#55: Clinical Pearls from Dr. Dominic D'Agostino: Therapeutic Strategies and Clinical Success with the Ketogenic Diet
Release Date: 06/17/2025
The Clinician's Corner
In this episode of the IRH Clinician’s Corner, guest host (and IRH practitioner) Kristin Whitaker sits down with Laurie Hammer, a functional nutrition therapist and founder of the Calm Mom Academy, as well as the creator of Mind Thrive, a practitioner training program specializing in targeted amino acid therapy. Laurie shares her experience working with clients and practitioners to restore cognitive function, emotional stability, and resilience through targeted amino acid therapy, including how it can calm chaos, resolve cravings, and transform mood in real time. In this interview, we...
info_outlineThe Clinician's Corner
For this week’s episode of the Clinician’s Corner, we’ve gone into the archives to pull out another clinical pearl from one of our favorite episodes – a fascinating conversation with our beloved Medical Director, Dr. Chris Turnpaugh, where we discuss chronic infections, immune dysregulation, and detox strategies. This interview first aired early last year (2025), and the full interview can be viewed . Clinical pearls we extracted from the original interview: Overview of chronic infections and the immune system The role of environmental toxins on the immune system/immune...
info_outlineThe Clinician's Corner
In this episode of the IRH Clinician’s Corner, guest host (and IRH lead practitioner) Sara Fields sits down with Dr. Julie Greenberg, a licensed naturopathic doctor and registered herbalist renowned for her root-cause approach to skin and hair disorders. Listeners will hear fresh insights on the vital connections between gut health and skin conditions, uncover the most common root causes behind eczema, acne, and hair loss – and learn why functional medicine offers hope for patients who've felt helpless in conventional care. In this interview, we discuss: The foundations...
info_outlineThe Clinician's Corner
In this solocast episode of the IRH Clinician’s Corner, Margaret invites us to rethink what success truly means—especially for those of us constantly chasing big dreams and setting audacious goals. She also explores how happiness and fulfillment shouldn’t be reserved for some far-off achievement, but can—and should—be experienced in our everyday lives. The Clinician’s Corner is brought to you by the . Follow us: Keywords: functional health practitioners, clinical skills, reversing chronic disease, actionable insights, success, goal setting, chasing big dreams, happiness,...
info_outlineThe Clinician's Corner
For this week’s episode of the Clinician’s Corner, we’ve gone into the archives to pull out another clinical pearl from one of our favorite episodes - and today we discuss beta glucuronidase and its surprisingly wide-ranging impact on our health (from hormones to gut health and even bone health). This interview first aired earlier this year (2025), and the full interview can be viewed . Clinical pearls we extracted from the original interview: Understanding beta-glucuronidase (what it is and what it does) Challenging established views on beta glucuronidase...
info_outlineThe Clinician's Corner
In this episode of the IRH Clinician’s Corner, IRH lead practitioner Sara Fields sits down with Star Edwards, Healthcare Practice Director at Tiny Health, for an enlightening conversation about the evolution of gut health diagnostics—especially in pediatrics, but with insights spanning all ages. From understanding key differences between pediatric and adult microbiomes to exploring innovative metrics like HMO digestion and inflammatory markers, Sara Fields and Star Edwards make this complex data approachable, actionable, and relevant. In this interview, we discuss: The...
info_outlineThe Clinician's Corner
In this special solocast episode of the IRH Clinician’s Corner, host Kristin Whitaker explores the transformative journey that brought Deanne Landers from the vibrant social life of an expat to the frontlines of holistic healing. We discuss the power of mindset in client transformation, and the vital importance of collaboration and community within the field of functional nutrition. Deanne also shares insights on international challenges, from supplement access to the changing landscape of certification, and offers empowering advice for both new graduates and seasoned practitioners...
info_outlineThe Clinician's Corner
For this week’s episode of the Clinician’s Corner, we’ve gone into the archives to pull out another clinical pearl from one of our favorite episodes - and today we discuss the powerful healing properties of sulforaphane with David Roberts & Dr. John Gildea, from Mara Labs. This interview first aired in 2023, and the full interview can be viewed . Clinical pearls we extracted from the original interview: The story behind BrocElite, a stabilized sulforaphane supplement The motivation behind the research The scientific background on sulforaphane (e.g., its...
info_outlineThe Clinician's Corner
In this episode of the IRH Clinician’s Corner, Margaret Floyd Barry sits down with the inspiring Dr. Marisol Teijeiro—known to many as the Queen of Thrones—for a deep dive into the transformative power of castor oil and castor oil packs. In this lively and illuminating conversation, Dr. Marisol Teijeiro shares her personal healing journey and the surprising science behind these age-old wellness tools, revealing how they help us reconnect with our bodies, support energetic balance, and embrace purposeful self-care. In this interview, we discuss: The transformational...
info_outlineThe Clinician's Corner
In this special solocast episode of the IRH Clinician’s Corner, we’re pulling back the curtain on the personal and professional journey of Courtenay Fisher, as she joins Kristin Whitaker for an unscripted, honest conversation that is both inspiring and relatable. Courtenay shares how she navigated the twists and turns of career changes, self-doubt, and the pursuit of helping others. You’ll hear how she came to bring her clinical expertise and heartfelt compassion to the Institute of Restorative Health both as an instructor and as a guiding voice in the community. The Clinician’s...
info_outlineClinical Pearls from Dr. Dominic D'Agostino: Therapeutic Strategies and Clinical Success with the Ketogenic Diet
For this week’s episode of the Clinician’s Corner, we’re doing something differently. We have gone into the archives and pulled out clinical pearls from some of our favorite episodes, and we’re starting today with one of our most popular interviews with Dr. Dominic D’Agostino - where we unpack the ketogenic diet in all its nuances.
This interview first aired back in 2023, and the full interview can be viewed here.
Clinical pearls we extracted from the original interview:
When the ketogenic diet is best used clinically; when it’s contraindicated; and how to structure it for best results
What the latest research is telling us about therapeutic application of this protocol - from metabolic health to neurological considerations and cancer
Exogenous ketones: when and how to use them
The intricacies of macronutrient ratios and when/how to cycle in and out of ketosis
Measurement: the best forms for tracking ketosis and other key biomarkers to monitor
The Clinician’s Corner is brought to you by Restorative Wellness Solutions.
Follow us: https://www.instagram.com/restorativewellnesssolutions/
Connect with Dr. D’Agostino:
Website: https://drdominicdagostino.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dominic.dagostino.kt/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominic-d-agostino-156014b/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DominicDAgosti2
Learn more about the ketogenic diet here: https://ketonutrition.org/
Timestamps:
00:00 History and Uses of Ketogenic Diet
06:25 Liver's Role in Ketone Production
07:22 Preventing Kidney Stones on Keto
13:15 Ketogenic Diet Supplement Tips
14:58 Minimal Supplements for Ketogenic Diet
18:07 Misleading Marketing of 1,3-Butanediol
24:08 Advanced Hormone and Metabolomics Testing
27:20 Monitor Meds During Diet Changes
Speaker bio:
Dr. D’Agostino is a tenured Associate Professor at the University of South Florida (USF) Morsani College of Medicine in the Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology. He teaches medical neuroscience, medical physiology, nutrition and neuropharmacology. He is also a Research Scientist at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (IHMC) to assist with their efforts towards optimizing the safety, health and resilience of the warfighter and astronaut. His primary research focuses on developing and testing nutritional and metabolic-based therapies for a variety of disease states and advancing the use of metabolic-based therapies into human clinical applications.
Keywords:
ketogenic diet, therapeutic ketosis, blood ketone levels, exogenous ketones, metabolic therapies, epilepsy, neuroprotection, anti-seizure strategy, type 2 diabetes, weight loss, cancer, muscle wasting, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, migraines, polycystic ovary syndrome, psychiatric disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety, autism, traumatic brain injury, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, stroke, GLUT1 deficiency, carnitine supplementation, kidney stones, electrolyte balance, MCT oil, creatine monohydrate, caffeine and ketone production, comprehensive blood work
Disclaimer:
The views expressed in the RWS Clinician’s Corner series are those of the individual speakers and interviewees, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Restorative Wellness Solutions, LLC. Restorative Wellness Solutions, LLC does not specifically endorse or approve of any of the information or opinions expressed in the RWS Clinician’s Corner series. The information and opinions expressed in the RWS Clinician’s Corner series are for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. If you have any medical concerns, please consult with a qualified healthcare professional. Restorative Wellness Solutions, LLC is not liable for any damages or injuries that may result from the use of the information or opinions expressed in the RWS Clinician’s Corner series. By viewing or listening to this information, you agree to hold Restorative Wellness Solutions, LLC harmless from any and all claims, demands, and causes of action arising out of or in connection with your participation. Thank you for your understanding.