

Rational Wellness Podcast
Dr. Ben Weitz
Rational Wellness Podcast hosted by Dr. Ben Weitz helps you unlock the latest science in functional medicine, nutrition, wellness and health, so you can optimize your body and mind. Weekly interviews with experts in Functional Medicine and Wellness with focus on gut health, hormones, inflammation, wellness, brain health, nutrition, health and longevity.
You'll discover evidence-based strategies to reverse chronic disease, balance your biology, and extend your healthspan — from cutting-edge lab testing and nutrition to personalized lifestyle interventions.
Past guests include Dr. Dale Bredesen, Dr. Jeffrey Bland, and Dr. Mark Pimentel and many of the most trusted voices in functional and integrative medicine and the wellness world.
Subscribe today to learn practical tools you can use right now for better health and wellness.
You'll discover evidence-based strategies to reverse chronic disease, balance your biology, and extend your healthspan — from cutting-edge lab testing and nutrition to personalized lifestyle interventions.
Past guests include Dr. Dale Bredesen, Dr. Jeffrey Bland, and Dr. Mark Pimentel and many of the most trusted voices in functional and integrative medicine and the wellness world.
Subscribe today to learn practical tools you can use right now for better health and wellness.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 20, 2024 • 1h 31min
Demystifying LPS with Dr. Tom O'Bryan: Rational Wellness Podcast 382
View the Show Notes For This Episode Dr. Tom O'Bryan discusses Demystifying LPS with moderator Dr. Ben Weitz at the Functional Medicine Discussion Group meeting on September 24, 2024. [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 00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview 00:27 Welcome to the Functional Medicine Discussion Group 00:45 Sponsor Highlights: Integrative Therapeutics and Vibrant America 02:34 Introduction to Dr. Tom O'Bryan 02:55 Challenges in Gluten Sensitivity Testing 46:06 The Importance of LPS in Inflammation 46:23 LPS and Its Role in Alzheimer's Disease 47:24 Bacterial Translocation and Immune Activation 48:12 Personal Anecdote and Research Insights 48:46 LPS and Neuroinflammation 49:23 The Overlooked Impact of LPS 51:46 LPS and Sepsis: A Hidden Danger 52:38 Leaky Gut in Monkeys: A Comparative Study 54:59 Chronic Inflammation and Its Consequences 01:04:08 The Path to Sepsis and Organ Dysfunction 01:05:17 The New Model of Sepsis Treatment 01:09:06 Sources and Detection of LPS 01:13:45 The Role of Lipoproteins in Inactivating LPS 01:19:38 Practical Advice and Testing Protocols 01:21:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Dr. Tom O'Bryan is a recognized world expert on gluten and its impact on health. He is an internationally recognized and sought after speaker and workshop leader specializing in the complications of Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, Celiac Disease, and the development of Autoimmune Diseases, as they occur inside and outside of the intestines. His website is TheDr.com. Please register for his award-winning docuseries, TheInflammationEquation.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.

Oct 9, 2024 • 43min
Avoiding UltraProcessed Foods with The Holistic Kids: Rational Wellness Podcast 381
View the Show Notes For This Episode The Holistic Kids discuss Avoiding Ultraprocessed Foods 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 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 book The Teen Health Revolution: Unlocking lifestyle secrets to Optimizing the Mind, Body and Soul will be releasing in 2025. 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.

Oct 4, 2024 • 1h 3min
Fatty Liver Disease with Dr. Yousef Elyaman: Rational Wellness Podcast 380
View the Show Notes For This Episode Dr. Yousef Elyaman discusses Fatty Liver disease 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 Dr. Ben Weitz hosts a discussion with Dr. Yousef Elyaman on the significance of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, now known as Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). They explore its emergence as a leading cause of liver failure, affecting millions globally due to poor metabolic health. The discussion delves into causes such as insulin resistance, uric acid dysregulation, and oxidative stress. They assess diagnostic methods, including FibroScan technology and various laboratory tests. Dr. Elyaman highlights functional medicine approaches, focusing on dietary changes, exercise, and targeted nutraceuticals like berberine, curcumin, and omega-3s. 00:00 Introduction to Rational Wellness Podcast 00:26 Understanding Metabolic Associated Liver Disease 01:32 Meet Dr. Yousef Elyaman 02:30 The Importance of Fatty Liver Disease 03:46 Diagnosing Fatty Liver Disease 04:17 The Evolution of Fatty Liver Disease Terminology 07:17 Causes and Mechanisms of Fatty Liver Disease 17:07 Testing and Analyzing Fatty Liver 21:46 Advanced Testing and Treatment Plans 32:47 The Role of Semaglutide and Ozempic in Weight Management 33:33 Modified Mediterranean Food Plan for Fatty Liver 34:41 Exercise and Its Impact on Fatty Liver 36:50 Nutraceuticals for Insulin Resistance and Gut Health 37:55 Understanding Liver Enzymes and Oxidative Stress 40:52 Supplements for Fatty Liver and Overall Health 42:36 Functional Medicine Approach to Fatty Liver 50:31 Final Thoughts and Course Information Dr. Yousef Elyaman is a board certified Internist with a speciality in Functional Medicine. Dr. Elyaman is the founder and Medical Director of Absolute Health, a primary care functional medicine practice in Ocala, Florida. Dr. Elyaman also serves as the Medical Director for HumanN, a leading nutraceutical company, and as a consultant for Quest Diagnostics Laboratory's Wellness Division. He's teaching faculty for the Institute for Functional Medicine, specializing in their Cardiometabolic module. His website is AbsoluteHealthOcala.com. Dr. Elyaman offers a detailed course on Fatty Liver for practioners, The Functional Medicine Practitioner Essentials course on Fatty Liver. 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.

Sep 24, 2024 • 1h 19min
Reflux with Dr. Steven Sandberg-Lewis: Rational Wellness Podcast 379
View the Show Notes For This Episode Dr. Steven Sandberg-Lewis discusses Reflux 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 Understanding Reflux: Expert Insights with Dr. Steven Sandberg-Lewis In this episode of the Rational Wellness Podcast, Dr. Ben Weitz discusses various aspects of reflux with expert Dr. Steven Sandberg-Lewis. They explore the symptoms and types of reflux, including GERD, silent reflux, and bile reflux, and clarify terminologies like GER without D. Factors contributing to reflux, such as gastrointestinal motility issues, structural abnormalities like hiatal hernia, and lifestyle factors, are examined. They also discuss treatment options, ranging from medications like PPIs and histamine blockers to natural treatments including dietary adjustments, herbs, and supplements. The importance of diagnosing and managing Barrett's esophagus to prevent esophageal cancer is highlighted. Other topics covered include the use of melatonin, vagal tone exercises, and addressing H. pylori infections. The discussion underscores the significance of a holistic and individualized approach to managing reflux and related gastrointestinal conditions. 00:00 Introduction to Rational Wellness Podcast 00:27 Understanding Reflux and Its Symptoms 01:34 Types of Reflux and Their Differences 03:44 Mechanisms Behind Reflux 07:28 Heartburn vs. Reflux 13:52 Medications and Reflux 18:23 Bile Reflux Explained 33:28 Hiatal Hernia and Reflux 37:54 GLP-1 Agonists and Reflux 39:31 Hormone Imbalance and Menopause 42:05 Proton Pump Inhibitors and Reflux Management 47:08 H. Pylori and Its Implications 57:06 Natural Treatments for Reflux 59:11 Vagal Tone and Digestive Health 01:03:04 Dietary Approaches to Reflux 01:07:25 Prokinetics and Gastroparesis 01:08:11 Final Thoughts and Resources Dr. Steven Sandberg-Lewis has been a practicing Naturopathic Physician for 46 years and he continues to teach at the National University of Natural Medicine. He wrote an awesome medical textbook, Functional Gastroenterology, which is now in its second addition, and his newest book is Let's Be Real About Reflux: Getting to the Heart of Heartburn. His websites are FunctionalGastroenterology.com and HiveMindMedicine.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.

Sep 17, 2024 • 41min
Burning Mouth Syndrome with Dr. Susan Sklar: Rational Wellness Podcast 378
View the Show Notes For This Episode Dr. Susan Sklar discusses Burning Mouth Syndrome 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 Dr. Susan Sklar is a Harvard-trained gynecologist who practiced medicine at her private practice in Southern California for 30 years, and now consults internationally through her official website SusanSklarMD.com. Dr. Sklar pursued training in sexual function solutions for men and women and completed the nationally recognized fellowship in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine sponsored by the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. Dr. Sklar's current professional specialty is the development of breakthrough treatments for Burning Mouth Syndrome, a chronic, neuropathic pain condition that affects primarily menopausal women. Hundreds of women have found relief in the hormone balancing protocols developed by Dr. Sklar in her practice. 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.

Sep 10, 2024 • 1h 29min
Coronary Artery Disease with Dr. Ben Weitz: Rational Wellness Podcast 377
View the Show Notes For This Episode Dr. Ben Weitz discusses Coronary Artery Disease at the Functional Medicine Discussion Group meeting on August 22, 2024. This was the first annual Dr. Howard Elkin Memorial Integrative Cardiology Lecture. [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 4:32 The goals of this presentation 5:22 Heart disease continues to be the Number One killer 6:36 Plaque and Plaque rupture. 14:50 Other Risk Factors. 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.

Sep 4, 2024 • 53min
The TruAge Test of Biological Aging with Ryan Smith: Rational Wellness Podcast 376
View the Show Notes For This Episode Ryan Smith of TruDiagnostic discusses the Tru-Age Test of Biological Aging 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 3:48 DNA Methylation 6:28 The History of Biological Methylation Clocks. Ryan Smith is the CEO of TruDiagnostics, who offer the TruAge test, which is the best commercially available way to measure biological aging by measuring DNA methylation. Their website is TruDiagnostic.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.

Aug 28, 2024 • 55min
Oronasal Infections with Dr. Jamie Kunkle: Rational Wellness Podcast 375
View the Show Notes For This Episode Dr. Jamie Kunkle discusses Oronasal Infections 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 4:00 Oronasal system. 6:25 The microbiome of the oral and nasal cavities. 11:54 Biofilms. Dr. Jamie Kunkle has a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and a masters in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine. He has specialized in working with complex chronic disease patients including those with Lyme and other chronic infections and autoimmunity. He currently works at Gordon Medical in San Rafael, California. Their phone number is 415-767-6100 and the website is GordonMedical.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.

Aug 21, 2024 • 1h 2min
The Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms with Lee Carroll: Rational Wellness Podcast 374
View the Show Notes For This Episode Lee Carroll discusses The Benefits of Medicinal Mushrooms 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 3:00 The Science of Medicinal Mushrooms. 7:17 Cancer and Mushrooms. 10:00 Mushrooms and Cardiovascular Health. 14:59 Cholesterol. 15:39 Cooked mushrooms. 18:00 Ergothioneine. Lee Carroll is the chief medical herbalist of Real Mushrooms, a nutritional supplement company. The website is RealMushrooms.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.

Aug 14, 2024 • 1h 10min
The Hypothalamus, Pituitary, Adrenal, Thyroid axis with Alan Barrier: Rational Wellness Podcast 373
View the Show Notes For This Episode Alan Barrier discusses The Hypothalamus, Pituitary, Adrenal, Thyroid Axis 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 Alan Barrier is the National Product Sales Training Manager for Standard Process supplement company. The website is StandardProcess.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.


