What’s the best diet for brain health? Research into this topic is still preliminary and suggests a few different approaches. However, eating to control inflammation and manage blood sugar is most important. Here, we’ll dive into the best dietary strategies for improving cognition, mood, beating brain fog and more. https://drruscio.com/best-diet-for-brain-health/ My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook If you're in need of clinical support, please visit h...
Dec 06, 2021•26 min•Ep 333•Transcript available on Metacast There is much existing clinical research on probiotics, and more studies are emerging on a regular basis. In this podcast episode I review 10 studies that examine the effectiveness of probiotics for improving gut health, liver function, mood, sleep, children’s issues, and more. I also cover pointers for practitioners to keep in mind when prescribing probiotics for patients. https://drruscio.com/probiotic-research-updates-2/ My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/ge...
Dec 01, 2021•31 min•Ep 332•Transcript available on Metacast Blood glucose holds keys to many important health markers including metabolic health, insulin levels, and our risk for chronic disease. The Continuous Glucose Monitoring device provides a simple, non-invasive way to track your blood glucose in real time, and see how your diet, exercise and other lifestyle factors affect your levels. Kara Collier, co-founder of Nutrisense, discusses this important innovation in personal health tracking. https://drruscio.com/continuous-glucose-monitoring My book H...
Nov 29, 2021•54 min•Ep 332•Transcript available on Metacast The protozoa Blastocystic hominis, long thought to be a cause of IBS, is receiving renewed attention in the functional and integrative medicine field. A growing body of evidence shows that Blasto may be benign in its impact and, in fact, may not even be a parasite as was previously assumed. In this podcast episode, I review a sampling of studies that examine the prevalence of Blasto in patients with IBS, and consider the effects of treatment on both Blasto and symptomology. The takeaway for prac...
Nov 24, 2021•41 min•Ep 331•Transcript available on Metacast Sleep is as important for our overall health as diet and exercise, and yet many people struggle to get a full night’s rest on a regular basis. Prolonged bouts of insufficient sleep can lead to brain fog, mood issues and fatigue. But when it comes to improving sleep quality, there are many approaches, therapies, and devices to choose from. In this podcast, I talk sleep medicine with Dr. Nik Hedberg, D.C. We compare our personal experiences with myofunctional therapy, mouth taping, mandibular adva...
Nov 22, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Ep 330•Transcript available on Metacast If you have SIBO, it’s important to choose a diet that will help you get your symptoms under control while you work on healing the bacterial overgrowth that’s at the root of the problem. But selecting a diet that fits your needs can be challenging. In this article, I break down the various dietary options for SIBO and explain how to decide which one is right for you. https://drruscio.com/sibo-diet/ My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook If you're in need...
Nov 17, 2021•20 min•Ep 330•Transcript available on Metacast Monitoring your progress on a keto diet is essential to helping you meet your health goals, whether you want to lose weight, increase your energy levels, reduce inflammation or improve brain and heart health. On this episode of the podcast I speak with Jim Howard, developer of the Biosense Ketone Breath Monitor. The Biosense offers a convenient way to measure your blood ketone levels throughout the day without the hassle of finger prick testing. We discuss different factors that affect ketone me...
Nov 15, 2021•40 min•Ep 330•Transcript available on Metacast Today’s podcast is another in a recurring series devoted to questions from listeners. We have a diverse batch of questions today. Listeners inquire about the potential relationship between diabetes and thyroid function, whether the COVID vaccine has a negative impact on gut health, whether POTS reactions and headaches are common symptoms of fasting, and more. There’s something here for everyone. Listen and learn. https://drruscio.com/questions-thyroid-diabetes My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is...
Nov 10, 2021•46 min•Ep 329•Transcript available on Metacast The health of the pelvic floor is key to our overall health in important ways. My podcast guest today is pelvic health expert Jandra Mueller, and she explains how gastrointestinal issues such as IBS and SIBO, hormonal imbalances, pregnancy, erectile dysfunction and trauma can all impact the health and tone of the pelvic floor, and how stigmas around normal bodily functions can present obstacles to patients seeking the help they need. Jandra dispels some myths and fears around pelvic floor issues...
Nov 08, 2021•1 hr•Ep 329•Transcript available on Metacast Choosing the right kind of exercise is complicated by the number of exercise fads out there and the amount of time that you have to devote to any one method. In today’s podcast, my guest, exercise expert Sal Di Stefano, makes the case for resistance training and why it’s superior to cardio for helping people lose weight, build muscle mass and bone density, even improve growth hormone levels and stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. https://drruscio.com/resistance-training My book Healthy ...
Nov 03, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep 328•Transcript available on Metacast When it comes to keeping our brains healthy, one of the tools at our disposal is far from new. In fact, it has been around since the beginning of human history. The health benefits of fasting are well-established, and it turns out that the brain may benefit from the metabolic reset that fasting enables. Keto diets fall into this same category. A combination of the two may be able to help ward off a variety of degenerative conditions and help us maintain brain health as we age. In this podcast, D...
Nov 01, 2021•1 hr 2 min•Ep 328•Transcript available on Metacast If you’re a woman with hormonal trouble, you’re not alone. It’s estimated that 80% of women will have some form of hormonal imbalance at some point in their lives. Hormonal imbalance in women can include garden variety women’s health problems like PMS, to more serious conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) or endometriosis. In this article, let’s explore the symptoms of hormonal imbalance, the causes and consequences of hormonal imbalance in women, and how to restore balance. https:/...
Oct 27, 2021•24 min•Transcript available on Metacast Food sensitivity testing is one of the diagnostic tools most widely recommended by functional medicine practitioners to their patients, and it has blossomed into a lucrative industry that nets millions of dollars per year for companies that market these home testing kits to consumers. But the science behind these tests is flawed. In this podcast, I discuss how getting to the root of food reactions relies on evidence-based trials that ultimately helps patients heal without asking them to spend th...
Oct 25, 2021•31 min•Ep 327•Transcript available on Metacast We speak frequently about the importance of an evidence-informed, gut-first approach for addressing chronic symptoms both inside and outside the GI tract. And the more research and clinical experience we compile, the more we find that a wide range of concerns can be improved by looking at them through the lens of gut health. On this podcast, I summarize clinical reviews and case studies from the June 2021 issue of the Future of Functional Medicine Clinical Newsletter that treat mold toxicity and...
Oct 20, 2021•27 min•Ep 326•Transcript available on Metacast The Ruscio Institute uses an evidence-based clinical model as the foundation for our treatment protocols. This means not only incorporating the most current research into treatment decisions, but also applying a critical eye to research studies rather than accept their conclusions at face value. Today’s podcast looks at studies on the possible role of autoimmunity in IBS and SIBO, whether antibody levels are a valid marker of gut dysbiosis, low FODMAP diets for IBS, and more. Listen as I explain...
Oct 18, 2021•39 min•Ep 326•Transcript available on Metacast The Future of Functional Medicine Review was launched to provide clinicians with the resources and skills to help patients heal from challenging symptoms, and to help steer the field toward a more evidence-informed approach and away from excessive reliance on labs and supplements. On today’s podcast, three clinicians join Dr. Ruscio to discuss their successes using the principles of the FFMR to treat hundreds of patients. Listen and learn how the FFMR encourages practitioners to cultivate an int...
Oct 13, 2021•1 hr 23 min•Ep 325•Transcript available on Metacast Stress and its associated symptoms such as impaired sleep, depression, PTSD, and lowered cognitive performance are among the most pressing mental health issues of our time. Many turn to stimulants and other substances to help them cope. A wearable technology developed by neuroscientists may hold answers. The Apollo Neuro, based on decades of research, uses touch therapy in the form of sound waves to deliver a gentle vibration to the skin and helps the wearer shift mood and energy level. https://...
Oct 11, 2021•52 min•Ep 325•Transcript available on Metacast If you experience ongoing stomach discomfort such as burning sensations, heartburn, nausea, or peptic ulcers, or gastritis, chances are you may have a helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, infection. H. pylori infection is a risk factor for many health conditions and shouldn’t be left untreated. Today’s podcast gives you the rundown on H. pylori, a bacteria that can live in the stomach or digestive tract. About 10 - 20% of those infected with it will experience symptoms. https://drruscio.com/h-pylo...
Oct 06, 2021•21 min•Ep 324•Transcript available on Metacast Do you struggle with a thyroid disorder? Are you a clinician treating patients with hypothyroidism and struggling to get optimal results? In today’s podcast, we showcase some of the most essential clinical pearls when it comes to treating thyroid disorders taken from a recent issue of the Future of Functional Medicine Clinical Newsletter. https://drruscio.com/how-to-successfully-treat-thyroid-disorders My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in...
Oct 04, 2021•57 min•Ep 324•Transcript available on Metacast Dr. Anna Cabeca, OB/GYN, Anti-Aging and Integrative Medicine expert believes in whole health, powerful immunity, and a great sex life at any age. In this podcast, Anna shares the tools that she developed through her investigations into balancing female hormones, improving brain health, and improving sexual health in and around menopause. Our wide ranging discussion in the podcast today touches on the advantages of a ketogenic diet for older women, the importance of having more oxytocin in your l...
Sep 29, 2021•1 hr 4 min•Ep 323•Transcript available on Metacast Keto diets have become very popular for weight loss, and many people swear by them for addressing a variety of health issues. However, there are pitfalls associated with being on these diets for extended periods of time. Sara Gottfried, MD, is an expert on women’s hormonal health, and in this podcast she discusses the reasons why a keto diet can be stressful to adrenal balance, the gut microbiome, and overall wellness, as well as the best way for women to approach short-term keto dieting. Listen...
Sep 27, 2021•1 hr 10 min•Ep 323•Transcript available on Metacast If you live with food intolerances, symptoms such as headaches, GI issues, brain fog, and fatigue may be a source of frustration. Food intolerances are often linked to underlying gut health or immune issues. They are often short term and can be addressed with diet and lifestyle adjustments. Learn about some of the most common food intolerances and what causes them, as well as tips to help you start feeling better. https://drruscio.com/common-food-intolerances/ My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is...
Sep 24, 2021•27 min•Ep 322•Transcript available on Metacast The scientific understanding of COVID-19 is evolving rapidly, and the research now tells us that there is a link between gastrointestinal dysbiosis and the symptoms of long haul COVID. On today’s podcast, I speak with Dr. Leonard Weinstock, a gastroenterologist and clinical researcher. We discuss his latest findings about long COVID, mast cell activation, and the relationship to gut health. For COVID-19 patients who are suffering with severe chronic symptoms post infection, these findings could ...
Sep 22, 2021•1 hr 5 min•Ep 322•Transcript available on Metacast Probiotics are beneficial for everyone’s gut and immune health, but they hold promise for helping with some conditions that are specific to men. Early data show that probiotics can improve specific male health concerns such as sexual dysfunction and prostatitis, and may even be useful for the increased risk of heart disease faced by men as well as a variety of other conditions such as sleep, depression. and cognitive function. All probiotics products are not created equal, so it’s important to r...
Sep 20, 2021•33 min•Ep 322•Transcript available on Metacast We frequently see patients who have tried multiple different treatment combinations for hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, but have not seen improvement in their symptoms. Often, this is because the underlying issue is actually not related to the thyroid, but to the gut. In today’s short video, I’m going to break down one recent example of how treating an imbalance in the gut microbiome helped one of our patients, Kathy, to finally recover from intense fatigue. You’ll see how the gut-foc...
Sep 17, 2021•4 min•Ep 321•Transcript available on Metacast The benefits of probiotics for gut health are well-established. But did you know that they’re effective for a wide range of other conditions as well? Today’s podcast is a review of recent research into probiotics, and the findings are exciting: new insights into the benefits of probiotics for health issues as diverse as skin conditions, cognitive impairment, depressive disorders, and prevention of traveler’s diarrhea. There’s also new information about the advantages of probiotics for babies and...
Sep 15, 2021•39 min•Ep 321•Transcript available on Metacast In today’s podcast, our medical director Dr. Joe Maher and I hold our first clinical roundtable to update our audience about new research and clinical updates. You’ll learn about our clinical model and training program for new doctors and staff. We touch on treatment advances including: An abdominal massage protocol that is revolutionizing treatment of GI issues The effect of anti-microbial therapy on thyroid antibodies Limbic retraining and improved food tolerance A self-manipulation technique ...
Sep 13, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Ep 321•Transcript available on Metacast If you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, you may be among the 34% of patients who may be incorrectly diagnosed. Symptoms such as fatigue, constipation, depression and insomnia are often associated with hypothyroidism, but they may actually be related to other causes such as gut issues or female hormone imbalances. In today’s podcast I discuss a new clinical review that investigates outcomes for patients who were prescribed thyroid hormones as a result of a healthcare provider’s misdiagnos...
Sep 08, 2021•42 min•Ep 320•Transcript available on Metacast If you struggle with symptoms of brain fog such as difficulty concentrating, losing items, making basic decisions or thinking clearly, read this article about its root causes and treatment options. Brain fog is closely related to gut health and is often caused by brain inflammation. Addressing issues such as food sensitivity, gut imbalances, liver dysfunction and more can help improve symptoms and restore mental clarity. https://drruscio.com/brain_fog/ My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is availab...
Sep 06, 2021•23 min•Ep 320•Transcript available on Metacast Mold toxicity and sensitivity from exposure to moldy food or “sick buildings” can cause chronic illness and be associated with a wide range of symptoms, from allergic reactions to respiratory problems to digestive issues and inflammation. But these symptoms can also be linked to other causes, such as a gut imbalance or thyroid disorder. Testing and treatment for mold-related illness should be approached with caution, because the wrong test can delay a proper diagnosis. In today’s article, I revi...
Sep 01, 2021•21 min•Ep 319•Transcript available on Metacast 
