The Root Cause Medicine Podcast

In this episode of the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Carrie Jones sits down with seasoned compounding pharmacist Sara Hover, RPh, to demystify the world of personalized medications. They dig into how compounding pharmacies offer tailored solutions for hormone therapy, acne, hair loss, weight loss, and more—and why this approach can be life-changing for patients who’ve hit dead ends with conventional medicine. Sarah shares eye-opening stories, from hormone creams and sublingual weight loss medications to pediatric popsicles and custom thyroid solutions, showing just how flexible and powerful compounding can be. What You’ll Learn: - What compounding pharmacies actually do—and why it matters - Why the finished compounded meds aren’t FDA-approved (and why that’s okay) - How bioidentical hormone therapy transforms women's health - Solutions for allergies to common fillers like red dye or peanut oil - Fun and effective delivery forms: lozenges, topical creams, even popsicles - Hair loss, acne, eczema, and anti-aging compounding options - The surprising science behind sublingual GLP-1s for weight loss - How to find (or help your doctor become) a compound-friendly provider Sara Hover, RPh is a compounding pharmacist with 30 years of experience and a specialty in hormone replacement therapy. She serves as a lead educator at PCCA, where she trains pharmacists and providers on the latest in compounding innovations. Sarah is passionate about personalized, patient-centered care—and believes no one should be told they're "crazy" when a tailored medication might be the real solution. Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we navigate the importance of brain health and preventing cognitive decline with Louisa Nicola. You’ll hear us discuss: 1. How women in their 30s and 40s can prevent Alzheimer's 2. Why exercise is the best preventive tool against Alzheimer's disease 3. The surprising benefits of resistance training for your brain health 4. Nutrition insights for enhancing brain health 5. Why the best thing for a healthy aging brain is social connections Louisa is a neurophysiologist and human performance coach. She is the Founder of Neuro Athletics, a consulting firm that works with top athletes worldwide, leveraging EEG scans, lab tests, and cognitive assessments to optimize performance. Louisa's insights delve deep into the minds of elite NBA and MLB stars. Additionally, she serves on the board of Momentous, Tonal, and Klora. Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we unveil Dr. Ana-Maria Temple's functional approach to treating eczema in children. You’ll hear us discuss: 1. What causes eczema in children 2. How to heal eczema from within 3. The role of nutrition in treating eczema 4. How to choose and dose the right probiotics 5. Gut microbiome imbalances and eczema 6. Dr. Ana-Maria's functional approach to eczema treatment Dr. Ana-Maria Temple is a pediatrician specializing in functional medicine and nutrition, focusing on treating eczema in children. She practices at Integrative Health Carolinas and is a renowned speaker and educator. Dr. Ana-Maria has also authored the books Healthy Kids in an Unhealthy World and Ending the Eczema Epidemic.

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we explore the impact of menopause on the woman's body and the role of methylation with Dr. Bridget Briggs. You’ll hear us discuss: 1. The impact of menopause on the GI tract 2. Supporting methylation in menopause 3. Insulin resistance during menopause 4. The role of phosphatidylcholine in menopause 5. Personalized care for menopausal women Dr. Briggs is a board-certified Family Medicine Physician specializing in functional medicine, bio-identical hormones, lipidology, women’s health, and detoxification. Since 2001, she has been dedicated to caring for patients of all ages in her private practice in Temecula, California. Motivated by her son's brain cancer diagnosis in 2005, Dr. Briggs pursued certification in Integrative Holistic Medicine. She now incorporates lifestyle medicine into her practice, enhancing the well-being of her patients.

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Carrie Jones sits down with Dr. Kellyann Niotis to discuss brain health and neurodegeneration prevention. What You’ll Learn: 1. Why brain health should be a priority starting in early adulthood 2. How neurodegenerative diseases begin decades before symptoms appear 3. The role of lifestyle factors in maintaining brain health 4. New blood-based biomarkers and traditional imaging methods 5. The relationship between hormones and brain health Dr. Kellyann Niotis is the first and only fellowship-trained preventive neurologist specializing in early detection and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. As a leading expert in brain health and preventative neurology, she brings extensive experience in movement disorders and Parkinson's disease to her practice. Through her work at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Florida, Dr. Niotis focuses on identifying and addressing neurological health concerns decades before symptoms appear. She is dedicated to transforming how we approach brain health, combining cutting-edge diagnostics with personalized prevention strategies. Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with Dr. Eve Henry to explore the often-misunderstood world of cholesterol, lipids, and heart disease risk. You'll hear them discuss: 1. Why cholesterol matters for longevity and heart health 2. Advanced lipid testing beyond standard panels 3. How to interpret ApoB, LP(a), and triglyceride levels 4. Understanding medications, supplements, and lifestyle approaches for heart health Dr. Eve Henry is board certified in Internal and Integrative Medicine. With extensive experience in personalized medicine and longevity science, she is dedicated to providing innovative care that optimizes healthspan and lifespan. She was previously Medical Director at Early Medical and is now founder of her own clinic, Eve Henry MD. She also serves as Medical Advisor to multiple start ups and enjoys her work educating leadership teams and consumers on ways to enhance their own health.

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we dive into the role of nutrition in maintaining good eye health with Dr. Rudrani Banik. You’ll hear us discuss: 1. The 30 nutrients that keep your eyes healthy 2. Macular carotenoids for eye protection 3. Why you need more than beta-carotene for healthy eyes 4. How to reduce eye strain and blue light exposure Dr. Rudrani Banik is a Board-certified Ophthalmologist and Neuro-Ophthalmologist with fellowship training and expertise in Functional Medicine. Skilled in ophthalmic surgery and Botox, she specializes in treating headaches and migraines. Dr. Banik is also the author of three books on eye health and nutrition: "Beyond Carrots: Best Foods for Eye Health A to Z," "Dr. Rani's Visionary Kitchen: Over 200 Recipes For Healthy Vision," and "Dr. Rani's Plant-Based Visionary Kitchen: Over 130 Plant-Based Recipes for Healthy Vision." Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Carrie Jones sits down with Dr. Saida Desilets, a thought leader, educator, and pioneer in women's psychosexual health. You'll hear them discuss: 1. Why 40-70% of women struggle with low libido 2. The role of nervous system regulation in women's wellness 3. Why finding pleasure in life helps downregulate an overly stressed system 4. Simple daily practices to reclaim sensuality and pleasure to reduce stress 5. Why beauty and joy are essential nutrients for wellbeing Dr. Saida Desilets is a leading authority on embodied psychosexuality and women's wellness. She developed her approach after noticing that traditional sex therapy often didn't produce positive results. Through her work with thousands of women globally, she helps them reconnect with their bodies and support women in reconnecting with their bodies and rediscovering a sense of sensuality and pleasure. Dr. Desilets is the author of "Emergence of the Sensual Woman" and offers programs through her platform, Dare Your Desire.

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with Cass Nelson-Dooley and Cat Simmons from Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory to explore the clinical applications of organic acids testing. You'll hear us discuss: • How urine testing may offer different insights into metabolism compared to blood tests • How urine tests may help identify patterns related to nutrient status without invasive testing • Exploring how neurotransmitter metabolites may relate to mood and brain health • Why organic acids testing may be a useful option for children, especially when blood draws are difficult Cat Simmons, MS, RD, CDCES is a clinical dietitian with a master's degree in metabolic physiology and integrated exercise science from Colorado State University. With over 15 years of experience in laboratory diagnostics, she has worked across blood, stool, and urine testing platforms. At Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, she plays a key role in test development and practitioner education, particularly in making complex biochemical concepts accessible and clinically applicable. Her background in sports performance nutrition and metabolism uniquely positions her to help practitioners understand and implement organic acids testing in clinical practice. Cass Nelson-Dooley, MS, studied medicinal plants in the rain forests of Panama, in 2003 as a Fulbright Scholar, and then launched a career in science and natural medicine. She researched the pharmacology of medicinal plants at the University of Georgia and AptoTec, Inc, and then joined the innovators at Metametrix Clinical Laboratory, then Genova Diagnostics. She has over 18 years of experience teaching clinicians about integrative and functional laboratory results. At Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory, she analyzes metabolomics and gut microbiome tests and develops educational tools. Ms. Nelson-Dooley owns Health First Consulting, LLC, a medical writing, patient education, and consulting firm that serves the integrative and functional medicine industry. Ms. Nelson-Dooley is the author of Heal Your Oral Microbiome and has published case studies, book chapters, and journal articles about natural medicine, nutrition, and laboratory testing. Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we explore the importance of nutrition and lifestyle changes in managing migraines with Dr. Rudrani Banik. You’ll hear us discuss: 1. Dr. Banik's functional medicine approach to managing migraines 2. Migraine symptoms and causes 3. How to identify and eliminate trigger foods for migraine relief 4. The gut-brain connection in migraine management Dr. Rudrani Banik is a Board-certified Ophthalmologist and Neuro-Ophthalmologist with fellowship training and expertise in Functional Medicine. Skilled in ophthalmic surgery and Botox, she specializes in treating headaches and migraines. Dr. Banik is also the author of three books on eye health and nutrition: "Beyond Carrots: Best Foods for Eye Health A to Z," "Dr. Rani's Visionary Kitchen: Over 200 Recipes For Healthy Vision," and "Dr. Rani's Plant-Based Visionary Kitchen: Over 130 Plant-Based Recipes for Healthy Vision." Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we navigate the impact of seed oils on your health and how to make healthier choices with Dr. Cate Shanahan. You’ll hear us discuss: 1. The "hateful eight" toxic seed oils impacting your health 2. The impact of seed oils on mitochondria and hormones 3. Seed oils and menopause 4. Prioritizing nutritious foods over seed oils Dr. Cate Shanahan is a leading expert in nutrition and human metabolism with more than 20 years of clinical experience and a New York Times bestselling author of "The FatBurn Fix," "Deep Nutrition," and "Food Rules." Her specialty is addressing the root causes of metabolic damage and inflammation, which can lead to issues like autoimmunity, weight gain, diabetes, cancer, and accelerated aging. Alongside Dr. Tim DiFrancesco and NBA legend Gary Vitti, Dr. Cate created the PRO Nutrition program for the LA Lakers and helped develop a partnership between Whole Foods Market and multiple NBA teams. Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Yael Joffe joins Dr. Kate Kresge to discuss her remarkable journey from architecture student to nutrigenomics pioneer, driven by a personal loss that left her searching for answers. You’ll hear us discuss: The role of genetic insights in supporting personalized wellness approaches 3X4 Genetics innovative approach to genetic testing The challenges of bringing genetics into clinical practice How AI might reshape the field Dr. Joffe is a pioneering figure in nutrigenomics and the founder of 3X4 Genetics. Originally from South Africa, she began her career studying architecture before pivoting to dietetics following her grandmother's battle with cancer. Driven to understand the intersection of genetics and nutrition more deeply, she pursued a PhD in genetics while working full-time. Throughout her career, Dr. Joffe has been instrumental in developing nutrigenomic testing methodologies, including the Darwin methodology used by 3X4 Genetics to analyze genetic markers for potential insights in personalized wellness. Additionally, Dr. Joffe is the author of The Power Of Genetics. Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide