Cover art for a podcast titled 'A Functional Approach' featuring Dr. Jim Chialtas, DACM, with a smiling older man wearing a stethoscope and dark gray shirt, against a beige background with a medicine-related pattern.

Blog & Podcast

Welcome to my blog, where you’ll find articles and links to my podcast episodes.

If you’d like to discuss your health concerns or ask some specific questions, please contact me and we can get started on your journey to balanced health!

Understanding Testosterone Use: A Personal Choice with Potential Consequences
Functional Medicine, Hormonal Health Jim Chialtas, DACM Functional Medicine, Hormonal Health Jim Chialtas, DACM

Understanding Testosterone Use: A Personal Choice with Potential Consequences

Considering testosterone therapy? It's vital to know the risks beyond the benefits. Discover how HRT can disrupt your body's natural hormone balance and why "testosterone overload" can have permanent consequences. Read the full article to make an informed decision about your hormonal health.

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Uncovering Hidden Causes of Heart Disease
Functional Medicine, Heart Health Jim Chialtas, DACM Functional Medicine, Heart Health Jim Chialtas, DACM

Uncovering Hidden Causes of Heart Disease

If you’re concerned about plaque buildup or heart disease, don’t settle for a cholesterol-only approach. There is a growing body of evidence pointing to infections and inflammation as significant, yet often overlooked, contributors. Lowering cholesterol may be helpful, but without addressing underlying infections and inflammation, the progression of heart disease may continue unchecked.

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Understanding Your Thyroid Hormones

Understanding Your Thyroid Hormones

Do you ever wonder why you feel terrible, yet your doctor tells you that everything is normal? Perhaps you are experiencing low energy, hair loss, weight gain, constipation, or depression, but nobody can explain why. It is quite possible that you have an underlying thyroid imbalance.

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Understanding Anemia: Types, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Understanding Anemia: Types, Symptoms, and Diagnosis

Anemia is a common yet often overlooked health condition that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Despite its prevalence, many people are unaware of what anemia truly is, the different types that exist, and the symptoms that may indicate its presence. This comprehensive guide will delve into the three primary types of anemia, their common symptoms, and how to determine which type you may have.

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The Neurology of Will Power (and how to improve goal setting success)
Functional Medicine, Neurology, Emotional Wellness Jim Chialtas, DACM Functional Medicine, Neurology, Emotional Wellness Jim Chialtas, DACM

The Neurology of Will Power (and how to improve goal setting success)

In this 80th episode I discuss some neurological concepts regarding Will Power. More specifically I discuss the Anterior Midcingulate Cortex and how it can have dramatic impacts on our ability to do those things we would rather not do, but know that they are good for us.

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Fibromyalgia - Chronic Pain That Can Be Helped!
Functional Medicine, FullScript, Chronic Pain Jim Chialtas, DACM Functional Medicine, FullScript, Chronic Pain Jim Chialtas, DACM

Fibromyalgia - Chronic Pain That Can Be Helped!

Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition that causes widespread pain and tenderness in the body, and often comes with chronic fatigue as well. If you are suffering from fibromyalgia, you may be interested in an approach that does not require prescription medications. Functional Medicine looks for the root cause of health issues so help the body get back into balance.

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A Deep Dive into the Neurology of Chronic Pain
Functional Medicine, FullScript, Chronic Pain Jim Chialtas, DACM Functional Medicine, FullScript, Chronic Pain Jim Chialtas, DACM

A Deep Dive into the Neurology of Chronic Pain

Regardless of whether you have chronic neck or back pain, fibromyalgia, headaches, or other conditions, the process of pain perception in the brain is largely the same. In this episode I will discuss not only a few supplement-based therapies, but how the suffering from pain is largely an emotional concept. Many cases of chronic pain can effectively be helped through working on emotional stagnations.

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Struggling with Brain Fog? Think Clearly Again!
Functional Medicine, Brain Health, FullScript Jim Chialtas, DACM Functional Medicine, Brain Health, FullScript Jim Chialtas, DACM

Struggling with Brain Fog? Think Clearly Again!

Brain fog is a surprisingly common complaint I hear from patients. This frustrating symptom often stems from brain inflammation, which slows cognitive function. An inflamed brain is a slow brain. It produces the “fog” we feel when trying to get out a thought, a word, or retrieve a memory. While the root causes vary and require a thorough evaluation, nutritional and herbal approaches can help reduce inflammation and improve mental clarity.

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Functional Dysautonomia - How Neurological Imbalance Can Effect the Gut Health and More
Functional Medicine, COVID-19, Neurology Jim Chialtas, DACM Functional Medicine, COVID-19, Neurology Jim Chialtas, DACM

Functional Dysautonomia - How Neurological Imbalance Can Effect the Gut Health and More

In this 75th episode I discuss a neurological imbalance referred to as functional dysautonomia, which is an imbalance of the sympathetic (fight or flight) & parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous system functions.

I also share a story about when my dog Cheddar and I were stalked by two coyotes in a local canyon.

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Let It Go… Staying Strong When Others are Struggling
Functional Medicine, COVID-19, Emotional Wellness Jim Chialtas, DACM Functional Medicine, COVID-19, Emotional Wellness Jim Chialtas, DACM

Let It Go… Staying Strong When Others are Struggling

In this 74th episode, as I continue to recover from a bout of Covid-19, I ponder some concepts around taking on the negativity of those around us. As an empathic person, I find this to be a common challenge for me which absolutely challenges my health.

I offer a musical meditation piece called "We are Truth" which is something that speaks to me when I feel the need to remember to focus on a more centering perspective, and to let go of the things which are working against me.

Let go of those things which are working to bring you down. Most of the time, they are not really your burden to bear...

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Are You an Acupuncturist Who’s Curious About Functional Medicine?
Functional Medicine, CEU Courses Jim Chialtas, DACM Functional Medicine, CEU Courses Jim Chialtas, DACM

Are You an Acupuncturist Who’s Curious About Functional Medicine?

I am passionate about Functional Medicine. Since beginning my private Acupuncture practice in 2003, I have trained extensively in Functional Medicine. I find it both compatible and extremely valuable in caring for my patients, in tandem with TCM.

As a fellow Acupuncturist, you have probably heard about this modality, which focuses on blood work and lab tests to determine where the patient’s health imbalances are coming from. These diagnostic methods also allow the patient to see first hand the progress of their therapy.

One of my professional goals is to help educate other practitioners, which is why I have partnered with Acupuncture Insights to offer CEU courses in 4 major Functional Medicine topics.

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Fighting Nasty Viruses, Functionally
Functional Medicine, Supplements, FullScript, COVID-19 Jim Chialtas, DACM Functional Medicine, Supplements, FullScript, COVID-19 Jim Chialtas, DACM

Fighting Nasty Viruses, Functionally

In this 73rd episode I come to you in recovery from sickness. It started with my daughter, then to my wife, and then on to me. Like it does when living in close quarters.

Today I offer a short update on my health status, a little background on what my family has been experiencing (apparently COVID-19 as of positive tests this morning), a little reminder that it is okay to sit still sometimes and do nothing, and some nutraceutical/supplement advice for immune support as both preventative or therapeutic actions if sick with a virus.

We will discuss Vitamin D, Glutathione, Vitamin C, and other anti-viral support.

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“Who Are You Calling Fat?!” says the liver…
Functional Medicine, Autoimmunity, Fatty Liver Jim Chialtas, DACM Functional Medicine, Autoimmunity, Fatty Liver Jim Chialtas, DACM

“Who Are You Calling Fat?!” says the liver…

In this 72nd episode I discuss the aptly-named condition "fatty liver," otherwise known as Steatosis.

Just like any other tissue of the body, the liver can begin to accumulate fatty deposits. This can hinder the function of the liver and even lead to destruction and more significant disease.

In this episode we will cover just what a fatty liver condition involves, how people get there, why it is not something you want, and how to reverse it.

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