The Root Cause Medicine Podcast

In this episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Anthony Crifase is joined by Brandy Zachary, DC, IFMCP, Clinical Director at Body Love Cafe. They discuss the root cause of food sensitivities, the difference between food sensitivities and allergies and the future of food sensitivity treatment.

In this episode of the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Carrie Jones sits down with seasoned compounding pharmacist Sara Hover, RPh, to demystify the world of personalized medications. They dig into how compounding pharmacies offer tailored solutions for hormone therapy, acne, hair loss, weight loss, and more—and why this approach can be life-changing for patients who’ve hit dead ends with conventional medicine. Sarah shares eye-opening stories, from hormone creams and sublingual weight loss medications to pediatric popsicles and custom thyroid solutions, showing just how flexible and powerful compounding can be. What You’ll Learn: - What compounding pharmacies actually do—and why it matters - Why the finished compounded meds aren’t FDA-approved (and why that’s okay) - How bioidentical hormone therapy transforms women's health - Solutions for allergies to common fillers like red dye or peanut oil - Fun and effective delivery forms: lozenges, topical creams, even popsicles - Hair loss, acne, eczema, and anti-aging compounding options - The surprising science behind sublingual GLP-1s for weight loss - How to find (or help your doctor become) a compound-friendly provider Sara Hover, RPh is a compounding pharmacist with 30 years of experience and a specialty in hormone replacement therapy. She serves as a lead educator at PCCA, where she trains pharmacists and providers on the latest in compounding innovations. Sarah is passionate about personalized, patient-centered care—and believes no one should be told they're "crazy" when a tailored medication might be the real solution. Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we navigate the importance of brain health and preventing cognitive decline with Louisa Nicola. You’ll hear us discuss: 1. How women in their 30s and 40s can prevent Alzheimer's 2. Why exercise is the best preventive tool against Alzheimer's disease 3. The surprising benefits of resistance training for your brain health 4. Nutrition insights for enhancing brain health 5. Why the best thing for a healthy aging brain is social connections Louisa is a neurophysiologist and human performance coach. She is the Founder of Neuro Athletics, a consulting firm that works with top athletes worldwide, leveraging EEG scans, lab tests, and cognitive assessments to optimize performance. Louisa's insights delve deep into the minds of elite NBA and MLB stars. Additionally, she serves on the board of Momentous, Tonal, and Klora. Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide

In today’s episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with Dr. Ellen Vora to discuss a revolutionary framework for understanding anxiety—not as a disorder, but as a message from the body or soul. They explore the difference between false anxiety, which stems from physiological imbalances like blood sugar crashes, sleep disruption, and inflammation, and true anxiety, which often points to deeper emotional or existential truths. You’ll hear them discuss: - Why anxiety is the beginning of an inquiry—not a final diagnosis - The difference between “false” (body-based) and “true” (purpose-driven) anxiety - How nutrient deficiencies and gut imbalances can mimic psychiatric symptoms - The surprising mental health effects of hormonal birth control - How to use food as medicine to support neurotransmitter balance and calm - The dangers of benzodiazepines—and how to taper with the help of functional medicine - The power of psychobiotics, circadian rhythm, and inflammation reduction - Why GABA, inositol, and phosphatidylcholine are key to recovery - How to approach anxiety with both compassion and curiosity

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we explore various topics related to immune resilience and reducing sickness in children with Dr. Chris Magryta. You’ll hear us discuss: 1. Why kids are getting sick so often 2. How to boost immune resilience in children 3. The superfoods your child needs 4. Tips for limiting screen time and improving sleep in children 5. Nurturing a healthy gut and brain development in children Addressing allergies and intolerances in children 6. Effective parenting approaches and resources for nurturing children's health Dr. Chris has been practicing medicine in North Carolina for 24 years, viewing each child as a catalyst for improving human health. He is an Integrative Pediatrician at Salisbury Pediatric Associates and the Medical Director of Standard Process. Additionally, Dr. Chris serves as the Chairman of Children First of North Carolina and hosts Dr. M’s Women and Children First podcast, where he interviews experts on maternal and child health, focusing on upstream anthropology and root cause analysis for change.

Ben Azadi, founder of Keto Kamp and author, dives into the concept of metabolic freedom and the staggering fact that 93% of Americans are metabolically unhealthy. He distinguishes between sugar and fat burning, discussing how traditional calorie-counting fails. Azadi explains the harmful effects of obesogens and advocates for fasting and ketosis as pathways to better health. He emphasizes the importance of mindset and gratitude in achieving sustainable changes, providing practical steps to shift from sugar to fat burning in just a week.

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we discuss the powerful connection between nutrition and mental health with Dr. Uma Naidoo. You’ll hear us dive into: The impact of food on mental health How to manage anxiety through nutrition and lifestyle Using food as medicine for mental well-being What is metabolic psychiatry? How your diet controls your brain and sleep Dr. Uma is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, professional chef, nutrition specialist, author, and MasterClass instructor. She is also the Founder and Director of the Nutritional Psychiatry Service at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). Known as Harvard's Mood Food Expert, Dr. Uma is a national best-selling author of “This Is Your Brain On Food” and “Calm Your Mind with Food.” Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with Dr. Devan Szczepanski to explore her revolutionary triangular approach to functional medicine that has transformed thousands of lives. You'll hear us discuss: 1. How the Triangle Method combines genomics, metabolic testing, and gut analysis 2. Why genomic testing provides crucial personalized insights for treatment 3. The practical applications of reformative medicine in clinical settings 4. How to prioritize interventions based on comprehensive testing Dr. Szczepanski is a board-certified family medicine physician and founder of Reformative Medicine, where she teaches clinicians her Triangle Method of gastrointestinal, genomic and metabolic testing to help patients uncover the root causes of their symptoms. After leaving corporate medicine to start her own practice, she developed a unique system combining genomics, metabolic testing, and gut analysis that aims to deliver personalized care designed to support wellness through measurable insights. Dr. Szczepanski now operates three clinics across Florida and Louisiana and has developed a training program to share her effective approach with other practitioners. Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we explore the often-overlooked importance of emotional health during the menopause transition with Dr. Paul Conti. You’ll hear us discuss: 1. How trauma often leads to shame and self-blame 2. The emotional and psychological changes during menopause 3. Building resilience through introspection and curiosity 4. The stigma surrounding mental health issues 5. The importance of seeking professional support and external feedback Dr. Paul M. Conti, a Stanford University School of Medicine graduate, combines extensive clinical expertise with a holistic approach to psychiatry. With training from Stanford and Harvard, where he served as Chief Resident, Dr. Conti specializes in treating mental illness and life stressors, recognizing the pervasive impact of trauma on individuals and communities. Beyond clinical practice, he offers consulting services in personal, business, and legal contexts. Dr. Conti is also acclaimed for his book, "Trauma: The Invisible Epidemic," which distills his insights on healing from trauma, aiming to educate and empower a broader audience.

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Carrie Jones welcomes Dr. Caitlin Czezowski to explore the lymphatic system's complex role and its crucial connections to detoxification, hormone balance, and overall wellness. What You’ll Learn: 1. How the lymphatic system functions as the body's "sewage system" 2. Why lifestyle factors can impair lymphatic function 3. The "Specific Seven" lymph node protocol for daily drainage 4. How hormones interact with the lymphatic system and impact fertility 5. Why tongue ties and breathing patterns can significantly affect lymphatic drainage and overall health 6. The science behind lymphatic drainage techniques Dr. Caitlin Czezowski is known for her focus on lymphatic health and support for the body’s natural detoxification pathways. As the founder of Doc Talks Detox, she has developed practical protocols designed to help support healthy lymphatic flow, including her signature "Specific Seven" lymph node-clearing technique. Dr. Czezowski blends traditional medical training with accessible strategies aimed at helping individuals support their lymphatic system and overall wellness. Her work helps translate complex health concepts into actionable steps, making the topic of lymphatic health more approachable for a broad audience. Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide