Conversations for Health – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Lexi Yoo is the Founder and Director of Yoo Direct Health in Indiana and is a double-board-certified nurse practitioner in the areas of family and pediatric medicine. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Purdue University and a Master’s from IUPUI as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. Lexi has a particular interest in anti-aging medicine, integrative health, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, and a focus on peptide therapy. She is certified through BioTE Medical, where she is a mentor as well as a proctor. Lexi has completed all her functional medicine coursework through The Institute for Functional Medicine and has completed an Aesthetic Fellowship through the American Academy of Antiaging. She is a national speaker as well as a trainer in her areas of specialty. Lexi is also a GAIN trainer for Galderma Aesthetics. In 2022, she developed the Integrative Residency Program, where she created a virtual learning opportunity for other providers to learn about Thyroid Health, Hormone Optimization in Men and Women, Gut Health management, Peptide Therapy, and Aesthetic Medicine. In 2023 she developed the Yoo Direct Training Academy, a virtual-based platform for the like-minded provider. Lexi and I have a candid conversation about marketing longevity and achieving business growth in lasting ways. She shares key lessons she has learned about staffing, vision, creating a culture of growth and the importance of maintaining integrity in the face of success. She offers insights into her holistic approach to weight loss and longevity, details about GLP-1 receptor antagonists and other high demand treatment options that Lexi’s patients regularly ask about, and steps practitioners need to take to keep their patients healthy and happy as they navigate the journey toward longevity. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Lexi Yoo - https://www.yoodirecthealth.com/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Designs for Health Practitioner Exclusive Drug Nutrient Depletion and Interaction Checker - https://www.designsforhealth.com/drug-nutrient-interaction/

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

02:45 Lexi’s latest focus on neurotherapy offers valuable integrative therapies to her patients. 

03:20 The journey of Lexi’s business growth was both unexpected and incredibly rewarding – and included Crossfit. 

7:48 The why behind the Yoo Academy has benefitted Lexi as well as her like minded practitioner community. 

09:39 Key lessons Lexi has learned about staffing, vision, creating a culture of growth and maintaining integrity in the face of success. 

12:30 Longevity refers to both long life as well as high quality of life. Lexi works to help patients meet both of these goals. 

15:25 Key biomarkers of longevity that Lexi looks to in the total health panel. 

16:15 An overview of the standard intake visit at Yoo Direct Health. 

20:55 GLP-1 receptor antagonists and other high demand treatment options that Lexi’s patients regularly ask about. 

28:00 Considerations for patients regarding tirzepatide, semaglutide, fatty liver disease, and optimized hormones for longevity.

29:04 Pregnancy and increased fertility warnings and options for patients. 

30:32 Cycling GLP-1, refills, insulin resistance, menstrual cycles, and musical loss are all taken into consideration when optimizing patient health for longevity. 

35:24 Recommendations for carb, fat, and protein dietary intake starts with meeting the patient where they are. 

36:40 Appetite control and healthy weight loss is a matter of dosing semaglutide responsibility. 

38:27 Details about injectable growth hormones and peptides. 

40:23 A holistic approach to managing the side effects of commercially available GLP-1s. 

44:15 The future of GLP-1 includes stacked peptides and improved maintenance dosing. 

46:30 A supplemental approach to maintaining weight loss. 

47:49 Aesthetic offerings that can be added on in addition to GLP-1s, including stimulating collagen, hair restoration and acne recommendations. 

53:27 Top nutrients for healthy skin, hair and nails. 

53:53 Top personal supplements, top health practices, the idea that Lexi has changed her mind about over her years of practice, and her 5-year vision for the future of her practice.

Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP is an internationally acclaimed thyroid specialist and licensed pharmacist who has dedicated her career to addressing the root causes of autoimmune thyroid disease, fatigue and mystery illnesses after being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in 2009. She is the author of the New York Times best-selling patient guide Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Lifestyle Interventions for Finding and Treating the Root Cause, the #1 New York Times best-selling protocol-based book Hashimoto’s Protocol: A 90-Day Plan for Reversing Thyroid Symptoms and Getting Your Life Back, Hashimoto's Food Pharmacology: Nutrition Protocols and Healing Recipes to Take Charge of Your Thyroid Health, and Adrenal Transformation Protocol: A 4-Week Plan to Release Stress Symptoms and Go from Surviving to Thriving. Together we discuss the experiences that led her to write about Hashimoto’s and the adrenal protocol. She highlights the importance of shifting the stress response when supporting adrenals, the value of building resilience over avoiding stressors altogether, and the connection between adrenal dysfunction and thyroid health. Dr. Wentz touches on a myriad of details about HPA Axis Dysfunction, including balancing adrenals, testing options, the connection between adrenal dysfunction and thyroid health, and the success rates she has seen as she has dedicated her work to helping patients heal from Hashimoto’s. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Izabella Wentz - https://thyroidpharmacist.com/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Designs for Health Practitioner Exclusive Drug Nutrient Depletion and Interaction Checker - https://www.designsforhealth.com/drug-nutrient-interaction/

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro.

02:45 Dr. Wentz’s diagnosis with Hashimoto's led her to write books that have helped suffering people around the world. 

06:15 The importance of shifting the stress response when supporting adrenals. 

08:34 Are patterns of dysfunction unavoidable as life and career stressors mount? 

11:02 The value of building resilience over avoiding stressors altogether. 

12:09 Adrenal fatigue and HPA Axis Dysfunction terminology has changed over time, but the importance of providing options to patients has remained the same. 

14:17 The role of hormones and concerns about their side effects. 

17:43 Coffee, wine and sleep may not be the reason a patient is sick, rather they may be self-medicating attempts to balance adrenals. 

19:35 Testing options, including the adrenal salivary index and the Dutch test. 

21:25 The connection between adrenal dysfunction and thyroid health. 

23:25 Key chronic stressors that cause adrenal dysfunction issues. 

25:00 Dr. Wentz weighs in on the ABC’s – adaptogens, B vitamins and Vitamin C – as the most important areas to address from the supplement front. 

28:49 Dr. Wentz’s typical approach to the Hashimoto’s patient is looking for symptom management versus total reversal. 

32:43 How long does it take to get a reduction in thyroid antibodies? 

35:12 What does realistic weight loss look like when coupled with Hashimoto’s? 

37:40 Exercise recommendations for people with HPA Axis Dysfunction. 

40:00 Modalities for improving psychological safety. 

42:35 Dr. Wentz shares her personal favorite adaptogens and how they have helped her. 

45:20 The autoimmune paleo-protocol is often a temporary elimination rather than a lifelong change. 

48:20 Details of the ultimate gut reaction study and Dr. Wentz’s husband’s experience with hemochromatosis. 

52:40 Top personal supplements, top health practices, and the idea that Dr. Wentz has changed her mind about over her years of practice.

Élan M. Sudberg is CEO of Alkemist Labs, a passionately committed contract testing laboratory specializing in plant authentication, botanical ingredient identification and quantitative analytical services to the Food & Beverage, Nutraceutical and Cosmeceutical Industries. He holds a degree in chemistry from California State University Long Beach and has authored numerous journal articles on phytochemistry and analytical techniques for the natural products and nutraceutical industry. He is on the executive committee of the AHPA, as well as AHPA’s Education and Research on Botanicals Foundation, and past chair of the Hemp and Medical Marijuana committee. He received the 2019 NutraIngredients-USA NutraChampion award for advocacy of best testing practices.

Together Élan and I explore the supplement industry, from the quality of supplements to the process of testing ingredients. Élan challenges the claim that the supplement industry is untested, unsafe and unregulated, and instead offers insights into what actually happens at each stage of testing and what it really means when raw materials are rejected. He gives an overview of the technology behind DNA testing for specific products, the role of HPTLC testing, commonly adulterated ingredients and the importance of challenging the healthcare and health science industries.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Élan M. Sudberg - https://www.alkemist.com/about-elan-sudberg/

FDA Dietary Supplement Regulation - https://www.fda.gov/food/dietary-supplements

HPTLC Testing - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3658041/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Designs for Health Quality & Manufacturing - https://www.designsforhealth.com/learn-more/quality-and-manufacturing

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

03:21 Élan was born into a scientist-filled family, cheated his way through high school chemistry, and now runs the world's biggest small-plant chemistry lab.

6:20 Élan takes on the pervasive myth that the supplement industry is unsafe, unregulated and untested. 

09:43 The impact of the Dietary Supplement, Health and Education Act of 1994 (DSHEA). 

11:18 Details of the process of each stage of testing for supplemental raw materials. 

22:00 A brief but complex history of the technology behind DNA testing for specific products. 

28:53  HPTLC testing can distinguish a houseplant from a hot dog, but it can’t detect quality.

