Everyone’s cancer risk is different based on unique medical histories, genetics, and environmental exposures. But our diet and lifestyle choices are important influences on cancer within our control, which optimize the body’s “terrain” to fight and/or prevent cancer. In this podcast, Dr. Nalini Chilkov shares her recommended cancer-fighting foods and supplements (which may vary depending on your risk factors), as well as lifestyle recommendations like sleep and exercise. https://drruscio.com/?p=33094
My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/
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My recommended first line of treatment for IBS and SIBO is a change in diet, potentially followed by probiotics, and then other steps I discuss in my gut health protocol in my book Healthy Gut, Healthy You. But what if you’ve followed these steps and are still facing health challenges? A new option to consider is immunoglobulins, which can help to restore the mucous membrane in your gut and support your immune system. In the latest research, about 70% of non-responsive patients were helped by taking a supplemental form of immunoglobulins! You’ll have the greatest likelihood of success if you use a research-backed formula, like Intestinal Support Formula. In this video, learn more about the research, other patients’ experiences, and if it’s right for you. https://drruscio.com/?p=32914
My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/
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There is a third type of SIBO (besides hydrogen and methane-based SIBO) that currently does not have a test available: hydrogen sulfide SIBO. In fact, it can sometimes look like a flat line on a lactulose or glucose SIBO test. What can patients and clinicians do with the resources available? Guests Dr. Allison Siebecker, Gary Stapleton, and I discuss the testing methods available to assess and validate your likelihood of hydrogen sulfide SIBO, and their experiences in the clinic and in the lab, respectively. You’ll also learn some treatments that have shown promise. https://drruscio.com/?p=32910
My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/
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More and more research is revealing the strong link between brain and gut health. A recent systematic review pulls together evidence that regulating gut microbiota can improve anxiety. 56% of the studies in the review showed that healing the gut through diet (typically the low FODMAP diet) or probiotics led to an improvement in anxiety symptoms. If you’re looking for natural ways to address your anxiety, learn some simple steps you can take right away. https://drruscio.com/?p=32906
My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/
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The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (or HPA axis) is a complex subsystem in your body that organizes and responds to threats (and perceived threats). The concept of “adrenal fatigue” has become popular in some functional medical circles, but it’s a misleading term for describing what’s really happening in stress-induced change to the HPA axis, which does not involve the adrenal glands. Dr. Tom Guilliams, an expert on stress and the HPA axis, discusses adrenal fatigue and adrenal testing, including the limits of the four-point salivary cortisol test and the DUTCH test. Adaptogenic herbs can be helpful, but the most high-impact actions for your health may still be addressing intense stressors. Learn the four root causes of stress to your HPA axis in this episode. https://drruscio.com/?p=32572
My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/
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One theory of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) is that it’s caused by bacteria in the colon moving up. A new study on one section of the small intestine, the jejunum, challenges that concept. The study—which used a new technique called polymerized chain reaction (PCR) to look at bacterial genomes—found that the jejunum has its own unique microbiota. Positive breath tests also did not correlate with bacterial overgrowth in the jejunum, but rather jejunal dysfunction. Dr. Richard McCallum, gastroenterologist and researcher on the study, explains more about these findings and what they might mean for SIBO treatment. We also discuss how proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), breath tests, diet, prokinetics, and hypochlorhydria fit into this picture. Join us for a very insightful conversation! https://drruscio.com/?p=32517
My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/
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Cannabis marketing is now rampant. It can be challenging to separate the facts from the hype, especially when it comes to cannabis health benefits and research behind the claims. What’s the difference in results from CBD vs THC (or both)? Indica vs sativa? Is full-spectrum CBD better? Which terpenes are most anti-inflammatory? How do you get started if you want to try cannabis for your gut? We explore such questions and their sometimes surprising answers with medicinal plant specialist, clinician, and consultant Dr. Kevin Spelman. https://drruscio.com/?p=32425
My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/
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Even doctors can appreciate having a comprehensive gut health guide at hand. Dr. Navaz Habib finds Healthy Gut, Healthy You an indispensable go-to resource in his practice. The book’s case studies provide him with valuable reference points to manage challenging patient cases, and powerful, systematic tips on often overlooked foundations of gut health. https://drruscio.com/?p=32427
My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/
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Social science has discussed the impact of social relationships on mortality for decades. But this concept only recently started to penetrate healthcare. Dr. Julian Abel discusses his U.K.-based study showing a significant drop in demand for emergency services from end-of-life patients if they received an intervention of a compassionate community. Another large study shows that connection increases longevity more than quitting smoking. In this episode, we consider broader implications and ways to cultivate community, both personally and as a practitioner. https://drruscio.com/?p=32420
