BetterHealthGuy Blogcasts

Why You Should Listen: In this episode, you will learn about groundbreaking work being done to move the needle in understanding the impact of Borreliosis. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Dr. Alan MacDonald. Alan B. MacDonald, MD is a hospital pathologist by trade, and his world is microscopic images. He diagnoses disease daily based on the images from surgically removed tissues, blood smears, and microbiology specimens. In his private research, which he does at night or on weekends, he interprets images from diseased tissues. In hospital pathology, there are many texts which illustrate the image profiles of tumors and other medical diseases. Some of the reference materials do not provide a "perfect" image match to an individual patient situation. New lessons, which come from patients which do not "match" the published image archive, are the subject of "case reports" which enrich and expand the knowledge contained in medical textbooks. Many of the images of "spirochetes" in textbooks demonstrate only the "perfect corkscrew" profile which leads a reader to "doubt" the legitimacy of other Borrelial forms such as the cystic or granular forms. Dr. MacDonald's website is an effort to educate about the "forgotten" spirochetal forms which are really Borrelia and which exist in diseased tissue. Key Takeaways: Is acceptance growing in understanding the impact of Borrelia in many conditions? Does autoimmunity exist in absence of infection? What are the different forms of Borrelia? Was Willy Burgdorfer part of the problem or part of the solution? Does Borrelia impact liver detoxification? How might Borrelia impact an unborn child? Can Borrelia be sexually transmitted? What are the challenges with testing for Borrelia? What role might parasites play in Lyme disease or in MS? What is the role of biofilms in chronic conditions? How do Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever (TBRF) Borrelias potentially lead to more severe illness? What role might Borrelia play in Alzheimer's, Lewy Body Dementia, or cancer? Connect With My Guest: http://AlzheimerBorreliosis.net Related Resources: Support Dr. MacDonald's Work Interview Date: November 30, 2022 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode176. 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 various contributors to PANDAS and PANS and about solutions to support kids with these challenging conditions. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Dr. Jill Crista. Jill Crista, ND earned her Naturopathic Doctor Degree with Honors from the National University of Naturopathic Medicine in Portland, Oregon in 2003. In 2012, Dr. Jill completed the Physician Training Program with the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society. She was the owner, director, and practicing member of two integrative clinics offering naturopathic medicine, integrative medicine, acupuncture, chiropractic, physical therapy, craniosacral therapy, and massage. It was there that she witnessed the efficacy and synergy of a team approach to patient care. As a peer-reviewed published author, Dr. Jill is now focusing on research, teaching, and writing, specializing in neuroinflammatory conditions such as mold sickness, brain injury, and PANDAS and PANS. She serves on the board of the Wisconsin Naturopathic Doctors Association and was President for 6 years. She also worked on the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians committee for licensure where she gained experience in seeking licensure for naturopathic doctors in Wisconsin and increasing access to naturopathic healthcare nationally. Along with Dr. Neil Nathan, Dr. Jill teaches practitioners in an ongoing mentorship with a focus on how to treat complex, chronic illnesses. She is the author of the 2018 book "Break the Mold: 5 Tools to Conquer Mold and Take Back Your Health" and the 2022 book "A Light in the Dark for PANDAS & PANS". Key Takeaways: What are some of the key presentations of PANDAS and PANS? What is the overlap of PANDAS and PANS with chronic infections and environmental toxicants? How much of these conditions is about the bug as compared to the loss of immune tolerance? How key is addressing the gut microbiome in recovering health for these kids? What are some tools to support the autonomic nervous system, vagus nerve, and limbic system? How commonly does MCAS and histamine intolerance play a role? Can these conditions be treated naturally or is there a place for pharmaceuticals? What microbes may be triggers for PANS? In those with chronic immune deficiency, what tools might be used to fortify the immune system? Does the external environment play a role? What diagnostic tests can be used to more fully paint the picture of PANDAS and PANS? What are the Core 4 in moving from darkness to light in PANDAS and PANS? What tools might be used to "tame the flame", "beat the bugs", "regulate immunity", and "guard the gates"? Connect With My Guest: http://DrCrista.com Related Resources: Book: A Light in the Dark for PANDAS and PANS Interview Date: November 14, 2022 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode175. 