Mitochondrial dysfunction may be one of the most important topics in the area of personalized and preventative medicine to date. Thousands of articles have been published on the nature of how mitochondria become damaged and what that means for health, longevity, and aging. On today’s podcast, we take a deep dive into the triggers for mitochondrial dysfunction and what clinical conditions are related to damaged mitochondria.

We also discuss how to arm your arsenal with everyday items to help stability, protect, and maintain our mitochondria. We also discuss how other systems within and outside the cell are impacted by these “power plants” within.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 3:45 Break it down: the parts of the cell
• 8:40 The mitochondria are power plants
• 9:00 What’s normal?
• 10:00 Factors that trigger mitochondrial dysfunction
• 13:20 The mitochondria as our cell’s cohabitant
• 16:10 Progression of mitochondrial dysfunction
• 20:10 Clinical conditions associated with mitochondrial dysfunction
• 21:00 What can we do about it?

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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.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

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.

Eggs are one of the most widely-consumed, and underappreciated, foods in the human diet. Long regarded as a nutritional powerhouse, eggs are rich in high-quality protein and essential nutrients that are key for health. In fact, eggs are considered the best complete protein – meaning they contain all 9 essential amino acids. But for decades, eggs were caught in the crossfire of the cholesterol debate.

In today’s episode, we’ll explore what current research says about the relationship between eggs and heart health, and whether concerns about dietary cholesterol still hold up. We’ll also discuss the role of eggs in weight management, muscle maintenance, eye health, and brain function. Whether you’re someone who eats eggs daily or has questions about whether you should, this episode offers a thoughtful, evidence-based discussion on why eggs have earned their place at the table.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 4:00 Why can't we agree about eggs?
• 6:00 Eggs are low calorie and a complete protein
• 8:30 Which is better the whites or the yolks?
• 10:00 Eggs, choline, and brain health
• 11:45 Eggs and eyes
• 17:00 The egg and cholesterol controversy
• 19:45 We find a way to bring "methylation" into the discussion
• 23:00 Eggs, satiety, and weight management
• 24:50 Little known constituents inside eggs
• 26:30 Other types of eggs and their nutritional value
• 29:00 Fun facts about eggs: color and bloom
• 30:20 Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

We also referenced The Methylation Episode which can be listened to here.

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.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

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.

Stool testing technology has advanced rapidly in recent years, with newer methods like PCR and whole-genome sequencing offering faster and more precise insights into the gut microbiome. These innovations have transformed how clinicians approach gut health, allowing for more targeted interventions. However, older technologies—such as microscopy, culture, and enzyme-based assays—still play a valuable role. These methods provide functional insights that molecular tools may miss, such as direct observation of parasites or assessment of digestive markers. The most comprehensive labs recognize that no single method gives the full picture. Instead, combining the strengths of both modern and traditional techniques ensures more accurate, clinically meaningful results.

In this episode, we dive into the pros and cons of different laboratory methodologies used in stool testing—from culture and microscopy to PCR and advanced sequencing. We break down how these choices impact accuracy, sensitivity, and clinical usefulness. You'll also learn why Genova Diagnostics stands out for its integrative, evidence-based approach, combining multiple testing methods to deliver the most comprehensive and clinically actionable results available.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 4:00 Technology grows quickly, and the microbiome is complex
• 7:30 Microbiology culture
• 12:40 PCR – very precise if done correctly!
• 17:00 Interpreting the laundry list
• 20:10 Remember the microscope?
• 23:30 Whole-genome (shotgun) sequencing pros/cons
• 27:15 Genova does it all – and well

Additional Resources:

GI Effects Stool Profile

Microbiomix

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.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

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.

N-acetylcysteine, or NAC, plays an important role in the body when it comes to combating oxidative stress. As a precursor to make glutathione, NAC has been used for decades both as an acute medication and as an over-the-counter supplement. Recently, the line between medication and supplement has been blurred and is now being debated.

Today we talk all about N-acetylcysteine - the ways NAC is used and its importance in health and disease.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 2:45 NAC as a drug in acute care settings
• 4:00 Mechanisms of action in the lung and kidney
• 7:15 NAC as a daily supplement
• 10:00 Hmmm…so is it a medication or a supplement?
• 11:15 Generic drug or herbal constituent?
• 15:00 Research on NAC in psychiatric disorders
• 16:16 NAC in polycystic ovary syndrome and fertility
• 17:40 Safety and side effects
• 18:50 Question of the Day:
  • What are the other precursors to glutathione and how do we measure them?

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.

Turmeric is a spice with ancient origins. You’ve seen it in smoothies, teas, curry, and supplements.  Known for its bright yellow color, it has been used for centuries to support whole-body wellness. From inflammation and joint pain to brain and heart health, in this episode we break down what the science says about turmeric and its main constituent curcumin.

Join us as we explore turmeric’s long-standing role in health and wellness and zoom in on curcumin. We break down what the science says about curcumin’s therapeutic potential, how it’s absorbed, and whether supplementation is worth the hype. Whether you’re a culinary enthusiast or a health-conscious listener, this discussion of turmeric promises to spice up your knowledge!

