Episode #55: Part 2 - Optimizing Health Through Supplements and Diet for Neurodivergent Kids

About the Guest(s):

Dr. Kristin Hieshetter is a distinguished expert in functional health, with years of professional practice in improving patient outcomes through innovative approaches to wellness. Dr. Laura is a passionate advocate for brain health and a seasoned practitioner in functional medicine. Both guests bring profound insight into optimizing human health by addressing root causes of chronic conditions.

Episode Summary:

In this eye-opening episode of Functional Health Radio, Dr. Kristin Hieshetter and Dr. Laura delve deeply into the troubling trends in U.S. life expectancy and the rising prevalence of chronic diseases among children. The discussion begins with a stark statistic: for the first time in recorded history, the U.S. life expectancy has declined, prompting a thorough analysis of how modern healthcare practices are failing to halt conditions like heart disease and cancer. The episode offers a roadmap to harnessing the body's incredible potential through functional health principles.

This episode intricately explores genetic factors, specifically focusing on the MTHFR SNP and its role in metabolism and health. Dr. Laura shares critical insights on how these genetic factors affect her son, Laird, who has a complex profile including the COMT gene. Detailed recommendations for specific dietary changes and supplementations, like Omega-3 fatty acids and curcumin, highlight the power of tailored health interventions. The episode is rich with actionable advice for parents and healthcare practitioners interested in functional medicine's potential to address neurodegenerative disorders.

Key Takeaways:

• The U.S. is witnessing a significant decline in life expectancy, particularly concerning due to rising chronic disease rates in children.
• Genetic variations such as the MTHFR and COMT mutations can significantly impact health, underscoring the need for personalized healthcare approaches.
• Functional health emphasizes the importance of diet and high-quality supplements like Omega-3s, melatonin, and curcumin for brain health.
• Testing inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) is crucial in managing and optimizing health outcomes in chronic conditions.
• The episode provides a day-in-the-life insight into managing the health of a child with a neurodegenerative condition through diet and specific nutraceutical protocols.

Notable Quotes:

1. "We are no better at healing heart disease and cancer than we were in the 1950s." - Dr. Kristin Hieshetter
2. "Melatonin is the next vitamin D. It's not just the sleep hormone. It's a potent brain antioxidant." - Dr. Laura
3. "You can't do that if you don't fill in the gaps in your diet. So take your supplements or you're not playing sports." - Dr. Kristin Hieshetter
4. "Anytime we can get one more target, that to me, is just one more way to help a child." - Dr. Laura
5. "Inflammation is my jam and brain health is my jam." - Dr. Laura

Resources:

• CDC Vital Statistics Report - Data source on U.S. life expectancy trends.
• PubMed - Resource for research articles.
• Functional Health Mastery Group
• Linda Mood Bell Learning Processes - Education programs mentioned for multi-sensory learning.

Stay tuned for more transformative insights from Functional Health Radio, where healthcare meets cutting-edge science to empower listeners towards better health outcomes. Don't miss this thought-provoking episode that covers groundbreaking strategies in functional health.