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 how to demystify PANS and PANDAS. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Dr. Nancy O'Hara. Nancy O'Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP is a board-certified pediatrician. Prior to her medical career, Dr. O'Hara taught children with autism. She graduated with highest honors from Bryn Ma gdwr College and as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. She earned a Master's degree in Public Health from the University of Pittsburgh. After residency, chief residency, and general pediatric fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh, Dr. O' Hara entered general private practice in 1993, and in 1999, began her consultative, integrative practice solely for children with special needs. Since 1999, she has dedicated her functional medicine practice to the integrative and holistic care of children with chronic illness and neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, PANDAS/PANS, OCD, Lyme, and ASD. She is a leader in the training of clinicians, both in the United States and abroad. Dr. O'Hara has written a comprehensive guidebook, "Demystifying PANS/PANDAS: A Functional Medicine Desktop Reference on Basal Ganglia Encephalitis", which is available on Amazon. Key Takeaways: How is PANS and PANDAS different from Autoimmune Encephalitis and Basal Ganglia Encephalitis? Does the onset have to be acute, or can there be a more smoldering presentation? How much of the condition is the microbe vs. the host response? Can PANS occur in adults? What is the role of mitochondrial dysfunction? What role do the tonsils play in these conditions? Which microbes may be triggers for PANS and PANDAS? Are antibiotics required for successful treatment? How often do Lyme and coinfections play a role? What are some natural interventions for addressing microbial overgrowths? Does mold illness contribute to PANS and PANDAS? How important is immune modulation reducing inflammation? How might helminth therapy be used to modulate the immune response? What are some tools for modulating the NLRP3 inflammasome? When might antioxidants be necessary? How much of the inflammatory burden overlaps with MCAS? Might FMT or stem cells play a role in recovery? Connect With My Guest: http://DrOHara.com Related Resources: Book: Demystifying PANS/PANDAS: A Functional Medicine Desktop Reference on Basal Ganglia Encephalitis Interview Date: October 10, 2022 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode174. 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 thyroid and how thyroid conditions may be the result of a Cell Danger Response. About My Guest: My guests for this episode are Dr. Eric Balcavage and Dr. Kelly Halderman. Eric Balcavage, DC, CNS, CFMP, BCIM is the owner and founder of Rejuvagen, a functional medicine clinic in Chadds Ford, PA. He is a nationally recognized speaker and educator on various health related topics including thyroid physiology, bile physiology, detoxification, oxidative stress, methylation, and chronic illness. Dr. Balcavage is a Certified Nutrition Specialist (CNS), a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, Board Certified in Integrative Medicine, along with being a licensed Chiropractor. He is the co-host of the Thyroid Answers Podcast. The podcast focuses on answering the pressing questions those suffering with chronic hypothyroid symptoms can't get answered elsewhere. You can find his educational Thyroid Thursday videos on Vimeo and YouTube. Dr. Balcavage has made it his mission to change the way medicine looks at hypothyroidism. Kelly Halderman, DCN completed a Family Practice Medicine internship with the University of Minnesota. She has a Naturopathic Medical Degree from Kingdom College of Natural Health. She holds certification in MethylGenetic Nutrition by the Nutrigenetic Research Institute and certification from The American Functional Neurology Institute in Functional Neurology and Neurofeedback. She is an active member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, President and Founder of The American Association of Nutraceutical Formulators, as well as a member of The Physician's Committee for Responsible Medicine. Dr. Halderman is also board certified in Clinical Nutrition by the Clinical Nutrition Certification Board. She coined the term "Phase 2.5 Detoxification" which involves properly restoring bile physiology. She serves as Weo Foundation's Chief Health Officer; the global leader in water research and its application to living systems. Dr. Eric and Dr. Kelly are the co-authors of the book The Thyroid Debacle which addresses the problems with current allopathic and functional medicine approaches to hypothyroidism as well as the solutions to restoring thyroid physiology. Key Takeaways: What symptoms might lead one to explore thyroid physiology? Why are thyroid issues broader, systemic issues? What is the best way to evaluate thyroid conditions? How does the Cell Danger Response (CDR) play a role in thyroid conditions? What are the primary triggers of the CDR that lead to issues with thyroid physiology? How might an autoimmune attack on the thyroid itself be an intelligent response? Is it more important to kill the bug or to modulate the host response? Could an elevated rT3 be an indicator of a Cell Danger Response? Is iodine appropriate to use in Hashimoto's? What is the role of the mitochondria, compared to the thyroid and adrenals, in chronic illness? How might supporting sulfation and glucuronidation make the thyroid problem worse? What is "Multisystem Adaptive Disorder"? How might SIBO be associated with the thyroid? Is hypercholestolaemia associated with the Cell Danger Response and issues with thyroid physiology? Is blood sugar metabolism associated with cellular hypothyroidism? What is the "Strategic Thyroid Solution Protocol"? What are the fitness factors that comprise the wellness wheel? Connect With My Guests: http://RejuvagenCenter.com http://DrKellyHalderman.com Interview Date: October 7, 2022 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode173. 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 clinical observations in Long COVID. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Dr. Marie Matheson. Marie Matheson, ND is the Co-Founder of BioHeal Ottawa, community builder, creator, and facilitator of LymeBright Collective, and maintains a busy private practice as a Naturopathic Doctor. Dr. Marie's ultimate goal is to unlock patients who are trapped in their medical condition. Grounded in general practice skills, Dr. Marie is somewhat of a health detective, specifically when it comes to figuring out the causal chain of illness including that of underlying infections and toxins. She is immensely passionate about working with patients to help them better understand their health journey, the misleading nature of most medical labels they're handed, and how to live an empowered and superior quality of life. Using her assessment tool of Auricular Medicine, Dr. Marie uncovers blockages and underlying imbalances that have created symptoms, to allow the body to self-heal and auto-regulate. Her willingness to freely share clinical pearls of wisdom among colleagues has led to her being a sought-after speaker at medical conferences. Dr. Marie is a featured author of a chapter within Connie Strasheim's groundbreaking book New Paradigms in Lyme Disease Treatment. She is a Member of the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) and completed their Physicians Training Program with the late Dr. Charles Ray Jones, MD. Key Takeaways: What are the parallels between chronic COVID and chronic Lyme disease? How common is long COVID? What are the symptoms of long COVID? What organ systems are most impacted? What latent infections have been found to become activated after COVID infection? What prevention strategies can help to minimize the potential for long COVID? Should COVID be treated acutely even if the case is mild? What is the role of immune modulation in long COVID? How is the autonomic nervous system supported in those that develop POTS? What role does mold exposure and environmental toxicity play in long COVID? How significant is hypercoagulation? Is mitochondrial support needed to move past long COVID? What are some tools for addressing loss of taste, loss of smell, and hair loss? What role does limbic system impairment play in long COVID? Connect With My Guest: http://BioHealOttawa.com Related Resources: LymeBright Collective Interview Date: September 29, 2022 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode172. 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 Actinomycetes and its role in CIRS. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Larry Schwartz. Larry Schwartz, BSME, MBA, CIEC is the Founder, CEO, and President of Safestart Environmental and Safestart Building Consulting, Inc.; entities dealing in Indoor Air Quality, Industrial Hygiene, Mold, Infrared Thermography, Forensic Water Intrusion Analysis, Building Science, Consulting, and New Construction Consulting. Larry has performed over 10,000 investigations of properties for which he has investigated, created remediation plans, performed testing, and issued post-remediation verifications. A specialty area is assessing, testing, and creating solutions to make homes and workplaces environmentally safe for patients with inflammatory illnesses. Many of his clients are patients referred by their physicians and clinics worldwide. He both travels to their sites as well as conducts virtual consulting of which he has performed more than 1,200. Larry is on staff at University of Arizona's School of Public Health as an adjunct lecturer of Environmental Health Sciences. Key Takeaways: What are Actinomycetes? Can Actinos be both health-negating and health-promoting? Are mold and mycotoxins still relevant in the CIRS conversation? What patterns have been observed with GENIE testing? Can CIRS occur from exposure to a building without water intrusion or water damage? What is the "Stack Effect"? Where might Actinos be found in a living environment? Can Actinos be a trigger for MCAS? How are Actinos tested? How are results interpreted? Are Actinos common in indoor environments? Do the Actinos indices correlate to clinical presentation better than an ERMI score? How might Actinos be reduced in an indoor environment? Can air filtration, fogging, or UV light be tools to mitigate Actinos? Connect With My Guest: http://SafeStartIAQ.com Related Resources: Actinomycetes Environmental White Paper Interview Date: August 12, 2022 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode171. 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 root cause medicine and recovering from complex, chronic conditions. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Dr. Joe Mather. Joe Mather, MD, MPH & TM is the Medical Director of the Ruscio Institute for Functional Medicine where he works with patients, mentors other Functional Medicine practitioners and helps conduct research to improve the knowledge and field of Functional and Integrative Medicine. He graduated from the Tulane University School of Medicine and the Tulane University School of Public Health in 2011 and completed his residency in 2014. He is passionate about delivering cost-effective and practical medical care with a focus on GI health and environmental toxicity, especially mold-related illness. He spends a lot of time working with patients suffering from complex and chronic diseases. When he is not working with patients you will find him chasing his three small children, exercising, or playing music. Key Takeaways: Why are people sicker today than a decade ago? What is the difference between IBS, IBD, and SIBO? Is microbiome testing helpful in determining a clinical direction? What are the root causes of SIBO? How is constipation addressed? Can the Carnivore diet be helpful for those with GI issues? Is food sensitivity testing valuable? How might one test their environment and their body for the presence of mold and mycotoxins? Can remediation move the needle? What about air filters and fogging? Should binders be matched to the mycotoxins present? How might one optimize the sinubiome? Does the presence of Actinomycetes change the treatment path? What is the root cause of EDS and hypermobility syndromes? How important is supporting the thyroid and adrenals in recovering health? What should the therapeutic order be in treating complex conditions? Connect With My Guest: http://RuscioInstitute.com Related Resources: Ashok Gupta Interviews Dr. Joe Mather Interview Date: July 29, 2022 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode170. 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 how to tap into your full health potential with the science-basekd power of herbs. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Dr. Bill Rawls. As a licensed physician for over 30 years, Bill Rawls, MD has dedicated his life to medicine. When a health crisis in his early forties abruptly changed his quality of life, he came face to face with the limitations of modern medicine and began to explore the vast possibilities of alternative treatments. Restoring his health through holistic and herbal therapies inspired him to share his revelations on the importance of cellular wellness. Today, he works to bring health and vitality to others as he helps them establish their own paths to wellness through modern herbology. Key Takeaways: Are the SOS signals released by cells similar in concept to the Cell Danger Response? What tools might be helpful in support of the mitochondria? How important is killing a bug as compared to immune modulation? How can cells be protected from becoming a microbes next meal? What tools are available to support autophagy? What herbs may be helpful in modulating the immune response? Can herbs be used with pharmaceuticals? What interactions may need to be considered? What are some favorite adaptogens? How might Shilajit support health recovery? Do antimicrobial herbs negatively impact beneficial flora? What diet should one consider to improve health? What tools may support the body in dealing with EMFs? What approaches can support calming of the nervous system? What are collagen crunchers? How might structural integrity be supported? Connect With My Guest: http://CellularWellness.com Related Resources: RawlsMD.com VitalPlan.com Vital Plan has generously offered a 15% discount using code BETTERHEALTH15. Limit one coupon per customer. Interview Date: July 14, 2022 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode169. Additional Information: To learn more, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com. Disclosure: BetterHealthGuy.com is an affiliate of Vital Plan. 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 mitochondria and The Energy Blueprint. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Ari Whitten. Ari Whitten, PhD (Cand), CES, PES is the founder of The Energy Blueprint system, a comprehensive lifestyle and supplement program which has helped more than two million people (and counting) experience optimal health, better performance, and more energy. He's also the bestselling author of The Ultimate Guide to Red Light Therapy and the host of the popular The Energy Blueprint Podcast which features the world's leading natural health experts. In 2020, Ari was voted #1 Health Influencer by Mindshare, the largest natural and functional medicine community. For more than 25 years, Ari has been dedicated to the study of human health science. He holds a M.S. in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine, a B.S. in Kinesiology, certifications as a Corrective Exercise Specialist and Performance Enhancement Specialist from the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and he has completed all of the coursework for a Clinical Psychology Ph.D. You can find his podcast, programs, and supplement formulas at TheEnergyBlueprint.com. Key Takeaways: What are the symptoms of mitochondrial dysfunction? What "signals" lead to impairment of the mitochondria? How might supporting the mitochondria need to consider whether or not one is in a Cell Danger Response? What are "zietbegers" and their relevance to brain and body clocks? Can too much protein lead to overactivation of mTOR and potentially be harmful? What role do short-chain fatty acids play in energy production? Can prebiotics and resistant starches be used in those with SIBO? What role might vinegar play in supporting the mitochondria? How might Urolithin A be supportive of the mitochondria? Are niacin derivatives such as NR or NMN proving to be helpful? How might melatonin support the mitochondria? Are the adrenals a key player in fatigue? What role might red light therapy or photobiomodulation have in supporting mitochondria? Connect With My Guest: http://TheEnergyBlueprint.com Related Resources: Book: Eat for Energy: How to Beat Fatigue, Supercharge Your Mitochondria, and Unlock All-Day Energy Breathing for Energy Program The Energy Blueprint Store Interview Date: June 28, 2022 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode168. Additional Information: To learn more, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com. Disclosure: BetterHealthGuy.com is an affiliate of The Energy Blueprint. 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 Gerson Therapy. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Dr. Patrick Vickers. Patrick Vickers, DC is a graduate of New York Chiropractic College, representing the face of the Gerson Therapy worldwide. Dr. Vickers is featured in the epic documentary series The Truth About Cancer: A Global Quest. His patient is also chronicled in the classic documentary The Beautiful Truth. Nobel Peace Prize Winner Dr. Albert Schweitzer called Dr. Max Gerson, "The most eminent genius in medical history" as The Gerson Therapy has the most storied reputation, to date, for its ability to reverse advanced cancer and degenerative diseases. With seven movies chronicling Dr. Gerson's work, no other therapy has received such recognition on an international scale. Personally trained by Dr. Gerson's family and one of the few people to have studied Dr. Gerson's handwritten files, Dr. Patrick Vickers continues to carry on Dr. Gerson's legacy through his premier Advanced Gerson Clinic in Rosarito, Mexico. Dr. Vickers lectures on various platforms around the world on the indisputable, cellular science behind health, disease, and the Gerson Therapy. Key Takeaways: What is the history of Gerson Therapy? What role does metabolism play in creating the right metabolism for cancer? How does the Gerson program heal the metabolic system? What ingredients are included in their juices? How does salt create a "cellular edema"? What is the impact of chloride on the thyroid? What role do healthy fats play in cell membrane potential? Which fats are health-promoting vs. health-negating? What role do hydrogen and pH play? Does sugar feed cancer? What are the mechanisms of coffee enemas? Do coffee enemas help bile flow? How should coffee enemas be performed? Are there any contraindications for coffee enemas? How might castor oil be used in a healing program? Did Dr. Max Gerson consider the role of mental and emotional health? Connect With My Guest: http://GersonClinic.com Interview Date: June 7, 2022 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode167. 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.