The Alex Manos Podcast: Recent Episodes
Alex Manos: Functional Medicine Practitioner
Alex interviews cutting-edge researchers, clinicians, and coaches in functional medicine, nutrition, biohacking, movement and spirituality to support health and happiness.
This is not a goodbye, even though it's the last episode of The Alex Manos Podcast. I will be focusing my efforts on the Healthpath podcast where I will continue to interview experts in the Functional Medicine space. Come join me there!
In today's episode I speak with Martijn Schirp, co-founder of Synthesis, a legal, medically supervised, truffle retreat centre for professionals to experience personal growth, emotional breakthroughs and spiritual development.
Martijn shares with us his journey, as well as his hopes for the future of psychedelics, and the future of Synthesis.
We discuss the role of music in ceremony, the power of the group setting, the important or feeling safe and trusting your guides and much more!
In today's episode we have a returning guest on the show, Integrative Medicine practitioner Victoria Fenton. We chat about various concepts important when healing. These include spirituality, expression, the importance of feeling safe, authenticity, resilience, and so much more.
I speak with Tim Gray, known as the leading biohacker in the U.K, and founder of The Health Optimisation Summit. We chat about Tim's journey, the lessons he has learned along the way, as well as the most important areas to focus on when seeking to optimise our health. A conversation not to be missed!
In today's episode I speak with Michelle Janikian, author of 'Your Psilocybin Mushroom Companion'. Michelle shares with us her journey and the role that psychedelics have played within it. We discuss some of the misconceptions around psychedelics, and some of the things to be aware of when starting to explore this space.
I speak with James, a client I have had the honour of supporting, about his health journey. James has suffered with a long list of symptoms over the last few years, and has slowly restored health. James shares with us everything from his test results (which includes amongst other things high levels of pesticide metabolites, mycotoxins and candida metabolites) to what worked from a dietary and supplement perspective as well as other interventions such as lymphatic drainage.
What starts out as an episode on gut health and prebiotics, turns in to a conversation around mindset and the power of reading (we must recommend at least 5 books during this conversation). So, if you're interested in learning how prebiotics might be of benefit in optimising gut health, or your interested in personal development, then this is the episode for you.
I speak with mindset coach Dave Cottrell. Dave shares with us his journey in to becoming a mindset coach before diving in to various topics of mindset including self-compassion, mindfulness, metacognition, acceptance, patience, and much more! Like never before have we needed tools to help navigate ourselves from a rapidly changing world.
In today's podcast I speak with Harry Liddell, a coach, mentor and educator in masculinity. Topics we cover include how to use fear as our compass, the importance of healing within the context of masculinity and men's work, shame and emotional wellbeing, and much more (including how the hips play a role in libido and quality of erections!).
In todays episode I speak with Edward Ulm about the healing power of touch. Eddie simplifies this topic for us and explains his work in mapping out the science behind touch therapy and how we can use it as a powerful way to facilitate healing.
In today's episode I speak with breath worker Richie Bostock about his journey in to breath work, as well as many themes related to it. We talk about the role safety plays when doing deep work, as well as the terms 'unfolding', 'remembering' and the potential importance of 'unlearning' and feeling bored in a world where we are all hyperconnected 24/7!
I speak with David Lesondak, a specialist in fascia. David practices what he calls 'structural integration' - a type of manual therapy that focuses on fascia. Fascia surrounds our muscles, bones and organs – giving structure and form to our bodies. Fascia is often referred as the "organ of posture." Learn how lifestyle and even nutritional considerations might influence the health of our fascia.
In todays episode I speak with Reed Davis. Reed shares with us his journey and how he has got to where he is today. From his experience, Reed highlights his perspectives on functional medicine and in taking a holistic approach to health and dis-ease. By doing so, he introduces us to the term 'metabolic chaos'.
I speak with nutritional therapist Nicki Williams on the importance of our lifestyle when seeking improvement in hormonal health. Nicki shares with us her experience, knowledge, and insight in to the hormonal system and the conditions she sees in clinical practice.
In episode #72 of The Alex Manos Podcast I speak with David Tomen from Nootropicsexpert.com. We discuss David's journey to becoming a world expert in nootropics before diving in to what nootropics are, and how to start supplementing nootropics for those interested in doing so.
