In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we navigate the importance of brain health and preventing cognitive decline with Louisa Nicola. You’ll hear us discuss:

• How women in their 30s and 40s can prevent Alzheimer's
• Why exercise is the best preventive tool against Alzheimer's disease
• The surprising benefits of resistance training for your brain health
• Nutrition insights for enhancing brain health
• Why the best thing for a healthy aging brain is social connections
  
  

Louisa is a neurophysiologist and human performance coach. She is the Founder of Neuro Athletics, a consulting firm that works with top athletes worldwide, leveraging EEG scans, lab tests, and cognitive assessments to optimize performance. Louisa's insights delve deep into the minds of elite NBA and MLB stars. Additionally, she serves on the board of Momentous, Tonal, and Klora.
Labs Mentioned

• ApoE4 Testing
  
  

Guest Details:

• Louisa Nicola’s LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, X, Facebook, TikTok
• Neuro Athletics Website
• The Neuro Experience Podcast

Rupa Health Details:

• Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
• Rupa Health Reference Guide & Magazine
• Dr. Carrie Jones’ Website, LinkedIn, Instagram & TikTok

Timestamps

03:38 - How Women in Their 30s and 40s Can Prevent Alzheimer's

11:47 - Is This the Secret to Preventing Alzheimer’s?

18:21 - The Surprising Benefits of Resistance Training

19:52 - The Sleeping Habits You Need for Peak Performance

27:25 - Why Blue Light Glasses and Red Lights Won't Fix Your Sleep Issues

30:46 - Nutrition Insights for Enhancing Brain Health

37:07 - The Benefits of Urolithin A, B Vitamins, and Saunas

39:33 - The Ultimate Life Hack for a Healthy Brain

41:02 - Where Can You Find Louisa Nicola?

In today’s episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with Dr. Ellen Vora to discuss a revolutionary framework for understanding anxiety—not as a disorder, but as a message from the body or soul.

They explore the difference between false anxiety, which stems from physiological imbalances like blood sugar crashes, sleep disruption, and inflammation, and true anxiety, which often points to deeper emotional or existential truths.

You’ll hear them discuss:

• Why anxiety is the beginning of an inquiry—not a final diagnosis
• The difference between “false” (body-based) and “true” (purpose-driven) anxiety
• How nutrient deficiencies and gut imbalances can mimic psychiatric symptoms
• The surprising mental health effects of hormonal birth control
• How to use food as medicine to support neurotransmitter balance and calm
• The dangers of benzodiazepines—and how to taper with the help of functional medicine
• The power of psychobiotics, circadian rhythm, and inflammation reduction
• Why GABA, inositol, and phosphatidylcholine are key to recovery
• How to approach anxiety with both compassion and curiosity

Dr. Ellen Vora is a holistic, board-certified psychiatrist, acupuncturist, and yoga teacher who takes a functional medicine approach to mental health. She is the author of the bestselling book The Anatomy of Anxiety, where she introduces a powerful framework that distinguishes between false and true anxiety. Her work empowers individuals to address anxiety at the root—biochemical, hormonal, inflammatory, or psychospiritual—so they can heal from the inside out. Through her clinical work, speaking, and writing, Dr. Vora is redefining what it means to support mental wellness in a modern world.
Guest Details:Website: ellenvora.com
Instagram: @ellenvoramd
Book: The Anatomy of Anxiety – Available in paperback, Kindle, and Audible

Rupa Health Details:

• Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
• Rupa Health Reference Guide & Magazine
• Dr. Carrie Jones Website, Instagram, Facebook & YouTube
  
  

Labs Mentioned

• Hemoglobin A1C
• Thyroid Markers
• Microbiome Lab Testing
• Sleep Studies
• Phosphatidylcholine
• Inositol
• GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid)

Timestamps00:00 – Introducing Dr. Ellen Vora and The Anatomy of Anxiety
01:03 – Anxiety as the beginning of inquiry, not the end
03:56 – False vs. true anxiety: A revolutionary framework
07:10 – How physical imbalance creates false anxiety
20:27 – Blood sugar imbalances and simple interventions
28:18 – Nutritional psychiatry and real food as medicine
36:41 – Gluten, dairy, and exorphins: food as a drug
44:55 – Balancing intuitive eating with food as a root cause
50:44 – Kate’s personal story: misdiagnosed celiac disease
59:52 – Functional medicine offers hope where meds fall short
1:00:30 – The role of sleep, light, and circadian rhythm
1:04:10 – Inflammation and the cytokine hypothesis of depression
1:12:01 – Psychobiotics and building GABA from the gut
1:15:22 – Benzodiazepines, alcohol, and GABA withdrawal
1:21:30 – Supplements, detox, and tapering benzos
1:26:36 – Preview of Part 2: True anxiety
1:27:26 – Functional lab testing for psychiatry
1:37:54 – How to find a root-cause trained practitioner
1:43:15 – Where to find Dr. Vora and her book

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we explore various topics related to immune resilience and reducing sickness in children with Dr. Chris Magryta. You’ll hear us discuss:

• Why kids are getting sick so often
• How to boost immune resilience in children
• The superfoods your child needs
• Tips for limiting screen time and improving sleep in children
• Nurturing a healthy gut and brain development in children
• Addressing allergies and intolerances in children
• Effective parenting approaches and resources for nurturing children's health

Dr. Chris has been practicing medicine in North Carolina for 24 years, viewing each child as a catalyst for improving human health. He is an Integrative Pediatrician at Salisbury Pediatric Associates and the Medical Director of Standard Process. Additionally, Dr. Chris serves as the Chairman of Children First of North Carolina and hosts Dr. M’s Women and Children First podcast, where he interviews experts on maternal and child health, focusing on upstream anthropology and root cause analysis for change.

Labs Mentioned

• Red Blood Cell (RBC) Mineral Tests
• Complete blood count (CBC)
  
  

Guest Details:

• Dr. Chris Magryta’s LinkedIn, Facebook
• Salisbury Pediatric Website
• Standard Process Website
• Children First of North Carolina Website
• Dr. M's Women and Children First Podcast Podcast
• Linus Pauling Institute Website
• Nourish Your Tribe Book

Rupa Health Details:

• Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
• Rupa Health Reference Guide & Magazine
• Dr. Kate Kresge’s Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube & Twitter
• Dr. Kate Kresge on Podcast

Timestamps

03:48 - Why Kids Are Getting Sick So Often

11:08 - Get Your Kids to Sleep Like Angels

14:09 - Win the Battle Against Your Kids' Nighttime Phone Addiction

17:59 - The Superfoods Your Child Needs

20:06 - Nutrition Secrets Every Parent Needs to Know

25:14 - The Alarming Reality of Measles and Why Vitamin A Might Not Be the Solution Parents Think

32:10 - 5 Steps Every Pregnant Mom Needs to Know

36:54 - Preventing Choking in Babies

39:30 - How Over-Cleaning and Modern Birth Practices Trigger Asthma

44:07 - How Childhood Asthma Might Be Linked to Baby Colic

49:22 - Treating ADHD Root Causes Without Medication

53:40 - The Key to Raising Resilient Kids in a Screen-Obsessed World

01:00:23 - Where Can You Find Dr. Chris Magryta?

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Carrie Jones sits down with Ben Azadi to discuss metabolic flexibility, fat-burning versus sugar-burning states, and why traditional calorie-focused approaches to weight loss often fail.

You'll hear them discuss:

• Why 93% of Americans are metabolically unhealthy
• The difference between sugar burners and fat burners
• How obesogens and toxins contribute to weight loss resistance
• The role of fasting insulin and blood glucose in evaluating metabolic health
• Why “calories in, calories out” is overly simplistic
• How fasting, ketosis, and metabolic flexibility help restore health
• Practical steps to shift from sugar-burning to fat-burning in 7 days
• The power of gratitude and mindset in sustainable health change
  
  

Ben Azadi is the founder of Keto Kamp, author of the upcoming book Metabolic Freedom, and a leading voice in the fasting and keto space. After transforming his own health and weight, Ben has gone on to educate thousands globally on how to unlock fat-burning metabolism, address root causes of metabolic disease, and optimize wellness through diet, mindset, and functional practices. His work centers on empowering individuals to achieve what he calls “metabolic freedom”—the ability to thrive using fat, not sugar, as fuel.


Guest Details:

• Ben Azadi’s Website: benazadi.com
• Instagram: @thebenazadi
• YouTube: Ben Azadi on YouTube
• Podcast: Metabolic Freedom Podcast
  
  
• Book: metabolicfreedombook.com – Metabolic Freedom (May 13, 2025 release)
  – Pre-order bonuses include a 12-lesson metabolism course + interviews with Dr. Jason Fung, Megan Ramos, Gary Brecka, Dr. Daniel Pompa, and Cynthia Thurlow
  
  

Rupa Health Details:

• Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
• Rupa Health Reference Guide & Magazine
• Dr. Carrie Jones Website, Instagram, Facebook & YouTube
  
  

Timestamps04:12 – What a Healthy Metabolism Looks Like
 05:43 – Common Signs You’re a Sugar Burner
 06:15 – Why Fasting Insulin is More Important Than A1C
 09:09 – Optimal Ranges for A1C and Glucose
 11:02 – Why "Calories In, Calories Out" Isn’t Enough
 14:50 – Senescent Cells, Inflammation, and Weight Loss Resistance
 16:34 – Obesogens and Toxins That Disrupt Metabolism
 21:03 – Where Ben Stands on Seed Oils
 25:03 – How to Shift to Fat Burning in 7 Days
 27:48 – Supporting the Liver During Metabolic Shifts
 29:15 – Using Glucose and Ketone Monitors for Insight
 33:20 – Next Steps: Fasting, Movement, and “Metabolic Confusion”
 35:01 – Why Snacking Sabotages Metabolic Flow
 37:27 – How to Start Intermittent Fasting (the Right Way)
 39:02 – Ketone and Glucose Tracking in the 30-Day Plan
 40:28 – Yes, You Can Have Carbs Again
 43:03 – The Role of Mindset and Gratitude in Weight Loss
 45:36 – Where to Find Ben and Get His Book

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we discuss the powerful connection between nutrition and mental health with Dr. Uma Naidoo. You’ll hear us dive into:

• The impact of food on mental health
• How to manage anxiety through nutrition and lifestyle
• Using food as medicine for mental well-being
• What is metabolic psychiatry?
• How your diet controls your brain and sleep

Dr. Uma is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, professional chef, nutrition specialist, author, and MasterClass instructor. She is also the Founder and Director of the Nutritional Psychiatry Service at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). Known as Harvard's Mood Food Expert, Dr. Uma is a national best-selling author of “This Is Your Brain On Food” and “Calm Your Mind with Food.”

Labs Mentioned

• Metabolic Panels
• Endocrine Hormones
• Vitamin D
• Complete Blood Count
• Iron Levels
• Thyroid Function Tests
• Fasting Lipid Panels
• Fasting Triglyceride Levels
  
  

Guest Details:

• Dr. Uma Naidoo’s Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, TikTok
• Dr. Uma Naidoo’s Books
• Dr. Uma Naidoo’s Course

Rupa Health Details:

• Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
• Rupa Health Reference Guide & Magazine
• Dr. Kate Kresge’s Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube & Twitter
• Dr. Kate Kresge on Podcast

Timestamps

03:15 - Dr. Uma’s Inspiring Journey to Mental Wellness

07:33 - How Food Choices Can Transform Mental Health

10:43 - How Your Microbiome Could Be the Key to Addressing Anxiety

15:09 - Food Choices to Calm Your Mind and Ease Anxiety

22:26 - The Secret to Perfect Hydration

28:00 - The Connection Between Leptin, Anxiety, and Your Diet

35:58 - Boost Your Mood with Non-Food Nutrient Sources

40:03 - How Your Diet Controls Your Brain and Sleep

45:38 - The Role of Magnesium and Potassium for Anxiety Relief

50:15 - Essential Lab Tests You Need for Root Cause Diagnosis

55:00 - When Your Body Is Screaming for Help

58:52 - Acknowledge the Real Connection Between Food and Mood

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with Dr. Devan Szczepanski to explore her revolutionary triangular approach to functional medicine that has transformed thousands of lives. You'll hear us discuss:

• How the Triangle Method combines genomics, metabolic testing, and gut analysis
  
  
• Why genomic testing provides crucial personalized insights for treatment
  
  
• The practical applications of reformative medicine in clinical settings
  
  
• How to prioritize interventions based on comprehensive testing
  
  

