Dr. Mary Pardee, a functional medicine and naturopathic doctor specializing in gastroenterology, dives into the vital link between gut health and overall wellness. She discusses how patients can empower themselves by understanding the root causes of their health issues rather than just treating symptoms. Personal anecdotes reveal the surprising effects of diet on health, while insights into the importance of comprehensive care for women highlight modern medical trends. The conversation also touches on the role of the microbiome in longevity and the significance of addressing chronic inflammation for better aging.
Dr. Mary Pardee emphasizes the significance of starting health improvements by focusing on gut health to address underlying issues.
Functional medicine promotes active patient engagement with healthcare, advocating for personalized approaches through understanding lab tests and holistic health.
Deep dives
Empowering Women's Health and Connection
The Luminescence Women's Health and Longevity Summit aims to empower women by providing access to expert insights on health topics. This event, scheduled for February 1st, 2025 in Los Angeles, highlights the importance of community and connection among women. Notable experts such as Dr. Sarah Gottfried and Jillian Michaels will discuss areas like hormonal health, fitness, and emotional well-being. Hosting the event, Skylar emphasizes the significance of celebrating and improving women's health, especially as she navigates these challenges as a mother of three daughters.
Transformative Role of Functional Medicine
Functional medicine emphasizes the importance of addressing root causes rather than simply treating symptoms of chronic diseases. Dr. Mary Pardee advocates for individuals to take control of their health by understanding their unique physiology and working collaboratively with healthcare providers. This proactive approach not only seeks to alleviate existing health issues but aims to prevent them through lifestyle modifications and education about one’s biology. The focus on comprehensive health empowers patients to act like the 'CEO' of their own healthcare journeys, fundamentally shifting their experiences with medical care.
Importance of Comprehensive Testing
Understanding lab tests and their implications is crucial for managing personal health effectively. Dr. Pardee explains that conventional doctors often provide normal results without offering deeper insights, whereas functional medicine requires a more nuanced interpretation of these tests. Essential markers such as fasting insulin and complete metabolic panels are vital for assessing long-term health risks before they develop into chronic conditions. Patients are encouraged to ask their doctors about their test results and engage in their health assessments actively.
Integrating Mind and Body for Optimal Health
The connection between mental health and physical well-being is crucial for overall health optimization. Dr. Pardee emphasizes that stress management techniques, such as meditation and heart rate variability training, can significantly influence digestive health and overall wellness. By approaching health as a holistic system, which includes mental and emotional states, individuals can enhance their physiological health and potentially reduce chronic inflammation. This mind-body connection plays a pivotal role in longevity, indicating that a well-rounded health strategy is essential for thriving into later life.
Naturopathic doctors have a saying, “If you aren’t sure where to start, start with the gut.” In this episode, Dr. Mary Pardee – a functional medicine and naturopathic doctor who specializes in gastroenterology – talks with Jeff about how to get to the root of our health issues, often by starting with the gut.
This episode originally aired on September 10, 2019.
Watch Dr. Mary Pardee’s Commune courses, Gut Health and The Truth About Supplements, with a 14-day trial of Commune Membership. Sign up for free at onecommune.com/trial.
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