The Lab Report

The body makes dozens of hormones that affect our health every day -sex hormones, thyroid, cortisol/stress hormones, melatonin etc. When hormones are out of balance, it can lead to symptoms like hot flashes, low libido, weight fluctuations, hair or skin changes, and many more. These symptoms can overlap since all hormones influence each other. That means, to get a full picture of hormonal health w...

William Branum is a decorated Navy SEAL veteran with 26 years of active-duty service. Since leaving the military, William has dedicated his life to helping others through mentorship, coaching, speaking, and entrepreneurship. William’s expertise has been sought after by organizations ranging from small universities to Fortune 500 companies. He draws on his experiences to provide practical advice on...

Magnesium is a mineral that is crucially important to hundreds of biochemical reactions in our body. With gradual changes in soil, food processing, and the Standard American Diet, many of us just are not getting enough. So, what do we do? Dr. Robert Fredrickson has recently released a book all about this issue: Magnesium Answers: Unlocking the Secrets of Magnesium . As a functional medicine practi...

Thanksgiving is a time to be mindful and reflect on our many blessings. During the holiday, many of us enjoy dinner with family and friends without stopping to consider the nutritional aspects of traditional dishes. Today, we discuss the important biochemical and nutritional benefits of Thanksgiving dinner items. We also talk about dealing with the stress of the holidays and the many reasons we ar...

The immune system works tirelessly to maintain health and well-being. This formidable defense mechanism is comprised of a vast array of cells, tissues, proteins, and molecules that work together to identify and neutralize foreign invaders. The inflammation that ensues can be recognized by redness, pain, swelling, and heat. In order for this process to take place, the body needs to be able to ident...

When it comes to changing the way the world views mental health, one voice remains consistent, science-based, empathetic, and passionate. That’s Brendan Vermeire. Brendan is dedicated to advancing the science of mental health dysfunction through his research, teaching, writing, and speaking. Here in functional and precision medicine, we are always looking for the root cause of any dysfunction. How...

The topic of intestinal parasites and their prevalence is hotly debated in functional medicine. Furthermore, the increasing trend of people performing a ‘parasite cleanse’ of the GI tract can be dangerous. Parasites are diagnosed in the stool using microscopy, direct exam, and PCR – but even then, not all parasites should be treated. Some can cause significant illness, yet others are not invasive,...

When it comes to assessing the microbiome, technology continuously evolves. With that, our understanding of the microbiome deepens. There is a lot of confusion out there regarding technology. Companies use marketing spin to lead you to believe the newest is the best when in fact, every technology has its strengths and weaknesses. No one method can capture the entire dynamic of the microbiome. Here...

Many clinicians learn about functional medicine and get very excited to start but just can’t figure out how to fit it into their practice or make the big leap away from conventional, insurance-based practice models. Dr. Michael Hilts figured it out. Dr. Hilts found out about the “Direct Primary Care” model which allowed him to fulfill his dream of bringing the best healthcare possible to his patie...

When it comes to sex hormones, progesterone is the unsung hero. It is actually the precursor to even making estrogen and testosterone. But progesterone is not just a precursor hormone. It is vital for maintaining pregnancy, helps with mood and sleep, works to help regulate the body’s water stores, and so much more. In today’s episode, we unpack all of the important functions of progesterone, break...

Have you ever said to yourself “Hey, I’m doing pretty good for my age”? Well, today’s episode will change everything you thought you knew about aging. Dr. Jeffrey Gladden is not only a renowned expert in longevity medicine but also a cardiologist, author, international speaker, and host of The Gladden Longevity Podcast. His personalized approach, ground-breaking therapies, and team of experts help...

When people hear the word ‘cannabinoid’, what usually comes to mind is marijuana (also known as cannabis) or CBD oil (cannabidiol). But did you know, the body creates its own natural cannabinoids using the endocannabinoid system? This endocannabinoid system is a mysterious and complex interplay of chemical messengers throughout the brain and body which in essence contributes to our body’s homeosta...

Many of us think of adipose tissue as just a place to store excess fat to be used for energy. However, adipose tissue is very biologically active and secretes some important hormones and mediators called adipokines. These messengers help regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, control hunger, and affect insulin levels. That being said, ALL of our hormones work together like a symphony – cortisol, t...

The commensal bacteria in the gut microbiome are responsible for so many important functions. Their influence is far-reaching as it relates to overall health. Research shows us that the more diverse that community of bacteria is, the more beneficial it is to systemic health. But what does diversity mean and how do we measure it? There are many calculations used when it comes to diversity of the mi...

The NutrEval Profile is Genova’s most comprehensive nutritional assessment providing a framework of core nutrients in the areas of antioxidants, B-vitamins, digestive supports, essential fatty acids, and minerals. This functional evaluation is aimed at assessing nutrient insufficiencies and biochemical individuality. In the Medical Affairs department, we are privileged to speak with clinicians eve...

There are very few key opinion leaders that hold extensive certifications in functional and integrative medicine who not only lecture, mentor, and teach but also continue to practice full-time and harness decades of clinical expertise like Dr. Filomena Trindade. An internationally sought-after speaker, and mentor to hundreds of clinicians, Dr. Trindade continually scours literature for the latest...

Inflammation is your body’s way of protecting itself from infection, injury, or other insults. Chemical signaling molecules called ‘eicosanoids’ are responsible for creating pain, heat, swelling, and redness. Eicosanoids are made from fatty acids, or dietary fats. We’ve all heard of fish oil and omega-3s being important when it comes to lowering inflammation. But why? In today’s episode, we break...

Dr. Dwayne Jackson has spent decades in medicine and physiology. He lectured and taught at some of the finest universities in the world. In addition to academia, Dr. Jackson has been a staple in the fitness industry - both as an athlete and trainer. He is recognized internationally for his award-winning research which has shaped our understanding of chronic stress and its impact on immunity, infla...

Amber Shaw is a Mind & Body Transformation Expert and the Founder of The Wellness Revolution. She works with women over the age of 40 to empower them to rediscover their confidence and create a sustainable lifestyle. Amber’s approach fosters consistency, accountability, and kindness. Women can be quite hard on themselves rather than show self-love. Shifting hormones, the demands of family and...

Inflammatory bowel disease or IBD is an umbrella term to describe chronic inflammatory disorders of the GI tract – most commonly Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Medications, nutritional therapies, and lifestyle modifications are all used to control symptoms and keep patients in remission. However, sometimes surgical intervention is needed. Dr. Elizabeth Raskin is an award-winning colorecta...

Dr. Lauryn Lax is a Doctor of Occupational Therapy, Clinical Nutritionist, Functional Medicine Practitioner, Certified Personal Trainer, author, and journalist. With over 20 years of clinical and personal experience, she’s on a mission to help patients feel good - inside and out. But what sets Dr. Lauryn apart is her life-long journey of illness and healing. It’s a story of joy, pain, bravery, and...

The topic of intestinal parasites and their prevalence is hotly debated in functional medicine. Furthermore, the increasing trend of people performing a ‘parasite cleanse’ of the GI tract can be dangerous. Parasites are diagnosed in the stool using microscopy, direct exam, and PCR – but even then, not all parasites should be treated. Some can cause significant illness, yet others are not invasive,...

Methane is often in the news as a greenhouse gas, but guess what? Your gut microbiome also makes it. Specific organisms called methanogens are responsible for the production of methane in the GI tract. High levels of methane can locally affect gut motility and contribute to constipation. In addition to constipation, methane affects gut immunity and has some interesting systemic implications.  In t...

Living with acne, or any chronic skin condition, can be incredibly distressing. Skin is the largest organ in our body and is forward-facing for the world to see. Conventional medicine offers creams, gels, and antibiotics. But in personalized medicine, we know that acne is multi-factorial and has several root causes. Lienna May is a board-certified clinical nutrition specialist who is dedicated to...

Lacey Dunn is a functional medicine dietitian and personal trainer who is passionate about helping women look and feel their best. Lacey is the founder of Uplift Fit Nutrition (an online platform for personalized support), host of the Uplift Fit Nutrition Podcast, and author of the book “The Women’s Guide to Hormonal Harmony – How to Rebalance Your Hormones, Master Your Metabolism, and Become the...