The Power of Genetics

In this episode of the Power of Genetics podcast featuring Meryl Brandwein, a dietician who practices functional nutrition with a focus on genetics. Meryl is known as the "rebel nutritionist" and aims to disrupt the industry with her approach. Meryl's practice employs health coaches who work together as a team to implement personalized nutrition plans and provide accountability and support to clients. The use of health coaches is a unique aspect of her practice that sets it apart from others. This podcast episode will explore Meryl's journey from the beginning of her career to where she is now. Meryl's background as a dietician practicing functional nutrition and personalized nutritional medicine with a focus on genetics. Meryl's reputation as the "rebel nutritionist" and her aim to disrupt the industry with her approach. The unique aspect of Meryl's practice employing health coaches who work together as a team to implement personalized nutrition plans and provide accountability and support to clients. The benefits of personalized nutrition plans and how they differ from traditional nutrition plans. Meryl's journey from the beginning of her career to where she is now, including any challenges or obstacles she faced and how she overcame them. The future of personalized nutrition and how it is changing the field of nutrition and dietetics. The importance of genetics in nutrition and how it can inform personalized nutrition plans. Examples of success stories from Meryl's practice and how personalized nutrition plans have helped clients achieve their health goals. How listeners can incorporate personalized nutrition into their own lives and what steps they can take to get started.

In this episode of the Power of Genetics podcast, Ryan Smith shares his journey as an entrepreneur and scientist in the fields of epigenetics and diagnostics. He discusses the importance of maintaining scientific integrity and finding something you're passionate about in order to truly succeed in any field.  Ryan shares his insights on the potential of epigenetics in predicting a variety of outcomes related to age and chronic diseases. He highlights the importance of tracking outcomes and using data to prove the efficacy of treatments, which can be challenging in a field that is constantly evolving and subject to regulatory issues.  Throughout the conversation, Ryan emphasizes the importance of finding a niche and staying focused on one's goals, no matter how difficult or unconventional they may seem. He shares his personal experience of successfully building a compounding pharmacy business before ultimately leaving to pursue his work in epigenetics and diagnostics.  Topics discussed in this episode: Ryan Smith's journey as an entrepreneur scientist.  The importance of maintaining scientific integrity and being passionate about your work.  The potential of epigenetics in predicting a variety of outcomes.  The need for larger and better data sets to create more accurate algorithms.  The need for a focus on preventative medicine and managing age as a primary risk factor.  The definition of epigenetics and how it differs from genetics.  The ability to measure gene expression and how it impacts health.  The significance of epigenetics in reading insights from lifestyle, diet, and nutrition.  The challenges in measuring epigenetic data, including the need for cell type-specific and time point-specific data.  The first ever interventional trial on epigenetic age marks, led by Steve Horvath and Greg Fay from UCLA.  The Trim Trial and its aim to drive down the ages of patients using metformin, growth hormone, and DHEA. 

Dr. Alejandro Junger is a New York Times best-selling author and founder of health and wellness company CLEAN. A Uruguayan-born cardiologist and Functional Medicine practitioner, Dr. Junger is known for working with A-list celebrities, and countless other patients seeking to restore the balance of health. Dubbed as “The Father of Detox”, Dr. Junger has had firsthand experience in the powerful effects of detox, fasting, and natural medicines on our gut health and overall wellness. After being diagnosed with multiple ailments that were not completely addressed by traditional treatments, Dr. Junger went on a journey to look at alternative treatments, including Ayurvedic medicine. He completed his postgraduate training in internal medicine at NYU Downtown Hospital and a fellowship in cardiovascular diseases at Lenox Hill Hospital before studying eastern medicine in India.  Dr. Junger’s journey to regaining his health was such an illuminating and transformative experience that it inspired him to share what he learned with others, and to help establish what has become the CLEAN movement. His wellness company CLEAN launched in 2009, alongside his book of the same name, with a mission  to help create achievable long-lasting health using ancient and modern wellness tools. What started as a personal discovery for Dr. Junger has become a wellness game-changer for countless people yearning for the right tools and methods to dramatically improve their health.   Topics discussed in this episode: Dr. Junger’s  journey in studying and practicing traditional medicine How his personal health issues led him into a 15 year journey looking into  alternative treatments, and studying eastern and Ayurvedic medicine How he learned about the benefits of detoxing  The serendipitous moment that led him to write his first bestselling book What made him decide to leave his hospital practice How Dr. Junger created the CLEAN program and his wellness company of the same name The key role of genetics in promoting health and wellness The future of functional, integrative medicine and nutrition

Kiran Krishnan is a Research Microbiologist who is one of the world’s leading experts on probiotics.  He has been involved in the dietary supplement and nutrition market for over 18 years, and his early works involved hands-on R&D in molecular medicine and microbiology. He comes from a strict research background, having designed and conducted dozens of human clinical trials in human nutrition.   Kiran is a co-founder and partner in Nu Science Trading; a nutritional technology development, research and marketing company in the U.S. Most recently, Kiran is acting as the Chief Scientific Officer at Physician’s Exclusive and Microbiome Labs. He has developed over 50 private label nutritional products for small to large brands.   Kiran is also on the Scientific Advisory Board for 5 other companies in the industry, where he continues to offer his extensive knowledge and practical application of the latest science on the human microbiome as it relates to health and wellness.   He is a frequent lecturer on the Human Microbiome at Medical and Nutrition Conferences, and has been a guest speaker on several Health Summits as a microbiome expert. He is currently involved in 9 novel human clinical trials on probiotics and the human microbiome.  Topics discussed in this episode: How Kiran’s curiosity, healthy level of cynicism, and diverse cultural background at a young age led him to pursue medicine How his parents inspired him to be an innovative thinker and to explore the biological sciences What influenced him to study microbiology  The translational gap between the academic world and the real world How Kiran helped shift the view of how the supplement industry conducts research The story and vision behind Microbiome Labs Principles he lives by in running his company  The future of the probiotics space The role of genetics in the future of health The important interplay between genetics and biology

Dr. Michael Stone is a board-certified family physician, practicing integrative and functional medicine. He is the co-founder and medical director of Ashland Comprehensive Family Medicine, a full multiple clinician collaborative care clinic in Oregon, which he runs with his wife Dr. Leslie Stone, and their daughter Emily Rydbom. He is a leader in the functional medicine field, specifically in the areas of developmental programming of health and disease, improving chronic disease, and encouraging lasting health and well-being.   He has been an adjunct faculty at UCLA and the University of Washington for primary care students in the Doctoring and RUOP programs. He is a faculty at the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM) and was chosen as their Linus Pauling award recipient in 2019.  His career has offered him medical experiences and allowed him to practice in places like Thailand, Alaska, the Eastern Sierras, Idaho, and Oregon.  He is a writer, researcher, functional medicine educator, and mentor of undergraduate, resident, and practicing clinicians. A focus of his work is on the ABCD of functional nutrition evaluation in clinical practice, helping physicians, clinicians, and clients alike see more connections to  improve health.   Topics discussed in this episode: Michael’s inspiration to go into medicine  The importance of empathy and humility, being an active listener and meeting people where they are What moved him and his wife to focus on nutrition and functional medicine Detecting patterns and getting to the root cause of medical problems The benefits of a patient focused approach in medicine What Michael would like to change and continue to impact in the world of medicine and nutrition Similarities in Yael's and Michael’s journey The power of genetics and accessible genetic testing, using biomarkers and health history to improve a patient’s health and well being

Dr. David Jockers is a doctor of natural medicine, a functional nutritionist and a corrective care chiropractor. He is the founder of Exodus Health Center in Georgia,  and runs the popular natural health website DrJockers.com, designed to empower people with science based solutions to improve their health. He is a best-selling author of three books, the most recent of which is “The Keto Metabolic Breakthrough”, where he shares his revolutionary new approach in transforming our health by using the principles of the ketogenic diet to reset our metabolism. Dr. Jockers has developed several online programs with thousands of participants. These programs include e-guides, recipes, meal plans and video instructions including “The Fasting Transformation Quickstart Program,” “The Sugar Detox,” “Navigating the Ketogenic Diet,” and “The Digestive Health Restoration Program,” and the “Super Brain Program.” David’s work has been published in various popular media outlets including ABC, Fox News, The Hallmark Channel, and the Dr Oz Show. He also hosts the popular Dr Jockers' Functional Nutrition podcast.   Topics discussed in this episode: How Dr. Jockers started his health and wellness journey What led him to pursue a career in chiropractic medicine How David went from being a lacto-ovo vegetarian to switching to a low carb, no grain, Paleo diet with intermittent fasting to heal his IBS and gut issues What made him shift his focus from being a health practitioner to a world renowned health entrepreneur Why he decided to create online health and wellness programs His goal for the next 10 years How genetics can help us optimize our health

Kathie Swift,  is the co-founder of the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy, a comprehensive, online educational program on functional medicine.   Kathie has held many diverse positions throughout her career.  Notable in her dietetic career, she served as the Education Director for the Center for Mind Body Medicine’s highly acclaimed “Food As Medicine” professional training program for two decades.    She has pioneered innovative nutrition programs at Canyon Ranch Health Resorts, Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health, and Dr. Mark Hyman’s UltraWellness Center. She also serves on numerous advisory boards including 3×4 Genetics, and the Integrative Healthcare Symposium and Integrative Medicine.   She has authored and co-authored several medical textbooks, has been a guest in numerous health and nutrition conferences, and has been interviewed in hundreds of articles, both in the US and abroad.    For her many years of service and dedication to advancing the field of integrative and functional medicine, Kathie received the first Visionary Leadership Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award by the Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine Dietetic Practice Group.   Kathie has been dubbed as “the mother of integrative and functional nutrition” by thought leaders in the field and has been recognized by Today’s Dietitian as “a dietitian making a difference”.   She maintains a heart-core approach to educating health care professionals, and  teaches her students how to create vibrant, nourishing lives for themselves and their clients by combining the best of modern nutritional science, integrative and functional medicine, mind body modalities, and ancient healing practices.   Topics discussed in this episode: Kathie’s transitional journey on nutritional medicine borne from a personal health crisis The STAIN heuristic Her work with the Dietitians in Integrative and Functional Medicine group Kathie’s view on the state of nutrition today, and of being a clinician in this area The need for guidance in navigating the science of nutrition The “Food As Medicine” movement Major gaps in the conventional dietetics education What gave Kathie the impetus to launch a formal online training program in integrative and functional nutrition Her advice for practitioners and health professionals The need for specialization and growing forward The importance of having genetic data in nutrition therapy

Dr. Christine Houghton holds degrees in Nutrigenomics, Biochemistry and Human Nutrition, and is a registered Nutritionist and an Adjunct Lecturer in the School of Human Movement and Nutrition Science at the University of Queensland.  Backed by over three decades of experience as a private practice Nutritionist, Christine founded Cell-Logic, a company which researches and manufactures nutrigenomic ingredients for clinical application.  Her strong background in Biochemistry and Human Nutrition has made her one of the most well respected leaders in the field of nutrigenomics, the study of how food-derived nutrients can change the expression of genes. Christine is passionate about promoting and teaching health professionals and individuals alike on how to achieve optimal health through drugless means. In  this episode, we follow Christine’s journey in the world of nutrition, nutrigenomics, and biochemistry.  Topics discussed in this episode: How Christine's interest in food and health started at a young age How the then archaic approach to nutrition pushed her to pursue self-learning Food as a home for signaling molecules that affects changes in gene expression Nutrigenomics as an important tool in exploring the biochemical individuality of different people Why megadose vitamin therapy goes against nature's own mechanisms and  is not the most effective approach to nutrition How the need to get to the facts enabled Christine to push boundaries and tackle the status quo in the field of nutrition Christine and Yael’s serendipitous meeting during a conference and how they got to start working together How Christine started her company Her advice to practitioners who are just starting out in their career The importance of looking to nature and adapting a non-reductionist approach in patient treatment

Kira Dineen has over a decade of podcast experience, fueled by her passion for science communication. Her show, "DNA Today", is in the top 1.5% of podcasts globally. Through her interviews on genetic technology, disorders, news, and developments, listeners discover new advances in the world of genetics. Her guests include renowned genetic counselors, researchers, patient advocates and biotech leaders.  Kira is a licensed certified genetic counselor at Maternal Fetal Care, where she helps high risk pregnancy patients. She is also passionate about advocating for the rare disease community and has worked with several organizations to provide education and raise awareness on rare diseases. Kira’s career is a blend of genetic counseling and digital media, with a goal of educating the public about genetics and the impact it has on their health.  In this episode, Kira shares her journey into podcasting, and in becoming a genetic counselor, and how her passion and perseverance led to her success in her chosen careers.   Topics discussed in this episode: How Kira got into podcasting How her mom became her role model in starting her genetic counseling career What enabled Kira to get to where she is now at such a young age Her career goals for the upcoming years Her advice for like-minded practitioners Failures and successes she has seen in the field of genetics over the last decade

Susan Allen is a well respected Functional Nutrition expert and authority in Integrative Nutrition. Her decades of experience, and her passion for educating has led her to become one of the most trusted speakers, published authors, and consultants in the nutraceutical industry. Recognizing the widening gap between traditional healthcare and the emerging trends in Integrative and Functional Medicine, and seeing how many healthcare providers and dietitians are missing a key opportunity, Susan decided to launch her own international mentoring initiative to provide training for this specialty. Through her company, Next Level Functional Nutrition, she provides a unique approach to personalized health and wellness by incorporating an overall focus on the mind-body-spirit connection. In this episode, Susan shares her mission to up-level her profession, empower clinicians to make the biggest impact,  and for nutrition to have its rightful place in medicine.    Topics discussed in this episode: How Susan’s work in health and fitness led her to pursue a career in nutrition and dietetics Parallels between Susan and Yael’s journeys The challenges faced by dietitians, nutritionists, and health practitioners Susan’s mission to empower clinicians to use nutrition at the highest level and allow them to make the biggest impact The need to change the learning landscape and to promote functional nutrition Her advice for practitioners who want to make a difference in nutrition What the future of nutrition looks like in the next decade The importance of genetics in the field of nutrition