Dr. Ruscio Radio: Health, Nutrition And Functional Medicine

Immunoglobulins reside in the lining of your intestinal tract and help to bind, neutralize, and deactivate irritants and toxins in the gut. When your immune system and/or gut is compromised, it is helpful to supplement with immunoglobulins. This additional support helps to protect your immune system from getting triggered by these various irritants. Research tells us that immunoglobulin supplementation can help those who struggle with SIBO, IBS, leaky gut, Histamine issues, H. Pylori, inflammation issues and more. They’ve been shown to benefit those who have tried many other therapies and failed to see results. The best way to trial immunoglobulins is to start an initial assessment for 2-3 weeks. You may plateau around 8-9 weeks. Maintain the plateau for 1-2 months and attempt to wean off or find the minimal effective dose. They can also be used when in a flare. Good news for vegetarians, there are egg-derived immunoglobulins available. https://drruscio.com/?p=56026 Apply to be a Health Coach with the Ruscio

What are the best testing methods and treatments for parasitic and gram-negative bacterial Infections in the GI? Dr. Anne Hill shares some of her go-to lab tests and we have a healthy debate about the absolute need for lab testing in general. In terms of treatment, we agree that addressing the gut first with diet, probiotics, and potentially antimicrobials are the best place to start. Dr. Hill also talks to us about MCAS and mold issues that she sees regularly in her clinic. One key takeaway is that you can and should test your home environment if you suspect mold. While this may sound like a rigorous and expensive endeavor it doesn’t have to be. https://drruscio.com/?p=55758 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

There are two types of autoimmunity that may be responsible for patients who (to put it simply) don't respond to any therapies. Anti-phospholipid syndrome and/or autoimmune dysautonomia may be driving this. I talk with Dr. Schofield about some of the symptoms, history and findings that may indicate these conditions. We talk about testing (impart a few cautions with functional medicine tests) and we talk about treatment considerations. Some of these are things that we're familiar with - gluten-free, dairy-free, low histamine, improving one's gut health, mass cell activation syndrome supports, etc. Dr. Schofield is starting to experiment with oral immunoglobulin therapy and also uses intravenous or IVIG as something that can be quite helpful for patients who have otherwise been unresponsive. We dig in pretty deep in this episode so I hope you’ll find it very informative and helpful. https://drruscio.com/?p=56025 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more?

The Carnivore Diet advises one to only consume animal products. Anecdotal reports suggest this diet can be helpful for those with autoimmune conditions and sensitive guts. However, a degree of caution should be exercised with any new diet because people tend to flock to the new and novel. Today I speak with physician Paul Saladino, MD who has been using this diet in his practice for over a year. We discuss what to do, what to avoid and how you can experiment with this diet safely. https://drruscio.com/?p=55754 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

If you are looking for more motivation to make healthy changes and find themselves struggling with compliance, Brain Wash by Dr. Perlmutter is a fantastic resource. In this episode, Dr. Perlmutter discusses how modern day unhealthy choices will create this over-reliance of the amygdala in the brain at the expense of the prefrontal cortex - the amygdala is more emotional based and the prefrontal cortex is more logic or reasoning based. For those of us who are stuck in this cycle of making bad choices, going to bed too late, drinking too much, eating unhealthy food, not exercising, there may be this unhealthy habit related stimulus in which inflammation may be a main driver that causes this skewing of what parts of the brain are activated. The book helps one better understand what the source of some of these bad habits are and what one can do to change them. https://drruscio.com/?p=56009 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drrusci

I’ve recently published a comprehensive, 43-page guide to getting the most out of your probiotic supplements on my website. I’ve also developed this podcast series to highlight some of the key takeaways that you need to know about probiotic therapy. This episode is part 3 in a 3-part podcast series. Imbalances of the gut microbiota are becoming increasingly common and can cause distressing digestive symptoms and an array of seemingly unrelated symptoms and conditions. These include mood, energy, skin, joint health, metabolism, sleep, immune function, hormone balance and thyroid health. Thankfully, probiotics can help to correct these imbalances and relieve symptoms. Hundreds of research studies provide evidence for these benefits. When used correctly, probiotics are a powerful therapy with a surprisingly long list of health benefits. But for many health care consumers, the results of probiotic therapy can be suboptimal due to lack of information or poor probiotic quality. https://drruscio.com/?p=55752 My book

Mason had been plagued by chronic reflux. He then saw his primary care and then later his gastroenterologist who prescribed acid lowering medication, which caused reactions included a rash and did not resolve his symptoms. Mason experienced a 30% improvement from a vegetarian low FOMDAP diet (from Healthy Gut, Healthy You). He then came into my office and saw 70% improvements via a combination of HCl and probiotic supplementation. He is a great example of how powerfully your gut can respond if you provide the right support. https://drruscio.com/?p=55759 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

When used correctly, probiotics are a powerful therapy with a surprisingly long list of health benefits. But for many health care consumers, the results of probiotic therapy can be suboptimal due to lack of information or poor probiotic quality. I’ve recently published a comprehensive, 43-page guide to getting the most out of your probiotic supplements on my website. I’ve also developed this podcast series to highlight some of the key takeaways that you need to know about probiotic therapy. This episode is part 2 in a 3-part podcast series. Imbalances of the gut microbiota are becoming increasingly common and can cause distressing digestive symptoms and an array of seemingly unrelated symptoms and conditions. These include mood, energy, skin, joint health, metabolism, sleep, immune function, hormone balance and thyroid health. Thankfully, probiotics can help to correct these imbalances and relieve symptoms. Hundreds of research studies provide evidence for these benefits. https://drruscio.com/?p=49002 My book

A large and very compelling study with over 200,000 participants suggests caution about taking acid-suppressing medication (proton pump inhibitors and H2 blockers). The study found an increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and upper gastrointestinal cancer. PPIs have been shown to heal gastric and duodenal ulcers when in short-term applications of 4-8 weeks. So, it’s important to keep an open mind about the potential benefits of these drugs. But I discourage you from taking acid-suppressing medications over the long term for reflux. There are several excellent alternatives for treating the root cause of reflux. These include dietary interventions and probiotics. In the long run, addressing the root cause of your reflux symptoms improves your overall health and reduces your risk of serious side effects from medication. https://drruscio.com/?p=49002 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio

When used correctly, probiotics are a powerful therapy with a surprisingly long list of health benefits. But for many health care consumers, the results of probiotic therapy can be suboptimal due to lack of information or poor probiotic quality. I’ve recently published a comprehensive, 43-page guide to getting the most out of your probiotic supplements on my website. I’ve also developed this podcast series to highlight some of the key takeaways that you need to know about probiotic therapy. This episode is part 1 in a 3-part podcast series. Imbalances of the gut microbiota are becoming increasingly common and can cause distressing digestive symptoms and an array of seemingly unrelated symptoms and conditions. These include mood, energy, skin, joint health, metabolism, sleep, immune function, hormone balance and thyroid health. Thankfully, probiotics can help to correct these imbalances and relieve symptoms. Hundreds of research studies provide evidence for these benefits. https://drruscio.com/?p=48993 My book

What’s the difference between a brain game and a classic game like Monopoly? Unlike other games, brain games are specifically designed to drive structural and functional changes in your brain, leading to improvements in cognitive speed and accuracy. Not all brain games are created equal, however. In this episode, Dr. Henry Mahncke shares some of the exciting clinical research behind brain games developed by BrainHQ, including one study that showed a 48% reduced risk of a car crash for seniors who practiced one type of brain game! https://drruscio.com/?p=48991 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Do you need to perform expensive blood testing to determine ‘what nutrients you’re deficient in’? Probably not. Ensuring you have adequate nutrients on a daily basis is not only cheaper, but may be a better long-term strategy. Today I speak with Marty Kendall, who’s developed a simple system to assess where you have holes in your diet. https://drruscio.com/?p=48764 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Excess fluoride from fluorinated drinking water has been linked to hypothyroidism in a recent systematic review (a high-quality summary of many studies). The review also found that the fluoride had other health effects like dental and skeletal fluorosis. Fluoride may disrupt the thyroid by inhibiting the ability of iodine to function in the body. Other sources of fluoride include processed beverages and foods, Teflon pans, and pesticides. Best steps to take: filter your water and focus on healthy nutrients. See the video for more details. https://drruscio.com/?p=48762 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Psychedelics are coming up more and more in the conversation about future mental health therapies. Under the right conditions, some psychedelics can facilitate valuable perspective shifts. But is the media getting carried away? What precautions should be in place? In this episode, researcher and clinical psychologist Dr. Peter Hendricks shares an objective take on the so-called “classic” psychedelics and what to know. We discuss their potential impact on addiction, trauma, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. You’ll also hear what it would look like to take a psychedelic when carefully guided by a therapist. https://drruscio.com/?p=48749 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

If you have hypothyroidism, your gut could play a role in your symptoms. Namely, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) may be present too. About 30% of people who have hypothyroidism have low stomach acid, according to high-quality research. Low stomach acid can increase your risk of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The science also shows a direct link between SIBO and hypothyroidism. When trying to improve how you feel, consider healing your gut with probiotics and possibly supplemental hydrochloric acid. Learn more about what to do in this video. https://drruscio.com/?p=48747 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Without high-quality sleep, we are susceptible to a wide array of health problems. Pediatric dentist Dr. Kevin Boyd is on a mission to improve sleep and breathing in children, by using dentistry and orthodontia to treat their teeth and jaws as early as possible. In our conversation, you’ll hear why and how to intervene if you suspect issues for your child, and some options to explore for adults. https://drruscio.com/?p=48741 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Metabolic conditions like diabetes are on the rise, and the need for blood sugar management is critical. In this episode, Dr. Eran Elinav shares the science behind a new test that predicts your personal sugar level rise to foods, based on data from your microbiota, blood, body composition, and other clinical details. In the research, the personalized diet generated by the algorithm was slightly more effective in balancing blood sugar than following a diet created by an expert. Learn more about what steps you can take! (Plus, hear details on the first-ever vaginal microbiome transplant.) https://drruscio.com/?p=48739 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

One of the most impactful changes I have made lately is improving my sleep, namely my sleep timing. This was inspired by tracking my sleep using an Oura Ring. If you have not tracked your sleep, I highly recommend you do. Even though I am generally not a big advocate of tracking, this is one area I feel is worthwhile. In today’s episode, I talk with the CEO of Oura Ring, Harpreet Rai about the many health benefits of sleep. Learn areas you can optimize using sleep tracker data (everyone is different). A great night of sleep is a huge health win, supporting everything from physical recovery to mental clarity. https://drruscio.com/?p=47961 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Sometimes, bands of scar tissue—called adhesions—can form in your body and stick to your organs or tissues, as a result of surgery, trauma, or inflammation. This may cause complications like intestinal blockage, restricted breathing, or difficulty moving muscles. In the gut, SIBO, IBS, IBD, and conditions like hiatal hernia may be influenced by this restriction. Fortunately, a technique called visceral therapy (also known as visceral manipulation and massage) can help. In this episode, a specialist in visceral therapy, Dr. Jason Wysocki, shares his insights about how it works and who is most likely to benefit. https://drruscio.com/?p=47952 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources

Today we will cover listener questions, including… Protocol suggestions for redundant colon IBS – Smart test Acid blockers Heidelberg test SIBO and the ileocecal valve SIBO and histamine https://drruscio.com/?p=47950 My book Healthy Gut, Healthy You is available at https://drruscio.com/getgutbook/ Looking for more? Check out https://drruscio.com/resources