33:48 Insisting on high quality raw materials- and rejecting some- may or may not mean that suppliers are trying to get away with low quality. 

38:48 Commonly adulterated ingredients in the supplement industry including elderberry and ashwagandha. 

42:04 Industry trends that are on the rise. 

44:15 Élan preferred supplements, personal health practices, and his view on the importance of challenging the healthcare and health science industries.

Jen Donovan is a gut-brain axis specialist who completely rebuilt her life and career as a result of her experience with severe chronic illness. Jen has diverse and comprehensive training including a master’s of science in family therapy, a Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises certification, a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner certification, and a Gut and Psychology Syndrome certification. She is also the author of Rebuild Yourself: Whole Body Practices to Heal Your Brain and Your Nervous System. Through her personal and professional journey, Jen has developed Six Support Protocols to provide a clear, structured, evidence-based, and all-encompassing approach to addressing gut-brain axis neurological issues and finding a thriving life again.

In our conversation, we explore Jen’s healing journey from Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, her work with clients on trauma release and nervous system regulation, and how she works with clients with complex chronic illnesses.  She shares the series of chronic health challenges that led her to change careers and subsequently prove herself wrong about mental health challenges.  She highlights effective nervous system regulation practices, nutrients and supplements that can manage histamine symptoms and nervous system regulation, effective somatic experiencing and shaking exercises, and tactics for practitioners to set realistic timelines that will help patients find success in their healing journey.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Jen Donovan - https://wholebodyhealingwithjen.com/

Jen’s Book - https://www.amazon.com/Rebuild-Yourself-Practices-Nervous-System/dp/B0BRZ1R49C/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Research Blog: Stinging Nettle: A Potent Herb to Support Immune Health - https://www.casi.org/stinging-nettle-support-immune-health

Nutrition Blog: Clinical Studies Investigate the Role of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in Mood Health - https://www.casi.org/role-of-lactobacillus-and-bifidobacterium-in-mood-health

Research Blog: Spotlight on Benfotiamine - https://www.casi.org/node/640

Science Blog: How the Gut-Brain Axis May Play a Role in Certain Neuropsychiatric Disorders - https://www.casi.org/node/1495

Research Blog: The Relationship Between Histamine Intolerance and Gastrointestinal Health - https://www.casi.org/relationship-between-histamine-intolerance-and-gastrointestinal-health

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro.

03:44 A series of chronic health challenges led Jen to change careers and prove herself wrong about mental health challenges.

05:21 The symptoms that led Jen to a diagnosis and a root cause approach to healing chronic health issues.

09:17 Seeking answers for herself led Jen to the world of natural health options.

12:54 The incorrect association between the physical and mental symptoms of the gut-brain axis and mast cell disorders.

14:32 Although Jen was finding answers, she didn’t immediately start implementing new information into her practice.

15:55 Two years of healing included several aspects of natural healing and advanced somatic nervous system regulation techniques.

19:30 Nervous system regulation practices that Jen has implemented into her work with patients, including allowing shaking when the body demands it.

25:47 Shaking exercises for stress management and stimulation of the neurogenic tremor response from the brain stem.

28:55 Somatic experiencing includes much more than simply noticing sounds and colors.

35:32 Jen’s dietary recommendations and tactics for empowering patients to stick with a restricted GAPS diet.

42:33 Dietary timelines for adding new foods while balancing the gut microbiome.

47:17 Setting realistic patient expectations for a years-long timeline for healing.

51:19 Jen recommends nutrients and supplements that help manage histamine symptoms and nervous system regulation.

57:50 The importance of building muscle mass and addressing posture in healing.

1:00:00 The structure of Jen’s business is designed to meet the needs of every type of patient.

1:02:40 Jen’s favorite supplements, top personal well-being practices, and the fad-following ideas she has changed her mind about in her years of practice.

Latisa S. Carson, M.D. is a board-certified physician in Obstetrics and Gynecology and a medical weight loss specialist and is board-certified in Obesity Medicine and is a member of the Obesity Medicine Association. She is the only female African American obstetrician-gynecologist in solo private practice in San Diego County. Her residency training was completed at Southern Illinois University, Springfield, Illinois and her internship year was spent at King/Drew Medical Center in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Carson is a University of Kansas School of Medicine graduate, from Kansas City, Kansas. She has a special interest in helping her community achieve a healthier weight and active lifestyle and offers physicians supervised, medically supported weight loss programs that include nutrition, behavior management, weight loss medication, and exercise guidance.

Together Dr. Carson and I dive into all things weight loss from GLP-1 receptors to the incredibly popular Ozempic and semaglutide compounded medicines.  Dr. Carson shares her experience with using GLP-1 receptor antagonists with her patients and offers her wisdom regarding the pillars of health that must be supported by practitioners to optimize lasting patient success.  She highlights both the negative and positive side effects associated with weight loss medicines, offers guidelines for effectively tapering off medication, and shares insights into the slow but steady functional medicine changes that are coming into traditional medicine. Her advice is both encouraging and pragmatic, and our conversation is filled with insights for any practitioner who is interested in successfully incorporating today’s hottest weight loss medications into their practice.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Chapters:

[3:18] Dr. Carson recalls her mother’s experience as a nurse, her own introduction to weight loss medicine, and her initial connection with Designs for Health.

[7:20] Defining GLP-1 and GLP-1 receptor agonists and the role of drugs including Ozempic and dual agonist drugs such as Terzepitide in obesity management.

[10:30] Key differences between brand names and semaglutide compounded medicines, as well as injected versus oral medicines.

[14:10] Semaglutide success rates, adherence rates, and average weight loss goal timelines.

[15:15] Dr. Carson’s individualized approach to dosing and titration at every stage of a weight loss journey.

[21:30] Dr. Carson’s comprehensive support program includes weekly visits, medicines, diet plans, and frequent patient engagement.

[25:35] Muscle mass loss and management of other extreme side effects and complications from these medications.

[33:42] Dr. Carson’s experience with favorable side effects in managing other addictions with these medicines.

[36:14] Guidelines for tapering off medication and successfully keeping the weight off.

[39:00] Addressing the mindset of a patient and past trauma in ways that will be most helpful.

[43:25] Dr. Carson shares her desire to integrate functional medicine into her traditional medicine OB practice earlier in her career.

[45:35] Detox pathways are a critical first step to weight loss.

[51:23] Dr. Carson shares what she has changed her mind about over the course of her career, her personal favorite supplements, and her favorite health practices.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Latisa Carson https://www.uniquelyfitmedicalweightloss.com/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Nutrition Blog: Muscle Tone Matters: The Key to Optimal Body Composition and Metabolic Health  - https://www.casi.org/muscle-tone-matters-key-optimal-body-composition-metabolic-health

Nutrition Blog: The Hidden Effects: Medications and Their Impact on Your GI Tract - https://www.casi.org/medications-and-their-impact-on-gi-tract

Research Blog: Influence of Probiotics on Weight Management in Obesity - https://www.casi.org/node/1557

Research Blog: The Stomach-Brain Axis: Hunger’s Not All in the Mind - https://www.casi.org/node/971

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Dr. Mark Tager, MD is a speaker and the author of Feed Your Skin Right: Your Personalized Nutrition Plan for Radiant Beauty and is the CEO of San Diego-based ChangeWell Inc.  Mark attended Duke University Medical School and trained in family practice at The Oregon Health & Science University. As a physician, he is well-grounded in aesthetic, lifestyle, regenerative, and integrative medicine. Mark founded one of the first integrative medicine centers in the U.S., the Institute of Preventive Medicine, and served as corporate Medical Director for Electro Scientific Industries and as Director of Health Promotion for Kaiser Permanente Oregon. He has been actively involved in training and consulting projects in aesthetics, stem cells, medical malpractice prevention, skin care, and advanced cardiac biomarkers.

Together Dr. Tager and I discuss supplement health for beauty. Patients may come to a practitioner with questions about balancing their hormones, losing weight, or boosting their energy, but almost inevitably they are also interested in optimizing their beauty.  Dr. Tager outlines the personalized nutrition questions that practitioners can ask to start the conversation, highlights the essential supplements that can optimize skin health, details the importance of blood flow, Vitamins D, C, and E, and shares insights from simple and powerful skin nutrigenomic testing and SNPs. He also offers clinical pearls regarding collagen and microneedling and shares a wealth of additional supplemental areas for optimizing skin health that can meet the needs of every patient.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Chapters:

00:00

01:52 Dr. Mark Tager performs his life’s work at the intersection of integrative, functional medicine and aesthetics.

03:50 The four questions behind Dr. Tager’s newest book Feed Your Skin Right.

04:50 Personalized nutrition questions that practitioners can ask patients regarding skin health in the realm of functional medicine.

08:54 The key pieces to an optimal diet in maintaining healthy skin including increased Vitamin C and fiber intake.

16:47 Insights from simple and powerful skin nutrigenomic testing and SNPs.

19:15 Shining a light on the effect of dark chocolate on skin health.

20:27 The importance of blood flow to the skin through exercise for optimal health.

23:06 Top supplement recommendations for skin health including bioactive collagen peptides and Omega-3.

28:06 Clinical pearls regarding collagen and microneedling.

30:05 The importance of Vitamin C and Vitamin D in skin health and optimal absorption.

33:01 Mitochondrial health completions and the overlay of drug nutrient completions.

34:10 The simple value of getting enough sleep every night and employing time-restricted eating.

35:00 Two key elements to integrating the Designs for Beauty tools into any practitioner's work.

41:45 Vitamin E is used both topically and orally for skin health and beauty.

43:37 Additional supplemental areas for optimizing skin health including research supporting topical peptides.

48:45 Dr. Mark shares his changed opinion on collagen, his three personal supplements, and his preferred health practices.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Mark Tager - https://www.drtager.com/

Designs for Beauty - https://www.designsforbeauty.com/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Nutrition Blog: Ten Nutrients to Help Your Skin Glow from the Inside Out - https://www.casi.org/ten-nutrients-help-skin-glow-from-the-inside-out

Research Blog: Summer Glow: Tips to Tone Your Face and Support Skin Health - https://www.casi.org/summer-glow-tips-to-tone-face-support-skin-health

Nutrition Blog: What’s Happening on the Outside Could be Caused from Something on the Inside - https://www.casi.org/node/1122

Research Blog: Nitric Oxide – Say Yes to “NO” - https://www.casi.org/node/957

Nutrition Blog: Collagen: A Clinical Look at Hair and Skin Health - https://www.casi.org/collagen-clinical-look-at-hair-and-skin-health

Research Blog: Skin Health: The Benefits of Collagen Peptides - https://www.casi.org/benefits-of-collagen-peptides

Nutrition Blog: Resveratrol to Support Healthy Aging and Skin Elasticity - https://www.casi.org/resveratrol-support-healthy-aging-skin-elasticity

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Dr. Oscar Coetzee has been a pioneer in the field of nutritional science and research for more than 25 years and currently serves as the Senior Director of Clinical Education at Designs for Health.  He is an Associate  Professor at the Maryland University of Integrative Health, Associate Director of the DHSc program at the University of Bridgeport, and Adjunct Professor at Georgetown Medical School. He is a Certified Board Supervisor for the Certified Nutrition Specialists and is on the National Board Exam Committee for the National Association of Nutrition Professionals. Dr. Coetzee has been on the Designs for Health Scientific Advisory Board since 2016. His professional career began at Fair Oaks Hospital in New Jersey, where he served as a drug counselor, suicide intervention advisor and co-dependency specialist. 

In our conversation, return podcast guest Dr. Coetzee brings to light the metabolomic component of GI health and how it relates to mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, and ADHD. He offers insights into the world of psychogenomics, key underrated nutrients that can help with managing anxiety and depression, and the importance of first mastering the circadian rhythm, inflammation, and understanding gene function and expression.  Dr. Coetzee shares the one test would run if he only had a few dollars to spend on determining baseline mental health from a functional perspective and reminds listeners of the importance of meeting that standardized baseline before moving to advanced stage interventions.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Oscar Coetzee https://naturalhealthcarecenter.com/dr-oscar-coetzee-ph-d-dcn/

Webinar: July 2024 - Sports Performance and Its Association with Psychonutrigenomics - https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-education/library/webinar/sports-performance-and-psychonutrigenomics

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Spotlight Functional Wellness Tests - https://www.designsforhealth.com/spotlight

Science Blog: Recent Review Investigates Association Between Mood Health and Gut Microbiome - https://www.casi.org/review-investigates-association-between-mood-health-gut-microbiome

Lifestyle Blog: Digging a Little Deeper into Depression - https://www.casi.org/digging-a-little-deeper-into-depression-0

Research Blog: The Latest on Vitamin D and Mood Health - https://www.casi.org/vitamin-d-and-mood-health

Research Blog: Supporting Mental Health with Healthy Homocysteine - https://www.casi.org/supporting-mental-health-with-healthy-homocysteine

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro

02:44 The impact of Dr. Coetzee’s early work as a drug counselor, suicide intervention advisor and co-dependency specialist on his career. 