Today on The Lab Report:

• 4:30 The history of turmeric
• 7:30 Inflammation, whole root vs. curcumin
• 10:45 Oxidative stress, polyphenols, tumors, brain health
• 12:50 How much turmeric/curcumin per day
• 15:15 Poor absorption and bioavailability
• 18:20 Side effects – be aware
• 19:30 It stains stuff
• 21:50 Reputable sourcing and MC’s home recipe?  

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.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

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.

There’s a lot of buzz around the topic of longevity. One might argue that every aspect of functional and integrative medicine promotes longevity – which is true. We’re not merely looking to lengthen lifespan we want to promote a HEALTH span. With that in mind, data is compelling. There’s one metric that is often overlooked which happens to be the greatest predictor of longevity: VO2 max.

Join us as we dive deep into how VO2 max impacts health, longevity, and overall well-being. We’ll discuss the science, how to measure it, and how to improve this crucial fitness metric.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 4:15 What is VO2 max and how do we use oxygen?
• 6:00 Mitochondrial biogenesis, VO2 max, and the research
• 9:00 What’s normal?
• 10:45 How do you measure VO2 max?
• 14:10 Improving your VO2 max
• 17:10 Question of the Day
  • How does Genova assess longevity?

Additional Resources:

Longevity Landing Page

NutrEval

Metabolomix+

Methylation Panel

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.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

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.

As we enter the summer season, many of us will spend countless hours outdoors. We often discuss tick awareness and tick-borne illness, but one tick in particular is getting a lot of press these days. In case you needed another reason to be mindful of ticks, today we discuss Alpha-gal Syndrome.

In today’s episode we explore the science behind alpha-gal syndrome – a rare and serious allergy to red meat and other mammal products triggered by a bite from the Lone Star Tick. Tune in to learn how to recognize symptoms and why this syndrome is spreading across many regions and many countries.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 3:30 What is Alpha-gal Syndrome?
• 6:30 Delayed anaphylaxis? What!
• 9:50 Epidemiology and prevalence
• 11:50 Not only red meat – other products
• 14:55 Diagnosing alpha-gal syndrome
• 16:20 Tick avoidance and sensitization
• 18:40 What foods can these patients eat?
• 20: 15 Question of the Day?
  • Are there herbs that can help?

Additional Resources:

Alpha-gal Information

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.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

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.

Tinnitus—the phantom ringing, buzzing, or hissing that affects millions. For those patients who suffer with this debilitating condition, it is frustrating to find any relief. For those clinicians trying to treat it, the causes are so multi-faceted, and the treatments seem to be lacking.  

Today we break down the physiology of hearing, what can go wrong in the auditory system, and the many potential causes of tinnitus, from noise exposure to neurological conditions. We also examine current treatment options, emerging therapies, and what the latest research says about finding relief. Whether you're a sufferer or just curious, this episode tunes into the facts behind the noise. 

Today on The Lab Report:  

• 5:00 Tinnitus – what is it? 

• 7:00 Physiology of hearing sound  

• 10:30 Basic causes of tinnitus 

• 13:45 Pathophysiology & mechanisms 

• 17:45 Loud noise causing tinnitus 

• 22:35 Presbycusis, ototoxicity, hearing loss   

• 25:05 Root causes and treatment of tinnitus  

• 28:00 Functional approach for clinicians 

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.  

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.  

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.

Dr. Laura James is a board-certified naturopathic oncologist who has been working with cancer patients for over 20 years. She helps patients who are recently diagnosed with cancer get through the intense steps of conventional treatment – surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation – using natural means like nutrition, herbs, gentle movement, and stress management.

In today’s episode, we hear Dr. Laura James discuss her balanced viewpoint on the use of natural therapies in combination with conventional treatment to support cancer patients. Through supplement streamlining, nutritional and botanical recommendations, and lifestyle counseling, her expertise can help you feel better through treatment and beyond.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 4:00 Meet Dr. Laura James and hear how she defines integrative cancer care
• 9:25 Diet and nutrition – keto, fasting, low carb, protein
• 14:00 Working alongside conventional oncologists
• 19:20 Building a care team
• 24:00 Supporting the chemotherapy journey
• 27:50 Antioxidants, probiotics, and chemo
• 32:45 Resilience and the mental emotional rollercoaster
• 37:40 “Battle language” and vulnerability in cancer
• 43:50 Preventative care
• 51:30 Where to find Dr. Laura James?
• 53:55 The Fireball

Additional Resources:

LauraJamesND.com

Best for Breast Supplements

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.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

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.

Are ORAC scores the secret to superfoods—or just marketing fluff? In this episode, we break down what ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) really measures and why it stirred up so much controversy. The USDA pulled the plug on publishing the data, but does the concept still hold any value in nutrition science today?

In today’s episode, we dive into a myth-busting conversation that explores the science of ORAC, the skepticism, and the truths about antioxidants and health.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 5:15 Review of oxidative stress and antioxidants
• 8:20 History of the ORAC assay
• 11:45 Limitations of the ORAC measurement
• 13:20 USDA vs. Supplement companies
• 15:30 Foods with high ORAC scores
• 18:55 Should we still care? What’s the future?

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.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

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.