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The HRT Questions Most Women Never Get Answered with Karen Martel | Rational Wellness Podcast 481
Perimenopause to Menopause: Testing, Progesterone First, and Evidence-Informed HRT with Karen Martell Dr. Ben Weitz introduces the Rational Wellness Podcast and interviews hormone specialist Karen Martell about perimenopause and menopause, emphasizing that midlife hormonal shifts affect metabolism, sleep, mood, cognition, bone and cardiovascular health. Martell says perimenopause can begin in the mid-30s, often with declining progesterone from less frequent ovulation, leading to heavy periods, insomnia, anxiety, and perceived "estrogen dominance," while estrogen later becomes erratic and then declines toward menopause around age 51. She critiques common responses like birth control, hysterectomy, and symptom-only medications, and recommends combining bloodwork with saliva or urine metabolite testing (e.g., DUTCH) when cycling. For HRT, she prefers transdermal estradiol over oral estrogen, discusses progesterone delivery options and sensitivities to oral metabolites, addresses testosterone (often compounded; injectable preferred), and notes roles for DHEA and pregnenolone. She also covers vaginal therapies, dosing based on both symptoms and protective lab ranges, and cautious later-life initiation. 00:00 Show Intro and Mission 00:59 Why Midlife Hormones Matter 02:23 Perimenopause Starts Early 03:18 Progesterone Drop Signs 06:17 Testing Hormones and Thyroid 08:02 Bad Advice and Quick Fixes 09:33 When Supplements Aren't Enough 10:52 Starting Progesterone Therapy 12:49 Best Hormone Testing Methods 15:36 Endocrine Disruptors Cleanup 17:40 Choosing Estrogen Delivery 18:43 Pellets and Testosterone Risks 22:27 Progesterone Forms and Dosing 25:21 Why Avoid Oral Estrogen 27:00 Estradiol for Life 27:38 Estriol vs Estradiol 30:23 Patch vs Cream Dosing 31:56 E4 Estrogen Debate 33:39 Cycling Progesterone 35:38 DHEA and Pregnenolone 37:39 Vaginal Hormone Options 40:18 Optimizing HRT Levels 43:52 Starting HRT After 70 47:45 Perimenopause Timing Tips 50:19 Where to Find Karen
Karen Martel is a Certified Hormone Specialist and Transformation Nutrition Coach and the host of The Hormone Solution podcast, which focuses on perimenopause, menopause, hormone replacement therapy, metabolic health, weight loss resistance, and thyroid health. Her website is KarenMartel.com.
Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.
What are the Functions of Microbial Gases, Hydrogen, Methane, & Hydrogen Sulfide with Dr. Tom Fabian | Rational Wellness Podcast 480
Gut Microbial Gases Beyond SIBO: Hydrogen, Methane, and Hydrogen Sulfide as Signaling Metabolites Dr. Ben Weitz introduces the Rational Wellness Podcast and interviews Dr. Tom Fabian, PhD, to discuss gut microbial gases beyond the usual SIBO framing. They explain that hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulfide are normal microbial metabolites with potential signaling roles, alongside key microbiome products like short-chain fatty acids (especially butyrate), which fuels colon cells, supports tight junctions, regulatory T cells, and helps maintain an anaerobic colon environment. Fabian notes metabolomics (e.g., GI-MAP stool add-ons) can provide functional insight beyond which microbes are present, highlighting butyrate producers such as Faecalibacterium and Roseburia. They review controversies in breath testing interpretation, discuss methane biology and debated links to constipation, and emphasize emerging research that hydrogen sulfide is widely produced (often from cysteine metabolism), supports colon mitochondria and anaerobiosis, may relate to stress responses and longevity, and that excessive sulfur restriction may be misguided; fiber and polyphenols may mitigate protein-driven hydrogen sulfide. 00:00 Show Intro 00:59 Why Gut Gases Matter 04:04 Microbiome Metabolites 05:52 Butyrate Deep Dive 09:07 Measuring SCFAs 13:20 Hydrogen and Breath Tests 19:12 Hydrogen Benefits 28:19 Methane and Motility 31:06 Sponsor Break 32:13 Methanogens Explained 35:24 Hydrogen Sulfide Science 50:59 Clinical Takeaways
Dr. Tom Fabian has a PhD in molecular biology and who has spent many years researching the microbiome and translating the scientific literature into practical applications for functional medicine practitioners. Currently, Dr. Fabian serves a consultant and science advisor with Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory.
Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.
Dr. Isaac Eliaz is an internationally recognized expert in the field of integrative medicine. A highly skilled physician and healer trained across diverse medical systems, Dr. Eliaz offers an unparalleled holistic approach to health and healing. He is a leading specialist in integrative cancer treatment and prevention, mind-body medicine, and the application of strategic protocols to address complex, degenerative conditions. At Amitabha Medical Clinic, Dr. Eliaz and his team have pioneered the use of the blood filtration treatment, therapeutic apheresis, as a groundbreaking clinical procedure for cancer, chronic kidney disease, Lyme disease and other inflammatory conditions—with outstanding clinical success. His websites are DrEliaz.org and Amitabhab.com and Eliazapheresis.com
Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.
IBS and SIBO Breath Testing with FoodMarble: Real-Time Hydrogen and Methane Monitoring
Dr. Ben Weitz introduces the Rational Wellness Podcast episode on IBS and SIBO with guests Angus Short, PhD (CEO/co-founder) and Claire Short, PhD (chief clinical officer) of FoodMarble, creators of the handheld AIRE breath analyzer that measures hydrogen and methane in real time to track fermentation patterns at home. Inspired by Angus's wife's unresolved IBS symptoms and restrictive dieting, the device evolved from early prototypes into a validated product, including published research with Johns Hopkins showing equivalence to a leading mail-in breath test kit. They discuss following North American Consensus SIBO protocols (prep diet, fasting, lactulose or glucose, readings every 15 minutes for two hours with customizable options), additional at-home FODMAP intolerance tests, symptom/diet/stool tracking, and personalization. They note ongoing development of hydrogen sulfide measurement, factors affecting readings, and how monitoring can guide diet, supplements, and treatment choices.
00:00 Podcast Intro
00:59 IBS SIBO Episode Setup
02:29 Why FoodMarble Started
06:54 Early Prototypes to Product
07:46 Clinical Validation Studies
10:06 How to Run SIBO Tests
12:34 FODMAP Intolerance Testing
16:11 Stool Microbiome Links
20:17 Building a Healthier Microbiome
24:30 Daily Tracking and H2S Sensor
27:00 Diet Variability Matters
27:39 Tracking Meals and Symptoms
28:56 Personalization Factors in Data
29:39 Meal Timing and Liquids
30:48 GLP-1s and Gut Transit
31:56 Patient Engagement and App Modes
33:38 Avoidance and Food Reintroduction
34:32 Lactose Myths and Hidden FODMAPs
36:09 How FODMAPs Really Work
39:20 Food Database and Alternatives
40:16 Enzymes and Supplement Testing
41:54 Breath Sampling Technique
44:28 Calibration and Device Longevity
48:18 Breath Testing Misconceptions
49:59 SIBO Treatments and Research
54:51 Wrap Up and Where to Buy
Claire Shortt, PhD and Aonghus Shortt, PhD are the creators of the Food Marble, the handheld SIBO breath analyzer that measures hydrogen and methane in real time to track fermentation patterns at home. To learn more, go to FoodMarble.com and use the code WEITZ15 to get 15% off.
Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.
