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 Hormonal Changes - from Perimenopause to PCOS
In this episode, I dive into the world of women’s hormonal health, exploring the nuances of perimenopause and its impact.
Create a Custom Probiotic Supplement Smoothie!
Looking for the perfect probiotic? This smoothie is created by you to supplement the veggies you are missing. Check it out!
Pre-, Pro-, and Post-Biotics... A recipe for a healthy gut!
What’s the formula to a healthy gut? In this article I’ll explain the differences in all the “biotics” you may be hearing about, how they work to keep your gut in tip-top condition, and how they boost your overall health!
The Importance of Sleep
In this podcast episode “The Importance of Sleep,” I dive deep into:
The biological processes involved in sleep and wakefulness
Expert tips for creating a healthy sleep environment
The relationship between sleep and mental health
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Supplements to Improve Brain Fog
Dr. Jim has put together this helpful collection of high quality, therapeutic supplements that can help with "brain fog." He explains the benefits of each one, and provides a link to FullScript where they can easily be ordered.
Functional Medicine vs. Mainstream Medicine - What’s the Difference?
In Dr. Jim’s premier YouTube video, he explains his top 3 differences between Functional Medicine and Western or mainstream medicine in the United States.
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.
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...
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.
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.
“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.
Much Ado About Mold - Is Mold Harming You?
In this 71st episode I discuss several concepts around mold exposure. For sure mold is a hot topic in many circles. But how do you know if it is really a significant concern for you?
We will discuss the pros and cons of different types of testing for blood and urine, and how a home / office test, can be an important step.
We also discuss some of the more common symptoms of mold exposure, and just how something like this can be a significant "driver" for other medical conditions like autoimmunity.
Eat Fat to Burn Fat - The Ketogenic Diet
In this 41st episode we discuss concepts around a ketogenic diet, otherwise known as nutritional ketosis.
We will discuss what a ketone is as compared to glucose, how best to get into ketosis, why a person would do such a thing, and how the benefits can extend way beyond simple weight loss efforts.
Listen in and look beyond the more well known faddish concepts of Keto dieting! There is so much more to the story.
Ketogenic Diet | Keto Diet | Ketosis
The Gluten-Anxiety Connection
In this 61st episode we explore just how something like gluten, a protein found in grains, can be a significant driving force in the development and expression of anxiety, depression, and really any other mental/emotional concern.
We will discuss the role of the vagus nerve, the blood brain barrier, the gut barrier, antibody cross-reaction, GAD enzymes, deep cerebellar nuclei, purkinjie cells, and more! Yep nerdy stuff here, but fascinating and empowering once you see the connections.
Don't let something like anxiety or depression go untreated. Often times it is something you are doing every day that drives the whole business.
Gluten Cross Reactions - It Isn’t Just in Your Gut!
In this episode we will discuss some less-known concepts around gluten and how it can impact areas of the body, seemingly unrelated to the digestive system. As it turns out, upwards of 70% of gluten reactions are located in the brain and nervous system... Not in the gut!
This episode will focus on the topic of "cross-reactivity," which translates into "cases of mistaken identity." Sometimes the immune system just can't tell the difference.
Learn some foods which look and act a lot like gluten for the gluten sensitive population, and what tissues in the body also look a lot like gluten.
Lastly, we will discuss how gluten and autoimmune disease can be linked. This episode takes the basic concepts of gluten sensitivity and exposes the darker reality.
More helpful articles. Click on a category below...
- Acupuncture
- Autoimmunity
- Brain Health
- CEU Courses
- COVID-19
- Cholesterol
- Chronic Pain
- Chronic conditions
- Emotional Wellness
- Fatigue
- Fatty Liver
- FullScript
- Functional Medicine
- Getting Tested
- Gluten free
- Health Myths
- Health News
- Heart Health
- Hormonal Health
- Leaky Gut
- Mental Health
- Neurology
- Personal Stories
- Podcasts and interviews
- Proactive Healthcare
- Recipes
- Sleep Quality
- Specialized diets
- Supplements
- Thyroid conditions
- Weight Loss
- Women's Health