In this episode, Dr. Daina Parent, ND, sits down with Laurence Katsaras—Naturopath, Acupuncturist, and classically trained Western Herbalist—for a deep dive into incretin hormones, especially GLP-1’s and their far-reaching effects on the body. They discuss the interconnected web of health in which all physiological pathways work together, and how GLP-1 medications can distort this web leading to unintended effects elsewhere. They highlight clinical takeaways for keeping the web strong through hormone balance, gut health, herbs, diet, and lifestyle.

They explore the pros and cons of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, herbal and lifestyle recommendations to help manage side effects, and natural approaches that support the body’s own ability to regulate these pathways. Laurence also shares insights from his 20 years in the natural medicine industry as a clinician, researcher, and educator. A sought-after speaker in the naturopathic and complementary medicine field across Australia and New Zealand, he is known for translating emerging research into practical, actionable strategies for clinical practice.

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• GLP-1 medication effects vs. the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone activity
• Risks for women in perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause: muscle loss and bone health impacts
• Herbal compounds that stimulate GLP-1 receptors naturally
• The complex web of health: restoring balance in interconnected physiological systems
• Broad benefits of bitter herbs on the gut microbiome as part of a holistic approach to metabolic health

• 1:30 Defining incretin hormones, including GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1)
• 5:06 Organs that are influenced by incretin hormones, and how are they affected
• 7:48 GLP-1 medication effects vs. the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone activity
• 8:53 Side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications
• 11:00 Concerns about weight loss, muscle loss and rebound weight gain after discontinuing medication
• 15:30 Importance of continuing holistic diet and lifestyle habits after going off medications
• 18:20 Risks for women in perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause: muscle loss and bone health impacts
• 20:07 Herbal compounds that stimulate GLP-1 receptors naturally—gentle, holistic alternatives without dramatic or rapid changes
• 29:00 How bitter herbs and foods stimulate incretin hormone production naturally
• 30:30 Herbs with metabolic benefits and that support GLP-1 function
• 32:25 Is long-term GLP-1 medication use sustainable considering side effects and costs? Harnessing the body’s innate ability to rebalance
• 33:30 The complex web of health: restoring balance in interconnected physiological systems
• 36:22 Discontinuation rates of GLP-1 medications: potential for combining herbal approaches with medication
• 39:00 Herbal safety: choosing the right herb for the right person, only when truly needed
• 41:14 Broad benefits of bitter herbs on the gut microbiome as part of a holistic approach to metabolic health
• 47:10 The “interconnected web of health”—how a single strand impacts the whole system
• 49:20 Clinical guidance for supporting patients considering or currently taking GLP-1 medications

Dr. Daina Parent, ND and Dr. Sarah Clarke, DC, IFMCP engage in an informative clinical conversation about all things folate. From whole food forms to folate’s influence on epigenetics, they transform complex biochemistry into a clear, easy-to-follow, and engaging conversation with clinical gems. They discuss the relationship between folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine on mental health, brain function, and cardiovascular health and cover biomarkers to help clinicians properly test patients for deficiencies. Drs Parent and Clarke highlight throughout the episode the importance of consuming a whole foods diet that emphasizes foods high in natural forms of folate to support whole body health.

• 2:10 Folate (vitamin B9) overview – why is folate important and what is it’s role in the body?
• 4:30 Methylation: a folate-dependent process – how is methylation connected to epigenetics and overall healthy functions of body systems
• 7:00 Foods that contain methyl donors for methylation - including turnip greens, collard greens and other leafy greens
• 9:00 Methylation and aging
• 10:00 Natural forms of folate vs. synthetic folic acid
• 15:10 Why folic acid isn’t the ideal for everyone
• 17:45 Plant sources of folate when consumed in a whole foods diet
• 21:00 Dangers of the SAD Diet (Standard American Diet) and over consumption of fortified foods with folic acid
• 23:35 How malabsorption of nutrients due to GI conditions can impact levels of folate in the body
• 25:00 When we need more folate and lifestyle habits and medications that impact absorption of folate
• 27:58 Folate’s role in mental health, mood and cognition – brain health, brain function, and aging
• 32:10 Folate and it’s connection to cardiovascular health and the importance of B12 and folate in creating balanced homocysteine levels
• 35:27 Golden Chlorella – superfood with folate and vegetarian source of B12
• 35:58 How to measure homocysteine and other important biomarkers
• 41:52 The benefits of running a CBC to help determine folate or B12 deficiencies
• 44:20 Clinical case that demonstrates the need to find the right form of folate and B12 for each person
• 45:44 Benefits of whole food form of folate and B vitamins

https://www.sonoran.edu/faculty/gena-kadar/

Building a Thriving Chiropractic Practice: The Importance of Nutrition Coaching and Modeling a Healthy Lifestyle

Dr. Sarah Clarke, DC, IFMCP, interviews Dr. Gena Kadar, Chiropractor, Certified Nutrition Specialist, Sonoran University of Health Sciences Associate VP of Program Innovation, and Dean - College of Nutrition and School of Mental Health (https://www.sonoran.edu/faculty/gena-kadar/)

Join Chiropractors Dr. Sarah Clarke and Dr. Gena Kadar in this inspiring conversation about building a thriving practice. Dr. Kadar discusses incorporating nutrition with chiropractic work for improved patient outcomes, and the importance of practitioners modeling healthy lifestyles and practicing self-care. They wrap up the episode with a vision for the future of integrative medicine, and valuable advice for new practitioners building their practices.

1:30 Interest in healthy living from a young age

3:28 How Dr. Kadar came to chiropractic – drawn to the idea of being empowered and how you empower others with knowledge of how to lead healthy lifestyle

7:40 Imposter Syndrome – Challenges of shifting from student-mindset to practitioner-mindset – settling into professional clinical practice

12:30 Working for a cardiologist group and the profound experience that came from that work

14:30 Incorporating nutrition with chiropractic patients produced better outcomes

15:15 Tips for newly graduated chiropractors building their own business and how to incorporate nutrition into their practice – “How you approach nutrition care is very important”

19:20 Beauty of nutrition care and providing access to high quality supplements, in turn also helps to provide a passive income for the clinician

20:56 Motivation to move into the academic sector from private practice – life experience and how that transformed her trajectory

28:59 Milestones and Moments to Celebrate – writing her book A Manner of Living: An Evidence-Based, Realistic, and Sustainable Approach to the Art of Eating Well, Living Well, and Being Well for Life; launched Sonoran University's College of Nutrition; launched a virtual center for customized personal nutrition

34:05 What changes would you like to see in Healthcare? “Having a seat at the table regarding the future of healthcare”; as Integrative Practitioners we can “humbly acknowledge our limitations and proudly, boldly assert our strengths”; increased patient-centered care

38:30 Launching Sonoran University’s School of Mental Health – inclusion of healthcare in mental health curriculum

40:40 The importance of teaching students how to manage a healthy lifestyle so they know firsthand the challenges to they can better help their patients; practitioners who practice what they preach have better results with patients; practitioners learning to implement and model self-care so that they can be role models for patients

44:00 The future of Nutrigenomics, personalized medicine, and personalized learning with adaptive learning technology

50:30 Parallels between clinical care and academia

51:25 Advice for new practitioners

Episode 5 – Strategies for Optimal Aging: Leveraging Nutrition and Fitness for Practitioner and Patient

Dr. Sarah Clarke, DC interviews Dr. Kimberly Besuden, DC, CFMP

In this lively conversation, Dr. Besuden, DC, CFMP, shares all of her tips, tricks and recommendations for aging optimally and gracefully. Drs. Sarah and Besuden discuss strategies for maintaining healthy habits and routines for practitioner and patient alike. This episode is full of gems including specific supplementation to fill nutrition gaps, easy-to-maintain exercise routines, and a deep dive into hormesis practices.

Dr. Kimberly Besuden is a Chiropractor and Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner; owner of The Health Factor; and owner of Bay Street Wellness. She has a long history as a competitive athlete, extensive training in clinical nutrition, and many years working as a personal trainer and strength coach.

·      1:30 Inspiration to become a Chiropractor

·      3:30 Inspiration to pursue Functional Medicine and Detox and Purification

·      5:00 Dr. Besuden’s Clinical Practice

·      5:45 Active Lifestyles for Aging Populations

·      8:50 Strength Training for the Aging Population – key for optimal aging, and connection between strength training and naturally increased GLP-1

·      13:00 Tips for sticking with a strength training routine – for practitioners and patients

·      16:15 Hormesis and it’s role and optimal aging – HIIT, hot and cold therapy, intermittent fasting

·      21:18 Intermittent Fasting

·      26:10 Maintaining healthy diets and habits with busy schedules and traveling

·      29:05 Hot and cold therapy

·      30:50 The Modified Mediterranean Diet – low carb, healthy fats, moderate protein

·      38:55 Super foods for training

·      41:20 Biomarkers, body composition, and metrics – equipment, devices and best practice

·      45:30 Bloodwork Panels and Supplementation for Nutritional Gaps

·      48:00 Other Diet and Lifestyle Recs for optimal aging

·      50:58 Final thoughts for practitioners – Practice what you preach

Drs. Daina Parent and Ryan Bradley take a deep dive into the microbiome and it’s influence on whole body health, and cover highlights on clinical research focused on gut health. They also touch on soil health and environmental toxins and the impact on the microbiome. Dr. Ryan Bradley is a Naturopathic Physician with a Master’s Degree in Public Health and Epidemiology. He is currently a professor and has completed 8 years of clinical research training. He leads research initiatives at the intersection between public health and integrative and complimentary medicine.

2:00 – Dr. Bradley’s Journey towards current career and passion for research; his interest in mechanisms of natural products and clinical research; clinical practice was focused on cardiometabolic disease, Diabetes, and more

5:10 – New initiatives after closing clinical practice 5 years ago - now focuses on clinical research / clinical trials; also focuses on Mentorship through National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health, branch of NIH for Complimentary Medicine

8:30 – Importance of research for clinicians – shifts the way practitioners practice, especially in Complimentary and Integrative Medicine which has a population of clinicians thirsty for evidence of effectiveness of Complimentary and Integrative strategies, philosophy, and frameworks/protocols

11:55 – Historical Knowledge of effectiveness of Naturopathic Medicine, “the science is finally catching up to our practices”; example – gut health, dysbiosis, leaky gut syndrome; “We finally have the scientific tools to explore these concepts in greater detail.”

13:50 – Gut Health and Naturopathic Medicine – trends and changes in gut health practice; general public is paying more attention to their gut health; rapid innovation, especially with probiotics, postbiotics, prebiotics, and fibers; does the science support large doses of probiotics?; Is the practice outpacing the evidence?; What will the future of microbiome research and awareness look like?

20:40 – Gut Health as connected to global effects throughout the whole body – hormonal health, immune health, brain health; effects of environmental factors like air and water quality influence gut health

23:55 – Current research in the gut health space and how it translates into clinical practice

34:32 – NIH Grants for mentorship, gut health, mind-body practices and effects on anxiety, and more

40:40 – Mind Body Medicine and connection to Gut Health

42:15 – Will gut health continue to be at the forefront of medicine and medical research? Personalized probiotics and AI; potential natural GLP-1 agonists; increased public awareness to demand better foods, less environmental toxins in food, water, and air

49:55 – SOIL HEALTH: The hope for the near future: increased public understanding of soil health and connection to gut health and overall well-being; gut health linked to soil health, food quality, and farming practices; everything is interconnected

53:20 – Integrative Health and it’s impact on public health

·  In this enlightening episode, Dr. Sarah Clarke interviews Dr. Ryan Lazarus, author of The Essential Health Playbook and creator of The Lazarus Method. The conversation highlights Dr. Lazarus’  personal health journey and how it shaped his career and the work he’s developed over the past 20+ years. He offers inspiring and effective strategies for meeting patients where they are at; supporting their goals, values, and priorities; and offering tools to help them achieve optimal whole body health.

·      1:20 Dr. Lazaraus describes his near death experience at 18 while playing indoor soccer that began his health journey and shaped the trajectory of his career

·      4:00 Digestive issues and type 1 diabetes diagnosis following the accident that destroyed his pancreas

·      5:30 10 years of frustration using conventional medicine to help with digestive issues and mental health support prompted him to take charge of his own health and find a better way to heal and live a healthy life

·      7:30 How Dr. Lazarus’ healing journey changed his career path and how he was drawn to Chiropractic Medicine

·      11:10 Common obstacles people face in finding healthcare; Dr. Lazarus’ role is to explain that there is a holistic evidence-based way to heal

·      13:20 The Lazarus Method – people change in four different ways; finding what motivates each individual to make important health changes is the key to success

·      19:00 Change takes time and Gamification is a useful tool– uses engaging athletic/sports language for motivational tools; sets fun micro challenges; individualized approach

·      25:20 Meeting people where they’re at - How to keep ourselves and patients motivated and engaged to continue to make positive changes towards better health and healthier overall lifestyle; defining priorities, values and goals

·      28:05 Nutrition and Diet – Ryan describes his EAT Plan (Essentials, Amount, Timing)

·      32:00 – Flow States, “in the zone” and the importance with long-term health

·      36:15 – Finding your true purpose and how it affects one’s health journey

·      41:00 Transition from 20-year clinical practice to writing books and focusing on The Lazarus Method

·      43:15 Dr. Lazaraus' passion for Human potential – realizing what one is capable of on all levels

·      46:33 Supporting motivated people ready to unlock the next level of performance, achievement, and potential with Biohacking Strategies

·      50:00 thelazarusmethod.com offers free wellness tools; The Essential Health Playbook is his latest book

Host Dr. Sarah Clarke, DC, IFMCP, leads this informative episode, interviewing Dr. Brenda Holland, Chiropractic Physician who specializes in pediatric care and maternal wellness. Drs. Clarke and Holland take a deep dive into supporting mothers and children of all ages and stages from pre-conception through adolescence with nutrition, chiropractic care, and healthy movement.

1:00 Growing up on the family farm - learned about health of cows and how to increase healthy milk by providing cows with nutritious foods like alfalfa and fermented corn, and how soil health impacts crops and animals; this experience influenced her passion for caring for humans, especially mothers and children

·      3:15 Whole Body Health – the connection between the Earth and what we put into our bodies

·      5:30 Beginning a Chiropractic Practice and earning a Diplomate in Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics through ICA

·      7:00 Chiropractic companies and organizations for support network for practitioners just getting started

·      10:10 Changes in the field of Chiropractic over past 20 years – more female chiropractors, and how it’s changing the workplace to support working Chiropractic mothers; more emphasis on specialties – pediatrics, functional medicine, and nutrition

·      17:45 Common conditions children come into the chiropractic office – sports injuries, back pain, obesity, skin conditions; when to refer out

·      20:00 Nutrition recommendations for healthy growing children

·      23:20 Risks of children becoming a one sport athlete at a young age, and the importance of a good nutritional foundation for young athletes

·      28:20 Nutrition for infants, babies and toddlers – breastfeeding if possible, good quality formulas, vitamin D3, healthy fats, solid food introduction at the right time

·      34:20 Making healthy foods look appealing for babies and toddlers – focus on eating colorful foods

·      36:38 Establishing healthy habits with older children – take them shopping, parents lead activities on growing foods and learning about nutritional value of foods; the 80/20 rule

·      38:48 Pre-conception, fertility and prenatal care nutrition recommendations – fertility is not just about female health, 30-50% of fertility issues are due to male health, including inadequate folate intake, CoQ10, and selenium; common pregnancy concern is back pain, 45-50% of females experience low back pain in pregnancy and 65+% experience low back pain within 12 months of delivery

·      42:30 Fourth Trimester care – healthcare and society need to establish a foundational understanding of pelvic floor care prior to and after pregnancy; safe comfortable places to breastfeed; supporting the mother in the fourth trimester

·      47:00 Chiropractic as patient-centered care

·      49:44 – Simple changes to start with if patients are feeling overwhelmed on starting their wellness journey – adding good things in before taking away, healthy eating habits, and basic movement

·      1:45 What is Naturopathic Medicine? The Six Principles and the Therapeutic Order is what guides their treatment, including diet, lifestyle, natural therapies, supporting natural ability to heal, seeking the root cause and treating the whole person; patient-centered focus

·      6:15 What interested Dr. Simon in becoming a Naturopathic Physician

·      8:30 How the field of Naturopathic Medicine continuously evolves

·      9:30 The art of the profession – the personalization of the treatment plan, meet the patient where they are at

