The Real Health Podcast

Metabolic health, remission, and real nutrition strategies: on this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Ron Hunninghake and Jen Nolan of Remission Nutrition explore what it actually takes to rebuild your health through food.

"So it's not always about, oh, I have a diagnosis and I'm doing this thing, and then I'll be in remission. But what about re-mission?" said Jen Nolan.

In this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Ron Hunninghake sits down with Jen Nolan, owner and director of Remission Nutrition, to explore how nutrition builds metabolic health and lays the foundation for lasting wellness and remission. Remission, Jen explains, isn't just a cancer conversation: the same principles apply to diabetes and other chronic conditions rooted in metabolic health, which is why the conversation broadens from there into practical nutrition that works for everyone.

Discover practical strategies for overcoming common barriers to healthy eating: convenience, time, and food addiction, and learn how to retrain your taste buds for real, whole foods. From intermittent fasting and ketogenic diets to simple home cooking techniques and smart shopping habits, Jen and Dr. Ron share actionable guidance for building a sustainable nutrition plan that supports metabolic health and long-term vitality.

Whether you're thinking about remission from cancer, diabetes, or another chronic condition, or simply want to eat in a way that supports your metabolic health, this conversation offers practical, food-first strategies you can start using today.

Chapters:

0:00 Intro

[1:15] Remission beyond cancer: diabetes and chronic conditions

[4:10] Barriers to healthy eating: convenience, time, and food addiction

[8:20] Home cooking techniques and smart shopping habits

[12:40] Trends, Intermittent fasting, and ketogenic diets

[17:40] Building a sustainable nutrition plan

👉 Learn more about Dr. Ron Hunninghake:

https://riordanclinic.org/staff/ron-hunninghake-md/

👉 Learn more about Jen Nolan and Remission Nutrition:

https://www.remissionnutrition.com/

👉 Learn more about becoming a co-learner at Riordan Clinic:

https://riordanclinic.org/become-a-patient/

👉 Want more structured support building metabolic health? Learn about our Metabolic Restoration Program:

https://riordanclinic.org/what-we-do/metabolic-restoration-program/

Episode links and resources:

- Learn more about Riordan Clinic: https://riordanclinic.org

- Explore integrative health services: https://riordanclinic.org/services/

- Listen/watch more Real Health Podcast episodes: http://podcast.riordanclinic.org

Topics we explore in this episode include:

metabolic health, remission, diabetes, chronic disease, food as medicine, practical strategies, terrain, individualized care, integrative medicine, orthomolecular nutrition, real health, Riordan Clinic, Real Health Podcast

#MetabolicHealth #RealHealthPodcast #FoodAsMedicine #RiordanClinic #RemissionNutrition

"The patient, the first thing I think we look at is the patient themselves, what makes that person who they are. Everybody has their own journey as to why they're here and why they developed cancer. And so trying to understand more of what that person is bringing to the table is only going to help us help them as doctors and as co-learners together." - Dr. Kirsten West

In this episode of the Riordan Roundtable, Dr. Drew Rose sits down with Naturopathic Oncologists Dr. Stacy Dunn and Dr. Kirsten West to explore integrative oncology—a holistic approach to cancer care that combines conventional treatments with complementary therapies.

The providers discuss what integrative oncology means to them, why patients are "co-learners" in their own care, and how trending wellness strategies—from fasting to repurposed medications—fit into evidence-based practice. Learn how they navigate patient autonomy while protecting against harmful decisions, and why there's no single cure for cancer.

👉 Learn more about Dr. Drew Rose:

https://riordanclinic.org/staff/drew-rose-do/

👉 Learn more about Dr. Stacy Dunn:

https://riordanclinic.org/staff/stacy-dunn-nd-lac-fabno-faborm/

👉 Learn more about Dr. Kirsten West:

https://riordanclinic.org/staff/kirsten-west-nd-lac-fabno/

👉 Learn more about becoming a co-learner at Riordan Clinic:

https://riordanclinic.org/become-a-patient/

Episode links and resources:

Learn more about Riordan Clinic: https://riordanclinic.org

Explore integrative oncology services: https://riordanclinic.org/what-we-do/integrative-oncology-at-riordan-clinic/

Listen/watch more Real Health Podcast episodes: https://podcast.riordanclinic.org/

Topics we explore in this episode include:

integrative medicine, naturopathic medicine, root-cause care, functional medicine, chronic illness, integrative oncology, cancer support, patient advocacy, wellness, lifestyle medicine, provider collaboration, Riordan Clinic, Real Health Podcast

"The idea of metabolic scoring is to take guilt out of the picture. Because this is not anyone's fault. It's basically a cosmic shift in just our whole lifestyle here in Western civilization." — Dr. Ron Hunninghake

In this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Ron Hunninghake and Dr. Drew Rose discuss the complexities of metabolic syndrome, its prevalence in the Western world, and the lifestyle factors contributing to it. They emphasize the importance of identifying root causes and implementing personalized health strategies to combat this growing epidemic.

👉 Learn more about Dr. Ron Hunninghake:

https://riordanclinic.org/staff/ron-hunninghake-md/

👉 Learn more about Dr. Drew Rose:

https://riordanclinic.org/staff/drew-rose-do/

👉 Learn more about becoming a co-learner at Riordan Clinic:

https://riordanclinic.org/become-a-patient/

Episode links and resources:

- Learn more about Riordan Clinic: https://riordanclinic.org

- Explore integrative health services: https://riordanclinic.org/services/

- Listen/watch more Real Health Podcast episodes: http://podcast.riordanclinic.org

Topics we explore in this episode include:

metabolic syndrome, metabolic scoring, BMI, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, body compositions, glucose monitors, whole foods, trans fat, GLP-1, food, stress, sleep, support, early detection, metabolic program, social support, individualized care, integrative medicine, real health, Riordan Clinic, Real Health Podcast

“I mean, I believe so strongly that food, what we eat, matters.” —Jen Nolan

In this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Michelle Niesley is joind by Jen Nolan, owner of Remission Nutrition and nutrition advisor at Riordan Clinic, to explore nutrition recomendations and the differences between what is recommended during active treatment and after treatment.

👉 Learn more about Jen Nolan and Remission Nutrition

👉 Learn more about Dr. Michelle Niesley

👉 Learn more about becoming a co-learner at Riordan Clinic

Episode links and resources

Learn more about Riordan Clinic

Explore integrative health services

Listen/watch more Real Health Podcast episodes

Topics we explore in this episode include

food as medicine, active treatment, post treatment, stress management, intermitant fasting, cancer support, survivorship, emotional resilience, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, healing, Riordan Clinic, Real Health Podcast

“We survive in danger, but we thrive in safety.” —Jen Nolan

The nervous system shapes how the body responds to stress, healing, and everyday life, often without us realizing it.

In this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Kirsten West is joined by Jen Nolan, owner of Remission Nutrition and nutrition advisor at Riordan Clinic, to explore how the nervous system influences the healing process, especially for those navigating cancer and life after treatment.

Jen shares how patterns of chronic stress, fear, and “scanxiety” can keep the body in a constant state of fight or flight. Over time, this can influence inflammation, immune function, sleep, and the body’s ability to adapt.

Dr. West walks through the physiology behind these responses, including the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The conversation also introduces polyvagal theory, offering a clearer picture of how the body moves between states of stress, safety, and shutdown.

You’ll hear how heart rate variability can reflect the body’s resilience and why it can be helpful to notice patterns over time. They also discuss the vagus nerve and its role in communication between the brain and body, influencing digestion, mood, and overall regulation.

The episode closes with practical ways to support the nervous system in daily life. Breathwork, movement, time in nature, and connection with others can all help signal safety and support the body’s ability to regulate.

Throughout the conversation, one idea keeps coming up. Healing involves more than addressing physical symptoms. It also includes creating a sense of safety within the body.

👉 Learn more about Jen Nolan and Remission Nutrition

👉 Learn more about Dr. Kirsten West

👉 Learn more about becoming a co-learner at Riordan Clinic

Episode links and resources

Learn more about Riordan Clinic

Explore integrative health services

Listen/watch more Real Health Podcast episodes

Disclaimer

The information contained on the Real Health Podcast and the resources mentioned are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as medical or health advice. The information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Information provided by hosts and guests on the Real Health Podcast or the use of any products or services mentioned does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this podcast.

Topics we explore in this episode include:

nervous system health, stress response, vagus nerve, polyvagal theory, heart rate variability, cancer support, survivorship, scanxiety, emotional resilience, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, healing, Riordan Clinic, Real Health Podcast

“Words give feelings meaning.” —Dr. Drew Rose

Mental health is often treated as something separate from physical health, even though the two are closely connected.

In this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Michelle Niesley sits down with Dr. Drew Rose to talk through how a whole-person approach can support mental and emotional well-being.

Dr. Drew shares how factors like nutrient levels, inflammation, and daily habits can influence mood and mental clarity. They discuss the role of lab testing in identifying potential imbalances in vitamin D, B vitamins, magnesium, and fatty acids, and how these factors work together.

Sleep is a major part of the conversation. You’ll hear why restorative sleep matters for the nervous system and how small changes in sleep habits can support better consistency over time. They also touch on circadian rhythm, light exposure, and common disruptions that affect rest.

The discussion also explores the role of therapy and the importance of having the right support system in place. Mental health care often works best as a collaborative effort, where lifestyle, nutrition, and emotional support are all part of the picture.

They also walk through practical ways to begin making changes, including spending time outdoors, moving, and creating space for rest. The focus stays on building a foundation that supports both mental and physical well-being.

For a deeper look at this topic, Dr. Drew expands on these ideas in his article:

👉 Mental Health Starts with the Whole Person

Throughout the episode, the conversation returns to a simple idea. When the body is supported, the mind often follows.

👉 Learn more about Dr. Drew Rose

👉 Learn more about Dr. Michelle Niesley

👉 Learn more about becoming a co-learner at Riordan Clinic

Episode links and resources

Learn more about Riordan Clinic

Explore integrative health services

Listen/watch more Real Health Podcast episodes

Disclaimer

The information contained on the Real Health Podcast and the resources mentioned are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as medical or health advice. The information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Information provided by hosts and guests on the Real Health Podcast or the use of any products or services mentioned does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this podcast.

Topics we explore in this episode include:

mental health, sleep, circadian rhythm, stress, nervous system health, nutrient deficiencies, vitamin D, magnesium, B vitamins, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, therapy, wellness, functional medicine, Riordan Clinic, Real Health Podcast

"The body wants to be well." —Dr. Kirsten West

Every person’s health story looks different. Some people arrive after a diagnosis. Others come in after years of feeling dismissed, exhausted, or stuck searching for answers.

In this first episode of the Riordan Clinic Provider Roundtable, Dr. Drew Rose is joined by Dr. Stacy Dunn and Dr. Kirsten West to discuss what led each of them to medicine, how they approach integrative care, and why individualized support matters.

They discuss the differences between conventional and integrative medicine, including the importance of looking beyond symptoms and understanding the bigger picture of a person’s health. The conversation also touches on chronic illness, oncology support, patient advocacy, and the challenges of sorting through health information online.

You’ll hear the providers share how they evaluate research, why collaboration matters in patient care, and what they hope co-learners experience when they come to Riordan Clinic.

The episode also gives listeners a first look at the Riordan Clinic Provider Roundtable series, a monthly conversation bringing providers together to discuss integrative health topics, answer common questions, and share perspectives from their work with co-learners.

👉 Learn more about Dr. Drew Rose

👉 Learn more about Dr. Stacy Dunn

👉 Learn more about Dr. Kirsten West

👉 Learn more about becoming a co-learner at Riordan Clinic

Episode links and resources

Learn more about Riordan Clinic

Explore integrative oncology services

Listen/watch more Real Health Podcast episodes

Disclaimer

The information contained on the Real Health Podcast and the resources mentioned are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as medical or health advice. The information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Information provided by hosts and guests on the Real Health Podcast or the use of any products or services mentioned does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this podcast.

Topics we explore in this episode include:

integrative medicine, naturopathic medicine, root-cause care, functional medicine, chronic illness, integrative oncology, cancer support, patient advocacy, wellness, lifestyle medicine, provider collaboration, Riordan Clinic, Real Health Podcast

“It is so important, and I think most people don’t realize that some of the cancer treatments can actually impair bone health.”—Dr. Stacy Dunn

Bone health doesn’t always get attention until something changes. For many people, especially after cancer treatment, shifts in bone density can happen quietly over time.

In this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Michelle Niesley sits down with Dr. Stacy Dunn to talk through what supports bone health during and after cancer care.

Dr. Dunn shares how treatments like chemotherapy and hormone therapies can influence bone density, sometimes earlier than expected. They discuss how tools like DEXA scans are used to check bone health and why they can be helpful as part of ongoing care.

The conversation also covers nutrients that play a role in bone health, including vitamin D, vitamin K2, and magnesium. Rather than focusing on one piece in isolation, they talk about how these work together and why balance matters.

Movement is another part of the picture. You’ll hear why resistance training can support bone strength and how it can be worked into everyday routines without needing a full gym setup. Starting small and staying consistent can go a long way.

They also walk through a few common areas of confusion, including medications, calcium intake, melatonin, and soy. The goal is to offer context so people can better understand their options and ask informed questions.

Throughout the episode, the focus stays on the bigger picture. Bone health connects to nutrition, movement, sleep, and overall well-being, especially during survivorship and long-term care.

👉 Learn more about Dr. Stacy Dunn

👉 Learn more about Dr. Michelle Niesley

👉 Learn more about becoming a co-learner at Riordan Clinic

Episode links and resources

Learn more about Riordan Clinic

Explore integrative oncology services

Listen/Watch more Real Health Podcast episodes

Disclaimer

The information contained on the Real Health Podcast and the resources mentioned are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as medical or health advice. The information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Information provided by hosts and guests on the Real Health Podcast or the use of any products or services mentioned does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this podcast.

Topics we explore in this episode include

bone health, osteoporosis, osteopenia, cancer survivorship, integrative oncology, vitamin D, vitamin K2, magnesium, DEXA scan, resistance training, lifestyle support, hormone therapy, melatonin, soy and health, functional medicine, integrative health, Riordan Clinic, Real Health Podcast

“Orthomolecular medicine is about giving the body what it needs to function at its best.” —Dr. Richard Z. Cheng

There are many ways to approach health. Some focus on managing symptoms. Others take a step back and look at what the body needs to stay well in the first place.

In this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Ron Hunninghake sits down with Dr. Richard Z. Cheng to discuss how orthomolecular medicine fits into the bigger picture.

👉 Learn more about Dr. Richard Z. Cheng

Dr. Cheng shares how his path began in conventional medicine and cancer research, including time at the National Cancer Institute, before expanding into nutrition, lifestyle, and orthomolecular care. With a background in molecular biology and decades of clinical experience, he brings both perspectives into the conversation.

They talk through what orthomolecular medicine looks like in practice. The focus is simple, supporting the body with the nutrients it needs, in the right amounts, so it can function the way it’s designed to. It’s an approach that can be used alongside conventional care, especially in more complex or long-term situations.

You’ll also hear how his work across the United States and China has shaped the way he thinks about prevention, chronic illness, and the growing interest in integrative care. More people are asking better questions about their health and looking for ways to stay ahead of it.

Dr. Cheng also serves as Editor-in-Chief of the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, where research and clinical insights are shared with a broader audience. That work continues to build awareness and provide people with access to information they might not otherwise see.

The conversation also touches on the role of environment, lifestyle, and nutrient status. When those pieces are considered together, it becomes easier to understand what may be contributing to how someone feels and what steps can support them as they move forward.

👉 Learn more about becoming a co-learner at Riordan Clinic.

Episode links and resources

Learn more about Dr. Richard Z. Cheng

Explore the Orthomolecular Medicine News Service

Learn more about Dr. Ron Hunninghake

Explore integrative services at Riordan Clinic

Learn more about HOT UBI Therapy

Listen/Watch more Real Health Podcast episodes

Disclaimer

The information contained on the Real Health Podcast and the resources mentioned are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as medical or health advice. The information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Information provided by hosts and guests on the Real Health Podcast or the use of any products or services mentioned does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this podcast.

Topics we explore in this episode include:

orthomolecular medicine, integrative health, prevention and wellness, vitamin C research, nutrient therapy, chronic disease support, environmental health, immune support, lifestyle medicine, patient-centered care, Orthomolecular Medicine News Service, Dr. Richard Z. Cheng, Dr. Ron Hunninghake, Riordan Clinic, Real Health Podcast

“We are only going to heal you as fast as your body can allow.” —Dr. Clayton Dir

Pain doesn’t always need more appointments. Sometimes it needs a different approach.

In this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Drew Rose sits down with Dr. Clayton Dir, Doctor of Physical Therapy and Clinical Director of Natural Wellness Physiotherapy, to talk about what’s missing in many recovery plans and how a more thoughtful, patient-centered approach can change outcomes.

👉 Learn more about Natural Wellness Physiotherapy.

Dr. Clayton shares how his path through traditional physical therapy led him to rethink the way care is delivered. After seeing patients repeat the same cycles without lasting progress, he began focusing on something simple but often overlooked—taking the time to listen and understand the full picture.

The conversation walks through how his clinic approaches care differently. Longer evaluations, one-on-one attention, and a process built around reset, restore, and reload give the body time to respond and rebuild.

You’ll hear how many cases that seem complicated at first come down to things that were never addressed—movement patterns, muscle imbalances, or habits that quietly hold people back from healing.

They also talk through the role of daily life in recovery. Sleep, nutrition, stress, and consistency all shape how the body responds. When those pieces are supported, progress tends to follow.

The episode also highlights the connection between clinics like Natural Wellness Physiotherapy and Riordan Clinic. When care is shared across providers and approached as a team effort, it creates more opportunities for people to find answers and move forward with confidence.

👉 Learn more about becoming a co-learner at Riordan Clinic.

✨ Riordan Clinic is celebrating 50 years of care at the upcoming Pearls & Purpose Gala. This evening brings together community, research, and the future of care. Reserve your seat!

Episode links and resources

Explore Natural Wellness Physiotherapy

Follow Dr. Clayton Dir on Instagram

Follow Natural Wellness Physiotherapy on Instagram

Follow Natural Wellness Physiotherapy on Facebook

Subscribe to Natural Wellness Physio on YouTube

Learn more about Dr. Drew Rose

Explore integrative services at Riordan Clinic

Learn more about HOT UBI Therapy

Listen/Watch more Real Health Podcast episodes

Disclaimer

The information contained on the Real Health Podcast and the resources mentioned are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as medical or health advice. The information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Information provided by hosts and guests on the Real Health Podcast or the use of any products or services mentioned does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this podcast.

Topics we explore in this episode include:

physical therapy, chronic pain support, root cause approach, integrative care, functional medicine, lifestyle and recovery, sleep and healing, stress and health, dry needling, manual therapy, patient-centered care, interdisciplinary healthcare, Natural Wellness Physiotherapy, Dr. Clayton Dir, Riordan Clinic, Real Health Podcast