The Lab Report

We are often reminded to adopt mindful practices in an attempt to mitigate the stress response and promote optimal health. But the concept can seem lofty and, at times, intimidating. Where do you start? How do you become more mindful? Finally, we hit this topic straight on. Dr. Brad Lichtenstein has dedicated his career to the practice of mind-body medicine, mediation, and mindfulness.

This episode is part one of a two-part interview with Dr. Brad. Today, he discusses the physiology of the stress response (“Fight, Flight, or Freeze”), types of biofeedback, and novel ways to engage and regulate the autonomic nervous system.  

“The goal of measuring biofeedback is to create enough awareness in yourself that you no longer need the devices.”- Dr. Brad Lichtenstein

Today on The Lab Report:

• 4:15 Meet Dr. Brad Lichtenstein and learn about why he focuses on the nervous system
• 7:10 The Polyvagal theory and actively engaging the vagus nerve during stress
• 17:35 The importance of ‘safety’
• 22:55 Biofeedback: what is it, what are the different types, why do we care?
• 28:00 Emotional and physical responses as biofeedback regulation 
• 33:00 Introduction to the concept of mindfulness – teaser!

Additional Resources:

The Breath Space

Dr. Brad's TEDx Talk: Breathing Into Life

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Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: [email protected].

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and show not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this podcast, we’ve discussed the benefits and shortcomings of many different diets. Today we finally delve into the concept of ‘fasting.’ Cynthia Thurlow, NP is a well-known expert in intermittent fasting, and became a viral sensation after her TEDx Talk on this subject. She is also passionate about optimizing women’s hormonal health.

Today we discuss the benefits of intermittent fasting, the different types of fasting, and Cynthia’s tips for women in their perimenopausal and menopausal years.

“Autophagy is the spring cleaning of the cells - getting rid of the ‘yuck’ your body doesn’t need.” -Cynthia Thurlow, NP.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 3:25 Meet Cynthia Thurlow and learn about her journey to functional medicine
• 11:25 Autophagy and the benefits of intermittent fasting
• 13:20 Types of fasting
• 15:10 Chronobiology, circadian rhythm, and fasting flexibility
• 19:25 What breaks a fast?
• 23:55 Contraindications to fasting
• 26:20 Prolonged fasting/water fasting
• 28:25 Addressing women’s hormonal health in perimenopause/menopause
• 32:40 Cynthia’s website, podcast, and online learning opportunities
• 34:00 The Fireball: What’s your favorite sandwich?

Cynthia's Website

Primal Eating

Cynthia's TEDx Talk on Intermittent Fasting

Cynthia's TEDx Talk on Surviving to Thriving

The Unhealthy Truth - Robyn O'Brien

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Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: [email protected].

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and show not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A parasite is an organism that lives in a host and takes its nourishment from that host. In the GI tract, their presence can manifest in many ways. The main classes of parasites include protozoa, roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes. Whenever Patti & Michael have questions about microbiology, they turn to Jim Kelton who has been part of the microbiology department at Genova for nearly 20 years. In this episode, we get Jim’s take on parasitosis and clarify the methodologies for detecting parasites.

“We developed fire back in the Stone Ages for a reason, and one of them was to cook fish.” – Jim Kelton

Today on The Lab Report:

3:40 Scienceness, Technicology, and Machine-a-mechanics: Jim Kelton is back!

4:40 Prevalence of parasitosis and the question of underdiagnosis

7:05 Are there commensal parasites?

11:40 Using different kinds of PCR to assess parasites

15:25 “But I saw a worm in my stool, and your lab missed it!”

17:05 Differentiating different ova/eggs

18:50 Microscopy and quantification scales

20:50 Sushi: Friend or foe

23:00 Parting thoughts and fun facts about parasites

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review. Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: [email protected].

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and show not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance can be highly variable - fatigue, weight gain, hot flashes, insomnia, and so much more. With that, it’s likely that hormonal imbalance is contributing to the root cause of many patient complaints. Often clinicians are confused about where to start when it comes to hormone testing. Which hormone do I look for? Which sample type is best? How does it all work together?

Today we discuss the delicate interplay of our hormones. We also highlight the testing differences between sample types (blood, urine, and saliva) and when you might choose one over the other.

Today on The Lab Report:

· 2:35 In which patients would you measure hormone levels?

· 4:30 The ‘pyramid analogy’ and interconnectedness of hormones

· 7:15 Cortisol and the stress response

· 8:40 Where does the thyroid fit in?

· 9:35 Sex hormones

· 12:05 Saliva vs. Blood vs. Urine – ‘Metaphorically Speaking with Dr. Stephen Goldman’

· 20:10 Question of the Day:

Why all the controversy about testing a patient on topical hormone therapy?

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review. Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: [email protected].

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and show not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Managing weight is more than calories in/calories out. There are many hidden factors that may be inhibiting weight loss such as hormonal influences, stress, toxic exposures, and maladaptive behaviors. One of the basic principles of functional medicine is that all patients are different and therefore, a personalized approach is needed.

In this episode, we redefine some ideas around weight loss and discuss the many factors that need to be considered in order to develop a successful weight loss strategy.

“The body system is innately designed to cure itself. To allow this to happen you need to remove the obstacles to cure.” – Dr. Michael Chapman

Today on The Lab Report:

· 2:50 Redefining terms

· 4:40 Calories in/calories out

· 7:25 Quality and quantity of food

· 12:35 Timing, fasting, and chronobiology

· 16:50 Hormones, the stress response, and the importance of sleep

· 21:50 What about the thyroid?

· 23:45 Environmental toxins and obesogens

· 25:00 Movement and exercise

· 25:45 A naturopathic approach to weight loss, obstacles to cure, and behavior change

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review. Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: [email protected].

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and show not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Methylation is a very important enzymatic reaction responsible for so many crucial metabolic processes. In our last episode, we introduced the topic of methylation and the basics of the biochemical reaction.  However, there are many subtle nuances to consider when assessing whether a patient’s methylation cycle is out of balance.

Today, we dive a bit deeper into the biochemistry and peel back the layers to show how some of the specific biomarkers and backup pathways contribute to imbalance. And, what does that mean clinically? It may help to review our prior episode or use Genova’s Methylation Pathway Handout to follow along.

“Should we do case studies on the podcast? Email your opinion to [email protected]!” – Patti and Michael

Today on The Lab Report:

• 2:50 Quick review of the methylation cycle
• 4:45 The important relationship between choline and betaine
• 7:05 Logical Speculation: Why is the betaine: choline ratio associated with disease risk?
• 9:35 Dimethylglycine (DMG)
• 11:15 Sarcosine and the ‘SAM disposal chute’
• 14:20 Glycine: What does it do?
• 16:55 Transsulfuration and glutathione
• 21:00 The multi-omics of the methylation panel
• 22:25 Question of the Day:  What is the stability of measuring SAM and SAH?

Additional Resources:

Genova's Methylation Panel

Dr. Michael Chapman's Methylation Webinar

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: [email protected].

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and show not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The word ‘methylation’ has become somewhat of a buzz word in functional medicine. We’ve mentioned it several times throughout many episodes of The Lab Report – hard to avoid since it’s involved in just about every biological process.

In this episode, we finally hit the topic head on and dive into the methylation cycle itself. Although the biochemistry can be intimidating, listen as we simplify and demystify the steps involved and why each is important. You may find it helpful to refer to a Methylation Pathway Chart.

“It’s not the reaction that is significant, but how often the reaction is used in the body.” – Michael Chapman, ND

Today on The Lab Report:

• 2:00 What is methylation and why is it clinically important
• 5:30 Jumping into the biochemistry – metaphors to the rescue!
• 11:35 Homocysteine
• 14:00 The main pathway versus back up pathway
• 19:33 Transsulfuration
• 22:30 Multi-omics and the methylation cycle
• 27:50 Question of the Day
  • “What does it mean if homocysteine is low?”

Additional Resources:

Genova's Methylation Panel

Dr. Michael Chapman's Methylation Webinar

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: [email protected].

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and show not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The basics of mobility often go unnoticed until nagging pain and discomfort arise. Musculoskeletal pain is a very common complaint of many patients. Rather than treating that pain with medication, what if a simple mobility technique could fix the mechanics that caused it? Dr. Kelly Starrett has revolutionized the way we assess and treat common aches and pains by developing a program called The Ready State. His years of working with elite, professional athletes gives him a unique perspective on how to deal with common everyday musculoskeletal issues.

In this episode, Dr. Starrett lays out a simple plan that clinicians can use every day to assess and treat their patients with pain. He also discusses some strategies for those with desk-based jobs trying to survive the modern workplace and outlines the basics of good posture.

“Pain is the body’s request for change.” – Dr. Kelly Starrett

Today on The Lab Report:

• 2:50 Meet Dr. Kelly Starrett and get introduced to the idea of mobility
• 8:30 Kelly’s experience with functional medicine
• 11:00 Adequate vs. Optimal
• 15:20 What is a supple leopard?
• 18:50 Prescribing mobility – the movement map
• 26:25 Deskbound and strategies for the workplace
• 32:40 Posture and the skill of standing
• 37:20 The Ready State

Additional Resources:

The Ready State

Becoming a Supple Leopard

Deskbound: Standing Up to a Sitting World

Ready to Run: Unlocking Your Potential to Run Naturally

Waterman 2.0

Muscles and Meridians

Stand Up Kids

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: [email protected].

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and show not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Movement and exercise are important when considering a lifestyle approach to chronic disease and health optimization. When we think of exercise as medicine, most people don’t realize the amount of research available to support the physiologic changes and benefits.  Dr. Andy Galpin is a professor and researcher in muscle physiology and bioenergetics at California State University, Fullerton. By studying muscular and cellular physiology in both elite athletes and nonathletic patients, he sees what healthy and optimal looks like and works to translate this into actionable steps for all patients.  

Using his fun, unique approach to teaching, Dr. Galpin outlines the data on long-term health measures and markers of longevity. He also discusses his book Unplugged, which addresses the benefits and shortcomings of wearable devices.

“We should not be using wearable technologies to outsource physiology, but to insource it – to learn more about yourself.” - Dr. Andy Galpin

Today on The Lab Report:

• 2:50 Meet Dr. Andy Galpin and learn about the field of bioenergetics
• 6:30 Why did he create his 5, 25, 55 Minute Phys YouTube Videos
• 8:45 How his research not only applies to sports performance but also nonathletes
• 15:35 Predictors of longevity and actionable preventative strategies
• 22:20 Aerobic vs. anaerobic activity and movement diversity
• 24:15 Slow-twitch, fast-twitch, and hybrid muscle fibers
• 25:35 Unplugged – wearable devices pro and con
• 29:10 HRV training and using technology appropriately
• 32:00 Reconnecting with nature
• 36:00 The Fireball

Additional Resources:

andygalpin.com

Unplugged: Evolve from Technology to Upgrade Your Fitness Performance & Consciousness

XPT - Going Back to Basics in Your Training

5 Min Phys - Pros/Cons Fitness Technology       

25 Min Phys - Carbs vs Fats

5 Min Phys - Fast vs Slow-Twitch

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: [email protected].

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and show not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Many clinicians new to functional medicine feel overwhelmed by starting, or even changing their practices to accommodate their new skill set. Not only are there many functional medicine concepts to master, but there is also a wide array of functional labs to interpret. It can take time to understand how to use these labs and how to communicate these new concepts to patients. Dr. Dan Kalish has been mentoring clinicians for decades and has created ‘The Kalish Method’ to help.

Through years of his own learning and being mentored by icons in the field, he has learned how to guide clinicians through the ever-expanding landscape of functional medicine. In this episode, Dr. Kalish discusses his own journey and offers important practical tips to help clinicians as they navigate theirs.

“Our emphasis is on practice implementation, business skills, clinical lab interpretation, and patient education.” – Dr. Dan Kalish

Today on The Lab Report:

• 2:55 Meet Dr. Dan Kalish and learn how he became interested in functional medicine
• 5:45 Where he starts with testing, interpretation, and translation to patients
• 7:45 How Dr. Kalish gained his knowledge to interpret testing
• 11:20 The Four Horsemen of Disease Development
• 16:10 Practice Implementation – practical tips to get started
• 22:30 Navigating the diet landscape
• 25:10 The Kalish Institute, mentorships, and online master classes
• 30:20 The Fireball

Additional Resources:

Kalish Institute

The Kalish Method: Healing the Body, Mapping the Mind

Your Guide to Healthy Hormones

The 5 Pillars of Building a Successful Practice

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: [email protected].

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and show not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.