Metagenics Institute Podcast

To all research enthusiasts - this is a fascinating podcast episode not to be missed! Associate Professor, Dr Karin Ried, explains NIIM’s Pathogen Blood Test, which involves innovative blood testing using cytology based microscopy, and genetic analysis to isolate and identify pathogens, such as Borrelia bacteria and fungi/mould, in the blood. Prepare to be blown away by the potential of this test! Introduction to the Pathogen Blood Test (4:00) Deep dive into the methods for identifying pathogens (14:00) Identifying stealth organisms (16:30) Insights from live microscopy (19:00) Is EBV at the helm? (21:00) Why supporting the immune system is the priority (24:50) Case Study – Rare fungal infection linked to juvenile arthritis (28:00) Intriguing insights about skin lesions (34:00) Focusing on Lyme like illness (39:30) The practicalities – what the report includes, and how to access it (51:45) Useful links and resources: https://www.niim.com.au/research/academic-staff/aprof-dr-karin-ried https://www.cureus.com/articles/13364-rare-fungal-infection-linked-to-a-case-of-juvenile-arthritis

Dr Nathan Bryan was the first to describe nitrite and nitrate as indispensable nutrients required for optimal cardiovascular health. Rose asks pertinent questions, and Bryan answers beautifully. Enjoy this highly informative conversation and take away a clear understanding of nitric oxide production and the importance of this molecule for health. What is nitric oxide and how do we make it? (3:00) Looking at the difference between nitrates and nitrites (10:15) The significance of the oral microbiome in the production of this molecule (17:30) The challenge with recommending nitrate enriched foods (24:00) The importance of nitric oxide for the body (28:00) Clinical symptoms that indicate nitric oxide deficiency (34:30) Fascinating results obtained from supplementation (37:00) What’s on the horizon for this field of research (42:40) Dr Nathan Byran - https://drnathansbryan.com/

In this episode, Nathan is joined by Dr Robert Hendren, a Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioural Science at the University of California, San Francisco and author of well over 100 scientific papers and five books. From the get-go, it is clear Hendren is deeply committed to his work, and as such, provides valuable insight into the complex pathology that is autism. Hendren speaks of his first clinical trial, which launched him on his current career path (2:00) Elucidating the etiology of ASD (6:00) Factors influencing gene expression (8:00) Looking to the mitochondria (11:00) The infamous gut-brain axis - what role does it play in ASD? (17:30) Environmental toxicity – do we treat it and if so, how? (26:00) Sulforaphane holds promise (31:20) Spotlight on metabolomics (34:00) Functional testing (38:50) Professor Hendren’s hopes for the treatment of ASD (43:50)

Professor Tommy Wood explains the effects of specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on an individual’s health outcomes. From his analysis of what has been presented in the literature and widely accepted in functional medicine circles, Tommy discusses the relevance of SNP testing and highlights the difference between “relative risk” and “personal risk” whilst expanding on additional factors that should take precedence when treating a patient. • Professor Tommy Wood discusses his journey into genetic testing and SNPs (06:00) • Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), gene testing and phenotypes (11:21) • Fat mass and obesity-associated SNP and obesity risk (14:15) • FOX03 SNP and lifestyle interventions (18:44) • SNPs associated with risk of obesity (20:00) • Melatonin receptor 1B SNP effect on elevated fasting blood sugar (23:17) • Pre-diabetic risk, SNPs and environmental factors (25:11) • Catechol-O-methyltransferase SNPs, dopamine and cognitive function (32:39) • Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase SNPs, homocysteine and folate (38:13) • The personalized diet and SNPs (45:27) • The placebo/nocebo effect of genes (50:15) • Utilising testing outside of genetic testing in clinical practice (56:58)

Chris Masterjohn PhD discusses the importance of choline as an essential nutrient, its role in reducing fatty liver, dietary sources, and methylation. He emphasizes the necessity of sufficient choline intake, especially during pregnancy. The podcast also tackles the TMAO controversy, optimizing folate status, and addressing MTHFR SNPs with creatine, B2, choline, and glycine.

In this thought-provoking and highly informative interview, Nathan is joined by Ari Whitten – energy and fatigue specialist, and founder of The Energy Blueprint. Whitten gets real about the factors contributing to fatigue; dispelling common myths and reminding us about the importance of the universal basics to support energy production. When life intervenes, how Whitten found himself pursuing a career as an energy and fatigue specialist. (1:37) Does adrenal fatigue exist? (5:50) The relationship, or lack thereof, between cortisol levels and fatigue. (12:00) Why we should look to the mitochondria to understand fatigue (16:27) Is it worth testing for mitochondrial dysfunction? (28:18) Deliberating the value of screening for fatigue. (38:58) Assess and address circadian rhythm function (48:48) The importance of universal basics (53:25) The dance between antioxidants and pro-oxidants (1:02:00) Useful Links and Resources https://www.theenergyblueprint.com/

Amina Eastham-Hillier is a Naturopath, Medical Herbalist and Nutritionist who specialises in solving the unique patient puzzles presented with Lyme disease, mould illness, parasites, viruses and other stealth infections. As acclaimed author of Lyme Natural and international presenter and educator to medical practitioners, she combines naturopathy and science to clear a path to healing for even the most complex of cases. Where to start in a complex case (6:52) The real prevalence of stealth infections, and why some people get so ill (8:50) The discover and detection of pathogens; testing and beyond (11:53) Beyond killing pathogens in the path to healing (20:20) Supporting energy is fatiguing illness (28:28) Tailoring treatments for pathogens, acute and chronic presentations (30:30)

Take a trip down the vagal nerve with Nathan Rose and his guest Dr. Adrian Lopresti as they wander the landscape of strategies to stimulate this infamous pathway. Dr. Lopresti is a Clinical Psychologist in private practice, and senior researcher at Murdoch University with a host of published articles under his belt. Vagal nerve 101 (2:00) The relationship between heart rate variability (HRV) and vagal nerve activity (4:13) Dive into strategies to stimulate the vagal nerve (9:47) Take a breath for the vagal nerve (13:15) Why exercise is a useful tool (16:52) A spotlight on nutrients & diet (20:00) Is bioavailability of curcumin the be-all and end-all? (25:13) The current landscape on mood enhancing probiotics (29:16) Lopresti shares his thoughts on supporting HRV and vagal tone in clinical practice (36:09) Delve into Lopresti’s world – an update on research in action (38:40)

In this episode, Dr Erik Lundquist from the Temecula Centre for Integrative Medicine, shares the results and learnings of a recent trial using specialised pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) to address fibromyalgia symptoms. As Lundquist relays the details of the study, he offers a genuine account of his experience, bringing to light the complexities and realities of treating individuals living with fibromyalgia. While SPMs may not be a panacea, in his opinion, they are ‘an exciting new tool that we’re just scratching the surface on.’

Professor Serhan expands on the application of SPMs inside the inflammation-resolution cycle and outside this cycle, highlighting alternative mechanisms, the wide scope of SPM therapy and exciting new treatment considerations currently within the field of lipid research. Prof Serhan background on moving into studying lipid mediators. (1:30) Aspirin triggers biosynthesis of lipid mediators. (4:57) Old to new: Review of inflammation and stimulating resolution processes. (6:55) Resolvins reduce neutrophilic infiltration and inducing “self-limitation”. (11:14) Plasticity of macrophage poles – key function of SPMs. (13:48) Healthy human breast milk contains SPMs. (19:45) Structures, receptors and functional location of Resolvins. (20:44) Downregulation of biosynthetic enzymes and using SPMs. (25:00) Aged mice with enhanced inflammatory response and diminished resolution response. (29:00) SPMs in obesity models. (31:00) Role of SPMs in additional chronic inflammatory conditions. (40:05) SPM killing and clearance of infections without immune suppression. (44:34) SPMs, macrophage types and tumor reduction. (46:45) Topical SPM application in animal models. (49:51) Future publication on periodontal disease. (52:53)