Dr. Joe Pizzorno is one of the founders of the modern naturopathic medicine and also the Functional Medicine movement, founding president of Bastyr University, editor of the Textbook of Natural Medicine, and one of the world's leading authorities on environmental toxins and chronic disease. He's the author of at least 14 outstanding books, including The Toxin Solution and a textbook on toxins that he cowrote with Walter Crinion, Clinical Environmental Medicine and he continues to publish groundbreaking research on the role of environmental toxicants in human health.
Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.
Dr. Mark Pimentel is one of the world's leading authorities on the gut microbiome and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO. He serves as Executive Director of the Medically Associated Science and Technology Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and has dedicated more than two decades to unraveling the complex relationship between the gut microbiome and disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.
View the Show Notes For This Episode
Dr. David Perlmutter on Microglia, Metabolism, and a New Paradigm for Neurodegenerative Disease
Dr. Ben Weitz introduces the Rational Wellness Podcast and interviews neurologist and author Dr. David Perlmutter about his upcoming book, Brain Defenders, describing a neuroscience shift from neuron-centered thinking to the brain's immune cells (glia/microglia) as key drivers of neurodegeneration. Perlmutter argues microglial polarization (supportive M2 vs destructive M1) is upstream of protein accumulations like beta-amyloid, alpha-synuclein, and phosphorylated tau, and is strongly influenced by lifestyle-driven metabolic health (blood sugar, insulin resistance, lipids, blood pressure), systemic inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and blood–brain barrier integrity. They discuss prevention, multimodal treatment approaches (e.g., Bredesen and Ornish/Tanzi), mitochondrial dysfunction, exercise, supplements (olive oil polyphenols, vitamin D, CoQ10, urolithin A, spermidine, dihydromyricetin, rosmarinic acid), and emerging drug strategies including TREM2 targeting and GLP-1 agonists, noting benefits and risks.
00:00 Show Intro
01:02 Meet David Perlmutter
03:04 Microglia Paradigm Shift
05:21 Beyond Amyloid Drugs
09:08 Multimodal Reversal Evidence
13:34 Neurons vs Microglia Basics
16:46 Gut Inflammation Link
19:24 Blood Brain Barrier Aging
21:22 Mitochondria Microglia Switch
25:52 Why Diseases Differ Epigenetics
29:54 Tau Is Downstream Too
31:40 Brain Defender Diet Metabolism
35:14 GLP1s For Parkinsons
42:57 Diet Types CGM Keto Fiber
48:46 Supplements For Microglia
52:04 Rapamycin NAD Hype Check
54:34 Wrap Up Preorder Book
55:03 Podcast Outro
Dr. David Perlmutter, board-certified neurologist, six-time New York Times bestselling author, with some of his most popular books being Brain Grain, Brain Maker and Drop Acid and his new book, Brain Defenders. His website is DrPerlmutter.com.
Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.
Dr. Jill Stocker can be reached at https://www.jillstocker.com/ or here: http://www.thebodywellusa.com/
Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.
