A Functional Approach with Dr. Jim Chialtas

In this 147th episode, I discuss the recent California law taking effect on Janurary 1, 2026 enforcing the supplementation of Folic Acid into corn masa (corn flour). This will impact corn tortillas, tamales, corn chips, etc. It just so happens that upwards of 40% of the people this new law is intended to protect have a genetic trait where they cannot process folic acid properly. In this episode we...

In this 146th (bonus) episode, I riff a bit on the concept of ritual as we turn the page of a new year. The focus and motivation of the episode though is one of gratitude and connection. This podcast has covered a lot of topics, but if there is one concept that I hope comes through strongly it is that we are all in this thing together. My hope is that there is something discussed here on this plat...

In this 145th episode I discuss concepts around "Transitional Flow." This is a concept I became keenly aware of through my training of Ju-Jitsu, so many years ago. Understanding the principles of transitional flow I can see it everywhere. It is certainly useful on the sidewalks, in the market, during conversations or arguments... It is a skill that lends itself to an easier life experien...

In this 144th episode I discuss various aspects of pain and suffering. The inspiration for this topic came to me recently as I was laying in bed, suffering from a nasty gluten-induced migraine, feeling sorry for myself, and pondering concepts around how I was processing the pain I was experiencing. I discuss some Traditional Chinese Medical concepts around pain and stagnation, some neurological co...

In this 143rd episode I unpack some thoughts about fear. I was inspired about this topic from a recent conversation I heard on the Duncan Trussell Family Hour Podcast between Duncan and Ram Dev. There were many topic discussed but fear came up and it just struck a chord. And so I sat down and wrote out some thoughts... If you are interested to hear the conversation you can check it out here: Dunca...

In this 142nd episode, we delve into the often-overlooked process of how industrial seed oils are made and why their widespread use may be harmful to our health. From the collection of seeds to the final product, the manufacturing process involves several steps, including high-temperature heating and the use of harmful solvents that raise serious health concerns. We'll uncover the six critical...

In this 141st episode I sit down with Dr. Eric Schulte. Eric is a doctor of physical therapy and runs a private practice called Movement Academy here in San Diego, CA. I got to know Eric recently and have had a few conversations that let me know he was someone I wanted to have on the podcast. You see, there is PT, and then there is that next level PT. I feel that Dr. Eric embodies the latter. In t...

In this 140th episode I discuss some important concepts around testosterone replacement therapy in men. This topic came up as a result of a conversation I had recently with a colleague where I talked about some of the more radical concepts I have seen as a result of higher levels of testosterone therapy. There is of course a time and a place for just about anything... And testosterone or any other...

In this 139th episode I sit down with Chase Zittrauer, Rep for Cyrex Labs, to discuss a new test called the BiomeBurden Complete. This ground breaking lab panel looks at the gut microbiome (bacterial) and mycobiome (yeast/fungus) as seen through the lens of the immune system. By that I mean, given the status of those little microorganisms living in your gut, this lab test looks at how your immune...

In this 138th episode I record from home with my wife Debbie to discuss how it is living with a gluten free member of the family. We discuss the transition from a normal diet to providing the family with a 100% gluten free diet after I discovered my significant gluten sensitivity condition. There were some struggles, there were some discoveries, there was even benefits for the entire family. Debbi...

In this 137th episode I pop in quickly to share a recent medical experience I had with dermatology. In keeping with my interest in not only detailing what I consider cool and important medical information, riffing and philosophizing on the human experience, and offering some creative writing... I feel obligated to share my personal medical experiences. Because chances are that you have had or will...

In this 136th episode we’re taking a another look at the widely accepted belief that saturated fat and cholesterol are the primary causes of heart disease. Despite the well-known risks and the skyrocketing use of statins—prescription rates have increased significantly over the past decade—heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. e...

In this 135th episode I address my thoughts on turning 50 years old. Hint hint... It is good. ;-)

In this 134th episode I detail what it too for me to earn the highest levels of certification in the Functional Medicine arena. I am officially certified as an Advanced Functional Medicine Clinician (AFMC) through the prestigious Kharrazian Institute. I will detail the curriculum, time spent studying, how this has helped shape my career and life, and how I want to put into use going forward. Hint....

In this 133rd episode, I sit down again with my friend and colleague Kit Yoon. Several months ago we were chatting and got onto the topic of happiness. A big topic to say the least, and we realized there was a lot to unpack so we put a pin in it for a later time. Well, this is that later time! Our discussion was not pre-planned, or designed in any way. It was as organic and natural as it gets. The...

In this 132nd episode I finish out my reporting of some cardiovascular findings and approaches to care that I have been doing for myself over the past few years. I discuss my initial and follow-up findings, discuss the potential shortcomings of and the realities of imaging and potential human error, and open up about my thoughts about my cardiovascular situation. In going through this experience I...

In this 131rd episode, I discuss a topic not often considered in both mainstream and alternative medicine alike. As a functional medicine practitioner and acupuncturist I can tell you that complaints of the digestive system are all too common. SIBO, bloating, constipation, you name it, are a common chief complaint. And direct treatment for these individual concepts are most commonly employed. But...

In this 130th episode I dip back into the unseen areas of our existence to probe at the deeper layers of my one fundamental question: "What is wellness anyway?" Today I discuss how humans are trapped into experiencing only a small fraction of that the universe is presenting to us. We miss things which, unbeknownst to us, shape us nevertheless. So what are you missing? And how might those...

In this 129th episode, we delve into the complex world of immune sensitivities—exploring how they differ from allergies and intolerances, and understanding the immune system's role in these reactions. Sensitivities can be debilitating, affecting various tissues such as the gut, brain, joints, and thyroid, often leading to symptoms like inflammation, brain fog, headaches, and fatigue. We discus...

In this 128th episode I take a moment to remind myself not to take everything so seriously. And by that I do not mean that we should all let caution fly to the wind. Rather, it is important to remember that life is a dance. It is an illusion. When we focus on the multitudes of drama that surround us, or the concern about how things will turn out in the future, or the comparison of how you measure...

In this 127th episode I have the pleasure of sitting with my patient Aubrey to discuss her journey with chronic illness. During our conversation we discuss many aspects of her case history, current status, experiences with the medical establishment, diet, motivation to push through the hard times, and more! It is such a wonderful thing when someone opens up about their experiences, because even th...

In this 126th episode, I dip my toes back into the waters of mal-information. Mal-Information was a term defined by our own government meaning any information that goes against the paradigm, yet happens to be true. Pointing out any potential dangers or shortcomings, or even offering another perspective of how to treat a Covid-19 infection is listed as Mal-information. The fear being that it would...

In this 125th episode I discuss the very important topic of migraine headaches. What makes a migraine an migraine? And what is happening that makes they so unique among other headache types? I will discuss the specific qualities of a migraine, migraine triggers, reference a few studies/statistics, discuss the pathophysiology, and offer some advice about what can be done to help reduce migraine sev...

In this 124th episode I discuss a recent article that was published in the medical literature describing the observed benefits of the active psychedelic compound in magic mushrooms, psilocybin. Believe it or not, psilocybin has now been shown to not only extend the life of human cells in a dish, but also the lifespans and healthspans of mice in the lab. The research on compounds like this is comin...

In this 123rd episode, I offer a meditation of sorts. It occurred to me recently that I mention the practice of meditation, I recommend it to my patient as part of their wellness programs, I practice it myself, but many people don't know how to even get into a meditation! Failure is more common than success, unfortunately, when it comes to a meditation practice. I offer this instructional epis...