WholisticMatters Podcast Series: Recent Episodes
WholisticMatters
The WholisticMatters Podcast Series is designed to educate you on how to integrate nutrition into your life and your practice. Hosted by a new health expert each season.
Drs. Daina Parent and Ryan Bradley take a deep dive into the microbiome and it’s influence on whole body health, and cover highlights on clinical research focused on gut health. They also touch on soil health and environmental toxins and the impact on the microbiome. Dr. Ryan Bradley is a Naturopathic Physician with a Master’s Degree in Public Health and Epidemiology. He is currently a professor and has completed 8 years of clinical research training. He leads research initiatives at the intersection between public health and integrative and complimentary medicine.
2:00 – Dr. Bradley’s Journey towards current career and passion for research; his interest in mechanisms of natural products and clinical research; clinical practice was focused on cardiometabolic disease, Diabetes, and more
5:10 – New initiatives after closing clinical practice 5 years ago - now focuses on clinical research / clinical trials; also focuses on Mentorship through National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health, branch of NIH for Complimentary Medicine
8:30 – Importance of research for clinicians – shifts the way practitioners practice, especially in Complimentary and Integrative Medicine which has a population of clinicians thirsty for evidence of effectiveness of Complimentary and Integrative strategies, philosophy, and frameworks/protocols
11:55 – Historical Knowledge of effectiveness of Naturopathic Medicine, “the science is finally catching up to our practices”; example – gut health, dysbiosis, leaky gut syndrome; “We finally have the scientific tools to explore these concepts in greater detail.”
13:50 – Gut Health and Naturopathic Medicine – trends and changes in gut health practice; general public is paying more attention to their gut health; rapid innovation, especially with probiotics, postbiotics, prebiotics, and fibers; does the science support large doses of probiotics?; Is the practice outpacing the evidence?; What will the future of microbiome research and awareness look like?
20:40 – Gut Health as connected to global effects throughout the whole body – hormonal health, immune health, brain health; effects of environmental factors like air and water quality influence gut health
23:55 – Current research in the gut health space and how it translates into clinical practice
34:32 – NIH Grants for mentorship, gut health, mind-body practices and effects on anxiety, and more
40:40 – Mind Body Medicine and connection to Gut Health
42:15 – Will gut health continue to be at the forefront of medicine and medical research? Personalized probiotics and AI; potential natural GLP-1 agonists; increased public awareness to demand better foods, less environmental toxins in food, water, and air
49:55 – SOIL HEALTH: The hope for the near future: increased public understanding of soil health and connection to gut health and overall well-being; gut health linked to soil health, food quality, and farming practices; everything is interconnected
53:20 – Integrative Health and it’s impact on public health
· In this enlightening episode, Dr. Sarah Clarke interviews Dr. Ryan Lazarus, author of The Essential Health Playbook and creator of The Lazarus Method. The conversation highlights Dr. Lazarus’ personal health journey and how it shaped his career and the work he’s developed over the past 20+ years. He offers inspiring and effective strategies for meeting patients where they are at; supporting their goals, values, and priorities; and offering tools to help them achieve optimal whole body health.
· 1:20 Dr. Lazaraus describes his near death experience at 18 while playing indoor soccer that began his health journey and shaped the trajectory of his career
· 4:00 Digestive issues and type 1 diabetes diagnosis following the accident that destroyed his pancreas
· 5:30 10 years of frustration using conventional medicine to help with digestive issues and mental health support prompted him to take charge of his own health and find a better way to heal and live a healthy life
· 7:30 How Dr. Lazarus’ healing journey changed his career path and how he was drawn to Chiropractic Medicine
· 11:10 Common obstacles people face in finding healthcare; Dr. Lazarus’ role is to explain that there is a holistic evidence-based way to heal
· 13:20 The Lazarus Method – people change in four different ways; finding what motivates each individual to make important health changes is the key to success
· 19:00 Change takes time and Gamification is a useful tool– uses engaging athletic/sports language for motivational tools; sets fun micro challenges; individualized approach
· 25:20 Meeting people where they’re at - How to keep ourselves and patients motivated and engaged to continue to make positive changes towards better health and healthier overall lifestyle; defining priorities, values and goals
· 28:05 Nutrition and Diet – Ryan describes his EAT Plan (Essentials, Amount, Timing)
· 32:00 – Flow States, “in the zone” and the importance with long-term health
· 36:15 – Finding your true purpose and how it affects one’s health journey
· 41:00 Transition from 20-year clinical practice to writing books and focusing on The Lazarus Method
· 43:15 Dr. Lazaraus' passion for Human potential – realizing what one is capable of on all levels
· 46:33 Supporting motivated people ready to unlock the next level of performance, achievement, and potential with Biohacking Strategies
· 50:00 thelazarusmethod.com offers free wellness tools; The Essential Health Playbook is his latest book
Host Dr. Sarah Clarke, DC, IFMCP, leads this informative episode, interviewing Dr. Brenda Holland, Chiropractic Physician who specializes in pediatric care and maternal wellness. Drs. Clarke and Holland take a deep dive into supporting mothers and children of all ages and stages from pre-conception through adolescence with nutrition, chiropractic care, and healthy movement.
1:00 Growing up on the family farm - learned about health of cows and how to increase healthy milk by providing cows with nutritious foods like alfalfa and fermented corn, and how soil health impacts crops and animals; this experience influenced her passion for caring for humans, especially mothers and children
· 3:15 Whole Body Health – the connection between the Earth and what we put into our bodies
· 5:30 Beginning a Chiropractic Practice and earning a Diplomate in Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics through ICA
· 7:00 Chiropractic companies and organizations for support network for practitioners just getting started
· 10:10 Changes in the field of Chiropractic over past 20 years – more female chiropractors, and how it’s changing the workplace to support working Chiropractic mothers; more emphasis on specialties – pediatrics, functional medicine, and nutrition
· 17:45 Common conditions children come into the chiropractic office – sports injuries, back pain, obesity, skin conditions; when to refer out
· 20:00 Nutrition recommendations for healthy growing children
· 23:20 Risks of children becoming a one sport athlete at a young age, and the importance of a good nutritional foundation for young athletes
· 28:20 Nutrition for infants, babies and toddlers – breastfeeding if possible, good quality formulas, vitamin D3, healthy fats, solid food introduction at the right time
· 34:20 Making healthy foods look appealing for babies and toddlers – focus on eating colorful foods
· 36:38 Establishing healthy habits with older children – take them shopping, parents lead activities on growing foods and learning about nutritional value of foods; the 80/20 rule
· 38:48 Pre-conception, fertility and prenatal care nutrition recommendations – fertility is not just about female health, 30-50% of fertility issues are due to male health, including inadequate folate intake, CoQ10, and selenium; common pregnancy concern is back pain, 45-50% of females experience low back pain in pregnancy and 65+% experience low back pain within 12 months of delivery
· 42:30 Fourth Trimester care – healthcare and society need to establish a foundational understanding of pelvic floor care prior to and after pregnancy; safe comfortable places to breastfeed; supporting the mother in the fourth trimester
· 47:00 Chiropractic as patient-centered care
· 49:44 – Simple changes to start with if patients are feeling overwhelmed on starting their wellness journey – adding good things in before taking away, healthy eating habits, and basic movement
· 1:45 What is Naturopathic Medicine? The Six Principles and the Therapeutic Order is what guides their treatment, including diet, lifestyle, natural therapies, supporting natural ability to heal, seeking the root cause and treating the whole person; patient-centered focus
· 6:15 What interested Dr. Simon in becoming a Naturopathic Physician
· 8:30 How the field of Naturopathic Medicine continuously evolves
· 9:30 The art of the profession – the personalization of the treatment plan, meet the patient where they are at
· 11:45 The role of nutrition and diet in therapies
· 13:45 What Dr. Simon looks for in supplement companies in order to feel comfortable using them in patient protocols
· 17:45 How Naturopathic Medicine fits into our current medical system and with other healthcare practitioners
· 23:20 Institute for Natural Medicine focuses on public education about natural medicine options
· 28:00 Food as Medicine Research – health benefits of whole foods
· 29:15 Kids Naturally Well Program – teaching 4th grade children how to understand health and identifying healthy foods
· 30:25 How to educate patients on how to read nutrition labels on food and supplements
· 32:30 Dr. Simon’s research at INM, Food as Medicine in partnership with Bastyr
· 34:45 2020 Case Study that highlights the power of the Naturopathic Medicine approach; 25-year-old male with history of anxiety, poor limited diet, low glutathione, and low B vitamins due to MTHFR gene lead to inability to handle intense viral infection; diet, lifestyle and proper supplementation helped him to fully recover
· 43:05 Naturopathic Medicine is the engineering of whole health and the ability to connect with patients on a deep level
About this Episode Women’s Hormones from Menarch to Menopause In this episode Dr. Daina Parent, Clinical Educator at Standard Process, interviews Dr. Jaqueline Smeaton, Naturopathic Physician and founder of Hello Fertility.
Highlights of the episode include:
- Herbs and supplements for perimenopause and menopause
- Common conditions in Women’s Health by stage of reproductive years
- Strategies for connecting with teen patients
- How diet and lifestyle influence cycle regularity
- Cycle Charting for Fertility
- Diet and Lifestyle recommendations for pre-conception
- The links between fertility and gut dysbiosis, liver health, and oral health
Podcast Summary * 2:00 Phases of Reproductive Cycle * 3:40 Where Should clinicians start when working with new client – Cycle Charting and Symptom Picture; Basal Body Temperature and Cervical Mucus Tracking for Fertility Cues, Follicular and Luteal Phases * 8:00 Diet to support hormone balance, fertility and women’s health, Eat the Rainbow Chart for fun way to track eating a variety of colored foods each week; diverse plant based diet; important vitamins and micronutrients for women – calcium, vitamin D, Mg, B6, B12, folic acid * 11:40 Common Conditions in Women’s Health by stage of reproductive years – tracking estrogen and progesterone * 14:40 Symptoms of imbalance of estrogen and progesterone and associated conditions; gut dysbiosis and the liver connected to hormone balance * 19:40 Strategies for Supporting Patients in balancing reproductive hormones – toxins (plastics, phalates, fragrances, lotions, packaged foods, etc.), lifestyle (sleep, stress, supporting circadian rhythms, etc.) * 22:40 Lab Tests – what kind and when to use to support patients * 27:40 Preconception Counseling – supplements and lifestyle recommendations 180 days prior to conception for optimal egg and sperm health * 29:40 Detox for Fertility and IVF – is it recommended? If so, what’s safe? * 31:20 Fertility and Periodontal Disease and Oral Health; Microbiome of Placenta and Womb tied to mother’s oral health * 32:00 Favorite Herbs for Hormone Balance and preferred delivery of herbal remedies * 35:00 Puberty for Females – normal fluctuations; how diet and lifestyle influence cycle regularity; introducing cycle charting; recommended supplementation; strategies for connecting with teen patients * 39:40 Perimenopause and Menopause – commons symptoms associated with hormone fluctuations; common misconceptions and myths; commons condition that can arise * 43:40 Lab Testing in Perimenopause and Menopause – nutrient testing, cycle mapping, and HRT * 45:20 Supportive Herbs and Supplements for Perimenopause and Menopause
Other WholisticMatters Women’s Health Content Fenugreek for glucose management and breastfeeding
Male and Female Fertility: Botanicals for Better Endocrine Health
This podcast is sponsored by Standard Process About Standard Process – Only at SP
In this episode of the Medicinal Herbs podcast, host Daina Parent, ND, talks with naturopath and medical herbalist Jo Boyd about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which affects millions of people worldwide. While conventional medications have been effective for many, there is a growing interest in alternative therapies like herbal medicine to address ADHD. Learn more: https://wholisticmatters.com/medicinal-herbs-and-adhd
In this episode of the Medicinal Herbs podcast, host Daina Parent, ND, talks with naturopath and medical herbalist Berris Burgoyne about saffron. Learn more: https://wholisticmatters.com/saffron-herbal-101/
In this episode of the Medicinal Herbs podcast series, naturopath and herbalist Jo Boyd joins host Daina Parent, ND, to celebrate an “unsung herbal hero” – garlic. This herb has a well-known culinary and medicinal history of use beyond eschewing vampires. More: https://wholisticmatters.com/garlic-an-unsung-herbal-hero/
In this episode of the Medicinal Herbs podcast, host Daina Parent, ND, talks with naturopath and medical herbalist Berris Burgoyne about the gut microbiome, dysbiosis, and the role of nutrition and herbs in supporting gut health. More: bit.ly/43gODXY
One of the most advantageous qualities of medicinal herbs is their versatility. In this podcast episode, our host Daina Parent, ND, talks with naturopath, herbalist, and acupuncturist Laurence Katsaras about the four herbs he considers essential for any herbalist or practitioner incorporating medicinal herbs in their clinical practice. What do these herbs have in common? Their applications are broad, and their medicinal effects are potent.
- EEchinacea (02:58)
- 2Astragalus (20:20)
- 3Ashwagandha (29:48)
- 4St. John’s Wort (38:47)
More info: https://wholisticmatters.com/best-herbs/
In this episode of the Medicinal Herbs podcast from WholisticMatters, guest Marisa Marciano, ND, RH, returns to talk with host Daina Parent, ND, to talk about the rich history of botanical medicine. In particular, this conversation is about what we know regarding traditional uses and evidence-based uses of medicinal herbs -- and the impact the entire body of knowledge has on modern herbal medicine.
More info: https://wholisticmatters.com/category/medicinal-herbs/
In this episode of the Medicinal Herbs podcast from WholisticMatters, guest Marisa Marciano, ND, RH, returns to talk with host Daina Parent, ND, about the common clinical conditions and concerns she sees in her practice and the medicinal role played by herbs. Some of the most common issues Marisa addresses with her patients involve stress, hormones, and digestion. Additionally, Marisa and Daina talk about their favorite herbal home remedies for culinary and first-aid applications.
In this episode of the Medicinal Herbs podcast, host Daina Parent, ND, chats with first-time guest Marisa Marciano, ND, RH, about her experience as both naturopathic doctor and Registered Herbalist, including scope of practice, qualifications, education, and training. More: https://wholisticmatters.com/practicing-herbalist/
Metabolic syndrome sets up the processes in our body that contribute to developing and worsening of heart disease, which is the leading cause of death in the United States. Unfortunately, approximately one-third of American adults have metabolic syndrome. In this episode, naturopath, herbalist, and acupuncturist Laurence Katsaras joins us as a first-time guest to talk about the lifestyle factors that can improve metabolic health and reduce the severity of metabolic syndrome. More: https://wholisticmatters.com/medicinal-herbs-for-cardiometabolic-health/
In this episode of the Medicinal Herbs podcast, naturopath and medical herbalist Berris Burgoyne joins our host Sara Le Brun Blashka, MS, to talk about specific herbal approaches to bolstering immunity for the winter. This included for chronic immune depletion, prophylaxis, acute infection, recovery, and more.
Medicinal herbs have been used effectively and safely for thousands of years, but in the modern age concerns about safely using herbs are still prevalent. Naturopath and herbalist Jo Boyd joins our host Sara Le Brun-Blashka, MS, in this episode to talk about herbal safety and how to utilize herbs confidently.
More: https://wholisticmatters.com/herbal-safety/
In this episode of the Medicinal Herbs podcast, naturopath and medical herbalist Amanda Williams joins host Sara Le Brun-Blashka, MS, about hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease, and the role played by herbs in addressing these conditions of the thyroid. Functional herbal therapy is fundamental to many patients looking for solutions to thyroid conditions.
In this episode of the Medicinal Herbs podcast, naturopathic clinician Angela Hywood talks with host Sara Le Brun-Blashka, MS, about the “holy herb of the Middle East” – also known as the “seed of immortality.” Black cumin seed (Nigella sativa), or just black cumin, originates from the Mediterranean region and is known for its content of terpenoids, particularly thymoquinone, and fatty acids which give rise to a plethora of health properties.
In this episode of the Medicinal Herbs podcast, we welcome back Professor Kerry Bone to talk with our host Sara Le Brun Blashka, MS, about andropause and tongkat ali, an herb long known as a traditional tonic for testosterone support to promote healthy sexual interest and vitality.
In this episode of the Medicinal Herbs podcast series, naturopath and herbalist Jo Boyd joins us to talk about safe and effective herbal support for children. Pediatric patients struggle with both unique health challenges as well as some of the same issues adults struggle with. Jo importantly points out that for the most part, children are not “mini-adults,” and herbal pediatrics do require a specific approach.
More on children's health and nutrition here.
In this episode, naturopath and medical herbalist Amanda Williams joins our host Sara Le Brun-Blashka, MS, to talk about a common issue in the United States and around the world: pain. Many botanicals serve as agents for pain management, often being categorized into inflammatory pain relievers, analgesics, and smooth muscle spasm relievers.
More: https://wholisticmatters.com/series/podcast-medicinal-herbs/
In this episode, naturopath and medical herbalist Amanda Williams joins our host Sara Le Brun-Blashka, MS, to talk about some of her favorite herbs: a group of five botanicals Amanda calls the “superheroes of the plant kingdom.” This is a special subgroup of adaptogens with multi-faceted potential impacts on the human body, including pharmacological effects on the nervous, endocrine, and immune systems as well as body-wide. More: https://wholisticmatters.com/neuro-endocrine-immune-botanicals/
There is a good amount of data available to help us understand the prevalence of anxiety and depression in the modern world, but naturopath and medical herbalist Berris Burgoyne stresses that these health conditions are more common than we might think. In this episode of the Medicinal Herbs podcast, Berris joins host Sara Le Brun-Blashka, MS, to discuss anxiety and depression, especially when it comes to her perspective as a clinician and herbalist.
At any given point, as many as half of all Americans are trying to lose weight. In this podcast episode, naturopathic clinician Angela Hywood joins host Sara Le Brun Blashka, MS, to talk about A) why people struggle to lose weight in a healthy way and B) the medicinal herbs that can support the body through this process. Learn more on WM.
Medicinal herbs work in the human body to impact physiological processes through a variety of actions. One herb may act in many different ways, influence multiple body processes. In this podcast episode, Professor Kerry Bone joins host Sara Le Brun Blashka, MS, to describe how medicinal herbs specifically involved in immune health can be categorized and understood.
Our first episode of 2022 is all about detox! What is it? Why does the body need to detoxify? (Hint: Toxins are everywhere. Yikes). This week our guest is naturopath and medical herbalist Berris Burgoyne, who joins our host Sara Le Brun Blashka, MS, to discuss a very common topic at this time of year – detoxification – and herbal support you can count on. More info: https://wholisticmatters.com/spotlight-topic/detox/
Pregnancy, childbirth, and motherhood in general can be both incredibly magical and overwhelmingly exhausting. Pregnancy and the postpartum period can invoke a whole range of mental and physiological challenges associated with balancing newborn care (and potentially other children as well) with work, social lives, and personal time. In this podcast episode, naturopathic clinician Angela Hywood joins our host Sara Le Brun-Blashka, MS, to talk about post-natal depletion, including the herbs and nutrients to prevent and address the symptoms all-too familiar to women with children.
Dr. Madeline Yamate joins us to talk about her experience working with older dogs, aging as a physiological process, and the role of food and nutrition in aging pets.
Dr. Donna Raditic joins us to talk about the brain-gut-microbiome connection in animals. Dr. Raditic has a great deal of experience with veterinary nutrition consulting, and in this episode, she describes the vital role of nutrition in digestive health, especially considering the link between the digestive tract, which houses the gut microbiome, and the brain.
Dr. Laura Gaylord joins us to talk about omega-3 fatty acids for pets, first describing what makes omega-3 fatty acids “essential” for dogs and cats specifically.
Read more on omegas for pets
This is the first episode of the Wholistic Approach to Pet Care: Part II. Dr. Sue Howell joins us to talk about whole foods in a veterinary practice based on her professional experience integrating whole food therapies with conventional medicine. Dr. Howell compares whole foods versus processed foods in pet feeding, explains why pet diets are not "one size fits all," and describes what makes a quality supplement for pets.
This is the trailer for Part II of the third season of the WholisticMatters Podcast Series, “The Wholistic Approach to Pet Care.” Jody Griffiths, CVT, leads conversations with experts in wholistic veterinary care, discussing the role of whole foods in veterinary practice, omega-3 fatty acids for pets, the brain-gut microbiome connection in animals, and healthy years for geriatric dogs.
In the 17th episode of the Medicinal Herbs podcast from WholisticMatters, naturopath and medical herbalist Berris Burgoyne joins our host, Sara Le Brun-Blashka, MS, to talk about osteoporosis, bone health, and medicinal herbs to support healthy bones.
More on WholisticMatters.com!
Millions of people worldwide struggle with food and environmental allergies, with one study reporting over 100 million Americans with allergies. In this episode of the Medicinal Herbs series, we talk with a returning guest, naturopath and herbalist Jo Boyd, about common allergies and herbs that may be helpful in protecting the body and relieving symptoms.
