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Hello and welcome to Optimal - The Podcast I’m your host Dr. Dicken Weatherby. This podcast and my website all focus on one goal the quest for optimal health. Our goal is to provide content that upends the expectations of health – challenging people who are satisfied with normal and motivating them to desire what’s optimal.
Episodes
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
Tuesday Apr 30, 2024
Welcome to Episode 25 of Optimal - the Podcast! In this episode, we discuss the concept of modifiable risk factors.
Dr. Weatherby and Beth Ellen discuss modifiable risk factors related to lifestyle choices impacting health, pointing out the impact of unhealthy habits on conditions like cardiovascular disease and blood sugar dysregulation. Also, the lack of physical activity, poor sleep, smoking, excess alcohol intake, and stress management are highlighted as key modifiable factors affecting health. They emphasize the crucial importance of early risk recognition before diagnosis.
They also discuss strategies for addressing risk factors like dietary improvements and emphasizing whole foods over processed items. Additionally, exercise routines and stress management techniques such as deep breathing and meditation are highlighted for better health outcomes, as these modifications significantly impact biomarkers associated with chronic diseases.
Tune in to learn more about modifiable risk factors impacting your health! Don't miss out on valuable insights to enhance your well-being today!
Episode Highlights:
- ( 01:50 ) Recognizing risks that are modifiable and lifestyle choices can become risk factors
- ( 03:13 ) Making choices and dealing with traditional approaches
- ( 08:26 ) Implementation of the DASH diet and translating it into dietary choices
- ( 14:11 ) Discussion on modifiable risk factors
- ( 16:36 ) Utilizing techniques like box breathing and meditation for stress management
- ( 22:05 ) Link between sleep duration and cardiovascular risk factors
- ( 26:26 ) Impact of sleep duration on biomarkers and metabolic health
- ( 32:07 ) About a research study on health coaching and disease biomarkers
- ( 35:51 ) Utilizing coaching sessions and supplements for health revival
- ( 40:29 ) Exploring a detailed study and blog post for comprehensive information
Resources Discussed in This Podcast
Lewis, Thomas J et al. "Reduction in Chronic Disease Risk and Burden in a 70-Individual Cohort Through Modification of Health Behaviors." Cureus vol. 12,8 e10039. 26 Aug. 2020, doi:10.7759/cureus.10039
Link to download the article in PDF format:
https://www.optimaldx.com/hubfs/pdf/Lewis_ChronicDisease%20TempAssess_2020_32983729.pdf
How Lifestyle Choices Affect Blood Chemistry Results
PROOF: Modification of Health Behaviors Reduces Chronic Disease Risk
https://www.optimaldx.com/blog/proof-modification-of-health-behaviors-reduces-chronic-disease-risk
Where to Reach Dr. Dicken Weatherby
Where to Reach Beth Ellen DiLuglio
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Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Tuesday Feb 13, 2024
Welcome to Episode 24 of Optimal - the Podcast! In this episode, we are joined by Dr. William S. Harris, PhD, FASN, President and Founder of The Fatty Acid Research Institute (FARI) and Founder of OmegaQuant Analytics. Dr. Harris has been a leading researcher in the omega-3 fatty acid field for 40 years. He has published over 300 scientific papers on fatty acids and health, the vast majority focusing on omega-3.
Dr. Weatherby, Beth Ellen, and Dr. Harris discuss various topics related to omega-3 fatty acids. Dr. Harris discusses his work on omega-3 fatty acids and the development of the omega-3 index test. This test measures blood levels of omega-3 fatty acids and is an important risk factor for heart disease. Increasing the intake of EPA and DHA through fish or supplements can raise the omega-3 index and improve cardiovascular health.
Dr. Harris also discusses the low percentage of people worldwide who meet the minimum intake requirement for EPA and DHA. He further talks about potential solutions, such as genetically modifying plants to produce omega-3s or using algal sources. He touches on concerns about GMOs and quality control, testing for omega-3 levels, and recommended dosages.
Unlock the secrets of omega-3 fatty acids in this episode of Optimal - the Podcast! Join Dr. William S. Harris, a renowned expert with 40 years of research, as he digs into the vital role of omega-3s in heart health.
Episode Highlights:
- (01:01) Introduction for William Harris
- (02:29) Dr. Harris talks about his introduction to the study of omega-3 fatty acids
- (06:22) Measuring omega-3 index levels in the blood
- (09:43) Development of omega-3 research
- (14:08) Understanding omega-3 pathways and recommendations for practitioners
- (18:37) Importance of standardizing the method and expression of omega-3 levels
- (31:41) Incorporating omega-3 assessments into medical practice
- (38:05) Importance of baseline testing and monitoring progress
- (38:29) Information on obtaining omega-3 index testing from Omega Quant
- (44:23) Information on accessing Dr. Harris' research articles
Where to Reach Dr. Dicken Weatherby
Where to Reach Dr. William Harris
Where to Reach Beth Ellen DiLuglio
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Friday Dec 08, 2023
Friday Dec 08, 2023
Welcome to Episode 23 of Optimal - the Podcast! In this episode, we are going to discuss iron metabolism.
We will discuss the high proportion of questions related to iron metabolism. We will also touch on iron physiology, including the role of hepcidin in regulating iron absorption, the impact of chronic inflammatory states on hepcidin expression, and the effect of gastric acid on iron absorption. The importance of balancing iron levels will also be discussed to avoid both deficiency anemia and iron overload. Free iron can cause oxidative stress, so proper binding is necessary during transport. Furthermore, we will explore biomarkers for iron levels and the absorption and utilization of iron in the body.
In addition, we mention that iron deficiency anemia is a prevalent nutrient deficiency, and we discuss the importance of accurately assessing it, including its symptoms. Lastly, emphasize the need for regular screening to detect iron deficiency at earlier stages before more severe complications arise.
Join us in this episode, where we unravel the mysteries of iron metabolism. Don't miss out on valuable insights - hit play now and optimize your knowledge of iron health!
Episode Highlights:
- (01:39) A deep dive into iron metabolism
- (02:44) Understanding how iron moves through the body
- (04:10) About peptide hormone called hepcidin
- (05:09) Another aspect is gastric acid
- (07:33) Anemia of chronic disease
- (12:36) Iron deficiency anemia
- (19:01) Dopamine as the main neurotransmitter of the motivational component of reward and reinforcement
- (20:46) Why we do Functional Blood Chemistry Analysis
- (24:40) Diabetes and other endocrine glands
- (27:20) The signs and symptoms of inherited iron overload
- (28:57) Iron biomarkers
- (32:36) What happens in iron deficiency anemia
- (35:12) How to address an altered iron status
- (40:20) Specific proteins that can inhibit the absorption of iron
ODX's Iron Metabolism Series
- Iron Metabolism Part 1 - Introduction to Iron Metabolism
- Iron Metabolism Part 2 - The physiology of iron
- Iron Metabolism Part 3 - Disorders associated with altered iron status: Iron Deficiency Anemia
- Iron Metabolism Part 4 - Disorders associated with altered iron status: Iron Overload
- Iron Metabolism Part 5 - Biomarkers of iron status
- Iron Metabolism Part 6 - Addressing disorders associated with altered Iron status
- Iron Metabolism Part 7 - ODX Optimal Takeaways and References
Where to Reach Dr. Dicken Weatherby
Dicken Weatherby LinkedIn
Optimal DX Resource Center
Optimal DX Blog
Where to Reach Beth Ellen DiLuglio
Nutrition Mission
Beth Ellen DiLuglio LinkedIn
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Education is the most effective way to make a change. Help others get the information they need by sharing this episode!
Friday Nov 17, 2023
Friday Nov 17, 2023
Welcome to Episode 22 of "Optimal - the Podcast," where we delve into the facets of health that truly make a difference. In this insightful episode, we're honored to host Lindsay Goddard to discuss the Organic Acids Test from Mosaic Diagnostic, formerly Great Plains Laboratory.
Lindsay Goddard is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian (RD, LD/N) with a Master's in Nutrition and a Bachelor's in Biology with a concentration in Human Physiology and Ecology. She has additional training in Integrative and Functional Nutrition and is currently finishing a Graduate Certificate in Toxicology from the University of South Florida. Lindsay began her career as a dietitian by working in one of the largest hospitals in Florida, specializing in recovery nutrition and critical care. She went on to serve in university-based outpatient clinics, where she concentrated on gastroenterology, genetics, and oncology. She followed with working in the NICU and Pediatrics in a level II facility until she began educating and advising on functional medicine testing. She has spoken on various platforms nationally and internationally on metabolomics, immunology, and toxicology, educating providers on its relevance and utility. She now serves as a Medical Science Liaison on Fullscript's Integrative Medical Advisory team, along with running a successful private practice where she specializes in pediatrics and GI disorders, as well as working in a physiatry clinic focusing on nutrition management for brain and spinal cord injuries.
During our conversation, Lindsay sheds light on the Organic Acid Test (OAT) and its critical role in achieving optimal health. OAT is a sophisticated laboratory analysis that scrutinizes cellular metabolic waste to identify nutrient deficiencies, signs of inflammation, toxic exposures, and microbial imbalances.
Lindsay elaborates on how organic acids, the metabolic byproducts from humans, bacteria, and fungi, are integral to understanding our body's metabolic processes. The OAT offers a window into the body's use of nutrients and exposes metabolic functions that might be contributing to health issues, aiming to pinpoint deficiencies, inflammatory processes, toxicity, and dysbiosis.
Further exploring the practical applications of OAT, Lindsay discusses the frequency of testing in relation to specific deficiencies and how it complements other tests, such as CBC, CMP, and stool analyses. She also delves into the assessment of oxidative stress and detoxification markers and the examination of intestinal microbial overgrowth, breaking it down to its yeast, fungal, and bacterial constituents.
A fascinating part of our discussion highlights the relationship between clostridia bacterial markers and dopamine regulation, suggesting possible psychiatric implications. Lindsay doesn't shy away from complex topics such as cellular turnover, DNA synthesis, folate metabolism, ketone levels as an indication of blood sugar regulation, and the nuances of fatty acid oxidation - vital considerations for those on low-carb diets and how these reflect on carnitine and riboflavin requirements, as well as pattern recognition.
Beyond individual biomarkers, Lindsay emphasizes the importance of pattern recognition in the understanding of human physiology and metabolism. She also clarifies how creatinine levels are used to normalize metabolic markers in urine samples. Addressing deficiencies, she underlines the role of a balanced diet and effective stress management in maintaining one's health.
Join us to uncover the vital insights and practical applications of the Organic Acid Test and empower yourself with the knowledge to understand and address bodily deficiencies for improved health.
Episode Highlights:
- (00:52) Introduction of Lindsay Goddard
- (6:02) Definition of Organic Acid Test
- (8:07) Explains how Organic Acid Test work and the suggested time gap of re-testing
- (11:31) Other laboratory procedures that needed to justify the results of OAT and what categories can be seen in the result
- (24:16) How to determine what kind of follow-up test a patient would need
- (37:14) How to explain OAT results, importance of clinical history and retesting, and OAT practice
- (47:22) Explains how to utilize OAT by medical practitioners and Awareness on the importance of the test
- (51:52) Importance of spreading awareness about the OAT and educating practitioners
Where to Reach Dr. Dicken Weatherby
Dicken Weatherby LinkedIn
Optimal DX Resource Center
Optimal DX Blog
Where to Reach Lindsay Goddard
Lindsay Goddard LinkedIn
Lindsay's Website
Where to Reach Beth Ellen DiLuglio
Nutrition Mission
Beth Ellen DiLuglio LinkedIn
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If you enjoy today's conversation, please click here to leave a review for Optimal - The Podcast.
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Education is the most effective way to make a change. Help others get the information they need by sharing this episode!
Monday Nov 06, 2023
Monday Nov 06, 2023
Welcome to Episode 21 of Optimal - the Podcast! In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Julia Malkowski, who graduated with a doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine in December 2017, with advanced standing, and a doctorate in Chiropractic Medicine in April 2016 from the National University of Health Sciences.
Dr. Dicken, Beth Ellen, and Dr. Malkowski discuss various topics related to health and wellness. Dr. Malkowski talks about how she came to practice naturopathic medicine. She talks about using naturopathic therapies to get her infant son back to health. She also describes her work with Doctor's Data, highlighting their emphasis on examining markers for intestinal permeability and the examination of the gut flora. At Doctor's Data, they also touch on other fields of expertise like cardiometabolic endocrinology and environmental exposure detoxification.
Additionally, Dr. Malkowski covers multiple types of tests like blood, urine, hair, and stool testing and discusses numerous tests and techniques for determining toxins in the body, including glyphosate and Thallium. She also discusses nutritional assessment using tests of RBC elements and blood spots for vitamin D and DNA methylation.
Ready to optimize your health? Tune in now to learn from Dr. Julia Malkowski about naturopathic medicine, gut health, toxin testing, and more in this episode of Optimal - The Podcast!
Episode Highlights:
- (01:38) Introduction for Dr. Julia Malkowski
- (03:19) Dr. Mikowski's personal journey and how she became involved in healthcare and preventative medicine
- (06:12) Her education at the National University of Health Sciences
- (07:43) Dr. Mikowski's current focus and work at Doctor's Data
- (08:17) Functional testing and the specific tests offered by Doctor's Data
- (12:58) Insulin sensitivity
- (14:16) Hepatic detox profile and how it measures phase one and phase two detoxification
- (18:05) Blood spot testing and its expansion
- (24:01) About her day-to-day work at Doctor's Data
- (26:05) Geographical distribution of toxins
- (31:30) Diet and toxin exposure
- (35:07) Practical suggestions for improving health
- (43:41) Her article published in the Townsend Letter about bacteria and the hunter-gatherer diet
Where to Reach Dr. Dicken Weatherby
Dicken Weatherby LinkedIn
Optimal DX Resource Center
Optimal DX Blog
Where to Reach Dr. Julia Malkowski
Dr. Julia Malkowski Website
Dr. Julia Malkowski LinkedIn
Dr. Julia Malkowski Instagram
Where to Reach Beth Ellen DiLuglio
Nutrition Mission
Beth Ellen DiLuglio LinkedIn
Did you find today's episode helpful?
If you enjoy today's conversation, please click here to leave a review for Optimal - The Podcast.
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Education is the most effective way to make a change. Help others get the information they need by sharing this episode!
Thursday Sep 28, 2023
Thursday Sep 28, 2023
Welcome to Episode 20 of Optimal - the Podcast! In this episode, we are joined by Dr. David Brady, Chief Medical Officer of Designs for Health, Inc. and Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, LLC.
Dr. Dicken, Beth-Ellen, and Dr. Brady discuss the importance of individualized diagnostics in treating complex chronic diseases and emphasize the need to shift from standard medicines to precision ones. Dr. Brady also shares Diagnostic Solutions Lab's novel testing strategy and mission to offer state-of-the-art solutions for successfully treating chronic conditions. He also talks about his experience with several GI microbiota analysis tests. While 16S sequencing is helpful for research, he explains that it is not the best method for making clinical decisions because it lacks quantitative data. For making diagnostic decisions, he recommends targeted quantitative PCR testing instead.
Additionally, Dr. Brady brings up their signature test, the GI map, which combines quantitative PCR and stool chemistry to provide a comprehensive picture of the GI environment. They also discuss the application of modern metabolomics and genomics testing techniques in functional medicine. He suggests employing combination solutions with botanicals and volatile oils as antimicrobials rather than relying solely on sensitivity tests.
Discover the future of precision medicine in treating chronic diseases with cutting-edge diagnostics and innovative testing strategies. Join the conversation today for a healthier tomorrow!
Episode Highlights:
(00:41) Introduction for Dr. David Brady
(02:16) His clinical practice and background
(07:08) The interplay around the identification and the management of complex chronic disease in his experience
(12:24) What type of testing Diagnostic Solutions offers
(16:38) Molecular diagnostics and the GI Effects test
(17:44) The targeted quantitative probes for beneficial organisms, commensals, or opportunistic organisms
(19:58) Overview of the GI map and the leading stool test
(21:49) Opus 23 and Genomic Insight for data analysis
(23:16) Dr. Brady's favorite natural antibiotic and how to get probiotics to colonize in the gut
(33:01) Diagnostic Solutions Lab and their collaboration with Designs for Health for DSL's landmark "Spotlight Tests"
(41:54) Navigating the DSL website!
(45:08) Metabolomics testing
(49:30) Roles of AI playing in the future of functional integrative, naturopathic, and nutritional medicine
(53:11) Where to find Dr. David Brady
About Dr. David Brady
Dr. David M. Brady has over 30 years of experience as an integrative practitioner and over 25 years in health sciences academia. He is a licensed naturopathic medical physician in Connecticut and Vermont, is board-certified in functional medicine and clinical nutrition, and is a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition.
He was the long-time vice president for health sciences and director of the Human Nutrition Institute at the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, where he continues to serve as director and professor emeritus. He maintains a private practice within the integrative medicine group Whole Body Medicine, in Fairfield,
CT (USA).
Dr. Brady is also the Chief Medical Officer for Designs for Health, Inc. and Diagnostic Solutions Labs, LLC, and is an expert consultant to the nutritional supplement and clinical laboratory industries. He is an internationally sought-after presenter on nutritional, functional, and integrative medicine.
Where to Reach Dr. David Brady
Where to Reach Dr. Dicken Weatherby
Dicken Weatherby LinkedIn
Optimal DX Resource Center
Optimal DX Blog
Where to Reach Beth Ellen DiLuglio
Nutrition Mission
Beth Ellen DiLuglio LinkedIn
Did you find today's episode helpful?
If you enjoy today's conversation, please click here to leave a review for Optimal - The Podcast.
Get notified when a new episode comes out by subscribing to Optimal - The Podcast on your favorite podcast app!
Education is the most effective way to make a change. Help others get the information they need by sharing this episode!
Wednesday Jun 14, 2023
Wednesday Jun 14, 2023
Welcome to Episode 19 of Optimal - the Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Dicken Weatherby and Beth Ellen talk to Kathie M. Swift about sarcopenia, a condition that results in the loss of muscle mass and strength.
Kathie's interest in sarcopenia stems from her early observations as a nursing student, where she noticed muscle loss in elderly patients. Her personal experiences with her mother's battle with ALS and her own struggle with Lyme disease further fuel her curiosity about muscle health. She discovers that sarcopenia is not widely recognized as a diagnosis and decides to delve deeper into the topic.
Kathie shares the definition, risk factors, and the importance of personalized nutrition and exercise in maintaining muscle health. She also discusses protein intake, micronutrients, assessment tools, lab biomarkers, and potential supplements. Katie also discusses the importance of collaboration and personalization in addressing the condition.
Tune in and take action now to combat sarcopenia and maintain muscle health by prioritizing personalized nutrition and exercise in your daily routine.
Episode Highlights:
( 01:03 ) Kathie's experiences have made her develop an interest in sarcopenia and muscle health.
( 03:42 ) Statistics on the prevalence of sarcopenia
( 09:43 ) Impact of early life history on sarcopenia and the first studies conducted on the subject
( 18:57 ) Role of animal protein in sarcopenia and the need for a holistic approach to nutrition.
( 28:58 ) Kathie's research on whole-food diets and the importance of studying food combinations
( 35:03 ) The use of the mini nutritional assessment and other tools for assessing the risk of sarcopenia, like body comp analysis
( 41:37 ) Multimarker approach to biomarkers and the use of nutritional and inflammation markers
( 45:03 ) Research on gut microbiota signatures in relation to sarcopenia
( 50:06 ) The role of supplements and exercise for preventing and treating sarcopenia and the importance of individualized treatment plans
( 57:51 ) The importance of myography and wearables for monitoring sarcopenia
About Kathie Swift
Kathie Swift, MS, RDN, LDN, FAND, EBQ is a registered dietitian nutritionist who has been dubbed "the mother of integrative and functional nutrition" by thought leaders in the field and has been recognized by Today's Dietitian as "a dietitian making a difference."
Kathie maintains a heart-core approach to educating healthcare professionals. She received her Master of Science in Nutrition from Arizona State University and has held diverse positions throughout her career. Kathie pioneered leading-edge functional nutrition programs at Dr. Mark Hyman's UltraWellness Center, Canyon Ranch Health Resorts, and Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health. She has been the Nutrition Education Director for the Center for Mind-Body Medicine's highly acclaimed "Food As Medicine" professional training program for over 20 years.
Kathie is a contributing author for the medical textbooks Integrative Gastroenterology and Integrative Women's Health, published by Oxford University Press, as well as the clinical nutrition textbook Krause and Mahan's Food Nutrition Care Process. She serves on numerous advisory boards, including 3x4 Genetics, Integrative Healthcare Symposium, and Integrative Medicine: A Clinician's Journal. Kathie is a scientific reviewer for Military Medicine and served on the Institute for Functional Medicine's inaugural Nutrition Advisory Board.
An inspirational educator, you'll meet Kathie at numerous health and nutrition conferences and online summits. She has been interviewed in hundreds of articles published in the US and internationally. Kathie teaches her audience and students how to create vibrant, nourishing lives for themselves and their clients, combining the best of modern nutritional science, integrative and functional medicine, mind-body modalities, and ancient healing practices.
Where to Reach Kathie Swift
Kathie Swift Website
Kathie Swift Instagram
Kathie Swift Facebook
Kathie Swift Twitter
Where to Reach Dr. Dicken Weatherby
Dicken Weatherby LinkedIn
Optimal DX Resource Center
Optimal DX Blog
Where to Reach Beth Ellen DiLuglio
Nutrition Mission
Beth Ellen DiLuglio LinkedIn
Did you find today's episode helpful?
If you enjoy today's conversation, please click here to leave a review for Optimal - The Podcast.
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Education is the most effective way to make a change. Help others get the information they need by sharing this episode!
Thursday May 25, 2023
Thursday May 25, 2023
Welcome to Episode 18 of Optimal - the Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Dicken Weatherby and Beth Ellen will discuss assessing insulin resistance and blood glucose regulation with a new index they've been researching and looking into.
The triglyceride glucose index (TyG index) is a valuable measure that combines fasting triglyceride and fasting glucose levels to assess insulin resistance. Insulin resistance occurs when the body's cells become less responsive to the effects of insulin, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. Additionally, fasting glucose and insulin levels can provide valuable insights into insulin resistance. Furthermore, numerous studies have consistently demonstrated that adhering to the Mediterranean diet reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.
Beth also mentioned the novel inflammatory marker called GlycA derived from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. It measures the concentration of glycosylated acute-phase proteins in the blood. Elevated levels of GlycA have been consistently linked to various inflammatory conditions. Dicken and Beth discuss what biomarkers to measure for elite athletes and the dangers of PPIs, and Dicken gets on his soapbox discussing hypochlorhydria!
Take control of your health today and embrace proactive choices for a healthier you!
Episode Highlights:
(03:02) Triglyceride Glucose (TyG) Index
(05:04) Physiology behind the index
(08:00) The many tools we can use to help us uncover potential insulin resistance
(11:24) Mediterranean diet as the best approach for cardiometabolic issues
(14:07) GlycA biomarker for inflammation
(23:56) How sweating can deplete electrolytes and minerals
(30:29) Biomarkers testing for elite athletes
(40:23) Nutrient deficiencies
(47:14) Dangers of PPIs
(49:36) Hypochorhydia
(54:43) The ODX Membership
Where to Reach Dr. Dicken Weatherby
Dicken Weatherby LinkedIn
Optimal DX Website
Optimal DX Resource Center
Optimal DX Blog
Where to Reach Beth Ellen DiLuglio
Nutrition Mission
Beth Ellen DiLuglio LinkedIn
Did you find today's episode helpful?
If you enjoy today's conversation, please click here to leave a review for Optimal - The Podcast.
Get notified when a new episode comes out by subscribing to Optimal - The Podcast on your favorite podcast app!
Education is the most effective way to make a change. Help others get the information they need by sharing this episode!
Thursday Apr 27, 2023
Thursday Apr 27, 2023
Welcome to Episode 17 of Optimal - the Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Weatherby and Beth Ellen DiLuglio are joined by Dr. Uma Naidoo to discuss her ground-breaking work in Nutritional Psychiatry.
Dr. Uma Naidoo, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist and nutrition expert, has been at the forefront of this field and has written a book called "This Is Your Brain on Food," which explores the relationship between food and mental health.
Listen in as Dr. Naidoo introduces the practice of nutritional psychiatry, which involves educating patients about the importance of a balanced diet and how certain food can affect mood, cognition, and behavior. One nutrient that Dr. Naidoo highlights as particularly important for mental health is folate because an adequate folate intake has been associated with a lower risk of depression and other mental health conditions. They also discuss the issue of adulteration of our food, with many products containing additives and preservatives that can negatively affect our health. For patients in lower socioeconomic groups, Dr. Naidoo recommends making healthy food more accessible and affordable, such as shopping at farmers' markets or using food co-ops.
Dr. Naidoo also discusses the importance of "brain food" for children, including omega-3 fatty acids, choline, and zinc. She also shares a method of food preparation that some parents use to make vegetables more palatable for picky eaters, which is beneficial because it can increase vegetable consumption and improve their children's nutrition. It is also essential to encourage children to eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods that can support their overall health and well-being, including their mental health.
The take-home message? Consider incorporating more whole, nutrient-dense foods into your diet to improve your mental health and well-being. Listen to this episode and learn more!
Episode Highlights:
(01:19) The idea of nutritional psychiatry
(02:08) Practicing nutritional psychiatry
(07:24) About balance
(08:11) Folate and mental health
(09:59) Adulteration of our food
(10:39) What do you do for patients that are in lower socioeconomic groups
(16:36) The three phenomenal brain food for children
(19:46) About beneficial food preparation for children
(22:42) How do we potentially use blood biomarkers
(23:12) Particular blood biomarkers that Dr. Naidoo focuses on through this lens of nutritional psychiatry
(25:42) Naidoo's training program
(30:12) Where to find Dr. Naidoo
Where to Reach Dr. Dicken Weatherby
Dicken Weatherby LinkedIn
Optimal DX Website
Optimal DX Resource Center
Optimal DX Blog
Where to Reach Beth Ellen DiLuglio
Nutrition Mission
Beth Ellen DiLuglio LinkedIn
Where to Reach Dr. Uma Naidoo
Where to Reach Dr. Uma Naidoo
Dr. Uma Naidoo Website
Dr. Uma Naidoo LinkedIn
Dr. Uma Naidoo Instagram
Dr. Uma Naidoo Facebook
Dr. Uma Naidoo Twitter
Did you find today's episode helpful?
If you enjoy today's conversation, please click here to leave a review for Optimal - The Podcast.
Get notified when a new episode comes out by subscribing to Optimal - The Podcast on your favorite podcast app!
Education is the most effective way to make a change. Help others get the information they need by sharing this episode!
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Tuesday Mar 28, 2023
Welcome to Episode 16 of Optimal - the Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Weatherby and Beth Ellen DiLuglio are joined by Dr. Deanna Minich to discuss melatonin, melatonipause, and darkness deficiency.
Dr. Dicken, Beth Ellen, and Dr. Deanna discuss the impact of stress and high cortisol levels on melatonin generation, the significance of shielding our eyes from blue light, and the advantages of supplementing with melatonin. They also underline the need to seek the services of healthcare practitioners and the need for tailored healthcare.
On the podcast, they discuss Dr. Minich's ground-breaking article entitled "Is Melatonin the "Next Vitamin D:?" published in the journal Nutrients.
Minich, D.M.; Henning, M.; Darley, C.; Fahoum, M.; Schuler, C.B.; Frame, J. Is Melatonin the "Next Vitamin D"?: A Review of Emerging Science, Clinical Uses, Safety, and Dietary Supplements. Nutrients 2022, 14, 3934. https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/19/3934/htm
Learn more about regulating your circadian cycle, the most accurate methods for determining your melatonin levels, and the possible advantages of melatonin for immunological health by tuning in. Now take a seat back, unwind, and let's begin!
Episode Highlights:
(00:18) Deanna Minnich's background and areas of specialization
(02:11) A general overview of melatonin
(06:51) What are the symptoms that would lead one to prescribe melatonin-inducing supplements?
(10:26) The conversion of tryptophan to serotonin under stress
(12:02) The use of antidepressants and its effects on melatonin
(14:56) What is darkness deficiency?
(19:27) Hacks on dealing with darkness deficiency
(22:15) What are the symptoms of darkness deficiency?
(28:20) What to do if you'll be encountering white light at night (i.e., from your smartphone)
(33:17) Can we get enough melatonin from the food we eat?
(37:40) What are the candidates for melatonin supplementation?
(40:24) Best methods for measuring melatonin in the body
(46:35) Recommended dosage of melatonin
(50:35) Conclusion
Link to the light meter app mentioned on the podcast: Lux Light Meter Pro
CLICK HERE to download Dr. Minich's Darkness Deficiency Checklist and Melatonin In(sufficiency) Assessment
Where to Reach Dr. Dicken Weatherby
Dicken Weatherby LinkedIn
Optimal DX Website
Optimal DX Resource Center
Optimal DX Blog
Where to Reach Beth Ellen DiLuglio
Nutrition Mission
Beth Ellen DiLuglio LinkedIn
Where to Reach Dr. Deanna Minich
Deanna Minich Website
Deanna Minich LinkedIn
Deanna Minich Instagram
Deanna Minich Facebook
Did you find today's episode helpful?
If you enjoy today's conversation, please click here to leave a review for Optimal - The Podcast.
Get notified when a new episode comes out by subscribing to Optimal - The Podcast on your favorite podcast app!
Education is the most effective way to make a change. Help others get the information they need by sharing this episode!