Collagen is a very popular supplement right now for improving skin and joint health, and numerous studies support this. Preliminary evidence also suggests it may reduce dysfunction in your gut lining. If you’ve wondered what the research really says about collagen’s impact on your health—and why you might choose marine collagen over bovine collagen—this episode will give you some quick, practical highlights, and options for how to get more in your diet. https://drruscio.com/?p=39958 Take the sur...
Oct 07, 2019•11 min•Ep 220•Transcript available on Metacast If you’re a goal-oriented, ambitious person, the path to problem-solving and high effectiveness may seem counterintuitive: mix in periods of “unfocus.” In this episode, Dr. Srini Pillay—a psychiatrist, executive coach, brain-imaging researcher, and Renaissance man—shares his strategic techniques for focusing less. Learn how you can tap the power of your unconscious to increase your creativity and tackle your goals from new angles. https://drruscio.com/?p=35974 Take the survey at http://drruscio....
Oct 02, 2019•46 min•Ep 119•Transcript available on Metacast Mona was struggling with chronic acid reflux, a bad taste in her mouth, constipation, bloating, and more. She tested negative for H. pylori, and had gone from primary care doctor to specialist, to dentist, even to the ER, with no success. Fortunately, she found my clinic and I took her through a series of simple gut therapies (including the low FODMAP diet and antimicrobials) that resolved her symptoms and got her feeling “100%”. She was even able to eat dairy again! Hear her story—and simple st...
Sep 30, 2019•13 min•Ep 219•Transcript available on Metacast In many cases, thyroid symptoms are the “smoke” and the “fire” is in the gut. In today’s episode, you’ll hear a case study of a patient who had low T3 along with digestive and hormonal symptoms like diarrhea, gas, rashes, and missing periods. After she received natural treatment for her gut health and hormonal health, she was symptom-free and became pregnant within six months. There was no need to treat her T3 directly. You’ll also get a breakdown of why a T4 plus T3 combo treatment should only ...
Sep 25, 2019•25 min•Ep 218•Transcript available on Metacast We live in a stressful era. Could something as simple as changing your breathing help? The practice of breathwork can not only reduce your stress, it can also improve your memory, lower your body’s fear response, and make you more cognitively effective. There are many modes of breathwork. In this episode, Josh Trent takes us through the powerful benefits, and some simple steps that beginners can try right away. He also discusses the promise of more advanced methods. If you’ve tried meditation an...
Sep 23, 2019•47 min•Ep 214•Transcript available on Metacast A patient came to my office with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism by a “famous thyroid doctor” who had written books on the subject. When I checked her lab results, even by a conservative measure, they could not be considered hypothyroid. Yet the patient was put on medication, making her more ill. In this episode, learn more about these clinical case study details—that appeared in the January edition of the Future of Functional Medicine Clinicians Review—and how practitioners can avoid making this ...
Sep 18, 2019•24 min•Ep 217•Transcript available on Metacast The patients that Heidi Turner typically sees in her practice have done the basics of diet, probiotics, antimicrobials. They have often been through many doctors, elimination diets, supplements, and more, yet inflammatory symptoms persist and are resistant to treatment. They often have some degree of histamine intolerance or mast cell activation. For this highly sensitive population, managing symptoms alone is a challenge. But recently, many of Heidi’s patients have seen significant healing resu...
Sep 16, 2019•55 min•Ep 215•Transcript available on Metacast Unnecessary thyroid medication can be dangerous for a patient, even generating symptoms. Unfortunately, with overdiagnosis of hypothyroidism on the rise, more and more patients are being prescribed medications they don’t need. Hear a case study from a functional medicine clinician who was able to determine—through an evidence-based approach—that a chronically ill patient was not hypothyroid, getting her off unnecessary medication and feeling better. He also found that dysbiosis in her gut was th...
Sep 11, 2019•23 min•Ep 216•Transcript available on Metacast Could lack of bioavailable copper be fueling your iron issues? That’s Morley Robbins’ take, based on 10 years of self-study in mineral research. You’ll learn why iron supplementation may not be a quick fix and get a protocol to optimize your copper levels. We have a reasoned dialogue on what the research may imply and where further study is still needed. Morley also shares results he’s seen with those who have used his protocol. (Tip: favoring whole, nutrient-dense foods—like organ meats and oys...
Sep 09, 2019•1 hr 7 min•Ep 216•Transcript available on Metacast In a study of 291 patients in Greece, researchers found that around 60% were incorrectly diagnosed as hypothyroid. While true hypothyroidism does exist, it’s a diagnosis that clinicians need to take a closer look at. Many clinicians are prescribing thyroid hormone when it’s not necessary, or when a patient’s symptoms could be resolved by healing the gut. The effects can be harmful, both to patient health and to their wallets. Patients themselves may exacerbate the problem by requesting it based ...
Sep 04, 2019•1 hr 3 min•Ep 215•Transcript available on Metacast A case study that appeared in the June 2019 issue of the Future of Functional Medicine Review Clinical Newsletter showcases the strong link between the thyroid and the gut. It’s critical that clinicians recognize this link to treat thyroid issues effectively, and review data on the true likelihood of various scenarios. In this podcast, hear clinical pearls from the case study. And learn how you can get access to a thyroid treatment algorithm and many more insights that have led other clinicians ...
Sep 02, 2019•20 min•Ep 215•Transcript available on Metacast Many gut interventions focus on the health of the microbiota, like diet, probiotics, and antimicrobials. But fewer treatments address the immune system directly. Influences can go both ways between the immune system and the microbiota. In this episode, Dr. Ty Vincent, MD shares his insights on working with a therapy called low-dose immunotherapy. It uses very low dilutions of antigens to calm specific intolerances, allergies, and sensitivities. He’s seen that sometimes healing an intolerance lik...
Aug 28, 2019•50 min•Ep 214•Transcript available on Metacast Treating your genes is a relatively new concept. And it can be tempting to think you can change the course of your health by simply discovering and addressing a dysfunction in one particular gene, say, MTHFR, COMT, or DAO. In this episode, Dr. Ben Lynch, a naturopathic physician with expertise in genetic health, walks us through why that isn’t the case, and why returning to the fundamentals is critical to optimizing your genes “upstream.” https://drruscio.com/?p=34859 My book Healthy Gut, Health...
Aug 26, 2019•52 min•Ep 214•Transcript available on Metacast Everyone’s cancer risk is different based on unique medical histories, genetics, and environmental exposures. But our diet and lifestyle choices are important influences on cancer within our control, which optimize the body’s “terrain” to fight and/or prevent cancer. In this podcast, Dr. Nalini Chilkov shares her recommended cancer-fighting foods and supplements (which may vary depending on your risk factors), as well as lifestyle recommendations like sleep and exercise. https://drruscio.com/?p=...
Aug 21, 2019•33 min•Ep 213•Transcript available on Metacast My recommended first line of treatment for IBS and SIBO is a change in diet, potentially followed by probiotics, and then other steps I discuss in my gut health protocol in my book Healthy Gut, Healthy You. But what if you’ve followed these steps and are still facing health challenges? A new option to consider is immunoglobulins, which can help to restore the mucous membrane in your gut and support your immune system. In the latest research, about 70% of non-responsive patients were helped by ta...
Aug 19, 2019•21 min•Ep 213•Transcript available on Metacast There is a third type of SIBO (besides hydrogen and methane-based SIBO) that currently does not have a test available: hydrogen sulfide SIBO. In fact, it can sometimes look like a flat line on a lactulose or glucose SIBO test. What can patients and clinicians do with the resources available? Guests Dr. Allison Siebecker, Gary Stapleton, and I discuss the testing methods available to assess and validate your likelihood of hydrogen sulfide SIBO, and their experiences in the clinic and in the lab, ...
Aug 14, 2019•53 min•Ep 212•Transcript available on Metacast More and more research is revealing the strong link between brain and gut health. A recent systematic review pulls together evidence that regulating gut microbiota can improve anxiety. 56% of the studies in the review showed that healing the gut through diet (typically the low FODMAP diet) or probiotics led to an improvement in anxiety symptoms. If you’re looking for natural ways to address your anxiety, learn some simple steps you can take right away. https://drruscio.com/?p=32906 My book Healt...
Aug 12, 2019•13 min•Ep 212•Transcript available on Metacast The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (or HPA axis) is a complex subsystem in your body that organizes and responds to threats (and perceived threats). The concept of “adrenal fatigue” has become popular in some functional medical circles, but it’s a misleading term for describing what’s really happening in stress-induced change to the HPA axis, which does not involve the adrenal glands. Dr. Tom Guilliams, an expert on stress and the HPA axis, discusses adrenal fatigue and adrenal testing, inc...
Aug 07, 2019•53 min•Ep 211•Transcript available on Metacast One theory of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is that it’s caused by bacteria in the colon moving up. A new study on one section of the small intestine, the jejunum, challenges that concept. The study—which used a new technique called polymerized chain reaction (PCR) to look at bacterial genomes—found that the jejunum has its own unique microbiota. Positive breath tests also did not correlate with bacterial overgrowth in the jejunum, but rather jejunal dysfunction. Dr. Richard McCal...
Aug 05, 2019•1 hr 24 min•Ep 211•Transcript available on Metacast Cannabis marketing is now rampant. It can be challenging to separate the facts from the hype, especially when it comes to cannabis health benefits and research behind the claims. What’s the difference in results from CBD vs THC (or both)? Indica vs sativa? Is full-spectrum CBD better? Which terpenes are most anti-inflammatory? How do you get started if you want to try cannabis for your gut? We explore such questions and their sometimes surprising answers with medicinal plant specialist, clinicia...
Jul 31, 2019•48 min•Ep 210•Transcript available on Metacast Even doctors can appreciate having a comprehensive gut health guide at hand. Dr. Navaz Habib finds Healthy Gut, Healthy You an indispensable go-to resource in his practice. The book’s case studies provide him with valuable reference points to manage challenging patient cases, and powerful, systematic tips on often overlooked foundations of gut health. https://drruscio.com/?p=32427 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https:...
Jul 29, 2019•16 min•Ep 210•Transcript available on Metacast Social science has discussed the impact of social relationships on mortality for decades. But this concept only recently started to penetrate healthcare. Dr. Julian Abel discusses his U.K.-based study showing a significant drop in demand for emergency services from end-of-life patients if they received an intervention of a compassionate community. Another large study shows that connection increases longevity more than quitting smoking. In this episode, we consider broader implications and ways t...
Jul 24, 2019•58 min•Ep 209•Transcript available on Metacast Eating healthy, sleeping well, having the right attitude, and exercising seem like obvious health habits. But what isn’t so obvious are ways people can sometimes ignore their intuition and signals from their bodies, in order to follow a protocol to the letter. Weight training may be a big win, especially for women, to build confidence and strength. And it’s also important to know why you’re making a change. Nutrition therapy consultant and author Steph Gaudreau shares insights on how to strength...
Jul 22, 2019•41 min•Ep 209•Transcript available on Metacast It can be useful for all of us to have nutrition and fitness guidance every now and then, to pull us out of ruts and encourage greater breadth and balance in our routines. Those who have adopted a paleo-style diet may trend towards a too high fat intake and may be surprised to learn that there are situations where high carbs lead to higher performance. For those who lift weights only, adding endurance/cardio may contribute to greater longevity. Varying one’s nutritional intake and types of activ...
Jul 17, 2019•1 hr 2 min•Ep 208•Transcript available on Metacast Juan was facing an autoimmune arthritis condition, gut issues, and infertility. After trying a prescription drug that made him feel worse, he turned to healing his gut and mixed fasting with the elemental diet. In taking these steps, Juan was able to eliminate his symptoms—like joint pain, fatigue, and inflammation—and his wife became pregnant. The elemental diet is a liquid diet in which the contents are broken down into essential elements that can be quickly absorbed by the gut. Elemental Heal...
Jul 15, 2019•18 min•Ep 208•Transcript available on Metacast The autoimmune paleo (or AIP) diet and community support together can benefit patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, according to a landmark study. AIP removes nightshades, eggs, nuts, seeds, ghee, and caffeine, in addition to standard paleo restrictions. The study’s community support (which included online health coaching) contributed to 90-100% adherence to this diet. Interestingly, multiple participants improved symptomatically and/or were able to reduce thyroid medication, while their antibo...
Jul 10, 2019•57 min•Ep 207•Transcript available on Metacast Some articles circulate online claiming that low-carb or ketogenic diets starve your gut bacteria and are thus unhealthy. But these diets are not bad for your gut health. The claims are misleading: while they may starve some bacterial populations, they may promote the growth of others. These diets may not work for everyone. If you feel fatigued or irritable on a low-carb or keto diet, a moderate to higher-carb diet might be more ideal for your body. A diet low in fermentable carbs (called the lo...
Jul 08, 2019•10 min•Ep 207•Transcript available on Metacast A GI functional marker test, or test of gut function, can be very useful to detect some gut conditions. It can help diagnose inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), predict pancreatic insufficiency (or need for digestive enzymes), and potentially detect leaky gut. However, patients should beware of paying attention to markers like secretory IgA, fecal lysozyme, chymotrypsin and beta-glucuronidase that are problematic or unvalidated. Also—because lab testing processes vary and markers can be difficult ...
Jul 03, 2019•58 min•Ep 206•Transcript available on Metacast Leaky gut syndrome—also known as increased intestinal permeability—is a state in which the intestinal lining becomes damaged. This allows toxins, bacteria, and foreign particles to leak into the bloodstream. Robust research shows links between leaky gut (and other gut issues) and brain-based issues like cognition and mood. For example, intestinal infection was associated with later onset of anxiety. In other research, elevated zonulin (a marker of leaky gut) was correlated with higher psychologi...
Jul 01, 2019•16 min•Ep 206•Transcript available on Metacast Neuroscience research has revealed and continues to show the wide-ranging health benefits of meditation. These benefits range from lower inflammation in the body to emotional resilience to increased compassion. A small investment of time daily, just 10-20 minutes, can yield many returns on effectiveness in multiple areas of one’s life. But it can sometimes be challenging for beginners to figure out what to do or what the process even looks like. Researcher and meditation teacher Ashok Gupta shar...
Jun 26, 2019•59 min•Ep 205•Transcript available on Metacast 