View the Show Notes For This Episode
Breast Implant Illness with Dr. Robert Whitfield | Rational Wellness Podcast 474
Dr. Ben Weitz interviews Dr. Robert Whitfield, a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction and explant surgery using an integrative approach with functional medicine, genomics, nutrition, and environmental medicine. They discuss breast implant illness (fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, GI and autoimmune-like symptoms), implant types, and why implant-based reconstruction is more common than microsurgical autologous tissue reconstruction. Whitfield reviews evidence and proposed mechanisms including bacterial biofilm contamination, oxidation of oleic acid in breast tissue, immune activation (T-, B-, and plasma-cell responses), and findings from PCR testing in 694 consecutive cases showing 29% bacterial contamination. He outlines preparation and recovery strategies (genetics, toxicity, gut, hormones, sleep, nutrition), surgical capsulectomy and pocket rinses, limited role for antibiotics, implant surveillance after 8–10 years, and alternatives like fat transfer. 00:00 Show Intro and Mission 00:59 Meet Dr Rob Whitfield 02:45 Implant History and Types 03:46 Microsurgery Reconstruction Explained 07:50 Implants Versus Own Tissue 09:30 Silicone Leakage and Immune Limits 11:48 Explant Surgery and Capsule Removal 13:42 Biofilm Mechanism and Oxidation 17:05 Evidence and Susceptibility Factors 20:43 Preop Prep and Recovery Protocol 23:20 Antibiotics PCR and Pocket Rinse 25:20 Heavy Metals Sauna and BIA ALCL 27:40 Textured Implant Recall Guidance 28:32 Implant Lifespan and Imaging 29:58 When to Remove Implants 30:34 Ruling Out Other Causes 31:51 Mold and Parasite Protocols 33:45 Autoimmunity and Biomarkers 36:01 Recovery Lifestyle Basics 37:45 Diet and Protein Focus 39:23 Why BII Is Missed 41:48 Implant Choices and Risks 43:14 Alternatives Like Fat Transfer 45:48 Aftercare and Recovery Tech 48:10 Finding Surgeons and ResourcesDr. Robert Whitfield is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction, explant surgery, and optimizing recovery through an integrative approach that combines reconstructive surgery with functional medicine, genomics, nutrition, and environmental medicine. Over the past decade, Dr. Whitfield has become one of the leading physicians studying what has become known as Breast Implant Illness, or BII—a constellation of symptoms that can include fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, gastrointestinal complaints, autoimmune-type symptoms, and other chronic health issues that some women associate with their breast implants. Dr. Whitfield can be found at DrRobertWhitfield.com
Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.
View the Show Notes For This Episode
Mold, Indoor Air Quality, and Building a Healthy Home with Michael Rubino Dr. Ben Weitz introduces the Rational Wellness Podcast and interviews mold remediation and indoor air quality expert Michael Rubino of Home Cleanse and the Change the Air Foundation about mold, indoor air quality, and creating a healthy home. Rubino describes entering the field after Hurricane Sandy, observing people remaining ill despite cosmetic restorations driven by insurance limits and cost-cutting, and notes an EPA statistic that people spend about 90% of their time indoors. They discuss widespread water damage in homes, mold and bacteria as linked problems, and how new construction can develop mold from poor material handling and inadequate moisture control. Rubino addresses wildfire-related indoor contamination (heavy metals, VOCs, ash), recommends dust and VOC testing, critiques fogging and bleach-based approaches, emphasizes HVAC maintenance and filtration, and outlines the foundation's education, research, and policy goals.
00:59 Meet Michael Rubino
01:50 Why Indoor Air Matters
03:26 Hurricane Sandy Wakeup
05:40 Insurance Drives Remediation
06:45 Mold Coverage Caps
08:57 Denied Claim Story
11:13 How Common Is Water Damage
12:14 Mold In New Builds
17:49 Dried In Explained
19:09 Fire Smoke Toxins Indoors
22:35 Testing After Fires
27:15 Drywall And Safer Walls
29:14 Mold Inspection Dust Test
30:10 ERMI Confusion Solved
32:48 Ordering And Next Steps
32:57 Mold Plus Bacteria
34:02 Mold vs Bacteria Basics
34:54 Next Wave Testing
35:41 Bleach Fogging Myths
37:00 Porous vs Nonporous Cleanup
40:42 What to Toss or Keep
42:26 Tape Testing Belongings
45:12 Laundry and Air Purifiers
46:37 Filters MERV and Ozone
50:30 Ventilation Fires Humidity
53:02 Change the Air Mission
57:01 HVAC Lungs of Home
01:01:20 Clinician Takeaways Wrap
01:03:21 Where to Find More
Michael Rubino is one of the country's leading experts on mold remediation and indoor air quality. He's the founder of HomeCleanse, Chairman of the Change the Air Foundation, and he is also a council-certified Mold Remediator by IICRC and ACAC and a contributing member, sponsor, and speaker for the Indoor Air Quality Association. He is also the host of the Never Been Sicker podcast.
Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.
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