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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
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
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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!
Monday Mar 20, 2023
Monday Mar 20, 2023
Welcome to Episode 15 of Optimal - the Podcast! In this episode, Dr. Weatherby and Beth Ellen DiLuglio are joined by Chris Edwards of TriCore Wellness as he talks about hybrid wellness management and how it pushes people to strive for optimal wellness.
Dr. Dicken, Beth Ellen, and Chris discuss how hybrid wellness management thrives in business, healthcare, and technology. They go through micronutrient deficiencies, stress management, and your lifestyle and how they affect your thinking and productivity. Dr. Dicken and Beth also share how health coaches like Chris play an essential role in catching chronic diseases before they develop – while reviewing the “Reduction in Chronic Disease and Burden in a 70-Individual Cohort Through Modification of Health Behaviors” article. They finish up with a little rant about the current state of our food supply and its role in perpetuating a state of dis-ease and unwellness.
Don’t miss out on this episode as we share how seeking health coaches can prevent you from chronic diseases!
Episode Highlights:
- (02:30) Chris’ journey in fitness, business, and clinical nutrition
- (12:24) Chris’ particular style of health coaching
- (13:33) TriCore Wellness and hybrid wellness management
- (17:38) Correcting micronutrient deficiencies to improve work productivity
- (22:30) Hybrid wellness management in healthcare
- (23:44) Hybrid wellness programs during COVID-19
- (44:52) Health coaches help people increase their positive health outcomes!
- (46:11) Spotting chronic disease in stress management and lifestyle
- (48:42) Find the health coach that will help you!
- (49:35) What is the 9-month disease reversal?
Where to Reach Dr. Weatherby
Where to Reach Beth
Nutrition Is Your Best Health Insurance Website
Where to Reach Chris Edwards & TriCore Wellness
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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!
Saturday Dec 24, 2022
Saturday Dec 24, 2022
Welcome to episode 14 of Optimal Podcast. In this episode, Dr. Dicken and Beth Ellen DiLuglio discussed if ordering the more expensive LCMS 25-OH vitamin D has benefits. They also dive into Potassium and a change to the ODX Optimal Range, the importance of the Omega 3 index, why 4% is not enough (you should aim for the 8% conventional range), and the connection between GGT levels and body glutathione.
The holiday season is approaching fast, and Christmas is around the corner. Are you ready to enjoy yourself while being healthy? Tune in now and take notes as Dr. Dicken and Beth share the latest research on key biomarkers and healthy eating tips for the holidays, including Beth's healthy holiday cookie recipes that surely kids will love!
Episode Highlights:
- Is there a benefit to ordering LCMS 25-OH vitamin D?
- Changes to the ODX range for Potassium and the importance of checking Potassium levels
- Elevated GGT as a marker for Glutathione need
- The Omega 3 Index
- Healthy eating tips for the holidays
- Healthy additions to your holiday cookie recipes
Where to Reach Dr. Weatherby
Where to Reach Beth
Nutrition Is Your Best Health Insurance Website
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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 01, 2022
Wednesday Jun 01, 2022
Welcome to episode 13 of Optimal - The Podcast! In this episode Dr. Dicken Weatherby and Beth Ellen DiLuglio talk about the NMR Lipoprofile, and if it’s a good course of action for diagnosis.
After a little discussion about real food, Dr. Dicken and Beth dive deep into the NMR Lipoprofile panel and uncover the small nuances doctors need to be aware of when ordering this important series of biomarkers. They go through what can be measured with the NMR Lipoprofile, and why it would be a good option to consider– while also comparing it to the Cardio IQ Report (Ion Mobility).
Don’t miss out on this episode as they share their findings on some biomarkers that initially had them scratching their heads; namely the key difference between the sdLDL and sdLDL-C biomarkers!
Episode Highlights:
- (02:19) Dr. Dicken and Beth discuss real food!
- (11:13) What is NMR?
- (12:17) The subclasses assessed in the NMR report.
- (18:53) What do the results of the NMR lipoprotein subfractionation mean?
- (23:37) Is sdLDL the same as sdLDL-C?
- (32:19) Is NMR the same as Ion Mobility or other methods of lipoprotein subfractionation, e.g. the Cardio IQ® test?
Where to Reach Dr. Weatherby
Where to Reach Beth
Nutrition Is Your Best Health Insurance Website
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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 Mar 24, 2022
Thursday Mar 24, 2022
Welcome to episode 12 of "Optimal - The Podcast". In this episode of Optimal, join Dr. Dicken and Beth Ellen DiLugio as they take a deep dive into one of the most prevalent factors of our health: stress
Many people often view stress in a negative light, but that doesn’t always have to be necessarily true. Moderate amounts of stress can serve as a motivator that can steer us in a positive direction - boosting alertness and performance. But with factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing political and economic issues in the world, this constant buildup of stress begins to actively harm our mental and physical health.
Make sure to join Dr. Dicken and Beth Ellen DiLugio as they address the various sources of stress, the physiology of the body’s stress response, and the steps we can take to alleviate stress and its adverse effects.
Episode Highlights:
- (5:29) Does drinking distilled water have an adverse effect on kidney function?
- (13:27) Common Sources of Stress.
- (16:52) The Physiology and Hormonal Control of Stress.
- (25:23) General Adaptation Syndrome.
- (32:08) Biomarkers of Stress.
- (47:19) Addressing Stress.
- (50:45) Nutrition and Stress.
Where to Reach Dr. Weatherby
Where to Reach Beth
Nutrition Is Your Best Health Insurance Website
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
- Click here to check out the Headspace app which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
- Register for The FBCA Mastery Training Program by clicking here.
- Click here to view the video on Willard water
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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!
Wednesday Jan 26, 2022
Wednesday Jan 26, 2022
Welcome to episode 11 of "Optimal - The Podcast". In this episode of Optimal, join Dr. Dicken and Beth Ellen DiLugio as they kick off 2022 by answering questions submitted by you, our listeners at Optimal DX, through the AMA feature in the ODX software.
As healthcare practitioners dedicated to empowering their fellow practitioners to help their patients reach their optimal state of health, join Dr. Dicken and Beth Ellen DiLugio in this episode where they provide answers to your clinical questions ranging from identifying the best biomarkers for Functional Blood Analysis and Fatty Liver to recommendations for supporting anterior pituitary dysfunction.
Episode Highlights:
- (2:42) What are the best biomarkers to run for a comprehensive Functional Blood Analysis?
- (8:16) What are the optimal values and purpose of testing normal CRP in comparison to Hs-CRP?
- (11:58) What would be your recommended time frame for repeating blood panels?
- (16:21) What are some of the ways to support anterior pituitary dysfunction?
- (24:26) Why would someone have a low HgbA1C (4.3%) and yet have elevated fasting glucose (105 mg/dl)?
- (30:03) Fatty Liver Biomarkers: In your view, what should be the complete list of biomarkers to monitor for those who already have fatty liver, and how often should they get tested on these biomarkers?
Where to Reach Dr. Weatherby
Where to Reach Beth
Resources Mentioned in This Episode
- Register for the The FBCA Mastery Training Program by clicking here.
- Want to submit questions to us? Click Here for a free trial in the ODX Software
- Click here to visit the Optimal DX website.
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Did you find today’s episode helpful?
If you enjoy today’s conversation helpful, 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!
Monday Oct 04, 2021
Monday Oct 04, 2021
Welcome to episode 10 of "Optimal - The Podcast". In this episode of Optimal, we’re diving into Menopause.
With menopause, it’s important to understand the changes women’s bodies will be going through-- and what they should expect when the process begins.
So be sure to check out this week’s episode as Dr. Weatherby and Beth Ellen dive into the causes and effects of menopause, the different menopause phases, and how doctors can treat and alleviate symptoms.
Episode Highlights:
- (3:39) The Conversation about Menopause
- (18:00) The Mediterranean Diet Pyramid
- (31:02) AMA Question #1 - Low Cholesterol
- (35:27) AMA Question #2 - High Ferritin, Low Iron and phlebotomy
- (37:25) Vitamin D - Clinical Insight
- (48:19) Back to Basics - the 6 Guiding Principles of Naturopathic Medicine
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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 change. Help others get the information they need by sharing this episode!
Thursday Jun 03, 2021
Thursday Jun 03, 2021
Welcome to episode 9 of "Optimal - The Podcast". In this episode of Optimal, we’re diving into Testosterone with an exploration of andropause and Low T Syndrome in our male patients.
Testosterone is a vital hormone both for men and women. But its role is greatly significant among males, as it contributes to their muscle growth, sexual health, and other aspects of health.
For men, the thought of being low on testosterone feels like a hit to their masculinity. What happens when your patient’s testosterone is low? How can you tell? What can you do to help them boost it?
Join Dr. Dicken and Beth Ellen DiLugio in this episode as they talk about the low testosterone syndrome among male patients, what causes it, as well as the appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Episode Highlights:
- Allopathic definition of hypogonadism vs a Functional definition of Low T Syndrome
- How testosterone is produced
- What causes men to have lower levels of testosterone?
- How can you use symptomology and Functional Blood Analysis to uncover Low T in your patients?
- Reasons why the sex hormone binding globulin might be increased or decreased.
- How to deal with low testosterone?
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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 change. Help others get the information they need by sharing this episode!