The Lab Report

Many clinicians new to functional medicine feel overwhelmed by starting, or even changing their practices to accommodate their new skill set. Not only are there many functional medicine concepts to master, but there is also a wide array of functional labs to interpret. It can take time to understand how to use these labs and how to communicate these new concepts to patients. Dr. Dan Kalish has been mentoring clinicians for decades and has created ‘The Kalish Method’ to help. Through years of his own learning and being mentored by icons in the field, he has learned how to guide clinicians through the ever-expanding landscape of functional medicine. In this episode, Dr. Kalish discusses his own journey and offers important practical tips to help clinicians as they navigate theirs.   “Our emphasis is on practice implementation, business skills, clinical lab interpretation, and patient education.” – Dr. Dan Kalish   Today on The Lab Report: 2:55 Meet Dr. Dan Kalish and learn how he became interested in functional medicine 5:45 Where he starts with testing, interpretation, and translation to patients 7:45 How Dr. Kalish gained his knowledge to interpret testing 11:20 The Four Horsemen of Disease Development 16:10 Practice Implementation – practical tips to get started 22:30 Navigating the diet landscape 25:10 The Kalish Institute, mentorships, and online master classes 30:20 The Fireball   Additional Resources: Kalish Institute The Kalish Method: Healing the Body, Mapping the Mind Your Guide to Healthy Hormones The 5 Pillars of Building a Successful Practice   Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review. Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: [email protected]. And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing. Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and show not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.      See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mitochondria are the powerhouses of the cell which function to make ATP and energy. Their role in chronic disease is widely studied and often overlooked. Symptoms and root causes of mitochondrial dysfunction can be difficult to pinpoint in your patients. When it comes to relating this to brain fatigue or thyroid dysfunction, Dr. Datis Kharrazian is an expert. He has written several books and lectured extensively on these topics. In this episode, Dr. Kharrazian outlines his approach to chronic disease using the lost art of the physical exam, laboratory assessments, and a review of current literature. Learn how he uses subtle clues to uncover root causes and what he does to improve patient outcomes.  “One of your best windows to assess mitochondrial compromise is to look at the brain.” – Dr. Datis Kharrazian Today on The Lab Report: 2:40 Meet Dr. Datis Kharrazian 10:10 Mitochondrial dysfunction and how it affects the brain 13:00 Symptoms, causes, and treatment of brain fatigue 19:00 The functional neurological exam 21:00 Stimulating neurologic mitochondrial biogenesis 22:50 Working up brain fatigue with functional labs and physical exam 28:05 Functional medicine approach to autoimmune thyroid disease 31:32 Intestinal permeability, gluten, and lectins in autoimmunity 39:00 Using stool testing and food antibody testing to assess immune tolerance 43:40 Kharrazian explains his extensive new patient work up 48:35 The Kharrazian Institute 53:25 The Fireball Additional Resources: Kharrazian Resource Center Kharrazian Institute Why Isn't My Brain Working? Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms When My Lab Tests Are Normal? Immunological Reactivity Using Monoclonal and Polyclonal Antibodies of Autoimmune Thyroid Target Sites with Dietary Proteins Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review. Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: [email protected]. And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Multi-omics is the layering of genetic information (genomics) with laboratory biomarker results (metabolomics) to understand the root cause of disease and risk. This educational series focuses on genetic variants in specific enzymes and explains how to evaluate the systemic effects. Today’s episode is a discussion of the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP1B1. This enzyme is important in hormone detoxification. Genetic variants (single nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs) in CYP1B1 might predispose a patient for risk regarding many hormonally mediated diseases, though this is not always the case. Listen to find out more about the enzyme pathways used in estrogen detoxification, what to look for when deciding if a genetic variant in CYP1B1 is expressed, and learn what you can do to about it. “Some SNPs result in an enzyme that works faster (upregulation). Some SNPs result in an enzyme that works slower (downregulation).” – Michael Chapman, ND Today on The Lab Report: 2:30 Cytochrome P450 enzymes and CYP1B1 2:55 Review of general Phase I and Phase II detoxification 7:00 Basics of estrogen detoxification pathways and where CYP1B1 works 9:00 What does a SNP in CYB1B1 do? 11:45 What profiles and biomarkers are helpful to assess expression of a CYPB1B1 SNP? 17:00 How do we support patients with a CYP1B1 SNP? 21:05 Question of the day: “What is the difference between FMV and 24hour Complete Hormones?” Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review. Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: [email protected]. And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing. Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and show not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the last episode, we introduced Dr. Tom Guilliams, who is an author and researcher in the field of all things functional medicine. In fact, he’s written several books through the Point Institute which have changed the way many clinicians think about basic functional medicine topics.  His unique association with large supplement companies in conjunction with his vast knowledge of biochemistry and physiology makes him the perfect person to answer all of our burning questions around the use of supplementation in functional medicine. This episode is a continuation of our prior interview where we gained insight into best practices when it comes to supplements. In this second half of our discussion, we focus on the GI tract, the use of probiotics, as well as his take on anti-nutrients. “Probiotics have a specific definition – roughly, they are live microorganisms that, when taken at a certain dose, have a clinically measurable effect.” – Dr. Tom Guilliams  Today on The Lab Report: 2:15 ICYMI, who is Tom Guilliams? 3:30 Do we need to refrigerate probiotics? 6:30 Do probiotics actually colonize the GI tract? 9:00 Probiotic stability concerns 9:45 Spore-based probiotics 14:00 Probiotics are transient, and that is a good thing 15:30 Future of probiotic strains 16:30 Probiotic and prebiotic use in SIBO 21:20 Anti-nutrients and the loaded lectin question 25:00 The Fireball 30:00 Question of the Day: Do spore-based probiotics influence the GI Effects Stool Profile?   Additional Resources:  Point Institute Supplementing Dietary Nutrients, 2nd ed. The Role of Stress and the HPA Axis in Chronic Disease Management Cardiometabolic Risk Management Functional Strategies for the Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders Supporting Immune Function The Original Prescription   Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review. Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: [email protected]. And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing. Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and show not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Tom Guilliams has been reading and studying the literature for years regarding all things functional medicine. In fact, he’s written several books through the Point Institute which have changed the way many clinicians think about basic functional medicine topics. His extensive breadth of knowledge on the latest literature and his close association with major supplement companies has given him a unique perspective on how supplements are used within our field. Today’s episode contains the first half of an extensive interview addressing the most frequently asked questions regarding the use and misuse of dietary supplements. Dr. Guilliams draws on his impressive knowledge of biochemistry and physiology to explain why and where we might be spending our supplement dollars unwisely. He also lays out an interesting paradigm shift in how we look at hormone metabolism.   “Delivering any supplement or nutrient in any way other than swallowing it makes it a drug.” – Dr. Tom Guilliams   Today on The Lab Report: 2:15 Introducing Tom Guilliams, PhD 5:05 Tom’s favorite book to write 7:45 ‘Cortisol/Pregnenalone Steal’ is a misnomer 10:30 Should we all be taking a multivitamin? 12:30 ‘Food-based’ vitamins vs. ‘synthetic’ vitamins 16:15 What form of folate should we use to supplement? 18:00 Unmetabolized Folic Acid (UMFA) 20:15 Are ‘activated’ B-vitamins superior? 24:20 Liposomal glutathione and glutathione levels 28:00 NAD supplementation 31:30 Sublingual and topical application of nutrients   Additional Resources:   Point Institute Supplementing Dietary Nutrients, 2nd ed. The Role of Stress and the HPA Axis in Chronic Disease Management Cardiometabolic Risk Management Functional Strategies for the Management of Gastrointestinal Disorders Supporting Immune Function The Original Prescription   Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review. Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: [email protected]. And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing. Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and show not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A multi-omic assessment combines your genetic blueprint (genomics) with laboratory biomarker information (metabolomics) to provide a deeper understanding of the root cause of disease or disease risk. By starting with a specific enzyme and discussing what it does in the body, we can start to map its systemic effects and gather important data. When there are genetic variants in that enzyme many systems can be affected. Today’s episode discusses the enzyme 5,10 methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase or “MTHFR”. In functional medicine, MTHFR is a common topic that is often debated and misunderstood. We explain what MTHFR does in the body and why it is important. Genetic variants in this enzyme can predispose a person to many clinical conditions but these are not always expressed. Hear why that is, and what you need to assess to get the full picture. “Genes do not make your destiny, and SNPs do not always manifest themselves as a biological or functional problem.” – Michael Chapman Today on The Lab Report Podcast: 2:30 What is a multi-omics assessment? 4:00 The basics of methylation and why it’s important 7:00 What is MTHFR and how does it relate to folate and methylation 8:55 Possible effects of genetic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to MTHFR 11:30 Which profiles and biomarkers can give multi-omic information about MTHFR SNPs? 16:45 How do we support patients with MTHFR SNPs, and should we give methylated vitamins 22:05 Question of the day: “How common is it to have an MTHFR SNP?” Subscribe, Rate & Review The Lab Report Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review. Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: [email protected]. And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing. ~~ Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests. For medical advice, diagnosis, and/or treatment, please consult a medical professional.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Not all tests are created equal. There are tests used for standard and routine medical procedures, and ones that are only prescribed for specific circumstances. A multi-omics test is one of them. This test deals with different data sets comprising the genome, the microbiome, and the epigenome. It’s meant to target the very reasons why a person is sick or has problems with specific foods from which functional treatment can be made.   In today’s episode, we discuss the science behind the multi-omics test, the different types of data it analyzes, and what makes it an effective way in finding treatment. We describe the effects of a person’s ethnicity with their genes and how it affects test results. We explain what a COMT is, what it does to our hormones, and how it affects our brain. We also share the best ways to treat any abnormalities found in a multi-omics test.   "The more rare a polymorphism is, the more it has clinical associations when it is found.'" - Michael Chapman   This week on The Lab Report Podcast: The difference between genomics and metabolomics. What multi-omics tests are and what they bring to the table. The effects of ethnicity with regards to what test results should look like. The different metabolites that are tested in multi-omics. What COMT is and how it affects our body's hormones. How do you treat abnormalities brought about by metabolites?   Subscribe, Rate & Review The Lab Report Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts, Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe to the show and give us a rating and review. Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most pressing questions on functional medicine. And be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.   Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests. For medical advice, diagnosis, and/or treatment, please consult a medical professional.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Ross Arena is a professor and Department Head of Physical Therapy at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He has over 850 peer-reviewed publications, abstracts, and book chapters. He is a Fellow at the American Heart Association and European Society of Cardiology. He specializes in cardiopulmonary physical therapy and exercise science. Ross also helps companies promote a culture of health and is a strong advocate of movement, stating the health benefits of a tiny bit of exercise is vastly superior to no exercise at all. Ross joins us to share his wisdom with regards to the health benefits of physical activity and its effects on longevity. He describes where he began his journey into exercise science and why he chose to pursue a career in research. He explains the adverse effects of being sedentary for long periods, such as what everybody experienced during the pandemic. Ross also discusses some of the important factors that determine long-term health and what the research shows about the right dose of exercise. "We should start to think about how we work together in a different way to create a culture of health." - Dr. Ross Arena   This week on The Lab Report Podcast: Ross’s academic milestones and the number of papers he's published. The reason Ross focused on the science of physical performance and health. Ross' thoughts about the pandemic and its effects on physical activity. The long-term health effects of physical inactivity. Ross' nutritional and fitness advice and the importance of knowing the right dosage for each. The importance of letting your patients motivate themselves to get healthier. How companies can create a culture of health among their employees. The most important physical activity factors that can impact longevity. Exercises to reduce the prevalence of heart failure and risks of falls.   Resources Mentioned: PuBMed   Connect with Dr. Ross Arena: University of Illinois in Chicago   Subscribe, Rate & Review The Lab Report Thanks for tuning into this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts, Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please head over to Apple Podcasts to subscribe to the show and give us a rating and review. Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most pressing questions on functional medicine. And be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.   Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests. For medical advice, diagnosis, and/or treatment, please consult a medical professional.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.