The pancreas is an organ that functions as a gland in the endocrine system by secreting hormones into circulation that help with regulating glucose. However, it also plays an integral role as part of the digestive tract by secreting enzymes to help digest our food. When the digestive functions of the pancreas start to decline what results is Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency or EPI. In addition to physical symptoms and digestive complaints, EPI has important clinical implications.

In today’s episode, we discuss exocrine pancreatic insufficiency – causes, clinical associations, diagnosis, and treatment.

Today on The Lab Report:  

3:00 The role of the pancreas

5:15 Exocrine vs. endocrine glands

8:20 Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency

10:15 Logical Speculation: SIBO and EPI

13:35 Causes of EPI and signs/symptoms

17:05 Treatment considerations

18:20 Question of the Day?

Does Genova test for EPI?

Additional Resources:

GI Effects Comprehensive Stool Profile

Stool Testing Support Guide

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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].

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Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should 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.

 

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Thanksgiving is a time to be mindful and reflect on our many blessings. During the holiday, many of us enjoy dinner with family and friends without stopping to consider the nutritional aspects of traditional dishes. Today, we discuss the important biochemical and nutritional benefits of Thanksgiving dinner items. We also talk about dealing with the stress of the holidays and the many reasons we are grateful.

Today on The Lab Report:

3:30 Turkey and tryptophan – is it a thing?

5:15 Cranberry sauce apologetics

7:45 Potatoes! - and the microbiome

10:35 Green bean casserole, (fake) mushrooms, and onions

13:15 Hollandaise sauce? Gravy? Stuffing? Ummm…moving on

14:10 Pumpkin is a fruit

15:20 Moderation and modifying your dinner

16:15 Movement and mindfulness

19:20 Gratitude and community – Patti & Michael give thanks

Additional Resources:

Michael's Famous Green Bean Casserole?

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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 should 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.

 

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The one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work when it comes to diet and nutrition. What works for some may not be right for all. Diet movements like intermittent fasting, the ketogenic diet, and veganism are becoming increasingly popular and widely adopted. Laura Ligos is a registered dietitian and nutritionist who created a platform called “The Sassy Dietitian” which gives people a safe place to learn and ask questions about nutrition. She works to debunk health myths and help people understand the importance of dietary choices for optimal wellness.

In today’s episode, Laura gives her thoughts on changing the diet mindset and discusses some of the pitfalls and concerns related to popular diet trends.

Today on The Lab Report:

3:55 Meet Laura Ligos – the Sassy Dietitian

8:15 Changing the ‘diet’ mindset

10:50 Does everyone need a supplement?

13:40 Pitfalls of the ketogenic diet

16:00 The Game Changers documentary and vegan diets

22:50 Intermittent fasting and restricted eating

27:10 Intuitive eating

30:00 The Fireball

Additional Resources:

The Sassy Dietitian

The Busy Person's Meal Planner

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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 should 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.

Wearable devices have become an integral part of sports performance in elite athletes. However, many non-athletes have adopted them as well to optimize sleep, stress, and overall health. WHOOP has been the industry leader in the marketplace while continuing to innovate and promote healthy lifestyle and behavior change. Kristen Holmes is the Vice President of Performance Science at WHOOP. Not only is she an accomplished athlete herself, she’s also a PhD candidate pursuing a doctorate in psychology. Coupling her athletic background with her keen interest in psychology and physiology, Kristen works with WHOOP to offer tangible performance and health data to help anyone transform their lives with positive behavior change, fitness improvements, and injury reduction.

In today’s episode, we talk to Kristen about her definition of optimal performance and how WHOOP can help you achieve it.

Today on The Lab Report:

3:25 Meet Kristen Holmes – from athlete, to coach, to VP of Performance Science

6:45 What is WHOOP and why is it different?

7:55 Heart rate variability for recovery and resilience

11:15 The New WHOOP 4.0 and WHOOP Body

15:00 The impact of sleep deficits – Can Michael sleep ‘harder’?

21:15 Kristen’s definition of Optimal Performance and how can WHOOP help?

30:30 Downside of wearable devices

33:45 The Fireball

Additional Resources:

WHOOP

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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 should 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.

Today’s society has its challenges regarding stress and emotional well-being. We can all agree that mindfulness, community, and better mental health options are needed. Although meditation can be helpful, it can also be intimidating for beginners. Breathwork is a great, simple alternative. Robbie Bent is the co-founder and CEO of Othership – a physical and digital wellness company with structured programs to reduce stress, improve sleep, boost energy, and improve mood using breathwork techniques.

In this episode, Robbie Bent outlines the difference between mediation and breathwork, the health benefits of structured breathing techniques, and even leads us in a breathwork session.

Today on The Lab Report:

3:30 Meet Robbie Bent and hear about his journey to breathwork

10:15 Breathwork and parasympathetic/sympathetic balance

14:20 Mouth vs. nasal breathing and mouth taping

21:10 Differences between mediation and breathwork

24:55 The community at Othership and revolutionizing mental health

31:55 Ice baths, sauna, and emotional resilience

37:00 Robbie leads us in a breathwork session!!!!  

(*Don’t do this while driving)

49:30 Emotional connection and shifting emotional states

53:00 Connect with Robbie and work with Othership

53:45 The Fireball  

Additional Resources:

Othership

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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 should 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.

 

 

 

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As a practicing emergency room physician, Dr. Tom McCoy has seen the downstream effects of unhealthy diet and lifestyle choices. While continuing to practice ER medicine, he obtained additional certifications in nutrition and exercise training and is a CrossFit MDL1 medical practitioner. He uses all of this experience and knowledge as part of The Vital Human Project – a coaching program that blends fitness, nutrition, education, and more to help people realize their full human potential.

On today’s episode, Dr. Tom discusses behavioral change, sleep, nutrition, and exercise - and the impact they have on becoming a Vital Human.

Today on The Lab Report: 

3:45 McCoy on the short-comings of conventional medicine

7:05 The Vital Human Project

10:30 CrossFit and benefits of HIIT

12:40 The intimidation factor

15:15 Coaching clients for behavior change

17:55 Hunting, respect, and sourcing quality meat

20:55 Impactful lifestyle factors for health

23:00 The Fireball

Additional Resources:

The Vital Human Project

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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 should 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.

“Gluten” has become a buzzword in the diet industry and vilified in the court of public opinion – perhaps rightfully so. People are continually looking for gluten-free labels in the grocery store and on restaurant menus trying to be healthier. But why? What is gluten anyway? How does it affect our health? Should no one ever eat gluten again? 

In today’s episode, we break down what gluten actually is, what foods contain it, and what happens in the GI tract when we eat it.

Today on The Lab Report:

2:45 What is gluten and why can't we digest it? 

7:35 The effects of food manufacturing

9:15 Name that bread!

12:30 Celiac disease vs. gluten sensitivity

17:15 Foods that contain gluten

19:45 Question of the Day

What can you eat on a gluten-free diet?

21:25 Beware of cross-contamination

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 should 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.

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is a common underlying cause of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).  Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, excessive gas, or nausea are all hallmark SIBO symptoms. When it comes to diagnosis, the gold standard is endoscopic small bowel aspiration. This method is invasive, inconvenient, and not without risk. Breath testing and stool testing are now more commonly used.

Today we dive into some specific patterns seen on stool testing that may point toward a SIBO diagnosis in symptomatic patients.

 

Today on The Lab Report:

2:50 IBS and bacteria in the small intestine

6:15 Symptoms of SIBO

7:35 Stool testing for IBS

9:05 Commensal abundance

10:00 Digestion and absorption markers

12:30 What do we think we know?

Pancreatic elastase 1 and SIBO

16:35 Gut metabolites

17:50 Methanobrevibacter smithii and methane dysbiosis

19:50 Bacterial culture

20:50 Question of the Day

How does methane slow transit time?

Additional Resources:

GI Effects Comprehensive Stool Profile

 

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 should 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.

Throughout the pandemic many clinicians and patients have learned to adapt and change expectations in their daily lives. Alongside all of those changes, the urgency for optimizing health became apparent. Functional and personalized medicine offers the greatest opportunity to advance how medicine is practiced. As a prominent health economist, James Maskell has been at the forefront of this movement for many years and championing its expansion to make true healthcare available for everyone. Through his many platforms including books, podcasts, international speaking events, and online practice implementation tools, James continues to further the conversation.

In today’s podcast, we catch up with James and re-examine what’s worked throughout the past year and half as functional medicine has evolved as a community. We also discuss his latest venture HealCommunity to support patients and clinicians in behavior change adherence.

Today on The Lab Report:

  2:15    Introducing THE James Maskell

  4:20    The Power of Community Healthcare

  8:50    HealCommunity – Overcoming Obstacles To Community Medicine

  17:20  Advantages of Groups – Reinforcement, Support, and Accountability

  23:10  Monitoring Outcomes of Community Functional Medicine

  25:55   Unforeseen Positives of Telemedicine

  31:30   Return to LIVE Functional Forums

  40:30   The Fireball 

Additional Resources:

Evolution of Medicine

HealCommunity

https://thecommunitycure.com/audiobook

 

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 should 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.

Elite athletes require physical and mental discipline to optimize their performance. However, adding an understanding of biochemistry and physiology can be a game-changer. Dan Garner specializes in fusing the science of health with the art of coaching for world-class results. Through his company Team Garner Inc., Dan offers high-level personalized training and nutritional coaching for a host of award-winning professional athletes and Hollywood actors. He is a functional medicine clinician, nutrition specialist, strength coach, trainer, lab analyst, best-selling author, and host of The Garner Report podcast.  

In today’s episode, Dan Garner debunks some myths and gives some tips regarding supplements, rest and recovery, and diets. Dan’s practical advice can be scaled between elite athletes and anyone wanting to optimize health.  

Today on the Lab Report:  

4:00 Meet Dan Garner and hear his journey to Team Garner, Inc.  

7:45 The myth of adrenal fatigue and interpreting cortisol levels 

17:25 Developing a healthy relationship to food and diets 

23:00 The psychology of prioritizing health  

25:55 ‘Over-rated’ vs. ‘must-have’ supplements 

36:40 Rest and recovery for athletic performance  

40:10 Wearable devices  

42:00 Applying lessons from elite athletes to the general population 

46:30 The Fireball  

 

Additional Resources:  

CoachGarner.com  

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 should 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.