If you or your clients are struggling with chronic symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, hormone imbalances, inflammation, or unexplained health issues, this episode is a must-listen.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Darren Schmidt, a holistic doctor and the founder of the Nutritional Healing Center of Ann Arbor, the nation's largest non-insurance nutrition clinic. With over 30 years of experience, Dr. Schmidt has helped tens of thousands of people reverse chronic illness using nutrition, detoxification, and lifestyle-based strategies.

After surviving multiple toxic exposures himself, Dr. Schmidt went on to develop MVX Plus, a groundbreaking blood test designed to identify health vulnerabilities years before symptoms appear. Together, we dive deep into root-cause healing, cellular health, toxicity, mold exposure, malnutrition, mitochondrial dysfunction, and his 7-Step Blueprint to Optimal Health, which empowers people to achieve lasting wellness naturally—without chasing symptoms.

What You'll Learn in This Episode 1. Why Chronic Illness Is Increasing

Dr. Schmidt explains how modern life is driving chronic disease through:

• Ultra-processed, low-protein food
• High-calorie malnutrition
• Mold exposure in homes
• Plastics and environmental toxins
• "Unlucky exposures" like gas leaks and infections

I also explore why lifestyle changes alone aren't always enough—and why hidden toxins can derail even the healthiest routines.

2. The MVX Test: Measuring Longevity at the Cellular Level

Dr. Schmidt introduces the MVX (Metabolic Vulnerability Index) blood test, a new and affordable tool that measures cellular function and predicts mortality risk over the next five years.

3. Root Cause Healing vs. Symptom Chasing

Instead of addressing endless symptoms, we talk about why focusing on the root cause allows symptoms to resolve naturally.

Dr. Schmidt shares powerful patient examples showing how small shifts in diet, supplements, or environmental exposures dramatically change MVX scores and overall health.

4. Mold, Gas Leaks & "Unlucky Exposures"

Dr. Schmidt opens up about his personal health crisis involving mold exposure and a year-long gas leak—and how simply removing the exposure significantly reduced his disease risk.

This part of the conversation highlights why environmental factors must always be considered in chronic illness recovery.

5. The 7-Step Blueprint to Optimal Health

Dr. Schmidt walks me through his foundational system for healing chronic disease.

6. Chronic Disease & Hormone Imbalance

Rather than immediately supplementing hormones, Dr. Schmidt explains his approach of supporting the organs that produce hormones—allowing balance to return naturally.

This perspective is especially valuable for hormone and wellness coaches working with complex or chronic cases.

7. Protein, Nutrition & Kids' Health

We also discuss why protein is the most important macronutrient for:

• Satiety
• Cellular repair
• Reducing junk food cravings
• Supporting growth and development

Dr. Schmidt explains how prioritizing protein—especially meat—can help both adults and children move away from ultra-processed foods.