BetterHealthGuy Blogcasts

Why You Should Listen:  In this episode, you will learn about Metabolic Vulnerability Index (MVX) as an indicator of mortality and longevity. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Dr. Darren Schmidt.  Darren Schmidt, DC is the Founder of The Nutritional Healing Center of Ann Arbor which is the largest non-insurance nutrition clinic in the country.  His purpose is to bankrupt pharmaceutical companies by teaching doctors how to improve health rather than treat symptoms.  He uses new and old clinical discoveries to solve complex chronic illness with only diet and supplements.  He uses MVX Plus, the best lab test to measure longevity and health, and it also directs the treatment plan. Key Takeaways: What is MVX? What are the 6 factors and 3 indices that are explored with MVX? How might MVX be a better metric for mortality than many conventionally-used metrics today? Can MVX be extrapolated to be used as a measure of health and longevity? What is GlycA?  What drives it? What tools can be used to lower GlycA? What is the connection between GlycA and hypercoagulation? Why is eGFR and kidney health often used on the context of predicting mortality? What is small HDL particle number?  How can it be optimized? What is the Inflammation Vulnerability Index? What is citrate?  What tools can be used to lower it when elevated? What is the connection between citrate and mitochondrial function? What is lactic acidosis? What is learned from looking at valine, leucine, and isoleucine? What steps may be taken if they are high?  If they are low? What is the Metabolic Malnutrition Index? When might a keto diet be appropriate? What does the Metabolic Vulnerability Index tell us? Is MVX impacted by genetics or epigenetics? What is the 7 Step Blueprint to Optimal Health? How do the 7 steps overlap with the 6 MVX factors? Connect With My Guest:  TheNutritionalHealingCenter.com Related Resources: To see the resources in the Show Notes, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode216. Interview Date: April 21, 2025 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode216. Additional Information: To learn more, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com. Follow Me on Social Media: Facebook - https://facebook.com/betterhealthguy Instagram - https://instagram.com/betterhealthguy X - https://twitter.com/betterhealthguy TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@betterhealthguy Disclaimer:  The content of this show is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or medical condition. Nothing in today's discussion is meant to serve as medical advice or as information to facilitate self-treatment. As always, please discuss any potential health-related decisions with your own personal medical authority. 

Why You Should Listen:  In this episode, you will learn about osteoporosis and how to fracture-proof your bones. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Dr. John Neustadt.  John Neustadt, ND is the Founder and President of Nutritional Biochemistry, Inc. (NBI).  Dr. Neustadt earned his naturopathic medical degree from Bastyr University where he was awarded the Founder’s Award for academic and clinical excellence.  Dr. Neustadt has published more than 100 medical articles, written four health and wellness books and is now a #1 Amazon Best Selling Author in the field of Osteoporosis.  His most recent book is Fracture-Proof Your Bones: A Comprehensive Guide to Osteoporosis.  Dr. Neustadt was also an editor of the textbook Laboratory Evaluations for Integrative and Functional Medicine, which was used across the United States to train and educate physicians on using functional medicine with their patients.  Key Takeaways: What are bones made of? What factors increase the risk of bone loss as we age? What is the difference between osteopenia and osteoporosis? What tests are the best for exploring bone health? Why are muscle strength and balance so important? What type of exercise is optimal for bone health? What are the benefits and risks of calcium? Does the parathyroid contribute to issues with bone health? What is the role of pharmaceutical medications in less than optimal bone health? What role do hormones play in osteoporosis? Is sleep important for bone health? Do nutritional deficiencies play a role in bone loss? What is the optimal bone health diet? What role does nitric oxide and circulation play in bone health? Is calcium taken from the bone to buffer acidosis? Is there a place for pharmaceutical medications in supporting bone health? What is the role of calcium, vitamin D, K2, and collagen in bone health? Can boron and strontium be supportive? Can bioDensity and OsteoStrong benefit those with bone loss? Is there a place for peptides, stem cells, or exosomes in supporting bone health? Connect With My Guest:  NBIHealth.com Interview Date: March 25, 2025 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode215. Additional Information: To learn more, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com. Follow Me on Social Media: Facebook - https://facebook.com/betterhealthguy Instagram - https://instagram.com/betterhealthguy X - https://twitter.com/betterhealthguy TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@betterhealthguy Disclaimer:  The content of this show is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or medical condition. Nothing in today's discussion is meant to serve as medical advice or as information to facilitate self-treatment. As always, please discuss any potential health-related decisions with your own personal medical authority. 

Why You Should Listen:  In this episode, you will learn about the microbiome and how to create a Super Gut. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Dr. William Davis.  William Davis, MD is cardiologist and #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Wheat Belly series of books and, more recently, Super Gut.  Recent human clinical trials that Dr. Davis conducted have revealed that it is possible to lose (fat) weight while preserving muscle, thereby preventing weight regain and enjoying improved body composition.  Dr. Davis is also Chief Medical Officer at Realize Therapeutics Corp. which he co-founded to explore the new science of the microbiome to improve health and appearance, including body composition. Key Takeaways: What symptoms and conditions are associated with the microbiome? What is the role of viruses, fungi, and parasites in the microbiome? What are the best methods of testing the microbiome? Are food sensitivities an indication of a less than optimal microbiome? Can beneficial organisms act as psychobiotics and improve mental and emotional health? How can we support the microbiome to better manage oxalates? What is the role of glyphosate in damaging the microbiome? What are some of the key organisms to consider in creating a Super Gut? What role do prebiotics and polyphenols play in optimizing microbiome health? What is the interplay between Akkermansia and the mucin layer? How do we build a healthy mucin layer? Why might long-term NAC not benefit optimal mucin and microbiome health? What conditions does SIBO contribute to? What are some strategies for resolving SIBO and SIFO? What are the best approaches for testing for SIBO? Is H. Pylori an organism that needs to be eradicated? Do antimicrobial herbs have the potential to harm beneficial flora? Is a low FODMAPs diet addressing the root cause? How can one create "yogurts" at home to support an optimized microbiome? Are the yogurts tolerated by those with MCAS? What is the future of microbiome medicine? Connect With My Guest:  WilliamDavisMD.com Related Resources: Oxiceutics - MyReuteri and Gut to Glow Ultimate Yogurt Maker Full disclosure: My first one did not work but the company immediately sent a replacement. Luvele Yogurt Maker Interview Date: February 26, 2025 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode214. Additional Information: To learn more, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com. Follow Me on Social Media: Facebook - https://facebook.com/betterhealthguy Instagram - https://instagram.com/betterhealthguy X - https://twitter.com/betterhealthguy TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@betterhealthguy Disclosure: BetterHealthGuy.com is an affiliate of Oxiceutics, Ultimate, and Luvele. Disclaimer:  The content of this show is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or medical condition. Nothing in today's discussion is meant to serve as medical advice or as information to facilitate self-treatment. As always, please discuss any potential health-related decisions with your own personal medical authority.

Why You Should Listen:  In this episode, you will learn about the microbiome and how to create a Super Gut. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Dr. William Davis.  William Davis, MD is cardiologist and #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Wheat Belly series of books and, more recently, Super Gut.  Recent human clinical trials that Dr. Davis conducted have revealed that it is possible to lose (fat) weight while preserving muscle, thereby preventing weight regain and enjoying improved body composition.  Dr. Davis is also Chief Medical Officer at Realize Therapeutics Corp. which he co-founded to explore the new science of the microbiome to improve health and appearance, including body composition. Key Takeaways: What symptoms and conditions are associated with the microbiome? What is the role of viruses, fungi, and parasites in the microbiome? What are the best methods of testing the microbiome? Are food sensitivities an indication of a less than optimal microbiome? Can beneficial organisms act as psychobiotics and improve mental and emotional health? How can we support the microbiome to better manage oxalates? What is the role of glyphosate in damaging the microbiome? What are some of the key organisms to consider in creating a Super Gut? What role do prebiotics and polyphenols play in optimizing microbiome health? What is the interplay between Akkermansia and the mucin layer? How do we build a healthy mucin layer? Why might long-term NAC not benefit optimal mucin and microbiome health? What conditions does SIBO contribute to? What are some strategies for resolving SIBO and SIFO? What are the best approaches for testing for SIBO? Is H. Pylori an organism that needs to be eradicated? Do antimicrobial herbs have the potential to harm beneficial flora? Is a low FODMAPs diet addressing the root cause? How can one create "yogurts" at home to support an optimized microbiome? Are the yogurts tolerated by those with MCAS? What is the future of microbiome medicine? Connect With My Guest:  WilliamDavisMD.com Related Resources: Oxiceutics - MyReuteri and Gut to Glow Ultimate Yogurt Maker Full disclosure: My first one did not work but the company immediately sent a replacement. Luvele Yogurt Maker Interview Date: February 26, 2025 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode213. Additional Information: To learn more, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com. Follow Me on Social Media: Facebook - https://facebook.com/betterhealthguy Instagram - https://instagram.com/betterhealthguy X - https://twitter.com/betterhealthguy TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@betterhealthguy Disclosure: BetterHealthGuy.com is an affiliate of Oxiceutics, Ultimate, and Luvele. Disclaimer:  The content of this show is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or medical condition. Nothing in today's discussion is meant to serve as medical advice or as information to facilitate self-treatment. As always, please discuss any potential health-related decisions with your own personal medical authority. 

Why You Should Listen:  In this episode, you will learn about the emerging world of peptide bioregulators in restoring health. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Nathalie Niddam.  Nathalie Niddam, CNP, BPC is a holistic nutritionist and longevity educator and is a trailblazer in the sphere of longevity and healthspan.  Focusing on strategies that range from health tech to ancestral health to resilience training, Nathalie is dedicated to helping us all live joyful and vibrant lives well into our 50s, 60s, and beyond.  As the host of the Longevity Podcast with Nathalie Niddam, Nathalie is not just exploring new horizons; she’s reshaping them. Her show is a guidepost for those who want to enhance the quality of their lives and extend their vitality well into their later years.  Nathalie has a deep expertise about bioregulator peptides; which are leading edge compounds with the power to awaken the body's innate rejuvenation systems.  This groundbreaking field is a cornerstone of her approach, as science and holistic care can and do come together to create real, meaningful results. Key Takeaways: What are peptide bioregulators?  How are they different from peptides? What is the history of peptide bioregulators? What are bioregulators derived from? What can bioregulators do physiologically in the body? Do bioregulators act as epigenetic influencers? How do bioregulators support cellular DNA repair mechanisms? Can bioregulators reverse biological age? How important is lifestyle optimization and stress reduction when using bioregulators? What are the potential applications of the original 21 bioregulators? How might bioregulators be dosed? Are there any side effects or contraindications? Is there a feedback loop that reduces the body's own production of these bioregulators? Connect With My Guest:  NatNiddam.com Related Resources: Find Peptide Bioregulators at Profound Health Use code BETTERHEALTH for 15% off Interview Date: February 6, 2025 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode212. Additional Information: To learn more, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com. Follow Me on Social Media: Facebook - https://facebook.com/betterhealthguy Instagram - https://instagram.com/betterhealthguy X - https://twitter.com/betterhealthguy TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@betterhealthguy Disclosure: BetterHealthGuy.com is an affiliate of Profound Health. Disclaimer:  The content of this show is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or medical condition. Nothing in today's discussion is meant to serve as medical advice or as information to facilitate self-treatment. As always, please discuss any potential health-related decisions with your own personal medical authority. 

Why You Should Listen:  In this episode, you will learn about the role of Actinobacteria and Endotoxins in CIRS. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker.  Ritchie Shoemaker, MD is a recognized leader in patient care, research, and an education pioneer in the field of biotoxin related illness.  While illness acquired following exposure to the interior environment of water-damaged buildings (WDB) comprises the bulk of Dr. Shoemaker’s daily practice, other illnesses caused by exposure to biologically-produced toxins are quite similar in their “final common pathway.”  What this means is that while the illness might begin acutely with exposure to fungi, spirochetes, apicomplexans, dinoflagellates and cyanobacteria, for example, in its chronic form, each of these illnesses has similar symptoms, lab findings, and Visual Contrast Sensitivity (VCS) findings.  Taken together the inflammatory illness from each of these diverse sources is known as  Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. Key Takeaways: Is CIRS generally caused by a single trigger or multiple triggers? What HLA-DR types may be susceptible to Actinobacteria or endotoxins? How does one determine when MARCoNS are making polycyclic ethers? What is the latest on biotoxin illness testing through HumanBiomics? Is it the Actinobacteria or a toxin produced by the bacteria that leads to illness? Is it best to start by testing the environment or by testing the person? Are some Actinobacteria a healthy part of our microbiome? What criteria are used to evaluate Actinobacteria testing? Is the solution to Actinobacteria a traditional remediation? How do people acquire skin Actinobacteria? How are skin Actinobacteria reduced over time? Are Actinobacteria in the sinuses a factor? How are Actinobacteria in the oral cavity addressed? How do endotoxins enter the body? Can endotoxin production be from endogenous bacteria? What is the best way to establish CIRS causation? What is the role of beta glucans in CIRS? Connect With My Guest:  SurvivingMold.com Related Resources: Actinobacteria Presentation Endotoxin Presentation Interview Date: January 22, 2025 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode211. Additional Information: To learn more, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com. Follow Me on Social Media: Facebook - https://facebook.com/betterhealthguy Instagram - https://instagram.com/betterhealthguy X - https://twitter.com/betterhealthguy TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@betterhealthguy Disclaimer:  The content of this show is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or medical condition. Nothing in today's discussion is meant to serve as medical advice or as information to facilitate self-treatment. As always, please discuss any potential health-related decisions with your own personal medical authority. 

