your health. I’m Dr Deb, and today we’re diving into the topic that affects us all, the broken healthcare system, and what can we do about it while we’re waiting for change. Today’s episode is the faults in our healthcare system and how to take control of your health.

Dr. Deb 0:27So you know, it takes about eight to 12 months, sometimes even years, to see a specialist. In that time, people are left waiting, suffering or searching for answers on their own. I know firsthand. I waited two years to see a neurologist,

Dr. Deb 0:45only to be told, Deb,

Dr. Deb 0:48I don’t think you have MS for two years, I lived with that possibility. I almost sold my business, I almost sold my homes, and I questioned my future. Now, deep down, I believed my symptoms were caused by Lyme, mold, toxins and other root causes, but that lingering, what if, haunted me. How many people have gone through the same thing? How many are told that they have a neurological disease, when in reality, no one has investigated the true cause.

Dr. Deb 1:28I have seen this firsthand with many of my clients who’ve been waiting 678, 1012, months to see the rheumatologist, the neurologist, the cardiologist. It is very sad, and it is very hard now, could I have seen a neurologist sooner? Yes, I could have, but my schedule got in the way. I had to cancel my appointment, and then as soon as I canceled my appointment, I had to get another referral, then I had to wait for the referral, then I had to wait for the appointment again, and it was another six months, and then the doctor had to cancel, and then we were back and forth and stuck in all of this mess. And it’s frustrating as the client. It’s frustrating as the practitioner. Why should I have to send a referral three times to the same doctor for the same patient because their appointment was canceled. That shouldn’t have to happen. It shouldn’t have to happen to the client. It shouldn’t have to happen to the provider.

Dr. Deb 2:30You know, it’s it is a struggle, and it is the system that we’re working within today. And it’s my opinion that our healthcare system is failing us. We don’t have enough providers. Wait times are too long, and when we do get to the office, there’s barely enough time for a provider to truly listen. We are the sickest nation in the world, and yet, 90% of our healthcare funds go to treating chronic disease, According to Robert F Kennedy Jr,

Dr. Deb 3:04so what do we do? Do we wait for the government to fix this, or do we take our health into our own hands, the broken healthcare system? Why is it actually failing us? Well, the problem of long wait times, the impact of delayed diagnoses and treatments on patient outcomes. How many illnesses worsened during the waiting period?

Dr. Deb 3:29Overworked and understaffed? Why are there so few providers? How did we get here? Insurance and pharmaceutical industry influence? Are patients being steered towards pharmaceuticals rather than true healing, a true lack of preventative care? Why do we focus more on treating symptoms rather than preventing disease in the first place? These are all questions that we need to answer if we’re truly going to take back our health, and we’re truly going to make a difference in the world of health and wellness.

Dr. Deb 4:10All of these aspects are contributing factors to the unhealthiness of our country, but they are not the only thing. They are not the only reason, because we have power as our own individual, as the freedom we have in this country. We have power to take care of our families, of our homes, of what we put into our body.

Dr. Deb 4:38And in this next segment here, I’m going to show you how you can take back control of your own health, because the good news is we can start at home. Even if we want true wellness, we have to clean up our environment, our food and our bodies. And here’s how

Dr. Deb 4:56you know you have to detox your home, remove toxic.

Dr. Deb 5:00Cleaning products and replace them with good natural options like vinegar and water and baking soda. Try brands like Grove Collaborative for non toxic household products. I have used Grove for, oh my gosh, probably well over 10 years already. They make great products that are natural, they’re not toxic. They make your environment smell good. They clean well, and you don’t have to worry about exposing your children, your grandchildren and your pets, yes, your pets to these toxic chemicals. We do not need them in our environments. Very easy ways get rid of the scented candles and the plug ins, they emit harmful chemicals, and instead, use things like essential oils for a freshness or a natural scent, lavender, lemon. I use a lot of lemon in my house. I love the way lemon smells. It smells clean to me. I add it to some of my natural cleaning products. I diffuse it in the air. It’s just a great, fresh, clean scent. You can get essential oils from places like dolterra or Young Living oils. They are very great, high quality essential oils, and they can be used in a lot of different fashions you want to reduce your EMF exposure. Well, what the hell is EMF exposure? It is electromagnetic field. It is everywhere around us. We talk a lot about 5g

Dr. Deb 6:34that is just one big part of it. But do you know you live in a sea of EMF every single day for me just recording this podcast, I have two computer screens, I have a monitor, I have a computer, I have a phone and I have a

Dr. Deb 6:52stereo speaker. All of those things will emit this electromagnetic field, and unless things are hardwired into your wall. You’re using what’s called Wi Fi. Wi Fi emits a ton of electromagnetic magnetic field. You know, you can buy an EMF meter, and I did this in my office and realized that the sea of what I was floating in was crazy. I was putting off just my computer system stuff. Was putting off over 500,000

Dr. Deb 7:29watts of EMF, and I was sitting at that computer for 12 hours a day, that is not healthy, that is not safe. So I had to find what was it that was emitting that much EMF for me,

Dr. Deb 7:45and the biggest component of it was my printer and was my serial speaker. Those two things emitted so much EMF, and as soon as I made sure I turned off the Bluetooth, made sure I turned off the Wi Fi for them that went way down, went down to, like, almost 6000

Dr. Deb 8:07it was crazy how much I was sitting in front of this causing these issues, and I was wondering why my body was buzzing and why I was getting a headache and why I couldn’t see well. And as soon as all of that was taken away. Those symptoms went away. So it is not a small thing. It is a big deal, and you want to really check what is going on in your phone. You want to use what’s called a safe sleeve. That’s what I have here on my cell phone. A safe sleeve is a

Dr. Deb 8:39cover that goes onto your phone that helps block the EMF, and when you use this, make sure you put your safe sleeve towards your body when you stick it in your pocket, because that’ll really protect you. These kinds of things create a lot of issues for us. We were not meant to be part of this electromagnetic field for 1012, 1415, 20 hours a day, and yet we are now. There’s also something you can do. You can install what’s called a Stetzer meter. This blocks dirty electricity so all of our outlets have dirty electricity floating around in our environment. And if you hold that right there, I’m going to grab one for you so you can see what see what it looks like. Sorry, you probably didn’t hear me so well when I walked away from you. But this is a Stetzer meter. And along with this Stetzer meter, comes a electro reader that you can actually plug into your outlet, and it’ll tell you how much dirty electricity is running through that electrical circuit, and it does that because somewhere in that line, things are not grounded properly, and that dirty electricity is going to cause a lot of symptoms for you, headaches, blurred vision, numbness, tingling, all of those kinds of things when.

Dr. Deb 10:00You find your outlet that’s a problem. You stick one of these Stetter meters inside of there, retest it, and you would be amazed at how low that dirty electricity level goes to. It can go down to nearly nothing. All of these kinds of things are going to help you feel better. Are they costly? No, like a pack of 20 of these Stetzer meters is about 800 bucks, not horribly expensive, and it makes a big difference for you. You want to run air purifiers in your home and crack your window a little bit to really improve your air quality, you have to be mindful of the toxins in our home. We’re in our home a lot. We’re in our work environment a lot. You know, fight to have these things installed in your work environment. Get them in your home environment. It makes a big difference. Why do we want air purifiers there? Because our air is toxic. Now, I know you guys are going to say to me, but I live in a brand new home. Well, so did I and you know what I found in my brand new home,

Dr. Deb 11:04extremely high toxic levels of formaldehyde. Why do we have formaldehyde? Well, formaldehyde off gasses. Everything that’s new that we bring into our brand new home, off gasses, our flooring, off gasses, the stain, the paint, the new furniture that we brought in, all of those things contained formaldehyde, and formaldehyde is a chemical used for embalming fluid. Yes, it’s embalming fluid. And do you want to breathe that every day? No, so you run the air purifier and you crack the window a little bit, and that will help remove those high levels of formaldehyde until the off gassing is done. Now, guess how long it tak...

Dr. Deb 0:00Welcome back to Let’s Talk wellness now. I’m your host, Dr, Deb, and today we’re diving into a fascinating topic that’s taking the wellness world by storm, the carnivore diet. Yes, you’ve heard me right, a diet that’s all about meat and animal products and nothing else. For some this may sound extreme, but for others, it’s been a transformative way to heal chronic conditions, lose weight and take control of their health.

Dr. Deb 0:29Today, we’re going to explore what the carnivore diet is, why it’s gaining so much attention, and how it might just be the key to healing your body, especially if you’re dealing with conditions like MS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s disease, or other neurological challenges. I’ll share practical tips with you to get you started common pitfalls to avoid and why this way of eating is a game changer for your gut and brain health. So grab your favorite cup of coffee or tea, and let’s jump right in today.

Dr. Deb 1:08So what is this thing called the carnivore diet? Well, it’s exactly what it sounds like, a diet focused entirely on animal based foods, thin steak, chicken, eggs, fish, butter and organ meats. That’s it sounds like a man’s dream, right? Well, there’s no fruits, no vegetables, no grains, no plant based oils. Why? Because the philosophy behind carnivore is simple. Our ancestors thrived on nutrient dense animal foods, and by eliminating plant based foods that can trigger inflammation or gut issues, we allow our bodies to heal from the inside out. Now I want to talk a little bit with you about the history behind the carnivore diet. To truly understand the carnivore diet, it’s important to look at its historical roots. So for 1000s of years, humans relied heavily on animal based foods for survival. Early hunter gatherer societies prioritized hunting large game and fishing, and these provided the most calorie dense and nutrient rich sustenance available. These practices shaped our biology, our digestive systems and efficiently utilized animal proteins and fats. Even more recent history, certain cultures have thrived on predominantly carnivore diets. Inuit people of Arctic, for example, consumed a diet primarily consisting of fish, seals and whale blubber, not really my favorite idea of a dinner, but that’s okay. They had little to no plants, yet they remained remarkably healthy. Similarly, the Masaya tribe in East Africa traditionally ate a diet based on meat, blood and milk, boasting robust health and low incidences of chronic diseases. The resurgence of the carnivore diet in modern times is largely credited to advocates seeking relief from autoimmune conditions, obesity and metabolic disorders, and by looking back at these historical dietary patterns, we’re rediscovering the profound benefits of diet centered around nutrient dense animal based foods. So is there really science behind all of this? Well, there is the success of a carnivore diet lies in its ability to reduce systemic inflammation, stabilize blood sugar and repair the gut lining. When you eliminate carbohydrates from your body, it your body actually shifts to using fat for fuel through a process called ketosis. We know this very well from the ketogenic diet. This process actually reduces insulin levels and promotes cellular repair and animal based foods, particularly red meat and organ meat, provide all the essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals that your body needs without the interference of plant based anti nutrients. So for individuals with neurological conditions like MS, this shift is especially important. Studies show that ketones, the byproducts of fat metabolism, can have neuroprotective effects, and they fuel the brain cells more efficiently than glucose, and may help reduce oxidative stress, a key factor in neurodegeneration. Additionally, the high levels of omega three fatty acids found in fatty fish like salmon, support brain health and reduce inflammation. I.

Dr. Deb 5:00Yeah. Now why does this matter for people with neurological conditions like Ms? Well, because research is showing us that gut health is directly tied to brain health. If your gut is inflamed, your brain is likely inflamed too, and by repairing the gut brain axis through the carnivore diet, you may experience a reduction in inflammation, you may have improved energy and even fewer neurological symptoms. For my listeners with MS, this could be life changing. Imagine fewer flare ups, less brain fog, and more days where you feel like your best self. That’s the promise of focusing on healing your gut and brain with a carnivore approach. So why does carnivore diet help Ms flares anyway? Well, Ms Multiple Sclerosis is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath, the protective coating around the neurons in the brain.

Dr. Deb 6:01These flare ups often result from heightened immune activity and systemic inflammation. The carnivore diet can help mitigate these issues in several ways. They reduce systemic inflammation by eliminating plant based anti nutrients like lectins and oxalates. The carnivore diet minimizes potential gut irritants that can contribute to the immune system’s over activation, especially things like gluten,

Dr. Deb 6:28ketones and neurological health. The ketogenic nature of the carnivore diet produces ketones, which serve as an efficient fuel source for the brain. Ketones have neuroprotective properties and can help reduce the oxidative stress, a critical factor in MS flare ups gut healing. A compromised gut lining can lead to increased intestinal permeability, or what we call leaky gut, which has been linked to autoimmune conditions like MS, the nutrient dense, easily digestible animal foods in the carnivore diet help repair the gut lining and reduce the influx of inflammatory molecules that enter the bloodstream.

Dr. Deb 7:09Let’s not forget stabilizing blood sugar. Blood sugar spikes and insulin resistance can exasperate inflammation.

Dr. Deb 7:17The carnivore diet stabilizes blood sugar levels, reducing one of the triggers for inflammatory processes, and we have enhanced immune regulation by supporting a balanced gut microbiome and reducing inflammation. The diet helps modulate immune activity, potentially decreasing the frequency and severity of MS flare ups. This is why the carnivore diet isn’t just about what you eat. It’s about giving your body the tools it needs to heal, protect and thrive. For our neurological patients suffering from MS, Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s, it can mean fewer flare ups, better energy and high quality of life.

Dr. Deb 8:02Now, let’s get started on talking about what this carnivore diet actually looks like. If you’re curious about trying carnivore, here’s some good news. Getting started is simple. There are three easy steps. First, start with the basics. Stick to high quality animal foods like beef, lamb, chicken and fish. Eggs and butter are great, too. If you’re feeling adventurous, incorporate organ meats like liver and nutritional powerhouses. Eggs are powerful because they’re full of choline, and choline crosses the blood brain barrier and repairs the neurological damage that’s occurring in there. Choose organ meats that are organic. Actually choose any meat that’s organic and grass fed, this is where the Quality Matters. Organic and grass fed meats are not only nutrient dense, but also free from harmful toxins like antibiotics, hormones and pesticides that are commonly found in conventionally raised meats. Grass fed beef, for example, contains higher levels of omega three fatty acids and CLA conjugated linoleic acid, both of which support anti inflammatory processes. On the other hand, conventional meats may expose you to chemicals and residues that can disrupt hormones and increase inflammation, counteracting the healthy benefits of the diet. When we’re dealing with neurological issues, we’re trying to get these toxins out of the body, because most of the time, they’re overburdened in the body, or there’s a person that has a genetic defect that can’t eliminate these toxins. So adding them into your diet when all you’re doing is carnivore really defeats the purpose of doing carnivore.

Dr. Deb 9:49You want to ditch the processed foods. Say goodbye to anything added sugars, preservatives or artificial ingredients. Your focus should be on whole on.

Dr. Deb 10:00Processed foods. So when you’re shopping, only shop the outside edge of the grocery store, but avoid where the fruits and vegetables section is. For this part, we usually talk about just shopping on the outside. When you’re doing carnivore, you got to avoid the fruits and vegetable aisle. You want to make sure you really stay hydrated and mind your electrolytes. This is critical. As your body adapts to carnivore, you might lose water weight, which can deplete electrolytes. Adding salt to your food and sipping on bone broth can make all the difference in the world on how you’re feeling. I want to give you a pro tip. Keep it simple and listen to your body if you’re hungry, eat if you’re not, don’t force it. Carnivore naturally helps regulate your appetite, so you’ll find yourself eating more intuitively.

Dr. Deb 10:51And here’s a little bonus tip for my coffee lovers out there, if you’re struggling to give up cream and sweetener, try adding a bit of butter or heavy cream instead. It’s truly a game changer.

Dr. Deb 11:04All right, before we dive into something incredible like success stories and strategies for breakthrough

Dr. Deb 11:11and looking at our common challenges, let’s take a quick break and hear from today’s sponsor. Stick around because you don’t want to miss the tips I’m about to share with you. They’ll help you thrive on this diet, and you haven’t. If you haven’t already liked, subscribed or shared, it means a lot to me and kee...

The post Episode 237 – Exosomes: Unlocking the Future of Healing and Anti-Aging first appeared on Let's Talk Wellness Now.

Dr. Deb 0:00Welcome to Let’s Talk wellness now, the podcast where we deep dive into the science of health, wellness and everything you need to live your best life. I’m your host. Doctor Deb Muth, founder of serenity, Health Care Center and serenity, esthetics and wellness. Here on the show, we don’t just talk about wellness, we teach it, we equip you with the practical, science based tools to take control of your health and empower your body to heal naturally. Today we’re talking about a fascinating and often misunderstood topic, the immune system and how it plays a critical role in brain health. This is a must listen episode for anyone who’s worried about conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s or multiple sclerosis, MS, or if you simply just want to learn how to optimize your overall health. By the end of the episode, you’ll understand how your immune system works, from the first responders to the specialized forces, why your brain has its own immune system and how it protects your neurons, the connection between chronic inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases, and most importantly, how you can support your immune system and brain health, starting today. Stay tuned, because I’ll share a powerful case study from one of our patients at Serenity health care center that illustrates how impactful this knowledge can be. So grab your tea, take a deep breath, and let’s dive into today’s episode of Let’s Talk wellness now.

Dr. Deb 1:34So the general immune system is an innate and specific defense. There’s an I want to start with an overview of the immune system itself. This incredible network is divided into two main parts, the innate immune system and the adapted immune system, or as I like to call them, the first responders and the special forces. Now your first responders, the innate immune system, is your body’s first line of defense, and it’s always on duty. So imagine it as your security guard stationed at the entry points of your body, like your skin, your mucus membranes, and they’re even your chemical defenses, such as stomach acid. This kills harmful bacteria and the enzymes in the tears and breaks down those invaders. When a pathogen, like a virus, a bacteria or a fungi, makes it past these barriers, the innate immune system jumps into action. Its response is immediate but non specific, meaning it treats every invader the same way. Key players in this system include our macrophages. Think of these as the immune system’s garbage collectors. They roam your tissues looking for any harmful bacteria viruses to engulf and destroy. This process is called phagocytosis, where the macrophages essentially eat the pathogen, kind of like Pac Man, if you remember that game from way back, right, then we have the neutrophils. Now these are the reinforcements. They’re the most abundant type of white blood cell in your bloodstream and are called to action when there’s an infection. They also destroy pathogens through phagocytosis and release substances to kill the invaders. But there’s one thing about the innate immune system, while it’s fast and effective in the short term, it’s not very specific, and it doesn’t have the ability to tailor its response to particular invaders, which is where the adaptive immune system comes in. Now your adaptive immune system are your special forces. This is like your team of highly trained specialists. Think of this as your

Dr. Deb 4:03your what’s the name that I’m thinking of

Dr. Deb 4:07in the military, these are your special forces, right? These are the guys that come in, and they are stealth in nature. They take out the bad guys, and they’re in and out before you even know that they were there. So unlike the innate immune system, the adaptive immune system doesn’t respond immediately. It takes time to analyze the invader, figure out its weak spots and mount that precise attack. Now, the adaptive system relies on two types of cells, T cells, these are the field commanders. They orchestrate the immune response, directing all of the cells to where they’re needed to go. And certain T cells, called cytotoxic T cells, even destroy infected cells directly. Now your B cells.

Dr. Deb 5:00Is these are immune system weapon manufacturers. They produce antibodies, specialized proteins that lock into those specific invaders, marking them for destruction or neutralizing them outright. Here’s the coolest thing about the adaptive system. It learns so once it fights off a specific invader, it creates a memory cell which sticks around in your body. And these memory cells allow your immune system to respond faster and more effectively if you’re exposed to the same pathogen again in the future. This is the basis of how some vaccines are supposed to work. They train your adaptive immune system without exposing you to the full disease. Now here’s a really good example. Let’s talk about the common cold. When you are first exposed to the cold virus, your innate immune system jumps into action. The macrophages and the neutrophils work to contain the infection. They engulf, they destroy as many viruses as they can. This is why you might feel symptoms like a fever, body aches, stuffy nose. Early on, the innate systems, inflammatory response is in full swing. But if the virus manages to spread, your adaptive immune system steps in takes a little longer because your T cells and B cells need time to recognize the cold virus and create a tailored response. So B cells start producing antibodies that specifically target that strain of the virus, and the T cells attack infected cells directly. Here’s where it gets interesting. Once your adaptive immune system has fought off the cold, it stores the memory of that virus. So if you’re exposed to the same strain again, your body can mount a much faster response and a stronger response, often neutralizing the virus before you even feel sick. Now, one of the problems we have with this is that viruses mutate, and so they don’t have the exact same cell structure every single time once they’ve mutated, so sometimes your body will recognize part of that virus, but it may not recognize the whole thing, and that’s why people get sick every year with a different cold.

Dr. Deb 7:26So imagine you’re defending a castle. The innate immune system is like the guards on the wall repelling any attackers they see without worrying about who they are. The adaptive immune system is like a group of knights who study the enemy’s strategy, develop that tailored plan, and then they train the castle’s defenders to handle future attacks from the same enemy. Now your immune system isn’t just your defense system, it’s your body’s Memory Keeper learning from past battles to protect you better in the future.

Dr. Deb 8:04Now let’s look at something that surprises a lot of people. Did you know your brain has its own immune system? Why does the brain need its own immune system? Because of something called the blood brain barrier. This barrier is like an exclusive VIP club for your brain. Only select molecules like oxygen, nutrients and hormones are allowed to enter. It keeps out most pathogens, like bacterias and viruses, as well as some immune cells from the rest of your body. Now this is how this is like supposed to work. It’s supposed to keep things out

Dr. Deb 8:45however. We’ve learned over time that these infections, these bacterias, these pathogens, can cross the blood brain barrier, which has made chronic illness and neuro neurological diseases much more complex. Now, this level of protection is crucial, because even a minor infection in the brain could cause a catastrophic damage to the delicate neurons. However, the same barrier that protects the brain also isolates it, which means the immune system in the rest of your body can’t easily come to the brain’s rescue when something goes wrong. Now the microglia, these are the brain’s cleanup crew. This is where the microglia are the brain’s resident immune systems, or immune cells. I should say they’re tiny, but incredibly powerful, and they work around the clock to keep your brain healthy, patrolling the brain the microglia acts like the security guards, constantly scanning their environment for anything that doesn’t belong, damaged neurons, harmful proteins and debris from dead cells. So.

Dr. Deb 10:00Phagocytosis is when they find something harmful, the microglia spring into action engulfing and ingesting the threat in a process that we call phagocytosis. This keeps the brain clean and functional. Now the microglia also play a role in maintaining the balance in the health of the brain, they help prune unnecessary synapses during brain development and even regulate neural circuits in adulthood. In a healthy brain, microglia perform these tasks seamlessly, allowing your neurons, the true stars of the brain, to focus on transmitting signals that control everything from memory to movement.

Dr. Deb 10:47But what happens when the microglia go rogue?

Dr. Deb 10:51Well, the brain, the microglia, this part of the brain function, gets out of balance, and like any other part of the immune system, the microglia can become overactive, and that’s really where part of the problem starts. When the microglia are constantly activated, they release inflammatory molecules designed to fight off invaders, and this is useful in the short term, but if this activation becomes chronic, it can cause significant harm. The inflammation doesn’t just attack the invaders. It starts damaging healthy brain cells, particularly neurons. This chronic inflammation is a driving force behind neurodegenerative diseases. So in Alzheimer’s disease, overactive microglia failed to clear the harmful protein plaques such as amyloid beta, and these plaques disrupt communication between neurons and eventually lead to their death. In Parkinson’s disease, inflammation accelerates t...

The Hidden Dangers of Mycotoxins: Unraveling the Mystery of Mold Illness

Dr. Deb 0:01welcome back to Let’s Talk wellness now. I’m your host, Dr, Deb, and I’m so thrilled to have you with me today. If you’ve been searching for answers to mysterious health issues, whether they’re unexplained fatigue, brain fog or persistent headaches, then today’s the episode for you. We’re diving into a silent epidemic that’s affecting millions of people around the world, but often goes unnoticed. Mycotoxins and mold illness, these sneaky little saboteurs can hide in your home, your workplace and even your body, silently undermining your health in ways you might never have imagined. As serenity Healthcare Center, we specialize in uncovering these hidden causes of chronic disease, and today, I’m bringing that expertise directly to you. We’ll explore what mycotoxins are, how they wreak havoc on your body and especially your brain, and most importantly, what you can do to heal. So stick around to the end of this episode, because I’ll share a powerful case study that shows just how life changing it can be to uncover and treat mold illness, plus I’ll give you actionable tips to protect yourself and your loved ones. So grab a cup of tea, get cozy, and let’s talk wellness now. So what are mycotoxins and why? Honestly, should we care about them? Let’s start with the basics. Mycotoxins are toxic chemicals produced by certain types of mold. These aren’t just molds you see growing on food or in damp corners of your bathroom. These are microscopic airborne particles that can infiltrate your home, your body and even your brain. Now, mycotoxins have no odor to them, so often times you have no clue that they’re even present. Molds like Aspergillus and Stachybotrys, commonly known as black mold and Penicillium produce these toxins, and when you inhale, ingest, or even touch them, they can cause serious health problems. And the scary part, you don’t need to see the mold to be affected by it. I remember when I was suffering with mycotoxin illness. A few years ago, I was doing some gardening, and I was pulling weeds, and I didn’t have any problems ever in the garden, and all of a sudden I broke out in hives, and I couldn’t understand what was happening, because I knew I didn’t get exposed to anything that I was allergic to. But it was every time I went outside to garden, I would break out in hives, and it didn’t matter if I had long sleeves on, it didn’t matter if I had gloves on, I would be covered in hives within about 30 minutes of gardening. And I really thought my gardening days were over, but it was when I found out that I was colonized in the nasal passages with mold that I learned that was what was causing my reaction to being in the garden. It wasn’t that I was allergic to something, it was the mold that was there that I was disrupting that was creating a histamine response in my body and causing me to have this allergic response, or at least what seemed like an allergic response, and these hives would last for weeks, and they were so itchy. Oh my gosh, I remember how terrible they were, and there was nothing I could do, Benadryl, hydrocortisone cream, none of it worked. None of the oral stuff worked. Even prednisone really didn’t touch it, and it was so intense. But when I got the mycotoxins out of my nasal passages and got the mold out of the nasal passages and started to clear my body, I could suddenly go back out to gardening again and not have any problems with it. So it is a huge response, and it is part of what triggers mast cell activation syndrome for people, or what we call MCAS, which is a histamine reaction. So anyway, I digress. But why should you care about mold or mycotoxin illness? Well, mycotoxins are linked to some of the most debilitating health issues, neurological conditions like brain fog, migraines, depression and unfortunately, even neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS, they can all cause hormonal imbalances, chronic fatigue and immune system dysfunction. It’s not uncommon for us to see people who are sick with mycotoxin illness have hormonal disruptions, where their estrogen levels and progesterone levels are falling well before menopause, where men have testosterone levels that look like 80 years old and they’re only 30 or 40.

Dr. Deb 5:00This can become a real problem when you’re young, and you’re losing your hormones at such an early age, because that loss of hormones can add to other illnesses down the road, like osteoporosis and more cognitive issues. We know that there’s a decline of hormones from traumatic brain injury that can lead to early onset menopause, which can also then lead to triggering neurological diseases. And if traumatic brain injury does this well, mycotoxin illness or mold illness is just a non traumatic brain injury, and this is very well documented and known in the literature, that these things can create many, many complications. Now, have you ever felt like your health was on a roller coaster, like no matter what you do, you can’t get better? Well, mycotoxins might be the hidden culprit, because mold isn’t just a nuisance, it’s a silent saboteur, quietly undermining your health.

Dr. Deb 6:01Now here’s where it really gets fascinating and honestly frightening. Mycotoxins don’t just make you sneeze or give you a rash like they did in my condition. They cross the blood brain barrier and attack your nervous system. And when mycotoxins reach the brain, they can cause inflammation in the brain, which disrupts the way the neurons communicate, leading to brain fog, memory issues and difficulty concentrating. They damage our neurotransmitters. These are the chemical messengers in your brain responsible for mood, energy and focus. If you want to learn more about this, go back and check out our episode that we did on neurotransmitters, mycotoxins can disrupt dopamine and serotonin, contributing to depression and anxiety. They mimic other diseases. These mycotoxins are really sneaky, and they can create symptoms that look like multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia and even chronic fatigue syndrome, making it incredibly hard to be diagnosed properly. One of the most understood effects of mycotoxins is their impact on the pituitary gland, a small but mighty gland in your brain that controls all of your hormones. When this gland is compromised, you might experience unexplained weight gain, fatigue and even fertility issues. This is crazy to think that this chemical, this mold that we take for granted, that we know is everywhere that people don’t take seriously, can damage our pituitary gland and damage our hormonal function and give us symptoms like MS and fibromyalgia, but yet nobody’s really talking about it in the conventional world, and nobody’s looking at it in the conventional world. This is crazy to me, and I wonder how many people have been misdiagnosed with these types of conditions simply because they’re living in or have been exposed to an environment that had mold at one time that the mycotoxins are still present and they just haven’t left the environment. Now, have you or someone you love ever been misdiagnosed or felt like the diagnosis didn’t quite fit well. This is why we need to dig deeper and ask the right questions. I was diagnosed with MS in December of 2022

Dr. Deb 8:30in my world, I know that MS is usually something else, until proven otherwise, unless you truly have monoclonal antibodies in your spinal tap, if you’re diagnosing ms solely by white matter brain disease on an MRI,

Dr. Deb 8:46I would seek a second opinion, because these toxins that we talk about on the show, these infections that we talk about, all can cause white matter brain disease. They can all cause symptoms that mimic ms Parkinson’s disease, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, all of these things could be explained potentially, and you could get better without having to take drugs that you really don’t want, that you really can’t afford. And if we get to the root cause, we can make things better for you. Now, sometimes the answer isn’t in a pill, it’s in the air you breathe and the environment around you.

Dr. Deb 9:29Now let me share my personal story. Years ago, my husband Dennis and I decided to remodel this quaint little Riverside cottage. It was the dream project until we discovered the mold in the house, there was a roof leak, there was black mold in a closet, there was a foundation leak, there was mold in a bedroom and the bathroom. So we decided to tackle the remediation ourselves, and after six grueling months of.

Dr. Deb 10:00Work, I started to notice some really strange symptoms. My energy was gone. I couldn’t sleep. I was constantly irritable. But the most alarming change was the rapid weight gain. For me. I gained 25 pounds in just two months, for someone who has always been able to eat whatever I want without gaining an ounce. This was shocking. Now I know don’t be mad at me. I can’t help it. I had really good genes at one time for this,

Dr. Deb 10:28but this weight gain happened around the time we started to remediate this home. And as a practitioner, I immediately suspected mold toxicity. I ran tests and discovered my Gliotoxin levels were three times the normal limit. Gliotoxin is a mycotoxin that specifically targets the pituitary gland, which explained a lot of my symptoms.

Dr. Deb 10:52This experience taught me that mold illness doesn’t just affect the body, it impacts the mind, the emotions and even your sense of self. Now, I had worked in another building many years before that that was moldy, and I was there for 10 years, and I knew the building had mold. I could smell it, and I would get sick every time I would go in the building.

Dr. Deb 11:17And I had talked to my partners. They didn’t want to remediate. They didn’t want to d...