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Navigating Complex Health Conditions and Vagus Nerve Dysfunction
This chapter delves into the intricacies of diagnosing complex health conditions like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and vagus nerve dysfunction. It discusses symptoms, failed treatment attempts, and the importance of understanding underlying causes rather than just addressing symptoms. The conversation explores the connection between dysfunctional organs like the ileocecal valve, constipation, and vagal nerve function, emphasizing the significance of anatomical interplay for proper health.
A few months ago, I briefly mentioned on a podcast that I discovered that by taking a specific blend of nutrients to support my vagus nerve, I was able to completely get rid of morning constipation. Today, my podcast guest, Dr. Diana Driscoll, is the individual who actually designed that blend, and who knows a heckuva lot about the vagus nerve and its interplay with our bodies.
Dr. Diana Driscoll is an optometrist who had always been healthy - she was also a bit of an exercise fanatic who also geeked out with nutrition. But despite this history, she was struck down by an illness that few understood and was disabled for over a decade. Ultimately, she was diagnosed with something called POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) - a disorder of the autonomic nervous system and was told there was no cure for this mysterious condition.
When her children also became ill and doctors had no answers, she formed Genetic Disease Investigators to formally study these conditions. Dr. Driscoll is considered to be “the patients researcher”, bypassing notoriously slow academic research institutions to get answers quickly.
Twelve years later, she is now the director of POTS Care – the only POTS Clinic focused on searching for the underlying cause of POTS, and treating it at its source. She has received two patents to date, and is now not only helping patients who are ill -- she is reaching out to healthy folks who want to improve their quality of life and maximize their health, even into old age. Dr. Driscoll graduated summa cum laude from both The University of Houston College of Optometry and The University of Texas at Austin. She is a geek, through and through.
She is a member of the International Society of Neurovascular Disease, the American Headache Society, the Medical Advisory Board for EDS Network C.A.R.E.S, the American Optometric Association, the Tear Film and Ocular Surface Society, and served as a medical advisor for the Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation. Her peer-reviewed medical abstracts include those involving vascular abnormalities in the fundus of POTS patients, the etiology of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, and the use of acetazolamide in multiple sclerosis.
She is the author of “The Driscoll Theory” and “Your Eyes and EDS”, and was the chief author of the “Ophthalmology Medical Resource Guide” for Ehlers-Danlos National Foundation.
Dr. Driscoll is the recipient of numerous awards for patient advocacy and continues to donate her time to help others across the globe through her online forum and videos on YouTube. Her work in chronic inflammation, the autonomic nervous system, collagen disorders, and organ dysfunction can help others live their best life, as well as have their best body and mind.
During our discussion, you'll discover: -Diana's story and how she first became interested in her field of work...8:15-Parasym Plus (use code GREENFIELD for 10% off on all products!)
-Diana's blog at PrettyIll.com
-The POTSCare.com website
-Book: The Driscoll Theory by Dr. Diana Driscoll
-My podcast with Dr. Sarah Myhill "The Ultimate Guide To Beating Chronic Fatigue With Specific Vitamins, Minerals, Biohacks & More – A Conversation With Dr. Sarah Myhill."
-The LUCY nicotine gum Ben chews
-Onnit Alpha Brain (use BEN for a 10% discount)
-My podcast on "32 Ways To Support The Vagus Nerve"
Episode sponsors:-Kion Coffee: Carefully selected and roasted for taste, purity, high antioxidants and health. Ben Greenfield Fitness listeners, receive a 10% discount off your entire order when you use discount code: BGF10.
-JOOVV: After using the Joovv for close to 2 years, it's the only light therapy device I'd ever recommend. Give it a try: you won't be disappointed. Order using my link and receive a nice bonus gift with your order!
-Thrive Market: Organic brands you love, for less. Your favorite organic food and products. Fast and free shipping to your doorstep. Receive 25% off your order when you use my link!
-NetSuite: With NetSuite, you save TIME, MONEY, and UNNEEDED HEADACHES by managing sales, finance and accounting, orders, and HR instantly- right from your desktop or phone. Click my link and download the free guide: “Seven Key Strategies to Grow your Profits”.
Do you have questions, thoughts or feedback for Diana or me? Leave your comments below and one of us will reply!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode