A Functional Approach with Dr. Jim Chialtas

In this 63rd episode we discuss artificial food coloring. The seemingly innocent little candy in the bowl of the restaurant register may not be so innocent after all.

We will discuss how these dyes can increase food sensitivity reactions, autoimmunity, and neuroinflammation. And we discuss two studies which look at the impacts of these chemicals on the autistic populations, the ADHD populations, nystagmus (shaking of the eyes), an...

In this 62nd episode we discuss the benefits of a particular medicinal mushroom native to the temperate & sub-artic forests of Northern Europe. The Amanita muscaria mushroom is one you know well without even knowing it. With it's bright red cap and white spots, the Amanita presents itself in all its glory and has secured itself as the quintessential mushroom seen in cartoons, ads, art, etc. It is the mushroom we all think a...

In this 61st episode we explore just how something like gluten, a protein found in grains, can be a significant driving force in the development and expression of anxiety, depression, and really any other mental/emotional concern.

We will discuss the role of the vagus nerve, the blood brain barrier, the gut barrier, antibody cross-reaction, GAD enzymes, deep cerebellar nuclei, purkinjie cells, and more! Yep nerdy stuff here, but ...

In this 60th episode I just want to offer a short public service announcement to remember to take some time just for yourself. I have found myself beyond busy the past few weeks and missed my Monday podcast launch for the first time. Reality has struck and alas... This week and possibly next will be a bit tight for preparing, recording, and publishing episodes. And so as I dig myself out of my mountain of work, I, like you, need t...

In this 59th episode, I discuss several concepts that can set up a person to faint. In this discussion we consider how sleep, migraine, exercise, sweat loss, and pain can all work together to promote a fainting episode.

I get personal and share about a recent fainting episode that I experienced. It was the first and only time that it has occurred for me (thankfully), and it was quite humbling. This podcast episode was created to he...

In this 58th episode I revisit the topic of anxiety. People suffering from anxiety tend to have one more more underlying physiological mechanisms driving the condition. Or rather, mechanisms that have eroded their "stress resiliency" to a levels where anxiety or even full blown panic attack can more easily manifest.

We discuss the difference between the more mainstream philosophies as compared to a Functional Approach to...

In this 57th episode we discuss concepts around plastics in our environment and just how they can disrupt out physiology. The focus of this topic will be on Bisphenol A (BPA) which is found in an alarmingly high amount of food and beverage containers, medical equipment, credit card receipts, etc.

There is no lack of literature here detailing how toxic this compound, and similarly related compounds are to our physiology.

Do not be...

In this 56th episode I discuss some literature regarding the use of classical psychedelic compounds like LSD, Psilocybin, and DMT for all manners of chronic pain conditions. Indeed, conditions like migraine, chronic pain of all kinds, and neurological inflammation/brain injury can all improve by exposure to these compounds.

Having said that... These compounds are all still controlled substances and come with some hefty penalties. ...

In this 54th episode, we discuss concepts around genetic testing. The identification of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs), otherwise known as mutations to one base pair of DNA, can be linked to many different disease expressions and/or physiological mechanisms in our bodies. Testing for them can be helpful in understanding what we may have in store for us, and how we may want to address our healthcare.

But is there such thing ...

In this 53rd episode I delve into dangerous and polarizing territory to discuss Covid-19. Now that we are a couple of years away from so much of the unknown around this novel infection, there is growing amount information available to us.

The focus of this podcast today is to look at how proteins on the viral surface, as well as the spike protein itself can be confused with self-tissue. This can lead to the triggering of autoimmun...

In this 52nd episode we discuss some different ways that the prostate gland can be impacted. We will talk about the difference between prostate hypertrophy (enlargement), prostatitis (inflammation), and prostate cancer.

We will also discuss several mechanisms which can promote the above mentioned situations. For example... Is there a testosterone concern? Or perhaps Estrogen? Well, it is important to know the difference. Hint.....

In this 49th episode I get back to my roots as a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM). Traditional Chinese Medicine has a base fundamental association with the concepts of Yin and Yang Theory. Balance. Without balance there is disharmony.

We will discuss how Yin and Yang interrelate, how they define each other, how we might see them manifest both clinically and in our daily lives, and how a meditation on these concept...

In this 48th episode I discuss several concepts pertaining to tic disorders. Tic's are definitely on the rise, especially amongst our younger generation, and may be suggestive of something deeper going on in the brain.

I will discuss three types of "tics," being motor, vocal, and limbic (emotional) which can occur independently or together. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is yet another expression of weakness in ...

In this 47th episode we discuss the concept of fasting. There are many types of fasting approaches out there but we break this talk into concepts around Intermittent Fasting, 5:2 fasting, 24-hour fasting, and longer...

We will discuss some of the dangers of fasting, which are few, and plenty of reasons why it can greatly improve your quality of life and longevity.

We then discuss many of the benefits of fasting which even impact ...

In this 46th episode I discuss some of the mechanisms driving anxiety both from a mainstream western physiological perspective as well as from a more energetic perspective.

I discuss the difference between acute panic attacks and chronic anxiety, while offering some quick and easy techniques to help yourself or someone you know to manage the situation.

I also share a recent experience I had helping a relative stranger through an a...