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Dr. Michael Aziz on Targeting Aging: Diet, Fats, Testing, Hormones, Peptides, and Practical Longevity Strategies   Dr. Ben Weitz introduces the Rational Wellness Podcast and interviews Dr. Michael Aziz about longevity and treating aging as a modifiable biological "syndrome," referencing the hallmarks of aging and the need for broad approaches because organs age at different rates. Aziz highlights major aging accelerators—processed foods, refined carbs/sugar, seed oils, poor sleep, and stress—criticizes low-fat guidelines and the Seven Countries study, and argues saturated fats (e.g., butter, coconut) are not the main driver of heart disease, which he frames as inflammation and oxidized/sticky cholesterol, emphasizing advanced lipid testing. He outlines a basic longevity lab panel (A1C, fasting insulin, hs-CRP, liver tests, advanced lipids) and discusses insulin resistance, GLP-1 drugs and side effects, muscle preservation, exercise/HIIT, and dietary moderation of grains and keto-style choices without processed meats. The conversation covers hormones, bioidentical replacement, peptides, senolytics (fasting, fisetin, quercetin, low-dose naltrexone), NAD/NR/NMN, supplements, sauna, tadalafil, metformin, and berberine.   00:59 Meet Dr Michael Aziz 02:51 Is Aging a Disease 04:14 Hallmarks of Aging 04:54 Measuring Biological Age 05:56 Biggest Aging Accelerators 06:18 Diet Pitfalls Sugar Oils 07:54 Keto Done Right 08:59 Saturated Fat Debate 12:37 Cooking Fats and Seed Oils 14:19 Low Fat Guidelines Myth 15:06 Vegetarian Diet Concerns 16:27 What Really Causes Heart Disease 18:01 Longevity Lab Testing 18:33 Insulin Resistance and GLP1s 19:31 GLP1 Side Effects 20:42 Muscle Mass for Longevity 21:08 Omega 6 Ratio Explained 22:21 Coconut Oil and Cholesterol 24:20 Perfect 10 Diet vs Keto 25:43 Whole Grains and Mediterranean Diet 27:52 Grains And Gluten 28:54 Mediterranean Vs French Diet 29:59 Dairy Benefits And Risks 30:39 Hormones And Aging 31:43 Peptides For Longevity 34:28 Senescent Cells And Senolytics 36:08 Fasting Strategies Explained 37:43 NAD NR And NMN 39:23 Supplements And Mitochondria 41:04 Overhyped Longevity Treatments 43:08 Metformin Berberine And Sugar 45:27 Exercise For Longevity 47:00 Future Of Anti Aging Medicine 48:37 Mediterranean Diet Revisited 50:42 Final Takeaways And Where To Find Him 51:47 Podcast Wrap Up And Next Steps   Dr. Aziz is a board-certified internal medicine physician, author, and broadcast media commentator.  He practices at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. He spent decades integrating conventional and functional medicine with a focus on identifying and treating the underlying causes of chronic diseases. Dr. Aziz first became nationally known with his 2010 book, The Perfect 10 Diet, in which he challenged a number of prevailing ideas about dietary fat and nutrition, and his newest book, The Ageless Revolution. His website is MichaelAzizMD.com.   Dr. Ben Weitz  is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

Diarrhea: Root Causes, Testing, and Treatment Strategies with Dr. Ilana Gurevich Dr. Ben Weitz introduces the Rational Wellness Podcast episode on diarrhea and its complex differential diagnosis, featuring naturopathic gastroenterology specialist Dr. Ilana Gurevich. They discuss defining diarrhea using the Bristol Stool Chart and distinguishing acute from chronic cases, including when to investigate (about 4–5 days for new onset). Gurevich outlines an acute workup using LabCorp's rapid GI Pathogen Profile PCR stool test, notes limitations and false positives, and explains her approach to chronic diarrhea evaluation, including GI-MAP with optional bile acid testing (OMX), pancreatic elastase and steatocrit for fat malabsorption, and assessment for SIBO/SIFO and H. pylori (emphasizing conventional confirmation and virulence factors). They cover bile acid malabsorption and treatment with bile acid sequestrants and fibers, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency and enzyme dosing, microscopic colitis requiring diagnostic colonoscopy biopsies and budesonide, carbohydrate malabsorption breath testing, hydrogen sulfide SIBO uncertainty, the role of stress/nervous system and motility, and supplement causes like excess magnesium or vitamin C. 00:00 Podcast Intro 00:59 Why Diarrhea Is Complex 01:52 Meet Dr Gurevich 02:39 Acute Loose Stool Workup 03:07 Fast PCR Stool Panel 04:47 Treating Blastocystis 06:16 Defining Diarrhea 07:46 Acute vs Chronic Timeline 08:49 Food Triggers and EPI 10:18 Testing Limits and False Positives 11:03 Cholera PCR Story 13:56 GI Map and Bile Acids   15:45 Bile Biome Explained   18:25 Bloating Points to SIBO 18:54 Provoking Stool Tests   20:25 Biofilm Protocol Details   23:19 Large Bowel Dysbiosis Targets   24:24 Small Bowel Workup and H pylori   25:46 SIBO SIFO Testing   26:12 Organic Acids Debate   26:44 Pancreatic Enzymes Trial 28:19 PERT Dosing Basics   30:40 Bile Acid Diarrhea     33:46 Microscopic Colitis Clues     37:15 Treating Microscopic Colitis     39:28 Sugar Intolerance Breath Tests     40:02 Hydrogen Sulfide SIBO     43:55 Food Sensitivity Panel Critique     45:11 Nervous System Bucket     46:21 Motility And Transit     48:11 Wrap Up And Where To Find   Dr. Ilana Gurevich is a naturopathic physician, who specializes in gastroenterology. She's in Portland,   Oregon and she's the co-host of the excellent Turd Nerds podcast. She runs her practice out of   OpenWellness PDX.              Dr. Ben Weitz  is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

An Integrative Approach to Parkinson's: Gut-Brain Axis, Toxins, Pro21 Diet, Testing & Key Supplements | Dr. Karin Duncan Dr. Ben Weitz introduces a Rational Wellness Podcast episode on Parkinson's disease with naturopathic physician Dr. Karin Duncan, who is launching the Integrative Neurology Wellness Center in Hayden, Idaho in partnership with the Northwest Parkinson's Foundation to provide accessible integrative care. They discuss Parkinson's as more than dopamine deficiency, emphasizing toxins, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and the gut-brain axis, with increasing young-onset cases. Duncan explains clinical diagnosis, limits of DaTscan, and her reliance on the CND/Syn-One skin biopsy for alpha-synuclein. They cover prodromal symptoms (constipation, loss of smell, REM sleep behavior disorder), alpha-synuclein and Lewy bodies, and her evaluation approach including nutrient and inflammatory labs, omega-3/6 targets, iron, thyroid/hormones, microbiome testing, and caution with detox. They review ProPD symptom tracking, Pro21 diet (avoid dairy, beef/pork/chicken, fried/refined/canned foods), exercise, glutathione, DHA, low-dose lithium, vitamin D/K2, LDN, and careful use of methylene blue, plus community and mental health support. Dr. Laura Mischley's Pro 21 diet was published: Beyond MIND and Mediterranean Diets: Designing a Diet to Optimize Parkinson's Disease Outcomes.   Laura Mischley's Parkinson's symptom tracking (Pro-PD) app can be found here:  lauriemischley.com/pro-pd-app 00:00 Podcast Intro 01:02 Parkinsons Overview 02:30 New Clinic Foundation 04:41 Toxins Call to Action 07:41 Young Onset Cases 08:37 Diagnosis Testing Tools 12:49 Prodromal Warning Signs 14:44 REM Sleep Explained 16:32 Constipation Mechanisms 20:29 Alpha Synuclein Gut Brain 24:25 Tracking Symptoms ProPD 29:28 Lewy Bodies Basics 30:07 Integrative Lab Workup 31:45 Methylene Blue Safety 34:02 Omega Fats Targets 36:50 Iron Thyroid Hormones 38:38 Gut Testing Dysbiosis 39:59 SIBO Testing Alternatives 41:28 Microbiome Testing Roadmap 43:47 Stool Tests and Gut Function 46:02 Diet Strategy and Pro 21 48:57 Pro 21 Foods to Avoid 51:09 Toxins and Detox Caution 53:13 Supplements That Move the Needle 59:58 Probiotics Targeted Not Empirical 01:01:24 Exercise and Realistic Outcomes 01:04:15 High Tech Therapies and Palliation 01:05:33 Methylene Blue Safety and Dosing 01:08:45 LDN and Mental Health Support 01:11:25 Tremors Vagus Nerve and DBS 01:13:10 Build Your Care Team 01:15:09 Resources and How to Connect Karin Duncan is a naturopathic physician who recently launched her new office, the Integrative Neurology Wellness Center in Hayden, Idaho in partnership with the Northwest Parkinson's Foundation to provide accessible integrative care to patients with neurodegenerative disorders. Her website is the Integrative Neurology Wellness Center and her phone is 208-480-4692. Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

