Optimizing Performance and Recovery Through Functional Medicine: The Gut-Brain Connection
Release Date: 02/21/2025
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.)...
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How to Sharpen and Protect Your Mind for a Lifetime
Proven Health Alternatives
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Dale Bredesen, a true pioneer in Alzheimer's research and functional medicine. Together, we dive into groundbreaking advancements in the world of neurodegenerative diseases, with a special focus on the exciting breakthroughs in detecting and potentially reversing Alzheimer's and other related conditions. Dr. Bredesen sheds light on the new disease mechanisms and innovative blood tests that are changing the game, showing us that cognitive decline isn’t something we simply have to accept. We also explore his integrative approach to combating Alzheimer's,...
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Pressing RESET and Healing Forward
Proven Health Alternatives
In this exciting episode, I sit down with Tim Anderson, creator of the Original Strength System, to explore how overuse injuries sparked the development of a method that helps people restore their primal movement patterns—essentially pressing their 'reset' button for better mobility and reduced pain. Together, we break down the connection between mobility, stability, and strength, highlighting how they work together to support optimal health. Tim shares how the Original Strength System offers a simple yet powerful approach to reclaiming movement, improving physical function, and...
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Navigating Supplement Quality
Proven Health Alternatives
In this latest episode of Proven Health Alternatives, I sit down with Dr. Eric Viegas, a Medical Product Manager, to break down the booming supplement industry and its crucial role in modern health. We discuss why supplements are essential for many people today—helping to fill critical nutrient gaps in our diets. But with that rise in demand comes a major challenge: quality control. Dr. Viegas sheds light on the risks of low-quality supplements, from inconsistent potency to contamination, and shares key strategies for ensuring product credibility—like looking for third-party testing...
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Unmasking Metabolic Syndrome: Insights and Solutions
Proven Health Alternatives
In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with the brilliant Dr. Melody Hartzler to dig deep into the metabolic storm affecting so many today. We’re talking insulin resistance, gut dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies—and how functional medicine can actually turn the tide. Dr. Hartzler brings the data, the real-world insights, and the solutions most aren’t talking about. From the hidden dangers of common meds like statins to the underrated power of zinc, magnesium, and gut health, this conversation is packed with takeaways you can apply right away. If you’re a practitioner, a...
info_outlineIn this episode, we dive into the crucial role gut health plays in athletic performance, as I’m joined by functional medicine expert Maggie Awad. Maggie shares her personal journey into functional medicine, sparked by her mother’s battle with colon cancer, and explains why 80% of the immune system resides in the gut and how it directly impacts athletic performance.
We also explore the gut-brain axis, the importance of testing markers like zonulin and LPS for gut permeability, and the innovative supplement Maggie created combining creatine and colostrum to boost gut-brain health. If you're looking to optimize your performance through gut health, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!
Key Takeaways:
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The gut is central to both immune system health and nutrient absorption, playing a crucial role in athletes' performance and recovery.
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Testing for markers like zonulin and LPS helps in diagnosing leaky gut syndrome and related health issues such as neuroinflammation.
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Vagal tone significantly influences the gut-brain axis, affecting athletic fatigue, recovery, and overall health.
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Functional medicine is a growing field, providing alternative approaches for those seeking comprehensive health solutions beyond traditional medicine.
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Maggie Awad's unique supplement, combining creatine and colostrum, aims to exploit the gut-brain connection for improved athletic performance.
Maggie Awad is a Functional Sports Medicine Practitioner with a focus on gut and mitochondrial health, dedicated to helping professional athletes, high performers, and individuals unlock their peak potential and extend their careers. Through a deep understanding of the root causes of inflammation and poor recovery, Maggie empowers clients to achieve optimal performance and long-term vitality.
With expertise in advanced diagnostic testing, personalized protocols, and lifestyle interventions, Maggie offers a unique blend of science-backed strategies and holistic care. Her approach goes beyond traditional medicine, ensuring that each client receives tailored solutions to boost energy, enhance recovery, and optimize performance, all while promoting overall well-being.
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