

The Root Cause Medicine Podcast
Rupa Health
In each episode, we’ll meet renowned medical experts, specialists and pioneers who’ve influenced the way certain conditions and diseases are understood and treated. We focus on giving you the information you need to understand the root cause, symptoms and treatments available for specific medical conditions.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 17, 2025 • 58min
Testing Kids: Gut, Genes and Metabolomics
In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Lauren Hernandez and Dr. Devan Szczepanski join Dr. Kate Kresge to explore:
1. How to identify early signs of chronic illness in children
2. Why traditional pediatric testing often misses crucial health markers that could prevent chronic conditions
3. The "Triangle of Health" framework for pediatric functional medicine
4. How to use genetic testing to determine the most appropriate formula and dietary choices for infants and young children
5. Why conventional approaches to ADHD, anxiety, and digestive issues may be missing underlying genetic and metabolic factors
Dr. Lauren Hernandez and Dr. Devan Szczepanski are pioneering practitioners at NuWell Medicine, where Dr. Hernandez serves as CMO of KidsWell, their specialized pediatric service line. With vast backgrounds in pediatric medicine, they have developed an innovative "triangle of health" approach that combines comprehensive blood work, metabolic, gut microbiome analysis, and genomic testing to provide personalized care for children. Their work has transformed traditional pediatric practice by incorporating functional medicine principles and precision testing to address chronic childhood conditions before they become severe health challenges.
Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide

Apr 16, 2025 • 51min
Eczema: Root Cause Testing and Natural Support with Dr. Ana-Maria Temple: Episode Rerun
In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we unveil Dr. Ana-Maria Temple's functional approach to treating eczema in children. You’ll hear us discuss:
1. What causes eczema in children
2. How to heal eczema from within
3. The role of nutrition in treating eczema
4. How to choose and dose the right probiotics
5. Gut microbiome imbalances and eczema
6. Dr. Ana-Maria's functional approach to eczema treatment
Dr. Ana-Maria Temple is a pediatrician specializing in functional medicine and nutrition, focusing on treating eczema in children. She practices at Integrative Health Carolinas and is a renowned speaker and educator. Dr. Ana-Maria has also authored the books Healthy Kids in an Unhealthy World and Ending the Eczema Epidemic.

Apr 10, 2025 • 47min
Hidden Impacts of Menopause: Gut Health, Methylation, and More with Dr. Bridget Briggs: Episode Rerun
In this engaging discussion, Dr. Bridget Briggs, a board-certified Family Medicine Physician, sheds light on the hidden impacts of menopause. She dives into the relationship between hormonal changes and gut health, explaining insulin resistance and the importance of monitoring blood glucose. Dr. Briggs also explores the significance of methylation, dietary choline, and personalized care for women navigating this transitional phase. With real-world insights, she emphasizes the urgency of addressing often overlooked health issues related to menopause.

6 snips
Apr 8, 2025 • 58min
The #1 Risk Factor for Dementia You’re Ignoring with Dr. Kellyann Niotis
In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Carrie Jones sits down with Dr. Kellyann Niotis to discuss brain health and neurodegeneration prevention.
What You’ll Learn:
1. Why brain health should be a priority starting in early adulthood
2. How neurodegenerative diseases begin decades before symptoms appear
3. The role of lifestyle factors in maintaining brain health
4. New blood-based biomarkers and traditional imaging methods
5. The relationship between hormones and brain health
Dr. Kellyann Niotis is the first and only fellowship-trained preventive neurologist specializing in early detection and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. As a leading expert in brain health and preventative neurology, she brings extensive experience in movement disorders and Parkinson's disease to her practice. Through her work at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Florida, Dr. Niotis focuses on identifying and addressing neurological health concerns decades before symptoms appear. She is dedicated to transforming how we approach brain health, combining cutting-edge diagnostics with personalized prevention strategies.
Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide

Apr 1, 2025 • 1h 5min
New Advances in Cholesterol Testing & Treatment Dr. Eve Henry
Dr. Eve Henry, a Longevity Specialist and founder of Eve Henry MD, dives deep into the complexities of cholesterol and heart health. She discusses the importance of advanced lipid testing like ApoB and LP(a), revealing how these tests can personalize heart health strategies. The conversation unveils the connections between inflammation and cardiovascular risk, while also highlighting the role of lifestyle changes alongside medication in managing cholesterol. Plus, Dr. Henry shares insights on the impact of genetics and dietary choices on lipid profiles.

Mar 27, 2025 • 53min
Why You Must Take These 30 Nutrients to Maintain Good Eye Health with Dr. Rudrani Banik: Episode Rerun
In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we dive into the role of nutrition in maintaining good eye health with Dr. Rudrani Banik. You’ll hear us discuss:
1. The 30 nutrients that keep your eyes healthy
2. Macular carotenoids for eye protection
3. Why you need more than beta-carotene for healthy eyes
4. How to reduce eye strain and blue light exposure
Dr. Rudrani Banik is a Board-certified Ophthalmologist and Neuro-Ophthalmologist with fellowship training and expertise in Functional Medicine. Skilled in ophthalmic surgery and Botox, she specializes in treating headaches and migraines. Dr. Banik is also the author of three books on eye health and nutrition: "Beyond Carrots: Best Foods for Eye Health A to Z," "Dr. Rani's Visionary Kitchen: Over 200 Recipes For Healthy Vision," and "Dr. Rani's Plant-Based Visionary Kitchen: Over 130 Plant-Based Recipes for Healthy Vision."
Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide

Mar 25, 2025 • 37min
How Embodied Practices May Help You Navigate Daily Stress with Dr. Saida Desilets
In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Carrie Jones sits down with Dr. Saida Desilets, a thought leader, educator, and pioneer in women's psychosexual health. You'll hear them discuss:
1. Why 40-70% of women struggle with low libido
2. The role of nervous system regulation in women's wellness
3. Why finding pleasure in life helps downregulate an overly stressed system
4. Simple daily practices to reclaim sensuality and pleasure to reduce stress
5. Why beauty and joy are essential nutrients for wellbeing
Dr. Saida Desilets is a leading authority on embodied psychosexuality and women's wellness. She developed her approach after noticing that traditional sex therapy often didn't produce positive results. Through her work with thousands of women globally, she helps them reconnect with their bodies and support women in reconnecting with their bodies and rediscovering a sense of sensuality and pleasure. Dr. Desilets is the author of "Emergence of the Sensual Woman" and offers programs through her platform, Dare Your Desire.

Mar 20, 2025 • 45min
The Organic Acids Profile in Clinical Practice with Cat Simmons and Cass Nelson-Dooley
In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with Cass Nelson-Dooley and Cat Simmons from Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory to explore the clinical applications of organic acids testing. You'll hear us discuss:
• How urine testing may offer different insights into metabolism compared to blood tests
• How urine tests may help identify patterns related to nutrient status without invasive testing
• Exploring how neurotransmitter metabolites may relate to mood and brain health
• Why organic acids testing may be a useful option for children, especially when blood draws are difficult
Cat Simmons, MS, RD, CDCES is a clinical dietitian with a master's degree in metabolic physiology and integrated exercise science from Colorado State University. With over 15 years of experience in laboratory diagnostics, she has worked across blood, stool, and urine testing platforms. At Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, she plays a key role in test development and practitioner education, particularly in making complex biochemical concepts accessible and clinically applicable. Her background in sports performance nutrition and metabolism uniquely positions her to help practitioners understand and implement organic acids testing in clinical practice.
Cass Nelson-Dooley, MS, studied medicinal plants in the rain forests of Panama, in 2003 as a Fulbright Scholar, and then launched a career in science and natural medicine. She researched the pharmacology of medicinal plants at the University of Georgia and AptoTec, Inc, and then joined the innovators at Metametrix Clinical Laboratory, then Genova Diagnostics. She has over 18 years of experience teaching clinicians about integrative and functional laboratory results. At Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, she analyzes metabolomics and gut microbiome tests and develops educational tools. Ms. Nelson-Dooley owns Health First Consulting, LLC, a medical writing, patient education, and consulting firm that serves the integrative and functional medicine industry. Ms. Nelson-Dooley is the author of Heal Your Oral Microbiome and has published case studies, book chapters, and journal articles about natural medicine, nutrition, and laboratory testing.
Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide

Mar 13, 2025 • 43min
Banish Migraines for Good: Neuro-Ophthalmology Tips with Dr. Rudrani Banik: Episode Rerun
In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we explore the importance of nutrition and lifestyle changes in managing migraines with Dr. Rudrani Banik. You’ll hear us discuss:
1. Dr. Banik's functional medicine approach to managing migraines
2. Migraine symptoms and causes
3. How to identify and eliminate trigger foods for migraine relief
4. The gut-brain connection in migraine management
Dr. Rudrani Banik is a Board-certified Ophthalmologist and Neuro-Ophthalmologist with fellowship training and expertise in Functional Medicine. Skilled in ophthalmic surgery and Botox, she specializes in treating headaches and migraines. Dr. Banik is also the author of three books on eye health and nutrition: "Beyond Carrots: Best Foods for Eye Health A to Z," "Dr. Rani's Visionary Kitchen: Over 200 Recipes For Healthy Vision," and "Dr. Rani's Plant-Based Visionary Kitchen: Over 130 Plant-Based Recipes for Healthy Vision."
Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide

Mar 6, 2025 • 42min
The Truth About Seed Oils and How to Avoid Them with Dr. Cate Shanahan: Episode Rerun
In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we navigate the impact of seed oils on your health and how to make healthier choices with Dr. Cate Shanahan. You’ll hear us discuss:
1. The "hateful eight" toxic seed oils impacting your health
2. The impact of seed oils on mitochondria and hormones
3. Seed oils and menopause
4. Prioritizing nutritious foods over seed oils
Dr. Cate Shanahan is a leading expert in nutrition and human metabolism with more than 20 years of clinical experience and a New York Times bestselling author of "The FatBurn Fix," "Deep Nutrition," and "Food Rules." Her specialty is addressing the root causes of metabolic damage and inflammation, which can lead to issues like autoimmunity, weight gain, diabetes, cancer, and accelerated aging. Alongside Dr. Tim DiFrancesco and NBA legend Gary Vitti, Dr. Cate created the PRO Nutrition program for the LA Lakers and helped develop a partnership between Whole Foods Market and multiple NBA teams.
Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide


