
The Root Cause Medicine Podcast
In each episode, we’ll meet renowned medical experts, specialists and pioneers who’ve influenced the way certain conditions and diseases are understood and treated. We focus on giving you the information you need to understand the root cause, symptoms and treatments available for specific medical conditions.
Latest episodes

Feb 13, 2025 • 56min
The Science of Brain Health and How to Protect it with Dr. Austin Perlmutter: Episode Rerun
In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we explore the often-overlooked importance of brain health and how it directly impacts our quality of life with Dr. Austin Perlmutter. You’ll hear us discuss:Brain inflammationBrain-related conditions in womenDetoxification and brain healthLifestyle choices supporting brain healthSupplements for brain healthDr. Austin Perlmutter is a board-certified internal medicine physician, a New York Times bestselling author, and a published researcher. He is also a health investor and international educator dedicated to helping people improve their health by addressing the biological roots of "stuckness" in the brain and body. Currently, Dr. Perlmutter serves as the executive director and research lead at Big Bold Health.Labs MentionedComputed tomography (CT)Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)Positron emission tomography (PET) scanSpinal tapHemoglobin A1c testingQuinolinic acid testingKynurenic acid (KYNA) testingC-reactive protein testingTumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)Interleukin 6 testingGuest Details:Dr. Austin Perlmutter’s Website, LinkedIn, YouTubeDr. Austin Perlmutter’s BooksBig Bold Health WebsiteGet The STUCK Out PodcastFollow Rupa Health! 👇Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeRupa Health Reference Guide & Magazine

Feb 11, 2025 • 44min
How to Calm Your Nervous System for Better Health with Dr. Cathleen King
In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Carrie Jones sits down with Dr. Cathleen King to explore how supporting nervous system health may play a role in overall well-being, stress management, and resilience. You'll hear us discuss:Why the nervous system plays a key role in overall functionHow trauma and stress may contribute to physical symptomsThe connection between nervous system regulation and overall well-beingSteps that may support nervous system balance and resilienceHow breath work and vagal tone can influence relaxation and stress responseDr. Cathleen King is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a qualified Neuroplasticity Educator who has personally navigated the challenges of complex trauma and illness. As the founder of Primal Trust, she developed a unique approach that combines top-down brain retraining with bottom-up somatic and vagus nerve support. Featured in The Inside Effects documentary as a thought leader in mind-body wellness, Dr. King has guided thousands of clients and health professionals in techniques to support brain function and nervous system regulation.Guest Details:Dr. Cathleen King's LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTubePrimal Trust’s WebsiteNervous System Dysregulation QuizRupa Health Details:Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeRupa Health Reference Guide & MagazineDr. Carrie Jones Website, Instagram, Facebook & TikTokTimestamps03:41 - What Sets Off Your Nervous System05:15 - Understanding Your Body’s Command Center07:06 - Why You Can't Rest and Fight at the Same Time13:04 - How Chronic Illness and Trauma May Be Connected18:10 - Scientific Insights into Nervous System Regulation21:16 - The Role of the Vagus Nerve in Supporting Health24:57 - How Different Breathing Practices May Affect Your Nervous System29:40 - Brain Retraining: What It Is and How It Works35:34 - The Right Time to Incorporate Somatic Practices38:56 - Inside the Primal Trust Program41:16 - Simple Steps to Start Your Path to Better Well-being42:32 - Where to find Dr. Cathleen King

Feb 6, 2025 • 57min
Dr. Anthony Youn's Natural Skin Health Approaches for a Youthful Look with Dr. Anthony Youn: Episode Rerun
In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we explore holistic approaches to aging and improving skin health without invasive procedures with Dr. Anthony Youn. You’ll hear us discuss:How to enhance skin health and appearance naturallyThe role of nutrition and supplements in agingAchieving youthful skin without invasive proceduresThe 21-Day NEW YOU Jumpstart program for healthy agingDr. Youn's skincare routine for youthful skinWith his unique ability to approach beauty, Dr. Anthony Youn is known as America's Holistic Plastic Surgeon®. He is a board-certified and nationally recognized plastic surgeon and the most followed in his field on social media, with over 5 million YouTube subscribers and 8 million TikTok followers. Recognized as a leader in his field, he is the author of several best-selling books, including the newly released "Younger for Life."Procedures MentionedRed light therapyMicro needlingChemical peelsIntense Pulsed Light (IPL)Guest Details:Dr. Anthony Youn’s Website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X, ShowDr. Anthony Youn’s BooksYoun Beauty WebsiteThe 21-Day NEW YOU Jumpstart ProgramFollow Rupa Health! 👇Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeRupa Health Reference Guide & Magazine

Feb 4, 2025 • 52min
GLP-1s and SPMs: Advances in Personalized Nutrition with Ashley Koff
In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with Ashley Koff, RD, CEO and Founder of The Better Nutrition Program, to explore the role of GLP-1 receptor agonists and specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) in health and wellness. You'll hear them discuss:How GLP-1 receptor agonists may support metabolic health when used under the guidance of a healthcare provider.The role of SPMs in supporting the body's natural inflammatory response and recovery processes.The connection between nutrition and mental well-being.How personalized nutrition considers individual needs, preferences, and health factors.Ashley is a registered dietitian with over 25 years of experience in personalized nutrition. She is known for her evidence-based approach to nutrition and has been recognized as one of CNN’s Top 100 Health Makers."Considering lab testing? Rupa Health provides access to functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before ordering tests to determine what is appropriate for your individual needs. https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guideLabs MentionedGenetic TestsMicronutrient PanelDigestive EvaluationsGuest Details:Ashley Koff's Website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, BooksRupa Health Details:Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeRupa Health Reference Guide & MagazineDr. Kate Kresge’s Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube & TwitterDr. Kate Kresge on PodcastTimestamps02:38 - Why GLP-1s Are Transforming Whole-Person Care in Nutrition12:07 - Optimizing the Metabolic Switch23:43 - Food Noise, Biochemistry, and the Role of Medications40:03 - The Power of SPMs48:33 - Practical Applications of SPMs in Practice51:09 - Where to Find Ashley Koff

Jan 30, 2025 • 43min
Autoimmune Diseases: Trauma, Gut Health, and Psychedelic Therapies with Dr. Sara Szal Gottfried: Episode Rerun
In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we dive into autoimmune diseases with Dr. Sara Szal Gottfried based on her new book, The Autoimmune Cure. You’ll hear us discuss:The root causes of autoimmune diseaseHow trauma acts as a trigger for autoimmune diseasesLeaky gut and autoimmune diseasesPsychedelic medicine for treating autoimmune diseasesThe gut-immune system connection in autoimmune diseasesHer newest book, The Autoimmune CureDr. Sara is a Harvard-trained medical doctor with over 25 years of experience, a distinguished scientist, and a dedicated researcher. Known for her role in bridging connections in the medical field, she is both a scholar and a seeker of knowledge. Dr. Sara has authored four New York Times bestselling books, including "The Autoimmune Cure." Her mission is to transform healthcare into a more personalized approach, highlighting telehealth services for executives, elite athletes, and VIPs. Additionally, she serves as the Director of Precision Medicine at the Marcus Institute of Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals.Labs MentionedAutoimmune panelGenetic testingBlood testingAntinuclear Antibody (ANA) testRheumatoid Factor (RF) testCortisol testIntestinal permeability testLymphocyte MAPDHEA levels testingGuest Details:Dr. Sara Szal Gottfried’s Website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTokDr. Sara Szal Gottfried’s BooksThe Autoimmune Cure BookThomas Jefferson University Hospitals WebsiteDiscover Your ACE ScoreFollow Rupa Health! 👇Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeRupa Health Reference Guide & Magazine

Jan 28, 2025 • 44min
Navigating Autoimmune Health: How Small Lifestyle Changes May Support Your Well-Being with Dr. Elroy Vojdani
In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Carrie Jones sits down with Dr. Elroy Vojdani, an expert in autoimmune diseases and author of the book “When Food Bites Back,” to dive deep into the rising prevalence of autoimmune conditions and how lifestyle factors like diet, sleep, and stress management may play a role in supporting overall immune health. You'll hear them discuss:The alarming increase in autoimmune diseases over the past two decadesCommon autoimmune diseasesEnvironmental triggers of autoimmunityLab tests for autoimmune diseaseThe importance of diet, sleep, movement, and stress management in addressing autoimmune conditionsWith a rich background in both scientific research and traditional medicine, Dr. Elroy has dedicated his career to understanding the complexities of autoimmunity, particularly the environmental and genetic factors that contribute to its rise. Dr. Elroy uses his medical training and knowledge, along with state-of-the-art lab testing and scientifically proven methods, to accurately diagnose and develop personalized wellness strategies based on lab testing and functional medicine principles to support overall health and well-being.Labs MentionedAutoimmune ScreeningAnti-Nuclear Antibodies (ANA)Double-Stranded DNA (dsDNA)Rheumatoid FactorMyelin Basic Protein (MBP)Zonulin AntibodyLipopolysaccharide AntibodyFood Immune Reactivity TestingPathogen ScreeningStool TestHormone TestingGuest Details:Dr. Elroy Vojdani’s LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube, X, BooksRegenera Medical WebsiteRupa Health Details:Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeRupa Health Reference Guide & MagazineDr. Carrie Jones Website, Instagram, Facebook & TikTokTimestamps03:42 - What Is Autoimmune Disease?07:37 - Understanding the Stages of Autoimmune Disease10:30 - Environmental Triggers and Reverse Engineering Autoimmunity14:16 - Common Food Triggers19:46 - Pathogens and Autoimmunity24:48 - Chemicals and Leaky Gut29:56 - Foundational Health for Autoimmune Management34:29 - Lab Tests for Autoimmune Disease39:29 - Hormones and Autoimmunity in Men and Women41:00 - Emotional Stress and Autoimmunity43:14 - Where Can You Find Dr. Elroy Vojdani?

Jan 23, 2025 • 33min
How Oxytocin Impacts Health, Hormones, Relationships, and Well-Being with Dr. Anna Cabeca: Episode Rerun
In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we explore the importance of oxytocin in maintaining healthy relationships, connection, and overall well-being with Dr. Anna Cabeca. You’ll hear us discuss:Why oxytocin is called the hormone of love and connectionThe benefits of oxytocin supplementationForms and dosages for prescribed oxytocinHow to boost oxytocin naturallyWith over 30 years of experience and 3 board certifications, Dr. Anna, aka The Girlfriend Doctor, expertly combines the latest in quantum science with her intuitive understanding to specialize in hormones and menopause, sexual health, and functional medicine. She has positively impacted the lives of over 10,000 women in her private practice, not to mention the millions she has reached through her books, online videos, and articles. Dr. Anna is the acclaimed author of the USA Today bestsellers "The Hormone Fix" and "MenuPause."Labs MentionedFresh frozen plasma blood testUrine oxytocin testGuest Details:Dr. Anna Cabeca’s Website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTubeDr. Anna Cabeca’s BooksDr. Anna Cabeca’s Oxytocin QuizThe Girlfriend Doctor on LinkedIn, Podcast, ClubFollow Rupa Health! 👇Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeRupa Health Reference Guide & Magazine

Jan 21, 2025 • 55min
Could Cutting Back on Alcohol Support a Longer Life? With Dr. Michal Waldfogel
In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with Dr. Michal Waldfogel, a Philadelphia-based Naturopathic Doctor specializing in Root Cause Mental Health Care, to explore the recent classification of alcohol as a carcinogen. You'll hear them discuss:How alcohol may be affecting your healthHealthier ways to relax without relying on alcoholThe importance of finding supportive communities that encourage healthier habitsDr. Michal Waldfogel is a licensed naturopathic doctor who brings two decades of experience in education, facilitation, and community-building to her work in healthcare. With a rich background in both clinical practice and group facilitation, Dr. Michal shares a unique perspective on alcohol and its health implications.Order tests through Rupa Health, a resource for functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs. Speak with your healthcare provider to determine which tests may be most appropriate for you - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guideLabs MentionedHemoglobin A1cFasting Glucose and InsulinLiver Enzymes PanelGamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)Nutrient AssessmentsComprehensive Stool TestingCortisol TestingHormone TestingGuest Details:Dr. Michal Waldfogel's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeCase Study: Overcoming Fatigue, Low Mood, and Subclinical Hypothyroidism – A Functional Medicine ApproachBeyond Dry January - How to Help Patients Reduce or Eliminate Alcohol ConsumptionRupa Health Details:Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeRupa Health Reference Guide & MagazineDr. Kate Kresge’s Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Youtube & TwitterDr. Kate Kresge on PodcastTimestamps01:26 - Alcohol and Its Link to Cancer04:48 - Acetaldehyde and Alcohol’s Impact on DNA06:04 - Understanding Alcohol’s Impact on Health Risks11:34 - Alternatives to Alcohol for Relaxation13:33 - Why You're Anxious Without Alcohol17:17 - Yoga, Meditation, and the Secret to Better Self-Control21:28 - Rethinking Social Rituals Around Alcohol25:55 - Strengthening the Vagus Nerve30:21 - Dealing with Social Pressure and Finding Sober-Friendly Activities39:52 - Alcohol Cravings During Perimenopause43:47 - Labs and Biomarkers for Personalized Care50:49 - Where to Find Dr. Michal Waldfogel

Jan 16, 2025 • 42min
Perimenopause and Menopause Symptoms: Unraveling the Chaos with Andrea Donsky: Episode Rerun
In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we discuss all perimenopause and menopause with Andrea Donsky. You’ll hear us explore:Top 10 symptoms of perimenopause and menopauseOptimizing nutrition and gut health during perimenopause and menopausePersonalized approaches to weight loss during menopauseThe role of fiber and prebiotics in managing menopause symptomsNutrition, hydration, sleep, and stress management during perimenopause and menopauseAndrea is an acclaimed health expert, nutritionist, and author with multiple awards to her name. She specializes in menopause education and research and has written three bestselling books, including "Unjunk Your Junk Food." As the host of the weekly podcast "Menopause Reimagined," Andrea offers fresh insights into menopause management. She also leads New Hope Network's "Soapbox Series" and the Nutrition Business Journal's "Leader's Digest," sharing her knowledge with a wider audience. Andrea is also the founder of Naturally Savvy and Morphus.Labs Mentioned:Cortisol testingThyroid function testsVitamin D levelsB12 levelsFerritin levelsLiver enzymesHemoglobin A1CFasting glucoseFasting insulinGuest Details:Andrea Donsky on TikTokMorphus on InstagramMorphus WebsiteFollow Rupa Health! 👇Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeRupa Health Reference Guide & Magazine

Jan 14, 2025 • 43min
Osteoporosis: Your Options Beyond Medications
In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Carrie Jones sits down with Dr. Doug Lucas, CEO and Founder of Optimal Bone Health, to discuss groundbreaking approaches to reversing osteoporosis naturally. You'll hear them discuss:How to properly test and interpret bone health markersWhy traditional bone density scans aren't enoughThe crucial role of hormones in bone healthWhy medications shouldn't be your first optionThe truth about reversing osteoporosis naturallyDr. Lucas is a double board certified physician specializing in Osteoporosis Reversal and founder of Optimal Human Health MD. After nearly a decade in orthopedic surgery, he gained fellowship training and board certification in antiaging and regenerative medicine. Through his nationwide telehealth practice and popular YouTube channel "The Doctor Doug Show," he helps patients reverse osteoporosis naturally using comprehensive, evidence-based approaches.Labs MentionedDXA ScanREMS UltrasoundCTX (C-telopeptide)P1NP (Procollagen Type 1 N-Terminal Propeptide)FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)Estradiol TestingComprehensive Hormone PanelGuest Details:Dr. Doug Lucas' LinkedIn, YouTubeOptimal Human Health MD Website February Osteoporosis Retreat RegistrationRupa Health Details:Rupa Health's Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTubeRupa Health Reference Guide & MagazineDr. Carrie Jones Website, Instagram, Facebook & TikTokTimestamps03:09 - Is It Possible to Reverse Osteoporosis?04:05 - The Journey to Bone Loss05:58 - Understanding Bone Testing Methods10:28 - Decoding T-Scores and Z-Scores13:38 - Bone Turnover Markers Explained21:37 - Dr. Lucas' Approach to Reversing Osteoporosis26:20 - The Role of Hormone Therapy33:07 - Cycling Progesterone Post-Menopause36:14 - Understanding Bone Medications40:15 - Where to Find Dr. Lucas