Dr. Szczepanski is a board-certified family medicine physician and founder of Reformative Medicine, where she teaches clinicians her Triangle Method of gastrointestinal, genomic and metabolic testing to help patients uncover the root causes of their symptoms. After leaving corporate medicine to start her own practice, she developed a unique system combining genomics, metabolic testing, and gut analysis that aims to deliver personalized care designed to support wellness through measurable insights. Dr. Szczepanski now operates three clinics across Florida and Louisiana and has developed a training program to share her effective approach with other practitioners.
Labs Mentioned:

• DNA Life Testing Panels
• GI-MAP
• Comprehensive Metabolic Testing
• Thyroid Panel with Antibodies
• Homocysteine Testing
• Hormone Panel
• DHEA and Cortisol Testing
• Fasting Insulin
• EBV Testing
  
  

Guest Details

• Dr. Devan Szczepanski’s Website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Podcast
• NuWell Medicine Website
• Free Practitioner Sign-Up Here

Rupa Health Details:

• Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
• Rupa Health Reference Guide & Magazine
• Dr. Kate Kresge’s Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube & Twitter
• Dr. Kate Kresge on Podcast

 
Timestamps

04:39 - Dr. Szczepanski's Journey from Neuropsychology to Medicine

11:19 - Educational Background and Influences

15:34 - Building a Team-Based Clinical Approach

19:44 - The Evolution of Reformative Medicine

27:54 - Understanding Genomics vs. Epigenetics

34:15 - The Comprehensive Metabolic Assessment Approach

42:34 - How Gut Testing Completes the Triangle Method

48:21 - Measuring Outcomes and Tracking Patient Results

50:01 - What is Reformative Medicine?

53:13 - Dr. Szczepanski's Upcoming Book and Training Programs

54:23 - Where to Find Dr. Devan Szczepanski 

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we explore the often-overlooked importance of emotional health during the menopause transition with Dr. Paul Conti. You’ll hear us discuss:

• How trauma often leads to shame and self-blame
  
  
• The emotional and psychological changes during menopause
  
  
• Building resilience through introspection and curiosity
  
  
• The stigma surrounding mental health issues
  
  
• The importance of seeking professional support and external feedback
  
  

Dr. Paul M. Conti, a Stanford University School of Medicine graduate, combines extensive clinical expertise with a holistic approach to psychiatry. With training from Stanford and Harvard, where he served as Chief Resident, Dr. Conti specializes in treating mental illness and life stressors, recognizing the pervasive impact of trauma on individuals and communities. Beyond clinical practice, he offers consulting services in personal, business, and legal contexts. Dr. Conti is also acclaimed for his book, "Trauma: The Invisible Epidemic," which distills his insights on healing from trauma, aiming to educate and empower a broader audience.

Guest Details:

• Dr. Paul Conti’s Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook
• Dr. Paul Conti’s Books

 Follow Rupa Health! 👇

• Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
• Rupa Health Reference Guide & Magazine

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Carrie Jones welcomes Dr. Caitlin Czezowski to explore the lymphatic system's complex role and its crucial connections to detoxification, hormone balance, and overall wellness.
What You’ll Learn:

• How the lymphatic system functions as the body's "sewage system"

• Why lifestyle factors can impair lymphatic function

• The "Specific Seven" lymph node protocol for daily drainage

• How hormones interact with the lymphatic system and impact fertility

• Why tongue ties and breathing patterns can significantly affect lymphatic drainage and overall health

• The science behind lymphatic drainage techniques
  
  

Dr. Caitlin Czezowski is known for her focus on lymphatic health and support for the body’s natural detoxification pathways. As the founder of Doc Talks Detox, she has developed practical protocols designed to help support healthy lymphatic flow, including her signature "Specific Seven" lymph node-clearing technique. Dr. Czezowski blends traditional medical training with accessible strategies aimed at helping individuals support their lymphatic system and overall wellness. Her work helps translate complex health concepts into actionable steps, making the topic of lymphatic health more approachable for a broad audience.
Labs Mentioned

• Red Blood Cell Count
• LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase)

Guest Details:

• Dr. Caitlin Czezowski’s Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok
• Doc Talks Detox Website

Rupa Health Details:

• Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
• Rupa Health Reference Guide & Magazine
• Dr. Carrie Jones Website, Instagram, Facebook & YouTube 

Timestamps

00:13 - Understanding Your Lymphatic System

03:37 - Hidden Roles of Lymphatics

06:17 - How Lymph Nodes Act Like Airport Security

08:52 - Fat Cells, Weight Loss, and Leaky Lymph

10:32 - The Glymphatic System

14:22 - Lymph Drainage 101

21:21 - Lifestyle Habits Hurting Your Lymph Flow

25:38 - Tongue Ties and Lymph Congestion

30:18 - Improve Lymph Drainage and Facial Muscle Tone

31:44 - Estrogen, Progesterone, and Your Lymphatic Health

36:49 - Signs of Lymphatic Congestion

41:02 - The "Specific Seven" Lymph Nodes to Clear Daily

47:54 - Fun, Effective Lymphatic Health

50:11 - Do You Really Need an Expensive Rebounder?

53:20 - Where to Find Dr. Caitlin Czezowski? 

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Lauren Hernandez and Dr. Devan Szczepanski join Dr. Kate Kresge to explore:

• How to identify early signs of chronic illness in children
• Why traditional pediatric testing often misses crucial health markers that could prevent chronic conditions
• The "Triangle of Health" framework for pediatric functional medicine
• How to use genetic testing to determine the most appropriate formula and dietary choices for infants and young children
• Why conventional approaches to ADHD, anxiety, and digestive issues may be missing underlying genetic and metabolic factors

Dr. Lauren Hernandez and Dr. Devan Szczepanski are pioneering practitioners at NuWell Medicine, where Dr. Hernandez serves as CMO of KidsWell, their specialized pediatric service line. With vast backgrounds in pediatric medicine, they have developed an innovative "triangle of health" approach that combines comprehensive blood work, metabolic, gut microbiome analysis, and genomic testing to provide personalized care for children. Their work has transformed traditional pediatric practice by incorporating functional medicine principles and precision testing to address chronic childhood conditions before they become severe health challenges.

Labs Mentioned:

• Comprehensive Blood Panel
• Celiac Panel
• Thyroid Panel
• Hormone Panels
• GI Map
• Genetic Testing
• Food Sensitivity Testing
• Food Allergy Panels
  
  

Guest Details:

• Dr. Lauren Hernandez’s Instagram
• Dr. Devan Szczepanski’s Website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Podcast
• KidsWell Program
• NuWell Medicine Website

Rupa Health Details:

• Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
• Rupa Health Reference Guide & Magazine
• Dr. Kate Kresge’s Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube & Twitter
• Dr. Kate Kresge on Podcast

Timestamps

02:01 - Introducing the KidsWell Program

06:36 - Chronic Illness in Children

10:19 - The “Triangle of Health”

18:28 - Redefining Pediatric Blood Panels

26:59 - Pediatric Functional Tests

36:05 - The Personalized Blueprint for Lifelong Health

48:13 - Formula Fixes Based on Genetics

50:24 - Food Sensitivities and Empowering Parents

53:09 - Training the Next Generation of Clinicians

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we unveil Dr. Ana-Maria Temple's functional approach to treating eczema in children. You’ll hear us discuss:

1. What causes eczema in children
   
   
2. How to heal eczema from within
   
   
3. The role of nutrition in treating eczema
   
   
4. How to choose and dose the right probiotics
   
   
5. Gut microbiome imbalances and eczema
   
   
6. Dr. Ana-Maria's functional approach to eczema treatment
   
   

Dr. Ana-Maria Temple is a pediatrician specializing in functional medicine and nutrition, focusing on treating eczema in children. She practices at Integrative Health Carolinas and is a renowned speaker and educator. Dr. Ana-Maria has also authored the books Healthy Kids in an Unhealthy World and Ending the Eczema Epidemic.

Labs Mentioned

• Food Sensitivity Tests
• CBC with Differential
• Zinc RBC
• Vitamin D
• Ferritin
• Iron Panel
• Copper RBC
• Magnesium RBC
• TGF Beta 1
• Thyroid Antibodies
• Seasonal Allergy Panel
• Kidney Function Tests
• B12
• B6
• Folate
• Omega Panel
  
  

Guest Details:

• Dr. Ana-Maria Temple’s Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok
• Dr. Ana-Maria Temple’s Courses, Shop
• Healthy Kids in an Unhealthy World Book
• Ending the Eczema Epidemic Book
• Integrative Health Carolinas Website

Follow Rupa Health! 👇

• Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube
• Rupa Health Reference Guide & Magazine