A Functional Approach with Dr. Jim Chialtas

In this 97th episode I discuss Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). It is estimated that somewhere around 5-7 million American women have this condition. Aside from infertility, this condition can cause menstrual irregularities, unwanted hair growth, unwanted hair loss, blood sugar imbalances, and even increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. I will discuss the physiology involved with this end...

In this 96th episode I take a moment to appreciate the common practice of "doing nothing" on New Years Day. This practice comes from folklore stating that what you do on New Years Day is what you will be doing for the rest of the coming new year. So taking this day to rest and relax bring in a notion that the coming year will also be restful and relaxing. But why bring this effort to just one day...

In this 95th episode I discuss tea... That comforting warm beverage that human beings seem to adore. Tea is second only to water for the most commonly consumed beverage in the world! In this episode I will talk about some statistics, the various types of tea and howe they are made, the beneficial compounds and antioxidants found in tea, and some published benefits tea can provide to human health....

In this 94th episode I discuss the very difficult topic of depression. Sadly, this is a disease that is on the rise with a particular focus on adolescents. We will discuss some US statistics regarding depression, some of the associated symptoms, the neurology and neurochemistry involved, the mainstream pharmaceutical approach, a functional approach, and even some outside the box approaches involvi...

In this 93rd episode, I share a poem called "Being Human" by Naima Penniman. I thought of this poem over the weekend while on a short getaway with my wife in Joshua Tree, CA. It was a weekend of relaxation, celebration, contemplation, and nature. At one point in our conversation, my wife Debbie mentioned that it can be such a curse to be human because we seem to have so much internal chatter in th...

In this 92nd episode I discuss a very important topic... Chronic Fatigue. This condition can go much further than just being tired. Listen in and hear what this condition means at a cellular level. We will discuss some current statistics here in the US, just what it looks like to suffer with Chronic Fatigue, how mitochondria and ATP are involved, and some diet, lifestyle and supplement strategies...

In this 91st episode I discuss my recent training as a "Master Composter." I have composted kitchen and yard waste on and off throughout my life and have a fascination for such basic practices not only to help rebuild the soil in my garden with nutrient dense soil amendments, but also to help protect our landfills. In my opinion, wellness begins with how we think and how we navigate our environmen...

In this 90th episode I discuss a seldom talked about concept in the obesity crisis... Obesogens. These are chemical compounds found in our environment that drive obesity. And they do much more than that! If you are stuck with a "calorie-in, calorie-out" perspective on weight gain/loss, this episode may be for you. There is so much more to the story than just calories! In this episode I will explai...

In this 89th episode I discuss hot flashes and what makes them happen. The most common reason is found in peri-menopause. But there can be other mechanisms at work as well. Do you ever wonder why some women skate through peri-menopause without much discomfort, while others suffer? And it isn't just about women... Men can get hot flashes as well, but for very different reasons.

In this 88th episode, I discuss some thoughts and philosophies regarding happiness. Indeed, it is safe to say that we all wish to live a happy life. But just how does one define "happiness?" Might we be confusing short term reward with true happiness? And just how much struggle or even suffering might be involved in a "happy life" anyway? In the quest for finding that deeper level of wellness, the...

In this 87th episode I discuss a rather rare, yet interesting reaction to medications that some people experience. A paradoxical reaction is one that the user experiences the opposite effect of the medication's intended purpose. I explain just how something like the anti-anxiety medication Xanax can actually cause anxiety in certain people. And how similar effects can be seen with anti-histamine m...

In this 86th episode I fill in some gaps in therapeutic approach that was left out on the previous episode. I offer diet, lifestyle, and nutraceutical support recommendations for five different potential mechanisms known to drive dementia, neurological decline, and/or Alzheimer's Disease.

In this 85th episode I discuss concepts regarding neurological decline. This includes not only full-blown Alzheimer's Disease, but many other forms of deterioration of the brain. There is no confusion that neurological decline diseases are on the rise in a big way, and the US seems to be leading the world in the number of people afflicted per capita. Even when there are genetics involved, this is...

In this 84th episode I riff on what it means to be a "warrior." Indeed, you have a warrior inside of you whether you express yourself this way or not. Taking on the path of a warrior has much less to do with the typical understanding of "warrior" as a violent war-like sociopath, and much more to do with an individual who accepts and understands adversity. A warrior is prepared and willing to do th...

In this 83rd episode I discuss concepts relating to sleep. We will cover common symptoms of sleep deprivation, the 5 stages of sleep, some tips on how to improve sleep quality, and will riff a bit on some things people may be doing for sleep which may or may not be in their best interest. We will consider how long caffeine tends to stay in the body, how alcohol and cannabis may impact sleep, and h...

In this 82nd episode I explain concepts around Immune Cross-Reaction. Ever wonder why some of the efforts you have been putting in just don't seem to be working? I can't tall you how many times have I heard, "I tried a gluten free diet and didn't feel better." It could be that there are other foods in your diet that are confusing the immune system. But this "you got the...

In this 81st episode I delve into emotional health and discuss the importance of facing and letting go of our various "demons." A demon, if taken in a literal sense, can be that thing in your life that is working to hold you back, to cause you harm, or to inflict harm on others. Demons thrive on disharmony, hate, and misery. All too often we allow these demons to persist and control our...

In this 80th episode I discuss some neurological concepts regarding Will Power. More specifically I discuss the Anterior Midcingulate Cortex and how it can have dramatic impacts on our ability to do those things we would rather not do, but know that they are good for us. Just like working out our muscles, sometimes it takes a little effort to get ourselves up and out of our holes. And it is in the...

In this 79th episode I follow up on my last episode of "chronic pain" and delve into the very common condition of fibromyalgia. I discuss how it feels to have fibromyalgia, how it is commonly diagnosed, and compare how mainstream allopathic care differs from functional medicine in the approach to care. I will discuss how fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue can be linked and commonly experie...

In this 78th episode I discuss some important neurology that is involved with chronic pain. So regardless of if you might suffer chronic neck or back pain, fibromyalgia, headaches, etc. the process of pain perception in the brain is largely the same. By understanding four primary mechanisms in the brain and nervous system, we can start to appreciate ways in which to moderate pain severity and suff...

In this 77th episode I discuss a very common neurological complaint.... Brain Fog. There are many underlying mechanisms that can lead to a person experiencing brain fog. Head trauma, autoimmunity, food sensitivity reactions, and more can all be contributing factors. I discuss more about the immune cells of the brain called microglial cells can activate and remain on attack for long periods of time...

In this 76th episode I revisit the Functional Medicine. We take a look at three core concepts of Functional Medicine and how it compares to a more mainstream medical experience. This episode might be a wonderful way to introduce someone you know to Functional Medicine, and to my practice. This episode also marks the first episode that I will also be filming for my new YouTube channel. The videos o...

In this 75th episode I discuss a neurological imbalance referred to as functional dysautonomia. It is a fancy word meaning an imbalance of the sympathetic (fight or flight) & parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous system functions. I will of course explain what exactly is going on, some differences between a more chronic dysautonomia mechanism vs. a stress response, what brain regions are i...

In this 74th episode, as I continue to recover from a bout of Covid-19, I ponder some concepts around it is easy to take on the negativity of those around us. As an empathic person, I find this to be a common challenge for me which absolutely challenges my health. I offer a musical meditation piece called "We are truth" which is something that speaks to me when I feel the need to remembe...

In this 73rd episode I come to you in recovery from sickness. It started with my daughter, then to my wife, and then on to me. Like it does when living in close quarters. Today I offer a short update on my health status, a little background on what my family has been experiencing (apparently COVID-19 as of positive tests this morning), a little reminder that it is okay to sit still sometimes and d...