Why You Should Listen:  In this episode, you will learn about Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and effective approaches to treatment. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Dr. Derik Anderson.  Derik Anderson, DC, CPT, CSN helps his patients be healthier by utilizing his education and personal and professional backgrounds.  Dr. Anderson grew up wanting to help people and initially planned to go to business school to work in energy conservation.  After a good friend’s life was positively changed by chiropractic care, he had a change of heart. His friend spent two years with horrific intestinal problems and saw over a dozen providers, but no one could help her – until she saw a chiropractor.  The chiropractor knew that the vertebra and muscles around them affected the nerves that controlled the intestines. After treatment, she was no longer bed-ridden and went back to teaching, traveling and leading an active life.  Dr. Anderson realized that health care was his calling and his passion for helping people was channeled into chiropractic.  Dr. Anderson lives what he practices.  He is an avid runner, nationally competitive sailor, surfs, and is a youth coach.  Dr. Anderson eats a diet high in vegetables, low in starch, and drinks several quarts of water each day. Why? Food is our bodies’ fuel and muscles consume 70% of that fuel (the brain consumes another 20%), so to reach our maximum potential, our food chain needs to be clean, appropriate, and healthy for our needs. Key Takeaways: What is the overlap between hypermobility and EDS? What conditions are people often diagnosed with when they are dealing with EDS? What symptoms are observed in those with EDS? Is EDS genetic? How is EDS diagnosed? What are the physical, chemical, and emotional aspects of this whole-body disorder? What is the overlap with CVID and autoimmunity? What role do MCAS and POTS play in EDS? Does mold or vector-borne infections play a role? What is the role of glyphosate in EDS? Do oxalate lead to more pain in those with EDS? How does stress impact the condition? What is the overlap between EDS and CCI? What are the components of the Release, Remobilize, and Restore approach to treatment? How might Shockwave Therapy benefit patients? What does living with EDS look like with adequate care? Connect With My Guest:  http://MuscleJointClinic.com Interview Date: January 8, 2025 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode210. Additional Information: To learn more, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com. Disclaimer:  The content of this show is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or medical condition. Nothing in today's discussion is meant to serve as medical advice or as information to facilitate self-treatment. As always, please discuss any potential health-related decisions with your own personal medical authority. 

Why You Should Listen:  In this episode, you will learn about the role of glutathione in health and advanced glutathione delivery systems. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Nayan Patel.  Nayan Patel, PharmD is an alumnus of the University of Southern California School Of Pharmacy, where he now serves as adjunct faculty.  A pharmacist for over three decades, he is an internationally recognized expert, consultant, and lecturer on the Master Antioxidant Glutathione and has traveled the world educating practitioners and pharmacists on advanced biochemistry and antiaging science.  Dr. Patel founded Auro Wellness in 2011 to create products to help the body function at an optimal level and reduce the long-term impact of stress on the body.  Through his research, Dr. Patel stabilized Glutathione, improved absorption, and increased its effectiveness with the Auro GSH™ Antioxidant Delivery System.  He is the author of "The Glutathione Revolution: Fight Disease, Slow Aging & Increase Energy" which addresses how powerful and essential Glutathione is to the body’s detoxification system and how to increase the body’s levels naturally. Key Takeaways: What are the mechanisms through which glutathione supports optimal health? What symptoms and conditions are associated with lower levels of glutathione? What causes low glutathione? What are the components of the glutathione tri-peptide? Does glutathione arrive as glutathione at the cell? What is the role of glutathione in mitigating the effects of environmental toxicants? What does glutathione do with toxins found in the body? What phases of detoxification does glutathione support? What happens when the body shifts from oxidative stress to reductive stress? Can glutathione support the body against viruses and other microbes? Does supplementing with glutathione reduce endogenous production? How can glutathione recycling be optimized? Can glutathione support those dealing with glucose regulation issues and diabetes? Does glutathione assist in hormone metabolism? What is the role of glutathione in fatty liver disease? How is Auro Wellness Glutaryl different from other glutathione options available today? How is Glutaryl used clinically? Connect With My Guest:  http://AuroWellness.com Use code BETTERHEALTH for 10% off Interview Date: December 9, 2024 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode209. Additional Information: To learn more, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com. Disclosure: BetterHealthGuy.com is an affiliate of Auro Wellness. Disclaimer:  The content of this show is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or medical condition. Nothing in today's discussion is meant to serve as medical advice or as information to facilitate self-treatment. As always, please discuss any potential health-related decisions with your own personal medical authority. 

Why You Should Listen:  In this episode, you will learn about The Perrin Technique™ and the importance of detoxification and drainage in ME/CFS, Long COVID, and other conditions. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Dr. Raymond Perrin.  Raymond Perrin, DO, PhD is an osteopath and neuroscientist and the creator of “The Perrin Technique™”.  The Perrin Technique™ is an osteopathic approach developed in 1989, originally for ME/CFS, that aims to manually drain toxins from the cerebrospinal fluid into the lymphatic system.  Movement of the spine and massage of the soft tissues in the head, neck, back, and chest direct all the toxins out of the lymphatic system and into the blood, where they are eventually detoxified by the liver.  Eventually, with less poisons affecting the central nervous system, the hypothalamus and the sympathetic nervous system begin to function correctly, restoring health to the patient.  His latest book is “Through the Looking Glass: Diagnosing and Treating Long COVID Using the Perrin Technique”. Key Takeaways: What conditions might The Perrin Technique™ be helpful for? What is the process or experience of the technique? What is the role of sympathetic dominance in chronic illness? How does sympathetic dominance lead to an accumulation of toxins and toxicants? Can tools such as limbic system retraining and vagal tonification be helpful adjuncts? What is the connection to EDS and hypermobility? How do we support endothelial health in our modern world? Do patients benefit from treatment interventions aimed at MCAS? How might a neodymium magnet be used to explore the potential for heavy metal toxicity? Does the lymphatic system have a pump? Can lymphatic fluid move in the wrong direction? Are these conditions of persistent infection? Can the Perrin Technique™ help the body to remove cytokines and lactic acid? Are binders and drainage remedies helpful adjuncts? Connect With My Guest:  http://ThePerrinTechnique.com Related Resources: Book: Through the Looking Glass: Diagnosing and Treating Long COVID Using the Perrin Technique Interview Date: December 4, 2024 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode208. Additional Information: To learn more, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com. Disclaimer:  The content of this show is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or medical condition. Nothing in today's discussion is meant to serve as medical advice or as information to facilitate self-treatment. As always, please discuss any potential health-related decisions with your own personal medical authority. 

Why You Should Listen:  In this episode, you will learn about the important role of hypercoagulation in chronic illness.  About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Ruth Kriz.  Utilizing her functional medicine background as well as experience in microbiology and teaching pharmacology, Ruth Kriz, MSN, APRN has spent the majority of her professional career as a Nurse Practitioner working with Chronic UTI and Interstitial Cystitis patients; as well as those dealing with hypercoagulation.  Her practice expanded to patients from almost all the states in the US as well as from 35 countries who came to her seeking answers beyond symptom management.  Through molecular testing, an understanding of the genetics common to these patients, and an understanding of how genetics contributes to chronic infection, hypercoagulation, and biofilms, she has been able to very successfully treat this population.  These factors have broad implications for other chronic infections (sinus, prostate, ear infections, wounds, etc.) as well as fibromyalgia, cardiovascular disease, and other conditions in which hypercoagulation and biofilms are an important contributor.  She has closed her medical practice, but she reinvented as a consultant to help practitioners learn how to utilize her approach for curing these patients and currently is working with MicroGenDX. Key Takeaways: What are the symptoms and conditions associated with hypercoagulation? Why is the "fibrinolytic pathway" a better term than "hypercoagulation"? What genetic predispositions are involved in coagulation disorders? Can hypercoagulation be treated naturally or are pharmaceutical interventions required? What is the role of vitamin K in coagulation? How might long-term antibiotics for chronic Lyme disease contribute to coagulation issues? What is the difference between fibrin and a biofilm? What are some of they key labs to explore in order to assess for the potential of hypercoagulation? Are statin drugs contraindicated in those with high Lp(a)? What role do platelets play in the coagulation discussion? What is the connection between long COVID and biofilms? How does lumbrokinase compare to nattokinase? Why are D-Dimer and PT/PTT not ideal tests for exploring hypercoagulation? Connect With My Guest:  http://RuthKriz.com Related Resources: To review additional resources mentioned in the episode including details about the LabCorp panel, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode207. Interview Date: October 29, 2024 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode207. Additional Information: To learn more, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com. Disclaimer:  The content of this show is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or medical condition. Nothing in today's discussion is meant to serve as medical advice or as information to facilitate self-treatment. As always, please discuss any potential health-related decisions with your own personal medical authority.