A Functional Approach with Dr. Jim Chialtas

In this 107th episode I discuss the highly contentious topic of salt. Yep... This podcast will likely contain some fightin' words! But now isn't that just what scientific debate is all about? :-)

In this episode I will talk about the reasons why salt has been so vilified, and how the war on salt began. But I will contrast that with some very good published research that speaks to the contrary (with citations below). I will ...

In this 106th episode I talk a bit about expectation and how it may impact our health and/or life experience. Indeed, we tend to bring into many experiences our expectations about said experience. We are rarely ever truly present in the moment. The story of the Chinese Farmer is a great example of how our expectations of an event may or may not hold importance in the way we think. The idea here is to remain open and not hold onto w...

In this 105th episode I spend an hour talking with a longtime friend and colleague Kit Yoon. I met Kit back in 1999 in acupuncture school up in Santa Cruz California. From the moment I met her I knew she had a lot to offer this world and the people living on it. Those who are under her care are lucky ones indeed.

This chat was focused on the discussion of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Functional Medicine, and just a little about ev...

In this 104th episode I discuss a pretty fantastic compound. Ergothioneine is considered a sort of "master antioxidant." I detail several surprising abilities of this compound and why you might want it around in case of an unsuspected injury, and even chronic conditions like autoimmune disease, cardiovascular disease, and just about anything else that is driven by inflammation.

I discuss some natural sources of this compo...

In this 103rd episode I discuss some fundamental concepts between modern culture and the more ancient ways of living as it pertains to health and wellness.

We will cover topics such as a Paleo Diet strategy, how modern day humans compare to our ancestors, cardiovascular disease, and more!

I use the native Tsimane people from the Bolivian Amazon region of South America as living example of how traditional ways that humans have lived...

In this 102nd episode I return from my short break and start my "second season" with the very interesting topic of placebo. This was a topic that we studied extensively in my Doctorate of Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine program and what we know about it goes far beyond what you might otherwise believe.

Indeed, placebo tends to be a four letter word in medicine. Something to scrutinize. But what if I told you that you a...

In this 101st episode I check in during my inter-season sabbatical from posting podcast episodes.

I was compelled to read a very special poem that is actually better listened to by the artist, Kae Tempest, but I have always wanted to read it out loud so here it is.

It is a poem that reminds up that even when things feel terrible. Perhaps even futile... When there is a feeling that all is lost, there are still little gifts to help u...

In my 100th episode I riff a bit on my process of podcasting, and the content of these 100 episodes. In essence, I let you in on who I am as a doctor and fellow human.

I also discuss my short but much needed sabbatical from posting content. Never fear however... I will return.

I finish up this episode with a short piece I wrote called "The Barefoot Doctor." Because how better to end a season than with a little bit of cr...

In this 99th episode I discuss some general concepts regarding what I can only refer to as a chemical concussion. A concussion is of course an injury to the brain typically as a result of a blow to the head. But I am here to say that a very similar injury can occur simply by exposure to an inflammatory chemical or compound.

We will discuss some of the neurology behind a chemical concussion, how it may be defined, potential prerequ...

In this 98th episode I delve into the curious and rather scary experience of sleep paralysis.

I explain sleep paralysis from a modern neurological perspective, offer some stats on risk factors and populations most commonly impacted by this condition, and touch on some folklore around the condition.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of sleep paralysis is the extremely common involvement with "sleep paralysis demons." (Not my word...

In this 97th episode I discuss Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). It is estimated that somewhere around 5-7 million American women have this condition. Aside from infertility, this condition can cause menstrual irregularities, unwanted hair growth, unwanted hair loss, blood sugar imbalances, and even increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.

I will discuss the physiology involved with this endocrine disorder, some mainstream a...

In this 96th episode I take a moment to appreciate the common practice of "doing nothing" on New Years Day. This practice comes from folklore stating that what you do on New Years Day is what you will be doing for the rest of the coming new year. So taking this day to rest and relax bring in a notion that the coming year will also be restful and relaxing.

But why bring this effort to just one day of the year? In this episode I wil...

In this 95th episode I discuss tea... That comforting warm beverage that human beings seem to adore. Tea is second only to water for the most commonly consumed beverage in the world!

In this episode I will talk about some statistics, the various types of tea and howe they are made, the beneficial compounds and antioxidants found in tea, and some published benefits tea can provide to human health.

And in keeping true to form, I fi...

In this 94th episode I discuss the very difficult topic of depression. Sadly, this is a disease that is on the rise with a particular focus on adolescents.

We will discuss some US statistics regarding depression, some of the associated symptoms, the neurology and neurochemistry involved, the mainstream pharmaceutical approach, a functional approach, and even some outside the box approaches involving psychedelic assisted therapy an...

In this 93rd episode, I share a poem called "Being Human" by Naima Penniman.

I thought of this poem over the weekend while on a short getaway with my wife in Joshua Tree, CA. It was a weekend of relaxation, celebration, contemplation, and nature.

At one point in our conversation, my wife Debbie mentioned that it can be such a curse to be human because we seem to have so much internal chatter in the background of our thoughts that...

In this 92nd episode I discuss a very important topic... Chronic Fatigue. This condition can go much further than just being tired. Listen in and hear what this condition means at a cellular level.

We will discuss some current statistics here in the US, just what it looks like to suffer with Chronic Fatigue, how mitochondria and ATP are involved, and some diet, lifestyle and supplement strategies to manage or recover from this oft...

In this 91st episode I discuss my recent training as a "Master Composter." I have composted kitchen and yard waste on and off throughout my life and have a fascination for such basic practices not only to help rebuild the soil in my garden with nutrient dense soil amendments, but also to help protect our landfills.

In my opinion, wellness begins with how we think and how we navigate our environment. Taking some basic steps to conn...

In this 90th episode I discuss a seldom talked about concept in the obesity crisis... Obesogens. These are chemical compounds found in our environment that drive obesity. And they do much more than that!

If you are stuck with a "calorie-in, calorie-out" perspective on weight gain/loss, this episode may be for you. There is so much more to the story than just calories!

In this episode I will explain how obesogens work, common s...