My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/
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Eating healthy, sleeping well, having the right attitude, and exercising seem like obvious health habits. But what isn’t so obvious are ways people can sometimes ignore their intuition and signals from their bodies, in order to follow a protocol to the letter. Weight training may be a big win, especially for women, to build confidence and strength. And it’s also important to know why you’re making a change. Nutrition therapy consultant and author Steph Gaudreau shares insights on how to strengthen four key pillars of your holistic health picture, while listening to your own body’s feedback. https://drruscio.com/?p=32418
My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/
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It can be useful for all of us to have nutrition and fitness guidance every now and then, to pull us out of ruts and encourage greater breadth and balance in our routines. Those who have adopted a paleo-style diet may trend towards a too high fat intake and may be surprised to learn that there are situations where high carbs lead to higher performance. For those who lift weights only, adding endurance/cardio may contribute to greater longevity. Varying one’s nutritional intake and types of activity can also increase metabolic flexibility (the body transitions between using macronutrients more flexibly). Dr. Mike T. Nelson takes us through an optimized hierarchy of the top eight diet and lifestyle interventions. https://drruscio.com/?p=32209
My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/
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Juan was facing an autoimmune arthritis condition, gut issues, and infertility. After trying a prescription drug that made him feel worse, he turned to healing his gut and mixed fasting with the elemental diet. In taking these steps, Juan was able to eliminate his symptoms—like joint pain, fatigue, and inflammation—and his wife became pregnant. The elemental diet is a liquid diet in which the contents are broken down into essential elements that can be quickly absorbed by the gut. Elemental Heal is the elemental diet formula that Juan used. If you’ve already tried diet, lifestyle, probiotics, and other interventions and still have lingering symptoms, personalizing the elemental diet (explained below) may be a good option to explore. https://drruscio.com/?p=32206
My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/
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The autoimmune paleo (or AIP) diet and community support together can benefit patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, according to a landmark study. AIP removes nightshades, eggs, nuts, seeds, ghee, and caffeine, in addition to standard paleo restrictions. The study’s community support (which included online health coaching) contributed to 90-100% adherence to this diet. Interestingly, multiple participants improved symptomatically and/or were able to reduce thyroid medication, while their antibody levels didn’t change. This suggests that caution is warranted when drawing conclusions about one’s health status from thyroid antibody levels. In this podcast, Dr. Robert Abbott—third-time guest on the show and researcher on the study—discusses other health lessons, and insights on beneficial clinical models. https://drruscio.com/?p=32044
My new book is finally available: Healthy Gut, Healthy You. Click here to learn more: https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/
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Some articles circulate online claiming that low-carb or ketogenic diets starve your gut bacteria and are thus unhealthy. But these diets are not bad for your gut health. The claims are misleading: while they may starve some bacterial populations, they may promote the growth of others. These diets may not work for everyone. If you feel fatigued or irritable on a low-carb or keto diet, a moderate to higher-carb diet might be more ideal for your body. A diet low in fermentable carbs (called the low FODMAP diet) is worth considering if you suffer gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, or other digestive challenges. https://drruscio.com/?p=32042
My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/
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A GI functional marker test, or test of gut function, can be very useful to detect some gut conditions. It can help diagnose inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), predict pancreatic insufficiency (or need for digestive enzymes), and potentially detect leaky gut. However, patients should beware of paying attention to markers like secretory IgA, fecal lysozyme, chymotrypsin and beta-glucuronidase that are problematic or unvalidated. Also—because lab testing processes vary and markers can be difficult to filter even for clinicians—it’s important that patients work with an experienced clinician in order to properly interpret their results. https://drruscio.com/?p=31764
My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/
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Leaky gut syndrome—also known as increased intestinal permeability—is a state in which the intestinal lining becomes damaged. This allows toxins, bacteria, and foreign particles to leak into the bloodstream. Robust research shows links between leaky gut (and other gut issues) and brain-based issues like cognition and mood. For example, intestinal infection was associated with later onset of anxiety. In other research, elevated zonulin (a marker of leaky gut) was correlated with higher psychological distress and social impairment. Evidence also shows that probiotics and gut-supporting nutrients can help heal these issues. Learn more about what steps to take below. https://drruscio.com/?p=31762
My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/
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Neuroscience research has revealed and continues to show the wide-ranging health benefits of meditation. These benefits range from lower inflammation in the body to emotional resilience to increased compassion. A small investment of time daily, just 10-20 minutes, can yield many returns on effectiveness in multiple areas of one’s life. But it can sometimes be challenging for beginners to figure out what to do or what the process even looks like. Researcher and meditation teacher Ashok Gupta shares his recommendations for getting started, by becoming an observer of your thoughts and feelings. https://drruscio.com/?p=31643
