Natural Medicine Journal Podcast

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autoimmune diseases are the third most common category of diseases in the United States after heart disease and cancer. There are more than 80 different types of autoimmune diseases, making this area of medicine complex and in need of attention from an integrative standpoint. Rheumatology expert Anastasia Stocker, ND, LAc, has expertise in working with patients who are on autoimmune medications. She describes the benefits and risks of medications while exploring integrative approaches that can help with medication tapering or discontinuation when appropriate. About the Expert Anastasia Stocker, ND, LAc, received her doctorate in naturopathic medicine and master of science in acupuncture and Oriental medicine at Bastyr University in Seattle, and her bachelor of science in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz. This multidisciplinary academic career forged her health philosophy: Healing should be

Post-acute sequelae of Covid-19 (PASC), also called long-Covid, has been the subject of increasing research. PASC describes the ongoing, relapsing, or new symptoms or conditions present 30 or more days after infection, and it has become a major clinical and public health concern. This roundtable discussion focuses on cognitive, cardiovascular, and autoimmune effects of long-Covid. Roundtable experts include naturopathic oncologist and Editor-in-Chief of the Natural Medicine Journal, Tina Kaczor, ND, FABNO; cardiovascular expert and clinician, Daniel Chong, ND; and immunologist and professor Heather Zwickey, PhD. About the Experts Tina Kaczor, ND, FABNO, is editor in-chief of Natural Medicine Journal and the creator of Round Table Cancer Care. Kaczor is a naturopathic physician board certified in naturopathic oncology. She received her naturopathic doctorate from the National University of Natural Medicine and completed her residency at Cancer Treatment Centers of America. She is also the editor of the Textboo

While ovarian cancer is not nearly as common as breast cancer, it is 3 times as deadly. Early diagnosis remains key to survival. In this interview, University of Southern California researcher and professor Bodour Salhia, PhD, describes why ovarian cancer is so lethal. She also discusses a recent paper that she and her colleagues published regarding the potential of early detection of the deadliest form of ovarian cancer. About the Expert Bodour Salhia, PhD, is the interim chair of the Department of Translational Genomics at the Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, and a member of the Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. She is coleader of the Epigenetic Regulation in Cancer Program and director of the Inaugural Preclinical Models Shared Resource at USC Norris. She is an elected member of the Keck School of Medicine Faculty Council and is the Co-Chair of the University Research Committee. Salhia earned her bachelor of science, master of health science, and doctorate degrees at the Univ

The Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OncANP) is on a mission to advance the philosophy, science, and practice of naturopathic oncology. In this interview, Erica Joseph, ND, FABNO, discusses important issues associated with naturopathic oncology, including collaborating with conventional oncology, past research, and future objectives.   About the Expert Erica Joseph, ND, FABNO, is a board-certified naturopathic oncologist and acupuncturist practicing at Seattle Integrative Oncology (SIO), where she completed a 2-year oncology-based naturopathic residency. She received her doctorate in naturopathic medicine, as well as a master’s degree in acupuncture, and a bachelor’s degree in psychology and biology from Bastyr University. Joseph currently sees patients in both private practice and at the Providence Regional Cancer Partnership in Everett, WA, where she helps lead the integrative cancer care program. The private practice of Joseph and her colleagues at Seattle Integrative Oncology proudly provi

Interest and research regarding psilocybin has grown considerably over the past several years. In this interview, Emily Whinkin, ND, discusses the latest research and provides clinical guidance on the use of psilocybin. Whinkin is a naturopathic physician with the Advanced Integrative Medical Science Institute in Seattle, where she also conducts research and explores altered states of consciousness. About the Expert Emily Whinkin, ND (she/they), is an integrative mental health practitioner, researcher, and psychonaut currently practicing at the Advanced Integrative Medical Science Institute in Seattle. She holds Washington and Oregon licenses in naturopathic medicine and graduated with a master of science degree in integrative mental health from the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, OR. Clinically, Whinkin works to provide person-centered, relationally informed care at the confluence of entheogenic spiritual medicine, mental health, and reproductive/generative health. As an undergraduate, s

Testing and test results are critical to any integrative practice because they help form effective treatment protocols. In this interview, we profile 3 functional wellness tests with integrative clinician, professor, and researcher Dr. Oscar Coatzee. Metabolic status, gastrointestinal health, and genomics are discussed. Dr. Coatzee provides advice on how to best utilize these tests in clinical practice. About the Expert Oscar Coetzee, PhD, was born and raised in South Africa, where he completed his bachelor’s degree with majors in criminology and psychology. Coetzee holds 2 master's degrees, one in Organizational Psychology and another in Human Nutrition. He received his PhD in holistic nutrition from Clayton College of Natural Health.   Coetzee is currently a faculty member at the University of Bridgeport and is the associate director of the Nutrition Track in the Doctor of Health Science Degree. He is also an associate professor at Maryland University of Integrative Health and an adjunct associate profes

  Sponsored by PERQUE Integrative Health   It has long been known that dental and orthopedic devices and materials may have a negative impact on certain patients. In this interview, integrative medical expert and immunologist Russell Jaffe, MD, PhD, CCN, explains how to accurately identify immunocompatibility and risk for patients undergoing dental and/or orthopedic procedures. Jaffe explains how reactivity testing can be used to create more effective and less dangerous treatment plans for sensitive patients.   About the Expert Russell Jaffe, MD, PhD, CCN, CEO and Chairman of PERQUE Integrative Health, is one of the pioneers of integrative and regenerative medicine. Since inventing the world’s first single-step amplified (ELISA) procedure in 1984, a process for measuring and monitoring all delayed allergies, Jaffe has continually sought new ways to help speed the transition from our current healthcare system’s symptom-reactive model to a more functionally integrated, effective and compassionate system. PIH is

The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that 1 in 5 Americans experience mental illness each year. In this interview, integrative mental health expert Tara Peyman, ND, discusses how mental health issues are treated from a naturopathic perspective. She also shares information about the Psychiatric Association of Naturopathic Physicians, of which she is the vice president. Peyman is the medical director of the Integrative Mental Health Center in Scottsdale, AZ. About the Expert Tara Peyman, ND, is a licensed naturopathic doctor and the clinical director of Integrative Mental Health Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. She has a focus in the homeopathic and integrative treatment of mental illness, with a particular interest in bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and OCD. She has additional training as a PESI-Certified Clinical Trauma Professional. She is well-versed in the use of psychiatric medications and can assist patients in either reducing the need for prescriptions, or safely integrating them with natu

Sometimes a less-is-more approach can make a difference for people diagnosed with cancer. This strategy is known as cancer treatment de-escalation. To find out more, host Karolyn A. Gazella talks with integrative radiation oncologist Matt Mumber, MD. Mumber is the editor of the textbook Integrative Oncology: Principles and Practice and many scientific papers. He discusses the therapeutic ratio and how integrative practitioners can help support patients who are utilizing a de-escalation treatment approach.    About the Author Matt Mumber, MD, is a board-certified radiation oncologist with the Harbin Clinic in Rome, Georgia. He received his medical doctorate from the University of Virginia and he also did a fellowship in integrative medicine with the University of Arizona. He is the coauthor of the book Sustainable Wellness and the editor of the textbook Integrative Oncology: Principles and Practice.

The June 2, 2023, issue of JAMA featured an interesting article by Danielle Chammas, MD, about “the stories we tell ourselves.” In this interview, Chammas shares more details on how clinicians are influencing the stories of their patients' lives and how they can use the power of language to help patients alter their narratives so they can heal. She believes clinicians can simultaneously honor their patients’ narratives while also helping the patient process, integrate, and accept their circumstances. About the Expert Danielle Chammas, MD is a palliative care physician and psychiatrist who works in the University of California - San Francisco (UCSF) Comprehensive Cancer Center’s Symptom Management Clinic. She completed her medical school, General Adult Psychiatry residency, chief resident year, and Hospice and Palliative Medicine fellowship all at UCSF. In addition to providing clinical care, Chammas pursues professional and scholarly interests, including the intersection of psychiatry and palliative care, t

Nearly 1 in 5 adults who have had Covid currently experience symptoms of “long Covid,” according to the US government’s Household Pulse Survey. Long Covid is defined as symptoms lasting 3 months or more after first contracting SARS-CoV-2. Natural Medicine Journal Editor-in-Chief Tina Kaczor, ND, FABNO, recently discussed prevention of long Covid with 3 colleagues, each of whom has been practicing as a clinician for at least 25 years. Kaczor posed 4 important questions to these experts: 1.              What do you think the cause of long Covid is, and how is it related to other chronic fatigue syndromes? 2.              What do you do across the board for your patients for acute Covid and long Covid? 3.              Are there any certain labs that you use? 4.              And do you consider long Covid curable, or is it something people have to manage for the rest of their lives? The experts who weighed in are: ·                 Edythe Vickers, ND, LAc, a naturopathic physician and licensed

Glutathione serves many important purposes in the human body. In this interview, Karolyn talks with Heather Moday, MD, an integrative and functional medicine expert, about the clinical applications of glutathione. The two discuss research, safety, absorption, and other issues about this valuable nutrient, often called the master antioxidant. About the Expert Heather Moday, MD, is a board-certified allergist, immunologist, and functional medicine physician. She earned her doctorate from Tulane University School of Medicine and completed her Internal Medicine training and Allergy and Immunology fellowship at Montefiore /Albert Einstein Medical Center in New York City. Moday has also had fellowship training in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona. She has board certification in Internal Medicine, Allergy and Immunology and Integrative Medicine through ABOIM and Functional Medicine through the Institute of Functional Medicine. She is the author of the book The Immunotype Breakthrough: Your Per

Pharmaceutical drugs can cause nutrient depletions, which can lead to new symptoms, illnesses, or other complications. In this interview, Jeff Gladd, MD, discusses the importance of identifying and addressing these depletions in clinical practice. Gladd is the founder of GladdMD Integrative Medicine and the chief medical officer at Fullscript. He is also the developer of Mytavin, an application that identifies medication-caused nutrient deficiencies. About the Expert Jeff Gladd, MD, is the chief medical officer at Fullscript. Gladd graduated from the Indiana University School of Medicine in 2001 and, after successfully opening a family practice, shifted focus toward health-promoting care by completing the University of Arizona Integrative Medicine fellowship program under the direction of Andrew Weil, MD, in 2009 and opening the Parkview Health Center for Integrative Medicine. In 2010, Gladd opened GladdMD Integrative Medicine, blending health-promoting care with high-access technology. In 2011, he created

Healthy aging has become a key focus among many integrative practitioners and their patients. In this interview, Registered Pharmacist and Certified Clinical Nutritionist Ross Pelton describes a paper he recently had published in Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal. Ross describes the science behind the microbiome theory of aging and how this can be applied to clinical practice. About the Expert Ross Pelton, RPh, CCN, is Essential Formula's director of science, in addition to being a practicing pharmacist, clinical nutritionist, and health educator in Southern Oregon. Pelton earned his bachelor of science in pharmacy from the University of Wisconsin. A certified clinical nutritionist, Pelton was named as 1 of the Top 50 Most Influential Pharmacists in the United States by American Druggist magazine for his work in natural medicine. Pelton teaches continuing education programs for healthcare professionals to use natural medicine and integrate it into their practices. He also has authored numerous bo

Environmental medicine has become an important sub-specialty within integrative and functional medicine. Here, Natural Medicine Journal founder Karolyn A. Gazella interviews 2 leading environmental medicine specialists to learn more about the field and how clinicians can incorporate it into their clinical practice. She talks with Lyn Patrick, ND, and Anne Marie Fine,NMD, FAAEM, who are both naturopathic physicians with advanced training in environmental medicine. About the Experts Lyn Patrick, ND, graduated from Bastyr University in 1984 with a doctorate in naturopathic medicine and has been in private practice in Arizona and Colorado for 35 years. She is a published author of numerous articles in peer-reviewed medical journals, a past contributing editor for Alternative Medicine Review, and recently authored a chapter in the textbook Clinical Environmental Medicine (Elsevier 2019). She speaks internationally on environmental medicine, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, endocrine disruption, metal toxicology

A growing body of research points to a connection between nutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies and Covid-19. In this interview, Heather Zwickey, PhD, describes that connection and takes a closer look at the research. She also discusses a new study about how a healthy lifestyle can influence the risk of long Covid. About the Expert Heather Zwickey, PhD, is a professor of immunology and chair of the Department of Health Sciences at the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland, Oregon. She launched the Helfgott Research Institute, which advances the science of natural medicine. Zwickey founded the school of graduate studies and developed masters programs in research, nutrition, and global health. Zwickey has received the Champion of Naturopathic Medicine Award from the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians. She currently leads a National Institutes of Health–funded clinical research training program focused on integrative medicine research and studies the gut-brain axis in neuroinflamma

Description In this interview, Heather Moday, MD, explains how she addresses immune system function in her clinical practice. She explains the 4 primary immunotypes that she’s identified and how those types can underlie immune system imbalance and help create a more individualized treatment plan. In addition to her medical training, Moday has had advanced training in functional and integrative medicine. About the Expert Heather Moday, MD, is a board-certified allergist, immunologist, and functional medicine physician. She earned her doctorate from Tulane University School of Medicine and completed her Internal Medicine training and Allergy and Immunology fellowship at Montefiore /Albert Einstein Medical Center in New York City. Dr. Moday has also had fellowship training in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona. She has board certification in Internal Medicine, Allergy and Immunology and Integrative Medicine through ABOIM and Functional Medicine through the Institute of Functional Medicine. Sh

According to the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders, eating disorders are among the deadliest mental health illnesses in the United States. What’s more, these disorders can go undiagnosed for years, making treatment and recovery even more challenging. In this interview, Gregory Hundemer, MD, an associate scientist with the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and Assistant Professor at the University of Ottawa, provides an overview of eating disorders and discusses new research he was involved with that could help with early diagnosis and intervention. About the Expert   Gregory Hundemer, MD, is an associate scientist in the Clinical Epidemiology Program at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of Ottawa, and a staff nephrologist at the Ottawa Hospital. He received his medical doctorate from Vanderbilt University and Master of Public Health degree from Johns Hopkins University. After medical school, he served 4 years as a f

What is “darkness deficiency,” and why is it important to the integrative practitioner? In this interview, sleep expert Catherine Darley, ND, discusses the clinical relevance of darkness deficiency and how it can lead to a melatonin imbalance. She then describes newer clinical uses of melatonin beyond sleep and talks in depth about melatonin efficacy, dosage, and safety. Darley is the founder of The Institute of Naturopathic Sleep Medicine and an internationally recognized expert on sleep disorders.   About the Expert Catherine Darley, ND, is the leader in natural sleep medicine. She combines her knowledge of sleep disorders with her training as a naturopathic physician to bridge these 2 fields. As a naturopath, her expertise lies in providing natural and effective treatments for sleep problems. She treats people of all ages and especially enjoys working with teens and their families. She founded The Institute of Naturopathic Sleep Medicine Inc in Seattle, which is dedicated to patient care, public education