A Functional Approach with Dr. Jim Chialtas

In this 22nd episode, I will discuss some of the basic fundamentals of autoimmunity. We will explore the different stages of autoimmune expression, potential triggers, and how it might look before a full-blown diagnosis is given. This is the first episode in a series of autoimmune episodes. Coming episodes will explore more about therapies/interventions, and specific autoimmune diseases. Autoimmun...

In this episode the Doctor becomes the Patient. We are in this together and I am not shy to share my medical experience. Indeed, this is one case where an ounce of prevention will be worth a pound of cure in the future. Let's explore the realities of what may lurk in your genetics, and how things may not always be as they appear. We will discuss concepts around the basic lipid panel, more adva...

In this episode we will discuss three different approaches to laboratory testing. Blood testing, salivary testing, and urinary testing can all be employed, but which one is correct? We will also discuss the importance of CLIA Certification and a little about stool testing as well.

Osteoporosis is not necessarily a problem until the fall and the subsequent crash to the hard hard ground. So what can we do to help prevent the falls in the first place?!? In this episode we will discuss some concepts around core strengthening and balancing exercises which can not only improve your muscle strength, but your brain as well. I have been carrying a weighted pack ("rucking")...

This episode is a call to action of sorts... A step away from the more brainy content of Functional Blood Chemistry, this episode explores the importance of practicing compassion for yourself and others in your life who may be a source pf pain, anger, resentment, or the like. Listen in as I share a personal practice and open up as a fellow human being who is continuing to work through some very di...

There are cases of full blown Insulin Resistance, and perhaps Type II Diabetes, and then there is the more subtle though quite dangerous version which tends to fly under the radar. In this podcase we will discuss the more common ways blood sugar can be evaluated and how, though important and valuable pieces of the puzzle, these methods can still fall short. Listen and learn about a better way to i...

In this episode we will discuss some basic fundamentals of the female hormone system. We will discuss how a normal menstrual cycle is defined, and what happens hormonally to make this happen. Find out how the brain, pituitary gland, and ovaries work together. And learn about one of the most common conditions which can drive menstrual irregularity, infertility, and concerns around hair growth/hair...

In this episode we will discuss a few common yet overlooked ways in which the male hormone system can go wrong. We will differentiate mechanisms which impact Testosterone from a Testicular source as compared to a brain/pituitary gland source, and how to tell the difference on a lab test. We will also discuss how estrogen elevation in men can impact sex hormone symptoms.

In this episode we will discuss Intestinal Permeability... aka. "Leaky Gut." We will detail the physiology of Leaky Gut and some very common mechanisms which promote the development of the condition, and the inflammatory cascades which can create a viscous cycle that drives itself over time. Listen and learn how a breech in the gut barrier can have so much to do with autoimmunity, food s...

In this episode we take a new look at a meditation practice and what it may mean. The inspiration for this episode was based upon a creative writing project done after a meditation under a juniper tree. Wisdom and deeper understanding often come from such places. One just needs to sit and listen. Please enjoy this short story and break from the more brainy and technical content of this channel. Ba...

In this episode we will discuss some less-known concepts around gluten and how it can impact areas of the body, seemingly unrelated to the digestive system. As it turns out, upwards of 70% of gluten reactions are located in the brain and nervous system... Not in the gut! This episode will focus on the topic of "cross-reactivity," which translates into "cases of mistaken identity.&qu...

Quite literally, everything we see, hear, smell, touch, and think is a function of the brain. There isn't one process in the body which is not directly controlled by brain function. In this episode we will start the conversation about how the brain can impact our health and wellness, and how taking a Functional Neurology approach to care can offer the "next level" of care you never t...

In this episode we will discuss some basic fundamental concepts surrounding adrenal fatigue. There will be some explanation about the adrenal glands, what they do, where they are, how they are controlled, and how they may present on lab testing. This is a hot button topic in "alternative medicine" which I feel needs more explanation to fully appreciate.

The discussion around gluten is certainly a big one. This podcast touches on just a few important concepts regarding gluten sensitivity, gut barrier integrity, processing of grain in the United States, and some literature suggesting that Celiac Disease is clearly on the rise! This is the first of many podcast episodes on gluten sensitivity reactions and how they can impact your health.

This episode is a short follow-up to the last episode on cardiovascular health. In light of yin/yang balance this episode posits the importance of connection as an important piece of the wellness path which can have positive impacts on cardiovascular disease, cancer, depression, and just about anything that might lead to more significant disease states. We must not forget that there is more than w...

In this episode we discuss some basic fundamentals around cholesterol and cardiovascular disease. Is LDL Cholesterol the only thing that matters? I think not. There is more to the story. To get started we will talk about vascular inflammation, LDL particle size and number, a few of the other possible contributing factors in cardiovascular disease, and some easy to obtain laboratory testing which c...

In this short impromptu episode we contemplate the things in life which matter most. The small things. How we choose to spend our time makes a huge difference in how we function and how we optimize our health. This recording was done in the wild, and in the moment. I was a time of rest and appreciation.

In this podcast we will be discussing some basic fundamentals of the thyroid hormone system. We will be expanding upon the more basic mainstream evaluation of hypothyroidism and describing how a Functional Approach might offer a better understanding of the many potential areas which may go wrong in thyroid imbalance. We will discuss how the brain, pituitary gland, thyroid gland, liver, and digesti...

In this episode we will discuss some basic concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Acupuncture. Wind Invasions, Qi Stagnation, Yin & Yang Theory, and a few real-life examples of how this approach has helped patients are just a few topics explored.

This third podcast episode is focused on some basic concepts around Red Blood Cells. Like blood sugar, the ability to transport and deliver oxygen to the tissues of the body represents yet another "pillar" of physiology. We will discuss not only some concepts around a basic understanding of what a Red Blood Cell is and does in the body, but how it may present symptomatically. This episod...

In this second podcast episode we discuss some of the fundamental concepts around blood sugar and how it may impact many different medical conditions. Blood sugar is one of the primary "pillars" of physiology and when out of balance, can lead to a great many conditions. This will be a continued topic throughout this podcast but we must first cover the basics.

In this episode we discuss some fundamental concepts in Functional Medicine, as seen through the eyes of Dr. Jim Chialtas. Episode 1 is simply an introduction to help the listener appreciate that there are more ways than one to understand a medical concern, symptom, or diagnosis. Episode 1 is an entry point for many more discussions of functional medicine, mainstream medicine, physiology, neurolog...