How to Sharpen and Protect Your Mind for a Lifetime
Release Date: 04/24/2025
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, 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, which includes lifestyle modifications, early detection, and a holistic strategy for better brain health. This conversation is packed with hope and real strategies for a future where Alzheimer's doesn't have to be inevitable.
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New Era of Research: Alzheimer's and similar neurodegenerative diseases are not death sentences, thanks to innovative research and new treatment protocols that emphasize early detection and intervention.
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Significance of Gut Health: Investigations reveal that gut microbiota and inflammation are crucial risk factors in cognitive decline, underscoring the importance of gut health in preventing Alzheimer's.
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Role of Lifestyle Changes: Diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management are integral to maintaining brain health and can significantly influence the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Advance in Diagnostics: Cutting-edge blood tests such as P Tau217 and brain scans can detect early signs of Alzheimer's up to 20 years prior to diagnosis, offering opportunities for preemptive action.
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The Power of Personalized Medicine: Individualized protocols based on genetic testing, like assessing APOE status, are pivotal in developing effective prevention and treatment strategies for cognitive disorders.
Dr. Dale Bredesen, M.D., is a globally recognized expert in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. With a background that includes graduating from Caltech and earning his M.D. from Duke University Medical Center, Dr. Bredesen’s career is marked by groundbreaking research and clinical expertise. He completed his residency as chief resident in neurology at UCSF and further honed his skills at Nobel laureate Stanley Prusiner’s lab at UCSF as an NIH postdoctoral fellow.
Dr. Bredesen’s academic career includes faculty positions at prestigious institutions like UCSF, UCLA, and UC San Diego. As the founding president and CEO of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, he spearheaded pioneering work in the study of aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Currently, he serves as the chief medical officer of MPI Cognition, where he continues his innovative research and efforts to combat Alzheimer’s and related conditions.
Dr. Bredesen’s expertise and leadership have made him a key figure in the field, with a focus on integrative approaches to prevent and reverse cognitive decline. His contributions are reshaping our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases, offering new hope for those affected by them.
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This episode is sponsored by Professional Co-op®, where clinicians gain exceptional access to industry-leading lab services without the hefty price tag—since 2001, they’ve been redefining what efficient, patient-focused support looks like. Imagine no hidden fees, no minimums, and only paying for completed tests. Experience lab services that not only meet but also exceed your expectations. Join the co-op trusted by countless licensed clinicians nationwide. Visit www.professionalco-op.com to learn more!
This episode is also made possible by Functional Medicine University. FMU is a fully online, self-paced training program in functional medicine, founded in 2006 by Dr. Ron Grisanti. With students in all 50 U.S. states and 68 countries globally, FMU has become a cornerstone in advanced clinical education for healthcare practitioners. The curriculum is led by Dr. Grisanti, alongside contributions from over 70 distinguished medical experts on FMU’s advisory board. Graduates earn the prestigious Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner (CFMP®) credential upon completion. FMU is also a nationally approved provider of continuing education for a wide range of licensed professionals, including MDs, DCs, DOs, NDs, acupuncturists, PAs, NPs, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, and dentists. Whether you're looking to expand your clinical knowledge or bring a functional approach to your practice, FMU offers the tools, guidance, and certification to help you thrive. Visit www.functionalmedicineuniversity.com to learn more!