There’s a lot of buzz around the topic of longevity. One might argue that every aspect of functional and integrative medicine promotes longevity – which is true. We’re not merely looking to lengthen lifespan we want to promote a HEALTH span. With that in mind, data is compelling. There’s one metric that is often overlooked which happens to be the greatest predictor of longevity: VO2 max. Join us as we dive deep into how VO2 max impacts health, longevity, and overall well-being. We’ll discuss the...
Jun 24, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 326
As we enter the summer season, many of us will spend countless hours outdoors. We often discuss tick awareness and tick-borne illness, but one tick in particular is getting a lot of press these days. In case you needed another reason to be mindful of ticks, today we discuss Alpha-gal Syndrome. In today’s episode we explore the science behind alpha-gal syndrome – a rare and serious allergy to red meat and other mammal products triggered by a bite from the Lone Star Tick. Tune in to learn how to r...
Jun 10, 2025•23 min•Season 1Ep. 325
Tinnitus—the phantom ringing, buzzing, or hissing that affects millions. For those patients who suffer with this debilitating condition, it is frustrating to find any relief. For those clinicians trying to treat it, the causes are so multi-faceted, and the treatments seem to be lacking. Today we break down the physiology of hearing, what can go wrong in the auditory system, and the many potential causes of tinnitus, from noise exposure to neurological conditions. We also examine current treatmen...
May 27, 2025•33 min•Season 1Ep. 324
Dr. Laura James is a board-certified naturopathic oncologist who has been working with cancer patients for over 20 years. She helps patients who are recently diagnosed with cancer get through the intense steps of conventional treatment – surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation – using natural means like nutrition, herbs, gentle movement, and stress management. In today’s episode, we hear Dr. Laura James discuss her balanced viewpoint on the use of natural therapies in combination with conventional ...
May 13, 2025•58 min•Season 1Ep. 323
Are ORAC scores the secret to superfoods—or just marketing fluff? In this episode, we break down what ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) really measures and why it stirred up so much controversy. The USDA pulled the plug on publishing the data, but does the concept still hold any value in nutrition science today? In today’s episode, we dive into a myth-busting conversation that explores the science of ORAC, the skepticism, and the truths about antioxidants and health. Today on The Lab Rep...
May 06, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 322
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 down the inflammatory cascade, explain how fatty acids are involved, and we answer the question ‘Wha...
Apr 24, 2025•21 min•Season 1Ep. 321
If you are worried about keeping your bones strong, there’s more to the story than taking calcium supplements. Vitamin D and vitamin K work together to support strong, healthy bones. Vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium from food, which is essential for building and maintaining bone density. But without enough vitamin K—particularly vitamin K2—that calcium might not end up where it's needed. Vitamin K2 activates proteins that help direct calcium into bones and teeth while keeping it out of s...
Apr 08, 2025•27 min•Season 1Ep. 320
Zombie cells, scientifically known as senescent cells, are damaged or aged cells that refuse to die when they should. Instead, they linger in the body, releasing harmful chemicals that can trigger inflammation and accelerate aging. These cells have been linked to a range of age-related diseases, including arthritis, Alzheimer’s, and even cancer. Dive into the eerie world of 'Zombie Cells' on our latest episode! Uncover how these undead cells wreak havoc in our bodies and what cutting-edge resear...
Apr 02, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 319
Such a random topic – gray hair? The technical term for hair graying is canities – again, what a strange word. Who knew? The basic physiology of hair growth and coloration is not something we really think about, but your hair can be a reflection of underlying health or disease. We often talk about the aging process as a marker of oxidative stress -So too with your hair. In this episode, we dive into the science of graying hair. From melanin loss to genetics to some surprising lifestyle connectio...
Mar 25, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 318
Hiccups- that annoying and at times, painful reflex that sneaks up on you when you least expect it, and sometimes refuses to leave. But what are they really? Is there an evolutionary reason we’ve developed this reflex? When should you be concerned? Can we prevent them? In this episode, we break down the pathophysiology of hiccups (yes, there’s real science behind it) Knowing the science of why they occur, we can separate fact from fiction on how to cure them. From medical insights to strange hom...
Mar 18, 2025•27 min•Season 1Ep. 317
Akkermansia muciniphila has been getting tons of great press recently. It’s a bacterium in the gut microbiome that thrives by supporting mucin production. However, its potential to enhance metabolic health and support weight management has paved the way for innovative probiotic solutions – which is exactly what a company called Pendulum has done! Pendulum’s products are backed by cutting-edge research showing clinical efficacy. Today we speak with Christina O’Connor, registered dietician and Sen...
Mar 11, 2025•29 min•Season 1Ep. 316
Advanced technologies and personalized approaches have been the hallmark of what we do here at Genova Diagnostics. We are frequently asked how this testing can be applied in pediatrics. Our testing is widely used to help empower parents to get to the root cause of some common childhood concerns. But there are some caveats to consider when interpreting results. Every child is unique – so why shouldn’t their healthcare be? In this episode, we dive into the world of personalized medicine for childr...
Mar 05, 2025•26 min•Season 1Ep. 315
We all know sugar isn’t great for our health. But is all sugar created equal? In this eye-opening podcast, we speak with the team from RxSugar. Their company creates and promotes a healthy sugar called allulose. Yes, a healthy sugar! Dr. Rick Johnson is a leading researcher on the hidden dangers of sugar. He discusses the impact of how sugar and fructose can hijack your cravings, fuel inflammation, and contribute to chronic disease. We also meet former Google Exec Neil Gyte. His personal journey...
Feb 25, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 314
Garlic isn't just a kitchen staple—it’s a natural powerhouse of health benefits! Packed with antioxidants and sulfur compounds like allicin, garlic supports heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol, strengthens the immune system, fights inflammation, and so much more. With its antibacterial and antiviral properties, garlic has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for colds, infections, and overall wellness. Whether eaten raw, cooked, or taken as a supplement, garlic is a si...
Feb 15, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 313
Longevity isn’t about adding years to your life- it’s about adding life to your years! We know there are many variables to health such as diet, movement, sleep, social connection, fresh air and sunlight. Each are important but some aren’t easily measured. The Roseto Effect reveals the surprising power of tight-knit communities, social bonds, and old-world traditions in shaping our health. Join us as we tell the story of a small town in Pennsylvania called Roseto. Can community be the ultimate me...
Feb 04, 2025•24 min•Season 1Ep. 312
Ever wonder what happens when your voice suddenly decides to take a vacation? In this episode, we explore the mysterious condition of laryngitis. From causes to symptoms, we can help you discover the best ways to recover and protect your voice. Whether you're dealing with laryngitis now or just curious about how it works, this episode will give you the answers you need. Tune in for all the insights into a silent struggle! Today on The Lab Report: 2:50 Patti lost her voice so we’re covering laryn...
Jan 22, 2025•22 min•Season 1Ep. 311
When it comes to holiday traditions, we think of decorating Christmas trees, baking cookies, the Elf on the Shelf, or lighting a menorah. But holiday traditions are far more unusual and diverse throughout the world. Some might really surprise you! On today’s episode, we touch on some unusual international holiday customs you’ve likely never heard while sprinkling in some clinical pearls. We also continue our podcast tradition of reading The Lab Report’s special rendition of ‘Twas the Night Befor...
Dec 24, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 310
As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, cold and flu season sneaks in bringing sniffles, coughing, fatigue, and fever. It’s a time when germs spread easily, and our immune systems face a tough challenge. When you add holiday stress in the mix, it becomes even more important to boost your defenses, and optimize your immunity. In today’s episode, we offer tips to help you unlock your body’s natural defenses as we try to navigate cold and flu season. This podcast has everything you need to...
Dec 11, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 309
The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and celebration – but to be honest, it can also be incredibly stressful. Between hosting dinners, finding the perfect gifts, managing finances, and navigating family dynamics, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news? You’re not alone and there are ways to reclaim the magic of the season without losing your sanity. In today’s podcast, we dive into the science of stress and how the vagus nerve holds the key to calm. Discover how breathwork, min...
Nov 27, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 308
Where to begin? It’s been a few weeks since you’ve heard from us – thank you so much for your amazing support and patience. As you may know, Hurricane Helene brought devastation to western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Genova Diagnostics is headquartered in the heart of Asheville, North Carolina. With that, it’s been a challenging few weeks. But the heroic efforts of many, and the resilient spirit of our team have us back up and running. Genova continue...
Nov 04, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 307
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or heartburn, is incredibly common as is the use of stomach acid suppressing medication. But what if there is far more to the story than stomach acid? There are many other factors to consider in a patient with heartburn. We are going to dive into the physiology of gastric acid, gastric hormonal signaling, and a slew of medications and foods that might be the real culprit. Are PPI’s over prescribed? Are we missing the picture? Tune in to find out. In today’...
Sep 17, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 306
Occasionally, there are new and novel things introduced into the functional medicine and biohacker space that catch our attention. Lately, you might have heard a lot of people talking about the amazing health benefits of “nootropics,” but what are they? Coming from the name of the Greek word Nous (meaning “mind”), nootropics are medicines designed to improve cognitive function and protect the brain. Many of us could use a healthy dose of cognitive support to help us through our busy lives, but w...
Sep 04, 2024•28 min•Season 1Ep. 305
Ok, we know what you’re thinking…. Artichokes? Really? Yes really. It may seem a bit out of left field, but you’d be surprised at the many health benefits from either eating artichokes or taking an extract supplement. As a vegetable, it contains fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Extracts made from artichoke leaves, stems, and roots have been used as nutraceutical agents to support the GI tract, liver, and cardiovascular system. But why? In this episode, we peel back the layers of the ...
Aug 27, 2024•27 min•Season 1Ep. 304
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) has become a hot topic in functional medicine. Mast cells are an integral part of the body’s immune system. They can be found in areas of exposure such as mucosal membranes, the lining of the GI tract, skin, and airways. Mast cells are responsible for storing important chemical mediators like histamine and others which help to instigate allergic responses. Mast cell disorders arise when there are too many mast cells, or they become hyperreactive. That being s...
Aug 20, 2024•22 min•Season 1Ep. 303
The gut microbiome harbors trillions of commensal organisms which play a central role in our health. This community is sometimes referred to as our hidden metabolic organ due to its immense impact. Our diet and lifestyle play an important role in feeding the microbiome and keeping the colonies in balance. Should we be concerned if any one bacterial colony overgrows? Today we discuss the commensal bacteria Desulfovibrio . Since this genus of bacteria can reduce sulfate and make hydrogen sulfide g...
Aug 13, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 302
There are a lot of terms bantered about in the biohacker and longevity space. With that, you’ve likely heard of mTOR – mechanistic (mammalian) target of rapamycin. But what exactly is it? mTOR is a key regulator in your body’s metabolic and growth processes. It integrates various signals, including nutrients and growth factors, to control processes like protein synthesis, autophagy, and lipid metabolism. Because it regulates growth, dysregulation of mTOR has been implicated in various diseases, ...
Aug 06, 2024•25 min•Season 1Ep. 301
Multi-omics is the layering of genetic information (genomics) with laboratory biomarker results (metabolomics) to understand the root cause of disease and risk. This educational series focuses on genetic variants in specific enzymes and explains how to evaluate the systemic effects. Today’s episode revolves around the enzyme cystathionine-beta-synthase (CBS). This enzyme is important for homocysteine metabolism, sitting at a branch point between two important cycles: methylation and transsulfura...
Jul 30, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 300
Many of us have heard of glutathione and understand that it is a powerful antioxidant – but why? What is it? How does it work? Understanding the mechanisms of this crucial molecule can help you fully grasp its importance. Oxidative stress and the damage of free radicals underlie the aging process and many chronic conditions. There’s no greater tool to combat oxidative stress than glutathione. In today’s episode, we break down the science of glutathione and redox reactions. You will learn how glu...
Jul 24, 2024•26 min•Season 1Ep. 299
Creatine is a powerhouse supplement known for enhancing muscle strength, endurance, and recovery. By boosting ATP production, it fuels muscles during intense workouts, leading to greater gains and faster progress. Beyond its skeletal muscle benefits, creatine supports cognitive function, fertility, sight, hearing, and just about every process in the body. Today we discuss creatine and its many health benefits. Whether you're an athlete striving for peak performance or someone simply looking to i...
Jul 16, 2024•24 min•Season 1Ep. 298
Dr. Bill Rawls was a practicing OB/GYN physician for decades before his health began to suffer and he was faced with the limitations of modern medicine. Embarking on his own health journey, he dove headfirst into holistic and herbal therapies and found ultimate wellness. Dr. Rawls now teaches and writes extensively about the power of herbal medicine. He’s written several books including Suffered Long Enough, Unlocking Lyme , and his latest book The Cellular Wellness Solution . Dr. Rawls even sta...
Jul 09, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 297
