The Lab Report

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 alle...

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 t...

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...

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...

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...

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 wh...

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...

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...

Hiccups- that annoying and at times, painful reflex that sneaks up on you when you least expect it, and sometimes refuses to leave. But what are they really? Is there an evolutionary reason we’ve developed this reflex? When should you be concerned? Can we prevent them? In this episode, we break down the pathophysiology of hiccups (yes, there’s real science behind it) Knowing the scienc...

Akkermansia muciniphila has been getting tons of great press recently. It’s a bacterium in the gut microbiome that thrives by supporting mucin production. However, its potential to enhance metabolic health and support weight management has paved the way for innovative probiotic solutions – which is exactly what a company called Pendulum has done! Pendulum’s products are backed by...

Advanced technologies and personalized approaches have been the hallmark of what we do here at Genova Diagnostics. We are frequently asked how this testing can be applied in pediatrics. Our testing is widely used to help empower parents to get to the root cause of some common childhood concerns. But there are some caveats to consider when interpreting results. Every child is unique – so why...

We all know sugar isn’t great for our health. But is all sugar created equal? In this eye-opening podcast, we speak with the team from RxSugar. Their company creates and promotes a healthy sugar called allulose. Yes, a healthy sugar! Dr. Rick Johnson is a leading researcher on the hidden dangers of sugar. He discusses the impact of how sugar and fructose can hijack your cravings, fuel inflam...

Garlic isn't just a kitchen staple—it’s a natural powerhouse of health benefits! Packed with antioxidants and sulfur compounds like allicin, garlic supports heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, strengthens the immune system, fights inflammation, and so much more. With its antibacterial and antiviral properties, garlic has been used for centuries as a natural remedy...

Longevity isn’t about adding years to your life- it’s about adding life to your years!  We know there are many variables to health such as diet, movement, sleep, social connection, fresh air and sunlight. Each are important but some aren’t easily measured. The Roseto Effect reveals the surprising power of tight-knit communities, social bonds, and old-world traditions in shap...

Ever wonder what happens when your voice suddenly decides to take a vacation? In this episode, we explore the mysterious condition of laryngitis. From causes to symptoms, we can help you discover the best ways to recover and protect your voice. Whether you're dealing with laryngitis now or just curious about how it works, this episode will give you the answers you need. Tune in for all the insight...

When it comes to holiday traditions, we think of decorating Christmas trees, baking cookies, the Elf on the Shelf, or lighting a menorah. But holiday traditions are far more unusual and diverse throughout the world. Some might really surprise you! On today’s episode, we touch on some unusual international holiday customs you’ve likely never heard while sprinkling in some clinical pearls. We also c...

As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, cold and flu season sneaks in bringing sniffles, coughing, fatigue, and fever. It’s a time when germs spread easily, and our immune systems face a tough challenge. When you add holiday stress in the mix, it becomes even more important to boost your defenses, and optimize your immunity. In today’s episode, we offer tips to help you unlock your body’s...

The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and celebration – but to be honest, it can also be incredibly stressful. Between hosting dinners, finding the perfect gifts, managing finances, and navigating family dynamics, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news? You’re not alone and there are ways to reclaim the magic of the season without losing your sanity. In today’s podcast, we dive in...

Where to begin? It’s been a few weeks since you’ve heard from us – thank you so much for your amazing support and patience. As you may know, Hurricane Helene brought devastation to western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Genova Diagnostics is headquartered in the heart of Asheville, North Carolina. With that, it’s been a challenging few weeks. But the heroi...

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or heartburn, is incredibly common as is the use of stomach acid suppressing medication. But what if there is far more to the story than stomach acid? There are many other factors to consider in a patient with heartburn. We are going to dive into the physiology of gastric acid, gastric hormonal signaling, and a slew of medications and foods that might be the...

Occasionally, there are new and novel things introduced into the functional medicine and biohacker space that catch our attention. Lately, you might have heard a lot of people talking about the amazing health benefits of “nootropics,” but what are they? Coming from the name of the Greek word Nous (meaning “mind”), nootropics are medicines designed to improve cognitive function and protect the brai...

Ok, we know what you’re thinking…. Artichokes? Really? Yes really. It may seem a bit out of left field, but you’d be surprised at the many health benefits from either eating artichokes or taking an extract supplement. As a vegetable, it contains fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Extracts made from artichoke leaves, stems, and roots have been used as nutraceutical agents to support the G...

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) has become a hot topic in functional medicine. Mast cells are an integral part of the body’s immune system. They can be found in areas of exposure such as mucosal membranes, the lining of the GI tract, skin, and airways. Mast cells are responsible for storing important chemical mediators like histamine and others which help to instigate allergic responses. Mast...

The gut microbiome harbors trillions of commensal organisms which play a central role in our health. This community is sometimes referred to as our hidden metabolic organ due to its immense impact. Our diet and lifestyle play an important role in feeding the microbiome and keeping the colonies in balance. Should we be concerned if any one bacterial colony overgrows? Today we discuss the commensal...

There are a lot of terms bantered about in the biohacker and longevity space. With that, you’ve likely heard of mTOR – mechanistic (mammalian) target of rapamycin. But what exactly is it? mTOR is a key regulator in your body’s metabolic and growth processes. It integrates various signals, including nutrients and growth factors, to control processes like protein synthesis, autophagy, and lipid meta...