Rational Wellness Podcast

View the Show Notes For This Episode Energy Allocation System: A New Framework for Fatigue, Thyroid Labs, and Chronic Conditions with Dr Corey Schuler and moderator Dr. Ben Weitz Dr. Ben Weitz hosts Dr. Corey Schuler to discuss Schuler's International Journal of Molecular Sciences paper proposing the Energy Allocation System, a framework suggesting many chronic conditions reflect how the body budgets limited metabolic energy across systems rather than isolated organ failure or simple hormone deficiency. They explain mitochondrial reserve capacity, why adding thyroid or sex hormones can be counterproductive when the body is intentionally downregulating function, and how stress physiology can shift thyroid markers (including reverse T3). Schuler shares a case of a high-performing executive with sleep disruption and worsening free T3 trends where urinary hormones and CGM data showed high cortisol and nocturnal hypoglycemia; treatment focused on stress support, diet changes, and supportive nutrients rather than hormone replacement. They address Hashimoto's testing, nuanced iodine dosing, iron assessment, wearable data, proposed phenotype-based research, and where to find the paper and contact Schuler. 01:03 Guest and Energy Allocation 02:43 Why Patients Feel Normal 03:57 Budgeting Language for Energy 05:02 Mitochondria and Reserve Capacity 07:54 Hormones vs Energy Limits 10:16 Hormesis and Real World Examples 12:24 Clinical Application to Fatigue 13:49 Case Study Stress and Thyroid 17:37 Interventions Nutrients and CGM 19:31 Hashimotos vs Downregulation 23:49 Apollo Wearable Sponsor Break 25:21 Iodine Dosing and Fertility Case 28:19 Testing Iodine and Halides 29:53 Iodine Detox Effects 30:29 Iodized Salt Shortfall 31:28 Reverse T3 Stress Signal 33:38 Iron Panel Essentials 36:15 Hemochromatosis Case Study 38:52 Brain Energy Connections 41:39 Wearables And Phenotypes 44:02 Mobilization Vs Conservation 46:31 Hormones Beyond Lab Fixes 51:23 Theory Critiques And Evidence 54:30 Research Funding Challenges 55:47 Where To Learn More 57:24 Podcast Wrap Up Dr. Corey Schuler is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Certified Nutrition Specialist who practices holistic primary care at Synergy Family Physicians in White Bear Lake, MN. In addition to clinical practice, Corey serves as Director of Medical Affairs at Allergy Research Group, teaching at Augsburg University and contributing to research focused on nutrition science and integrative primary care Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

Beyond Probiotics: Rebuilding the Gut Microbiome as an Ecosystem with Dr. Oscar Coatzee and Danielle Arnold and host Dr. Ben Weitz. [If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, so more people will find The Rational Wellness Podcast. Also check out the video version on my WeitzChiro YouTube page.] Podcast Highlights Rethinking Probiotics: Keystone Anaerobes, Butyrate, and Microbiome Ecosystems with Designs for Health Dr. Ben Weitz introduces the Rational Wellness Podcast episode challenging the assumption that gut issues are solved by adding more traditional probiotics, arguing microbiome repair is an ecosystem and function problem. He interviews Dr. Oscar Cozo and Danielle Arnold of Designs for Health about differences between transient aerobic probiotics (e.g., lactobacillus/bifidobacteria) and keystone anaerobic strains that form the microbiome's foundation, can engraft, drive down gut oxygen, and support cross-feeding. They discuss live, refrigerated delivery for anaerobes; a spore-capable keystone strain (Anaerostipes); and a case study showing improved food allergies, normalization of Akkermansia, increased butyrate-related effects, and reduction of opportunists without antimicrobials. They cover butyrate's roles (tight junctions, mucus, immune regulation, HDAC inhibition), fiber and resistant starch strategies, stool testing (GI-MAP additions for anaerobes and short-chain fatty acids), diet restriction concerns, and practitioner support and case report publishing with Designs for Health. 00:00 Show Intro and Mission 01:00 Probiotics vs Ecosystem Thinking 02:56 Aerobes vs Anaerobes Explained 07:06 Keystone Species and Engraftment 09:18 New Anaerobic Strains and Allergy Research 11:06 Live Shipping and Feeding the Strains 14:03 Case Study Crowding Out Dysbiosis 18:03 Rethinking the Five R Protocol 24:26 Testing and Prebiotic Pairings 26:52 Butyrate and Microbiome Benefits 28:40 Conventional Probiotics Still Matter 35:04 Sponsor Break Apollo Wearable 36:37 Crowding Out Pathogens and Fungi Role 39:58 Archaea and Mucosa 41:21 Mucus Layer and Biofilms 43:11 Feeding Keystone Microbes 44:18 Fiber Targets and Tolerance 46:51 Probiotic as SIBO Option 48:54 Resistant Starch Basics 51:52 Stool Test Dysbiosis Patterns 54:32 Akkermansia and Metabolism 56:44 Histamine Bugs and Enzymes 01:02:26 Gut Healing Nutrients 01:05:34 Diet Diversity and Reintros 01:08:21 Wrap Up and Product Details 01:13:10 Podcast Outro and Clinic Info Dr. Oscar Coatzee has over 25 years experience in psychology and nutrition and is currently the VP of clinical education and practitioner support at Designs For Health. He has a bachelor's degree in psychology and a PhD in Holistic Nutrition and Doctorate of Clinical Nutrition. Danielle Arnold is a clinical nutritionist and Functional Medicine practitioner and she serves as a clinical support specialist at Designs for Health, training healthcare providers in test interpretation and patient care. Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

Perimenopause Unmasked with Bria Gadd, the Period Whisperer and host Dr. Ben Weitz. [If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, so more people will find The Rational Wellness Podcast. Also check out the video version on my WeitzChiro YouTube page.] Podcast Highlights Bria Gadd is the Period Whisperer, who is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition practitioner, holistic health coach, and certified personal trainer, who specializes in female hormones, helping women with weight release and energy gain in pre and post menopause. Bria is the host of The Period Whisperer Podcast, a top 1% global wellness show and her website is BriathePeriodWhisperer.com. Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

View the Show Notes For This Episode Clinical Interpretation of a Functional Stool Test with Dr. Ben Weitz. [If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, so more people will find The Rational Wellness Podcast. Also check out the video version on my WeitzChiro YouTube page.] Podcast Highlights How to Interpret the GI-MAP Stool Test for Functional Gut Health Insights Dr. Ben Weitz introduces the Rational Wellness Podcast and explains how to interpret a functional medicine stool test, focusing on the GI-MAP from Diagnostic Solutions, to assess gut health beyond conventional pathogen screening. He emphasizes first ruling out serious conditions via careful history and gastroenterology evaluation (e.g., colonoscopy/endoscopy), then using comprehensive stool testing alongside other tests like SIBO breath and organic acids. He reviews GI-MAP sections covering acute vs chronic pathogens (e.g., C. difficile), H. pylori and key virulence factors, commensal and keystone species (e.g., Akkermansia, Faecalibacterium, Roseburia), dysbiosis and possible SIBO-related microbes (Methanobrevibacter, Desulfovibrio), fungi/candida and SIFO considerations, parasites, and functional markers including steatocrit, elastase, beta-glucuronidase, occult blood, secretory IgA, anti-gliadin IgA, inflammatory markers, zonulin, and antibiotic resistance genes. 00:59 Why Gut Health Matters 01:56 Rule Out Serious Disease First 03:14 Why Use Functional Stool Tests 05:10 GI-MAP Overview Setup 05:30 Sponsor Apollo Wearable 07:00 Acute Pathogens and C Diff 08:16 H Pylori and Virulence 11:01 Keystone Commensals and Rebuild 12:51 Dysbiosis and SIBO Clues 16:07 Candida and Fungal Overgrowth 18:11 Parasites and Intestinal Markers 21:04 Immune Markers and Leaky Gut 23:01 Antibiotic Resistance and Wrap Up 23:56 Final Thanks and Clinic Info Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

The Hidden Causes of Autoimmune Disease (Dr. Arland Hill) — How to Reverse It: RWP6. Dr. Arland Hill is a Functional Medicine Clinician and Author of "Platform Food, Function, Freedom.com." Dr. Hill has an in depth conversation with Dr. Ben Weitz about Autoimmune Diseases. Dr. Arland Hill explains the primary reasons why there has been an increase in the rate of autoimmune diseases in the United States. The mass food production has significantly altered what is now classified as food as compared to that prior to the 1940's. The combination of drastic changes in our diet and increased toxin exposure in a post-industrialized society has contributed to the rise in autoimmune disease. An important variant is the effect of stress. Stress breaks down the body's systems, which can create dysregulation in the immune system. This opens the door for leaky gut syndrome and can manifest in autoimmune issues. Environmental and food toxins coupled with increased stress levels can be the perfect breeding ground for autoimmune diseases to develop. However it is important to note that each of these individual factors can cause autoimmune disease to manifest on their own. Western medical doctors treat diseases by providing medications that suppress the immune system such as corticosteroids, chemotherapy agents and newer injectables. TNF alpha blocking agents like Humira and Remicade block the immune system, which is needed to maintain homeostasis, fight off and prevent the disease processes from beginning. These drugs have very serious side effects that include depressing the immune system and worsening the effects of infections and cancer. The Functional Medicine approach treats autoimmune diseases by looking at the underlying factors that lead to the immune system being deregulated. These factors can include disease processes such as leaky gut, food sensitivities, toxins, mold, heavy metals, nutritional deficiencies, infections, etc. Functional Medicine looks at the best strategies for correcting this by identifying the cause and catalyst of those agents. Once you identify the cause and remove the factors that negatively affect the G.I. and immune system, a strategy to intervene can be formed. A nutritional strategy to repair and restore the gut is recommended. By reestablishing the mucosa tolerance and re-balancing the bacterial landscape, gut health is rebuilt and the immune system can function and respond unimpaired. The podcast will cover these topics in more depth and detail. You will learn more about how toxins behave. For example, how BPA and heavy metals found in plastics insert itself in the metabolic pathway and disrupt it by misplacing nutrients. You will also learn how to test for autoimmune disease and learn the role infections play in increasing our risk. More importantly, you will learn how to improve your health and nutritional deficiencies. Dr. Arland Hill can be reached at Dr.ArlandHill.com Dr. Ben Weitz is also available for nutrition consultation by calling his office at 310-395-3111.

View the Show Notes For This Episode Dementia is Preventable with Dr. Majid Fotuhi and host Dr. Ben Weitz. [If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, so more people will find The Rational Wellness Podcast. Also check out the video version on my WeitzChiro YouTube page.] Podcast Highlights The Invincible Brain: Rethinking Alzheimer's and Protecting Cognitive Health with Dr. Majid Fotuhi Dr. Ben Weitz interviews neurologist and author Dr. Majid Fotuhi about how the brain can stay resilient with age through neuroplasticity and lifestyle-based interventions. They discuss exercise, sleep, diet, stress reduction, and brain training as key pillars for supporting cognition, and why challenging, enjoyable activities can strengthen the brain. Dr. Fotuhi explains that late-life cognitive decline is often labeled as Alzheimer's even though multiple treatable factors may be involved, and he shares clinical results showing cognitive improvement and increased hippocampal volume after a multidisciplinary program. The episode also addresses the limitations of an amyloid-only focus, the modest effects of anti-amyloid drugs, and the importance of personalized evaluation using appropriate testing. 00:00 Rational Wellness Podcast Intro + What You'll Learn Today 00:56 Meet Dr. Majid Fotuhi & The "Invincible Brain" Concept 02:34 Neurogenesis Is Real: Making New Neurons at Any Age 03:32 Exercise for Brain Growth: BDNF, Blood Flow & Mitochondria 05:21 Strength + Cardio: Why Muscle Mass Protects the Aging Brain 06:45 Challenge Your Brain: Novelty, Frustration & Building New Synapses 08:33 Brain Training Apps vs Real-World Hobbies (and What Actually Sticks) 11:54 Why Alzheimer's Is Often Overdiagnosed: The "Soup" of Brain Pathology 16:24 Treat the Treatable: 5 Pillars Program + MRI/Cognitive Improvements 18:45 Amyloid Controversy: Research Scandals, What Amyloid Really Means 23:34 Do Amyloid Drugs Work? Lifestyle Trials vs Pharma Outcomes 26:48 Sponsor Break: Apollo Wearable for Stress, Sleep & Focus 28:21 Personalized/Functional Medicine for Cognition: Coaching & Behavior Change 31:33 Diet for Brain Health: The Non-Negotiables (Processed, Trans Fats, Sugar) 34:27 Quality of Life vs. Longevity: Finding a Diet You Can Live With 34:59 Mediterranean, Keto, Vegan? Why Testing & CGM Make Diet Personal 37:08 Sleep as Brain Detox: The Glymphatic System Explained 40:04 Better Sleep Without Dependency: Hygiene, Anxiety, and Med Cautions 42:47 Alzheimer's Blood Biomarkers (p-tau217): Useful, But Not the Whole Story 47:17 Cognitive Testing Done Right: MOCA, CNS Vitals, and Clinical Context 53:44 A "Brain Portfolio" Approach: Many Treatable Causes of Cognitive Decline 55:19 Real Patient Turnaround: Reversing "Alzheimer's" by Fixing Root Causes 59:08 Where to Find the Book & Programs + Final Message on Aging Well 01:00:47 Podcast Wrap-Up: Reviews, New Patients, and Next Week Dr. Majid Fotuhi is a board certified neurologist, neuropsychiatrist, and the author of the new book, the Invincible Brain. His website is Dr.Fotuhi.com. Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

View the Show Notes For This Episode Finally Hopeful for Fixing Depression with Dr. James Greenblatt and host Dr. Ben Weitz. [If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, so more people will find The Rational Wellness Podcast. Also check out the video version on my WeitzChiro YouTube page.] Podcast Highlights Functional Psychiatry for Mental Health with Dr. James Greenblatt In this episode of the Rational Wellness Podcast, Dr. Ben Weitz interviews Dr. James Greenblatt, an expert in functional psychiatry. They discuss the principles of functional psychiatry, which focuses on finding the root causes of mental health issues by examining genetics, biochemistry, nutrition, and lifestyle factors. Dr. Greenblatt shares insights on the role of nutritional deficiencies in mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. He highlights key nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, and essential fatty acids, and discusses the benefits of low-dose lithium. Practical approaches to diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management for improving mental health are also covered, along with the integration of specific supplements and neurotransmitter support in treatment plans. 00:28 Meet Dr. James Greenblatt: Pioneer in Functional Psychiatry 01:51 Understanding Functional Psychiatry 03:43 Debunking the Neurotransmitter Theory of Depression 05:52 Biological Drivers of Depression 07:21 Diagnostic Approaches in Functional Psychiatry 08:56 The Role of Nutritional Deficiencies in Mental Health 12:54 Hormonal Influences on Depression 14:28 The Gut-Brain Connection 20:47 Nutritional Supplements for Mood Disorders 24:55 Identifying the Need for Flax Oil 25:12 The Role of Amino Acids in Psychiatry 27:32 Using Minerals for Mental Health 28:08 Exploring the Benefits of Lithium 29:53 Herbal Remedies for Depression 35:34 The Importance of Lifestyle Factors 41:56 The Impact of Technology on Mental Health 44:17 The Role of Medication in Psychiatry 45:30 Conclusion and Resources Dr. James Greenblatt is a pioneer in using the Functional Medicine model in helping patients with psychiatric disorders. He is regarded as the leading expert on the clinical application of low dose lithium for mental health. Dr. Greenblatt has written nine books, including his newest book, Finally Hopeful, and the bestsellers Finally Focused: The Breakthrough Natural Treatment Plan for ADHD, Answers to Anorexia, Functional & Integrative Medicine for Antidepressant Withdrawal, and Nutritional Lithium: The Untold Tale of a Mineral That Transforms Lives and Heals the Brain. In 2019, he founded Psychiatry Redefined, a leading educational platform training clinicians worldwide in functional and integrative psychiatry and he offers a range of excellent courses. His website is jamesgreenblattmd.com Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

Dr. Corey Schuler, a holistic family nurse practitioner and integrative medicine expert, explains how the brain's central clock and peripheral clocks coordinate sleep, metabolism, and gene expression. He explores how modern light, caffeine, and irregular schedules disrupt natural rhythms. He also covers meal timing, melatonin use, stress and HPA axis effects, and the microbiome's daily cycles.

View the Show Notes For This Episode The Teen Health Revolution with The Holistic Kids and host Dr. Ben Weitz. [If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, so more people will find The Rational Wellness Podcast. Also check out the video version on my WeitzChiro YouTube page.] Podcast Highlights Rethinking Teen Health: The Teen Health Revolution with Abdullah Zane Emad and Kasim Ansari In this episode of the Rational Wellness Podcast, Dr. Ben Weitz is joined by Abdullah Zane Emad, one of the creators of the 'Teen Health Revolution,' along with his mother and co-author, Dr. Madea Seed. They discuss the alarming crisis in teen mental, physical, and emotional health and the preventative measures outlined in their book. Abdullah shares personal anecdotes about his family's health transformations through functional and integrative medicine. The conversation covers critical aspects like the importance of gut health, proper nutrition, reducing tech usage, and achieving quality sleep. They also talk about the necessity of education in promoting a healthy lifestyle, the role of parents and educators, and tackling the root causes of health issues rather than relying on prescription medications. This episode aims to raise awareness and provide actionable steps for improving teen health. 00:38 Meet the Holistic Kids: Abdullah Zane Emad and Kasim Ansari 02:08 The Teen Health Crisis: Statistics and Concerns 07:33 Personal Stories of Health Challenges and Recovery 12:15 The Apollo Wearable: Managing Stress and Sleep 18:09 The Revolution Framework: A Holistic Approach to Teen Health 22:24 The Impact of Technology on Teen Health 26:48 The Social Media Dilemma 28:20 The Importance of Gut Health 31:22 Daily Diet and Healthy Eating Tips 37:04 The Power of Sleep 40:49 Rapid Fire Questions 43:32 Hope for the Future of Teen Health 45:05 Where to Find More Information 46:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The Holistic Kids, Abdullah, Zain, Emaad, and Qasim are the co-hosts of The Holistic Kids' Show Podcast. They have co-authored four best-selling books with their mother Madiha Saeed, MD, Adam's Healing Adventures children book series which have been featured as Dr Mark Hyman's Top 5 Picks. Their latest book The Teen Health Revolution: Unlocking lifestyle secrets to Optimizing the Mind, Body and Soul is out now. Their YouTube page is HolisticMom, MD. Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

Beat Heart Disease Before It Starts — Insights from Dr. Howard Elkin with Dr. Ben Weitz. Dr. Elkin's website is Heartwise.com. His main office is in Whittier, California and he has a concierge practice in Santa Monica, California and his office number is 562-945-3753. What You'll Hear In This Episode: 02:40 A Functional Medicine approach looks at why the body would lay down plaque as a rational response to coat the artery wall against inflammation or oxidation or glycation reactions. 06:08 I asked Dr. Elkin what his view is on cholesterol and he mentioned that half of patients who have heart attacks have normal cholesterol 08:09 Dr. Elkin discusses the benefits of the Boston Heart Lab and other advanced lipid profiles for better assessing true CVD risk 09:36 Howard explains how small, dense particles are more likely to be oxidized and incorporated into arterial plaques 10:50 I explained how larger HDL particles perform reverse cholesterol transport to remove potentially harmful LDL particles from the blood stream 11:02 I asked how Dr. Elkin treats patients who have small, dense LDL particles and he explained that he gets his patients to change their lifestyle and he uses certain nutritional supplements such as niacin before he puts them on medications. 13:10 I asked Howard what are some of the most important dietary factors to change to lower cardiovascular risk in such a patient? He said it's not about cutting our eggs and saturated fat, like we used to think. Howard's way of thinking is that sugar not fat is the main villian, since it is pro-inflammatory. 16:57 I asked Dr. Elkin about one of his recent blog articles where he wrote about the new PCSK-9 inhibitor medications for cholesterol. Dr. Elkin explained these may be effective, but they showed that they could bring LDL cholesterol levels down to 36 and this is actually not a good thing, since you need cholesterol for hormones, vitamin D production, and brain function. Also, these drugs cost $14,000 per year. 20:30 Howard explained that when he does places patients on statins, he always puts them on CoQ10 to prevent muscle problems. He usually uses 100-200 mg to start with. With patients who have heart failure he will use very high dosages, along with magnesium, L-Carnitine, and D-Ribose. 24:22 Dr. Elkin discusses what nutritional supplements he will use to raise HDL levels: 2 tablespoons daily of Extra Virgin Olive oil, coconut oil, low carb diet, exercise, weight reduction, and niacin. 27:52 I asked Howard how to lower Lp(a). He said that this fragment of LDL is extremely atherogenic and is highly likely to get oxidized. Niacin, estrogen, and fish oil can help. I mentioned that I also found that berberine and tocotrienols were also helpful. 30:30 We discussed what to do about patients with elevated CRP (indicative of inflammation). Dr. Elkin mentioned that this test should be done routinely on all patients, but it is often not measured. There is a link between obesity and CRP and also between oral cavity problems and sinusitis and even poor sleep. He likes fish oil, turmeric, ginger, and boswellia to reduce inflammation.