The Root Cause Medicine Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Kate Kresge welcomes Dr. Christy Evans, an OB/GYN with a passion for functional women’s health. They discuss how pregnancy transforms every body system, the importance of a comprehensive lifespan approach to women's health, and the innovative methods Dr. Christy uses at Almond OB/GYN. She shares her journey from accountant to physician, the significance of addressing root causes behind common symptoms, and how holistic care can optimize vitality and long-term health. Plus, insights into postpartum recovery, PCOS, and practical strategies to support women at every stage of life.You'll hear them discuss:  The systemic changes during pregnancy and postpartumDr. Christy's journey from accountant to women’s health specialistThe Four Outputs and Five Pillars approach for vitality assessmentDeep dive into vaginal microbiome testing and supportThe importance of lifespan care and preconception health optimizationAddressing common issues like PCOS with a root cause approachThe need for healthcare reform that truly centers women’s unique physiologyPractical lifestyle tips for hormonal and metabolic healthHow community and social connection impact women’s well-beingGuest Introduction:Dr. Christy Evans is an OB/GYN specializing in functional women’s health at Almond OB/GYN. She combines conventional OB/GYN care with a root cause, systems-based approach to promote vitality across a woman’s lifespan. Her background includes work in Nairobi, Kenya, where she learned firsthand about the impact of healthcare access on women’s lives, fueling her mission to make holistic women’s health care more accessible. She also co-founded New Dawn Africa, supporting maternal health initiatives in Nairobi.Labs Mentioned:  A1CFasting insulinFasting glucoseLipoprotein(a)Comprehensive thyroid panelIron panel (ferritin, iron)Vitamin DMicronutrient testingSupplements Mentioned:  Vaginal probiotics (specific strains like Lactobacillus precipitous)Guest and Sponsor Details:  Website: almondobgyn.comInstagram: @almondobgynFoundation website for Kenya support: newdawnafrica.orgTimestamps:  [00:00] Introduction and podcast overview[01:00] Dr. Christy's journey from accounting to medicine[03:00] Why women’s health is foundational to communities[05:00] The Almond OB GYN approach: integrating functional medicine[07:00] The four outputs of vitality assessment[08:30] Deep dive into vaginal microbiome testing and support strategies[12:00] Recognizing symptoms related to vaginal dysbiosis[15:00] The connection between gut health and women's health[18:00] Looking at metabolic health indicators and testing[24:00] Making functional medicine accessible through insurance-based care[27:00] Postpartum care: what women truly need[30:00] The physiological changes in postpartum body and recovery timeline[35:00] Understanding PCOS beyond symptom management[39:00] The role of social connection in women’s health[42:00] How to access Almond’s nationwide services and clinic in LA[45:00] Personal health practices of Dr. Christy[50:00] Advocating for women-centered healthcare reform[53:00] Final thoughts and resources

300 "Anxiety: What to Do When Labs are Normal" with Dr. Ellen VoraIn this episode, Dr. Kate Kresge is joined by Dr. Ellen Vora to explore holistic approaches to anxiety beyond physiological root causes. They discuss how mindful movement, play, connection, and emotional regulation—such as cry therapy—can serve as powerful tools in managing true anxiety. Emphasizing the importance of integrating mind, body, and spirit, this conversation offers practical strategies for clinicians and individuals looking to deepen their understanding and treatment of anxiety.You'll hear them discuss: The role of exercise, especially dance, in improving mood and mental healthHow movement combined with music influences the nervous systemDifferentiating between false (physiological) and true (purposeful) anxietyPractical tools for body-based emotional regulation, like shaking and breathworkThe importance of play and joy in healing and well-beingCultivating social connection as a form of emotional detoxTechniques for letting go of unresolved grief and practicing emotional detoxThe neuroscience behind crying and its healing effectsThe significance of embracing vulnerability and levity in mental healthGuest Introduction:Dr. Ellen Vora is a Yale and Columbia-trained psychiatrist, author of The Anatomy of Anxiety, and a pioneer in holistic mental health approaches. She incorporates functional medicine, neurobiology, and spiritual insights to address anxiety and emotional well-being, emphasizing that mental health is deeply interconnected with physical health and lifestyle.Labs Mentioned: Hemoglobin A1CFolate and B12 levelsVitamin D levelsRed blood cell magnesium levelsGI mappingInflammatory markersSupplements Mentioned: MagnesiumFolateGuest and Sponsor Details: Dr. Ellen Vora's WebsiteThe Anatomy of Anxiety BookFullscript (sponsor): fullscript.comTimestamps: 00:00 Introduction & Exercise as a Mood Booster01:31 Overview of Practicing Whole Person Care with Fullscript03:32 Recap of physio-psychological approach to anxiety05:30 Lifestyle interventions for anxiety (sleep, blood sugar)07:05 Addressing persistent anxiety after physiological stabilization09:18 Understanding true vs. false anxiety11:20 Honoring purposeful anxiety and making space for it13:10 The role of social connection and community15:34 Disarming control and embracing impermanence19:42 Movement, shaking, and emotional release techniques23:58 The neuroscience of joy, singing, and play36:17 Reclaiming joy and levity in adult life43:04 Connection as a remedy for loneliness and social support47:46 Cultivating a grounding community influence49:48 Letting go: grief, tears, and emotional detox54:26 Crying as a healing tool and emotional release55:49 Final thoughts and where to find Ellen

In this episode, Dr. Kate Kresge welcomes Dr. Eric Viegas back to discuss the often-overlooked details surrounding the quality and safety of omega-3 supplements. While omega-3s are celebrated for their benefits in cardiovascular health, inflammation, and cognition, contamination and oxidation can undermine their efficacy and even pose health risks. They explore the pivotal role of rigorous testing, manufacturing standards, and how practitioners can guide patients to choose high-quality, safe omega-3 products in a landscape filled with variable quality claims.You'll hear them discuss:  The importance of rigorous third-party testing for omega-3 products  The risks associated with oxidation, rancidity, and contaminants like microplastics, heavy metals, and PCBs  Differences between omega-3 forms: ethyl ester, triglyceride, monoglyceride, and emulsified  Industry standards such as GOED, IFOS, and CGMP certification  Practical tips for consumers and practitioners to select safe, effective omega-3 supplements  Fullscript’s quality assurance measures and testing protocols  Common issues seen in subpar fish oil products and how to avoid themGuest bio:Dr. Eric Viegas is a renowned expert in supplement quality control and a leader in testing protocols for nutritional supplements. He works closely with Fullscript to ensure the products in their catalog meet the highest standards for potency, purity, and safety. With deep expertise in fish oil manufacturing processes and contaminants, Dr. Viegas helps clinicians navigate the complex world of supplement safety and efficacy.Labs & Metrics Mentioned:- (None specifically listed, but references to third-party testing labs like Eurofins Labs and Alchemist Labs are made)Supplements Mentioned:- Fish oil  - EPA and DHA  - Algal oil  Guest Details:Dr. Eric ViegasRole: Medical Product Manager, FullscriptEducation: Naturopathic Doctor (ND), Canadian College of Naturopathic MedicineFocus: Supplement quality, functional ingredients, CGMP standards, third-party testingWebsite: www.fullscript.comQuality Program: Fullscript Quality StandardsTimestamps:00:00 Introduction and benefits of omega-3s02:23 Fullscript’s quality initiatives for omega-3s03:40 The role of oxidation and how it impacts supplement efficacy05:52 Testing standards: peroxide and p-anisidine values07:34 Different omega-3 formulations and their pros/cons09:15 Variability in EPA/DHA content and label accuracy10:36 Contamination sources: heavy metals, microplastics, PCBs, dioxins, PFAS14:43 The importance of sourcing small fish and molecular distillation16:24 Meaning behind “pharmaceutical grade,” “purified,” and “professional grade” claims18:06 Label indicators: third-party testing, certifications, storage practices19:33 How low-quality omega-3s can impede clinical outcomes21:26 At-home storage tips for maintaining supplement integrity23:28 Fullscript’s testing protocols and quality assurance practices25:28 Batch testing, lot verification, and future improvements27:30 The benefits of direct-from-manufacturer sourcing to prevent counterfeits29:44 Myths about fish oil and key certifications to look for30:36 Identifying rancid fish oils through smell32:17 Critical questions for consumers: ingredient form and certifications

In today’s episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with Kristin Oja, DNP, founder of STAT Wellness—a pioneering clinic model integrating functional medicine with movement, data, and community. Kristin’s inspiring journey from personal trainer to nurse practitioner to multi-site clinic owner is proof that doing things differently can transform healthcare.Discover how Kristin built a modern medical home that treats muscle mass and HRV as critical biomarkers, empowers patients through community and data, and uses a membership model to deliver consistency and support. Whether you're a provider dreaming of opening your own practice, or a health advocate eager to bring strength training into clinical care, this episode is full of actionable insights.You’ll hear them discuss- Why sarcopenia is one of the most overlooked risk factors in medicine- The truth behind GLP-1s, cortisol, and building muscle the right way- Kristin’s 12-minute-a-day approach to staying well—even through entrepreneurship and motherhood- How STAT Wellness combines fitness, labs, coaching, and functional medicine into one seamless experience- What every clinic should be measuring: CRP, DHEA, cortisol, pregnenolone, testosterone, and vitamin D- Advice for nurse practitioners and entrepreneurs navigating the chaos of clinic ownership- Why wearables, in-body scans, and movement screens are redefining preventive medicine- STAT's approach to team culture, staff retreats, and relentless customer serviceMeet the Guest:Kristin Oja, DNP, FNP-C, IFMCP is the founder and CEO of STAT Wellness, the first practice of its kind to integrate functional medicine and movement under one roof. She’s a Doctor of Nursing Practice, an IFM Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, and a former personal trainer passionate about muscle as medicine. Her podcast, Little By Podcast, and upcoming book center on the philosophy that "little by little, a little becomes a lot"—a principle that guides her clinic, her parenting, and her personal wellness.Labs & Metrics Mentioned:- Insulin- High-sensitivity CRP- DHEA- Pregnenolone- Cortisol (AM and diurnal patterns)- Testosterone (men & women)- Vitamin D- Thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4)- GI-MAP stool test- Dutch hormone testing- HRV (Heart Rate Variability)- Body composition via InBody Scan- Visceral fat measurements- Grip strength and floor-to-stand mobilitySupplements Mentioned:- Creatine - Adaptogens- Rhodiola- Ashwagandha- L-theanine- Maca- Magnesium- Electrolytes - SPMs (Specialized Pro-Resolving Mediators) - Protein Powders Where to Find Kristin:STAT Wellness Website: statwellness.comKristin’s Website kristinoja.comPodcast: Little By PodcastInstagram: @statwellness | @kristinojadnpThis episode is sponsored by FullscriptWant to spend less time managing inventory and more time with patients? Fullscript integrates supplement dispensing, lab ordering, and treatment planning into one powerful (and free!) platform. Learn more at fullscript.comTimestamps:00:00 – Kristin Oja’s Origin Story03:30 – From personal trainer to DNP to clinic founder07:06 – How STAT Wellness started in a parking lot08:59 – What “modern healthcare” looks like at STAT10:55 – Building a team from scratch13:35 – Kristin’s personal health habits: 12-minute workouts and balance17:21 – Was the hard work worth it?19:13 – The patient intake process and data-driven care21:07 – The science of sarcopenia and strength training25:21 – Why muscle is the most important longevity tool27:12 – Creatine, carbs, protein, and progressive overload31:29 – Kristin Oja's ideal lab panel for the average adult33:56 – Why hormones and stress are often at the root of illness35:37 – GLP-1s: When they help—and when they harm39:52 – A placebo GLP-1 success story42:13 – Functional testing timelines and stool test insights44:11 – How high cortisol is misunderstood in fitness47:52 – The stress bucket analogy: It’s not just HIIT49:50 – The importance of pregnenolone and cortisol rhythm51:54 – Scaling with integrity: new locations & private equity53:26 – How to maintain personalization while scaling55:45 – Team culture, retreats, and core values58:42 – What’s next: Baby #3, a book, and more growth01:00:45 – Little by little, a little becomes a lot01:07:23 – Rapid fire: Favorite labs, supplements, and metrics01:13:14 – How HRV guides Kristin’s clinical decisions01:14:13 – Final thoughts and where to find Kristin

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge dives into men's health, neurology, and fertility with Dr.  Eric Yarnell. You’ll hear us discuss:Testosterone and its impact on the male bodyThe dangers of relying on Internet medical informationAddressing male factors in infertility treatmentThe role of herbal medicine in optimizing testosterone productionHigh testosterone and prostate conditionsHow diet and gut health influence prostate healthDr. Eric Yarnell is the President of Northwest Naturopathic Urology, focusing on men's health, urology, and nephrology. He is also a Professor at Bastyr University in the Department of Botanical Medicine, alongside running two businesses in botanical medicine and publishing. He is the author of numerous texts and articles, including Natural Approach to Gastroenterology, Natural Approach to Urology, Natural Approach to Prostate Conditions, and Naturopathic Nephrology.Labs MentionedFull testosterone panelTotal testosteroneFree testosteroneFree and weakly bound testosterone (FWBT)Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)Albumin blood testLuteinizing hormone (LH)Total estrogensSemen analysisFat biopsyPCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls) testPesticide and herbicide blood testsPer-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) testGuest Details:Dr. Eric Yarnell on LinkedInDr. Eric Yarnell’s BooksNorthwest Naturopathic Urology WebsiteBastyr University WebsiteHeron Botanicals WebsiteRupa Health Details:Rupa Health's WebsiteRupa Health on LinkedInRupa Health on InstagramRupa Health on Tik TokRupa Health on YouTubeRupa Health Reference GuideRupa Health MagazineDr. Kate Kresge’s WebsiteDr. Kate Kresge on LinkedInDr. Kate Kresge on PodcastDr. Kate Kresge on InstagramDr. Kate Kresge on TwitterDr. Kate Kresge on YoutubeTimestamps02:12 - Testosterone misconceptions, symptoms, and tests12:14 - Redefining fertility treatment and sperm analysis16:14 - Fertility and chemical exposure19:32 - Chemical detox approaches20:32 - Detox diets debunked22:01 - Unlocking herbal secrets30:49 - The power of nutrition and lifestyle changes37:01 - Exploring the frontier of gastrointestinal health41:33 - Diets and natural healing for leaky gut46:34 - The missing component in the conversation about mens health58:12 - Empowering your health journey

In this episode of the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge welcomes back Dr. Cheryl Burdette—naturopathic physician, educator, and founder of Precision Point Diagnostics—for a deep dive into one of the most evidence-backed biomarker bundles in functional medicine: the Gut, Oxidation & Stress panel.Dr. Burdette explains how ten underutilized but highly predictive biomarkers—including anti-LPS antibodies, zonulin, 8OHdG, F2-isoprostanes, glutathione, and more—can give clinicians a full-body snapshot of inflammation, leaky gut, immune dysregulation, and oxidative stress. She discusses how each marker ties into chronic conditions from cardiovascular disease to autoimmunity to neuroinflammation—and exactly how to intervene when these labs are out of range.This is a must-listen masterclass for any practitioner working with chronic illness, mystery symptoms, or “normal” labs that don’t tell the whole story.You’ll Hear Them Discuss:Why LPS antibodies are one of the most predictive markers in medicine todayHow oxidative stress contributes to cardiovascular disease, autoimmunity, and brain fogWhat 8OHdG, zonulin, secretory IgA, and glutathione tell us about barrier integrityThe surprising links between gut dysfunction and GLP-1, mood, and immune balanceCase studies showing biomarker-guided interventions that workedHow to boost glutathione (and what forms work best)When to re-test and what lab shifts to look forAdvanced testing for food sensitivity: IgG subclasses, complement, and tolerance vs. reactivityNatural GLP-1 agonists, bitters, fiber, and bile as part of metabolic healingGuest BioDr. Cheryl Burdette, ND is a licensed naturopathic doctor, educator, and founder of Precision Point Diagnostics. She also serves as the Director of Education at Progressive Medical Center in Atlanta, GA, and teaches extensively through Rupa Health, Fullscript, and Origins Incubator. A leading authority in integrative immunology, oxidative stress, gut health, and functional diagnostics, Dr. Burdette is especially known for developing innovative testing strategies that link root causes to chronic conditions.Her mission: make testing clinically useful, evidence-backed, and accessible—so practitioners can treat smarter and patients can heal faster.Guest DetailsDr. Cheryl Burdette, NDClinic: Progressive Medical Center, Atlanta, GALab: Precision Point DiagnosticsEducational Program: Origins IncubatorCourse Mentioned: “Food Sensitivities, Gut Health & Detoxification: A Functional Medicine Approach” (Rupa Health)Instagram/LinkedIn: (not widely active publicly)Rupa Health Details:Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeRupa Health Reference Guide & MagazineReferenced BiomarkersAnti-LPS antibodiesZonulinSecretory IgADiamine oxidase (DAO)8OHdG (8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine)F2-isoprostanesIgE food allergiesIgG and subclassesIgA antibodiesComplement Upcoming Course with Dr. Cheryl BurdetteCourse Title: Food Sensitivities, Gut Health & Detoxification: A Functional ApproachWhere: Rupa University Instructor: Dr. Cheryl Burdette, co-founder of Precision Point Diagnostics What You’ll Learn:How to identify inflammatory triggersThe role of gut permeability and detoxification markersDeep dives into the P88-DIY and Gut-Ox testsClinically useful strategies for dietary antigen testingSign up here: Rupa University BootcampTimestamps00:00 – Welcome back Dr. Cheryl Burdette02:22 – Why oxidative stress and immune dysregulation need testing05:30 – The origin of the Gut-Oxidation-Stress biomarker bundle13:56 – Anti-LPS antibodies: why they matter, how they’re measured, how to treat20:56 – What elevated zonulin tells us and how immunoglobulins help26:01 – Secretory IgA and the gut-immune interface30:44 – 8OHdG: the ultimate marker for DNA damage and detox load33:51 – What causes high 8OHdG and what it means for mitochondria34:48 – Glutathione explained: why it matters and how to raise it41:06 – Retesting: when to run this panel again41:53 – F2-isoprostanes and lipid-based oxidative stress44:11 – High F2iPs can block hormones, omega-3s, and healing45:37 – Diet and supplement strategies for lowering lipid oxidation48:57 – Food sensitivity testing: IgG subclasses, complement, and beyond52:58 – The role of bile acids and GLP-1 in detox and metabolic healing56:30 – Natural GLP-1 agonists: bitters, berberine, glutamine, B vitamins58:25 – Where to find Dr. Burdette and learn more01:06:29 – Rapid fire: most predictive marker, non-medical dream job, and more

In this episode of the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge is joined by Dr. Jessica Christie, a licensed naturopathic doctor, clinical nutritionist, and integrative fertility expert, to discuss a diagnosis that frustrates both patients and practitioners: unexplained infertility.Dr. Christie explains that “unexplained” can sometimes mean “we haven’t found the root cause yet,” and she walks us through six of the most common hidden causes of fertility struggles—from subclinical hypothyroidism and nutrient deficiencies to autoimmune markers and environmental toxin exposure.Whether you’re a patient searching for answers or a practitioner looking for a more complete workup, this conversation offers evidence-based strategies, powerful case examples, and a hopeful message: unexplained doesn’t mean unsolvable.You’ll hear them discuss:- Why “unexplained infertility” is a diagnosis of exclusion—and what it often misses (Abdallah et al., 2020)- Six common, often-overlooked root-cause contributors to fertility struggles- How research links subclinical hypothyroidism with IVF success rates (Cho et al., 2015)- The immune markers linked to miscarriage and implantation failure (Demir et al., 2009; Shahbazi et al., 2019; Sauer et al., 2010; Jalilvand et al., 2023; Edassery et al., 2010)- Why gut and vaginal dysbiosis matter for egg quality and implantation (Patel et al., 2022; Tersigni et al., 2014; Blancafort & Llácer, 2023)- The micronutrients most essential for fertility—and most commonly deficient (Skoracka et al., 2021; Ji et al., 2023)- How to approach detoxing safely when trying to conceive (Jain & Singh, 2022; Pizzorno, 2017; NCCIH, 2019)- Real patient stories that show what’s possible with root-cause medicineGuest Details:Website: magnoliaintegrativefertility.comEmail: info@magnoliaintegrativefertility.comInstagram: @trulyholisticfertilityClinical Director, Magnolia Integrative FertilityMagazine Manager, Fullscript and Rupa HealthSpecialties: Fertility, hormone balance, autoimmune conditions, nutrition, women’s healthRupa Health Details:Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeRupa Health Reference Guide & MagazineLabs MentionedTSHOvarian antibodiesCRPVitamin DSeleniumStool testing for dysbiosisVaginal swab for BVUrine panel for environmental toxinsFunctional hormone panels (blood, urine, or month-long testing)Timestamps00:00 – Welcome and introduction to Dr. Jessica Christie03:05 – What “unexplained infertility” really means06:36 – Six hidden contributors of infertility: thyroid, autoimmunity, inflammation, dysbiosis, nutrient deficiencies, toxins12:24 – Subclinical hypothyroidism: labs, ranges, fertility outcomes17:35 – Autoimmune markers and how they can affect implantation and miscarriage risk23:15 – IL-6 and chronic inflammation in infertility25:33 – Gut and vaginal dysbiosis and how it’s tested29:27 – Top nutrient deficiencies to test and replete34:28 – Environmental toxins: where they come from and how to reduce them41:04 – Ideal lab panel for investigating unexplained infertility44:31 – Safe detox strategies while trying to conceive47:53 – Probiotics, fiber, and supporting the body’s natural detox pathways51:03 – Rapid fire: favorite supplements, myths, labs, and research picks

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we're gonna go over what to do when your kid gets sick, including what to do, what not to do, and how you can address the top 25 acute childhood concerns using an integrative approach with Dr. Elisa Song. You’ll hear us discuss:Integrative approaches to pediatric healthPost-antibiotic recovery for your kidsEngaging your vagus nerve to enhance your healthBreathing exercises for childrenHomeopathy and natural remedies for children's healthDr. Elisa Song is a holistic pediatrician and pediatric functional medicine expert who has helped over 1,000 children thrive by combining conventional pediatrics with functional medicine, homeopathy, essential oils, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She is the Founder of Healthy Kids Happy Kids, a trusted online resource for holistic pediatric advice. Dr. Song is also the Founder and Holistic Pediatrician at Whole Family Wellness. Her new book, Healthy Kids, Happy Kids: An Integrative Pediatrician’s Guide to Whole Child Resilience, offers practical insights on how to nurture resilient children.Labs MentionedIgE-MediatedIgG AntibodiesEnvironmental AllergiesGuest Details:Dr. Elisa Song’s Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube, TikTokHealthy Kids, Happy Kids BookWhole Family Wellness WebsiteCEDH USA WebsiteRupa Health Details:Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeRupa Health Reference Guide & MagazineDr. Kate Kresge’s Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube & TwitterDr. Kate Kresge on PodcastTimestamps00:00 - Intro02:43 - Post-Antibiotic Recovery for Your Kids08:34 - How One Conference Led Dr. Song to Transform Pediatric Medicine15:17 - Engaging Your Vagus Nerve to Enhance Your Health25:22 - Natural Remedies for Your Child's Ear Infection31:41 - The Link Between Childhood Diseases and Enlarged Tonsils37:58 - Natural Allergy Tips42:50 - Restore Your Health at Any Age

In this episode of the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with Dr. Eric Viegas, a naturopathic doctor and Fullscript’s Medical Product Manager, to pull back the curtain on the world of supplement quality and safety.From raw ingredient sourcing to manufacturing audits, Dr. Viegas explains what CGMP really means, how Fullscript ensures product integrity, and why certifications like NSF and third-party testing matter. You’ll learn how to evaluate your supplements for quality, what common industry terms really mean (or don’t), and what to avoid—like potentially dangerous sports nutrition products and under-tested trendy gummies.Whether you’re a clinician or a supplement-savvy consumer, this episode offers practical insights to help you navigate the supplement landscape with confidence.You’ll hear them discuss:What CGMP certification actually means—and why it mattersThe hidden dangers of poor manufacturing practices and counterfeit productsWhy Fullscript’s catalog is CGMP-certified across all 375+ brandsHow and why supplements like turmeric are tested for purity, potency, and contaminationThe surprising problems with gummies and “pharmaceutical grade” claimsWhich third-party certifications actually mean something (and which don’t)Why the supplement industry is regulated—but not in the way most people assumeHow Fullscript handles recalls, audits, and adverse event reportsWhat every provider and consumer should know before recommending or taking a supplementGuest Bio:Dr. Eric Viegas is a naturopathic doctor and a Medical Product Manager at Fullscript, where he leads initiatives related to supplement quality, safety, and education. Before joining Fullscript, he worked directly with supplement companies to educate providers about clinical applications, product quality, and manufacturing standards. At Fullscript, Dr. Viegas plays a pivotal role in vetting brands, reviewing third-party certifications, and educating practitioners on how to choose safe and effective supplements. His work ensures that thousands of clinicians and their patients have access to a curated catalog of rigorously vetted products.Guest Details:Dr. Eric ViegasRole: Medical Product Manager, FullscriptEducation: Naturopathic Doctor (ND), Canadian College of Naturopathic MedicineFocus: Supplement quality, functional ingredients, CGMP standards, third-party testingWebsite: www.fullscript.comQuality Program: Fullscript Quality StandardsRupa Health Details:Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeRupa Health Reference Guide & MagazineLabs MentionedCGMPNSF and NSF Certified for SportInformed Sport / Informed ChoiceB CorpFriend of the Sea (fish oil)USP methods (United States Pharmacopeia)Prop 65 (California heavy metal limits)Botanical Adulterants Prevention ProgramMicrobial, heavy metal, and pesticide testingTimestamps00:00 – Meet Dr. Eric Viegas and his path to Fullscript02:05 – Why supplement quality matters more than you think05:10 – What CGMP means and why third-party audits matter08:23 – Fullscript’s vetting process and catalog standards13:50 – The turmeric example: testing for identity, potency, and purity18:03 – Stability testing and why overages are sometimes added19:10 – The issue with gummies and water-based supplements22:04 – Clinical safety vs. manufacturing safety24:48 – Contaminants in supplements: what providers should know30:02 – Making it easier to find high-quality products in a big catalog32:30 – Vegan, organic, non-GMO, and sustainability filters34:06 – Friend of the Sea and oxidation testing for fish oils36:11 – Rapid fire: fish oil, collagen hype, and what "pharmaceutical grade" really means43:03 – Should a good diet make supplements unnecessary?46:24 – Final rule of thumb: see your provider and check for CGMP

In this episode of the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with functional immunology expert and educator Dr. Samuel Yanuck to explore one of the most overlooked systems in chronic illness: the immune system.With clarity and compassion, Dr. Yanuck breaks down how immune dysregulation can contribute to complex conditions like depression, neuropathy, migraines, chronic fatigue, and even cardiovascular disease. From brain inflammation and mast cell activation to Epstein-Barr virus and mold, Dr. Yanuck offers a new way of thinking about biology—where inflammation isn’t just a symptom, but a system that can be measured, understood, and treated.You’ll here them discuss:Why immunology could be at the root of nearly every chronic illnessThe immune pathways that connect depression, anxiety, brain fog, and fatigueWhat PANS, PANDAS, and autoimmune encephalitis really are—and why they’re often misdiagnosedHow gut, brain, and immune health form a feedback loopThe labs you should run if you suspect chronic immune dysfunctionA framework for evaluating chronic viral infections like EBV and CMVNatural immune modulators: Chinese skullcap, astragalus, quercetin, sulforaphane, and moreWhy personalized immune workups—not protocols—create resultsGuest Bio:Dr. Samuel Yanuck is a functional medicine clinician and expert educator in functional immunology. He is the creator of Cogence Immunology, a comprehensive online training program that has educated over 9,000 clinicians in over 60 countries. His approach blends immunology, clinical experience, and systems thinking to help providers and patients uncover the true drivers of chronic illness. Dr. Yanuck is also the co-founder of the Yanuck Center for Life and Health in North Carolina, where he sees patients and helps clinicians find root-cause solutions to immune dysfunction through mentorship and collaboration. His work is helping reshape how the next generation of practitioners understand inflammation, autoimmunity, and healing.Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guideGuest Details:Dr. Samuel YanuckClinic Website: www.yanuckcenter.comAcademy: www.cogenceimmunology.comLocation: Chapel Hill, North CarolinaClinician Training Program: Cogence Immunology (Free with sponsorship)Specialties: Functional immunology, complex chronic illness, autoimmune encephalitis, PANS/PANDAS, neuroimmune interactionsRupa Health Details:Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeRupa Health Reference Guide & MagazineLabs MentionedCBC with differentialFerritinMyeloperoxidaseEBV panel (VCA IgG, EBNA, Early Antigen)Thyroid panel with antibodiesFood sensitivity testingMold antibodiesVIP (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide)Genetic testing for IL-6Sleep tracking (e.g., Oura Ring)Timestamps00:00 – Meet Dr. Sam Yanuck and how functional immunology became his life’s work01:52 – Case studies: reversing sarcoidosis and managing cancer with immune modulation04:16 – Immunology in every case: from neuropathy to chronic fatigue07:33 – What’s missing in traditional medical education11:08 – How to catch immune dysfunction before it's too late20:18 – What functional immunology reveals when the "right thing" didn’t work21:13 – Understanding PANS, PANDAS, and autoimmune encephalitis27:37 – How depression, anxiety, and inflammation feed each other34:16 – Why casting a wide net with labs matters for root cause medicine36:00 – The labs you’re probably not running (but should)41:16 – The role of genetics, IL-6, IL-4, histamine, and acetylcholine47:21 – How to begin testing for inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune loops55:36 – Chronic viral infections (EBV, CMV, HSV) and how to screen for them59:15 – Understanding IgG patterns and EBV early antigen01:06:12 – What to do about viral burden: nutrition, herbs, and TH1 support01:09:39 – Histamine intolerance, aldehydes, and mast cell overwhelm01:11:49 – How to think like a clinician: iterate, evaluate, evolve01:12:46 – Where to find Dr. Yanuck and how to access Cogence Immunology