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

One of the core principles guiding our work at the clinic is the idea that treating the patient - rather than just lab numbers - leads to better outcomes and at less cost. In the second video of my 3-part patient education series, I explain how relying on lab work - from allergy testing, SIBO tests, and adrenal cortisol tests - rather than treating the symptoms, is less likely to result in benefits to the patient - and may even cause harm. https://drruscio.com/food-allergy-lab-testing-vs-diet-change-video-2 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Scientific research tells us that treatment approaches in functional medicine are best decided by looking at patients and their symptoms rather than allowing lab results to dictate those decisions. In this video series, I provide a short checklist to help educate patients and clinicians about best practices. Video 1 discusses why weeding out unnecessary tests reduces costs and improves health outcomes. https://youtu.be/bwGd8H2wTmc My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Today we answer listener questions, including: Is leaky gut real or is it a theoretical marker? Without a functioning thyroid gland, can healing gut issues make a difference in my need for thyroid meds? Could the Prep Diet for SIBO tests provoke a false positive? Do your probiotics absorb well in the small intestine? What is the appropriate probiotic dosage for young children? Is NMN (an anti-aging supplement) helpful for IBS? Are thyroid supplements like selenium and l-carnitine safe to take with thyroid medication? What's your advice on how to treat Lyme and co-infections if antibiotics and vitamin C don't work? I had great results with a probiotics product, but the results were short-lived. Why? https://drruscio.com/listener-questions-nmn-for-ibs-is-leaky-gut-real My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

The latest batch of clinical research into probiotics therapy includes findings about the effectiveness of probiotics for children with IBS and other conditions, respiratory tract infections, atopic dermatitis, athletic performance, C. difficile, chronic diarrhea, and more. I also discuss the importance of moving away from strain-specific and species-specific bias in probiotics use, the pitfalls of an overly cautious approach to probiotics dosing, why we at the clinic address gut health before attempting to optimize micronutrient levels, and the value of probiotics for preventive health. https://drruscio.com/probiotics-research-updates-3/ My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

The first installment of our monthly patient support call covers a lot of ground. We discuss: The use of probiotics vs. yogurt for treating SIBO Addressing emotional trauma to help patients find relief from physical symptoms Time frames for using antimicrobials to improve gut health Constipation as a symptom, and the role of antimicrobials in addition to diet and other approaches A case study describing how a single symptom led to a diagnosis of mold illness in a 73-year-old man (and a motorcycle chase!) Questions from patients allow us to showcase the clinic's research arm, put progressively more resources into making sure that our diagnostic and treatment process is sound, and ensure that science is thoroughly integrated into our clinical model. Join us every second Friday with your questions, or just listen in. https://drruscio.com/clinic-podcast-probiotics-emotional-work-suicidal-thoughts My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Today's podcast episode features the latest gut health research, my thoughts on how these studies fit into what we're doing at the clinic, and how I use the information in the studies to consider whether we're practicing in accordance with current science or if we need to consider modifying our approach. This latest batch of studies examines: The impact of low FODMAP diets on IBS A meta-analysis of the efficacy of rifaximin in treating SIBO A prospective study of IBS patients who derived benefits from a gluten-free diet even though they were not strictly compliant with the diet The relationship between the oral microbiota and SIBO A study of patients with leaky gut whose symptoms improved 3,000% with a low FODMAP diet as compared to a gluten-free diet …and more. Listen and learn. https://drruscio.com/gut-health-updates-leaky-gut-low-fodmap-sibo-gluten-free My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Health technology tools such as the Continuous Glucose Monitoring Device can help you improve your metabolic health by providing a picture of how your lifestyle factors – including diet, exercise, alcohol consumption, and sleep – affect your blood glucose levels. However, these tools are only as good as the user's mindset and basic understanding of the science behind the numbers. Dr. Ronesh Sinha explains how to regard the CGM as an opportunity to learn about your body rather than getting stressed about single data points, and how to cultivate healthy glucose levels through a balanced lifestyle. https://drruscio.com/glucose-levels-and-lifestyle-factors My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

