The Lab Report

The microbiome continues to be viewed as a cornerstone of health, whether we are discussing the gastrointestinal tract, cardiovascular risk, immune dysfunction, and even cognitive health. One major contributions of the microbiome to our global health is in the production of short-chain fatty acids. Primary among these products is a compound known as n-butyrate. N-butyrate has profound roles, not only in our gut, but throughout our ...

Based on recent research, the term ‘dysbiosis’ is no longer a simple black-and-white diagnosis of a gut imbalance. The scientific understanding of a healthy microbiome is evolving. It’s no longer just about the laundry list of organisms present, but rather about their functionality for health and disease.

In today’s episode, we unpack the term ‘dysbiosis.’ Join us to rethink what it means to have...

Like Hippocrates said, “All Disease Begins in the Gut.” Here in functional/personalized medicine, stool testing is an important tool to help get to the root cause of chronic conditions or to optimize health. Given its vital role in clinical practice, choosing the right stool test becomes paramount and being mindful of the information you are seeking is key.

In today’s episode, we're taking the conversation deeper,...

Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) are often called molecular chaperones. These crucial proteins spring into action when cells are under threat from environmental stressors, toxins, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Join us as we uncover how heat shock proteins function as the cell’s microscopic repair crew. Discover how this fundamental biological mechanism not only protects our cells from daily stresses but also holds promising c...

Licorice root is a time-honored herbal remedy with a sweet side. Beyond its role in teas and tonics, licorice root has been used for centuries to support digestion, ease respiratory illnesses, and calm everyday inflammation. It is well- known for its synergistic effects with other herbal therapies.

Join us as we talk about how licorice root can fit into your wellness routine, the traditions behind its medicinal use, and simple ways...

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.

W...

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,...

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 p...

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 di...

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 h...

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 d...

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 pr...

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 tinnitu...

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 b...

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 s...

Inflammation is your body’s way of protecting itself from infection, injury, or other insults. Chemical signaling molecules called ‘eicosanoids’ are responsible for creating pain, heat, swelling, and redness. Eicosanoids are made from fatty acids, or dietary fats. We’ve all heard of fish oil and omega-3s being important when it comes to lowering inflammation. But why?

In today’s episode, we break down the inflammatory cascade, expl...

If you are worried about keeping your bones strong, there’s more to the story than taking calcium supplements. Vitamin D and vitamin K work together to support strong, healthy bones. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium from food, which is essential for building and maintaining bone density. But without enough vitamin K—particularly vitamin K2—that calcium might not end up where it's needed. Vitamin K2 activat...

Zombie cells, scientifically known as senescent cells, are damaged or aged cells that refuse to die when they should. Instead, they linger in the body, releasing harmful chemicals that can trigger inflammation and accelerate aging. These cells have been linked to a range of age-related diseases, including arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer.

Dive into the eerie world of 'Zombie Cells' on our latest episode! Uncover how th...

Such a random topic – gray hair? The technical term for hair graying is canities – again, what a strange word. Who knew? The basic physiology of hair growth and coloration is not something we really think about, but your hair can be a reflection of underlying health or disease. We often talk about the aging process as a marker of oxidative stress -So too with your hair.

In this episode, we dive into the science of grayi...