The Root Cause Medicine Podcast

In this episode of the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge welcomes back Dr. Cheryl Burdette—naturopathic physician, educator, and founder of Precision Point Diagnostics—for a deep dive into one of the most evidence-backed biomarker bundles in functional medicine: the Gut, Oxidation & Stress panel. Dr. Burdette explains how ten underutilized but highly predictive biomarkers—including anti-LPS antibodies, zonulin, 8OHdG, F2-isoprostanes, glutathione, and more—can give clinicians a full-body snapshot of inflammation, leaky gut, immune dysregulation, and oxidative stress. She discusses how each marker ties into chronic conditions from cardiovascular disease to autoimmunity to neuroinflammation—and exactly how to intervene when these labs are out of range. This is a must-listen masterclass for any practitioner working with chronic illness, mystery symptoms, or “normal” labs that don’t tell the whole story. You’ll Hear Them Discuss: - Why LPS antibodies are one of the most predictive markers in medicine today - How oxidative stress contributes to cardiovascular disease, autoimmunity, and brain fog - What 8OHdG, zonulin, secretory IgA, and glutathione tell us about barrier integrity - The surprising links between gut dysfunction and GLP-1, mood, and immune balance - Case studies showing biomarker-guided interventions that worked - How to boost glutathione (and what forms work best) - When to re-test and what lab shifts to look for - Advanced testing for food sensitivity: IgG subclasses, complement, and tolerance vs. reactivity - Natural GLP-1 agonists, bitters, fiber, and bile as part of metabolic healing

In this episode of the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge is joined by Dr. Jessica Christie, a licensed naturopathic doctor, clinical nutritionist, and integrative fertility expert, to discuss a diagnosis that frustrates both patients and practitioners: unexplained infertility. Dr. Christie explains that “unexplained” can sometimes mean “we haven’t found the root cause yet,” and she walks us through six of the most common hidden causes of fertility struggles—from subclinical hypothyroidism and nutrient deficiencies to autoimmune markers and environmental toxin exposure. Whether you’re a patient searching for answers or a practitioner looking for a more complete workup, this conversation offers evidence-based strategies, powerful case examples, and a hopeful message: unexplained doesn’t mean unsolvable. You’ll hear them discuss: - Why “unexplained infertility” is a diagnosis of exclusion—and what it often misses (Abdallah et al., 2020) - Six common, often-overlooked root-cause contributors to fertility struggles - How research links subclinical hypothyroidism with IVF success rates (Cho et al., 2015) - The immune markers linked to miscarriage and implantation failure (Demir et al., 2009; Shahbazi et al., 2019; Sauer et al., 2010; Jalilvand et al., 2023; Edassery et al., 2010) - Why gut and vaginal dysbiosis matter for egg quality and implantation (Patel et al., 2022; Tersigni et al., 2014; Blancafort & Llácer, 2023) - The micronutrients most essential for fertility—and most commonly deficient (Skoracka et al., 2021; Ji et al., 2023) - How to approach detoxing safely when trying to conceive (Jain & Singh, 2022; Pizzorno, 2017; NCCIH, 2019) - Real patient stories that show what’s possible with root-cause medicine

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we're gonna go over what to do when your kid gets sick, including what to do, what not to do, and how you can address the top 25 acute childhood concerns using an integrative approach with Dr. Elisa Song. You’ll hear us discuss: 1. Integrative approaches to pediatric health 2. Post-antibiotic recovery for your kids 3. Engaging your vagus nerve to enhance your health 4. Breathing exercises for children 5. Homeopathy and natural remedies for children's health Dr. Elisa Song is a holistic pediatrician and pediatric functional medicine expert who has helped over 1,000 children thrive by combining conventional pediatrics with functional medicine, homeopathy, essential oils, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She is the Founder of Healthy Kids Happy Kids, a trusted online resource for holistic pediatric advice. Dr. Song is also the Founder and Holistic Pediatrician at Whole Family Wellness. Her new book, Healthy Kids, Happy Kids: An Integrative Pediatrician’s Guide to Whole Child Resilience, offers practical insights on how to nurture resilient children. Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide

In this episode of the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with Dr. Eric Viegas, a naturopathic doctor and Fullscript’s Medical Product Manager, to pull back the curtain on the world of supplement quality and safety. From raw ingredient sourcing to manufacturing audits, Dr. Viegas explains what CGMP really means, how Fullscript ensures product integrity, and why certifications like NSF and third-party testing matter. You’ll learn how to evaluate your supplements for quality, what common industry terms really mean (or don’t), and what to avoid—like potentially dangerous sports nutrition products and under-tested trendy gummies. Whether you’re a clinician or a supplement-savvy consumer, this episode offers practical insights to help you navigate the supplement landscape with confidence. You’ll hear them discuss: - What CGMP certification actually means—and why it matters - The hidden dangers of poor manufacturing practices and counterfeit products - Why Fullscript’s catalog is CGMP-certified across all 375+ brands - How and why supplements like turmeric are tested for purity, potency, and contamination - The surprising problems with gummies and “pharmaceutical grade” claims - Which third-party certifications actually mean something (and which don’t) - Why the supplement industry is regulated—but not in the way most people assume - How Fullscript handles recalls, audits, and adverse event reports - What every provider and consumer should know before recommending or taking a supplement

In this episode of the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with functional immunology expert and educator Dr. Samuel Yanuck to explore one of the most overlooked systems in chronic illness: the immune system. With clarity and compassion, Dr. Yanuck breaks down how immune dysregulation can contribute to complex conditions like depression, neuropathy, migraines, chronic fatigue, and even cardiovascular disease. From brain inflammation and mast cell activation to Epstein-Barr virus and mold, Dr. Yanuck offers a new way of thinking about biology—where inflammation isn’t just a symptom, but a system that can be measured, understood, and treated. You’ll here them discuss: - Why immunology could be at the root of nearly every chronic illness - The immune pathways that connect depression, anxiety, brain fog, and fatigue - What PANS, PANDAS, and autoimmune encephalitis really are—and why they’re often misdiagnosed - How gut, brain, and immune health form a feedback loop - The labs you should run if you suspect chronic immune dysfunction - A framework for evaluating chronic viral infections like EBV and CMV - Natural immune modulators: Chinese skullcap, astragalus, quercetin, sulforaphane, and more - Why personalized immune workups—not protocols—create results Guest Bio: Dr. Samuel Yanuck is a functional medicine clinician and expert educator in functional immunology. He is the creator of Cogence Immunology, a comprehensive online training program that has educated over 9,000 clinicians in over 60 countries. His approach blends immunology, clinical experience, and systems thinking to help providers and patients uncover the true drivers of chronic illness. Dr. Yanuck is also the co-founder of the Yanuck Center for Life and Health in North Carolina, where he sees patients and helps clinicians find root-cause solutions to immune dysfunction through mentorship and collaboration. His work is helping reshape how the next generation of practitioners understand inflammation, autoimmunity, and healing. Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide

Dr. Dale Bredesen, a leading neurologist and bestselling author, opens minds about preventing cognitive decline. He argues that age-related cognitive issues can often be reversed through early detection methods known as 'cognoscopy.' The discussion dives into key factors like inflammation, insulin resistance, and environmental toxins that threaten brain health. Bredesen highlights innovative biomarkers and supplements, as well as the surprising role of the brain microbiome in neurodegeneration. Patient success stories underscore the potential for recovery through tailored interventions.

In this episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Elisa Song—pediatrician, integrative medicine expert, and author of Healthy Kids, Happy Kids. With a deep commitment to helping children thrive, Dr. Song shares how gut health forms the foundation of pediatric wellness and why holistic care is essential in addressing the chronic health challenges kids face today. We dive into how the microbiome shapes immunity, mood, and behavior, and why addressing nutrition, lifestyle, and environmental factors is crucial for long-term health. Dr. Song also breaks down five core pillars for nurturing a healthy gut in children and reveals the surprising ways added sugar and ultra-processed foods impact the developing brain. You’ll learn: - The role of gut health in preventing and managing childhood conditions - Five foundational habits to support your child’s microbiome - How sugar and processed foods disrupt children's brain and gut function - The link between gut health and mental wellness in kids - What lab tests can help assess and guide pediatric gut health interventions This episode is a must-listen for parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers who want to raise healthy, resilient children through informed, integrative strategies. Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide

In this episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Allen Sussman—seasoned endocrinologist, educator, and author of Saving the Art of Medicine. With over three decades of experience, Dr. Sussman shares how evidence-based medicine can enhance patient care when it's combined with empathy, open-mindedness, and critical thinking. We explore how research can be misinterpreted, the value of integrating complementary approaches, and how true healing requires more than just following protocols—it requires understanding the person behind the diagnosis. You’ll learn: - How evidence-based medicine influences clinical decisions - The difference between statistical and clinical significance - The value of listening to patients and tailoring care - Why biases in studies must be considered when applying data - How alternative and integrative approaches may complement conventional care This episode is a must-listen for healthcare providers and curious patients alike who want to understand how medical evidence can be both scientific and compassionate. Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide

In this heartfelt farewell episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge and Dr. Carrie Jones sit down to share a major announcement: Dr. Carrie is stepping down as co-host to launch her own podcast, Hello, Hormones. This episode is full of reflection, laughter, and excitement as Dr. Carrie shares why now is the time to follow her calling to educate, empower, and entertain through hormone-focused conversations. With a book coming in 2026, thousands of hormone tests analyzed, and decades of clinical and teaching experience, Dr. Carrie is ready to deliver education that’s practical, hilarious, and deeply needed. You’ll hear them discuss: - Why Carrie is pivoting to launch Hello, Hormones - The vision for her new podcast: education, sass, and science - How misinformation around hormones (and cancer) persists - What women need to know about perimenopause, fertility, and metabolic health - Her certifications and clinical experience across naturopathic endocrinology - Her skincare, castor oil, and longevity tips (because glow matters too!) - The myth she wants to bust (hint: it’s about hormone fearmongering) - Why “you’ve always had the power” is her guiding truth

In this episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. James Greenblatt—psychiatrist, educator, and author—shares his personalized, functional medicine approach to supporting individuals with eating disorders. Drawing from over 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Greenblatt explains how nutrient deficiencies, malnutrition, and genetic individuality play a major role in mental health conditions like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. He also discusses the importance of lab testing and how personalized supplementation and nutrition strategies can be used alongside therapy and medication. You’ll learn: Why micronutrient testing is important in eating disorder care How deficiencies in zinc, omega-3s, and B vitamins may impact brain function What role genetics, celiac disease, and gut health might play How to use testing to guide individualized support plans Why the “nutrition by addition” approach can be a game-changer for recovery This episode offers a compassionate, science-backed perspective for clinicians, families, and anyone interested in integrative mental health care. Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide