Rare Wellness Podcast (by Center for Regenerative and Performance Medicine)

Vitamin D does way more than you think — and most people don't have enough. Dr. Lewis and Becca break down the science connecting vitamin D to pain, joint health, immunity, and autoimmune disease. Plus: injectable vitamin D, the Harvard VITAL trial, and why "normal" lab ranges aren't good enough.KEY SOURCESWu Z, et al. Vitamin D concentration and pain: systematic review and meta-analysis (81 studies, 50,000+ participants). Public Health Nutr. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980018000551Hahn J, et al. Vitamin D and omega-3 supplementation and incident autoimmune disease: VITAL randomized controlled trial (25,871 participants). BMJ. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2021-066452Rexhepi-Kelmendi B, et al. Vitamin D supplementation on disease activity and pain in rheumatoid arthritis: randomized double-blinded controlled study. BMC Rheumatol. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41927-025-00543-6OA Initiative database analysis: vitamin D and knee osteoarthritis pain. Sci Rep. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-81845-6Oral vs. intramuscular vitamin D replacement in adults with deficiency. J Clin Diagn Res. 2016. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5240054/TARGET-D trial: tailored vitamin D dosing and recurrent heart attack risk. Presented at AHA Scientific Sessions 2025, New Orleans. https://newsroom.heart.org

Starting a GLP-1 medication like semaglutide or tirzepatide? Dr. Jamie Lewis and Becca Pabona, RN tackle the seven questions patients ask most — from side effects and "Ozempic face" to hair loss, fatigue, food noise, and what really happens when you stop. They break down the actual clinical trial data, explain why individualized microdosing produces better outcomes than one-size-fits-all protocols, and share the strategies their clinic uses to preserve muscle, prevent nutrient deficiencies, and build a foundation that lasts beyond the medication. Backed by 20 peer-reviewed references including data from the STEP trials, ENDO 2025, and the largest real-world GLP-1 cohort studies to date.

Dr Lewis and Becca explore what you need to look for when choosing a GLP-1 Clinic.REFERENCESWilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384:989-1002. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2032183Ashraf AR, Mackey TK, Schmidt J, et al. Safety and risk assessment of no-prescription online semaglutide purchases. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(8):e2428280. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.28280Brown A, et al. Bridging the nutrition guidance gap for GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy assisted weight loss: lessons from bariatric surgery. International Journal of Obesity (Nature). 2025. doi:10.1038/s41366-025-01952-wWilding JPH, et al. Impact of semaglutide on body composition in adults with overweight or obesity: exploratory analysis of the STEP 1 study. J Endocr Soc. 2021;5(Suppl 1):A16-A17. doi:10.1210/jendso/bvab048.030Eshima H, et al. Unexpected effects of semaglutide on skeletal muscle mass and force-generating capacity in mice. Cell Metabolism. 2025. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2025.07.006 [Note: cited for STEP 1 lean mass data contextualization]Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Davies M, et al. Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: the STEP 1 trial extension. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2022;24(8):1553-1564. doi:10.1111/dom.14725Metabolic rebound after GLP-1 receptor agonist discontinuation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. eClinicalMedicine (The Lancet). 2025. doi:10.1016/S2589-5370(25)00614-5GLP-1 agonists and exercise: the future of lifestyle prioritization. Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare. 2025. doi:10.3389/fcdhc.2025.1720794Tinsley GM, et al. Preservation of lean soft tissue during weight loss induced by GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists: a case series. PMC. 2025. (Texas Tech University IRB2025-79)Peralta-Reich D, et al. Resistance training and protein intake may lower GLP-1 RA muscle loss. Presented at conference, 2025. Reported in Medscape Medical News, April 15, 2025.Muñoz-Garach A, et al. Role of Vitamin D in Insulin Resistance. PMC/Nutrients. 2019. doi:10.3390/nu11061550Lei X, Zhou Q, Wang Y, et al. Serum and supplemental vitamin D levels and insulin resistance in T2DM populations: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Scientific Reports. 2023;13(1):12343. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-39469-9Szymczak-Pajor I, Śliwińska A. Analysis of association between vitamin D deficiency and insulin resistance. Nutrients (PMC). 2019. doi:10.3390/nu11040794Mulligan T, et al. Prevalence of hypogonadism in males aged at least 45 years: the HIM study. Int J Clin Pract. 2006;60(7):762-769. [Referenced in: Testosterone and weight loss: the evidence. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2014;21(5):313-322. PMC4154787]Grossmann M. Lowered testosterone in male obesity: mechanisms, morbidity and management. Asian J Androl. 2014;16(2):223-231. PMC3955331Corona G, et al. Body weight loss reverts obesity-associated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Endocrinol. 2013;168(6):829-843. doi:10.1530/EJE-12-0955

How to Choose a Regenerative Medicine ClinicIf you’re struggling with chronic pain, limited mobility, or declining function—and you want to avoid surgery, long recoveries, and unnecessary risk—you’ve likely heard about regenerative medicine.But with so many clinics, ads, and bold promises flooding the market, how do you know who to trust? In this episode, Dr. Jamie Lewis breaks down a clear, practical framework to help you separate science-based regenerative medicine from marketing hype. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The Reality of the MarketWhy approximately 60% of regenerative medicine is snake oilWhy another 30% produces inconsistent or suboptimal resultsHow to identify the top 10% of providers practicing high-level, science-based care The 3-Step Elimination Process Dr. Lewis walks you through a simple framework to think like the CEO of your own body and hire the right medical leader. 1) IntegrityThe difference between the FDA 351 drug approval pathway and the 361 tissue registration pathwayWhy no regenerative medicine product is currently FDA-approved under the 351 pathwayWhat companies must legally attest when registering birth-tissue products under 361Why many “fetal stem cell” and birth-tissue products do not contain viable living stem cellsResearch showing patients in their 60s and 70s still have robust, viable stem cellsWhy the myth that “your stem cells are too old” is scientifically inaccurate Key takeaway:If a clinic is injecting birth-tissue or fetal-derived products and marketing them as live stem cells, integrity should be questioned. 2) Training Not all training paths are equal. Key takeaway:Look for a board-certified physician with formal specialty training in interventional and regenerative medicine. 3) The Lab: “Check the Kitchen” In regenerative medicine, dose matters. Dr. Lewis explains the difference between: A Full Regenerative Medicine LaboratorySterile processing hoodHematology analyzerCell-counting and viability testingTrained laboratory staffAbility to tailor treatment based on measured cell dose Versus: “Lab-in-a-Box” SystemsPush-button processingNo measured cell countsUnknown viabilityOne-size-fits-all product Without measuring cell count and viability, outcomes become unpredictable. Key takeaway:If a clinic cannot measure and verify your cell dose, you’re essentially guessing. Bottom Line To dramatically increase your odds of success: Choose autologous treatments (your own cells)Avoid birth-tissue and fetal-derived productsSeek board-certified physicians with specialty trainingLook for clinics with a full regenerative medicine laboratoryLearn More Visit us at:www.nwc4rm.com

In this episode of The Rare Wellness Podcast, Dr. Jamie Lewis is joined by Performance Medicine Nurse Jeralee Kidd to explore one of the most overlooked—but foundational—hormones in the body: DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone).Often referred to as a “precursor hormone,” DHEA plays a critical role in supporting testosterone and estrogen production in both men and women. Yet as we age, DHEA levels steadily decline—often beginning as early as our 30s—contributing to fatigue, low mood, reduced resilience to stress, loss of lean muscle mass, brain fog, inflammation, and decreased libido.Dr. Lewis and Jeralee break down:What DHEA is and how it functions in the bodyWhy both men and women should have their levels evaluatedThe connection between DHEA, adrenal health, and chronic stressHow low DHEA can impact metabolism, muscle mass, immune function, and longevityWhen replacement may be appropriate—and why proper testing and medical supervision matterThey also explain how DHEA differs from testosterone therapy, why it’s commonly missed in routine labs, and how optimizing foundational hormones can dramatically improve quality of life and long-term health outcomes.If you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond—and feeling more tired, inflamed, or less resilient than you used to—this episode may connect some important dots.To learn more or schedule a comprehensive hormone evaluation, visit www.spokanehrt.com.

Progesterone: Why Optimization and Replacement Matters During Your 30s, 40s and BeyondWith Becca Pabona & Jeralee Kidd, Performance Medicine NursesIn this episode of The Rare Wellness Podcast, Performance Medicine Nurses Becca Pabona and Jeralee Kidd explore an often-overlooked but critically important hormone in women’s health: progesterone.While estrogen typically gets the spotlight in midlife conversations—especially around hot flashes and night sweats—this discussion highlights how progesterone is often the first hormone to decline during perimenopause, sometimes years before menopause begins.Becca and Jeralee break down:Why progesterone plays a key role in sleep quality, anxiety regulation, mood stability, and brain healthHow declining progesterone can lead to symptoms like insomnia (especially waking at 2–3 AM), “wired but tired” anxiety, mood swings, heavier periods, migraines, and worsening PMSThe science behind progesterone’s calming effect on the brain through the GABA-A receptor pathwayWhy micronized (bioidentical) progesterone differs significantly from synthetic progestins used in earlier hormone studiesThe importance of symptom-guided optimization, not just lab-based decision-makingWhy progesterone therapy, when used appropriately, can be one of the safest and most impactful interventionsfor perimenopausal womenJeralee also shares her personal experience with progesterone and how addressing this hormone transformed her sleep and anxiety—insights she now sees reflected in many patients at the Center for Regenerative and Performance Medicine.If you’re in your late 30s, 40s, or early 50s and feel like “something is off,” this episode may help you understand why it may not be stress or aging alone—it could be progesterone.For more information, visit www.spokaneht.com.

Bhasin S, et al.Prostate Safety Events During Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism: A Randomized Clinical Trial (TRAVERSE).JAMA Network Open. 2023;6(12):e2342583.Araujo AB, et al.Clinical review: Endogenous testosterone and mortality in men: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2011;96(10):3007–3019.Corona G, et al.Testosterone and metabolic syndrome: a meta-analysis study.Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2011;8(1):272–283.Davis SR, et al.Global Consensus Position Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for Women.Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2019;104(10):4660–4666.Finkelstein JS, et al.Gonadal steroids and body composition, strength, and sexual function in men.New England Journal of Medicine. 2013;369:1011–1022.Rosner W, et al.Utility, limitations, and pitfalls in measuring testosterone: an Endocrine Society position statement.Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2007;92(2):405–413.

Evidence Cited In This Episode1. Prostate Safety and the TRAVERSE Trial (Randomized Clinical Trial)Bhasin et al. Prostate Safety Events During Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism: A Randomized Clinical Trial — JAMA Network Open (TRAVERSE).https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/28132932. Prostate Tissue Effects of TRTMarks et al., Effect of Testosterone Replacement Therapy on Prostate Tissue in Aging Men — JAMA 2006 (Demonstrates minimal change in prostate tissue androgen concentrations with TRT).https://www.hormonebalance.org/images/documents/Marks%2006%20Testosterone%20and%20Prostate%20cancer%20JAMA.pdf3. Prostate Risk and Monitoring During TRT (Review)Academic review of TRAVERSE and other randomized trials summarizing prostate safety outcomes and the importance of monitoring during TRT.https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/109/8/1975/76754614. Harvard Health Commentary on TRT & Prostate Cancer RiskHarvard Health Publishing: Appropriate use of testosterone therapy does not appear to raise prostate cancer risk (comments on randomized evidence showing no increased risk over ~3 years).https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/appropriate-use-of-testosterone-therapy-does-not-appear-to-raise-prostate-cancer-risk

How much protein do you actually need for muscle, metabolic health, and longevity—and do branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) really matter?In this episode of the Rare Wellness Podcast, Dr. Jamie Lewis breaks down the science behind protein intake, modern research on optimal dosing, and when BCAAs are helpful—or unnecessary. While traditional protein recommendations focus on preventing deficiency, emerging research shows that optimal protein intake is significantly higher, especially for preserving muscle, metabolic health, and resilience as we age.You’ll learn:🍽️Why muscle acts as your body’s amino acid reservoir🍽️The difference between minimum vs optimal protein intake🍽️Evidence-based protein targets for strength and longevity🍽️Why spreading protein across meals matters🍽️The role of leucine and the muscle protein synthesis “on switch”🍽️When BCAAs make sense (and when they don’t)🍽️Special considerations for vegetarians, older adults, fasted training, and GLP-1 medicationsDr. Lewis explains why many experts now recommend 1.6–2.0 g/kg/day of protein for optimal function—and why fears around higher protein intake are largely unsupported in healthy adults. This episode provides practical, science-backed guidance to help you protect muscle, improve metabolic health, and support healthy aging without hype or extremes.🏥 Sponsor: Center for Regenerative and Performance Medicine🌐 Learn more at c4rpm.com👍 If you found this episode helpful, please like, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who wants to age stronger and healthier.