In this episode I speak with Dr. Ann Shippy about mould illness and mycotoxins. We discuss symptoms, testing, interventions and much more!
In this episode I speak with IFM (Institute for Functional Medicine) faculty member Dr. Joel Evans who heads up the task force collating the research on COVID-19. IFM have created various resources for both practitioners and the general public to support us during this time. Learn more at www.ifm.org or www.alexmanos.co.uk/podcasts
I speak with Laurence Johns from The ManKind Project. Laurence shares with us its beginnings, its history, and its future. We also approach the topics of masculinity, mens groups, the importance of rituals, and rights of passage.
In this short episode I recite the introduction to 'King Warrior Magician Lover: Rediscovering the Archetypes of the Mature Masculine' in preparation for the next episode of the podcast where I speak with Laurence Johns from the ManKind Project.
In todays episode I speak with Richard Blake, a.k.a the breath geek. We talk about his journey, and his work as a breathworker. Richard is a wealth of knowledge with an ever increasing tool kit which includes fitness, nutrition, breathwork, and experience with psychedelics. He is also currently studying psychotherapy and beginning an apprenticeship in shamanism in South America.
I speak with Dr. Nagula, author of From Doctor To Patient: Healing Cancer through Mind, Body and Spirit. We talk about his health journey and discuss the role that lifestyle medicine played and continues to play in Dr. Nagula's life after his diagnosis with stage four non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
In todays episode I speak with Dr. Tom O'Bryan about autoimmune disease. Dr. O'Bryan shares with us his story, including how he got in to functional medicine, and, his research on autoimmune disease.
In todays episode I speak with Ben Brown, ND, on micronutrients and viral respiratory disease. Ben breaks down the research on vitamin A, C, D, zinc and NAC and discusses their clinical relevancy when it comes to viral respiratory disease.
In todays episode I speak with Herbal Medicine and Functional Medicine Practitioner Carolina Brooks. We discuss antiviral herbs that may be helpful during these times. Please note this is for educational purposes only - please work alongside a trained herbal medicine practitioner if you would like to incorporate herbs in to your health program.
In todays episode I speak with Ariel Garten, neuroscientist, psychotherapist, mom, former fashion designer, and the female founder and visionary of an amazing and highly successful tech start-up Muse - a device that reads brains. We talk about how the device can support our meditation practice as well as productivity, coherence and more.
In today's episode I speak with Dr. Jenny Goodman about her book 'Staying Alive In Toxic Times'. She introduces the concept of Ecological Medicine and we discuss her "4 Golden Rules", the importance of living and eating seasonally. Thank you to my sponsors Healthpath and The Applied Functional Medicine Mentoring Program.
In today's episode I speak with Dr. Glenn Caley. Dr. Caley is a chiropractor who specialises in the Gonstead system - a unique system due to its thorough and complete analysis of the spine and its specific approach to the adjustment. We also about Dr. Glenn's philosophy of healing, the mind-body connection, and so much more.
In today's episode I speak with Dr. Sandberg-Lewis about SIBO - small intestine bacterial overgrowth. We discuss the signs and symptoms of SIBO, as well as less well known conditions that may be associated with it. We also discuss the underlying causes of SIBO.
In this episode I speak with Dr. Jill Crista, author of 'Break The Mold' about mycotoxins. We discuss what they are, the role they play in dis-ease, and discuss how they contribute to the wide rage of symptoms and conditions they can cause. We also discuss testing mycotoxins, and, some of the possible dietary and supplement interventions that might be helpful in returning to health.
In todays episode I speak with Tony Wrighton - Sky TV presenter, author of three books, master NLP Practitioner, and owner of histamineintolerance.net. We chat about the current pandemic, Tony's health journey, histamine intolerance and its potential underlying causes, as well as key supplements that have helped us along the way.
In this episode I speak with David Behrens. David was a monk for 27 years in India, before moving to the U.K where he now passes on his teachings to clients. We discuss his journey, the universal lessons he learned as his time as a monk, the reasons so many of us struggle with establishing a mindfulness practice and the important of connection, discipline, and compassion, among others. David also takes me through a quick meditation which you too will be able to follow..
In today's episode I speak with CEO of The Functional Medicine Coaching Academy, Sandra Scheinbaum. We discuss her journey, and how her biggest wins came from her epic failures, positive psychology, the role of functional medicine coach, and we have a discussion around our relationship with food.
In todays episode I speak with Functional Medicine practitioner Kate Garden about the underlying contributory factors to depression. Amongst other things we discuss gut health and the gut-brain axis, hormonal health, inflammation, and the immune system.
In todays episode I speak with Dr. Joeseph Antoun. As CEO of L-Nutra, Dr. Antoun works with one of the leading global researchers in the area of longevity – Professor Valter Longo, Director of the Longevity Center at USC. Together they provide education and products to support a lifestyle that extends healthspan (years of healthy living). We discuss the science behind the Fasting Mimicking Diet, and what other lifestyle factors may influence longevity and healthspan.
In this episode I speak with Lara Adler, AKA the environmental toxins nerd on social media. We discuss the role that environmental toxins please in dis-ease and where they can be found in our environments. Lara then explains how we can reduce our exposure, through simple (and often free!) strategies. Finally, we discuss ways to support the detoxification of these toxins from the body.
In today's episode, I speak with researcher, nutritionist, author, and artist Deanna Minich. Deanna shares with us her own health journey and we discuss the therapeutic role of art (and fundamentally self-expression) and colour. Deanna introduces us to her 7 colour system. Download the 7 systems chart on her website: https://www.deannaminich.com.
In this episode, Dr. Perry Nickelston returns to continue sharing his knowledge of the lymphatic system. We discuss the importance of breathing, movement, and nutrition. We also talk about the importance of personalising supplement recommendations and the mind-body connection. Perry's website is www.stopchasingpain.com. Show notes and relevant research papers can be found at www.alexmanos.co.uk.
In this episode, Mark and I discuss the numerous types of stress we face in the modern world. This is, in fact, episode one of 'The Health Insights Show'. A series of conversations Mark and I will be having on various topics relating to health and performance. I will be sharing these conversations on the podcast but they will also be shared via Get-Fitt's Youtube channel and we will share snippets on Instagram also.
In this episode of The Alex Manos Podcast I speak with Life and Performance Coach Gill Harvey-Bush. We discuss the challenges the younger generations are experiencing with modern technology and social media as well as the importance of hitting pause, the importance of reflection and 'checking-in' to ensure we are living a life aligned to our current values.
In today's episode, I speak with Jessie Laute, a transformational breathwork coach and transformational life coach. Jessie explains how breathwork can enhance our spiritual, physical and emotional lives and I share my recent experiences with both transformational and holotropic breathwork.
In this episode, I speak with Dr. Perry Nickelston from Stop Chasing Pain on the importance of the lymphatic system. We discuss what it is, why it's important, how to maintain a healthy lymphatic system and what can contribute to its decline.
In this episode, I speak with Kyle Buller, co-founder of Psychedelics Today. We chat about what got Kyle interested in consciousness and non-ordinary states of consciousness, and his work as a holotropic breathwork facilitator.
Ray Griffiths is in the spotlight in today's episode. We discuss underlying imbalances that may be associated with Parkinson's Disease and Depression, and the importance of our mitochondria. These include gut health, chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, nutrient deficiencies, dysregulated immunity and numerous lifestyle factors such as poor diet and sedentary living, as well as the importance of healthy relationships. Ray is the author of three books, all of which are available on Amazon.
I speak with Functional Medicine practitioner Jo Gamble on the gut-liver axis. We discuss the role that dysbiosis and intestinal hyperpermeability play in liver disease. We also discuss what functional testing may be beneficial to run, and what nutritional, lifestyle and supplement interventions may be considered to optimise the gut-liver axis.
I speak with Debbie Cotton, ND, from Invivo on the microbiomes within the body, and the Invivo product range. Debbie shares with us some of the research behind the products, and when we might want to consider using them.
In this episode I share my experience of visiting The Synthesis Retreat where I took my first high dose of psylocibin - the active constituent in magic mushrooms. I also discuss my experience of transformational breath work, of the healing nature of sitting circles where we feel safe to share what's truly troubling us. I hope you enjoy the show.
In today's episode I speak with Victoria Fenton, an integrative medicine practitioner. We discuss her helth journey and what she has learned from both her own journey, as well as from the hundreds of clients she has supported over her career.
In this episode I speak with Rebecca Ellison. She shares with us her own health story, and, the lessons she has learned along the way. We discuss our own challenges, healing from chronic complex conditions, mindset, the role of nutrition in the grand scheme of healing, and, well, a lot of other stuff too!
In #39 of The Alex Manos Podcast I speak with Brendan Dean Vermerie, AKA 'The Holistic Savage'. We have a free flowing conversation on a host of topics including nutrition, mindset, spirituality, plant medicine, and much more!
In this episode I speak with my two colleagues, good friends, and co-founders of The Applied Functional Medicine Mentoring Program. We share our thoughts on why each of us wanted to create such a program, what the program consists of, how it will be delivered, and what we hope it achieves in the long term. If this program sounds interesting learn more at www.afmmp.co.uk.
In episode 37 I speak with Red Light Rising co-founder, Bryan Gohl, on the benefits of red light therapy. We first hear of Bryan's own experiences with red light therapy, and then Bryan discusses the known mechanisms by which we benefit from it, and why it should be viewed as a supplement in a programme, not the foundation of a programme.
In today's episode I speak with IFMCP Pete Williams on the oral microbiome, oral health, and systemic health. Pete breaks down the science on this topic, and discusses underlying causes, testing, and possible therapeutic interventions to help us optimise our oral and systemic health.
In this episode of The Alex Manos Podcast I speak with Functional Medicine practitioner Caroline Sherlock. We discuss the principles of Functional Medicine, and gain insight in to Caroline's approach to helping clients recover from chronic complex conditions. We discuss mindset, the therapeutic relationship, and, as a practitioner, meeting the client where they're at and weighing up the pro's and con's of 'sub-optimal' behaviours.
I speak with Annie Breen on the topic of matrescence: the transition to motherhood. Annie shares with us her challenges as well as the strategies she found most helpful. We discuss the importance of sleep, emotional well-being, time spent out doors, and so much more.
In today's episode I speak with Functional Medicine practitioner Fazarnah Nasser on the gut microbiome and autoimmune disease. What foods can help support a healthy gut? What is the triad of autoimmunity? What other lifestyle strategies can we consider to support gut health? All these questions and more are answered in todays conversation.
In episode 32 I speak with Master Herbalist and Functional Medicine Practitioner Carolina Brooks. We discuss ways to reduce our cancer risk, and, the role of complimentary medicine in cancer care.
In this episode I speak with Dan Trussler, an Osteopath and Functional Medicine practitioner. We speak about the power of manual therapy in facilitating a healing crisis, the principles of osteopathy, the trends we see in organic acid testing and the power of community. We also discuss how important diet is in the overall healing process.
In this episode of The Alex Manos Podcast I speak with Emma Beswick from Lifecode GX on nutrigenomics and mental health. We discuss the potential power of genetic testing, especially when run alongside functional testing. Emma also provides examples of the tests, using the serotonin, dopamine and GABA pathways, as well as vitamin D, to explain the potential role genetic testing can play. We also discuss why Lifecode GX only test for genetic variants which can be modified via nutrition and lifestyle - important to know if you are considering testing!
In this episode I speak with Elisabeth, a client I have been working with who was diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. She shares with us her story, the challenges she has experienced along the way, and insights she has gained.
In episode #28 I speak with Dr. Livingston. Disillusioned by what traditional psychology had to offer overweight and/or food obsessed individuals, Dr. Livingston spent several decades researching the nature of bingeing and overeating via work with his own patients AND a self-funded research program with more than 40,000 participants. Most important, however, was his own personal journey out of obesity and food prison to a normal, healthy weight and a much more lighthearted relationship with food.
Episode #27 has two parts. Firstly, I speak with Sachin Patel on the importance of self-empowerment and resilience, how his goal is to have potential clients not even enter his clinic, and the power of our thoughts and emotions in optimal health. Secondly, we discuss the power of medicinal mushrooms.
In episode #26 of The Alex Manos Podcast I speak with Dr. Esposito, a naturopathic physician who specialises in men's health. We discuss our (men's) lack of willingness (for whatever reason that may be) to seek medical advice/support which ultimately becomes the first barrier to improving our health. We discuss erectile dysfunction and what might be contributing/related to it. We discuss prostate disease, and, the role toxins, inflammation, insulin resistance and nutrient deficiencies play within the condition. At the end Ralph summarises his message to us by explaining the concept of allostatic load and what to do when we reach our threshold.
In episode #25 I speak with nutritional therapist and Functional Medicine Practitioner Angela Heap on the role environmental toxins play in reducing fertility. We discuss toxins found in our food supply, in our kitchen, and in our cosmetics. Most importantly we discuss things we can do to both, minimise our exposure, and, detoxify these toxins from our body.
We discuss: 1. Willpower Misunderstanding of willpower. We tend to see tough decisions, and assume we need willpower to overcome then. A more useful response, is to make it easier for ourselves. I'd say: create the type of environment that requires the least amount of willpower necessary.
Some internal stories that prevent people from making changes. (Having to scale the mountain / change my whole life / sacrifice x,y,z). Then we can play with some ways of reframing these obstacles.
- Tools / habits for behaviour change The previous topic flows nicely into some tools and habits that work well, and give people ideas of where to start first.
We can talk about the habit cycle (Charles Duhigg), leveraging easy habits or small wins, and habit-stacking.
We can also look at some examples of game theory: building support structures, rewards and small goals into their daily lives.
- Getting clearer on what you really want Most of us don't know what we want. And, even if we do, there are often multiple layers to that answer. (5 why's exercise)
A foundational practice Dr. Albert invites his clients to do, is self-reflection. it helps us crystallise our thoughts, needs and values. It turns on the lights on our landscape, so we can better see where we want to be.
Dr. Albert also shares a few examples of how people tend to misunderstand what they want & need. (A classic example is "I struggle with time management.") .
Dr. Albert's website is: https://originalintent.co.uk
In today's episode I speak with Nishta Patel on Inflammatory Bowel Disease. We discuss the potential antecedents, triggers and mediators (the things that might predispose us to IBD, trigger IBD and perpetuate IBD), as well as the possible lifestyle interventions that may help achieve remission of the disease.
In episode #22 of The Alex Manos Podcast I speak with Oliver Barnett (IFMCP) on sick-building syndrome.
"Occupants of water-damaged buildings (WDBs) with evidence of microbial amplification often describe a syndrome involving multiple organ systems, commonly referred to as "sick building syndrome" (SBS), following chronic exposure to the indoor air. Studies have demonstrated that the indoor air of WDBs often contains a complex mixture of fungi, mycotoxins, bacteria, endotoxins, antigens, lipopolysaccharides, and biologically produced volatile compounds."
We discuss the possible testing and treatment options.
In today's episode I speak with Dr. Chris Germer on self-compassion. We discuss: what it is, the many misconceptions of self-compassion, some of the mechanisms that explain its numerous health benefits, and how to practice it. Asking the question: "What do I need?" is one effective strategy - I love the simplicity of this empowering question. How often do we create a little space in our lives to truly explore our answer? In fact, how often do we even ask ourselves the question?
In todays episode I speak with Dr. Jason Hawrelak on the latest research in to our gut microbiome. We discuss the importance of a diverse microbiome, the role of strain specificity when recommending probiotics, the specific use of prebiotics and how many of us have been using this term far too loosely. We also discuss fecal banking (!), and the impact of medications such as proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics, and the impact of diet on ecosystem diversity and gut health.
I speak with IFMCP Pete Williams on the role exercise plays in health and disease. We discuss it's benefit on the brain and our neurological health, our skeletal system, immune system and how balance is key. Like in many areas of health - too much can be as problematic as too little.
In today's episode I speak with Mark Givert, founder of Get-Fitt, on the science and benefits of far infrared light therapy. Mark shares with us his incredible story, from living with yogis in remote parts of the world, to how he restored his health using far infrared light therapy, among other complementary interventions. Having used far infrared therapy for the last 10 days I can honestly say it is a fantastic experience - one of the most relaxed states I have felt, with clear benefits to my sleep.
In todays episode I speak with Functional Medicine Practitioner (IFMCP) Dede Nazareth on the science of chronic pain. Dede explains to us what is going on physiologically that can contribute to chronic pain and just how important taking a Functional Medicine/holistic/systems based approach to chronic pain is. She discusses the roles that our thoughts, beliefs, emotions and behaviour have on chronic pain and how important education is for the patient. Grab a coffee and listen closely!
In part one of this conversation I speak with Functional Medicine Practitioner and Osteopath Dede Nazareth on the science of pain. We discuss what pain is, the variables involved in experiencing pain, neuroplasticity, the systems involved in pain, and so much more. Watch out for part two where will be discuss chronic pain and strategies/interventions to alleviate it.
In todays episode I speak with Gavin Andrews, managing director of HeartMath in the UK. The HeartMath System is comprised of techniques, tools and technology and recognised as a global leader in emotional physiology and stress-management research.
I speak with Functional Medicine Health Coach Suzy Glaskie on the the role a health coach plays within the Functional Medicine Model. We discuss self-worth and self-esteem, secondary benefits from our current habits, sabotage, and ultimately how a Functional Medicine Health Coach can be of real value when seeking an improvement in our health.
Suzy's website is: www.peppermintwellness.co.uk
In episode #13 of The Alex Manos Podcast I speak with Ben Brown on gut health. We discuss common underlying causes of IBS including bacterial imbalances in the large intestine, pancreatic function, SIBO, parasitic infections, stress, the gut-brain axis. We also start to discuss how lifestyle can positively or negatively influence gut health. Examples discussed include our circadian rhythm, stress levels, and exercise. Ben's website is: www.scientificwellness.com/about
I speak with Lucinda Miller, a naturopathic Functional Medicine practitioner and author of 'The Good Stuff', on kids health and the common underlying imbalances that contribute to various neurological and behavioural conditions. Among other things we discuss the importance good gut health, nutrient deficiencies, toxicity and chronic infections.
In Episode #11 of The Alex Manos Podcast I speak with Functional Medicine Practitioner Steve Grant on blood sugar regulation. We go on a journey from ingestion of food to transport of glucose/sugar in to the cell. As a result Steve discusses the two phases of the insulin response and various hormones including GLP-1, glucagon and insulin. We discuss the importance of gut health, the potential mechanisms behind reactive hypoglycaemia (the general term for having a hypo after eating, which is when blood glucose levels become dangerously low following a meal) and keeping strategies simple, even though the physiology of all of this is complex. Steve has his saying "sleep, eat, breathe, move, repeat.”
In episode #10 of The Alex Manos Podcast I speak with Alex Howard on chronic fatigue syndrome and his work with The Optimum Health Clinic. We discuss the different types which we can be broken in to nutritional and psychological (and we can be more than one of these) and the stages of chronic fatigue syndrome which may influence which interventions or life style strategies are most appropriate.
Nutritional types include: immune, digestive, adrenal, toxic overload and structural.
Psychological types include: helper, achiever, trauma and anxiety.
The OHC website is: https://www.theoptimumhealthclinic.com
In episode 9 of The Alex Manos Podcast I speak with Sandra Greenbank on fertility. We discuss the importance of focusing on lifestyle and in particular: nutrient status, gut health, genetics, toxicity, sleep, and stress.
Sandra's website is: sandragreenbank.com
In episode #8 of The Alex Manos Podcast I speak with Pete Williams on Functional Medicine, behavioural psychology and genetic testing. A key take away from this conversation is around the role, and importance, of narrative medicine, the therapeutic relationship, and establishing accurate expectations early on.
In episode #7 of The Alex Manos Podcast I speak with Dr. Macciochi on immunity, leaky gut and silent/low-grade inflammation. A key take away from this conversation is around meal frequency and its role in reducing the inflammatory load, something that is becoming increasingly important in the modern world.
Dr. Macciochi discusses the role of micronutrients (especially vitamins A & D), and, the role of dietary fibre in supporting a healthy gut-immune system. Dietary fibre increases the production of short chain fatty acids, which help maintain the integrity of the gut barrier, as well as helping regulate T-regulatory cells which help maintain a well regulated immune system as they have been shown to suppress the responses of other immune cells, including those that promote inflammation.
In episode #6 of The Alex Manos Podcast I speak with Robyn Puglia (IFMCP) on the role food plays in autoimmune disease. We discuss the different ways the body can inappropriately respond to food, including immune-mediated and non-immune mediated mechanism. We discuss how to persoanlise the diet, rather than following a generic diet such as The Autoimmune Paleo diet, by taking in to consideration the individuals symptoms.
Robyn also shares insight in to which tests may be most valuable to run when suffering with autoimmune disease. The most important and initial consideration being a comprehensive stool test.
As a result, we also start discussing the role of stress, gut health, nutrient status, immunity and infections, sleep and exercise play in supporting those with autoimmunity.
These topics will be discussed in detail in later episodes.
Make sure you subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss future episodes!.
Robyn's website is: www.robynpuglia.com.
In this episode I speak with Robyn Puglia (IFMCP) on the role infections play in autoimmune disease. We discuss what autoimmune disease is, genetic predispositions and how they relate to autoimmune disease, the immune system and the immune response, the pre-requisites that are thought to be needed for the onset of autoimmunity, and resilience of the host. This final point led us to discuss the importance of taking a broad more generalised approach as well a narrower more specific approach when supporting an individual with autoimmune disease.
Robyn's website is: www.robynpuglia.com.
In episode #4 of The Alex Manos Podcast I speak with Dr. Nirala Jacobi on SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth), a very common cause of bloating, diarrhoea, constipation and other GI symptoms.
We discuss the causes of SIBO, which Dr. Jacobi breaks in to four different categories:
- Motility issues
- Digestive deficits
- Obstructions/Adhesions
- Medications
Dr. Jacobi's website is: www.thesibodoctor.com.
We discuss the challenges of methane dominant SIBO, and how we need to enhance our understanding of this type of SIBO to develop effective strategies/treatment.
We also discuss why histamine intolerance is such a common finding in individuals with SIBO, and, whether biofilm supplements are of benefit, when to consider them, and how the sequence them within a programme for maximal benefit.
In this episode we discuss the two different types of PCOS - one that is the more traditional insulin resistance based type, but, we also discuss how adrenal function can play a signifiant role in the condition also. Dr. Jones shares a couple of case studies to highlight the different strategies that may need to be considered when taking a personalised approach to PCOS.
Throughout the episode we mentioned three key drivers of hormonal imbalance - inflammation, stress, and blood sugar dysregulation, and, as a result of this we emphasise the role that lifestyle interventions play in improving symptoms including diet, exercise, stress management and sleep.
In regards to diet, there is a general trend in the research for a low carb diet for PCOS being most effective. One study, found that a lower carb diet (41:19:40% energy from CHO:protein:fat) compared to a higher carb diet, that was also matched for calorie intake, resulted in preferential loss of fat mass from metabolically harmful adipose depots.
We also dive a little deeper in to the pathophysiology, or distorted physiological processes, of PCOS for our practitioners listening. Here we discuss how testosterone and oestrogen are metabolised, via the 5a and 5b pathways, and, phase 1 and phase 2 detoxidifcaion pathways respectively.
We also touch on the importance of taking a holistic approach to improving the condition - in particular we discuss the role of gut health in PCOS and an enzyme called beta-glucuronidase and how it can influence the hormonal system.
I speak with Tanya Borowski on Hashimoto Thyroiditis – an autoimmune condition of the thyroid. We discuss potential underlying causes of the condition, which lab tests we may want to consider, the concept of oral tolerance, and the importance of good liver function in supporting thyroid function. This is placed in the context of what Tanya calls “lightening the load”. If we can reduce the ‘strain’ on the body by improving digestive function, managing our stress, optimising nutrient status, among others, we create an environment for healing to occur. After all, the body has an innate ability to rehabilitate, and rejuvenate, given the right environment.
Tanya’s website is www.tanyaborowski.com
In this episode I speak with Functional Medicine practitioner (IFMCP) Tracey Randell on SIBO, small intestine bacterial over growth. We discuss the three different types of SIBO, underlying causes, lab tests that may be of value when supporting clients with SIBO, and the use of probiotics in eradicating SIBO.
Subscribe now to The Alex Manos Podcast. In this trailer, Alex introduces and explains the intention behind the podcast, and explains the three different episode formats.