FX Medicine Podcast Central

Dr Brad Leech, Clinical Nutritionist and Herbalist joins fx Medicine by Bioceuticals ambassador Lisa Costa-Bir to unpack the intricacies of autoimmunity and the connection to the gut microbiome. Brad shares a wealth of clinical pearls for practitioners with autoimmune patients by unpacking the clinical relevance and meaning of functional gut testing markers as he examines how practitioners can use testing as a tool to identify inflammatory risk factors associated with autoimmunity and individualise treatment protocols for patients using diet, lifestyle, and supplemental support. Brad describes the clinical significance of establishing balance and healthy diversity within the gut using food as medicine, rather than focusing on elimination. Together, they also explore lifestyle factors that impact the gut microbiome, and how managing stress and using targeted supplementation to achieve a balanced gut microbiome can contribute to lowering autoimmunity risk factors in our patients. COVERED IN THIS EPISODE (01:03) Welcoming Dr Brad Leech (02:38) The link between autoimmunity and the gut and modifiable risk factors (08:13) Arachidonic acid (10:57) Autoimmunity and gut dybiosis (25:46) Pathobionts (27:43) Gut markers for investigations in microbiome testing (34:39) Butyurate and the microbiome (39:19) Hydrogen sulphide (42:23) Gut testing (53:40) Saccharomyces boulardii (57:42) Other probiotic strains (1:00:59) Lifestyle strategies (1:06:06) Metagenomic testing (1:08:56) Thanking Dr Leech and closing remarks Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/autoimmunity-and-the-key-role-of-the-gut-microbiome Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: www.bioceuticals.com.au/signup/ DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.

In this episode of podcast, Dr Michelle Woolhouse is joined by integrative GP Dr Nic Giummarra to explore the evolving science and clinical application of medicinal cannabis in Australia. From cannabinoid pharmacology and terpene profiles to chemovars and prescribing strategies, Dr Giummarra offers deep insights into how cannabis-based medicines can support patients with chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, and insomnia. He explains the distinct roles of phytocannabinoids cannabinol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), how medicinal cannabis influences sleep, neuroplasticity and emotional regulation, and why the endocannabinoid system is so crucial - yet often overlooked - in conventional care. Dr Giummarra also unpacks the risks of closed-loop prescribing models and "tick-box" clinics, calling for more ethical, patient-centred approaches grounded in evidence, education and practitioner discernment. This is essential listening for healthcare professionals looking to engage with medicinal cannabis safely, effectively, and responsibly in clinical practice. Covered in this episode: (01:02) Welcome Nic Guimmarra (02:56) History of marijuana (07:36) The innate cannabinoid system (10:17) Key chemicals (13:35) Approved conditions for use (18:19) Neuroplastic changes (25:15) Latest research (30:33) Accessibility options (38:00) How is it best used? (47:32) Side effects and interactions (51:41) Driving and workplace safety rules (57:57) Future of medicinal cannabis (1:04:24) Final remarks Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/medicinal-cannabis-integrating-science-saftey-and-balance Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: www.bioceuticals.com.au/signup/ FX DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.

Dr Kristin Neff is a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research and a passionate advocate for the inclusion of self-compassion for healthcare practitioners to both ensure optimal care for our patients while avoiding burnout. Kristin shares her definition of self-compassion, how it differs from self-esteem, her key findings around this important topic, and how we as healthcare practitioners can easily implement self-compassion into our own lives, and advocate for it with our patients. This podcast is a must listen for healthcare professionals and patients alike, who are looking to increase their patient care, resilience, reduce anxiety and stress, and adopt powerful lifestyle habits to increase self-compassion and love. COVERED IN THIS EPISODE (01:00) Welcoming Dr Kristin Neff (02:41) Kristin’s definition of compassion (13:16) Shame and its purpose (15:34) The difference between self compassion and self esteem (20:11) Self compassion as a powerful coping mechanism (24:24) Self protective mechanisms (28:03) The neurobiology of self compassion (35:21) The yin and yang of self compassion (42:42) Bringing self compassion into our clinical practice and for ourselves (47:42) Thanking Kristin and final remarks Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/the-importance-of-self-compassion Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: www.bioceuticals.com.au/signup/ DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.

In this compelling episode, Dr Michelle Woolhouse speaks with Dr Jill Bolte Taylor, a Harvard-trained neuroanatomist whose left-brain stroke led to a profound journey of recovery, discovery, and transformation. Sharing insights from her bestselling book Whole Brain Living, Jill describes her eight-year path to rebuilding brain function one circuit at a time - revealing the distinct roles and personalities of the brain’s four key “characters.” Listeners will explore how the left and right hemispheres process experience, memory, identity, and emotion in dramatically different ways, and how this understanding can guide emotional resilience and mental wellbeing. With practical insights like “the 90-second rule”, “the brain huddle,” and the role of sleep in healing, this episode offers a deeply human yet scientifically grounded roadmap for self-awareness and recovery. An inspiring listen for healthcare practitioners, therapists, and anyone exploring the science of consciousness, emotion, and personal growth. Covered in this episode: (01:04) Welcome Dr Jill Bolte Taylor (04:50) The recovery journey (08:22) Left vs right brain (13:41) 4 characters of the brain (21:21) Life in the right brain (24:29) Relationship with emotions (30:19) The 90 second rule (40:50) The BRAIN huddle (48:35) Inner peace circulatory (51:30) Final remarks Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/inside-the-whole-brain Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: www.bioceuticals.com.au/signup/ FX DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.

Dr Sanjeev Sharma joins our ambassador, Dr Adrian Lopresti, for a discussion on supporting patients with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and the potential for stimulant and natural medicine to support these patients. Sanjeev shares with us the impact ADHD can have on the quality of life of an undiagnosed person with ADHD, in particular with academic studies and employment. With extensive experience in supporting ADHD patients, Sanjeev shares the challenges faced in obtaining a diagnosis, prescription medicines and the many opportunities a natural health practitioner has in supporting ADHD patients through integrative medicine, lifestyle, dietary and supplements while operating within their scope of practice. COVERED IN THIS EPISODE (00:58) Welcoming Dr Sanjeev Sharma (04:07) Adult ADHD diagnosis (06:28) Is hyperactivity required for a ADHD diagnosis? (17:15) Restrictions surrounding medications (21:27) Causes of ADHD (26:29) Lifestyle and environmental factors (36:38) Testing and dosing Vitamin D, DHEA and Omega 3 levels (40:22) Safely prescribing nutrients in conjunction with stimulant medication (50:08) Organic acid testing (53:20) Final remarks Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/adhd-an-integrative-approach-with-dr-adrian-lopresti-dr-sanjeev-sharma Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: www.bioceuticals.com.au/signup/ DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.

Dr. Diana Karamacoska, a cognitive neuroscientist and postdoctoral fellow, shares her groundbreaking research on brain health and dementia prevention. They discuss a clinical trial on a novel herbal formulation for vascular dementia. Diana highlights the crucial role of lifestyle factors, including diet and exercise, in maintaining cognitive function. She also emphasizes the promise of various nutrients and herbs, as well as innovative assessments like digital tools and blood biomarkers, to combat cognitive decline and improve memory.

Dr Austin Perlmutter, neurobiology, mood and decision-making expert, joins our ambassador Dr Adrian Lopresti as they explore the biological basis of “stuckness” in the mind and how the brain is influenced by inflammatory/immune triggers which results is certain behaviours and health outcomes. Together they discuss the relationship between sickness behaviour, neuroinflammation and their effect on the brain leading to our inherent tendency to return to “default”. Nature vs nurture is discussed where exposures from foetal development, childhood trauma and genetic influences can impact our mental and cognitive flexibility much later in life. Austin explains “disconnection syndrome” a modern conundrum where our brains tend to latch onto impulsive behaviours leading to cognitive decline. It’s not all doom and gloom as Austin and Adrian bring practical solutions to the table in the form of simple lifestyle adjustments that promotes behavioural change and reduce neuroinflammation. COVERED IN THIS EPISODE (00:55) Welcoming Dr Austin Perlmutter (01:42) Preventing chronic disease and reduced brain function (05:32) Sickness behaviour and the impacts of inflammation on the brain (08:48) How genetics and environment predispose us to increased risk of brain conditions (12:46) Does early life trauma increase our risk of developing mental health conditions? (15:28) The disconnection syndrome (18:57) Chronic stress induces brain atrophy (24:02) How inflammation impacts immunity (29:00) Connections between inflammation, impulsivity and decision making (35:07) Effects of inflammation on sleep and neuroplasticity (41:05) Food for brain health (48:34) Supplementation to improve brain function and reduce inflammation (51:24) Implementing lifestyle changes and resources for practitioners (56:00) Thanking Austin and final remarks Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/neuroinflammation-impacts-on-immunity-behaviour-brain-function-with-dr-adrian-lopresti-dr-austin-perlmutter Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: https://login.bioceuticals.com.au ***DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.***

In this episode , Lisa Costa-Bir is joined by leading naturopath, registered nutritionist and educator Rachel Arthur to unpack the complex landscape of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). Framing conditions like Hashimoto’s and Graves’ as systemic immune disorders - not just thyroid dysfunction - Rachel shares powerful clinical insights on diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management. With her trademark clarity and “catch cries” like “kill and spill,” Rachel breaks down the clinical significance of thyroid antibodies Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPO) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb), Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) as a “whip,” and the self-perpetuating nature of glandular damage. She also dives deep into evidence for antioxidants like glutathione, selenium and, CoQ10, as well as discussing the value of myo-inositol, magnesium, and vitamin D - and whether there is a role for iodine supplementation in AITD. This episode is a must-listen in integrative naturopathic care for AITD - balancing nutrient timing and dose with lifestyle and dietary interventions. Essential listening for practitioners managing immune-thyroid cases in clinic. Covered in this episode: (01:01) Welcome Rachel Arthur (02:14) Autoimmune and thyroid (05:24) Thyroid antibodies (12:30) Antibody levels and severity (16:29) Root causes of elevated antibodies (22:40) Selenium (32:10) Myo-inositol (36:36) Vitamin D (50:55) Iodine (1:02:38) Diets for autoimmunity (1:09:53) Final thoughts Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/revolutionary-insights-autoimmune-thyroid-disease Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: https://login.bioceuticals.com.au ***DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.***

Naturopath Beth O’Hara shares her experience of 20 years with MCAS, most of those years undiagnosed, which has fuelled her interest to become an expert in MCAS. Dr Michelle Woolhouse delves into Beth’s health journey with MCAS and Beth generously shares her clinical pearls on the atypical presentations of MCAS, the relationship of mast cells and the nervous system, genetic variants (SNPs) predisposing someone to MCAS along with treatment options that range from micro dosing supplements, neuroimmunology, limbic system balancing and vagal nerve stimulation. COVERED IN THIS EPISODE (01:29) Welcoming Beth O’Hara (02:31) What is MCAS (05:51) Signs and symptoms of MCAS: piecing together the big picture (12:23) Beth’s personal struggles with MCAS (17:35) How Beth rebuilt her health (19:57) Stabilising the nervous system (25:53) The importance of safety during the healing journey (30:23) Genetics and testing for SNPs that provide insights into MCAS treatment (35:10) Functional pathology testing for mast cell mediators (40:50) General protocol for sensitive people (45:05) Additional resources for practitioners (47:14) Thanking Beth and final remarks Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/mast-cell-activation-syndrome Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: https://login.bioceuticals.com.au ***DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.***

In this powerful and fast-paced episode, Dr Helena Popovic joins our fx Medicine by BioCeuticals ambassador Lisa Costa-Bir to reframe dementia as a call to action, a starting point for transformation, not a sign of end of life. Drawing from personal experience as her father’s carer as he encroached dementia and decades of clinical research, Helena explains how lifestyle, mindset, diet, and movement profoundly influence brain health. From the dangers of excess fructose and the promise of the ketogenic diet to the underestimated power of exercise, volunteering, and finding a sense of purpose - she lays out a comprehensive and inspiring roadmap to protect and even improve cognition. Helena’s message is clear: a dementia diagnosis is not the end - it’s a wake-up call. Full of evidence-based strategies, clinical pearls, and real-world examples, this episode is essential listening for any practitioner or person who wants to boost up their brain and combat dementia. Covered in this episode: (00:54) Welcome Dr Helena Popovic (02:53) Cause of dementia (07:55) Effects of fructose (13:50) Effects of glucose (22:15) Cognitive reverse hypothesis (27:33) Beliefs influencing biology? (33:30) Sense of purpose (38:34) Physical activity (44:15) Grip strength (52:14) Sleep (57:10) Light exposure (1:00:50) Nutrient supplementation (1:05:24) Folate deficiency, homocysteine and uric acid (1:12:24) Final remarks Find today's transcript and show notes here: https://www.bioceuticals.com.au/education/podcasts/adventure-prevents-dementia Sign up for our monthly newsletter for the latest exclusive clinical tools, articles, and infographics: https://login.bioceuticals.com.au ***DISCLAIMER: The information provided on fx Medicine by BioCeuticals is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional advice or care. Please seek the advice of a qualified health care professional in the event something you learn here raises questions or concerns regarding your health.***