A Functional Approach with Dr. Jim Chialtas

Jim Chialtas, DACM, L.Ac.
  • 5.0 (7)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
  • UPDATED DAILY

In this Podcast we will discuss topics relating to Functional Medicine, Self Improvement, & Wellness. Dr. Jim Chialtas has been in private practice in San Diego, CA since 2003 with a focus in Acupuncture & Functional Medicine. www.functionalmedicine-sandiego.com He designs and teaches continuing education courses on Functional Blood Chemistry for the online education company, Acupuncture Insights. He also designed and currently teaches a course on Functional Blood Chemistry for the Doctorate of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM) program at Five Branches University.

  1. 1D AGO

    Kava with Morgan Smith — Tradition, Pharmacology, and Healing Ritual

    In this 153rd episode, I speak with Morgan Smith, CEO of Kalm with Kava, founder of Pu'iwa Hawaiian Farms, and Board member of the International Kava Organization. We discuss concepts about how kava came into his life, and how this herb helped him manage the ever-increasing stresses of work and family. We discuss how this herb, kava, works in the body, where and how it is grown, some cautions of its use, and some traditional ceremonial practices used by indigenous people of the Pacific Islands. If you have never heard of kava before, I encourage you to listen in on this one. Morgan is a wealth of information, and we had a wonderful discussion. My apologies for the audio static in the very beginning of the episode. We got it sorted out quickly, so hang in there! You can find Morgan and his products through his website and social media links here: www.kalmwithkava.com Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/KalmwithKava Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/explore/search/keyword/?q=Calm%20with%20kava Reddit:  https://www.reddit.com/r/kalmwithkava/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Drinkkalm

    59 min
  2. A Taoist Lens on Uncertainty — Navigating Paradox, Presence, and Healing with Prashanthi Amarnath

    FEB 9

    A Taoist Lens on Uncertainty — Navigating Paradox, Presence, and Healing with Prashanthi Amarnath

    In this 152nd episode, I speak with Prashanthi Amarnath about how Taoist principles can help reshape our relationship to uncertainty, fear, decision‑making, and our emotional life. We discuss how uncertainty affects physiology and the nervous system. The conversation explores why the mind resists paradox and how cultivating perceptual flexibility — the “non‑fixed mind” Lao Tzu describes — expands relational attunement and emotional plasticity. We discuss the concept of "wu wei" as an inner posture of effortless responsiveness rather than passivity, and discuss how embracing paradox can free decision‑making. We discuss these things and much more! Tune in for a lovely conversation. You can find Prashanthi's book Embracing Paradox through Amazon here: https://a.co/d/cibPyFn

    1h 10m

  3. FEB 2

    Boosting BDNF: The Brain Fertilizer for Mood, Memory & Mental Health

    In this 151st episode, we unpack Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) — often called “fertilizer for the brain.” We explore what BDNF is, why it matters for learning, memory, and mood, and how low BDNF shows up in conditions like depression, cognitive decline, and neurodegenerative disease. Then we dive into evidence-based strategies to naturally support BDNF through exercise, nutrition, sleep, stress management, and targeted supplements, plus emerging data on acupuncture. Citations: Electroacupuncture at the Baihui acupoint alleviates cognitive impairment and exerts neuroprotective effects by modulating the expression and processing of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in APP/PS1 transgenic mice https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26739187/ The neuroprotective role of acupuncture and activation of the BDNF signaling pathway https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24566146/ Potential Moderators of Physical Activity on Brain Health https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3523571/ Neuroplasticity - exercise-induced response of peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor: a systematic review of experimental studies in human subjects https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20726622/ Brain foods: the effects of nutrients on brain function https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2805706/ License to run: exercise impacts functional plasticity in the intact and injured central nervous system by using neurotrophins https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16263961/ Effects of curcumin on brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels and oxidative damage in obesity and diabetes https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24476477/

    40 min

  4. JAN 25

    The Importance of Letting Go of Control

    In this 150th episode, I take a moment to riff on the importance of letting go of control. Of course, a life without some form of control is chaotic and might lend itself to being controlled by other people or institutions. I am not talking about letting go of complete control. Rather, I am suggesting here that our fixation on being in control could be holding us back or even doing us harm. Take the next 12 or so minutes to listen to this episode and feel into how you might be fixating on control in your own life. And how might fear play into this fixation? When you give this some consideration, you might just find some interesting details about your outlook on life that could be improved. And that is a Functional Approach...

    11 min
  5. Dr. Aristo Vojdani - A discussion with an expert: Autoimmunity, Food & Chemical Sensitivity, Lab Testing, and more!

    JAN 19

    Dr. Aristo Vojdani - A discussion with an expert: Autoimmunity, Food & Chemical Sensitivity, Lab Testing, and more!

    In this 149th episode, I do a deep-dive into autoimmunity, laboratory testing, food sensitivity, chemical sensitivity, and all things immunology. On this day I had the significant honor of sitting down with a giant in the integrative and functional medicine arena, Dr. Aristo Vojdani. I have followed Dr. Vojdani's work since my earliest days of practice back in 2002. The diagnostic approach that he brings to the table through Cyrex Labs was one of the defining concepts in my personal evolution as a clinician. I saw and continue to see a depth of thought and understanding about how the immune system operates that I simply didn't (and still don't) see from other laboratory testing. Dr. Vojdani holds Ph.D.'s in Microbiology & Immunology, is the founder of Immunosciences Laboratories and co-founder of Cyrex Laboratories, has published over 200 articles in highly respected medical journals, holds 17 patents, and has published multiple books. Long story short, Dr. Vojdani is a scientist of merit and one that we are fortunate to have looking out for our health and wellness! You can look further into the work that Dr. Vojdani has offered at the following websites: www.JoinCyrex.com https://immunoscienceslab.com/ And you can always reach Chase Zittrauer - My Cyrex Labs Rep (who I have had as a guest on my podcast, and who is a wonderful human) at: Chase.Zittrauer@cyrexlabs.com

    1h 22m

  6. JAN 12

    Three overlooked risk factors for cardiovascular disease

    In this 148th episode we delve into the intricacies of cardiovascular health by shining a light on some often-overlooked cardiovascular risks that could be influencing your heart health: trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), and homocysteine. These biochemical markers provide crucial insights into our cardiovascular health, yet many people remain unaware of their significance or even their existence. Join us as we explore how these compounds are formed, their implications for heart disease, and how you can take control of your cardiovascular well-being. Citations: Mechanistic Insights into the Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein-Induced Atherosclerosis https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33014272/ Gut Microbiota in Hypertension and Atherosclerosis: A Review https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33003455/ Homocysteine Metabolites, Endothelial Dysfunction, and Cardiovascular Disease https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39859460/

    39 min

  7. JAN 5

    The Great California Tortilla Conundrum

    In this 147th episode, I discuss the recent California law taking effect on Janurary 1, 2026 enforcing the supplementation of Folic Acid into corn masa (corn flour). This will impact corn tortillas, tamales, corn chips, etc. It just so happens that upwards of 40% of the people this new law is intended to protect have a genetic trait where they cannot process folic acid properly. In this episode we will discuss the reasons why California has made this new law, who it is meant to protect, why it is a terrible idea, and how it is a hidden (though likely an unintended) attack against a specific ethnic group. Citations: Folic acid and vitamin B12 fortification of food for preventing neural tube defects in Europe https://www.bmj.com/content/361/bmj.k1572/rr- 0#:~:text=Folic%20acid%20is%20a%20synthetic,unable%20to%20process%20folic%2 0acid. Circulating folic acid in plasma: relation to folic acid fortification https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3763811/ Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Deficiency https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK66131/ NIH website: Folate https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate- HealthProfessional/#:~:text=People%20with%20an%20MTHFR%20polymorphism,defe cts%20below)%20%5B41%5D. Selenium protects against the likelihood of fetal neural tube defects partly via the arginine metabolic pathway https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35263693/

    33 min

  8. 12/31/2025

    Together in Transition: Welcoming a New Year with Open Hearts

    In this 146th (bonus) episode, I riff a bit on the concept of ritual as we turn the page of a new year. The focus and motivation of the episode though is one of gratitude and connection. This podcast has covered a lot of topics, but if there is one concept that I hope comes through strongly it is that we are all in this thing together. My hope is that there is something discussed here on this platform that touches your soul in some way. The fact that so many of you have followed along is so touching to me. I have so much gratitude for you all. Thank you so much for your time and attention. I wish you all a very exciting New Year!

    20 min
See All (153)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

In this Podcast we will discuss topics relating to Functional Medicine, Self Improvement, & Wellness. Dr. Jim Chialtas has been in private practice in San Diego, CA since 2003 with a focus in Acupuncture & Functional Medicine. www.functionalmedicine-sandiego.com He designs and teaches continuing education courses on Functional Blood Chemistry for the online education company, Acupuncture Insights. He also designed and currently teaches a course on Functional Blood Chemistry for the Doctorate of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM) program at Five Branches University.

Information