My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/
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Medicinal cannabis has been studied and administered for health benefits like chronic pain reduction and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Compelling—while currently more limited—evidence shows that a small, controlled dose of cannabis can also improve sexual function in the four main domains: libido, arousal, orgasm, and bonding. The optimal medium to use is cannabis flower (to avoid harmful byproducts and have predictable effects) with a vaporizer that has proper temperature regulation and dose control. It’s also important to wait about 10-15 minutes between each inhalation because effects are delayed. Just one or two puffs has impact for most at the recommended dose, and more can be counterproductive. See more details in Dr. Jordan Tishler’s protocol below. https://drruscio.com/?p=31641
My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/
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Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) is an inflammatory response in the body that may affect multiple systems—like digestive, respiratory, nervous, musculoskeletal, pulmonary—and is generally brought on by environmental exposure or infection. The most common trigger for CIRS is mold and mycotoxins from buildings with water damage. If you see health changes after a water leak, moving to a new residence (or office), or even after a brief exposure like a hotel stay, consider mold and CIRS a possibility. Tick-borne illnesses can also impact CIRS. The ERMI test may be useful to detect mold in your home. Some CIRS sufferers may be able to resolve their symptoms after a supplement protocol and ending exposure to the triggering toxins. Others may need to try further measures such as limbic system retraining. https://drruscio.com/?p=31402
My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/
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A large, 20-year study of farmers shows associations between exposure to certain pesticides and herbicides and an increased risk of hypothyroidism. Many of these chemicals are still in use. Note that the study measured occupational use, or very high exposure. Another study which measured pesticide levels in the blood—after participants ate organic versus conventional food—showed higher levels of pesticides in the blood of those who ate conventional food. Eating organic food whenever possible may help to moderate risk to your thyroid from pesticides and herbicides. https://drruscio.com/?p=31400
My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/
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Today we will cover listener questions, including: Elemental Heal for Ulcers; Inulin Intolerance; Keto Diet and Thyroid; H. Pylori False Positives; Red Light Therapy for The Gut; Biofilms and the Elemental Diet. https://drruscio.com/?p=31375
My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/
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In this episode Julie and I discuss diet protocols and a cascade approach that often helps practitioners and patients identify the best possible diet for healing. The protocols we discuss, like starting with a gluten/dairy/soy free diet and cascading to other diets like low histamine, low FODMAP, low salicylate diet and low oxalate diet are not limited to Autism treatment, this approach can be used for many different chronic diseases. https://drruscio.com/?p=31373
My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/
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Sometimes, looking at difficult health issues holistically and asking good questions can uncover surprising paths to wellness. Jason Prall of the Human Longevity Project docu-series focused his career on lifestyle medicine after working to help many patients with complex issues. In additional to health practices like exercise and sun exposure, he has also seen powerful healing effects from psychedelics on the nervous system, both personally and in others. One high-impact activity you can incorporate right away is a daily 30-45 minute morning walk outside, which will set your circadian rhythm, lower your blood sugar, help regulate your thyroid hormones, and more. https://drruscio.com/?p=31078
My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/
Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources
The cost of care, especially in the realm of functional medicine, can be an unknown for a suffering layperson. It may feel to weary patients like their only option is to sign away many thousands of dollars. Julie’s story shows that this does not need to be the case. After her general practitioner was not able to treat her myriad symptoms—including brain fog, fatigue, female hormone issues, bloating, and loose stools—Julie turned to functional medicine. The first functional medicine doctor she turned to quoted her an unreasonably expensive and lengthy package. Fortunately, she looked for a second opinion and found that our clinic, and Dr. Ruscio, a functional medicine expert in gut health, were able to get to the root of her issues quickly and cost-effectively. She was symptom-free within five visits. https://drruscio.com/?p=31076
My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/
Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources
Our society provides more stimulus and entertainment than ever before, from streaming video to mobile devices. Parents are often discouraged from letting their children wander off or attempt things unsupervised. And most people think of boredom as a negative feeling to be avoided. But could there be a value to boredom? Dr. Mark Hawkins, a high school counselor, thinks so. Cultivating a practice of boredom, or leaving space to do nothing, can lead to facing and resolving one’s negative feelings, reflecting upon knowledge, creative problem-solving, and more. In today’s society, one needs to more deliberately pursue boredom in the face of so much stimulus. https://drruscio.com/?p=30983
My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/
Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources