Episodes

  • Anatomy of Anxiety with Integrative Psychiatrist, Dr. Ellen Vora

    Anatomy of Anxiety with Integrative Psychiatrist, Dr. Ellen Vora
    May 13 2025
    In today’s episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with Dr. Ellen Vora to discuss a revolutionary framework for understanding anxiety—not as a disorder, but as a message from the body or soul. They explore the difference between false anxiety, which stems from physiological imbalances like blood sugar crashes, sleep disruption, and inflammation, and true anxiety, which often points to deeper emotional or existential truths. You’ll hear them discuss: - Why anxiety is the beginning of an inquiry—not a final diagnosis - The difference between “false” (body-based) and “true” (purpose-driven) anxiety - How nutrient deficiencies and gut imbalances can mimic psychiatric symptoms - The surprising mental health effects of hormonal birth control - How to use food as medicine to support neurotransmitter balance and calm - The dangers of benzodiazepines—and how to taper with the help of functional medicine - The power of psychobiotics, circadian rhythm, and inflammation reduction - Why GABA, inositol, and phosphatidylcholine are key to recovery - How to approach anxiety with both compassion and curiosity
    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
  • The Parent’s Playbook to Raising Resilient, Healthy Kids with Dr. Chris Magryta: Episode Rerun

    The Parent’s Playbook to Raising Resilient, Healthy Kids with Dr. Chris Magryta: Episode Rerun
    May 8 2025
    In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we explore various topics related to immune resilience and reducing sickness in children with Dr. Chris Magryta. You’ll hear us discuss: 1. Why kids are getting sick so often 2. How to boost immune resilience in children 3. The superfoods your child needs 4. Tips for limiting screen time and improving sleep in children 5. Nurturing a healthy gut and brain development in children Addressing allergies and intolerances in children 6. Effective parenting approaches and resources for nurturing children's health Dr. Chris has been practicing medicine in North Carolina for 24 years, viewing each child as a catalyst for improving human health. He is an Integrative Pediatrician at Salisbury Pediatric Associates and the Medical Director of Standard Process. Additionally, Dr. Chris serves as the Chairman of Children First of North Carolina and hosts Dr. M’s Women and Children First podcast, where he interviews experts on maternal and child health, focusing on upstream anthropology and root cause analysis for change.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Metabolic Freedom: How to Burn Fat, Not Sugar, with Ben Azadi

    Metabolic Freedom: How to Burn Fat, Not Sugar, with Ben Azadi
    May 6 2025
    In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Carrie Jones sits down with Ben Azadi to discuss metabolic flexibility, fat-burning versus sugar-burning states, and why traditional calorie-focused approaches to weight loss often fail. You'll hear them discuss: - Why 93% of Americans are metabolically unhealthy - The difference between sugar burners and fat burners - How obesogens and toxins contribute to weight loss resistance - The role of fasting insulin and blood glucose in evaluating metabolic health - Why “calories in, calories out” is overly simplistic - How fasting, ketosis, and metabolic flexibility help restore health - Practical steps to shift from sugar-burning to fat-burning in 7 days - The power of gratitude and mindset in sustainable health change Ben Azadi is the founder of Keto Kamp, author of the upcoming book Metabolic Freedom, and a leading voice in the fasting and keto space. After transforming his own health and weight, Ben has gone on to educate thousands globally on how to unlock fat-burning metabolism, address root causes of metabolic disease, and optimize wellness through diet, mindset, and functional practices. His work centers on empowering individuals to achieve what he calls “metabolic freedom”—the ability to thrive using fat, not sugar, as fuel.
    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • The Science of Nutritional Psychiatry: Ease Anxiety and Boost Your Mood: Episode Rerun

    The Science of Nutritional Psychiatry: Ease Anxiety and Boost Your Mood: Episode Rerun
    May 1 2025
    In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we discuss the powerful connection between nutrition and mental health with Dr. Uma Naidoo. You’ll hear us dive into: The impact of food on mental health How to manage anxiety through nutrition and lifestyle Using food as medicine for mental well-being What is metabolic psychiatry? How your diet controls your brain and sleep Dr. Uma is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, professional chef, nutrition specialist, author, and MasterClass instructor. She is also the Founder and Director of the Nutritional Psychiatry Service at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). Known as Harvard's Mood Food Expert, Dr. Uma is a national best-selling author of “This Is Your Brain On Food” and “Calm Your Mind with Food.” Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • The Triangle Approach to Root Cause Testing with Dr. Devan Szczepanski

    The Triangle Approach to Root Cause Testing with Dr. Devan Szczepanski
    Apr 29 2025
    In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with Dr. Devan Szczepanski to explore her revolutionary triangular approach to functional medicine that has transformed thousands of lives. You'll hear us discuss: 1. How the Triangle Method combines genomics, metabolic testing, and gut analysis 2. Why genomic testing provides crucial personalized insights for treatment 3. The practical applications of reformative medicine in clinical settings 4. How to prioritize interventions based on comprehensive testing Dr. Szczepanski is a board-certified family medicine physician and founder of Reformative Medicine, where she teaches clinicians her Triangle Method of gastrointestinal, genomic and metabolic testing to help patients uncover the root causes of their symptoms. After leaving corporate medicine to start her own practice, she developed a unique system combining genomics, metabolic testing, and gut analysis that aims to deliver personalized care designed to support wellness through measurable insights. Dr. Szczepanski now operates three clinics across Florida and Louisiana and has developed a training program to share her effective approach with other practitioners. Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide
    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • Emotional and Mental Health in Menopause with Dr. Paul Conti: Episode Rerun

    Emotional and Mental Health in Menopause with Dr. Paul Conti: Episode Rerun
    Apr 24 2025
    In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we explore the often-overlooked importance of emotional health during the menopause transition with Dr. Paul Conti. You’ll hear us discuss: 1. How trauma often leads to shame and self-blame 2. The emotional and psychological changes during menopause 3. Building resilience through introspection and curiosity 4. The stigma surrounding mental health issues 5. The importance of seeking professional support and external feedback Dr. Paul M. Conti, a Stanford University School of Medicine graduate, combines extensive clinical expertise with a holistic approach to psychiatry. With training from Stanford and Harvard, where he served as Chief Resident, Dr. Conti specializes in treating mental illness and life stressors, recognizing the pervasive impact of trauma on individuals and communities. Beyond clinical practice, he offers consulting services in personal, business, and legal contexts. Dr. Conti is also acclaimed for his book, "Trauma: The Invisible Epidemic," which distills his insights on healing from trauma, aiming to educate and empower a broader audience.
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Simple Daily Moves for Lymphatic Detox with Dr. Caitlin Czezowski

    Simple Daily Moves for Lymphatic Detox with Dr. Caitlin Czezowski
    Apr 22 2025
    In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Carrie Jones welcomes Dr. Caitlin Czezowski to explore the lymphatic system's complex role and its crucial connections to detoxification, hormone balance, and overall wellness. What You’ll Learn: 1. How the lymphatic system functions as the body's "sewage system" 2. Why lifestyle factors can impair lymphatic function 3. The "Specific Seven" lymph node protocol for daily drainage 4. How hormones interact with the lymphatic system and impact fertility 5. Why tongue ties and breathing patterns can significantly affect lymphatic drainage and overall health 6. The science behind lymphatic drainage techniques Dr. Caitlin Czezowski is known for her focus on lymphatic health and support for the body’s natural detoxification pathways. As the founder of Doc Talks Detox, she has developed practical protocols designed to help support healthy lymphatic flow, including her signature "Specific Seven" lymph node-clearing technique. Dr. Czezowski blends traditional medical training with accessible strategies aimed at helping individuals support their lymphatic system and overall wellness. Her work helps translate complex health concepts into actionable steps, making the topic of lymphatic health more approachable for a broad audience. Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide
    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • Testing Kids: Gut, Genes and Metabolomics

    Testing Kids: Gut, Genes and Metabolomics
    Apr 17 2025
    In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Lauren Hernandez and Dr. Devan Szczepanski join Dr. Kate Kresge to explore: 1. How to identify early signs of chronic illness in children 2. Why traditional pediatric testing often misses crucial health markers that could prevent chronic conditions 3. The "Triangle of Health" framework for pediatric functional medicine 4. How to use genetic testing to determine the most appropriate formula and dietary choices for infants and young children 5. Why conventional approaches to ADHD, anxiety, and digestive issues may be missing underlying genetic and metabolic factors Dr. Lauren Hernandez and Dr. Devan Szczepanski are pioneering practitioners at NuWell Medicine, where Dr. Hernandez serves as CMO of KidsWell, their specialized pediatric service line. With vast backgrounds in pediatric medicine, they have developed an innovative "triangle of health" approach that combines comprehensive blood work, metabolic, gut microbiome analysis, and genomic testing to provide personalized care for children. Their work has transformed traditional pediatric practice by incorporating functional medicine principles and precision testing to address chronic childhood conditions before they become severe health challenges. Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide
    Show More Show Less
    58 mins