Learn more about a natural approach to seasonal allergies.
In this episode of the Medicinal Herbs series from the WholisticMatters Podcast, Professor Kerry Bone joins our host Sara Le Brun-Blashka, MS, to talk about his new book: “Functional Herbal Therapy: A Modern Paradigm for Clinicians.”
Kerry has written numerous books in the botanical field, including the classic “Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy: Modern Herbal Medicine” as well as works on subjects like herbal formulations, herbal safety, herbal chemistry and therapeutics, and clinical applications of Ayurvedic and Chinese herbs. Sara’s first question for Kerry: Why write a new book?
In this episode, naturopath and medical herbalist Amanda Williams joins our host Sara Le Brun-Blashka, MS, to talk about “the new health hero” – sleep. Healthy sleep habits are important for immune health, weight management and metabolic health, digestion, and much more. A handful of medicinal herbs can support many aspects of maintaining quality sleep.
In the last regular episode of the Nutrition Education and Racial Disparities in Health podcast series, our guest is Charlie Uihlein, Executive Director of Milwaukee non-profit organization Teens Grow Greens (TGG). Charlie and his team at TGG focus on teen development through hands-on, experience-based internships. These children often come from low-income families and their family members may have, or are at risk for, chronic conditions due to their living conditions and access to proper nutrition.
In this episode of the Medicinal Herbs podcast series, naturopathic clinician Jo Boyd joins us as a first-time guest to explain the differences and similarities between an herbal adaptogen vs. tonic. Our host Sara Le Brun-Blashka, MS, begins the conversation by asking Jo to explain the overlap and subtle differences between adaptogens and tonics.
This summer, two world record-holders will embark on unique adventures across the Pacific Ocean, from California to Hawaii. Cyril Derreumaux will be in a one-of-a-kind kayak, while Carlo Facchino will be rowing. Cyril and Carlo are friends from a record-breaking row back in 2016, and now Carlo is coaching Cyril in preparation for his expedition in addition to making an ocean crossing of his own.
In this episode of the Medicinal Herbs podcast series, naturopathic clinician Angela Hywood joins us again as our guest, talking with host Sara Le Brun-Blashka about thyroid health and herbal approaches to supporting this aspect of human physiology.
In the sixth episode of the Nutrition Education and Racial Disparities in Health podcast, our guests are Dr. Edgar Everett, Dr. Xavier Tipler, and Dr. Frank Vaught Jr, co-founding partners of Evoke Chiropractic Coaching. Our guests joined us for this conversation to discuss the interpersonal relationships they have cultivated through the Evoke Chiropractic community, the obstacles faced by minority healthcare practitioners, and their words of encouragement for the next generation of chiropractors.
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a genetic transcription factor that belongs to an important pathway for supporting health and enhancing resilience to environmental toxins. In this episode of the Medicinal Herbs special season of the WholisticMatters Podcast Series, host Sara Le Brun-Blashka talks with Professor Kerry Bone about the antioxidants response elements (AREs) and the Nrf2 response, a cellular response to stress.
Before she became a food scientist, Dr. Karma James-Dulin grew up in the Caribbean, on the beautiful island of St. Lucia. In this episode, we talk with Dr. James-Dulin about her journey to becoming a food scientist, one that included fresh produce and daily home cooking while growing up that continues to influence her food habits today.
In the tenth episode of the Medicinal Herbs podcast, naturopath and medical herbalist Berris Burgoyne joins our host, Sara Le Brun-Blashka, MS, to talk about heart health and herbal support to address cardiovascular risk factors.
In the fourth episode of the Nutrition Education and Racial Disparities in Health podcast, our guest is Dr. Michelle Simon, a naturopathic doctor and the president of the board for the Institute for Natural Medicine (INM). With Dr. Simon, we discuss how naturopathic medicine embodies a systematic approach to health that is focused on finding solutions to unique, individual problems.
In the sixth and final episode of Plant Power, the fourth season of the WholisticMatters Podcast Series, hosts Sara Le Brun Blashka, MS, Meghan Hamrock, MS, MPH, and Kara Credle discuss the realistic application of plant power in practice and in life. Paired with a final clinical commentary from Dave Hogsed, DOM, AP, this episode ties together the concepts of the whole food matrix, nutrient availability, plant genetics, organic farming, phytonutrients and the colors of food to deliver a message vital for practitioners and nutrition enthusiasts alike: a diverse diet of colorful, plant-based foods supports a healthy life.
In the fifth episode of Plant Power, the fourth season of the WholisticMatters Podcast Series, our topic is nutrient bioavailability and bioaccessibility. Food processing affects how the body utilizes nutrients consumed through food, and bioavailability and bioaccessibility are two terms that describe the nature of nutrient utilization in the body.
In this episode, naturopath and medical herbalist Amanda Williams joins our host Sara Le Brun-Blashka, MS, to talk about kava (Piper methysticum), known to many as “life essential,” “peace elixir,” and “root of happiness.”
In the fourth episode of Plant Power, the fourth season of the WholisticMatters Podcast Series, our topic is phytonutrients and the valuable relationship between food and color. Our guest this episode is nutrition scientist Weston Bussler, PhD. Listen all the way to end for clinical insights from practitioner Dave Hogsed, DOM, AP.
In the third episode of the Nutrition Education and Racial Disparities Podcast, our guest is Micheala Edwards, DC, owner of E. Elite Wellness in the Kansas City Metro area and current national president of the American Black Chiropractic Association (ABCA).
In the third episode of Plant Power, the fourth season of the WholisticMatters Podcast Series, our topic is organic farming. Our guest on this episode is organic farm director Christine Mason. Listen all the way to end for clinical insights from practitioner Dave Hogsed, DOM, AP.
In the second episode of Plant Power, the fourth season of the WholisticMatters Podcast Series, our topic is plant genetics and genetic modification. Guests on this episode are scientists Brandon Metzger, PhD, and Eric Jackson, PhD. Listen all the way to end for clinical insights from practitioner Dave Hogsed, DOM, AP.
In the first episode of the fourth season of the WholisticMatters Podcast Series, our topic is the whole food matrix. Guests on this episode are nutrition scientists Brandon Metzger, PhD, and Weston Bussler, PhD. Listen all the way to end for clinical insights from practitioner Dave Hogsed, DOM, AP.
In this episode, naturopathic clinician Angela Hywood joins our host Sara Le Brun-Blashka, MS, to talk about Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Ashwagandha is commonly used in ayurvedic medicine as a general tonic for natural healing, and it is associated with a variety of clinical health benefits like blood sugar reduction, reduced cortisol levels, and stress relief to name a few.
The hosts of this season will be having in-depth conversations with guests about defining the whole food matrix, the history of plants and plant genetics, the importance of organic farming, the relationship between phytonutrients and the natural colors of food, the impact of nutrient availability in the human body, and – lastly – applying ALL of the concepts in real life in practical, sustainable ways.
In the second episode of the Nutrition Education and Racial Disparities series, our guests are Alicia McDaniel, MPH, Rolanda Patrick Forehand, MPH, and Casey Brown from the Cabarrus Health Alliance. We discuss the processes of applying for grants and designing programs for nutrition education, projects that are often tested by logistical and financial barriers. We also talk about the common gaps in nutrition and general health education that our guests see in their community on a regular basis.
Dr. Lars Bode discusses the relationship between 2’-FL, a novel prebiotic, and the human microbiome, including what makes 2’-FL stand out from other HMOs, and why HMOs stand out from other oligosaccharides. Additionally, the group talks about the decoy action of HMOs and the relationship between 2’-FL and Bifidobacteria.
Welcome to the very first episode of the new monthly podcast series on WholisticMatters: Nutrition Education and Racial Disparities in Health. This month we’re talking with chiropractor and co-founder of Evoke Chiropractic Coaching, Dr. Edgar Everett. Dr. Everett practices in St. Louis, Missouri, and is passionate about serving his practice members, volunteering at community clinics, mentoring chiropractic students, and public speaking.
Introducing a special season of the WholisticMatters Podcast Series, where the hosts are talking with a diverse group of guests to explore how nutrition education and natural approaches to health could affect positive change regarding racial disparities in health.
This podcast series serves to highlight conversations with healthcare practitioners, public health experts, scientists, and other individuals with important perspectives to share about how access to nutrition education influences health. This access is particularly important for minority communities that continuously struggle with finding adequate access to nutrition education and healthcare.
In this episode, naturopathic clinician Angela Hywood returns to the show to talk with host Sara Le Brun-Blashka, MS, to talk about natural approaches to healthy skin, for aging, acne, inflammation, and the skin-gut connection. With herbs like gotu kola, stinging nettle, calendula, and more, you’ll hear all about how slowing down collagen degradation and managing a healthy inflammatory response can do wonders for the skin.
Herbs for PMS (premenstrual syndrome) may help with anxiety, cravings, depression, and bloating women may experience as premenstrual symptoms. Naturopathic clinician Angela Hywood joins host Sara Le Brun Blashka, MS, to talk about herbal solutions for PMS.
Today we are talking about cat’s claw for immunity and recovery with naturopath and medical herbalist Berris Burgoyne, who joins our host, nutritionist Sara Le Brun Blashka, for the fifth episode of our special series on Medicinal Herbs. cat’s claw (Uncaria tomentosa) is an herb native to the South and Central American tropical rain forest associated with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.
Today we are talking about bitter herbs and their multi-faceted role in health. Host Sara Le Brun Blashka discusses bitter herbs with naturopath and medical herbalist Amanda Williams, who has been practicing for over 20 years. She focuses on female health, endocrine health, autoimmune disease, and digestive health. Listen to the podcast to learn more about what she calls the “bitter bonanza.”
Today host Sara Le Brun Blashka, MS, is talking with naturopathic clinician Angela Hywood, who guides us through a selection of medicinal herbs that play important roles as tonics and adaptogens for nervous and adrenal health. These herbs have long traditions of optimizing sleep and stress management habits, which in turn play an important role in overall, wholistic health.
This episode featured veterinarian Patrick Mahaney, VMD, CVA, CVJ, who has been practicing since 1999. His unique practice combines Western veterinary medicine with acupuncture and traditional Chinese veterinary medicine as well. He believes in a wholistic approach, taking a step back and looking at his patients as a whole, and he emphasizes the importance of a whole food approach to nutrition.
Sheila Dodson, DVM, CVA, has been a veterinarian over twenty years, and she owns an integrative veterinary practice offering multiple modalities for wholistic pet care. In this episode, Dr. Dodson talks with Jody Griffiths, CVT, about the unique aspects of the veterinary profession that make personnel decisions, work-life balance, and self-care particularly important.
Today we’re talking about one of the most researched herbs in the world in terms of its therapeutic effects: turmeric. Known for its distinctive golden color and its earthy-sweet flavor, turmeric is commonly found on many cooks’ spice racks and has been long-studied for its association with positive health effects. Professor Kerry Bone returns as a guest with host Sara Le Brun-Blashka, MS. More on WholisticMatters.com.
Slavko Komarnytsky, PhD, and Sheila Dodson, DVM, CVA, join co-hosts Kara Credle and Jody Griffiths, to talk about the endocannabinoid system for pets. This includes the difference between hemp and marijuana, CBD vs. THC, and how veterinarians can best help their pet owners choose the hemp supplement that's best for them. More on WholisticMatters.com.
Listen as co-hosts Kara Credle and Jody Griffiths, CVT, are joined by veterinarians Dr. Ann-Margret Morgan, DVM, CCRT, CVA, VSMT, CVPP, and Sue Howell, DVM, CVFT, CVA. They discuss the role of the nervous system in whole-body animal health, rehabilitation for pets, veterinary "CSI," and their unique philosophies on veterinary practice.
Season three guides the listener through the world of nutritional support for pets, the importance of the endocannabinoid system for animals, and the unique components of the veterinary profession.
Today we’re talking about the innate immune system, the inflammatory response, and the cytokine storm, particularly in the context of pathogenic infections and the role of herbs like echinacea, astragalus, and Andrographis. Featuring special guest Kerry Bone.
Welcome to a a special season of the WholisticMatters Podcast Series: Medicinal Herbs. We'll be talking with nutritionist Sara Le Brun Blashka, Professor Kerry Bone, and other herbal industry leaders about the role of medicinal herbs and herbal remedies in human health.
We’re excited to bring multiple thought leaders together to provide insight to our listeners, especially healthcare practitioners who want to apply the fundamentals of herbal medicine to help their patients utilize herbs in the best possible way. Stay tuned for new episodes to be released each month as part of this special herbal podcast series, covering topics like the cytokine storm, stress, and sleep.
Nutrition and diet are foundational components of the wholistic approach to health, but sleep, stress, and physical activity are also important. In episode 2, we talked with nutrition scientist Weston Bussler, PhD, about the importance of wholistic health and how it encompasses approaches to health focusing on supporting the whole body. Sleep, stress management, and physical activity do just that. In episode 4, nutrition scientist Kristine Polley, PhD, joins host Meghan Hamrock, MS, MPH, to discuss important components of the wholistic approach to health: sleep, stress management, and physical activity.
Meghan Hamrock, MS, MPH, and special guest Weston Bussler, PhD, discuss the whole food advantage. What components define a whole food? Why is including whole foods in the diet so important for human health? They also talk more about phytonutrients from plants - about how humans need these beneficial metabolites just as much as they need macronutrients or micronutrients, just in a different way. Different colors seen in plant foods – like ruby red beets and vibrantly green kale – are often indicative of the different phytonutrients found in different plants. This is why people might hear someone say “eat the rainbow”; it’s so important to have a colorful diet!
Meghan Hamrock, MS, MPH, and special guest Weston Bussler, PhD, talk about the importance of wholistic health – emphasis on “wholistic” spelled with a “W”. Weston provides unique insight on the Standard American Diet – which is packed with foods processed for convenience and comfort in mind. Additionally, the Standard American Diet often lacks specific focus on important dietary components like micronutrients and phytonutrients, which both come from plants.
“Healthy” looks different for everyone! Join Meghan Hamrock, MS, MPH, in the first episode of season 2. This episode includes a discussion of how to define “healthy,” how to set healthy goals for yourself with sustainability and longevity in mind, and how to approach lifestyle goals realistically.
The first episode of Season 2 of the WholisticMatters Podcast Series launches on January 1st, 2020. Look forward to four episodes dedicated to changing the way you think about New Year’s resolutions, lifestyle changes, and being “healthy.” There are quotation marks around this word because “healthy” looks different for everyone! In season 2, "Building A Healthy Lifestyle," we’ll talk about how to define “healthy,” how to set healthy goals for yourself with sustainability and longevity in mind, and how to approach lifestyle goals realistically. We'll also discuss why (w)holistic health matters, the whole food advantage, and the importance of sleep, stress management, and physical activity as part of the (w)holistic approach to health. Special guests include nutrition scientist Weston Bussler, PhD, and Kristine Polley, PhD.
Ryan Bradley, ND, MPH, is the Director of Research, National University of Natural Medicine. He joined us for this episode of the WholisticMatters Podcast Series, recorded live at the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) 2019 annual conference and exhibition. Dr. Bradley discusses clinical research in naturopathic medicine, evidence-based recommendations in preventative medicine, and its importance for people with diabetes and/or cardiovascular risk factors.
This episode of the WholisticMatters Podcast Series was recorded live at the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) 2019 annual conference and exhibition. Michael Traub, ND, DHANP, FABNO, discussed his path to the naturopathic profession. Traub is in practice at the Lokahi Health Center Inc. in Hawaii and a site director for the Institute for Natural Medicine (INM).
Dr. Traub discusses Hawaii’s reasons for being the healthiest state, including genetics, lifestyle, and eating habits, as well as the correlation of an active lifestyle and its positive effect on mood. To the next generation of naturopathic practitioners, Dr. Traub recommends confidence, fiscal responsibility, and living within one’s means.
Carrie Jones, ND, is naturopathic physician specializing in functional medicine, women’s health, and hormones. In this episode of the WholisticMatters Podcast Series recorded live at the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) 2019 annual conference and exhibition, Dr. Jones discusses hormonal imbalances and the health effects that occur as a result. Specifically, Dr. Jones describes the importance of detoxification to address hormonal imbalances.
This episode of the WholisticMatters Podcast Series was recorded live at the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) annual conference and exhibition.
This episode of the WholisticMatters Podcast Series was recorded live at the Florida Chiropractic Association (FCA) annual event The National featuring Sherry McCallister, DC, MS (ED), CCSP.
Michelle Simon, PhD, ND, describes naturopathic medicine as the “engineering of healthcare.” Dr. Simon, who began her career with an undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering before obtained her PhD in biomedical engineering and becoming a naturopathic physician, is the president and CEO of the Institute for Natural Medicine (INM). In this podcast, John P. Troup, PhD, and Dr. Simon discuss delivery of education and content, effective and evolving delivery formats, and the importance of free and open-access education.
Ryan Lazarus, DC, MS, is a practicing chiropractor and functional medicine practitioner in California near the Napa Valley. He was also one of the speakers at the 2019 Florida Chiropractic Association (FCA) annual event The National, where the WholisticMatters Podcast Series recorded live episodes. Dr. Lazarus discussed implementing therapeutic lifestyle changes, gamifying therapeutic intervention, and the importance of personalizing wellness plans.
Maurice Werness, ND, was one of the founding board members of the Institute for Natural Medicine when it was established almost 30 years ago in 1992. Now, Dr. Werness is a practicing naturopathic doctor in Durham, North Carolina. We found him at the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) annual conference where the WholisticMatters Podcast Series with host John P. Troup was recording live.
Dr. Werness, the author of several books, was a competitive tennis player before he got into medicine, but he didn’t know anything about health. “I was asking my body to perform like a Ferrari, but I was putting diesel fuel in the tank,” he described. Now as a physician, he remarks that most people are “sick and tired of being sick and tired.” Dr. Werness is passionate about revolutionizing medicine, especially in Durham.
Meghan Hamrock, MS, MPH, is a public health specialist in North Carolina attending the American Association for Naturopathic Physicians (AANP) annual conference and exhibition for the first time. At AANP 2019, the WholisticMatters Podcast Series with John P. Troup, PhD, was live, and during the discussion with Hamrock, we gained valuable insights into the importance of public health in medicine.
Hamrock has experience working in community health clinics assessing an individual’s readiness to truly make a healthy change in their life. She is passionate about adjusting the mindset that produce is too expensive or that no one wants to buy it. Recently she spent some time analyzing the cost of purchasing fruits and vegetables in comparison to popular fast food sources, dispelling the rumor that healthy food is more expensive than non-healthy food. Hamrock practices making healthy choices and educating others on healthy living in her own home, as she teaches her three year-old son to cook. Noah has been known to munch on bell peppers like most other young children munch on apples.
Live from the Florida Chiropractic Association’s The National, the world’s largest event for chiropractic, the WholisticMatters Podcast Series with host John P. Troup, PhD, joins Richard Brown, DC, Secretary-General of the World Federation for Chiropractic (WFC) to discuss the future of the chiropractic industry.
The WFC represents the national associations of 94 countries around the world and is currently promoting the “Be EPIC” campaign (Evidence-based, People-entered, Inter-professional care, and Collaborative). Dr. Brown says “there has never been a better time to be a chiropractor.”
Heidi Haavik, DC, PhD, is a chiropractor from New Zealand who got her doctoral degree in human neurophysiology to understand more about how and why chiropractic works. Recorded live at the Florida Chiropractic Association (FCA) annual event The National in Orlando, Florida, WholisticMatters Podcast Series host John P. Troup, PhD, talks with Dr. Haavik, who is an award-winning author, scientist, and clinician. Interestingly, Dr. Haavik’s great grandfather on her mother’s side was one of the first one thousand chiropractors to graduate from the Palmer College for Chiropractic. She is also the author of New York Times best seller “The Reality Check” that discusses the benefits of chiropractic.
Christopher Bump, DC, MS, has used nutrition in his practice for his long time. In this podcast episode, the WholisticMatters Podcast Series with John P. Troup, PhD, is recording live at the Florida Chiropractic Association (FCA) annual event The National, where Dr. Bump is back as a speaker. Dr. Troup and Dr. Bump discuss stress, inflammation, and modern-day stressors like politics and watching the news.
Slavko Komarnytsky, PhD, from the N.C. State University Plants for Human Health Institute, returns to the WholisticMatters podcast series with host John Troup, PhD, to discuss mechanisms involved in the control and balance of glucose appearance in the body. Komarnytsky, a leading expert in phytonutrients and the underlying mechanisms of metabolic processes, explains that modern humans include too many carbohydrates in the diet and that the body does not know how to manage the consequences.
Phytochemicals – unique compounds found in plants that are associated with various health benefits - are bitter as they present naturally in plants. But modern humans do not like bitter flavors; over time, food technologists removed bitter components to make food more palatable, more enjoyable. This led to a loss of bitter signaling in plant-based food that interacts with carbohydrate processing.
John Troup, PhD, talks to Bassem El-Khodor, PhD, a prominent thought leader on detox. El-Khodor discusses the different terms used for detox – what they really mean and what implications these differences have on selecting the right program for the right patient. Additionally, Troup and El-Khodor describe the differences between “detox,” “purification,” and “cleansing.”
Jesmond Dalli, PhD, and John Troup, PhD, discussed addressing the underlying problems of inflammation at the 2019 Integrative Healthcare Symposium. “Because [inflammation] has been given one name, it has been oversimplified as a process,” Dalli said. “Each person has a different sequence of events that leads to their disease.”
Dalli and Troup discuss the challenge of identifying the steps that lead to chronic conditions, pro-resolving mediators (PRMs), and the endocannabinoid system.
Watch Dalli’s talk from IHS 2019 here.
Live at the Integrative Healthcare Symposium (IHS) 2019, John Troup, PhD, talked to Christopher Bump, DC, MS, IFMCP, CNS, DABCN on major trends in nutrition in integrative healthcare. Dr. Bump shared with us how and where practitioners are discussing nutrition – in both broader healthcare and in chiropractic specifically.
Eric Jackson, PhD, is currently the Chief Technical Officer for 25:2 Solutions and the architect of the company’s NATIVCROP Lab. Throughout his career, Jackson has studied biology as a pre-med student, plant pathology, quantitative genetics, and statistical genomics. As Senior Principal Scientist at General Mills Inc., Jackson became the first scientist to completely domesticate a wild oat species using a novel non-GMO approach.
In this podcast, John Troup, PhD, and Jackson discuss oats and bitter compounds. Jackson first started studying oats over ten years ago during his postdoctoral fellowship with the USDA and Texas A&M University.
Dan Johnston, MD, MPH, is the founder and CEO of BrainSpan and a retired Lieutenant Colonel who has served in the US Pentagon, White House, Army Surgeon General's office, Iraq, Kuwait, and Korea. Dr. Johnston sat down with John Troup, PhD, at a recent military nutrition conference to talk about the broader issues of stress and inflammation, as well as the role played by omega-3 fatty acids.
“We need to be looking at nutrition as part of our armor,” Dr. Johnston explained, stressing how critical fats and fatty acids are to cell biology.
John Troup, PhD, discussed managing inflammation and the use of omega-3 fatty acids with Andrew Heyman, MD, MHSA. Specifically, Heyman described the importance of lipids in the body on the cellular level, on the subcellular level, and on the organ system level. Heyman emphasizes that the 60:40 ratio of EPA to DHA is critically important - as well as higher dosing – when addressing deficiencies.
When Dana Cohen, MD, was finishing her residency at Albany Medical Center in internal medicine, she saw an ad on the wall for a “world-renowned wellness center seeking a physician in New York City,” and the rest is history.
Twenty years later, we find Dr. Cohen at the Integrative Healthcare Symposium in New York City to record a live podcast. Dr. Cohen talks to John Troup, PhD, about how Dr. Atkins changed the way she thinks about medicine, life at the Atkins Center for Complementary Medicine, a career in integrative medicine, and her new book on hydration.
Dr. Cohen always asks patients what they are eating and drinking. 99 percent of her patients doubt that they are drinking enough water. In her new book “Quench: Beat Fatigue, Drop Weight, and Heal Your Body Through New Science of Optimum Hydration,” Dr. Cohen writes about subclinical dehydration, the fourth phase of water, and eating more plants for ultimate hydration.
Get her book on Amazon.
Recorded live at the 2019 Integrative Health Symposium in New York City, this podcast features Erika Schwartz, MD, pioneer in the field of integrative medicine and founder of Evolved Science, a concierge medical practice in New York City. Dr. Schwartz is the author of seven books, most recently “The Intimacy Solution.”
John Troup, PhD, talked to Dr. Schwartz about how she became interested in the integrative and functional medicine space. Dr. Schwartz started out working at a trauma center early in her career and also worked in internal medicine. She became interested in supplemental nutrition in 1999 after constantly talking to patients who complained of fatigue.
Then, she started asking patients about their diet, sleep habits, alcohol consumption, exercise, and stress levels. “In the mid-90s, this was so novel that they thought I became a psychiatrist,” Schwartz explained. “But what I actually became was a better doctor.”
Schwartz became increasingly interested in learning about what other options existed to offer fatigued patients, instead of waiting for something more serious to happen. She ultimately went into private practice because she wanted to have continuity of care, to meet her patients and know more about them.
We got Carl Germano, RD, CNS, CDN, on the phone to talk about hemp oil, the endocannabinoid system, and why he is dedicating his life to telling everyone about the health benefits of cannabinoids. Germano says that phytocannabinoids, CBD, and the hemp hype are dominating our industry and will continue to dominate it over the next couple of decades. He describes the history of discovery behind the endocannabinoid system and receptors in the human body associated with it. Plus, Germano talks about his new book: “Road to Ananda: Simple Illustrated Guide to the Endocannabinoid System.”
Stavros Kavouras, PhD, is professor and director of the Hydration Lab at Arizona State University where he researches how water intake influences health and performance. In this podcast, John Troup, PhD, chats with Dr. Kavouras on how hydration influences exercise performance and general wellbeing. Dr. Kavouras refers to water as “the forgotten nutrient,” and discusses key topics like health issues associated with dehydration, sports-enhancement beverages, and drinking still versus sparkling water.
Dr. Jay Lombard, a thought leader in the fields of integrative and functional medicine, has been a practicing neurologist for more than two decades. We got Dr. Lombard on the phone to talk about stress and inflammation, particularly how stress leads to problems with anxiety and ultimately complicates underlying inflammation. Dr. Lombard discusses the idea of conceptualizing stress as both biological and experiential, something that we all encounter.
Dr. Lombard is one of the original faculty members of the Institute for Functional Medicine, co-founder and Chief Innovation Office of Genomind, and founder and medical director Mindful DNA.
On the newest episode of the WholisticMatters Podcast Series, professional endurance athlete Colin O'Brady discusses with John Troup, PhD, the idea of pushing the limits of human potential, for this is what O’Brady did to become the first person in history to traverse the continent of Antarctica from the tip of the Ronne Ice Shelf to the tip of the Ross Ice Shelf, via the South Pole – unsupported and unaided.
O’Brady talks about why he uses social media to reach and inspire people and about how important it was to receive the proper nutrition to achieve the impossible in Antarctica. He also describes the mantra that kept him going throughout his journey, happy and calm or tired and discourged: “This too will change.”
Don’t forget to listen to our other podcast with Colin O’Brady, where he talked about inspiring others by asking them, “What’s your Everest?”
Priya Kamani is the founder and CEO of LivingMatrix, a digital platform founded in 2014 that haleps manage functional medicine practices and programs to help healthcare practitioners facilitate the delivery of their specialization.
It’s rare to find a physician running an entrepreneurial start-up while simultaneously being committed to improving clinical platforms, but Dr. Kamani is doing it. After working in clinical care for several years, she became frustrated with the “system,” and looked to the world of technology to improve digital delivery of healthcare.