The HRT Questions Most Women Never Get Answered with Karen Martel | Rational Wellness Podcast 481 Perimenopause to Menopause: Testing, Progesterone First, and Evidence-Informed HRT with Karen Martell Dr. Ben Weitz introduces the Rational Wellness Podcast and interviews hormone specialist Karen Martell about perimenopause and menopause, emphasizing that midlife hormonal shifts affect metabolism, sleep, mood, cognition, bone and cardiovascular health. Martell says perimenopause can begin in the mid-30s, often with declining progesterone from less frequent ovulation, leading to heavy periods, insomnia, anxiety, and perceived "estrogen dominance," while estrogen later becomes erratic and then declines toward menopause around age 51. She critiques common responses like birth control, hysterectomy, and symptom-only medications, and recommends combining bloodwork with saliva or urine metabolite testing (e.g., DUTCH) when cycling. For HRT, she prefers transdermal estradiol over oral estrogen, discusses progesterone delivery options and sensitivities to oral metabolites, addresses testosterone (often compounded; injectable preferred), and notes roles for DHEA and pregnenolone. She also covers vaginal therapies, dosing based on both symptoms and protective lab ranges, and cautious later-life initiation.   00:00 Show Intro and Mission 00:59 Why Midlife Hormones Matter 02:23 Perimenopause Starts Early 03:18 Progesterone Drop Signs 06:17 Testing Hormones and Thyroid 08:02 Bad Advice and Quick Fixes 09:33 When Supplements Aren't Enough 10:52 Starting Progesterone Therapy 12:49 Best Hormone Testing Methods 15:36 Endocrine Disruptors Cleanup 17:40 Choosing Estrogen Delivery 18:43 Pellets and Testosterone Risks 22:27 Progesterone Forms and Dosing 25:21 Why Avoid Oral Estrogen 27:00 Estradiol for Life 27:38 Estriol vs Estradiol 30:23 Patch vs Cream Dosing 31:56 E4 Estrogen Debate 33:39 Cycling Progesterone 35:38 DHEA and Pregnenolone 37:39 Vaginal Hormone Options 40:18 Optimizing HRT Levels 43:52 Starting HRT After 70 47:45 Perimenopause Timing Tips 50:19 Where to Find Karen Karen Martel is a Certified Hormone Specialist and Transformation Nutrition Coach and the host of The Hormone Solution podcast, which focuses on perimenopause, menopause, hormone replacement therapy, metabolic health, weight loss resistance, and thyroid health.  Her website is KarenMartel.com.   Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

What are the Functions of Microbial Gases, Hydrogen, Methane, & Hydrogen Sulfide with Dr. Tom Fabian | Rational Wellness Podcast 480 Gut Microbial Gases Beyond SIBO: Hydrogen, Methane, and Hydrogen Sulfide as Signaling Metabolites Dr. Ben Weitz introduces the Rational Wellness Podcast and interviews Dr. Tom Fabian, PhD, to discuss gut microbial gases beyond the usual SIBO framing. They explain that hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulfide are normal microbial metabolites with potential signaling roles, alongside key microbiome products like short-chain fatty acids (especially butyrate), which fuels colon cells, supports tight junctions, regulatory T cells, and helps maintain an anaerobic colon environment. Fabian notes metabolomics (e.g., GI-MAP stool add-ons) can provide functional insight beyond which microbes are present, highlighting butyrate producers such as Faecalibacterium and Roseburia. They review controversies in breath testing interpretation, discuss methane biology and debated links to constipation, and emphasize emerging research that hydrogen sulfide is widely produced (often from cysteine metabolism), supports colon mitochondria and anaerobiosis, may relate to stress responses and longevity, and that excessive sulfur restriction may be misguided; fiber and polyphenols may mitigate protein-driven hydrogen sulfide. 00:00 Show Intro 00:59 Why Gut Gases Matter 04:04 Microbiome Metabolites 05:52 Butyrate Deep Dive 09:07 Measuring SCFAs 13:20 Hydrogen and Breath Tests 19:12 Hydrogen Benefits 28:19 Methane and Motility 31:06 Sponsor Break 32:13 Methanogens Explained 35:24 Hydrogen Sulfide Science 50:59 Clinical Takeaways   Dr. Tom Fabian has a PhD in molecular biology and who has spent many years researching the microbiome and translating the scientific literature into practical applications for functional medicine practitioners.  Currently, Dr. Fabian serves a consultant and science advisor with Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory. Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

Galectin-3, Modified Citrus Pectin, and Therapeutic Apheresis: Emerging Applications in Sepsis, Cancer, and Chronic Inflammation   Dr. Ben Weitz introduces the Rational Wellness Podcast and interviews returning guest Dr. Isaac Eliaz about galectin-3 as an upstream driver of inflammation and fibrosis implicated in chronic degenerative disease, autoimmunity, cancer progression, and acute sepsis. Eliaz explains modified citrus pectin (PectaSol) as a researched galectin-3 inhibitor, discusses dosing ranges, and describes its clinical relevance across inflammation, cardiovascular risk, microbiome effects, and cancer (including prostate cancer trials). The conversation focuses on therapeutic apheresis and plasma exchange, contrasting nonselective plasma exchange with selective approaches such as LDL apheresis and Eliaz's developing Xgal-3 filter designed to remove circulating galectin-3. He cites porcine sepsis data, an FDA breakthrough designation, upcoming sepsis trials, and potential to enhance cancer immunotherapy, while warning about hype, safety, training, and misuse in integrative settings. 00:00 Show Introduction 00:59 Meet Dr Isaac Eliaz 02:47 What Is Galectin 3 09:25 Galectin 3 And Sepsis 11:45 Modified Citrus Pectin Basics 17:11 MCP Dosing Guide 20:43 MCP Gut And Cancer Research 25:33 Why Galectin 3 Is Overlooked 26:49 Apheresis Filter Breakthrough 28:57 Will Galectin 3 Return 29:49 Sepsis Immune Overdrive 30:39 Galectin-3 Cancer Shield 31:13 MCP Prostate Trial Wins 33:33 Boosting Immunotherapy Response 35:32 Therapeutic Apheresis Explained 36:48 Plasma Exchange Hype Risks 39:12 Safer Protocols And Expertise 47:02 Personal Longevity And LDL 49:53 Selective Vs Plasma Outcomes 52:59 Future Trials And Wrap Up   Dr. Isaac Eliaz is an internationally recognized expert in the field of integrative medicine. A highly skilled physician and healer trained across diverse medical systems, Dr. Eliaz offers an unparalleled holistic approach to health and healing. He is a leading specialist in integrative cancer treatment and prevention, mind-body medicine, and the application of strategic protocols to address complex, degenerative conditions. At Amitabha Medical Clinic, Dr. Eliaz and his team have pioneered the use of the blood filtration treatment, therapeutic apheresis, as a groundbreaking clinical procedure for cancer, chronic kidney disease, Lyme disease and other inflammatory conditions—with outstanding clinical success. His websites are DrEliaz.org and Amitabhab.com and Eliazapheresis.com Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

IBS and SIBO Breath Testing with FoodMarble: Real-Time Hydrogen and Methane Monitoring Dr. Ben Weitz introduces the Rational Wellness Podcast episode on IBS and SIBO with guests Angus Short, PhD (CEO/co-founder) and Claire Short, PhD (chief clinical officer) of FoodMarble, creators of the handheld AIRE breath analyzer that measures hydrogen and methane in real time to track fermentation patterns at home. Inspired by Angus's wife's unresolved IBS symptoms and restrictive dieting, the device evolved from early prototypes into a validated product, including published research with Johns Hopkins showing equivalence to a leading mail-in breath test kit. They discuss following North American Consensus SIBO protocols (prep diet, fasting, lactulose or glucose, readings every 15 minutes for two hours with customizable options), additional at-home FODMAP intolerance tests, symptom/diet/stool tracking, and personalization. They note ongoing development of hydrogen sulfide measurement, factors affecting readings, and how monitoring can guide diet, supplements, and treatment choices. 00:00 Podcast Intro 00:59 IBS SIBO Episode Setup 02:29 Why FoodMarble Started 06:54 Early Prototypes to Product 07:46 Clinical Validation Studies 10:06 How to Run SIBO Tests 12:34 FODMAP Intolerance Testing 16:11 Stool Microbiome Links 20:17 Building a Healthier Microbiome 24:30 Daily Tracking and H2S Sensor 27:00 Diet Variability Matters 27:39 Tracking Meals and Symptoms 28:56 Personalization Factors in Data 29:39 Meal Timing and Liquids 30:48 GLP-1s and Gut Transit 31:56 Patient Engagement and App Modes 33:38 Avoidance and Food Reintroduction 34:32 Lactose Myths and Hidden FODMAPs 36:09 How FODMAPs Really Work 39:20 Food Database and Alternatives 40:16 Enzymes and Supplement Testing 41:54 Breath Sampling Technique 44:28 Calibration and Device Longevity 48:18 Breath Testing Misconceptions 49:59 SIBO Treatments and Research 54:51 Wrap Up and Where to Buy Claire Shortt, PhD and Aonghus Shortt, PhD are the creators of the Food Marble, the handheld SIBO breath analyzer that measures hydrogen and methane in real time to track fermentation patterns at home. To learn more, go to FoodMarble.com and use the code WEITZ15 to get 15% off. Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

Environmental Toxins, Wildfire Smoke, and Practical Detox Strategies with Dr. Joe Pizzorno   Dr. Ben Weitz hosts the Rational Wellness Podcast and interviews Dr. Joe Pizzorno on latest research about environmental toxins, emphasizing wildfire smoke risks, PM2.5 penetration, rapid body and brain distribution, and links to neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular disease. Pizzorno argues toxins are a primary, solvable driver of chronic illness and that oxidized cholesterol reflects toxic exposure more than cholesterol itself. Practical protections include running high-MERV (≥12, ideally 16) HVAC filtration 24/7, avoiding incense, and supporting detox with glutathione (liposomal or via NAC), increased and diverse fiber to reduce toxin reabsorption, and saunas to sweat profusely (except PFAS "forever chemicals," which don't excrete via sweat). They discuss mercury release from forest fires, microplastics and gut binding, arsenic reduction from rice cooking, water filtration (carbon block, RO for arsenic), endocrine disruptors like bisphenols, and toxin assessment using GGTP, ALT, eGFR, and urinary 8-OHdG rather than challenge tests.   01:02 Meet Dr Joe Pizzorno 02:24 Wildfires and Toxic Exposure 05:21 PM2.5 and Systemic Damage 07:24 Cholesterol Oxidation and Toxins 09:35 Home Air Filtration Tips 11:25 Mercury From Forest Fires 13:15 Glutathione and NAC Basics 14:41 Binders and Fiber Strategy 17:26 Persistent vs Nonpersistent Toxins 19:21 Saunas and Forever Chemicals 21:47 Microplastics and Gut Binding 24:13 Post Fire Cleanup Safety 25:21 Arsenic in Water Rice Chicken 27:54 Whole House Water Filters 29:08 Chlorine Fluoride Tradeoffs 31:08 Plastic Bottles and Bisphenols 31:54 Endocrine Disruptors Explained 33:58 Phytoestrogens vs Xenoestrogens 35:49 Safer Drinkware and Cookware 36:37 Testing Toxins Smarter 39:49 Biomarkers GGTP ALT eGFR 44:37 Detox Nutrition and Glutathione 46:54 Toxins and Autoimmune Disease 48:22 Cure Versus Suppression 53:44 Final Thoughts and Outro   Dr. Joe Pizzorno is one of the founders of the modern naturopathic medicine and also the Functional Medicine movement, founding president of Bastyr University, editor of the Textbook of Natural Medicine, and one of the world's leading authorities on environmental toxins and chronic disease. He's the author of at least 14 outstanding books, including The Toxin Solution and a textbook on toxins that he cowrote with Walter Crinion, Clinical Environmental Medicine and he continues to publish groundbreaking research on the role of environmental toxicants in human health. Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

View the Show Notes For This Episode Newest Developments in SIBO Treatments with Dr. Mark Pimentel | Rational Wellness Podcast 476   Dr. Mark Pimentel on SIBO/IBS: 3-Gas Breath Testing, Hydrogen Sulfide, Methane, Diet & Emerging Treatments Dr. Ben Weitz welcomes Dr. Mark Pimentel to discuss new research on IBS and overgrowth syndromes, including hydrogen SIBO, intestinal methanogen overgrowth (IMO), and intestinal sulfide overproduction (hydrogen sulfide). Pimentel explains that hydrogen on breath tests is a marker for bacteria like E. coli and Klebsiella and that slowed motility enables overgrowth; he also distinguishes bloating vs abdominal distension and critiques Rome criteria for excluding bloating. They review Trio-Smart three-gas breath testing, lactulose vs glucose, timing and cutoffs (methane ≥10 ppm; hydrogen sulfide >2), and evidence that elevated hydrogen sulfide correlates with severe diarrhea and gut cellular dysfunction. They cover GLP-1 effects on motility, FoodMarble pros/cons, low fermentation diet, elemental diet (MBIOTA), probiotics, new therapies (rifaximin + timed-release NAC; methane enzyme inhibitor), and a Cedars-Sinai IBS-D trial recruiting in Los Angeles. 00:00 Show Intro and Mission 01:00 Meet Dr Mark Pimentel 03:12 Is Hydrogen Always Bad 05:11 Bloating vs Distension 08:40 Where SIBO Bugs Come From 10:30 Why Slow Transit Drives Overgrowth 12:50 Three Gas Breath Testing 16:21 Breath Test Critiques Answered 20:09 Cutoffs for Positive Tests 23:27 Hydrogen Sulfide Gut Damage 24:57 GLP1 Drugs and SIBO 27:37 Methane Weight Gain Explained 29:17 FoodMarble Pros and Cons 30:42 Low Fermentation Diet Debate 32:27 White Bread Misconceptions 33:25 Rifaximin Plus NAC Trial 35:10 New Methane Blocking Drug 36:26 Methane Treatment Challenges 38:00 Methanogens Balance And Phages 40:05 Palatable Elemental Diet 41:22 Next Gen Anaerobic Probiotics 44:23 IBS Versus IBD Relationship 46:31 Hydrogen Sulfide Options 47:40 Mast Cells Mold And Motility 49:18 Vagus Nerve Confusion 51:30 Future Of Overgrowth Syndromes 52:42 Trial Signup And Wrap Up 53:26 Podcast Outro And Clinic Info   Dr. Mark Pimentel is one of the world's leading authorities on the gut microbiome and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO. He serves as Executive Director of the Medically Associated Science and Technology Program at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and has dedicated more than two decades to unraveling the complex relationship between the gut microbiome and disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome. Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

View the Show Notes For This Episode Dr. David Perlmutter on Microglia, Metabolism, and a New Paradigm for Neurodegenerative Disease Dr. Ben Weitz introduces the Rational Wellness Podcast and interviews neurologist and author Dr. David Perlmutter about his upcoming book, Brain Defenders, describing a neuroscience shift from neuron-centered thinking to the brain's immune cells (glia/microglia) as key drivers of neurodegeneration. Perlmutter argues microglial polarization (supportive M2 vs destructive M1) is upstream of protein accumulations like beta-amyloid, alpha-synuclein, and phosphorylated tau, and is strongly influenced by lifestyle-driven metabolic health (blood sugar, insulin resistance, lipids, blood pressure), systemic inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and blood–brain barrier integrity. They discuss prevention, multimodal treatment approaches (e.g., Bredesen and Ornish/Tanzi), mitochondrial dysfunction, exercise, supplements (olive oil polyphenols, vitamin D, CoQ10, urolithin A, spermidine, dihydromyricetin, rosmarinic acid), and emerging drug strategies including TREM2 targeting and GLP-1 agonists, noting benefits and risks. 00:00 Show Intro 01:02 Meet David Perlmutter 03:04 Microglia Paradigm Shift 05:21 Beyond Amyloid Drugs 09:08 Multimodal Reversal Evidence 13:34 Neurons vs Microglia Basics 16:46 Gut Inflammation Link 19:24 Blood Brain Barrier Aging 21:22 Mitochondria Microglia Switch 25:52 Why Diseases Differ Epigenetics 29:54 Tau Is Downstream Too 31:40 Brain Defender Diet Metabolism 35:14 GLP1s For Parkinsons 42:57 Diet Types CGM Keto Fiber 48:46 Supplements For Microglia 52:04 Rapamycin NAD Hype Check 54:34 Wrap Up Preorder Book 55:03 Podcast Outro Dr. David Perlmutter, board-certified neurologist, six-time New York Times bestselling author, with some of his most popular books being Brain Grain, Brain Maker and Drop Acid and his new book, Brain Defenders.  His website is DrPerlmutter.com. Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

Rational Wellness Podcast Episode 020: Female Hormones with Dr. Jill Stocker Dr. Jill Stocker discusses the use of bioidentical estrogen and progesterone hormones to help women restore their youth and vigor and their "juiciness".  I laid out the topic first by talking about how it was believed for decades that estrogen was protective for the heart, which is why women have a lower risk of heart attack than men until menopause and then their risk increases equal to men's.  There was however, concern about the increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer.  When the Women's Health Initiative study was published in 2002 it shook the field of women's hormone replacement therapy by demonstrating an increased risk of heart attack and stroke in women who took equine (from horses) estrogen and synthetic progestins (Premarin and PremPro). But these results do not necessarily apply to the use of bioidentical hormones, which are much safer. Dr. Jill Stocker can be reached at   https://www.jillstocker.com/  or here:  http://www.thebodywellusa.com/   Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

View the Show Notes For This Episode Breast Implant Illness with Dr. Robert Whitfield | Rational Wellness Podcast 474 Dr. Ben Weitz interviews Dr. Robert Whitfield, a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in breast reconstruction and explant surgery using an integrative approach with functional medicine, genomics, nutrition, and environmental medicine. They discuss breast implant illness (fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, GI and autoimmune-like symptoms), implant types, and why implant-based reconstruction is more common than microsurgical autologous tissue reconstruction. Whitfield reviews evidence and proposed mechanisms including bacterial biofilm contamination, oxidation of oleic acid in breast tissue, immune activation (T-, B-, and plasma-cell responses), and findings from PCR testing in 694 consecutive cases showing 29% bacterial contamination. He outlines preparation and recovery strategies (genetics, toxicity, gut, hormones, sleep, nutrition), surgical capsulectomy and pocket rinses, limited role for antibiotics, implant surveillance after 8–10 years, and alternatives like fat transfer. 00:00 Show Intro and Mission 00:59 Meet Dr Rob Whitfield 02:45 Implant History and Types 03:46 Microsurgery Reconstruction Explained 07:50 Implants Versus Own Tissue 09:30 Silicone Leakage and Immune Limits 11:48 Explant Surgery and Capsule Removal 13:42 Biofilm Mechanism and Oxidation 17:05 Evidence and Susceptibility Factors 20:43 Preop Prep and Recovery Protocol 23:20 Antibiotics PCR and Pocket Rinse 25:20 Heavy Metals Sauna and BIA ALCL 27:40 Textured Implant Recall Guidance 28:32 Implant Lifespan and Imaging 29:58 When to Remove Implants 30:34 Ruling Out Other Causes 31:51 Mold and Parasite Protocols 33:45 Autoimmunity and Biomarkers 36:01 Recovery Lifestyle Basics 37:45 Diet and Protein Focus 39:23 Why BII Is Missed 41:48 Implant Choices and Risks 43:14 Alternatives Like Fat Transfer 45:48 Aftercare and Recovery Tech 48:10 Finding Surgeons and Resources Dr. Robert Whitfield is a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reconstruction, explant surgery, and optimizing recovery through an integrative approach that combines reconstructive surgery with functional medicine, genomics, nutrition, and environmental medicine. Over the past decade, Dr. Whitfield has become one of the leading physicians studying what has become known as Breast Implant Illness, or BII—a constellation of symptoms that can include fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, gastrointestinal complaints, autoimmune-type symptoms, and other chronic health issues that some women associate with their breast implants. Dr. Whitfield can be found at DrRobertWhitfield.com Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

View the Show Notes For This Episode Mold, Indoor Air Quality, and Building a Healthy Home with Michael Rubino Dr. Ben Weitz introduces the Rational Wellness Podcast and interviews mold remediation and indoor air quality expert Michael Rubino of Home Cleanse and the Change the Air Foundation about mold, indoor air quality, and creating a healthy home. Rubino describes entering the field after Hurricane Sandy, observing people remaining ill despite cosmetic restorations driven by insurance limits and cost-cutting, and notes an EPA statistic that people spend about 90% of their time indoors. They discuss widespread water damage in homes, mold and bacteria as linked problems, and how new construction can develop mold from poor material handling and inadequate moisture control. Rubino addresses wildfire-related indoor contamination (heavy metals, VOCs, ash), recommends dust and VOC testing, critiques fogging and bleach-based approaches, emphasizes HVAC maintenance and filtration, and outlines the foundation's education, research, and policy goals. 00:59 Meet Michael Rubino 01:50 Why Indoor Air Matters 03:26 Hurricane Sandy Wakeup 05:40 Insurance Drives Remediation 06:45 Mold Coverage Caps 08:57 Denied Claim Story 11:13 How Common Is Water Damage 12:14 Mold In New Builds 17:49 Dried In Explained 19:09 Fire Smoke Toxins Indoors 22:35 Testing After Fires 27:15 Drywall And Safer Walls  29:14 Mold Inspection Dust Test 30:10 ERMI Confusion Solved  32:48 Ordering And Next Steps 32:57 Mold Plus Bacteria 34:02 Mold vs Bacteria Basics 34:54 Next Wave Testing 35:41 Bleach Fogging Myths 37:00 Porous vs Nonporous Cleanup 40:42 What to Toss or Keep 42:26 Tape Testing Belongings 45:12 Laundry and Air Purifiers 46:37 Filters MERV and Ozone 50:30 Ventilation Fires Humidity 53:02 Change the Air Mission 57:01 HVAC Lungs of Home 01:01:20 Clinician Takeaways Wrap 01:03:21 Where to Find More Michael Rubino is one of the country's leading experts on mold remediation and indoor air quality. He's the founder of HomeCleanse, Chairman of the Change the Air Foundation, and he is also a council-certified Mold Remediator by IICRC and ACAC and a contributing member, sponsor, and speaker for the Indoor Air Quality Association. He is also the host of the Never Been Sicker podcast. Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

View the Show Notes For This Episode Dr. Philip Goglia explains to Dr. Ben Weitz how to improve athletic performance through nutrition. [If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a positive review on Itunes, so more people will find The Rational Wellness Podcast]   Podcast Details Dr. Goglia explained that using the correct macronutrient food pattern that fits each person's metabolism is crucial. This can be determined via a questionnaire and by looking at a lipid profile.  If you are efficient at burning fats and carbohydrates and you consume a vegan diet, it will not work very well. Some people are efficient at burning fats and proteins, some are efficient at burning carbs, and some are efficient at both. Dr. Goglia will often utilize a pretraining cocktail with athletes that includes D-Ribose, L-Glutamine, Taurine, Cinnamon, Calcium and Magnesium, and blackstrap mollases. We'll even add citrulline mallate to it. He mentions that when his athletes have an athletic event in the morning, he will have the athletes eat a "mash" in the evening that includes shredded wheat, apple sauce, almond butter and jam.  They'll wake up with lots of energy.  He may also have the athlete consume this "mash" several hours before an athletic event, such as a basketball game or an athletic event. Dr. Philip Goglia can be reached through his website and for nutrition appointments:  http://www.pfcnutrition.com/

View the Show Notes For This Episode Helping Dysregulated Kids with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge Rational Wellness Podcast 472 Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, a licensed mental health expert, founder of The Global Institute of Children's Mental Health, host of The Dysregulated Kid Podcast, and author of the bestselling book, The Dysregulated Kid. Her website is DysregulatedKid.com. Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.