Rational Wellness Podcast

Dr. Ben Weitz
  • 5.0 (159)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Rational Wellness Podcast hosted by Dr. Ben Weitz helps you unlock the latest science in functional medicine, nutrition, wellness and health, so you can optimize your body and mind. Weekly interviews with experts in Functional Medicine and Wellness with focus on gut health, hormones, inflammation, wellness, brain health, nutrition, health and longevity. You'll discover evidence-based strategies to reverse chronic disease, balance your biology, and extend your healthspan — from cutting-edge lab testing and nutrition to personalized lifestyle interventions. Past guests include Dr. Dale Bredesen, Dr. Jeffrey Bland, and Dr. Mark Pimentel and many of the most trusted voices in functional and integrative medicine and the wellness world. Subscribe today to learn practical tools you can use right now for better health and wellness.

  1. 1D AGO

    Dementia is Preventable with Dr. Majid Fotuhi: Rational Wellness Podcast 450

    Dementia is Preventable with Dr. Majid Fotuhi and host Dr. Ben Weitz.   [If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, so more people will find The Rational Wellness Podcast. Also check out the video version on my WeitzChiro YouTube page.]    Podcast Highlights The Invincible Brain: Rethinking Alzheimer's and Protecting Cognitive Health with Dr. Majid Fotuhi Dr. Ben Weitz interviews neurologist and author Dr. Majid Fotuhi about how the brain can stay resilient with age through neuroplasticity and lifestyle-based interventions. They discuss exercise, sleep, diet, stress reduction, and brain training as key pillars for supporting cognition, and why challenging, enjoyable activities can strengthen the brain. Dr. Fotuhi explains that late-life cognitive decline is often labeled as Alzheimer's even though multiple treatable factors may be involved, and he shares clinical results showing cognitive improvement and increased hippocampal volume after a multidisciplinary program. The episode also addresses the limitations of an amyloid-only focus, the modest effects of anti-amyloid drugs, and the importance of personalized evaluation using appropriate testing.   00:00 Rational Wellness Podcast Intro + What You'll Learn Today 00:56 Meet Dr. Majid Fotuhi & The "Invincible Brain" Concept 02:34 Neurogenesis Is Real: Making New Neurons at Any Age 03:32 Exercise for Brain Growth: BDNF, Blood Flow & Mitochondria 05:21 Strength + Cardio: Why Muscle Mass Protects the Aging Brain 06:45 Challenge Your Brain: Novelty, Frustration & Building New Synapses 08:33 Brain Training Apps vs Real-World Hobbies (and What Actually Sticks) 11:54 Why Alzheimer's Is Often Overdiagnosed: The "Soup" of Brain Pathology 16:24 Treat the Treatable: 5 Pillars Program + MRI/Cognitive Improvements 18:45 Amyloid Controversy: Research Scandals, What Amyloid Really Means 23:34 Do Amyloid Drugs Work? Lifestyle Trials vs Pharma Outcomes 26:48 Sponsor Break: Apollo Wearable for Stress, Sleep & Focus 28:21 Personalized/Functional Medicine for Cognition: Coaching & Behavior Change 31:33 Diet for Brain Health: The Non-Negotiables (Processed, Trans Fats, Sugar) 34:27 Quality of Life vs. Longevity: Finding a Diet You Can Live With 34:59 Mediterranean, Keto, Vegan? Why Testing & CGM Make Diet Personal 37:08 Sleep as Brain Detox: The Glymphatic System Explained 40:04 Better Sleep Without Dependency: Hygiene, Anxiety, and Med Cautions 42:47 Alzheimer's Blood Biomarkers (p-tau217): Useful, But Not the Whole Story 47:17 Cognitive Testing Done Right: MOCA, CNS Vitals, and Clinical Context 53:44 A "Brain Portfolio" Approach: Many Treatable Causes of Cognitive Decline 55:19 Real Patient Turnaround: Reversing "Alzheimer's" by Fixing Root Causes 59:08 Where to Find the Book & Programs + Final Message on Aging Well 01:00:47 Podcast Wrap-Up: Reviews, New Patients, and Next Week       Dr. Majid Fotuhi is a board certified neurologist, neuropsychiatrist, and the author of the new book, the Invincible Brain.  His website is Dr.Fotuhi.com. Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure.  Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

