Proven Health Alternatives

Why Foot and Ankle Strength Matters

Sat, 14 Feb 2026

What if one of the biggest predictors of falls, balance issues, and even athletic decline wasn't the hips, core, or knees, but the toes? And what if strengthening them could dramatically change outcomes as we age?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tom Michaud, a chiropractor, researcher, and internationally recognized expert in foot biomechanics, to explore how weak toes and poor foot function significantly increase fall risk in older adults and limit performance in master athletes. We discuss why foot and ankle health is often overlooked and how it serves as the foundation for balance, speed, and long-term vitality.

Dr. Michaud breaks down findings from pivotal studies, including work by researchers like Karen Mickle and Max Piquet, highlighting the role of intrinsic foot muscles such as the flexor hallucis longus and peroneus longus in stability and dynamic movement. We also cover simple at-home tests to assess fall risk and practical exercises that actually improve foot strength. This episode is essential listening for clinicians, athletes, and anyone who wants to stay mobile, resilient, and active as they age.

Key takeaways:

Weak toes are a primary predictor of falls in older adults, leading to serious injuries and complications.
Enhancing toe strength through targeted exercises can significantly reduce fall risk while boosting athletic performance.
Not all traditional foot exercises are effective - exercising the foot muscles in a lengthened position yields better strength gains.
Proper assessment of foot architecture and the application of custom strengthening exercises can prevent injuries and improve dynamic performance.
Diagnostic tests like the anterior fall envelope and paper grip tests offer valuable insights into an individual's fall risk and foot strength.

More About Dr. Tom Michaud:

In the early nineties, Williams and Wilkins published Dr. Michaud's first textbook, Foot Orthoses and Other Forms of Conservative Foot Care, which was eventually translated into four languages. His next book, Human Locomotion: The Conservative Management of Gait-Related Disorders, which was published in 2012, is used in physical therapy, chiropractic, pedorthic, and podiatry schools around the world. In addition to technical books, Tom also published a book for recreational runners: Injury-Free Running: How to Build Strength, Improve Form, and Treat/Prevent Injuries, now in its second edition.

During his 40 years of clinical practice, Dr. Michaud designed and patented numerous diagnostic tools and exercise products to help with the evaluation and treatment of a wide range of sports injuries. Since his recent retirement from clinical practice, Tom is devoting his time to researching, writing, and designing new products in order to develop evidence-based evaluation and treatment protocols that can assist in not just the prevention of sports injuries, but also in ways to stay fit as we age.

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Labs in Precision Medicine: An N-of-1 Framework

Sat, 07 Feb 2026

Why do so many people feel unwell even when their labs are labeled "normal"? Are we using laboratory testing as a guide, or are we letting numbers drive decisions without enough context?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Ralph Esposito, a board-certified nutritionist, functional medicine practitioner, and expert in metabolic health, to unpack one of the most misunderstood tools in modern medicine: laboratory testing. As Dr. Esposito explains, labs are a cornerstone of healthcare, but they are also among the most frequently misused. We explore how nutrition and metabolic labs should be evaluated responsibly by prioritizing clinical context, pre-test probability, biological variability, and individual response rather than relying on isolated or outdated reference ranges.

Our conversation also dives into common misunderstandings around testosterone replacement therapy, cardiovascular risk, and why population-based "normal" values often miss what is happening in the individual. Dr. Esposito introduces an N of 1 framework, reframing labs not as definitive answers but as decision-support tools meant to guide truly personalized care. If you want a clearer, more thoughtful way to interpret labs and assess real health risk, this episode will change how you look at your numbers.

Key takeaways:

Lab Interpretation Caution: Misinterpretation of lab results can lead to incorrect health assessments; patient history and context are crucial in lab result analysis.

Individualized Guidelines: Dr. Esposito advocates for a shift from population-based to personalized markers of health for more accurate patient care.
Role of Testosterone in Health: While TRT can be beneficial, it should be considered carefully, weighing potential health benefits against side effects like elevated hematocrit and hemoglobin levels.
Lifestyle Modifications: Recognize the impact of lifestyle changes in conjunction with medical treatments for long-term health improvements.
Precision Medicine Vision: The future of healthcare lies in the integration of AI and individualized patient data to tailor precise medical interventions effectively.

More About Dr. Ralph Esposito:

Dr. Ralph Esposito is a licensed naturopathic physician and acupuncturist specializing in precision preventive and integrative medicine. He serves as Chief Science Officer at AG1 where he oversees scientific strategy and clinical research and is an adjunct professor at New York University. His work focuses on evidence-based N-of-1 approaches to risk reduction metabolic health and longevity translating complex science into clinically meaningful outcomes.

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A Functional Medicine Approach to Reversing Hashimoto's

Sat, 31 Jan 2026

Why are thyroid disorders becoming so common? Why do so many people feel exhausted, foggy, and inflamed even when their labs are labeled "normal"? And is Hashimoto's truly a lifelong condition, or are we missing what actually drives it?

In our latest podcast episode, I sit down with Dr. Anshul Gupta, a board-certified physician and functional medicine expert, to unpack what is really happening behind thyroid dysfunction and autoimmune thyroid disease. We break down hypothyroidism versus hyperthyroidism, why Hashimoto's is the most common cause, and which thyroid tests actually matter, including TSH, free T3, free T4, and thyroid antibodies.

From there, the conversation widens. We explore the roles of gut health, mitochondrial dysfunction, toxins, stress, and viral triggers like Epstein-Barr and COVID, and why treating the thyroid alone often falls short. Dr. Gupta shares insights from his clinical experience and transition into functional medicine, offering a more complete framework for understanding and supporting thyroid health.

Key takeaways:

Comprehensive Thyroid Testing: Beyond TSH, a complete thyroid panel including free T3, free T4, and specific antibodies is crucial for an accurate thyroid health assessment.
Role of Mitochondria: The health of mitochondria is vital for thyroid function, affecting energy metabolism critical for managing thyroid disorders.
Impact of Stress: Chronic stress is a significant factor contributing to thyroid dysfunction, emphasizing the need for daily stress management techniques.
Functional Medicine Approach: Dr. Gupta's use of functional medicine emphasizes treating the root causes of thyroid problems, especially targeting lifestyle and dietary changes.
Environmental and Dietary Toxins: A deeper understanding of how exposure to toxins and dietary inadequacies affect thyroid health and overall metabolic function.

More About Dr. Anshul Gupta:

Dr. Anshul Gupta is a best-selling author, speaker, researcher, and the world expert in Hashimoto's disease. He educates people worldwide on reversing Hashimoto's disease.

He is a Board-Certified Family Medicine Physician, with advanced certification in Functional Medicine, Peptide therapy, and also Fellowship trained in Integrative Medicine.

He has worked at the prestigious Cleveland Clinic Department of Functional Medicine alongside Dr. Mark Hyman. He has helped thousands of patients to reverse their health issues by using the concepts of functional medicine.

His dedication towards his patients was recognized when he was awarded Readers Choice, Best Doctor in Northern Neck Area.

He is now on a mission to help 1 billion people reverse their health conditions. To achieve this mission he has written a bestseller book called Reversing Hashimoto's. He has also started a virtual functional medicine practice, a blog, and a youtube channel so he can reach people from all over the world. His blog and youtube videos have already reached more than 50 million people worldwide.

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Rebuild, Rewire, & Regulate: How to Restore Brain Calm at Any Age

Sat, 24 Jan 2026

In this episode, I sit down with Laurie Hammer, a functional nutrition therapist, to explore the powerful connection between brain health and gut function. Laurie shares her personal journey into functional nutrition and explains why amino acids play a foundational role in both emotional resilience and physical well-being.

Our conversation dives into the relationship between neurotransmitters and amino acids, with a focus on serotonin, GABA, and catecholamines. Laurie explains how imbalances in these systems can contribute to anxiety, depression, and even neurodegenerative conditions. Through clinical experience and real-world examples, she outlines how targeted amino acid therapy can create meaningful changes when applied thoughtfully and individually.

We also expand the discussion beyond supplementation to the lifestyle factors that support optimal brain health. From adequate protein intake and environmental toxin reduction to grounding practices and cleaner personal care products, this episode offers a holistic framework for supporting the nervous system. It is an insightful conversation for anyone interested in practical, nutrition-driven strategies to improve brain health and long-term vitality.

Key takeaways:

Amino acids are crucial for neurotransmitter balance, impacting mental health and overall well-being.
Laurie Hammer emphasizes the therapeutic potential of tryptophan, glutamine, and the role of other essential amino acids in addressing brain and gut health.
Lifestyle changes, including nutrient-rich diets, sunlight exposure, and grounding, are essential for maintaining optimal neurological health.
Targeted, therapeutic supplementation of amino acids can significantly improve symptoms of anxiety and depression by nourishing the nervous system.
Laurie Hammer's approach encourages tackling brain health through foundational elements like proteins, fats, and minerals, rather than solely focusing on genetic predispositions.

More About Laurie Hammer:

Laurie Hammer is a Functional Nutritional Therapist, speaker, and host of the Take Back My Brain Podcast. She specializes in targeted amino acid therapy and brain-first nutrition to help women—and the practitioners who serve them—overcome anxiety, overwhelm, brain fog, and burnout without relying on medications. Laurie is the creator of the Mind Thrive Amino Acid Therapy Certification and is known for her bold message: You can't medicate away a nutrient deficiency.

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Ensuring SIBO Breath Test Results Match Clinician Clinical Impressions

Sat, 17 Jan 2026

In this episode, I sit down with Gary Stapleton to unpack the complexity of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and why it is so often overlooked in clinical practice. We discuss the true prevalence of SIBO, how it contributes to both digestive and systemic symptoms, and why accurate diagnosis is essential for meaningful treatment outcomes.

Gary shares his expertise on breath testing as the cornerstone of proper SIBO diagnosis. We break down the differences between glucose, lactulose, and fructose substrates, explain when each should be used, and highlight common testing errors that can lead to confusion or misdiagnosis. This portion of the conversation brings clarity to a topic that is frequently misunderstood.

We also explore how SIBO overlaps with other gastrointestinal and systemic conditions and why an individualized approach matters. This episode provides a practical framework for understanding SIBO testing and treatment and is essential listening for anyone looking to move beyond trial and error and toward precision based gut health care.

Key takeaways:

SIBO is characterized by an abnormal increase of bacteria in the small intestine, often leading to digestive and systemic health issues.
Accurate testing and proper preparation are crucial for a reliable diagnosis of SIBO.
The choice of substrate (glucose, lactulose, fructose) plays a critical role in breath testing accuracy.
Understanding the symptoms and co-occurring conditions of SIBO can guide effective treatment strategies.
Collaboration between laboratories and healthcare practitioners is essential for optimal patient care and treatment outcomes.

More About Gary Stapleton:

Gary Stapleton is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Aerodiagnostics, LLC, where he focuses on advancing diagnostic accuracy and improving clinical decision making in functional and gastrointestinal health. With decades of leadership experience in healthcare diagnostics and pharmaceuticals, Gary brings a deep understanding of how precision testing can transform patient outcomes.

Prior to founding Aerodiagnostics, Gary held senior executive roles across major healthcare organizations, including Chief Operating Officer at Calloway Laboratories, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Bausch & Lomb, and leadership positions at Caris Life Sciences and Lerner Medical Devices. Earlier in his career, he spent 14 years at AstraZeneca, where he played a key role in the launch and commercialization of multiple blockbuster therapies.

A former member of the United States Marine Corps, Gary combines disciplined leadership with a passion for innovation in healthcare. He holds an undergraduate degree from Long Island University and an MBA, and founded Aerodiagnostics.

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