06:10 The value of leaning into the intersection between psychology, psychiatry and nutrition. 

09:39 Psycho-nutrigenomics benefits can be optimized as physicians focus both on the mental and physical health of their patients. 

13:05 Key underrated nutrients that can help with managing anxiety and depression.

17:50 A personalized approach to determining deficiencies through bloodwork, blood sugar levels, gut microbiome, inflammation levels, and more.

21:34 Dr. Coetzee shares memorable experiences with tackling patient thyroid levels, psychobiotics, and anemia. 

24:47 Gene function, SNPs, and genetic expression when assessing B vitamins for optimal mental health. 

31:06 Anxiety and depression — the circadian rhythm, inflammation and LPS, and the Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor. 

37:28 Does inflammation cause anxiety and depression or does anxiety and depression cause increased inflammation? 

42:25 The importance of meeting a standardized baseline before moving to advanced stage interventions.

45:02 Conquering the circadian rhythm piece of anxiety and depression with psychobiotics. 

48:46 Determining how and when to work with neurotransmitters when approaching ADHD. 

54:15 Dr. Coetzee’s aggressive approach to dosing when oversaturation is needed. 

58:33 If Dr. Coetzee could spend his money on any design related to mental health, this is where he would focus his efforts.

01:01:11 Sporebiotics as they relate to intestinal permeability and psychobiotics as they support brain health.

Dr. DJ Sims is a Naturopathic Doctor, published author, and prolific speaker. She received her Bachelor's in Biology from Prairie View A&M University, in Texas and completed her doctorate at Sonoran University of Health Sciences in Phoenix (formerly SCNM). She has served as an Assistant Professor and Core Faculty at Bastyr University California and was a former Adjunct Professor at SCNM in Arizona. ​Dr. DJ established the virtual clinic Superhero Skin+Care to remind women of their identity and bring out the adventurous, gorgeous superhero within them. To do this, she provides personalized treatment plans to improve the skin, reset the liver, and support digestion. Dr. DJ is a leader in naturopathic dermatology and a renowned keynote speaker who makes complex medical information accessible and entertaining. 

Together Dr. Sims and I talk about conquering acne, eczema, psoriasis, and hair loss. She highlights her approach to uncovering the root causes of common dermatological ailments, general diet, and supplemental recommendations for treating microbiome and food sensitivities, and shares clinical pearls regarding accessibility and affordability of skin healthcare. Dr. DJ talks about the value of supplements including Vitamin A and zinc when combating the dysbiosis that can cause acne, key differences in the topical skin barrier, dysbiosis and stress that can all lead to eczema, and the potential causes and nutritional and lifestyle analysis for treating hair loss.  Dr. DJ is working to not only treat her patient’s skin but to unleash their inner superhero and restore the confidence that comes with having clear skin. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[2:00] Dr. DJ Sims makes complex naturopathic dermatology and other complex medical information accessible and entertaining, even at Comic-Con.

[4:14] The role and encouragement that Dr. DJ’s parents offered as she entered the world of naturopathic medicine, and the patients that first inspired her to continue her work.

[8:52] A high-level overview of Dr. DJ’s approach to uncovering the root causes of common dermatological ailments.

[10:38] Top root causes of acne including hormonal imbalance of androgen or cortisol excess, dysbiosis or loss of good bacteria, and food sensitivities.

[12:05] Liver enzymes, genetic testing, and the need for higher liver support.

[13:05] Dr. DJ’s preferred method for hormone testing is DUTCH testing, which offers diet, lifestyle, and hormone answers.

[16:35] General diet and supplemental recommendations for treating microbiome and food sensitivities.

[20:10] Dr. DJ’s timeline to gut treatment, including healing and killing.

[21:55] Clinical pearls regarding GI Revive and L glutamine and accessibility and affordability of skin healthcare.

[24:44] The value of Vitamin A and zinc when combating the dysbiosis that can cause acne.

[29:10] Dosing recommendations for Vitamin A and zinc supplements.

[33:37] Addressing the skin microbiome, dietary concerns, and food sensitivities.

[39:46] Key differences in the topical skin barrier, dysbiosis, and stress can all lead to eczema.

[45:55] Addressing the depression and anxiety that accompanies acne and other skin issues.

[47:40] Psoriasis is often a grab bag of symptoms that acts like eczema but has its own unique sensitivities as well.

[49:50] Causes and nutritional and lifestyle analysis for treating hair loss, including biotin and amino acids.

[59:28] Dr. DJ shares what she has changed her mind about in her years of practice, her three favorite supplements, and essential health practices.

Episode Resources:

Dr. DJ Sims

Eye of Newt and Wool of Bat: The Science Behind Magic Potions and Spells | Comic Con@Home 2020

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health

Nutrition Blog: Ten Nutrients to Help Your Skin Glow from the Inside Out

Research Blog: Vitamin A & Retinoids for Skin Health

Research Blog: Skin Health: The Benefits of Collagen Peptides

Blog: Summer Glow: Tips to Tone Your Face and Support Skin Health

Blog: Dealing with Eczema at the Source: Autoimmunity

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

From a young age, Dr. Tieraona Low Dog has been deeply drawn to the natural world and the field of natural medicine. Her academic journey encompasses a diverse range of disciplines including massage therapy, martial arts, midwifery, and herbal medicine, before going to earn her medical degree from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine. She is the Founding Director of the Medicine Lodge Academy, and Dr. Low Dog served as a founding member of the  American Board of Physician Specialties' American Board of Integrative Medicine.  Her leadership extends to her tenure as Director of the first Inter-professional Fellowship in Integrative Health and Medicine, Fellowship Director for the University of Arizona's Center for Integrative Medicine that was founded by Andrew Weil, MD, and Co-Founder and guiding teacher for the New York Zen Center’s Fellowship in Contemplative Medicine. She currently oversees the Fellowship of Integrative and Functional Medicine at the University of California-Irvine's Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute. Recognized as a foremost authority in integrative medicine, women’s health, dietary supplements, and herbal medicine, her scholarly work encompasses over 54 peer-reviewed scientific articles, 25 chapters in medical textbooks, and numerous authoritative books on health and medicine. Dr. Low Dog's global influence is highlighted by her participation in over 600 medical and scientific conferences worldwide.

Dr. Low Dog has had a great impact on my professional work and it is an absolute honor to have her on the podcast today.  Together we discuss the incredible impact that she has had on both the holistic and traditional medicine communities and how she has effectively worked to bridge the gaps between herbal medicine and traditional medicine.  She reflects on the importance of continuing her education to expand her own knowledge and effectiveness and the power that comes with admitting that, even as a lifelong learner and practitioner, she doesn't know everything.  She also shares insights into the offerings from her Foundations in Herbal Medicine program and highlights the value of using herbs in clinical practice.  Together we discuss the dismal state of nutrition in America today and consider drug-nutrient interaction and depletion, strategies for effectively weaning patients off of PPIs, and the many plants and supplements that she recommends in achieving whole health and healing. 

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Key Takeaways:

[3:16] From herbalist, midwife, and martial arts instructor to medical school student, Dr. Low Dog recalls the moment she realized the limits to what she could do without a medical degree. 

[7:15] The importance of training clinicians and expanding practitioners' knowledge of botanical medicine.

[11:16] Encouraging healing and creating change in the US healthcare system.

[15:18] Bridging the gap between herbal medicine and traditional medicinal care.

[21:00] Dr. Low Dog offers insights into the offerings from her Foundations in Herbal Medicine program.

[23:32] Treating anxiety with nervings starts with considering how a patient views the world.

[29:20] The value of storytelling when helping patients understand the value of plants in their healthcare.

[34:14] Accurate dosing based on patient information and health profile.

[38:16] Recommendations for herbs that are safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

[42:47] The current state of nutritional health in the United States and the drug-nutrient interaction and depletion.

[49:02] Dr. Low Dog’s recommendations for transitioning patients off PPI’s, including utilizing melatonin.

[53:38] Dr. Low Dog shares what she has changed her mind about over her years of practice, her favorite supplements, and the health practices that keep her balanced.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Tieraona Low Dog - https://www.drlowdog.com/

Medicine Lodge Academy - https://www.medicinelodgeranch.com/

U.S. Pharmacopeia - https://www.usp.org/

Design for Health Resources:

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Dr. Geo Espinosa is a renowned Naturopathic and Functional Medicine doctor specializing in urology and men's health. He has over two decades of experience and has provided care to thousands of men, addressing various urological and male health issues, from sexual dysfunction and low testosterone to different prostate conditions, including cancer. Leveraging natural therapeutics and integrative medicine based on rigorous clinical and scientific research, he and his team strive to offer the most up-to-date information and treatments. As a faculty member at the NYU Langone Department of Urology, Dr. Espinosa collaborates with some of the world's leading urologists. Dr. Geo is the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and formulator at the male-focused nutraceutical company XY Wellness, LLC and its sister company Mr. Happy. He is the co-founder and producer of the popular male health website, DrGeo.com, and the popular urological and male-focused podcast, The Dr. Geo Podcast. As an avid researcher and writer, Dr. Geo has authored numerous scientific papers and books, including co-editing the Integrative Sexual Health book, and author of the best-selling prostate cancer book: Thrive, Don’t Only Survive.

Together Dr. Geo and I address some of the most commonly asked questions regarding men’s health, from testosterone levels to prostate cancer prevention and the impact and potentially negative effects of testosterone replacement therapy on fertility and sperm production. Dr. Geo highlights ways to boost testosterone naturally, including nutraceuticals and lifestyle choices, and underscores the importance of recent findings from research addressing high levels of testosterone replacement therapy. He offers baseline screening advice for practitioners who are not specialized in men's health, insights into the key differences between prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and shares his approach to treating nocturia, or excessive nighttime urination. This conversation is filled with clinical pearls and insights into the world of prostate health.

I’m your host, Evelyne Lambrecht, thank you for designing a well world with us.

Episode Resources:

Dr. Geo Espinosa - https://drgeo.com/

Designs for Health - https://www.designsforhealth.com/

Clinical Study: Geranylgeraniol Supplementation May Benefit Males With Low Testosterone - https://americanrivernutrition.com/geranylgeraniol-supplementation-may-benefit-males-with-low-testosterone-clinical-study/

Nutrition Blog: The Biochemistry of Ashwagandha - https://www.casi.org/biochemistry-of-ashwagandha

Science Update: New review demonstrates the role of ashwagandha in male infertility - https://www.casi.org/node/746

Nutrition Blog: Zinc - One of the Major Influencers of Male Fertility - https://www.casi.org/node/1109

Lifestyle Vlog: Magnesium for Men’s Health - https://www.casi.org/patient-blog/magnesium-for-men-s-health

Research Blog: Boron – Not Boring at All - https://www.casi.org/node/790

Research Blog: Natural Ways to Boost Testosterone - https://www.casi.org/natural-ways-to-boost-testosterone

Visit the Designs for Health Research and Education Library which houses medical journals, protocols, webinars, and our blog.

https://www.designsforhealth.com/research-and-education/education

Chapters:

00:00 Intro.

02:06 Dr. Geo explains how the field of men’s health chose him and has continued to fascinate him.

05:36 An overview of the role of testosterone, how and where in the body it’s made, and common process interruption points.

08:47 Nutrients that Leydig cells need in order to effectively produce testosterone. 

10:26 Lab markers and hormones, in addition to total testosterone, that Dr. Geo looks for in a new patient.

14:12 Dr. Geo’s recommendations for clomiphene, a drug that is used to stimulate the production of testosterone.

15:58 Considerations and cautions for testosterone hormone replacement therapy and levels for SHGB and DHT.

21:41 Testosterone metabolism measurements and the utilization of DIM and chrysin to address high estrogen levels.

22:58 The impact and potentially negative effects of testosterone replacement therapy on fertility and sperm production.

29:11 Findings from research addressing high levels of testosterone replacement therapy. 

30:16 Ways to boost testosterone naturally include tonkadale, ashwagandha, and fenugreek. 

31:37 Lifestyle changes that can increase testosterone levels including improved sleep and exercise. 

35:32 Controversy around PSA (prostate-specific antigen) testing for prostate health and prostate cancer screening. 

38:58 Unraveling the numbers behind PSA density, 4k scores, and IsoPSA testing when screening for prostate cancer. 

42:41 Baseline screening advice for practitioners who are not specialized in men's health. 

44:49 Dr. Geo’s advice for prostate cancer prevention through healthy lifestyle choices and formulated nutraceuticals.

52:39 Insights and key differences of prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). 

56:07 Dr. Geo’s approach to treating nocturia, or excessive nighttime urination. 

1:00:44 Nutraceutical recommendations for prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia. 

1:03:15 Dr. Geo’s changed opinion of medicines in the field of urology, his favorite personal supplements, and his favorite health practices.