Decoding Your Metabolic Health: A Deep Dive into MVX Testing
Proven Health Alternatives
In this episode of Proven Health Alternatives, I sit down with Dr. Darren Schmidt to explore one of the most promising tools in functional medicine today: the MVX Plus test. Launched in 2025, this next-gen blood panel goes far beyond standard labs—offering a deeper lens into chronic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies, and more. Dr. Schmidt breaks down the six core markers—from GlycA to citrate to branched-chain amino acids—and explains how they uncover hidden vulnerabilities affecting your healthspan. We also dive into practical insights, like the importance...
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How to Anti-age Through Your Immune System
Proven Health Alternatives
In our latest episode of Proven Health Alternatives, I sit down with Dr. Austin Perlmutter for a deep dive into the science of longevity—what it really means to live not just longer, but better. We explore the crucial difference between lifespan and healthspan, why brain health is central to aging well, and how lifestyle choices like nutrition, movement, and environmental exposures directly shape our future. Dr. Perlmutter also shares insights on immune reprogramming, the rising trend of “quick-fix” longevity hacks, and why true health takes more than just hype. If you’re looking for...
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Strong and Smart: How to Avoid Injuries and Train for a Lifetime
Proven Health Alternatives
In this episode, I sit down with legendary coach and Hall of Fame weightlifter Dan John to talk all things strength, health, and longevity. Dan shares decades of hard-earned wisdom—from the foundational exercises he swears by to how real food, rest, and smart supplementation fuel a life well-lived. We go beyond reps and routines to explore aging with strength, the underrated power of simplicity in fitness, and why consistency trumps complexity every time. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your wellness journey, Dan’s no-nonsense approach offers a playbook for staying...
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Resilience in Action: Training, Wellness, and Mental Strength Beyond the Frontline
Proven Health Alternatives
In this episode, I sit down with Detective Jay Lacayo to explore the intense physical and mental demands faced by SWAT and ESU officers. Jay takes us through the grueling journey to join these elite units—from passing the legendary Cooper Test to mastering high-pressure scenario training. His insights reveal how martial arts, mental sharpness, and evolving tactics shape what it truly means to be part of these specialized teams. But this conversation goes beyond the badge. Jay stresses the importance of continuous education and rigorous testing to keep officers at their best, a principle I...
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Empowering Natural Healing from IBD
Proven Health Alternatives
In this powerful and eye-opening episode, I sit down with Dane Johnson — Founder of Crohn’s Colitis Lifestyle and the visionary behind the S.H.I.E.L.D. program — to unpack the real-life strategies that helped him reclaim his health after a near-death battle with Crohn’s disease. With authenticity and purpose, Dane shares how he turned suffering into strength, leveraging natural medicine, functional nutrition, and integrative therapies to not just survive IBD — but thrive. His S.H.I.E.L.D. framework (Supplements, Herbs, Imagination, Exercise, Lifestyle, Diet) is a testament to...
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Lifestyle and Herbal Medicine to Heal Lyme Disease
Proven Health Alternatives
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Myriah Hinchey, a functional medicine practitioner specializing in chronic illness and immune dysfunction, to explore the complex world of autoimmunity through the lens of Lyme disease and stealth pathogens. We dive into how these microbes evade the immune system, disrupt the body’s internal balance, and target areas of weakness — from old injuries to inflamed tissues. Dr. Hinchey explains how this leads to persistent inflammation, neurological symptoms, and gut dysfunction, often without obvious signs of infection. You’ll learn why a root-cause...
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You Need An Oil Change
Proven Health Alternatives
Can fish oil really transform your health? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Charles Sefcik, a board-certified chiropractic neurologist and certified clinical nutritionist, to explore one of the most powerful and underrated tools in functional medicine: omega-3s. We break down how EPA and DHA support your brain, hormones, metabolism, and inflammation pathways—and why most people aren’t getting nearly enough from food alone. We also share what to look for in a quality fish oil supplement, how to avoid common pitfalls like oxidation and poor sourcing, and why testing your fatty acid...
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Thyroid Transformation Quick-Start
Proven Health Alternatives
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Heather Stone, a leading functional medicine practitioner with over 20 years of experience, to unpack why so many thyroid issues go undiagnosed or mismanaged. We go beyond the standard TSH lab test to explore the real drivers of thyroid dysfunction — from gut imbalances and hormone shifts to environmental triggers often overlooked in conventional care. You’ll hear why medication alone rarely resolves symptoms long term, and why a precision-based, root-cause approach is essential for lasting healing. We dive deep into Hashimoto’s, autoimmune...
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Neuroception - Feeling Safe in Order to Heal
Proven Health Alternatives
In this episode, I chat with Dr. Pedram Shojai to dive into the fascinating connection between your gut and your overall health. We break down neuroception — how your body subconsciously scans for safety — and why it plays such a critical role in healing and performance. We get into the gut’s “second brain,” the enteric nervous system, and how it drives your physical and mental well-being without you even realizing it. Dr. Shojai also shares real-world insights on tackling dysbiosis, understanding gut-immune symbiosis, and how simple lifestyle shifts can radically improve your...
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The Rainbow Diet
Proven Health Alternatives
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Deanna Minich — a nutrition scientist and author of the Rainbow Diet — to talk about a topic we don’t hear nearly enough about: the power of color in our food. We dive into what food colors actually do in the body, how they impact everything from mood to memory, and why most of us are walking around with a “color deficiency” without even realizing it. Dr. Minich breaks down the functional role of phytonutrients in a way that’s easy to understand, yet incredibly eye-opening. She also challenges conventional diet labels (vegan, carnivore, etc.)...
info_outlineWe dive deep into functional disconnection syndrome, which links neurological symptoms to imbalances in the brain’s hemispheric connectivity. Dr. Melillo shares valuable insights on how childhood development plays a crucial role in brain health, and offers methods to balance brain functions at any age. We also discuss the importance of physical activity, diet, neurogenesis, and neuroplasticity in maintaining optimal brain health.
This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for anyone wanting to improve their brain health—whether you’re a parent, looking to boost your cognitive function, or simply curious about how to protect your brain as you age. Dr. Melillo’s approach provides practical tips and groundbreaking ideas to help us all keep our minds sharp, balanced, and thriving.
Key Takeaways:
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Functional neurology emphasizes addressing root causes rather than just managing symptoms, aiming to optimize neurological functions for overall well-being.
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The Melillo Method highlights the importance of early brain development and its influence on neurological conditions like ADHD and autism.
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Neuroplasticity and neurogenesis are critical concepts in understanding how the brain can form new connections and cells throughout life, influenced by activities like running.
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Balance between the brain's hemispheres is vital for maintaining mental and physical health, and understanding individual dominance can guide therapeutic strategies.
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Primitive reflexes and early motor development play a role in brain maturation and should be assessed when considering treatment for neurodevelopmental delays.
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Robert Melillo, a leading expert in brain health and the creator of a revolutionary approach to understanding neurological issues. Dr. Melillo goes beyond typical symptom management, focusing on identifying root causes and developing holistic therapies that can prevent or even reverse neurological challenges.
We dive deep into functional disconnection syndrome, which links neurological symptoms to imbalances in the brain’s hemispheric connectivity. Dr. Melillo shares valuable insights on how childhood development plays a crucial role in brain health, and offers methods to balance brain functions at any age. We also discuss the importance of physical activity, diet, neurogenesis, and neuroplasticity in maintaining optimal brain health.
This episode is packed with valuable takeaways for anyone wanting to improve their brain health—whether you’re a parent, looking to boost your cognitive function, or simply curious about how to protect your brain as you age. Dr. Melillo’s approach provides practical tips and groundbreaking ideas to help us all keep our minds sharp, balanced, and thriving.
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