Proven Health Alternatives

Most people think iron is only a concern if they’re deficient, but too much iron can be just as dangerous. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Christy Sutton, a leading figure in the study of iron imbalances, to explore the often-overlooked health epidemic of unrecognized iron overload. Anchored around her book, The Iron Curse, we discuss why outdated laboratory ranges often fail to detect these imbalances and why recognizing them is so crucial for long-term health.

From there, we dive into the intricacies of iron metabolism and the need for updated functional health ranges tailored to healthy populations. Dr. Sutton explains how imbalances can signal underlying health problems and highlights the value of functional lab testing in catching issues conventional methods often miss. We also explore the role of genetic testing—especially for hereditary hemochromatosis—and how genetics and environmental factors work together to influence iron levels.

Key Takeaways:

• Iron Imbalance Epidemic: Iron imbalances, particularly overload, are often underdiagnosed due to outdated lab ranges and misconceptions, representing a silent health epidemic.

• Functional vs. Conventional Ranges: Functional health ranges, as opposed to traditional lab ranges based on sick populations, are crucial for accurate diagnosis of iron-related health conditions.

• Importance of Genetic Testing: Genetic factors (hemochromatosis genes) play a significant role in iron overload, necessitating comprehensive testing beyond typical lab work.

• Dietary and Lifestyle Influences: Both high and low iron levels are influenced by diet, lifestyle, and, importantly, how iron interacts with other nutrients and lifestyle factors like exercise.

• Gender and Iron Requirements: Iron needs differ significantly by sex and life stages, with menstrual and post-menopausal women, as well as men, needing tailored iron management strategies.

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Dr. Felice Gersh, one of the foremost voices in functional medicine and women’s health, to tackle one of the most misunderstood phases of life—menopause. Together, we unpack the real physiological changes women face during this transition, and the often-overlooked health risks that come with it. This isn’t just about “hot flashes”—we’re talking sleep disruption, cardiovascular risk, insulin resistance, and the metabolic shifts that can alter a woman’s long-term health trajectory.

Dr. Gersh pulls back the curtain on estradiol, reframing it as a life hormone—not simply a “sex hormone.” We explore why its decline affects nearly every system in the body, and how lifestyle strategies, functional medicine insights, and targeted interventions can help women not just survive menopause, but thrive through it. Whether you’re in the midst of this change or helping patients navigate it, this conversation delivers the clarity, science, and hope you need to take control of health during this critical stage of life.Key Takeaways:

• Hormonal Shift: Menopause leads to a decline in estradiol produced by ovaries, affecting every organ system and increasing health condition risks, including cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders.

• Holistic Understanding: Dr. Gersh advocates for a comprehensive understanding of hormones in menopause, emphasizing the necessity of a proactive rather than reactive treatment approach.

• Testing and Diagnosis: She outlines important blood tests and diagnostic markers, such as day 3 FSH, thyroid function, inflammatory markers, and lipid profiles to better navigate menopause management.

• Lifestyle Interventions: Key lifestyle changes, including diet rich in plants, exercise, and stress management, are essential in promoting well-being during and beyond menopause.

• Functional Medicine Approach: Understanding the interconnectedness of bodily systems and the foundational role of lifestyle and hormonal therapy in women's health is crucial.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ben Weitz, a chiropractor with nearly four decades of experience and a deep-rooted passion for functional medicine. After suffering a serious bone injury on Halloween 2023, Dr. Weitz turned his own recovery into a masterclass in functional healing—skipping surgery and injections in favor of peptides, targeted supplementation, and upstream thinking. This isn’t theory—it’s application. We unpack what worked, what didn’t, and why root-cause resolution still matters most.

We dive into key healing tools like Forteo, collagen, and vitamin D3 + K2, while also covering deeper concepts like mTOR, longevity science, and why chiropractors often lead the way in integrative care. It’s a powerful reminder that movement dysfunction, not just aging, is the true driver of poor health—and that healing starts when you treat the system, not just the symptom.

Key Takeaways:

• Functional Medicine's Role in Healing: Dr. Ben Weitz utilized a functional medicine approach, including advanced supplements and anabolic compounds, to address a severe femur fracture.

• Integration in Medicine: The conversation highlights the importance of integrating functional medicine with conventional treatment strategies for optimal health outcomes.

• Focus on Longevity: Contrary to mainstream views, the discussion embraces a balanced approach to mTOR regulation, emphasizing muscle maintenance for longevity.

• Importance of Quality Nutrition: Dr. Weitz emphasizes the necessity of clean, quality supplements and a balanced diet rich in colorful vegetables, quality protein, and healthy fats.

• Exercise as a Health Pillar: The episode stresses the vital role of regular physical activity, particularly resistance training, for maintaining bone density and overall longevity.

In this powerful episode, I sit down with someone who truly embodies grit, discipline, and the underdog advantage. From catching passes alongside Joe Montana to lining up against legends like Deion Sanders, JJ Birden’s journey isn’t just about athleticism—it’s about mindset.

What stood out most to me is how JJ turned obstacles into stepping stones. Despite being overlooked early on, he made it to the NFL through sheer determination and a no-excuses mentality. His stories from the field are more than just entertaining—they’re lessons in perseverance, strategic thinking, and personal accountability.

But his journey didn’t stop when he left the game. JJ shares how he applied the same principles to entrepreneurship, launching his brand Beat the Coverage—a six-step framework for recognizing opportunity and winning in life. He breaks it all down in this episode, along with the health and wellness habits that keep him sharp and performing at his best today.

This isn’t just a highlight reel—it’s a masterclass in resilience. If you’ve ever felt like the odds were stacked against you, this conversation is your playbook for rising above it.

Key Takeaways:

• Resilience & Mindset: JJ Birden emphasizes the power of resilience and a strong mindset in overcoming barriers and achieving goals against the odds.

• Transition from Sports to Entrepreneurship: Birden discusses his career shift, leveraging his football experiences to motivate and guide others in their personal and professional journeys.

• "Beat the Coverage" Framework: JJ introduces a six-step framework designed to spot and exploit opportunities in life's challenges, aligning with his personal narrative.

• Health and Wellness Commitment: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is crucial to Birden, who shares practical tips and routines that contribute to his well-being at age sixty.

• Family First: Birden and his wife made a significant impact on their family by adopting his five nieces and nephews, expanding their household from five to ten, showing immense dedication and love.

More About JJ Birden:

Born June 16, 1965, in Portland, Oregon, JJ's athletic prowess earned him a track scholarship to the University of Oregon. He walked on to the football team and later excelled in both football and track & field

In the 1988 NFL Draft, JJ was selected in the 8th round by the Cleveland Browns and went on to play nine seasons as a wide receiver, surpassing the average NFL career length of under two years Despite standing just 5'10" and weighing 157 lbs, he defied the odds, overcoming injuries and even being turned down by four teams in five days to establish himself as a key player with the Browns, Chiefs, Falcons, and a stint with the Cowboys

After retiring, JJ didn't slow down. He became a successful entrepreneur in the health and wellness space, distributing Isagenix products and building multiple ventures. He also spent years preparing for life after football, serving as a track coach, raising funds, investing, and coaching youth, then launched a career as a motivational speaker and performance coach

JJ's signature speak­ing style blends stories from his NFL experience, playing two seasons with Hall‑of‑Famer Joe Montana, with clear, actionable strategies designed to help audiences in business and life "seize their opportunities" bestselling book, When Opportunity Knocks: 8 Surefire Ways to Take Advantage!, captures the principles he lives by, and teaches others to follow

He and his college sweetheart, Raina, have been married over 35 years and live in the Phoenix area, raising three children and five nieces and nephews under their roof. Through his speaking, coaching, and writing, JJ inspires people everywhere to embrace their underdog spirit, push past limitations, and take bold steps toward their full potential.

In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with Dr. Titus Chiu, a holistic concussion expert, to explore the intricacies of concussion and post-concussion syndrome. Dr. Chiu shared his personal journey that inspired him to specialize in brain health and develop innovative, natural approaches that go beyond conventional medicine.

We discussed what really happens to the brain after a concussion, why every case is unique — like a fingerprint — and why the outdated “one-size-fits-all” approach so often fails. Dr. Chiu highlighted the critical importance of the blood-brain barrier, the autonomic nervous system, and the need to address the physical, chemical, and emotional pillars of brain health for lasting recovery.

This conversation reinforced my belief that recovery is always possible with the right diagnosis and a multimodal treatment strategy. If you or someone you know is struggling with lingering brain symptoms, you’ll find actionable insights — and real hope — in this episode.

Key Takeaways:

• Concussions can vary greatly and do not always result in loss of consciousness, emphasizing the need for awareness around different symptoms and personalized treatment.

• A holistic approach involving the physical, chemical, and emotional pillars is crucial in diagnosing and treating post-concussion syndrome effectively.

• Blood-brain barrier health is essential to prevent ongoing brain inflammation, which can lead to more severe conditions if left untreated.

• Nutritional interventions, including omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols, alongside specific supplements, can significantly aid in concussion recovery.

• The complexity of concussions requires a thoughtful, informed approach using advanced diagnostic tools and interventions for optimal recovery outcomes.

and holistic brain expert that specializes in healing concussions, naturally.

Dr. Chiu has a passion for empowering health-conscious people with the knowledge,
insights, and practical actions needed to heal their brains and reclaim their lives after
concussion– through advanced brain testing, state-of-the-art treatment technologies,
and his clinically-proven concussion recovery programs.

Dr. Chiu is the author of BrainSAVE! and Leaky Brain Fix. He works with patients and
private clients from all over the world, both online and in-person at his holistic brain
centers in California.