Neuroveda Podcast for Complex Health

Dr Ferdinand Hui is a rare gem of a surgeon- brilliant in his craft, able to communicate complicated concepts clearly, and caring and compassionate for the reality that disease can impart in the life of a person and their family. Here we get a chance to cruise around the blood vessels of the brain with a neurointerventional surgeon, who's focus is minimally invasive procedures to treat the blood vessels of the brain and spine. Although he thinks of himself as a plumber, rotor-rootering the pipes, these are live pipes and much of our discussion centers on the nature of the arteries and veins. We discuss leaks (hemorrhage) and clogs (ischemic clots) as a starting point, with the associated diseases of stroke, heart attack and aneurysms. Then we get deep with the 'gray zone' of reduced but not necessarily stopped oxygenation which can be a primary driver for brain fog. We discuss anatomical, functional and inflammatory interruptions to oxygenation and vessel flow, even down to the epithelial layer of the arterial vessel walls. Here is where we discuss COVID and the apparent epithelial shedding that the spike protein can instigate, which likely drove much of the cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke) of the first COVID wave in 2019/ early 2020. About prevention, Dr Hui says, "The American medical system might really reward surgery but what humanity really needs is prevention. Prevention starts at birth." Resources: Society of Neurointerventional Surgery: https://www.snisonline.org/ More about Dr Hui: https://www.queens.org/providers/2225/ferdinand-k-hui/

Neurologist Gary Stobbe has been working with patients with autism since his residency in the early 1990's. Listen in to hear how this compassionate physician has been learning from his patients, their families and advocates. Dr Stobbe's perspective has evolved from the medical approach within which he was trained to now recognize the spectrum of stable neurodivergence to profoundly symptomatic patients who desperately need extensive support for living their daily lives. We start with the DSM-V diagnostic criteria of impaired social communication + repetitive behaviors or interests, recognizing that the social communication network of the brain touches multiple structures and centers. This does not necessitate any intellectual disability, and in fact, many autistic people have both specialized skills and brilliance that initially can be lost in the communication difficulty (for example, the poetry that can come from a non-verbal patient only after they are able to access a device to type out their creative expression). Dr Stobbe then reviews some of the more profound struggles that can co-exist with autism including expressive language impairment (aka non-verbal), co-occurring intellectual disability, required assistance for daily living and the presence of crises. As we touch on the 'causes' of autism, he recognizes they are likely 'multifactorial, so many complex conditions, and end up being the total sum of genetics + environment'. He also emphasizes that the diagnosis of autism is based on development and behavior versus any biological function or cause. The management approach for autism has evolved to be 'person-centered and strength-based' and there is no singular treatment. Dr Stobbe honors the collaborative team that can support the person with autism, including the patient themselves, thier family, patient advocates, state/ national organizations, in addition to their medical team. Autism can be tricky to understand because it flies in the face of our conventional assumptions about one singular disease with one singular treatment. Join in & share widely as Dr Stobbe exemplifies the curiosity and thoughtfulness to support this amazing population of patients.

Description. This is a power-packed episode in which Whitney Mack walks us through what women should have been taught since birth about how our bodies work and how we can care for them lifelong. Turns out, we have an infradian (vs circadian) rhythm that drives our cellular communication/ hormones systems over time. This means that we are in constant cycles of change, just like the moon that cycles through from new to full and back to new. To anchor into our holistic health, we can emphasis sleep, nutrition and movement in alignment with these cycles. Whitney's training & deep personal understanding of these concepts brings them to clarity throughout this show. We start with a complete definition of 'fitness' including muscle strength, endurance, cardiovascular capacity, flexibility & body composition. Then we interweave the hormones, recognizing the 'Queen' hormones of cortisol & insulin as they serve for survival (vs estrogen, progesterone & testosterone which are for life quality). Next we dive into the four hormonal stages across the lifespan: menarche, cycling, perimenopause and post-menopause. With each, we review ways to attend to our movement patterns. And then we bring it back to the daily life. This is an episode not to be missed & to be shared with every girl and woman we know! BIO: As a holistic health, hormones + movement coach, Whitney Mack helps busy, driven women thrive in their bodies, reawaken their aliveness, and create a more purposeful way of being. Through her hormone-informed approach, she blends the science of female physiology with the sacredness of the body to help women achieve optimal health and well-being throughout all hormone + life seasons. If you're ready to heal your relationship with your body and unleash your feminine power, her signature method uses hormones as a compass to guide you back to your inner-knowing and cultivate deeper self-awareness for sustainable transformation in less time and with lots of love. Find Whitney through her website: WhitneyMack.com

Dr Paul Malchesky, with a Master’s degree in Chemistry and a Doctorate in Engineering, has been working with apheresis since the 1970’s. This is a blood filtration or ‘cleaning’ therapy we offer at Neuroveda Health as plasmapheresis (also called plasma exchange, PLEX and TPE (total or therapeutic plasma exchange)). There’s been a lot of recent excitement regarding treatment of Long-COVID and as a ‘biohack’ for longevity, but the truth is that it’s been nearly half a century since the FDA approved this therapy for auto-immune and neurodegenerative conditions. The technology has come a long way and Dr Malchesky has been there the whole time. Of note, Ayurveda, the traditional medical system of India, also recognizes the value of detox and blood cleansing, making plasmapheresis a type of ‘rakta moksha’. This is a modern tool with ancient roots, our favorite kind of therapy. Today, we get into the history and mechanics to describe what this therapy is doing and how broad it’s use can be. We discuss: ·     3:30 What is apheresis? ·     4:19 What is the history of apheresis? ·     11:56 What is in blood? What are the components of blood? ·     13.20 About anti-coagulation ·     15:53 Ayurvedic use of blood cleansing called ‘rakta moksa’ ·     18:06 Dr Malchesky’s personal history with apheresis starting with 1972; Reporting up to 40 diseases treated by 1981. ·     24:40 Comparison of dialysis vs plasmapheresis filtration ·     29:00 Late 70’s/ early 80’s, efforts to identify the specific proteins associated with certain diseases; findings and curiosity about cryoproteins- precipitates triggered by cold. ·     36:57 Treatment to remove high cholesterol to prevent atherosclerosis. ·     40:29 Description of the last 15 years of apheresis: applications & guidelines have really diversified by geography (centripetal in US & German; membrane for Japan), technology and disease state ·     42:58 Safety of this procedure ·     43:52 Difficulties with this procedure are most typically associated with venous access and sometimes blood pressure changes and/or anti-coagulant use ·     44:40 Recognition that the macromolecules produced as ‘toxic’ can present in every silo of medicine: oncology, rheumatology, neurology, and therefore, also make sense to use these treatments for longevity & anti-aging ·     49:43 In studying the toxins removed, it’s evident that these toxins removed impair cellular function, so removal can allow cells to perform more of their regular functions. ·     51:08 The goal at Neuroveda Health is that plasmapheresis is part of a larger medical and wellness program to renovate the health from the ground up. ·     51:38 Discussion of Lp(a). ·     53:24 Designing clinical trials using historical experience of the questions and initial clinical trial endeavors with rheumatoid arthritis patients BIO: Dr. Paul Malchesky holds a B.S. Degree in Chemistry from St. Francis University, M.S. degrees in Chemistry from Case Western Reserve University and in Chemical Engineering from Cleveland State University and a Doctorate in Engineering from Cleveland State University. He is President of the International Center for Artificial Organs and Transplantation (ICAOT) and consults for the chemical and medical industries. He has published extensively nearly 500 publications, holds 35 patents, and was co-editor of four books on apheresis. He is active in various professional societies and is the former Editor-in-Chief of Artificial Organs and Managing Editor of Therapeutic Apheresis and Dialysis. He is a Past-President of the International Society for Apheresis. He is an Elected Fellow to the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering and The Ohio Academy of Science.  Recently he developed the web site icaot.org that discusses the history of the International Center for Artificial Organs & Transplantation and includes Milestones in the field and invites contributions to its Virtual Collection.

Cancer is a tremendous topic. Dr Julianna Giles, ND, has focused her career on evidence-based approaches for this complex condition. Dr Giles now directs our Integrative Oncology program at Neuroveda Health in Seattle, Washington. In this podcast, she walks us through cancer, soup to nuts. This includes defining cancer, describing different types and stages of cancer, and the conventional treatments of surgery, radiation chemotherapy and now immunotherapy. Dr Giles then layers in integrative approaches including high-dose (aka ‘pro-oxidant’) IV vitamin C, other botanicals, metabolic approaches to treating cancer and the relationship between other immune dysfunction, like auto-immune disease or chronic viral infections, to cancer development. Next is a review of the core elements of our program, including specialty liquid biopsy testing, the timing necessary for balancing pro-oxidation (chemo) with anti-oxidant (recovery) targets, and the value we place on collaboration with conventional oncologists and treatments. We welcome patients to our program at all stages of cancer status including those with a family history seeking prevention, monitoring for early detection (we do pap/ HPV testing in clinic), treatment at all stages (early, middle, late), post-chemo/radiation recovery, prevention of recurrence and palliative care/ hospice as it’s needed. Listen in and please share widely with those who are being affected by cancer. This is a critical show for broadening ideas about treatment options and maintaining agency at a time when health stress can be overwhelming. We discuss: ·     3:20 What is cancer? ·     6:36: How do we think and name different types of cancer? ·     9:09 Ayurvedic perspective of cancer ·     11:25 How does conventional care typically treat cancer? Surgery, radiation, chemotherapy ·     17:12 High dose IV (intravenous) vitamin C to make chemotherapy more tolerant to the body and prevent recurrences. ·     25:00 Fasting and chemotherapy treatment ·     28:35 Discussion about immunotherapy and metronomic (aka low dose) chemotherapy ·     32:12 Defining Integrative Oncology including the value of collaboration to help conventional treatments to work better ·     33:34 Looking at the foundations of health: asking and answering the ‘why’ and ‘why now’ questions ·     35:33 Molecular targets of botanicals, for example, p53 targeted by no drugs but impacted by curcumin; ·     36:55: Use of botanicals, diet and lifestyle as anti-inflammatory influences during pro-oxidant treatments like chemo- it’s all about timing! ·    42:33 Discussion of the Integrative Oncology program at Neuroveda Health ·     56:30 Liquid biopsies looking for cell free mutated DNA shedding from cancers in the body ·     1:03:33: Putting together integrative treatment plans including the metabolic approach to cancer treatment ( Care Oncology protocol out of the UK) ·     1:08: How cancer interacts with the rest of the immune system, including auto-immune disease ·     1:12:38 Recovery after cancer treatment Bio: Julianna Giles is a Naturopathic Physician with a Masters in Ayurveda who specializes in integrative oncology, endocrinology, chronic infections, medical cannabis, entheogens and psychoneuroimmunology. After graduation from Bastyr University, she completed four years of residency training in integrative oncology. She is a core lecturer for the Academy of Cannabis Science and lead formulator for Polite and Lumna, both medical cannabis companies. While at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, she researched medicinal mushrooms and medical cannabis as adjunctive cancer therapies, as well as the neurological effects of mindfulness at the Wisconsin Institute for Sleep & Consciousness. Dr Giles is certified in Ayurveda Yoga therapy, Prana Flow and Kundalini Yoga. In her free time, she practices Yoga, is passionate about plant-based cooking, and loves exploring the wild Pacific Northwest.

Dr John Moos, MD discusses his transition from trauma surgeon to psychedelic healer- the unifying factor being proximity to trauma. He notes the trauma he initially treated with surgery most typically occurs within a container of many other traumas- social, political and economic violence, resource scarcity, fear, addiction, intergenerational traumas, ACES (Adverse Childhood Experiences) and others. His (to-be) wife looked at him one day and said “I wonder if it’s possible to heal it before it happens”, meaning, is there a way to pre-emptively address the container of trauma before the physical trauma results as the outward explosion of inner distress. Dr Moos was hooked. He completed personal experiences with plant medicine and trainings with the Psychedelic Research and Training Institute (PRATI), California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS), and the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) for their MDMA (3,4-Methyl enedioxy methamphetamine) protocol and now runs MoosMD.com to offer service to people with psychedelic medicine. In this episode, we start with a discussion about trauma. Trauma can even be created in as simple moment as a mis-attunement with a parent as a child in a critical moment and we all experience various levels of trauma throughout the lifespan. Psychedelics can be a tool (not a panacea) to understand the impact of our history on our current, daily moment. It’s the alignment and integration of your three lenses of understanding: cognition (head), somatic (heart) and embodiment (intuition). Dr Moos recognizes that psychedelics give us a chance to step to the side of our default mode network which can also be described as a type of our identity of our consciousness. Our conversation ranges to the benefits of relationship to help us access our consciousness (this is the definition of Tantra) and these relationships can be our mind to ourselves, us to our container, or us to each other. Then, we dive into the current research and legal perspectives about the various psychedelics- ketamine, MDMA, psilocybin, LSD and other plant medicines for treatment resistant depression, anxiety, stress, PTSD and others. He reviews the importance of set and setting which recognizes that intentional and introspective work versus the external recreation of these medicines when they are used in a non-monitored ‘party’ state. As therapy, this is to dissolve ego boundaries to better understand yourself. We also review the chemical nature and physiological impact of these medicines including the specific activities in the brain and the impacts on our neurobiology. Is anybody damaged beyond repair? Is any person too traumatized to heal? On being asked this question, Dr Moos offers a compassionate and insightful response about the power of our neuroplasticity as well as the tremendously oppressive conditions of social, political and economic injustice and the persistent squeeze of growing pollution and climate change. We close this show with a description about the Ketamine Assisted Therapy (KAP) process and what to look for in finding a safe and insightful session. What I love about this show is that while we talk about ketamine and other psychedelics as a medicinal tool, this show is really about the nature of healing and reality. Find out more about Dr Moos & his practice at https://moosmd.com/

Dr Jennifer Bahr is a Naturopathic Physician with deep interest, experience and success in treating children using Classical Homeopathy for PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Disease Associated with Streptococcus). We start this show with the fascinating story of Homeopathy- history, mechanisms and current practice around the world. The American Institute of Homeopathy (AIH) was actually the first medical society formed in the United States in 1844. The Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States, still regulated by the FDA, recognizes over 1000 remedies. Research first published in 2010 used scanning microscopy to identify nanoparticles of a homeopathic remedy’s plant, animal and mineral sources in what is so ultra-diluted that it was previously considered nearly nothing (smaller than Avogadro’s number!). With this same technology, it can be measured that there are physiological changes like tiny like nudges that can impart significant trajectory changes in a child’s health. Then we dive into PANS/PANDAS. Although there is more research about PANDAS (meaning symptoms associated with strep infection), triggers can be well beyond Strep, which is the nature of the condition known as PANS. Children can present with debilitating fear, rage, sleep disruptions, intense separation anxiety, reading/ math regression, toilet training regressions, distinct behavioral changes, tics, avoidant-restrictive food disorder, and OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). It’s thought to happen in relation to an infective insult, but this may be so subtle as to not even be recognized (even mold in a home). PANS and PANDAS can be thought of as an immune system susceptibility; Homeopathy addresses susceptibilities to repair the biochemical patterns in realms that conventional medicine does not yet operate. This is an incredible show that gives an excellent introduction to Homeopathy as well treatment possibilities for children and families truly suffering with these severe, often inconsolable, symptoms. We recorded this show with Dr Bahr precisely because of the results we are seeing in clinic with patients who have engaged with the Resilience Naturopathic team (demand is so great she has 16 clinicians on her team that see patients remotely around the world). Throughout the show, she weaves through her personal story, which is so insightful for both process and progress, but also demonstrates how life can feel in an effective treatment vacuum.  Please listen in and share widely.  Find out more about her, Resilience Naturopathic and PANS/PANDAS at the resources below. Resilience Naturopathic p: 858-461-8121 a: 3633 Camino Del Rio South, Suite 103 San Diego, CA, 92108 w:  www.resiliencenaturopathic.com e:  jessica@resiliencenaturopathic.com Join our  FREE FB Group for our free mini course on PANS/ PANDAS solutions and lots of great conversation and support! YouTube Channel for Resilience Naturopathic.

Dr Arnold Eiser, MD, MACP trained as a nephrologist over 40 years ago but has come to see that the kidneys, liver and other 'extracranial factors' (influences from outside the cranium, the skull holding the brain) hold some of the most impactful sway over the health of our brains. He's termed this relationship between organ dysfunction in the body to assumed compromise in central nervous system brain neuroinflammation Eiser's Corollary of Related Toxicity. His  book, Preserving Brain Health in a Toxic Age: New insights from neuroscience, integrative medicine and public health  (Rowman & Littlefield, Oct 2021) explores this topic in depth. He examines the ways in which environmental policy, corporate pollutive behavior, metals, microbes, common medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), and experiences with digital violence seem to hasten neuroinflammatory changes that can present as our current epidemics of autism and Alzheimer's Disease. It's a multi-tiered attack on the nervous system that our society doesn't loop back to true root causes. The book explores the interface between the chemical environment and industrial and agricultural practices.. He notes almost all neurotoxins are also carcinogenics and recognizes the key role of the liver as a front-line organ for protection or vulnerability for brain inflammation- and then notes the epidemic of non-alcoholic fatty acid disease in the modern world. He notes that CFS/ dysautonomia was originally described in the 1800's as a 'disease of modernity' associated with newspaper printing and rail travel. We then talk about the integrative medicine, high fructose corn syrup, nutrients, spices, and in the process really listing out many of the ways we can make our whole world medicine better at preserving brain health. Find the book: https://www.amazon.com/Preserving-Brain-Health-Toxic-Age/dp/1538158078 or https://rowman.com/ISBN/9781538158074/Preserving-Brain-Health-in-a-Toxic-Age-New-Insights-from-Neuroscience-Integrative-Medicine-and-Public-Health

Microglial cells are responsible for sensing and driving the immune response in the central nervous system. Their activity, be it supportive or destructive, can be at the root of many different neuroinflammatory conditions including diseases like MS, ALS, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), but may also play a large role in the vague hallmark symptoms of complex and chronic disease like brain fog, fatigue, pain, alertness and mood changes including OCD, ADD, and depression. Dr Singhal systematically walks us through an easily understood description of the types of cells in the brain (neurons, macroglia (astrocytes & oligodendrocytes), microglia) and their functions. The microglia are a fascinating type of neuroimmune cell that sense and act protectively in good times and then can change shape and release various cytokines, chemokine and neurotransmitters in response to the development of disease, which then impacts microglia function further. We used to only be able to see this on autopsy- there are no blood tests available to measure microglial activation (although neurofilament light chains (NfL) from neurons and glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP) from astrocytes can reflect central nervous system cellular injury). But PET imaging can visualize microglial activation! Dr Singhal explains in elucidating detail the nature, function, and power of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) imaging, like starting with the Big Bang, anti-matter particles, medical cyclotrons and gamma rays. “PET brings physics, chemistry and biology together in real time to provide novel insights at a cellular and molecular level”, including microglial activation. “If you know yourself and know your enemy, you’ll win 1000 battles” is the way he describes what PET can do for neuroinflammatory conditions. We end the show with a discussion of treatment theories and options targeting microglial activation. It’s a combination of re-evaluating known therapies (even the old antibiotic minocycline!) for their impact on microglia as well as mention of some novel therapies, including a nasal spray ‘vaccine’ for MS. Of course, we bring up non-pharmacologic therapy potentials including exercise, the Ayurvedic perspective including panchakarma detoxification, the power of breathing to impact cerebrospinal fluid flow, ketogenic diet, and consideration of various adaptogenic herbs with the goal of supporting the immune system’s intelligence.

Recorded on Friday, June 24, 2022, the day Roe v Wade was overturned by the United States Supreme Court, when safe full-scale reproductive health care responsibility was returned back to the states resulting in millions of women losing access to accurate information about safe reproductive care, this episode lays out the realities of abortion. We know this decision will inflict a range of dangers, even well beyond the simple forcing of women to continue undesired pregnancies with all of the physical, emotional and financial realities (the Turn Away Study shows mental health may recover but physical and financial outcomes are worse for women who wanted but had no access to abortion care). We know there is already an increasing frequency of delayed or denied miscarriage management, refusal to treat life-threatening pregnancy conditions like ectopic pregnancy, and fetal abnormalities not compatible with life that are forced to persist until their extensively painful and grueling end for both mom and fetus. Dr Anuj Khattar is a Family Practice MD who has traveled the country providing reproductive care to women. After witnessing child abuse in the emergency room during his training, he chose this specialty to prevent that by supporting women to be in charge of their bodies, including their reproductive choices. He found he loves doing this work because of the deep listening it requires. Dr Khattar has learned from his patients that abortion is never a decision taken lightly. Behind every decision is a carefully weighed thought process to go this route. He notes 90% of abortions occur in the first trimester (12-14 weeks) when the abortion pill (mifepristone and misoprostol) is safe and effective, and that the majority of abortions are women who are already mothers; these are women who are making an informed decision. In this episode, we discuss: The reason for an abortion is irrelevant; our judgment is irrelevant. Abortion care is health care. With the advent of medical abortion pills, which are available through the mail and are FDA approved through 11 weeks (with evidence & global experience showing likely safety up to 20 weeks), the post-Roe world is different than the pre-Roe world; see the documentary “The Janes” to understand more about that. The physical realities of abortion are demanding on a woman’s body; beyond weight gain, fatigue, nausea/vomiting and connective tissue softening, there is a 20-30% chance of a Cesarean section (C-Section) delivering which is major abdominal surgery incurring any surgical risk and requiring recovery time that is not protected by any Federal paid parental leave program. Dr Khattar also discusses the medically unsound text he has been required to read to women in certain states during abortion counseling and busts many of the other myths out there. A conversation on contraception, which is NOT abortion, even Plan B which is available over the counter without a doctor’s prescription. If the desire is truly to reduce or prevent abortions, our focus should be accurate, widely disseminated sex education, more social and financial opportunities for women, physical autonomy for women and access to contraception. It’s a big show. It’s a big deal. Let's stand up for ourselves & each other.  Resources: Funding Abortions: https://abortionfunds.org/ Shout Your Abortion: https://shoutyourabortion.com/resources/ Abortion finder: https://www.abortionfinder.org/ Repro Legal Hotline: https://www.reprolegalhelpline.org/ Plan C Safe Home Abortion: https://www.plancpills.org/