A Functional Approach with Dr. Jim Chialtas

In this 47th episode we discuss the concept of fasting. There are many types of fasting approaches out there but we break this talk into concepts around Intermittent Fasting, 5:2 fasting, 24-hour fasting, and longer... We will discuss some of the dangers of fasting, which are few, and plenty of reasons why it can greatly improve your quality of life and longevity. We then discuss many of the benef...

In this 46th episode I discuss some of the mechanisms driving anxiety both from a mainstream western physiological perspective as well as from a more energetic perspective. I discuss the difference between acute panic attacks and chronic anxiety, while offering some quick and easy techniques to help yourself or someone you know to manage the situation. I also share a recent experience I had helpin...

In this 45th episode, and the first official episode of 2024 we discuss the concept of Inflammageing. This of course is a combination of inflammation and ageing. Are they mutually exclusive? Does one drive the other? And just how many viscous cycles are at play here? Listen and explore some ways in which inflammageing promotes disease, and how we can work to slow the process.

In this 44th episode you will catch me in my car, post workout and sauna, feeling inspired to share some of my personal meditation tips. As we enter the new year, it feels appropriate to appreciate what past years have offered, accept those things which have not gone to plan, or those things which have resulted in sadness or trauma, and look forward with a renewed sense of optimism and peace. Maki...

In this 43rd episode I discuss a recent case of a person I know who slipped into a form of dangerous psychosis. We will discuss how general health, head trauma, poor sleep, drug withdrawal, and more can all work together to destroy a person's mental health. In some cases this can lead to criminal behavior. How might we prevent situations like this from fully expressing? What can be done before...

In this 42nd episode I discuss my recent flu experience as a platform to discuss some of the Traditional Chinese Medical concepts around viral infections. We will discuss the difference between Wind Cold and Wind Heat type infections, how to check the pulse for early signs of infection, and a few tips on how to work with each specific pattern of infection and recovery. I have not been sick like I...

In this 41st episode we discuss concepts around a ketogenic diet, otherwise known as nutritional ketosis. We will discuss what a ketone is as compared to glucose, how best to get into ketosis, why a person would do such a thing, and how the benefits can extend way beyond simple weight loss efforts. Listen in and look beyond the more well known faddish concepts of Keto dieting! There is so much mor...

In this 40th episode we will discuss what is known as "Loss of Oral Tolerance." There is indeed a difference between the more basic food sensitivity reactions and loss of tolerance to the majority of what is being consumed. We will discuss the difference between allergy and sensitivity reactions to foods. What they are, how they present symptomatically, and how they are tested. We will a...

In this 39th episode, and on the heels of Thanksgiving, we discuss the concept of how to develop a practice of gratitude. The health benefits of such a practice are many and well published in the medical literature. But what is the most effective way in which to build such a practice? It isn't quite what you might think. We discuss some of concepts around how neurology can impact psychology th...

In this 38th episode we explore some of the published medical benefits of simply walking in the woods. I have to chuckle that something so obvious as walking in nature could warrant so much scientific study. However, if you search out the topic of "forest bathing or forest therapy" on the medical database PubMed, you will find 30,433 results! Perhaps we should taking this form of therapy...

In this 37th episode we will discuss two very important factors with a high link to genetic mutations in autoimmune disease which are largely overlooked. Vitamin D deficiency is at epidemic levels in this country yet instrumental in how the immune system regulates. Glutathione, perhaps one of my favorite compounds, is essential is another factor missing and is one of the key factors in how autoimm...

In this 36th episode I want to honor our lost loved ones. November 2nd is The Day of the Dead. A day in which we remember those we have lost. his episode focuses on my thoughts on how to process these losses, the importance of connection with our ancestors, and some personal memories of my Sister Stephanie and Father George. Along with their passing I want to honor my Grandmother (Yia Yia in Greek...

In this 35th episode I discuss a recent experience I had offering service to a new community of people I have never met. Indeed, I gave up a Sunday, worked hard physical labor, sustained a blister or two, but got so much back in return. Listen and consider how acts of service toothers can provide for us physical exercise, connection with community, improve gratitude, and much more.

In this 34th episode I took a personal request from a friend to discuss concepts related to acid reflux, or GERD. The question was, "How to manage acid reflux/gut health without PPIs?" PPIs are Proton Pump Inhibiting drugs such as Prilosec, Nexium, and Prevacid (to name a few). In this episode we will discuss the north to south, aka. Mouth to anus approach to the digestive system and jus...

In this 33rd episode, I share a piece that I wrote in response to a recent meditation on the Throat Chakra. Working with the deeper layers of our energetic bodies can be instrumental in the success of our overall medical experience. The Throat Chakra is just one layer which could be holding a person back from true wellness. Are there people in your life with whom you have broken communication? How...

IN this 32nd episode we discuss a common supplement... Probiotics. But there is more! We will cover pre-biotics and Post-Biotics as well. Which is the right approach for you? Let's talk all about it!

Okay, how many times have we been told that we need to exercise more? Probably too many to count. But are we? And if we aren't, why not? In this 31st episode we will discuss several examples of just how an exercise routine can help you life longer and healthier. We cover concepts around cardiovascular health, neurotransmitter health, growth hormone release, improvements in the stress response,...

In this 30th episode we will discuss the very common reality of disappointment. We have all experienced disappointment at some point in our lives. But what is the difference between random transient disappointment, and the longer more chronic form? We will explore some basic concepts around disappointment, and learn key concepts in how we manifest the emotion of disappointment from a neurological/...

In this 29th episode we will discuss a rather common, yet rarely diagnosed thyroid mechanism capable of causing many symptoms of hypothyroidism. As I have explained in past episodes, the common evaluation of the thyroid system stops early with Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and neglects the entirety of the thyroid hormone cascade. Thyroid under-conversion patterns are rarely diagnosed simply be...

In this 28th episode I follow up the discussion of the benefits of deliberate heat exposure with its counterpart... Deliberate cold exposure. This episode completes the circle - yin and yang so to speak. We will discuss various ways a person can achieve deliberate cold exposure, some of which are free or very low cost, and others more costly, or involving equipment and professionals to help with t...

In this 27th episode we will be discussing some of the key benefits of Sauna. There is an old adage that states, "What does not kill you, makes you stronger." This is particularly true for things like deliberate heat exposure. The benefits for health and longevity are not only real, but significant.

There are a lot of hormone replacement medications being taken these days, but a lot of the time the person taking them does not know if they are synthetic or bio-identical. In fact, many people are never even given the opportunity to know that they have a choice! In this 26th episode we will discuss the difference between the two, and when one might be better than the other. And yes... There are...

"Detox" is a big word with different meanings to different people. But what it is exactly? Is it only related to drug and alcohol abuse? Is it something that marries you to your toilet for the day? Is it found with the use of sauna? Or might it be something to do with liver function? We live in an increasingly toxic environment as time moves forward. Listen in and learn some ways to help...

In this 24th episode we will discuss SIBO... Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth. What exactly is it? Where in the digestive system does it reside? How in the world did it begin? And what can be done to help fix the imbalance? If you experience chronic bloating after meals, this episode may be an important one to hear. SIBO lurks...

In this 23rd episode we discuss some philosophical concepts relating to the role of a doctor. How is "doctor" defined? What did Hippocrates have to say about the idea? And what are some of the primary tenants of the Hippocratic Oath?