    1h 3m

  2. FEB 11

    Finally Hopeful for Fixing Depression with Dr. James Greenblatt: Rational Wellness Podcast 449

    View the Show Notes For This Episode Finally Hopeful for Fixing Depression with Dr. James Greenblatt and host Dr. Ben Weitz.   [If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, so more people will find The Rational Wellness Podcast. Also check out the video version on my WeitzChiro YouTube page.]    Podcast Highlights Functional Psychiatry for Mental Health with Dr. James Greenblatt In this episode of the Rational Wellness Podcast, Dr. Ben Weitz interviews Dr. James Greenblatt, an expert in functional psychiatry. They discuss the principles of functional psychiatry, which focuses on finding the root causes of mental health issues by examining genetics, biochemistry, nutrition, and lifestyle factors. Dr. Greenblatt shares insights on the role of nutritional deficiencies in mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. He highlights key nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, zinc, magnesium, and essential fatty acids, and discusses the benefits of low-dose lithium. Practical approaches to diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management for improving mental health are also covered, along with the integration of specific supplements and neurotransmitter support in treatment plans.   00:28 Meet Dr. James Greenblatt: Pioneer in Functional Psychiatry 01:51 Understanding Functional Psychiatry 03:43 Debunking the Neurotransmitter Theory of Depression 05:52 Biological Drivers of Depression 07:21 Diagnostic Approaches in Functional Psychiatry 08:56 The Role of Nutritional Deficiencies in Mental Health 12:54 Hormonal Influences on Depression 14:28 The Gut-Brain Connection 20:47 Nutritional Supplements for Mood Disorders 24:55 Identifying the Need for Flax Oil 25:12 The Role of Amino Acids in Psychiatry 27:32 Using Minerals for Mental Health 28:08 Exploring the Benefits of Lithium 29:53 Herbal Remedies for Depression 35:34 The Importance of Lifestyle Factors 41:56 The Impact of Technology on Mental Health 44:17 The Role of Medication in Psychiatry 45:30 Conclusion and Resources Dr. James Greenblatt is a pioneer in using the Functional Medicine model in helping patients with psychiatric disorders.  He is regarded as the leading expert on the clinical application of low dose lithium for mental health. Dr. Greenblatt has written nine books, including his newest book, Finally Hopeful, and the bestsellers Finally Focused: The Breakthrough Natural Treatment Plan for ADHD, Answers to Anorexia, Functional & Integrative Medicine for Antidepressant Withdrawal, and Nutritional Lithium: The Untold Tale of a Mineral That Transforms Lives and Heals the Brain.  In 2019, he founded Psychiatry Redefined, a leading educational platform training clinicians worldwide in functional and integrative psychiatry and he offers a range of excellent courses. His website is jamesgreenblattmd.com Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure.  Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

    51 min

  3. FEB 7

    How Circadian Rhythms Influence Sleep, Hormones & Bio-Timing with Dr. Corey Schuler: RWP Episode 10

    Corey Schuler is a holistic family nurse practitioner who discusses the circadian rhythm, the body's internal time clock, with host Dr. Ben Weitz. Both the central clock and peripheral time clocks control the metabolism of the body, our sleep, alertness, body temperature, and even our gene expression.  Our modern lifestyle, lack of sleep, exposure to artificial and blue light, caffeine consumption, etc. has had a negative impact on our natural circadian rhythm and this may result in many negative health consequences.  We discussed how stress, adrenal function, and the HPA axis impact our circadian rhythm. [If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, so more people will find The Rational Wellness Podcast. Also check out the video version on my WeitzChiro YouTube page.]  Corey Schuler is a holistic family nurse practitioner who practices at Synergy Family Physicians in Minnesota and the website is SynergyFamilyPhysicians.com. Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure.  Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

    33 min

  4. FEB 4

    The Teen Health Revolution with The Holistic Kids: Rational Wellness Podcast 448

    View the Show Notes For This Episode The Teen Health Revolution with The Holistic Kids and host Dr. Ben Weitz.   [If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, so more people will find The Rational Wellness Podcast. Also check out the video version on my WeitzChiro YouTube page.]  Podcast Highlights Rethinking Teen Health: The Teen Health Revolution with Abdullah Zane Emad and Kasim Ansari   In this episode of the Rational Wellness Podcast, Dr. Ben Weitz is joined by Abdullah Zane Emad, one of the creators of the 'Teen Health Revolution,' along with his mother and co-author, Dr. Madea Seed. They discuss the alarming crisis in teen mental, physical, and emotional health and the preventative measures outlined in their book. Abdullah shares personal anecdotes about his family's health transformations through functional and integrative medicine. The conversation covers critical aspects like the importance of gut health, proper nutrition, reducing tech usage, and achieving quality sleep. They also talk about the necessity of education in promoting a healthy lifestyle, the role of parents and educators, and tackling the root causes of health issues rather than relying on prescription medications. This episode aims to raise awareness and provide actionable steps for improving teen health.   00:38 Meet the Holistic Kids: Abdullah Zane Emad and Kasim Ansari 02:08 The Teen Health Crisis: Statistics and Concerns 07:33 Personal Stories of Health Challenges and Recovery 12:15 The Apollo Wearable: Managing Stress and Sleep 18:09 The Revolution Framework: A Holistic Approach to Teen Health 22:24 The Impact of Technology on Teen Health 26:48 The Social Media Dilemma 28:20 The Importance of Gut Health 31:22 Daily Diet and Healthy Eating Tips 37:04 The Power of Sleep 40:49 Rapid Fire Questions 43:32 Hope for the Future of Teen Health 45:05 Where to Find More Information 46:34 Conclusion and Final Thoughts       The Holistic Kids, Abdullah, Zain, Emaad, and Qasim are the co-hosts of The Holistic Kids' Show Podcast.  They have co-authored four best-selling books with their mother Madiha Saeed, MD,  Adam's Healing Adventures children book series which have been featured as Dr Mark Hyman's Top 5 Picks.  Their latest book The Teen Health Revolution: Unlocking lifestyle secrets to Optimizing the Mind, Body and Soul is out now. Their YouTube page is HolisticMom, MD. Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure.  Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

    49 min

  5. JAN 29

    Beat Heart Disease Before It Starts — Insights from Dr. Howard Elkin

    Beat Heart Disease Before It Starts — Insights from Dr. Howard Elkin with Dr. Ben Weitz. Dr. Elkin's website is Heartwise.com.  His main office is in Whittier, California and he has a concierge practice in Santa Monica, California and his office number is 562-945-3753. What You'll Hear In This Episode: 02:40    A Functional Medicine approach looks at why the body would lay down plaque as a rational response to coat the artery wall against inflammation or oxidation or glycation reactions. 06:08    I asked Dr. Elkin what his view is on cholesterol and he mentioned that half of patients who have heart attacks have normal cholesterol 08:09    Dr. Elkin discusses the benefits of the Boston Heart Lab and other advanced lipid profiles for better assessing true CVD risk 09:36    Howard explains how small, dense particles are more likely to be oxidized and incorporated into arterial plaques 10:50     I explained how larger HDL particles perform reverse cholesterol transport to remove potentially harmful LDL particles from the blood stream 11:02     I asked how Dr. Elkin treats patients who have small, dense LDL particles and he explained that he gets his patients to change their lifestyle and he uses certain nutritional supplements such as niacin before he puts them on medications.   13:10     I asked Howard what are some of the most important dietary factors to change to lower cardiovascular risk in such a patient?  He said it's not about cutting our eggs and saturated fat, like we used to think.  Howard's way of thinking is that sugar not fat is the main villian, since it is pro-inflammatory. 16:57    I asked Dr. Elkin about one of his recent blog articles where he wrote about the new PCSK-9 inhibitor medications for cholesterol. Dr. Elkin explained these may be effective, but they showed that they could bring LDL cholesterol levels down to 36 and this is actually not a good thing, since you need cholesterol for hormones, vitamin D production, and brain function.   Also, these drugs cost $14,000 per year. 20:30   Howard explained that when he does places patients on statins, he always puts them on CoQ10 to prevent muscle problems. He usually uses 100-200 mg to start with.  With patients who have heart failure he will use very high dosages, along with magnesium, L-Carnitine, and D-Ribose. 24:22   Dr. Elkin discusses what nutritional supplements he will use to raise HDL levels: 2 tablespoons daily of Extra Virgin Olive oil,  coconut oil, low carb diet, exercise, weight reduction, and niacin. 27:52    I asked Howard how to lower Lp(a). He said that this fragment of LDL is extremely atherogenic and is highly likely to get oxidized. Niacin, estrogen, and fish oil can help. I mentioned that I also found that berberine and tocotrienols were also helpful. 30:30   We discussed what to do about patients with elevated CRP (indicative of inflammation). Dr. Elkin mentioned that this test should be done routinely on all patients, but it is often not measured.  There is a link between obesity and CRP and also between oral cavity problems and sinusitis and even poor sleep. He likes fish oil, turmeric, ginger, and boswellia to reduce inflammation.

    39 min

  6. JAN 28

    Solutions for Postpartum Depletion with Dr. Lauren Davis: Rational Wellness Podcast 447

    View the Show Notes For This Episode Solutions for Postpartum Depletion with Dr. Lauren Davis and host Dr. Ben Weitz.   [If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, so more people will find The Rational Wellness Podcast. Also check out the video version on my WeitzChiro YouTube page.]    Podcast Highlights In this episode of the Rational Wellness Podcast, host Dr. Ben Weitz speaks with Dr. Lauren Davis about postpartum wellness. Dr. Davis, an osteopathic physician, functional medicine practitioner, and postpartum wellness expert, shares her personal and professional insights into the often-overlooked postpartum period. They discuss various topics such as the importance of maternal health, the nutritional needs of breastfeeding women, hormone imbalances, and the significance of gut health in postpartum recovery. Dr. Davis also explains the cell danger response and its implications for new mothers. The conversation covers practical advice including dietary recommendations, supplementation, and the role of pleasure in promoting milk supply. Dr. Davis emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to supporting mothers during the postpartum period.   00:26 Meet Dr. Lauren Davis: Postpartum Wellness Expert 02:35 The Neglect of Postpartum Health in American Culture 06:26 Nutritional Needs for Postpartum Recovery 08:58 Understanding the Cell Danger Response 12:42 Testing and Nutrient Needs for Postpartum Women 18:22 Hormonal Changes and Breastfeeding Challenges 30:08 Addressing Low Breast Milk Supply 32:02 Introduction to Baby's Appointment and Milk Production 32:22 Addressing Baby's Feeding Issues 33:46 Hormonal and Insulin Resistance Factors 34:41 Dietary Adjustments for Insulin Resistance 35:42 Supplements for Insulin Resistance 38:10 Nutrient Recommendations for Postpartum Women 41:22 Herbs and Supplements for Breastfeeding 43:15 Hormonal Imbalances and Corrections 47:56 Gut Health in Postpartum Women 50:12 Probiotics and Binders for Gut Health 53:27 Final Thoughts and Clinical Pearls 57:18 Contact Information and Conclusion   Dr. Lauren Davis is a Doctor of Osteopathy, a Dual Board-Certified Physician: Family Medicine and Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine, the founder of Latched Nourished Thriving, a Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner, and a Postpartum Wellness Expert.  Dr. Lauren describes herself as a Functional Medicine physician, a human milk advocate, and a holistic minded mama of two. Dr. Davis has written two books, Thrive, Mama! The Ultimate Postpartum Blueprint and Nourishing Beginnings: An Integrative Physician's Guide to Successful Lactation.  Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure.  Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

    1h 1m

  7. JAN 27

    Fertility Solutions and Chinese Medicine Insights with Denise Wiesner

    Fertility Solutions: Functional & Chinese Medicine Insights with Denise Wiesner LAc and host Dr. Ben Weitz. In this episode of the Rational Wellness Podcast, Dr. Ben Weitz interviews Denise Wiesner, an expert in oriental traditional medicine with a specialty in fertility. They discuss various conditions affecting fertility such as PCOS, endometriosis, and hypothyroidism. Denise elaborates on the importance of personalized treatments involving diet modifications, nutritional supplements, and acupuncture. They also delve into stress management and the impact of lifestyle choices on fertility, touching on the significance of gene testing and epigenetics. Practical advice for both men and women aiming to optimize their reproductive health is provided, along with specific supplement recommendations. The episode underscores the importance of collective efforts among different healthcare practitioners to support patients on their fertility journey. Denise Wiesner is a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist, and certified sex coach. She is the founder of Natural Healing and Acupuncture in West Los Angeles, where she sees patients 310-473-7474, and her website is DeniseWiesner.com and her clinic website is  NaturalHealingAcupuncture.com.  She has recently published a book on Fertility and Intimacy, Conceiving With Love: A whole body approach to creating intimacy, re-igniting passion, and increasing fertility. Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure.  Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

    28 min

  8. JAN 21

    Advanced Biohacking & Longevity Strategies Clinicians Should Know with Dr. Sanjeev Goel: Rational Wellness Podcast 446

    View the Show Notes For This Episode Advanced Biohacking and Longevity Strategies Clinicians Should Know with Dr. Sanjeev Goel and host Dr. Ben Weitz.   [If you enjoy this podcast, please give us a rating and review on Apple Podcasts, so more people will find The Rational Wellness Podcast. Also check out the video version on my WeitzChiro YouTube page.]    Podcast Highlights In this episode of the Rational Wellness Podcast, hosted by Dr. Ben Weitz, the guest is Dr. Sanjeev Goel, a leading expert in longevity, biohacking, and health optimization. Dr. Goel, known as the Happiness and Longevity Doctor, shares insights from his practice near Toronto, Canada. The discussion covers the principles of hormesis, the difference between healthspan and lifespan, and strategies for longevity such as intermittent fasting, plasmapheresis, peptides, circadian rhythm alignment, and IV treatments. Dr. Goel emphasizes the importance of personalized, functional, and preventative approaches to extending both the quantity and quality of life. Listeners can learn about Dr. Goel's methods and philosophies, and gain practical tips for incorporating these strategies into their own health routines.   00:00 Introduction to Rational Wellness Podcast 00:29 Meet Dr. Sanjeev Go: The Happiness and Longevity Doctor 01:07 Practicing Medicine in Toronto 01:32 The Role of AI in Medicine 01:54 Understanding Longevity Medicine 02:41 Healthspan vs. Lifespan 03:50 Challenges in Conventional Medical Care 08:03 Drivers of Aging and Longevity Interventions 09:53 The Concept of Hormesis 10:16 Fasting: Methods and Benefits 17:50 The Role of Protein in Longevity 21:51 Balancing Growth and Autophagy 23:18 The Role of Peptides in Longevity 29:19 Exploring Plasmapheresis and IV Treatments 32:18 Importance of Biological Rhythms 36:43 Conclusion and Contact Information   Dr. Sanjeev Goel is a physician, speaker, and leader in longevity and health optimization based in Canada. Often known as the "Happiness and Longevity MD," he blends functional medicine, lifestyle medicine, and emerging longevity science to help patients extend not just lifespan, but healthspan and vitality. His website is www.sanjeevgoel.com and PeakHuman.ca and he hosts a podcast called Peak Human Labs, available on YouTube at @PeakHumanLabs.  Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure.  Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

    42 min
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About

Rational Wellness Podcast hosted by Dr. Ben Weitz helps you unlock the latest science in functional medicine, nutrition, wellness and health, so you can optimize your body and mind. Weekly interviews with experts in Functional Medicine and Wellness with focus on gut health, hormones, inflammation, wellness, brain health, nutrition, health and longevity. You'll discover evidence-based strategies to reverse chronic disease, balance your biology, and extend your healthspan — from cutting-edge lab testing and nutrition to personalized lifestyle interventions. Past guests include Dr. Dale Bredesen, Dr. Jeffrey Bland, and Dr. Mark Pimentel and many of the most trusted voices in functional and integrative medicine and the wellness world. Subscribe today to learn practical tools you can use right now for better health and wellness.

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