Listen to this podcast to hear more about Dr. Kamani’s personal experience with functional medicine, empowering physicians with digital healthcare, and using data to improve clinical care.
Naturopathic doctor Marisa Marciano and iconic advocate of herbal medicinals Mark Blumenthal discuss the history of medicinal plants and the power of herbs, which both believe to move alongside other healthy lifestyle habits.
When Marciano is with a patient, she treats each individual differently: “I try to look at every person and decide, ‘what is the best thing for this patient?’” In addition to working as a naturopathic physician in Vancouver, Canada and as an herbal consultant and educator, Marciano is currently Chair of the Botanical Medicine Department at the Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine.
Blumenthal is the founder and CEO of the American Botanical Council and editor and publisher of the quarterly journal HerbalGram.
In addition to being the founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council (ABC) as well as editor and publisher of the quarterly journal HerbalGram, Mark Blumenthal has dedicated most of his life to being a vegetarian. In another installment in our series on herbal medicine, Blumenthal discusses sustaining life on the planet, his history with herbal medicinals, and the evolution of medicinal herbs:
“Plant chemistry is not static. It’s a dynamic interaction with the environment.”
Continuing with our series on herbal medicine, founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council Mark Blumenthal talks about the various classifications of herbs, including adaptogens and nervines. Blumenthal also talks about standardization of herbs and the involvement of the pharmaceutical industry.
“What’s the first herb that comes to your mind when I say…”
- Adaptogenic? Ginseng, rhodiola, ashwagandha
- Nervine? Skullcap, valerian, passion flower
- Digestive health? Mint, dill, fennel
- Stress and anxiety? Kava – and learning to take deep breaths!
- Cardiovascular? Garlic, hawthorn leaf and flower
- Cognition? Bacopa, ginkgo
Mark Blumenthal has been the founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council (ABC) as well as editor and publisher of the quarterly journal HerbalGram for 30 years now. In this podcast, Blumenthal provides a historical perspective on herbs, discussing the state of the herbal industry in the 1970s, -80s, and -90s - an age before social media, before email, and before the internet. At first, herbal medicine was just a hobby and personal interest for Blumenthal. Now, with a lifetime of leadership with and devotion to the ABC and HerbalGram, Blumenthal is passionate about increasing education in herbal medicine and validating the historical use of medicinal plants.
Herbal medicine has been Kerry Bone’s passion since he was very young. Bone is the Director of Research and Development at MediHerb, a company Bone co-founded in 1986 that produces herbal products for health care professionals. He has written six textbooks defining principles and practices of phytotherapy, is an advocate of wholistic health, and is passionate about producing “good science” to provide health care providers looking to do more with herbal care:
“Plants have an inherent biological intelligence to influence the behavior - the physiological functioning – of whatever it is that they’re signaling to.”
Originally from Ukraine, Slavko Komarnystky, PhD, began his academic career studying gene sequencing and expression. But soon Komarnystky came to the realization that “studying plants is not enough. If I really want to make a difference, I have to use my knowledge, my background, and my expertise in plant biology and apply it to the world of human health.”
His epiphany eventually led him to the position he currently holds at the North Carolina State University Plants for Human Health Institute, Associate Professor of Pharmacogenomics. In this podcast, Komarnytsky discusses the difference between two receptors of the endocannabinoid system, CB1 and CB2, including their distribution in the body and their physiological effects.
Jennifer Stagg, ND, has a background in biochemistry that provided a foundation for her eventual training in naturopathic medicine, where she – like her naturopathic colleagues – focus on treating causes of disease instead of just the symptoms. In this podcast, Stagg talks about nutrigenomics and the obesity epidemic, the comprehensive role of magnesium in the human body, and treating pain by addressing the root cause.
Dr. Oscar Franco reminds listeners to make the most out of life by loving what you do, taking time to exercise, and learning to appreciate the food you eat - plus quality time around the dinner table with family and friends. Franco is a Professor of Epidemiology and the Public Health Director at the Institute of Social and Preventative Medicine (ISPM) in Switzerland.
Recorded live at The National 2018, the world’s largest event for chiropractic hosted by the Florida Chiropractor’s Association (FCA), Christopher Bump, DC, MS, IFMCP, CNS, DABCN, sat down with the Wholistic Matters Podcast Series to talk about how he offers a total health and well-being plan for each and every patient, including a functional nutrition and chiropractic approach.
A large proportion of the population does not get enough magnesium, an essential nutrient that acts as a cofactor for more than 300 enzymes and is vital for cell growth and function, energy storage and production, nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and much more. How can we overcome widespread magnesium deficiency? By promoting a diet focused on whole foods and plant-based magnesium supplements to fill in the gaps. The newest edition of the Wholistic Matters Podcast Series includes a discussion with Bassem El-Khodor, PhD.
Colin O’Brady – three-time world record holder and adventurer- is an inspiration to many people. In 2008, he was burned in a fire in Thailand and told he would never walk again. He surprised doctors and family with a lot more than taking a few steps.
In 2016, O’Brady became the fastest person to complete the Explorer’s Grand Slam – a challenge to climb the tallest mountain on each of the seven continents. The current record for this challenge is 139 days, still held by O’Brady. Then, in the summer of 2018, he became the fastest person to climb the tallest mountains in each of the 50 United States, breaking the previous record of 41 days with his own record: 21 days.
When O’Brady isn’t breaking world records, he’s inspiring kids to get outside and be more active. When O’Brady himself was young, he dreamed of one day climbing Mount Everest. Now he encourages kids to reach their own goals. “I ask, ‘What’s your Everest?’” O’Brady said. “What’s a big goal you have in your life?”
To reach his own goals, O’Brady focuses on setting small, incremental goals along the way to reach “massive, audacious” goals. This includes taking steps to make sure his nutrition, physical health, and mental health are at tune with the things he wants to accomplish.
Ryan Lazarus, DC, joined John Troup, PhD, to share his experience transitioning from pure chiropractic training to the delivery of nutrition therapy to his patients. After becoming a chiropractor 15 years ago, Lazarus turned his personal fascination with nutrition into a real way he could transform his patients’ lives. Listen in, hear his story, and gather his insight into delivering nutritional therapy in your practice.
Frank Hu, MD, PhD, leads a discussion on the epigenetic benefits of a healthy diet and lifestyle on aging and longevity.
Erika Schwartz, MD, leads a discussion on the role of the inflammatory process in hormonal balance throughout the lifespan of women.
Christopher Bump, DC, MS, reviews the inflammation response function on neurology function and leads a discussion on how the combination of these modalities can be incorporated into your clinical practice.
Dale Bredesen, MD, explains the role of diet and lifestyle in cognitive decline and the diagnostic tools and protocols for patients with cognitive decline.
Jennifer Stagg, ND, discusses how phytonutrients affect epigenetics and inflammatory response, the role of SNPs. and how foods can modulate expression.
Jay Lombard, DO, discusses the biological abnormalities associated with stress. Topics include the HPA axis, historical and current stressors, immune system activation, and brain health.
Robert Martindale, MD, PhD, discusses the metabolome of the microbiome, including case studies.