A Functional Approach with Dr. Jim Chialtas

In this 172nd episode I continue with my mini-series on peptide therapy with a focus on Thymulin-Zinc. We will cover what the thymus gland is/does, how it changes with age, the mechanisms by which Thymulin‑Zinc supports immune‑endocrine communication and neuroimmune health, practical clinical uses and dosing, and safety considerations for integrating this peptide into longevity‑focused care. If yo...

In this 171st episode, I discuss a messy, though fascinating paradox: Infections can trigger autoimmune disease, they can worsen existing autoimmunity, and—surprisingly—some infections can actually protect against it. We’ll unpack the science, from molecular culprits and autoantibodies to the surprising role of helminths (parasitic worms) and peptides like tuftsin, and explore how clinicians decid...

In this 170th episode, I continue with my mini-series on Peptide Therapy with a product called Lipotone which contains the peptide DNF-10. This particular peptide can be a nice safe alternative to the Ozempic class of medications for things like weight loss. But it can also be a helpful player in reducing inflammation, improving blood sugar and insulin signaling, and more. I will admit that I have...

In this 169th episode, I speak with Chase Zittrauer, my rep for Cyrex Labs. We spent some time diving into one of the fastest-growing health crises of our time — Alzheimer’s and related dementias — and what cutting‑edge testing can reveal long before symptoms show up. We unpack the rising global and U.S. burden ofAlzheimer’s: the financial, emotional, and caregiving toll it takes on families. Then...

In this 168th episode, I discuss connection... I’ve always been a people person. I’m the one who smiles at a stranger in a lobby, who says hello without expecting anything back. Most mornings that greeting bounces off the world and keeps going — sometimes met with a smile, sometimes met with silence. I don’t take it personally; I don’t always know the story behind someone’s eyes. But I do feel com...

In this 167th episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jordan Barber, Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine with over 20 years in clinical practice. He is the co-author of "Thinking in Chinese Medicine: A Patient's Guide to Acupuncture" (2026) and "Realigning Medicine: Building an Authentic, Fulfilling, and Thriving Healthcare Practice" (2025). Our focus today is on an important bu...

In this 166th episode, I continue with my mini-series on peptide therapies and discuss Copper GHK. Copper GHK is a small copper-bound tripeptide that affects repair, aging, and gene expression. I cover its natural role in plasma and tissues, how levels fall with age, and the surprising breadth of its actions—from extracellular matrix remodeling and antioxidant effects to cognitive protection, card...

In this 165th episode, I chat with Amy Behimer, Doctor of Pharmacy & Health Coach, about her approach to chronic conditions. As a person with Multiple Sclerosis and a few other autoimmune conditions, Dr. Amy knows firsthand what can work to manage autoimmunity. During this conversation, Amy and I discuss her philosophy of managing chronic conditions, Multiple Sclerosis and autoimmunity in gene...

In this 164th episode, we trace the Beljanski Foundation’s origin and mission, explore its signature research tools (including the Oncotest), and dive into the botanicals and molecular components used in the Foundation’s anticancer approaches. The conversation covers how select plant alkaloids found in herbs like Pao Pereira, Rauwolfia Vomitoria, Ginkgo Biloba, Green Tea, and specific fragments of...

In this 163rd episode, I simply recognize the fear and struggle we are all feeling in this time of war, financial stress, and uncertainty. Just a small public service announcement and a call to action to remember to let in the positive, lovely things. This is how we will get through. Remember, you are not alone, and we will get through this together! Connection is the meaning of life. Much love to...

In this 162nd episode I begin to unpack the topic of peptides—what they are, how they work, and why tiny chains of amino acids are becoming major players in healing and recovery. In this particular episode I focus on BPC-157: a 15–amino‑acid fragment derived from human gastric juice that’s been studied since the 1990s for wound healing, tendon and ligament repair, gut protection, anti‑inflammatory...

In this 161st episode I unpack vascular dementia — what causes it, how it differs from (and often overlaps with) Alzheimer’s, and the brain and vascular mechanisms that drive cognitive decline. I review some common clinical features of vascular dementia, noteworthy MRI findings, and the major vascular and metabolic risk factors involved in the development and progression of this disease. This is a...

In this 160th episode, I riff a bit on a book my former Ju-Jitsu Sensei wrote and gifted to me many years back. The concept here is "vision." There is a difference between dreams and vision. And it takes vision to make change happen. I share a story about an elephant from my book, and discuss how the very same principles can be found in our lives. This episode is one of encouragement. En...

In this 159th episode, I take a clear, evidence-focused look atBreast Implant Illness — what implants are made of, how our bodies can react to them, and why some people develop unexplained systemic symptoms. I walk you through the history—major recalls, FDA actions, and key studies—so you can see how awareness has changed and why recommendations are evolving. I break down the common symptoms I hea...

In this 158th episode, I follow up on my last episode about my journey into and out of Hell Hole Canyon in the Southern California Anza Borrego desert. You already heard about my journey itself, but I felt it only fitting to explain just what happened to me physiologically. For example.... How can a person get so dehydrated with a stomach full of water?!? And just how might something like a histor...

In this 157th episode, I recount a harrowing experience of survival, persistence, calm rational thinking, and realistic goal setting - all in the face of very real danger. My trip into and out of Hell Hole Canyon in Anza Borrego State Park, a literal desert paradise here in Southern California, started out as a lovely solo backpack and quickly turned into something much more important. It was a te...

In this 156th episode, I share a recent gluten exposure experience. This exposure was one of the largest (accidental) exposures to gluten that I can remember... One whole cracker. Listen in and hear about how something like that can happen to us in the GF community, how I responded to knowing I just poisoned myself, and just how powerful our minds and spirits can be when something like this happen...

In this 155th episode, we reflect on loss—big and small—and how it shapes our lives. From everyday comforts and relationships to health, habits, and grief, we explorehow attachment can both comfort and weigh us down. Rather than denying painful emotions, the conversation invites you to feel them fully, practice presence, and find the freedom in impermanence. We cover how acceptance, gratitude for...

In this 154th episode, I unpack hypochlorhydria — low stomach acid — exploring what it is, why stomach acid matters for digestion and immune defense, and how reduced acid can cause symptoms that often mimic reflux. We review common causes (long‑term PPI use, H. pylori, autoimmune gastritis, age, etc.), practical evaluation (when to test, which labs to order), and some dangers of living with a low...

In this 153rd episode, I speak with Morgan Smith, CEO of Kalm with Kava, founder of Pu'iwa Hawaiian Farms, and Board member of the International Kava Organization. We discuss concepts about how kava came into his life, and how this herb helped him manage the ever-increasing stresses of work and family. We discuss how this herb, kava, works in the body, where and how it is grown, some cautions...

In this 152nd episode, I speak with Prashanthi Amarnath about how Taoist principles can help reshape our relationship to uncertainty, fear, decision‑making, and our emotional life. We discuss how uncertainty affects physiology and the nervous system. The conversation explores why the mind resists paradox and how cultivating perceptual flexibility — the “non‑fixed mind” Lao Tzu describes — expands...

In this 151st episode, we unpack Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) — often called “fertilizer for the brain.” We explore what BDNF is, why it matters for learning, memory, and mood, and how low BDNF shows up in conditions like depression, cognitive decline, and neurodegenerative disease. Then we dive into evidence-based strategies to naturally support BDNF through exercise, nutrition, sleep...

In this 150th episode, I take a moment to riff on the importance of letting go of control. Of course, a life without some form of control is chaotic and might lend itself to being controlled by other people or institutions. I am not talking about letting go of complete control. Rather, I am suggesting here that our fixation on being in control could be holding us back or even doing us harm. Take t...

In this 149th episode, I do a deep-dive into autoimmunity, laboratory testing, food sensitivity, chemical sensitivity, and all things immunology. On this day I had the significant honor of sitting down with a giant in the integrative and functional medicine arena, Dr. Aristo Vojdani. I have followed Dr. Vojdani's work since my earliest days of practice back in 2002. The diagnostic approach tha...

In this 148th episode we delve into the intricacies of cardiovascular health by shining a light on some often-overlooked cardiovascular risks that could be influencing your heart health: trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), and homocysteine. These biochemical markers provide crucial insights into our cardiovascular health, yet many people remain unaware of their...