·      11:45 The role of nutrition and diet in therapies

·      13:45 What Dr. Simon looks for in supplement companies in order to feel comfortable using them in patient protocols

·      17:45 How Naturopathic Medicine fits into our current medical system and with other healthcare practitioners

·      23:20 Institute for Natural Medicine focuses on public education about natural medicine options

·      28:00 Food as Medicine Research – health benefits of whole foods

·      29:15 Kids Naturally Well Program – teaching 4th grade children how to understand health and identifying healthy foods

·      30:25 How to educate patients on how to read nutrition labels on food and supplements

·      32:30 Dr. Simon’s research at INM, Food as Medicine in partnership with Bastyr

·      34:45 2020 Case Study that highlights the power of the Naturopathic Medicine approach; 25-year-old male with history of anxiety, poor limited diet, low glutathione, and low B vitamins due to MTHFR gene lead to inability to handle intense viral infection; diet, lifestyle and proper supplementation helped him to fully recover

·      43:05 Naturopathic Medicine is the engineering of whole health and the ability to connect with patients on a deep level

In this episode Dr. Daina Parent, Clinical Educator at Standard Process, interviews Dr. Jaqueline Smeaton, Naturopathic Physician and founder of Hello Fertility.

Highlights of the episode include:

• Herbs and supplements for perimenopause and menopause
• Common conditions in Women’s Health by stage of reproductive years
• Strategies for connecting with teen patients
• How diet and lifestyle influence cycle regularity
• Cycle Charting for Fertility
• Diet and Lifestyle recommendations for pre-conception
• The links between fertility and gut dysbiosis, liver health, and oral health

• 2:00 Phases of Reproductive Cycle
• 3:40 Where Should clinicians start when working with new client  – Cycle Charting and Symptom Picture; Basal Body Temperature and Cervical Mucus Tracking for Fertility Cues, Follicular and Luteal Phases
• 8:00 Diet to support hormone balance, fertility and women’s health, Eat the Rainbow Chart for fun way to track eating a variety of colored foods each week; diverse plant based diet; important vitamins and micronutrients for women – calcium, vitamin D, Mg, B6, B12, folic acid
• 11:40 Common Conditions in Women’s Health by stage of reproductive years – tracking estrogen and progesterone
• 14:40 Symptoms of imbalance of estrogen and progesterone and associated conditions; gut dysbiosis and the liver connected to hormone balance
• 19:40 Strategies for Supporting Patients in balancing reproductive hormones – toxins (plastics, phalates, fragrances, lotions, packaged foods, etc.), lifestyle (sleep, stress, supporting circadian rhythms, etc.)
• 22:40 Lab Tests – what kind and when to use to support patients
• 27:40 Preconception Counseling – supplements and lifestyle recommendations 180 days prior to conception for optimal egg and sperm health
• 29:40 Detox for Fertility and IVF – is it recommended? If so, what’s safe?
• 31:20 Fertility and Periodontal Disease and Oral Health; Microbiome of Placenta and Womb tied to mother’s oral health
• 32:00 Favorite Herbs for Hormone Balance and preferred delivery of herbal remedies
• 35:00 Puberty for Females – normal fluctuations; how diet and lifestyle influence cycle regularity; introducing cycle charting; recommended supplementation; strategies for connecting with teen patients
• 39:40 Perimenopause and Menopause – commons symptoms associated with hormone fluctuations; common misconceptions and myths; commons condition that can arise
• 43:40 Lab Testing in Perimenopause and Menopause  – nutrient testing, cycle mapping, and HRT
• 45:20 Supportive Herbs and Supplements for Perimenopause and Menopause

Fenugreek for glucose management and breastfeeding

Male and Female Fertility: Botanicals for Better Endocrine Health

About Standard Process – Only at SP

In this episode of the Medicinal Herbs podcast, host Daina Parent, ND, talks with naturopath and medical herbalist Jo Boyd about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which affects millions of people worldwide. While conventional medications have been effective for many, there is a growing interest in alternative therapies like herbal medicine to address ADHD. Learn more: https://wholisticmatters.com/medicinal-herbs-and-adhd