Proven Health Alternatives

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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Healthy Spines. Healthy Kids: Pediatric Chiropractic for Optimal Development

Sat, 10 Jan 2026

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Alayna Pagnani-Gendron to explore the interconnected systems that shape pediatric development. Our conversation focuses on how the gut, brain, and immune system develop together and why pediatric chiropractic care plays a meaningful role in supporting that process from the very beginning of life.

Dr. Pagnani-Gendron shares insight into early intervention and why a child's health foundation begins even before birth. We discuss the influence of maternal health, gut microbiome development, environmental stressors, and nutrition on a child's nervous system. She explains how gentle pediatric chiropractic assessments help identify patterns early and support balance during critical stages of growth.

We also cover what pediatric chiropractic care actually looks like, including the light and specific nature of adjustments, and how this approach may help with common concerns such as colic, reflux, and developmental challenges. This episode is a practical and thoughtful guide for parents who want to understand how preventive, nervous system focused care can support long-term health and resilience in children.

Key takeaways:

Pediatric chiropractic care supports the interconnected development of the gut, brain, and immune system in children, contributing to holistic wellness.

Early chiropractic assessments can address common childhood conditions like colic, reflux, and feeding issues with gentle, precise adjustments.
Parent education about healthy lifestyle choices during pregnancy, such as a nutritious diet and reducing exposure to stressors, lays the foundation for a child's health.
Collaboration with various healthcare providers enhances the effectiveness of chiropractic care, addressing pediatric needs comprehensively and preventively.
Resources such as the International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) offer valuable research and advocacy for the role of chiropractic in pediatric health.

More About Dr. Alayna Pagnani-Gendron:

Dr. Alayna Pagnani-Gendron is a family chiropractor and the owner of HealthPro Family Chiropractic & Acupuncture in Houston, Texas. She specializes in perinatal and pediatric care and is Certified through the ICPA. Dr. Alayna uses gentle, evidence-informed techniques to support optimal nervous system function, cranial balance, and whole-body wellness.

A past president of the Texas Chiropractic Association, national speaker, educator, and podcast co-host, Dr. Pagnani-Gendron is known for her collaborative, whole-body approach to airway, tongue-tie, and pediatric development. She lives in Houston with her husband, Brian, and their two sons.

Dr. Pagnani is passionate about empowering parents and professionals to better understand the connection between tension, development, and thriving kids.

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Beyond Symptoms: Rethinking How the Body Heals

Sat, 03 Jan 2026

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Peter Kevorkian, president of Life Chiropractic College West and a leader with more than four decades of clinical and academic experience. Together, we examine the fundamental flaws in the modern healthcare model and why it remains heavily focused on disease management instead of health optimization, prevention, and long-term resilience.

Dr. Kevorkian shares how chiropractic philosophy offers a different lens for understanding health, one that recognizes the body as inherently designed to adapt, heal, and thrive when interference is removed. We explore the role of the nervous system as the master regulator of health and why restoring its function is central to improving outcomes across physical, biochemical, and emotional domains. This conversation highlights how chiropractic care fits within a broader integrative framework rather than standing in opposition to conventional medicine.

We also discuss the importance of nutrition, movement, and personal awareness in supporting the body's innate intelligence. Dr. Kevorkian emphasizes that healthcare should empower individuals to better understand their bodies, not simply manage symptoms. His vision points toward a future where chiropractic plays a leading role in shifting healthcare toward maximizing human potential, vitality, and true well-being.

Key takeaways:

Redefining Healthcare: The current healthcare model needs to shift from disease care to true healthcare by focusing on preventive care and the body's natural ability to heal.
Innate Intelligence: Chiropractic care emphasizes the intelligence within the human body and seeks to optimize the nervous system's function to improve overall health.
Trusting Intuition: Dr. Kevorkian advocates for trusting one's intuition and inner wisdom alongside factual medical advice for personal health decisions.
Influence of Chiropractic: The chiropractic profession helps remove nervous system interference, enhancing the body's ability to adapt and heal across various conditions.
Future of Healthcare: Dr. Kevorkian envisions chiropractic care leading the movement toward a more comprehensive health-oriented approach, with a focus on creating healthier lifestyles rather than merely treating conditions.

More About Dr. Peter Kevorkian:

Dr. Peter Kevorkian started out studying civil engineering at Tufts, but soon realized his true path was in chiropractic.

From his first day at Palmer College of Chiropractic, he knew this was more than a career—it was his calling. For over 40 years, he has built a warm, family-focused practice, taught and mentored thousands of doctors, and spoken around the world.

From hosting "Philosophy Nites" in his home for more than 25 years, to serving on boards like the ICPA and Sherman College, to now leading Life West Chiropractic College as its 4th President, his mission has always been the same: helping people and families live at their best through chiropractic.

To Dr. Kevorkian, chiropractic isn't just healthcare—it's a way of living with purpose, alignment, and service. He inspires people to reconnect with their "why," live with clarity and joy, and create lives built on values, service, and courage.

Follow his journey and keep an eye out for his upcoming talks, training programs, and video content—an exciting new space for his message is coming soon.

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Strength Beyond Age: How Men Can Thrive as They Get Older

Sat, 27 Dec 2025

Men's health, fitness, and longevity deserve a deeper and more honest conversation. In this episode, I sit down with Christian Palmer, a veteran bodybuilder, coach, and long-time advocate for sustainable strength and health. Drawing from decades of experience in physique development and training, Palmer shares practical insights into how men can continue to build muscle, maintain performance, and adapt their approach as they age.

Our conversation addresses common but often avoided issues in men's health, including sarcopenia and erectile dysfunction. Palmer explains why these are not isolated problems, but reflections of hormonal balance, metabolic health, and lifestyle habits. We discuss the importance of consistent resistance training, adequate protein intake, and strategic hormone management to preserve strength, energy, and physical independence over time.

This episode reinforces a holistic, data-driven approach to men's wellness. Beyond workouts and nutrition, we explore the value of comprehensive blood work, understanding biomarkers, and using objective data to guide decisions. Palmer emphasizes that thriving with age requires more than effort in the gym. It requires awareness, intention, and a commitment to long-term healthspan.

Key takeaways:

Addressing Men's Health Concerns: Acknowledging and tackling issues like erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular health can lead to significant long-term benefits.
Building and Maintaining Muscle Mass: Engaging in resistance training and focusing on compound movements is crucial for combating age-related muscle loss.
Navigating Aging as an Opportunity: By understanding sarcopenia, men can leverage resistance training and proper nutrition to remain healthy and active well into their later years.
Optimizing Health through Blood Work: Regular testing of biomarkers can provide critical insights that help improve lifestyle and health decisions.
The Role of Testosterone: Understanding and managing testosterone levels through professional guidance can profoundly impact men's health and energy levels.

More About Christian Palmer:

Christian helps men reignite their vigor, build unshakable confidence, and become the strongest version of themselves through getting lean, building muscle and conquering nutrition. With over a decade and a half of coaching and hundreds of client transformations, he specializes in guiding men to get lean, build muscle, optimize hormones, and overcome challenges like diabetes, low testosterone, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and digestive issues.
His passion for men's health began when his mother was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. After helping her lose weight, reverse her condition, and eliminate the need for insulin, he committed his life to empowering others through nutrition and strength.

During his years at Equinox, Christian coached countless men over 40 who battled low energy, joint pain, diminished confidence, and the pressure of providing for their families. Helping them reclaim their edge inspired him to launch Relentless Fitness and Nutrition. Bodybuilding is Christian's personal standard of excellence. It's his way of pushing his own limits and embodying the discipline and resilience that he helps men forge in their own lives. His journey serves as a model for clients who want to become the badass 2.0 version of themselves.

Christian's mission is simple: help men build a body they're proud of, lead their families with strength, and live with the confidence of a man who refuses to settle.

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