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The Root Cause Medicine Podcast
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The Root Cause Medicine Podcast

Author: Rupa Health

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In each episode, we’ll meet renowned medical experts, specialists and pioneers who’ve influenced the way certain conditions and diseases are understood and treated. We focus on giving you the information you need to understand the root cause, symptoms and treatments available for specific medical conditions.
309 Episodes
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True longevity requires metabolic flexibility, but how can we help our clients get there? This episode previews personalized metabolic health and longevity strategies from Dr. Rob Downey and Monique Class, presenters at Fullscript Forward 2025. Dr. Downey discusses how metabolic phenotyping, stress/HRV context, and GI patterns can inform evaluation, while Monique describes low-dose (microdosed) GLP-1 approaches, titration by response, and gradual tapering within lifestyle-first care model help them achieve impactful results for their clients. The conversation explores objective monitoring (labs, body composition), muscle-preserving movement, and structured workflows that may help patients sustain progress after medication changes. This episode is for informational and educational purposes only.
This episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast explores how the 2025 GLP-1 prescribing advisory from the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, the American Society for Nutrition, the Obesity Medicine Association, and The Obesity Society can act as a catalyst for whole-person metabolic care—rather than just symptom management. Lara Zakaria, IFMCP, pharmacist and functional medicine practitioner, breaks down the new consensus guidelines and highlights opportunities to integrate nutrition counseling, strength training, and lab monitoring to support muscle preservation, nutrient adequacy, and patient safety. You’ll hear Lara’s practical approach—starting with screening for eating disorders and nutrient status before prescribing—and learn how to design workflows that make guideline implementation realistic in busy clinical settings. Providers will leave with evidence-informed strategies to improve patient outcomes, minimize side effects, and support sustainable behavior change around GLP-1 therapy.
This episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast takes a deep dive into postpartum care—challenging the idea that one six-week checkup is enough. Serena Saeed-Winn, CNM, WHNP, IBCLC, shares how earlier postpartum visits may help identify concerns such as thyroid changes, support lactation comfort through therapeutic breast massage and lymphatic techniques, and guide gentle scar care for improved comfort and pelvic floor recovery. You’ll also hear insights on hormonal shifts, nutrient needs, and postpartum mental health considerations—plus practical strategies to engage partners and build collaborative care teams. Providers will leave with actionable, evidence-informed ideas to better support families during this critical transition.
In this episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge welcomes Dr. Asare Christian, MD, a pain medicine and rehabilitation specialist, to explore the complex physiology of migraines and how a root-cause or functional medicine approach can transform treatment. They discuss the various triggers, including hormonal fluctuations, gut health, inflammation, and environmental toxins, as well as innovative natural therapies, supplements, and device options that empower patients to take control of their headache management. This conversation offers a comprehensive view of migraine care beyond conventional medications, emphasizing education, prevention, and personalized strategies for lasting relief.
In this episode, Dr. Kate Kresge welcomes Dr. Christy Evans, an OB/GYN with a passion for functional women’s health. They discuss how pregnancy transforms every body system, the importance of a comprehensive lifespan approach to women's health, and the innovative methods Dr. Christy uses at Almond OB/GYN. She shares her journey from accountant to physician, the significance of addressing root causes behind common symptoms, and how holistic care can optimize vitality and long-term health. Plus, insights into postpartum recovery, PCOS, and practical strategies to support women at every stage of life.
In this episode, Dr. Kate Kresge is joined by Dr. Ellen Vora to explore holistic approaches to anxiety beyond physiological root causes. They discuss how mindful movement, play, connection, and emotional regulation—such as cry therapy—can serve as powerful tools in managing true anxiety. Emphasizing the importance of integrating mind, body, and spirit, this conversation offers practical strategies for clinicians and individuals looking to deepen their understanding and treatment of anxiety.
In this episode, Dr. Kate Kresge welcomes Dr. Eric Viegas back to discuss the often-overlooked details surrounding the quality and safety of omega-3 supplements. While omega-3s are celebrated for their benefits in cardiovascular health, inflammation, and cognition, contamination and oxidation can undermine their efficacy and even pose health risks. They explore the pivotal role of rigorous testing, manufacturing standards, and how practitioners can guide patients to choose high-quality, safe omega-3 products in a landscape filled with variable quality claims.
In this episode of the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge interviews Kristin Oja, DNP, founder of STAT Wellness, one of the first clinics in the U.S. to combine functional medicine and movement under one roof. Kristin shares her remarkable journey from personal trainer to nurse practitioner to entrepreneur—growing STAT from backyard bootcamps into a thriving multi-location practice redefining modern healthcare. Kristin dives into why muscle mass is a vital sign, how data and personalization are at the heart of STAT’s model, and what it takes to build a clinic that truly supports patients and staff. From lab testing and team culture to scaling with integrity, this episode is both inspiring and tactical—especially for practitioners looking to chart their own course in functional medicine.
In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge dives into men's health, neurology, and fertility with Dr. Eric Yarnell. You’ll hear us discuss: 1. Testosterone and its impact on the male body 2. The dangers of relying on Internet medical information 3. Addressing male factors in infertility treatment 4. The role of herbal medicine in optimizing testosterone production 5. High testosterone and prostate conditions 6. How diet and gut health influence prostate health Dr. Eric Yarnell is the President of Northwest Naturopathic Urology, focusing on men's health, urology, and nephrology. He is also a Professor at Bastyr University in the Department of Botanical Medicine, alongside running two businesses in botanical medicine and publishing. He is the author of numerous texts and articles, including Natural Approach to Gastroenterology, Natural Approach to Urology, Natural Approach to Prostate Conditions, and Naturopathic Nephrology. Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide
In this episode of the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge welcomes back Dr. Cheryl Burdette—naturopathic physician, educator, and founder of Precision Point Diagnostics—for a deep dive into one of the most evidence-backed biomarker bundles in functional medicine: the Gut, Oxidation & Stress panel. Dr. Burdette explains how ten underutilized but highly predictive biomarkers—including anti-LPS antibodies, zonulin, 8OHdG, F2-isoprostanes, glutathione, and more—can give clinicians a full-body snapshot of inflammation, leaky gut, immune dysregulation, and oxidative stress. She discusses how each marker ties into chronic conditions from cardiovascular disease to autoimmunity to neuroinflammation—and exactly how to intervene when these labs are out of range. This is a must-listen masterclass for any practitioner working with chronic illness, mystery symptoms, or “normal” labs that don’t tell the whole story. You’ll Hear Them Discuss: - Why LPS antibodies are one of the most predictive markers in medicine today - How oxidative stress contributes to cardiovascular disease, autoimmunity, and brain fog - What 8OHdG, zonulin, secretory IgA, and glutathione tell us about barrier integrity - The surprising links between gut dysfunction and GLP-1, mood, and immune balance - Case studies showing biomarker-guided interventions that worked - How to boost glutathione (and what forms work best) - When to re-test and what lab shifts to look for - Advanced testing for food sensitivity: IgG subclasses, complement, and tolerance vs. reactivity - Natural GLP-1 agonists, bitters, fiber, and bile as part of metabolic healing
In this episode of the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge is joined by Dr. Jessica Christie, a licensed naturopathic doctor, clinical nutritionist, and integrative fertility expert, to discuss a diagnosis that frustrates both patients and practitioners: unexplained infertility. Dr. Christie explains that “unexplained” can sometimes mean “we haven’t found the root cause yet,” and she walks us through six of the most common hidden causes of fertility struggles—from subclinical hypothyroidism and nutrient deficiencies to autoimmune markers and environmental toxin exposure. Whether you’re a patient searching for answers or a practitioner looking for a more complete workup, this conversation offers evidence-based strategies, powerful case examples, and a hopeful message: unexplained doesn’t mean unsolvable. You’ll hear them discuss: - Why “unexplained infertility” is a diagnosis of exclusion—and what it often misses (Abdallah et al., 2020) - Six common, often-overlooked root-cause contributors to fertility struggles - How research links subclinical hypothyroidism with IVF success rates (Cho et al., 2015) - The immune markers linked to miscarriage and implantation failure (Demir et al., 2009; Shahbazi et al., 2019; Sauer et al., 2010; Jalilvand et al., 2023; Edassery et al., 2010) - Why gut and vaginal dysbiosis matter for egg quality and implantation (Patel et al., 2022; Tersigni et al., 2014; Blancafort & Llácer, 2023) - The micronutrients most essential for fertility—and most commonly deficient (Skoracka et al., 2021; Ji et al., 2023) - How to approach detoxing safely when trying to conceive (Jain & Singh, 2022; Pizzorno, 2017; NCCIH, 2019) - Real patient stories that show what’s possible with root-cause medicine
In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we're gonna go over what to do when your kid gets sick, including what to do, what not to do, and how you can address the top 25 acute childhood concerns using an integrative approach with Dr. Elisa Song. You’ll hear us discuss: 1. Integrative approaches to pediatric health 2. Post-antibiotic recovery for your kids 3. Engaging your vagus nerve to enhance your health 4. Breathing exercises for children 5. Homeopathy and natural remedies for children's health Dr. Elisa Song is a holistic pediatrician and pediatric functional medicine expert who has helped over 1,000 children thrive by combining conventional pediatrics with functional medicine, homeopathy, essential oils, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She is the Founder of Healthy Kids Happy Kids, a trusted online resource for holistic pediatric advice. Dr. Song is also the Founder and Holistic Pediatrician at Whole Family Wellness. Her new book, Healthy Kids, Happy Kids: An Integrative Pediatrician’s Guide to Whole Child Resilience, offers practical insights on how to nurture resilient children. Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide
In this episode of the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with Dr. Eric Viegas, a naturopathic doctor and Fullscript’s Medical Product Manager, to pull back the curtain on the world of supplement quality and safety. From raw ingredient sourcing to manufacturing audits, Dr. Viegas explains what CGMP really means, how Fullscript ensures product integrity, and why certifications like NSF and third-party testing matter. You’ll learn how to evaluate your supplements for quality, what common industry terms really mean (or don’t), and what to avoid—like potentially dangerous sports nutrition products and under-tested trendy gummies. Whether you’re a clinician or a supplement-savvy consumer, this episode offers practical insights to help you navigate the supplement landscape with confidence. You’ll hear them discuss: - What CGMP certification actually means—and why it matters - The hidden dangers of poor manufacturing practices and counterfeit products - Why Fullscript’s catalog is CGMP-certified across all 375+ brands - How and why supplements like turmeric are tested for purity, potency, and contamination - The surprising problems with gummies and “pharmaceutical grade” claims - Which third-party certifications actually mean something (and which don’t) - Why the supplement industry is regulated—but not in the way most people assume - How Fullscript handles recalls, audits, and adverse event reports - What every provider and consumer should know before recommending or taking a supplement
In this episode of the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with functional immunology expert and educator Dr. Samuel Yanuck to explore one of the most overlooked systems in chronic illness: the immune system. With clarity and compassion, Dr. Yanuck breaks down how immune dysregulation can contribute to complex conditions like depression, neuropathy, migraines, chronic fatigue, and even cardiovascular disease. From brain inflammation and mast cell activation to Epstein-Barr virus and mold, Dr. Yanuck offers a new way of thinking about biology—where inflammation isn’t just a symptom, but a system that can be measured, understood, and treated. You’ll here them discuss: - Why immunology could be at the root of nearly every chronic illness - The immune pathways that connect depression, anxiety, brain fog, and fatigue - What PANS, PANDAS, and autoimmune encephalitis really are—and why they’re often misdiagnosed - How gut, brain, and immune health form a feedback loop - The labs you should run if you suspect chronic immune dysfunction - A framework for evaluating chronic viral infections like EBV and CMV - Natural immune modulators: Chinese skullcap, astragalus, quercetin, sulforaphane, and more - Why personalized immune workups—not protocols—create results Guest Bio: Dr. Samuel Yanuck is a functional medicine clinician and expert educator in functional immunology. He is the creator of Cogence Immunology, a comprehensive online training program that has educated over 9,000 clinicians in over 60 countries. His approach blends immunology, clinical experience, and systems thinking to help providers and patients uncover the true drivers of chronic illness. Dr. Yanuck is also the co-founder of the Yanuck Center for Life and Health in North Carolina, where he sees patients and helps clinicians find root-cause solutions to immune dysfunction through mentorship and collaboration. His work is helping reshape how the next generation of practitioners understand inflammation, autoimmunity, and healing. Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide
In this episode of the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with neurologist and bestselling author Dr. Dale Bredesen to challenge everything we think we know about brain aging. Dr. Bredesen shares why age-related cognitive decline is not just treatable but in many cases preventable—and even reversible. Drawing on decades of lab research and clinical success, he outlines the root causes of cognitive decline and introduces the listener to the "cognoscopy," a powerful tool for early detection. With practical, science-backed insights on inflammation, insulin resistance, environmental toxins, and the emerging brain microbiome, this is a masterclass in 21st-century brain health. You’ll here them discuss: - Why cognitive decline is often preventable—and sometimes reversible - The three key drivers of cognitive decline: inflammation, energy deficit, and toxicity - How to use the "cognoscopy" to catch signs of dementia early - The role of the brain’s microbiome and oral health in neurodegeneration - Why mold, metals, and mycotoxins are underestimated threats - New blood biomarkers like pTau217, GFAP, and NFL - Supplements that support brain health, including magnesium threonate and omega-3s - How to tailor treatment using functional lab testing and wearables - Stories of patient recovery—and what makes the difference Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide
In this episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Elisa Song—pediatrician, integrative medicine expert, and author of Healthy Kids, Happy Kids. With a deep commitment to helping children thrive, Dr. Song shares how gut health forms the foundation of pediatric wellness and why holistic care is essential in addressing the chronic health challenges kids face today. We dive into how the microbiome shapes immunity, mood, and behavior, and why addressing nutrition, lifestyle, and environmental factors is crucial for long-term health. Dr. Song also breaks down five core pillars for nurturing a healthy gut in children and reveals the surprising ways added sugar and ultra-processed foods impact the developing brain. You’ll learn: - The role of gut health in preventing and managing childhood conditions - Five foundational habits to support your child’s microbiome - How sugar and processed foods disrupt children's brain and gut function - The link between gut health and mental wellness in kids - What lab tests can help assess and guide pediatric gut health interventions This episode is a must-listen for parents, caregivers, and healthcare providers who want to raise healthy, resilient children through informed, integrative 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 this episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Allen Sussman—seasoned endocrinologist, educator, and author of Saving the Art of Medicine. With over three decades of experience, Dr. Sussman shares how evidence-based medicine can enhance patient care when it's combined with empathy, open-mindedness, and critical thinking. We explore how research can be misinterpreted, the value of integrating complementary approaches, and how true healing requires more than just following protocols—it requires understanding the person behind the diagnosis. You’ll learn: - How evidence-based medicine influences clinical decisions - The difference between statistical and clinical significance - The value of listening to patients and tailoring care - Why biases in studies must be considered when applying data - How alternative and integrative approaches may complement conventional care This episode is a must-listen for healthcare providers and curious patients alike who want to understand how medical evidence can be both scientific and compassionate. Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide
In this heartfelt farewell episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge and Dr. Carrie Jones sit down to share a major announcement: Dr. Carrie is stepping down as co-host to launch her own podcast, Hello, Hormones. This episode is full of reflection, laughter, and excitement as Dr. Carrie shares why now is the time to follow her calling to educate, empower, and entertain through hormone-focused conversations. With a book coming in 2026, thousands of hormone tests analyzed, and decades of clinical and teaching experience, Dr. Carrie is ready to deliver education that’s practical, hilarious, and deeply needed. You’ll hear them discuss: - Why Carrie is pivoting to launch Hello, Hormones - The vision for her new podcast: education, sass, and science - How misinformation around hormones (and cancer) persists - What women need to know about perimenopause, fertility, and metabolic health - Her certifications and clinical experience across naturopathic endocrinology - Her skincare, castor oil, and longevity tips (because glow matters too!) - The myth she wants to bust (hint: it’s about hormone fearmongering) - Why “you’ve always had the power” is her guiding truth
In this episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. James Greenblatt—psychiatrist, educator, and author—shares his personalized, functional medicine approach to supporting individuals with eating disorders. Drawing from over 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Greenblatt explains how nutrient deficiencies, malnutrition, and genetic individuality play a major role in mental health conditions like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating disorder. He also discusses the importance of lab testing and how personalized supplementation and nutrition strategies can be used alongside therapy and medication. You’ll learn: Why micronutrient testing is important in eating disorder care How deficiencies in zinc, omega-3s, and B vitamins may impact brain function What role genetics, celiac disease, and gut health might play How to use testing to guide individualized support plans Why the “nutrition by addition” approach can be a game-changer for recovery This episode offers a compassionate, science-backed perspective for clinicians, families, and anyone interested in integrative mental health care. Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide
In this episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Anthony Crifase is joined by Brandy Zachary, DC, IFMCP, Clinical Director at Body Love Cafe. They discuss the root cause of food sensitivities, the difference between food sensitivities and allergies and the future of food sensitivity treatment.
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Comments (4)

Jurry Taalib-Deen

loved it! I learned so much & look forward to putting it into play.

Nov 30th
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Ursa Speh

Loved this episode! Sharing it with my friends.

Feb 8th
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Mary E. Shaw Steffen

Great information!!! I have been a registered Dental Hygienist for almost 31 years now, and the fluoride issue has been bothering me for a while now. I hope some changes in policy ate coming our way!

Apr 25th
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Tania G

this doctor speaks to my soul... I'm buying her book right now!

Apr 16th
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