There are a lot of incentives in the functional health marketplace to rely on lab testing to make treatment decisions. Unfortunately, this model often serves the bottom lines of lab companies better than it serves patients. At the clinic, we use a science-guided framework that is oriented to improving clinical outcomes rather than just focusing on lab results. Our patient-centered approach speaks for itself. Listen in as Dr. Joe, Gavin and I discuss. https://drruscio.com/which-functional-medicine-tests-to-avoid My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Today we will cover listener questions including: What is the role of hunger and satiety in digestive problems? Do elemental diets help gastritis or ulcers? What are your thoughts about taking probiotics while doing immunotherapy cancer treatment? Is pea protein ok on a low sulfur diet? Does frequent nausea mean I have gut issues? What is a good starting dose for DHEA? Does taking HCL stop normal acid production? https://drruscio.com/listener-questions-hunger-pea-protein-probiotics-dhea My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Anyone who's dealt with symptoms of mold toxicity such as brain fog, insomnia, fatigue and digestive disturbances has likely also experienced the fear and worry that often arises in response. These psychological symptoms can make an already distressing situation even more stressful. In this podcast episode, I provide an update for listeners about what happened after mold was discovered in a second home in Austin. I describe how I navigated my way through a variety of related concerns and how this process mirrors the diligence and analytic scrutiny that I bring to helping patients at the clinic. https://drruscio.com/personal-mold-updates My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

High quality health research provides evidence that is robust, ethical, and can be used to support good healthcare decision-making. It improves the lives of patients by enabling healthcare providers to effectively determine the root of problems, make informed decisions about patient care, and avoid the guessing games that can plague attempts to diagnose complex health issues. However, when a study (such as the one we discuss here) is plagued with methodological flaws, it adds little to the existing scientific knowledge base, and has scant value to offer patients trying to get better and clinicians who are trying to help them. This podcast episode is a look into our clinical evaluation process that tells us what's actually going on with patients and how we can best help them, rather than cherry-picking data that supports an already-decided conclusion. https://drruscio.com/food-allergy-vs-low-fodmap-study My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

When a group of researchers looked at 1800 patients to see which condition was most strongly associated with SIBO (small intestinal bacterial overgrowth), they were surprised to find hypothyroidism at the top of the list. A number of other studies over the last few years have pointed to a significant connection between bacterial overgrowths in the gut and thyroid health. Most importantly (and shockingly for many), research has now shown that probiotics, which improve gut health, SIBO, inflammation, and absorption of medication, can also help to normalize TSH levels, improve persistent hypothyroid symptoms like fatigue, and reduce the need for levothyroxine and other thyroid meds. Watch this quick video to learn more about the SIBO-thyroid connection and how you can use this information to improve your health. https://youtu.be/AjxWVbzVY_s My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Sleep is a cornerstone of health, and the field of sleep medicine encompasses a variety of devices, therapies, products, and lifestyle modifications to help those with sleep disorders. However, it can be difficult to navigate your way through all of the research and content on sleep health. On this podcast, physical therapist Zac Cupples and I break down the approaches in a hierarchical fashion from simple, inexpensive, and easily accessible to more complex, making it simpler to identify the ones appropriate for your needs. https://drruscio.com/personalizing-sleep-medicine My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

This podcast episode is one in a series that reviews the current state of research on various aspects of gut health. I delve into recent studies on Crohns' disease and elemental diet, the relationship between H. pylori and GERD, Aloe extract for IBS, the association of SIBO and heart failure, and much more. https://drruscio.com/gut-health-research-updates-1 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

MCT oil is a nutritional supplement widely used for weight loss, cognitive health, improved metabolism and keto diets. It offers many benefits for those who are unable to break down dietary fats and is helpful for lowering blood sugar, improving insulin resistance, and supporting cognitive function, as well as for patients with Alzheimers and Crohn's disease. Although safe for most people, MCT oil poses potential risks for people with certain health conditions. Learn how to maximize its benefits and reduce side effects when incorporating it into your diet. https://drruscio.com/how-much-mct-oil-per-day/ My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Beth had a long history of gastrointestinal issues, a diagnosis of Hashimoto's, chronic fatigue and several food intolerances… to name a few. She was taking thyroid medication as prescribed, but it didn't seem to help. Then, she started working with Dr. Joe Mather from our clinic, who worked through our science-based, algorithmic process to find a better way. Beth and Dr. Mather worked together, focusing on implementing a new diet, beginning probiotic therapy and using other evidence-based tools. Not only was she able to safely discontinue her thyroid medication, but she soon saw improvements in fatigue, constipation, metabolic issues, food tolerance, heavy metal toxicity and more. Listen in as Dr. Joe and I detail step-by-step how our model helped to make this happen. You'll also hear Beth tell her story in her own words. https://drruscio.com/stop-thyroid-meds-case-study My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

What's the best diet for brain health? Research into this topic is still preliminary and suggests a few different approaches. However, eating to control inflammation and manage blood sugar is most important. Here, we'll dive into the best dietary strategies for improving cognition, mood, beating brain fog and more. https://drruscio.com/best-diet-for-brain-health/ My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

There is much existing clinical research on probiotics, and more studies are emerging on a regular basis. In this podcast episode I review 10 studies that examine the effectiveness of probiotics for improving gut health, liver function, mood, sleep, children's issues, and more. I also cover pointers for practitioners to keep in mind when prescribing probiotics for patients. https://drruscio.com/probiotic-research-updates-2/ My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Blood glucose holds keys to many important health markers including metabolic health, insulin levels, and our risk for chronic disease. The Continuous Glucose Monitoring device provides a simple, non-invasive way to track your blood glucose in real time, and see how your diet, exercise and other lifestyle factors affect your levels. Kara Collier, co-founder of Nutrisense, discusses this important innovation in personal health tracking. https://drruscio.com/continuous-glucose-monitoring My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

The protozoa Blastocystic hominis, long thought to be a cause of IBS, is receiving renewed attention in the functional and integrative medicine field. A growing body of evidence shows that Blasto may be benign in its impact and, in fact, may not even be a parasite as was previously assumed. In this podcast episode, I review a sampling of studies that examine the prevalence of Blasto in patients with IBS, and consider the effects of treatment on both Blasto and symptomology. The takeaway for practitioners is we should always treat the patient rather than the lab result, and even consider a more conservative approach to recommending labs for gut symptoms. https://drruscio.com/blastocystis-treat-or-not My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Sleep is as important for our overall health as diet and exercise, and yet many people struggle to get a full night's rest on a regular basis. Prolonged bouts of insufficient sleep can lead to brain fog, mood issues and fatigue. But when it comes to improving sleep quality, there are many approaches, therapies, and devices to choose from. In this podcast, I talk sleep medicine with Dr. Nik Hedberg, D.C. We compare our personal experiences with myofunctional therapy, mouth taping, mandibular advancement devices, home sleep tests, and more. https://drruscio.com/sleep-medicine-advances My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.comLooking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

If you have SIBO, it's important to choose a diet that will help you get your symptoms under control while you work on healing the bacterial overgrowth that's at the root of the problem. But selecting a diet that fits your needs can be challenging. In this article, I break down the various dietary options for SIBO and explain how to decide which one is right for you. https://drruscio.com/sibo-diet/ My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.comLooking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Monitoring your progress on a keto diet is essential to helping you meet your health goals, whether you want to lose weight, increase your energy levels, reduce inflammation or improve brain and heart health. On this episode of the podcast I speak with Jim Howard, developer of the Biosense Ketone Breath Monitor. The Biosense offers a convenient way to measure your blood ketone levels throughout the day without the hassle of finger prick testing. We discuss different factors that affect ketone measurements, how tracking your ketone levels can help you uncover your physiological responses to diet and lifestyle factors, how to prepare your body for keto, and more. https://drruscio.com/ketosis-breath-monitor My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.comLooking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Today's podcast is another in a recurring series devoted to questions from listeners. We have a diverse batch of questions today. Listeners inquire about the potential relationship between diabetes and thyroid function, whether the COVID vaccine has a negative impact on gut health, whether POTS reactions and headaches are common symptoms of fasting, and more. There's something here for everyone. Listen and learn. https://drruscio.com/questions-thyroid-diabetes My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

The health of the pelvic floor is key to our overall health in important ways. My podcast guest today is pelvic health expert Jandra Mueller, and she explains how gastrointestinal issues such as IBS and SIBO, hormonal imbalances, pregnancy, erectile dysfunction and trauma can all impact the health and tone of the pelvic floor, and how stigmas around normal bodily functions can present obstacles to patients seeking the help they need. Jandra dispels some myths and fears around pelvic floor issues, and discusses a variety of non-surgical interventions for pelvic floor concerns that can improve wellbeing and quality of life for patients. https://drruscio.com/pelvic-floor-dysfunction My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Choosing the right kind of exercise is complicated by the number of exercise fads out there and the amount of time that you have to devote to any one method. In today's podcast, my guest, exercise expert Sal Di Stefano, makes the case for resistance training and why it's superior to cardio for helping people lose weight, build muscle mass and bone density, even improve growth hormone levels and stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease. https://drruscio.com/resistance-training My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

When it comes to keeping our brains healthy, one of the tools at our disposal is far from new. In fact, it has been around since the beginning of human history. The health benefits of fasting are well-established, and it turns out that the brain may benefit from the metabolic reset that fasting enables. Keto diets fall into this same category. A combination of the two may be able to help ward off a variety of degenerative conditions and help us maintain brain health as we age. In this podcast, Dr. Matthew Phillips, a clinical neurologist, talks about his research and experience with using fasting to address Alzheimers, Parkinsons, epilepsy and other conditions. Our discussion offers food for thought on the use of dietary interventions to improve metabolic health. https://drruscio.com/fasting-brain-health My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

If you're a woman with hormonal trouble, you're not alone. It's estimated that 80% of women will have some form of hormonal imbalance at some point in their lives. Hormonal imbalance in women can include garden variety women's health problems like PMS, to more serious conditions like PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) or endometriosis. In this article, let's explore the symptoms of hormonal imbalance, the causes and consequences of hormonal imbalance in women, and how to restore balance. https://drruscio.com/hormonal-imbalance-in-women/ My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Food sensitivity testing is one of the diagnostic tools most widely recommended by functional medicine practitioners to their patients, and it has blossomed into a lucrative industry that nets millions of dollars per year for companies that market these home testing kits to consumers. But the science behind these tests is flawed. In this podcast, I discuss how getting to the root of food reactions relies on evidence-based trials that ultimately helps patients heal without asking them to spend thousands on faulty testing. Other podcast highlights include a case study from an FFMR subscriber who helped a patient with known environmental exposure by applying the principles of the FFMR (and without testing). Also featured are rapid research briefs from the FFMR plus with a look at why iron deficiency even without anemia can be a significant clinical issue requiring active treatment, and dietary interventions for treating eosinophilic esophagitis. https://drruscio.com/food-sensitivity-testing-ffmr/ My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

We speak frequently about the importance of an evidence-informed, gut-first approach for addressing chronic symptoms both inside and outside the GI tract. And the more research and clinical experience we compile, the more we find that a wide range of concerns can be improved by looking at them through the lens of gut health. On this podcast, I summarize clinical reviews and case studies from the June 2021 issue of the Future of Functional Medicine Clinical Newsletter that treat mold toxicity and environmental illness by addressing diet, GI health, and thyroid. I discuss a case study of a patient with psoriatic arthritis that was resolved in a month, a review of studies highlighting the role of diet and supplements for treating IBD, and new findings about the symptomatology and treatment of Blastocystis hominis. https://drruscio.com/mold-toxicity-ffmr/ My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

The Ruscio Institute uses an evidence-based clinical model as the foundation for our treatment protocols. This means not only incorporating the most current research into treatment decisions, but also applying a critical eye to research studies rather than accept their conclusions at face value. Today's podcast looks at studies on the possible role of autoimmunity in IBS and SIBO, whether antibody levels are a valid marker of gut dysbiosis, low FODMAP diets for IBS, and more. Listen as I explain how we blend critical thinking with clinical research to achieve the best outcomes for our patients. https://drruscio.com/does-autoimmunity-cause-sibo My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

The Future of Functional Medicine Review was launched to provide clinicians with the resources and skills to help patients heal from challenging symptoms, and to help steer the field toward a more evidence-informed approach and away from excessive reliance on labs and supplements. On today's podcast, three clinicians join Dr. Ruscio to discuss their successes using the principles of the FFMR to treat hundreds of patients. Listen and learn how the FFMR encourages practitioners to cultivate an internal "anti-virus software" that keeps them questioning and learning, and how clinician and citizen scientists can use the FFMR to positively and inexpensively grow their functional medicine education or clinical practice. https://drruscio.com/better-results-with-functional-medicine My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://austinfm.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/ resources

Stress and its associated symptoms such as impaired sleep, depression, PTSD, and lowered cognitive performance are among the most pressing mental health issues of our time. Many turn to stimulants and other substances to help them cope. A wearable technology developed by neuroscientists may hold answers. The Apollo Neuro, based on decades of research, uses touch therapy in the form of sound waves to deliver a gentle vibration to the skin and helps the wearer shift mood and energy level. https://drruscio.com/managing-moods-and-stress-wearable-technology My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

If you experience ongoing stomach discomfort such as burning sensations, heartburn, nausea, or peptic ulcers, or gastritis, chances are you may have a helicobacter pylori, or H. pylori, infection. H. pylori infection is a risk factor for many health conditions and shouldn't be left untreated. Today's podcast gives you the rundown on H. pylori, a bacteria that can live in the stomach or digestive tract. About 10 - 20% of those infected with it will experience symptoms. https://drruscio.com/h-pylori-probiotics/ My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://austinfm.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Do you struggle with a thyroid disorder? Are you a clinician treating patients with hypothyroidism and struggling to get optimal results? In today's podcast, we showcase some of the most essential clinical pearls when it comes to treating thyroid disorders taken from a recent issue of the Future of Functional Medicine Clinical Newsletter. https://drruscio.com/how-to-successfully-treat-thyroid-disorders My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://austinfm.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Dr. Anna Cabeca, OB/GYN, Anti-Aging and Integrative Medicine expert believes in whole health, powerful immunity, and a great sex life at any age. In this podcast, Anna shares the tools that she developed through her investigations into balancing female hormones, improving brain health, and improving sexual health in and around menopause. Our wide ranging discussion in the podcast today touches on the advantages of a ketogenic diet for older women, the importance of having more oxytocin in your life, the benefits of bioidentical progesterone, why gratitude is good for your health, and so much more. Her message about paying attention to your intuition and not accepting suffering as a way of life will resonate with listeners. https://drruscio.com/how-ketosis-can-benefit-the-brain My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://austinfm.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/ resources

Keto diets have become very popular for weight loss, and many people swear by them for addressing a variety of health issues. However, there are pitfalls associated with being on these diets for extended periods of time. Sara Gottfried, MD, is an expert on women's hormonal health, and in this podcast she discusses the reasons why a keto diet can be stressful to adrenal balance, the gut microbiome, and overall wellness, as well as the best way for women to approach short-term keto dieting. Listen as Sara breaks down the importance of moderate carb intake, and the connections between food, hormones, and a seasonal approach to diet. https://drruscio.com/keto-diet-for-women My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://austinfm.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

If you live with food intolerances, symptoms such as headaches, GI issues, brain fog, and fatigue may be a source of frustration. Food intolerances are often linked to underlying gut health or immune issues. They are often short term and can be addressed with diet and lifestyle adjustments. Learn about some of the most common food intolerances and what causes them, as well as tips to help you start feeling better. https://drruscio.com/common-food-intolerances/ My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://austinfm.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

The scientific understanding of COVID-19 is evolving rapidly, and the research now tells us that there is a link between gastrointestinal dysbiosis and the symptoms of long haul COVID. On today's podcast, I speak with Dr. Leonard Weinstock, a gastroenterologist and clinical researcher. We discuss his latest findings about long COVID, mast cell activation, and the relationship to gut health. For COVID-19 patients who are suffering with severe chronic symptoms post infection, these findings could change the way this condition is treated by highlighting the role of restoring microbial balance. https://drruscio.com/how-to-improve-long-haul-covid My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://austinfm.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Probiotics are beneficial for everyone's gut and immune health, but they hold promise for helping with some conditions that are specific to men. Early data show that probiotics can improve specific male health concerns such as sexual dysfunction and prostatitis, and may even be useful for the increased risk of heart disease faced by men as well as a variety of other conditions such as sleep, depression. and cognitive function. All probiotics products are not created equal, so it's important to read labels and learn how to distinguish between good, mediocre, and even harmful products. Watch the video and learn more. https://drruscio.com/best-probiotics-for-men/ My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://austinfm.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

We frequently see patients who have tried multiple different treatment combinations for hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's thyroiditis, but have not seen improvement in their symptoms. Often, this is because the underlying issue is actually not related to the thyroid, but to the gut. In today's short video, I'm going to break down one recent example of how treating an imbalance in the gut microbiome helped one of our patients, Kathy, to finally recover from intense fatigue. You'll see how the gut-focused herbal treatment approach used by Dr. Joe Mather not only led to reduced levels of thyroid antibodies but significantly improved Kathy's quality of life. https://drruscio.com/how-to-heal-hashimotos-by-treating-the-gut My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://austinfm.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

The benefits of probiotics for gut health are well-established. But did you know that they're effective for a wide range of other conditions as well? Today's podcast is a review of recent research into probiotics, and the findings are exciting: new insights into the benefits of probiotics for health issues as diverse as skin conditions, cognitive impairment, depressive disorders, and prevention of traveler's diarrhea. There's also new information about the advantages of probiotics for babies and young children, including diarrhea prevention and treatment in preterm infants. Probiotics are even effective for treating jaundice, colic, allergies and ear infections. If you're a parent, you may want to share this information with your probiotics-hesitant pediatrician. https://drruscio.com/updates-in-probiotics-research/ My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinsitute.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

In today's podcast, our medical director Dr. Joe Maher and I hold our first clinical roundtable to update our audience about new research and clinical updates. You'll learn about our clinical model and training program for new doctors and staff. We touch on treatment advances including: An abdominal massage protocol that is revolutionizing treatment of GI issues The effect of anti-microbial therapy on thyroid antibodies Limbic retraining and improved food tolerance A self-manipulation technique for hiatal hernias We also discuss implications for the 34% of hypothyroid patients who may have been misdiagnosed, and delve into who may need to discontinue levothyroxine (under the care and supervision of their doctor). https://drruscio.com/new-functional-medicine-therapies My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://ruscioinstitute.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

If you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, you may be among the 34% of patients who may be incorrectly diagnosed. Symptoms such as fatigue, constipation, depression and insomnia are often associated with hypothyroidism, but they may actually be related to other causes such as gut issues or female hormone imbalances. In today's podcast I discuss a new clinical review that investigates outcomes for patients who were prescribed thyroid hormones as a result of a healthcare provider's misdiagnosis. I also provide recommendations for those who think they may be incorrectly diagnosed, including tips for reading your lab report and how to work with your doctor to discontinue thyroid hormone treatment (if appropriate). https://drruscio.com/incorrect-hypothyroid-diagnosis My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://austinfm.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

If you struggle with symptoms of brain fog such as difficulty concentrating, losing items, making basic decisions or thinking clearly, read this article about its root causes and treatment options. Brain fog is closely related to gut health and is often caused by brain inflammation. Addressing issues such as food sensitivity, gut imbalances, liver dysfunction and more can help improve symptoms and restore mental clarity. https://drruscio.com/brain_fog/ My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://austinfm.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Mold toxicity and sensitivity from exposure to moldy food or "sick buildings" can cause chronic illness and be associated with a wide range of symptoms, from allergic reactions to respiratory problems to digestive issues and inflammation. But these symptoms can also be linked to other causes, such as a gut imbalance or thyroid disorder. Testing and treatment for mold-related illness should be approached with caution, because the wrong test can delay a proper diagnosis. In today's article, I review considerations for mold testing and mold-related illness treatment and share my recommendations. https://drruscio.com/mold-toxicity/ My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://austinfm.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

If you struggle with fatigue, brain fog, or sleep apnea, or if you have a child who struggles with sleep disturbances or snoring, listen to this episode with Dr. Brian Hockel about oral airway health, sleep, breathing, and head posture. For children, early problems with tongue, teeth and jaw positioning can impact physical, mental and emotional growth. But noticing early signs and taking steps to correct any oral airway issues can make a huge difference. And for adults, addressing oral airway health with simple, at home exercises (myofunctional therapy) can help to improve breathing, sleep, energy levels, and more. https://drruscio.com/signs-of-poor-oral-airway-health My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://austinfm.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Hear about my personal journey through sleep medicine, and some of the unfortunate issues I encountered when I started investigating sleep optimization. I hope this serves as a helpful example of how quickly patients can be subjected to expensive testing, invasive treatments, and unnecessary fear when an evidence-based hierarchy isn't in place. In addition to my story, I'm sharing a number of tips and insights for those who do struggle with sleep issues and/or symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or mood disturbances. https://drruscio.com/whats-going-on-with-sleep-medicine My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://austinfm.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

There's a lot of confusion about the role of thyroid hormone replacement medication in the treatment of hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's disease. Learn why thyroid medication alone may not be enough to resolve symptoms, common pitfalls of treatment, how to incorporate gut healing into your strategy, and more. https://drruscio.com/hypothyroidism-medication/ My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://austinfm.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Triple Therapy Probiotics offer the most powerful, synergistic health benefits for your gut, brain, and beyond. Now, they're available in convenient, all-in-one powder sticks-- no refrigeration required. Learn more about why we recommend triple therapy, and how this new breakthrough can help you. https://drruscio.com/all-in-one-triple-therapy-probiotic-breakthrough My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ If you're in need of clinical support, please visit https://austinfm.com/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources