Dr. Ruscio Radio, DC: Health, Nutrition and Functional Healthcare

Do you need to perform expensive blood testing to determine 'what nutrients you're deficient in'? Probably not. Ensuring you have adequate nutrients on a daily basis is not only cheaper, but may be a better long-term strategy. Today I speak with Marty Kendall, who's developed a simple system to assess where you have holes in your diet. https://drruscio.com/?p=48764 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Excess fluoride from fluorinated drinking water has been linked to hypothyroidism in a recent systematic review (a high-quality summary of many studies). The review also found that the fluoride had other health effects like dental and skeletal fluorosis. Fluoride may disrupt the thyroid by inhibiting the ability of iodine to function in the body. Other sources of fluoride include processed beverages and foods, Teflon pans, and pesticides. Best steps to take: filter your water and focus on healthy nutrients. See the video for more details. https://drruscio.com/?p=48762 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Psychedelics are coming up more and more in the conversation about future mental health therapies. Under the right conditions, some psychedelics can facilitate valuable perspective shifts. But is the media getting carried away? What precautions should be in place? In this episode, researcher and clinical psychologist Dr. Peter Hendricks shares an objective take on the so-called "classic" psychedelics and what to know. We discuss their potential impact on addiction, trauma, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. You'll also hear what it would look like to take a psychedelic when carefully guided by a therapist. https://drruscio.com/?p=48749 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

If you have hypothyroidism, your gut could play a role in your symptoms. Namely, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may be present too. About 30% of people who have hypothyroidism have low stomach acid, according to high-quality research. Low stomach acid can increase your risk of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The science also shows a direct link between SIBO and hypothyroidism. When trying to improve how you feel, consider healing your gut with probiotics and possibly supplemental hydrochloric acid. Learn more about what to do in this video. https://drruscio.com/?p=48747 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Without high-quality sleep, we are susceptible to a wide array of health problems. Pediatric dentist Dr. Kevin Boyd is on a mission to improve sleep and breathing in children, by using dentistry and orthodontia to treat their teeth and jaws as early as possible. In our conversation, you'll hear why and how to intervene if you suspect issues for your child, and some options to explore for adults. https://drruscio.com/?p=48741 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Metabolic conditions like diabetes are on the rise, and the need for blood sugar management is critical. In this episode, Dr. Eran Elinav shares the science behind a new test that predicts your personal sugar level rise to foods, based on data from your microbiota, blood, body composition, and other clinical details. In the research, the personalized diet generated by the algorithm was slightly more effective in balancing blood sugar than following a diet created by an expert. Learn more about what steps you can take! (Plus, hear details on the first-ever vaginal microbiome transplant.) https://drruscio.com/?p=48739 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

One of the most impactful changes I have made lately is improving my sleep, namely my sleep timing. This was inspired by tracking my sleep using an Oura Ring. If you have not tracked your sleep, I highly recommend you do. Even though I am generally not a big advocate of tracking, this is one area I feel is worthwhile. In today's episode, I talk with the CEO of Oura Ring, Harpreet Rai about the many health benefits of sleep. Learn areas you can optimize using sleep tracker data (everyone is different). A great night of sleep is a huge health win, supporting everything from physical recovery to mental clarity. https://drruscio.com/?p=47961 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Sometimes, bands of scar tissue—called adhesions—can form in your body and stick to your organs or tissues, as a result of surgery, trauma, or inflammation. This may cause complications like intestinal blockage, restricted breathing, or difficulty moving muscles. In the gut, SIBO, IBS, IBD, and conditions like hiatal hernia may be influenced by this restriction. Fortunately, a technique called visceral therapy (also known as visceral manipulation and massage) can help. In this episode, a specialist in visceral therapy, Dr. Jason Wysocki, shares his insights about how it works and who is most likely to benefit. https://drruscio.com/?p=47952 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Today we will cover listener questions, including… Protocol suggestions for redundant colon IBS – Smart test Acid blockers Heidelberg test SIBO and the ileocecal valve SIBO and histamine https://drruscio.com/?p=47950 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Conventional weight loss advice often revolves around counting calories. However, although caloric intake does have a high correlation with weight gain—or loss—the counting approach hasn't proven effective for most people. Neuroscientist Dr. Stephan Guyenet shares what is more likely to work: shifting your food quality and food environment. By understanding common craving triggers and how your brain causes you to feel full, you can painlessly lower your caloric intake. Get his tips for best results in this episode. https://drruscio.com/?p=47207 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Valerie was diagnosed with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and her doctors said it was forever. She felt discouraged but kept looking. After trying a few unsuccessful protocols, she discovered Healthy Gut, Healthy You and followed the steps. She noticed digestive improvements after taking the three key categories of probiotics, and was able to add in new foods using Intestinal Support Formula! Best of all, she learned how to rebound from setbacks. Hear her story in today's video. https://drruscio.com/?p=47204 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

The CBD industry is booming. But which claims about its benefits are grounded in solid evidence? In this episode, my guest Dr. Alex Capano—who received the first doctorate ever in cannabinoid science—is our guide to CBD for health. She'll walk us through important definitions, the differences between isolate, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum, whether CBD is effective for healing your gut, and more. https://drruscio.com/?p=46745 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Today we will cover listener questions, including… Sun Exposure Probiotics and long-term antibiotics What probiotics to take for rheumatoid arthritis Probiotic research Anemia https://drruscio.com/?p=46743 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

How do you optimize your health using data? In this episode, Dr. Dan Stickler shares how he and his team use data to help patients overcome their health obstacles and maximize performance. Genetics and other forms of testing, health tracking devices, and highly individualized service all come into play. You'll also learn about peptides—molecules from the body that can be introduced for targeted outcomes—that he's finding the most useful for gut health, cognition, and anti-aging. https://drruscio.com/?p=44101 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

The elemental diet is a proven way to starve bacterial overgrowths and give your gut a chance to rest. It also likely starves fungal overgrowths. Our new Elemental Heal formula tastes better than ever and has less carbs per serving. In this video, learn why the elemental diet works and easy, flexible ways to get started with it. Also, get the details on a great addition to the Elemental Heal shake, MCT oil powder. https://drruscio.com/?p=44099 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Anything we can do to improve our gut health through lifestyle is a big win. Guest Dr. Sarah Ballantyne a.k.a. the Paleo Mom shares her research-backed tips to support your microbiota, like optimal light exposure, sleep, and vegetable diversity. Hear her clever way to (manageably!) cook 30+ vegetables in a single week, and what nutrients your healthy gut bacteria love. https://drruscio.com/?p=44093 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Paige had always been full of energy, and it was perfect for her firefighter career. Then she noticed more fatigue and lack of sharpness. Luckily, her department happened to be doing a health program that revealed Paige's hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's. But thyroid medication didn't seem to be helping, and she was already on the paleo diet. What more could she do? With further luck, Paige came across the Healthy Gut, Healthy You protocol. Hear the simple steps she took to heal her gut and get her energy back. https://drruscio.com/?p=44077 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Conventional health literature often focuses on a supposed connection between sodium intake and blood pressure. But sodium plays an important role in our health and even regulation of other electrolytes. Join me and my guest Robb Wolf as we discuss recent research, why sodium may be unfairly villainized, and guidelines on salt intake to shoot for. https://drruscio.com/?p=41555 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Many factors can contribute to hair loss in women—from genetic predisposition to hormonal changes—and can show up differently than in men. In this episode, Dr. Alan Bauman, a hair restoration physician, shares his top three hair loss treatments for women that go beyond nutrition, and many more details. A key point: Whether you've pinpointed the exact cause of the loss or not, you can still begin to test these treatments. Treating an underlying issue may not reverse the hair loss. It's important to act as early as possible with hair-loss specific treatment for the best chance to stop the progression. https://drruscio.com/?p=40610 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Is Roundup—a popular herbicide that contains glyphosate—safe to have in your food? Probably not. In this episode, we go in depth on what the evidence shows, with returning guest and research microbiologist Kiran Krishnan. The good news is, there are simple steps you can take to build resilience in your health, even if you can't avoid consuming it completely. https://drruscio.com/?p=40612 Take the survey at http://drruscio.com/survey My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

We know the effects of gut damage can manifest as a wide array of symptoms. From constipation to bloating to fatigue and brain fog, a damaged gut can create a domino effect of not feeling well. In this video, you'll hear the story of how I resolved my digestive issues after a parasitic infection, and what I do daily for gut health maintenance. https://drruscio.com/?p=41566 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Several key psychedelics—MDMA, psilocybin, and ketamine—are being actively studied as therapeutic aids in conditions like depression and PTSD. Others, like marijuana and ayahuasca, also show promise. In this episode, Dr. Will Siu and I discuss psychedelics as healing agents. We cover their effects, the latest research, important points to be aware of, and their potential future in mental health care and beyond. https://drruscio.com/?p=40604 Take the survey at http://drruscio.com/survey My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Lab test results can seem solid and unquestionable. But what do the lab test ranges of "normal" or "abnormal" really indicate, and where do they come from? Are thyroid lab tests or gut tests indicating abnormal levels always something to be concerned about? Conversely, are all blood lead levels marked "normal" actually out of the danger zone? Dr. Tommy Wood shares his take on when and how to act, along with other health tips for fitness and longevity. https://drruscio.com/?p=36645 Take the survey at http://drruscio.com/survey My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Should the elderly lift weights? How about stage 4 cancer patients? The results Dr. Thomas Incledon has seen say this practice is very likely to improve their quality of life. Being weak from various illnesses is often considered the product of those illnesses, but frailty may in part be fueled by lack of movement. In this episode, he shares his individualized, holistic approach to health, which includes strength training, micronutrient testing, and GI testing. https://drruscio.com/?p=39025 Take the survey at http://drruscio.com/survey My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

You may not have expected fish and pregnancy to go together. But it turns out that fish contain a critical fatty acid called DHA. DHA has been shown in numerous studies to lower women's preterm birth risk, and supplementing with fish oil is an easy way to get enough DHA in your diet (algae is another option). How much is enough? And what about avoiding mercury? Dr. Kristina Harris Jackson, an expert in omega-3s and measuring DHA in blood, shares everything you need to know about safely optimizing your DHA level. https://drruscio.com/?p=39027 Take the survey at http://drruscio.com/survey My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Today we will cover listener questions from Healthy Gut Healthy You, including: Diet for microscopic colitis; Stopping antimicrobials and biofilm removers after one month; Symptoms while fasting; Mixing Elemental Heal with other liquids; Traveling out of the country; Great-in-8 and H. Pylori; and Is the protocol okay for children. https://drruscio.com/?p=36647 Take the survey at http://drruscio.com/survey My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Collagen is a very popular supplement right now for improving skin and joint health, and numerous studies support this. Preliminary evidence also suggests it may reduce dysfunction in your gut lining. If you've wondered what the research really says about collagen's impact on your health—and why you might choose marine collagen over bovine collagen—this episode will give you some quick, practical highlights, and options for how to get more in your diet. https://drruscio.com/?p=39958 Take the survey at http://drruscio.com/survey My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

If you're a goal-oriented, ambitious person, the path to problem-solving and high effectiveness may seem counterintuitive: mix in periods of "unfocus." In this episode, Dr. Srini Pillay—a psychiatrist, executive coach, brain-imaging researcher, and Renaissance man—shares his strategic techniques for focusing less. Learn how you can tap the power of your unconscious to increase your creativity and tackle your goals from new angles. https://drruscio.com/?p=35974 Take the survey at http://drruscio.com/survey My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Mona was struggling with chronic acid reflux, a bad taste in her mouth, constipation, bloating, and more. She tested negative for H. pylori, and had gone from primary care doctor to specialist, to dentist, even to the ER, with no success. Fortunately, she found my clinic and I took her through a series of simple gut therapies (including the low FODMAP diet and antimicrobials) that resolved her symptoms and got her feeling "100%". She was even able to eat dairy again! Hear her story—and simple steps you can take—in today's episode. https://drruscio.com/?p=35969 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

In many cases, thyroid symptoms are the "smoke" and the "fire" is in the gut. In today's episode, you'll hear a case study of a patient who had low T3 along with digestive and hormonal symptoms like diarrhea, gas, rashes, and missing periods. After she received natural treatment for her gut health and hormonal health, she was symptom-free and became pregnant within six months. There was no need to treat her T3 directly. You'll also get a breakdown of why a T4 plus T3 combo treatment should only be used in the minority of cases. https://drruscio.com/?p=35303 The Future of Functional Medicine Review, Clinical Newsletter is available at https://drruscio.com/review Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

We live in a stressful era. Could something as simple as changing your breathing help? The practice of breathwork can not only reduce your stress, it can also improve your memory, lower your body's fear response, and make you more cognitively effective. There are many modes of breathwork. In this episode, Josh Trent takes us through the powerful benefits, and some simple steps that beginners can try right away. He also discusses the promise of more advanced methods. If you've tried meditation and couldn't stop your brain, breathwork might be an easier practice for you to adopt. https://drruscio.com/?p=34035 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

A patient came to my office with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism by a "famous thyroid doctor" who had written books on the subject. When I checked her lab results, even by a conservative measure, they could not be considered hypothyroid. Yet the patient was put on medication, making her more ill. In this episode, learn more about these clinical case study details—that appeared in the January edition of the Future of Functional Medicine Clinicians Review—and how practitioners can avoid making this harmful mistake. Also, learn which markers can be false positives in two of the most popular functional medicine stool tests. https://drruscio.com/?p=35103 The Future of Functional Medicine Review, Clinical Newsletter is available at https://drruscio.com/review Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

The patients that Heidi Turner typically sees in her practice have done the basics of diet, probiotics, antimicrobials. They have often been through many doctors, elimination diets, supplements, and more, yet inflammatory symptoms persist and are resistant to treatment. They often have some degree of histamine intolerance or mast cell activation. For this highly sensitive population, managing symptoms alone is a challenge. But recently, many of Heidi's patients have seen significant healing results from an unexpected natural therapy. In this episode, Heidi shares her experience treating this unique group of patients, and explains why targeting the limbic system has been effective. https://drruscio.com/?p=34863 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Unnecessary thyroid medication can be dangerous for a patient, even generating symptoms. Unfortunately, with overdiagnosis of hypothyroidism on the rise, more and more patients are being prescribed medications they don't need. Hear a case study from a functional medicine clinician who was able to determine—through an evidence-based approach—that a chronically ill patient was not hypothyroid, getting her off unnecessary medication and feeling better. He also found that dysbiosis in her gut was the source of many of her issues. Also in this episode, learn systematic methods to get to the root of your patients' histamine intolerance. https://drruscio.com/?p=35063 The Future of Functional Medicine Review, Clinical Newsletter is available at https://drruscio.com/review Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Could lack of bioavailable copper be fueling your iron issues? That's Morley Robbins' take, based on 10 years of self-study in mineral research. You'll learn why iron supplementation may not be a quick fix and get a protocol to optimize your copper levels. We have a reasoned dialogue on what the research may imply and where further study is still needed. Morley also shares results he's seen with those who have used his protocol. (Tip: favoring whole, nutrient-dense foods—like organ meats and oysters—is one safe way to start getting your health on the right track.) https://drruscio.com/?p=34861 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

In a study of 291 patients in Greece, researchers found that around 60% were incorrectly diagnosed as hypothyroid. While true hypothyroidism does exist, it's a diagnosis that clinicians need to take a closer look at. Many clinicians are prescribing thyroid hormone when it's not necessary, or when a patient's symptoms could be resolved by healing the gut. The effects can be harmful, both to patient health and to their wallets. Patients themselves may exacerbate the problem by requesting it based on something they've read. Hear case studies from two functional medicine doctors who are modeling an evidence-based, cost-effective approach to curb some of these issues commonly seen in treating the thyroid. https://drruscio.com/?p=34033 The Future of Functional Medicine Review, Clinical Newsletter is available at drruscio.com/review Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

A case study that appeared in the June 2019 issue of the Future of Functional Medicine Review Clinical Newsletter showcases the strong link between the thyroid and the gut. It's critical that clinicians recognize this link to treat thyroid issues effectively, and review data on the true likelihood of various scenarios. In this podcast, hear clinical pearls from the case study. And learn how you can get access to a thyroid treatment algorithm and many more insights that have led other clinicians to outstanding patient results. https://drruscio.com/?p=34856 The Future of Functional Medicine Review, Clinical Newsletter is available at drruscio.com/review Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Many gut interventions focus on the health of the microbiota, like diet, probiotics, and antimicrobials. But fewer treatments address the immune system directly. Influences can go both ways between the immune system and the microbiota. In this episode, Dr. Ty Vincent, MD shares his insights on working with a therapy called low-dose immunotherapy. It uses very low dilutions of antigens to calm specific intolerances, allergies, and sensitivities. He's seen that sometimes healing an intolerance like yeast can restore a gut to balance. If you've tried many gut therapies and are still not feeling well, this intervention may be worth considering. https://drruscio.com/?p=32920 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Treating your genes is a relatively new concept. And it can be tempting to think you can change the course of your health by simply discovering and addressing a dysfunction in one particular gene, say, MTHFR, COMT, or DAO. In this episode, Dr. Ben Lynch, a naturopathic physician with expertise in genetic health, walks us through why that isn't the case, and why returning to the fundamentals is critical to optimizing your genes "upstream." https://drruscio.com/?p=34859 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Everyone's cancer risk is different based on unique medical histories, genetics, and environmental exposures. But our diet and lifestyle choices are important influences on cancer within our control, which optimize the body's "terrain" to fight and/or prevent cancer. In this podcast, Dr. Nalini Chilkov shares her recommended cancer-fighting foods and supplements (which may vary depending on your risk factors), as well as lifestyle recommendations like sleep and exercise. https://drruscio.com/?p=33094 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

My recommended first line of treatment for IBS and SIBO is a change in diet, potentially followed by probiotics, and then other steps I discuss in my gut health protocol in my book Healthy Gut, Healthy You. But what if you've followed these steps and are still facing health challenges? A new option to consider is immunoglobulins, which can help to restore the mucous membrane in your gut and support your immune system. In the latest research, about 70% of non-responsive patients were helped by taking a supplemental form of immunoglobulins! You'll have the greatest likelihood of success if you use a research-backed formula, like Intestinal Support Formula. In this video, learn more about the research, other patients' experiences, and if it's right for you. https://drruscio.com/?p=32914 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

There is a third type of SIBO (besides hydrogen and methane-based SIBO) that currently does not have a test available: hydrogen sulfide SIBO. In fact, it can sometimes look like a flat line on a lactulose or glucose SIBO test. What can patients and clinicians do with the resources available? Guests Dr. Allison Siebecker, Gary Stapleton, and I discuss the testing methods available to assess and validate your likelihood of hydrogen sulfide SIBO, and their experiences in the clinic and in the lab, respectively. You'll also learn some treatments that have shown promise. https://drruscio.com/?p=32910 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

More and more research is revealing the strong link between brain and gut health. A recent systematic review pulls together evidence that regulating gut microbiota can improve anxiety. 56% of the studies in the review showed that healing the gut through diet (typically the low FODMAP diet) or probiotics led to an improvement in anxiety symptoms. If you're looking for natural ways to address your anxiety, learn some simple steps you can take right away. https://drruscio.com/?p=32906 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (or HPA axis) is a complex subsystem in your body that organizes and responds to threats (and perceived threats). The concept of "adrenal fatigue" has become popular in some functional medical circles, but it's a misleading term for describing what's really happening in stress-induced change to the HPA axis, which does not involve the adrenal glands. Dr. Tom Guilliams, an expert on stress and the HPA axis, discusses adrenal fatigue and adrenal testing, including the limits of the four-point salivary cortisol test and the DUTCH test. Adaptogenic herbs can be helpful, but the most high-impact actions for your health may still be addressing intense stressors. Learn the four root causes of stress to your HPA axis in this episode. https://drruscio.com/?p=32572 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

One theory of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is that it's caused by bacteria in the colon moving up. A new study on one section of the small intestine, the jejunum, challenges that concept. The study—which used a new technique called polymerized chain reaction (PCR) to look at bacterial genomes—found that the jejunum has its own unique microbiota. Positive breath tests also did not correlate with bacterial overgrowth in the jejunum, but rather jejunal dysfunction. Dr. Richard McCallum, gastroenterologist and researcher on the study, explains more about these findings and what they might mean for SIBO treatment. We also discuss how proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), breath tests, diet, prokinetics, and hypochlorhydria fit into this picture. Join us for a very insightful conversation! https://drruscio.com/?p=32517 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Cannabis marketing is now rampant. It can be challenging to separate the facts from the hype, especially when it comes to cannabis health benefits and research behind the claims. What's the difference in results from CBD vs THC (or both)? Indica vs sativa? Is full-spectrum CBD better? Which terpenes are most anti-inflammatory? How do you get started if you want to try cannabis for your gut? We explore such questions and their sometimes surprising answers with medicinal plant specialist, clinician, and consultant Dr. Kevin Spelman. https://drruscio.com/?p=32425 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Even doctors can appreciate having a comprehensive gut health guide at hand. Dr. Navaz Habib finds Healthy Gut, Healthy You an indispensable go-to resource in his practice. The book's case studies provide him with valuable reference points to manage challenging patient cases, and powerful, systematic tips on often overlooked foundations of gut health. https://drruscio.com/?p=32427 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Social science has discussed the impact of social relationships on mortality for decades. But this concept only recently started to penetrate healthcare. Dr. Julian Abel discusses his U.K.-based study showing a significant drop in demand for emergency services from end-of-life patients if they received an intervention of a compassionate community. Another large study shows that connection increases longevity more than quitting smoking. In this episode, we consider broader implications and ways to cultivate community, both personally and as a practitioner. https://drruscio.com/?p=32420 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Eating healthy, sleeping well, having the right attitude, and exercising seem like obvious health habits. But what isn't so obvious are ways people can sometimes ignore their intuition and signals from their bodies, in order to follow a protocol to the letter. Weight training may be a big win, especially for women, to build confidence and strength. And it's also important to know why you're making a change. Nutrition therapy consultant and author Steph Gaudreau shares insights on how to strengthen four key pillars of your holistic health picture, while listening to your own body's feedback. https://drruscio.com/?p=32418 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

It can be useful for all of us to have nutrition and fitness guidance every now and then, to pull us out of ruts and encourage greater breadth and balance in our routines. Those who have adopted a paleo-style diet may trend towards a too high fat intake and may be surprised to learn that there are situations where high carbs lead to higher performance. For those who lift weights only, adding endurance/cardio may contribute to greater longevity. Varying one's nutritional intake and types of activity can also increase metabolic flexibility (the body transitions between using macronutrients more flexibly). Dr. Mike T. Nelson takes us through an optimized hierarchy of the top eight diet and lifestyle interventions. https://drruscio.com/?p=32209 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources