Facilitated

Men contribute to roughly 40% of fertility challenges , making male reproductive health a vital yet often overlooked component of successful conception. We explore how sperm quality, measured through total motility count, morphology, volume, and concentration, influences fertility outcomes. • Heat exposure from laptop computers, cell phones, tight underwear, and hot tubs can damage sperm mitochond...

Infertility affects 19% of women in the US, yet conventional medicine often labels cases as "unexplained" before rushing to expensive interventions that bypass rather than address underlying issues. We share how functional medicine views fertility as a spectrum with modifiable factors, where improving overall health can naturally enhance conception chances. • Infertility defined: inabili...

We reflect on six years of practice at The Facility and examine why we approach functional medicine differently than many other clinics in the industry. • The term "functional medicine" isn't protected, allowing anyone to claim expertise regardless of credentials • Many practitioners order unnecessary tests before even meeting patients or understanding their health history • "B...

Functional medicine practitioners Dr. Mitchell and Kate dive into the complex world of medical testing, explaining when testing helps, when it doesn't, and how to avoid getting overwhelmed by data without action. They share candid insights about their complementary practice styles and why clinical judgment is crucial for test interpretation. • Testing should confirm suspicions, not go fishing...

Dr. Mitchell Rasmussen sits down with Dr. Matt Weaver, a physical medicine specialist, to explore approaches to pain management and the evolution of chiropractic care. Matt shares his philosophy on treating the person rather than just the condition, emphasizing how building trust and providing honest guidance leads to better outcomes for patients with musculoskeletal issues. • Pain doesn't al...

We explore the frustrations and challenges within the current healthcare system while envisioning a more connected, transparent future that prioritizes patient wellbeing and biological understanding over isolated symptoms and quick diagnoses. • Lack of communication between healthcare providers creates cascading symptoms and prescriptions without addressing root causes • Limited time with healthca...

Fiber is the unsung hero of gut health, metabolic health, and overall wellness, yet most people are getting only about 15 grams daily when they should aim for 25-38 grams. Functional Nutritionist Kate Daugherty breaks down what fiber is, why it's crucial for health, and practical ways to incorporate more fiber into your diet. • Two main types of fiber: soluble fiber (oats, seeds, beans) that...

Dr. Mitchell and Kate tackle the health questions you're too embarrassed to ask anyone else, exploring what's normal versus what's common when it comes to digestive issues, hormonal changes, and more. We differentiate between everyday health occurrences that are merely common versus those that actually reflect optimal biological functioning. • Travel constipation relates to disrupte...

A holistic approach to chronic pain requires looking beyond symptoms to identify underlying causes and triggers in the full biological picture. Our patient with chronic tendon pain had multiple contributing factors that cortisone injections alone couldn't address. • Iron overload discovered as a major driver of chronic joint pain that conventional treatment missed • Thyroid function optimizat...

We explore the ripple effect of health changes – how small adjustments create waves of transformation that extend beyond ourselves and positively impact those around us. • The internal ripple effect occurs when one small change creates unexpected improvements throughout your body's systems • In functional medicine, we focus on systems rather than symptoms because everything is connected • The...

We introduce our new Direct Order Labs service that provides comprehensive laboratory testing directly to consumers without requiring a doctor's visit or prescription. • Advanced lab tests including blood, urine, and stool analysis shipped directly to your home • Testing options range from Core Plus panel (basic health markers) to specialized assessments for toxins, tick-borne illnesses, and...

Dr. Mitchell Rasmussen explores the paradoxical relationship between high cortisol levels and persistent inflammation, breaking down the complex feedback loops that keep many patients trapped in chronic stress and inflammatory states. • Cortisol is designed to be anti-inflammatory but often fails when stress becomes chronic • Body inflammation leads to brain inflammation, creating a self-reinforci...

Dr. Mitchell Rasmussen and Kate Daugherty dive into a candid Q&A session addressing common health questions while sharing personal insights about their own wellness approaches. They tackle everything from parasite cleanses to blood pressure management, emphasizing looking deeper than diagnoses to understand individual biology. • Parasite cleanses are generally unnecessary without proper testin...

We break down the science of coffee brewing and consumption, exploring brewing techniques, bean quality, and health considerations while debunking common myths. • Water quality forms the foundation of good coffee with filtered or spring water delivering superior flavor and health benefits • Brewing methods significantly impact both taste and health effects – French press raises LDL cholesterol whi...

We tackle the often-overlooked topic of daily chemical exposures and their significant impact on our health journey. We explore practical strategies for reducing toxin load from personal care products, home cleaning supplies, water quality, food storage, and air purification. • What touches your skin enters your bloodstream within 30 seconds • Personal care products should be replaced gradually wi...

Dr. Mitchell and Kate discuss the critical difference between healthy immune reactions and chronic inflammation, explaining why many patients struggle with being both "infected and inflamed" simultaneously. • The ideal immune response creates a targeted "blowtorch" of inflammation toward threats before returning to homeostasis • Most people in Western societies live with a chro...

We explain our North to South inventory approach that assesses the entire digestive system and helps connect the dots between seemingly unrelated health issues. This systematic method examines everything from chewing habits to stool quality, revealing how digestive function impacts overall health. • Chewing food thoroughly activates the vagus nerve, helping shift from stress response to rest-diges...

Dr. Mitchell Rasmussen and Kate Daugherty explore the importance of comprehensive lab testing for preventing chronic disease and detecting health issues before they manifest as symptoms. We'll double down on why an annual metabolic check-up matters and how to interpret results beyond standard "normal" ranges that might be misleading patients about their true health status. • Core la...

We bring real stories, strategies, and science from functional medicine to help you understand how lab testing and interpretation can transform your approach to health. In this episode: • Getting proper lab tests and understanding what they mean gives you power to take control of your health • Functional medicine uses conventional labs but with different optimal ranges than standard medicine • Est...