The Functional Code Podcast

Dr. Jace Nybo, Dr. Addy Knutson
  • 4.3 (3)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

We are here to bring you knowledge and tools to help you better yourself. Dr. Jace Dr. Addy We are The Functional Podcast

  1. 14h ago

    Chiropractic Neurology, Headaches, Pain, Posture, and Neuroplasticity I Dr Paul Dickerson

    Guest Episode: Dr. Paul DickersonTopic: Chiropractic Neurology, Headaches, Pain, Posture, and Neuroplasticity What if your headache, neck pain, dizziness, jaw tension, posture issues, or low back pain are all connected through the nervous system? In this episode of The Functional Code, Dr. Jace and Dr. Addy sit down with Dr. Paul Dickerson, a chiropractic neurologist with more than 40 years of clinical experience and a fifth-generation chiropractic family legacy. This conversation explores chiropractic neurology, functional neurology, headaches, migraines, cervicogenic headaches, eye tracking, posture, proprioception, jaw function, neck pain, pain pathways, balance, neuroplasticity, and how the brain controls movement, pain, and recovery. Dr. Paul explains why pain is not always where the problem starts, why the cervical spine can influence headaches, why eye movements and balance matter, and why the chiropractic adjustment may create powerful changes through the nervous system. This episode also challenges common ideas like “muscle memory” and “pinched nerves,” while explaining how the brain, spinal cord, posture muscles, glutes, shoulder blades, jaw, eyes, and vestibular system all communicate to shape how we move and feel. In this episode, we cover: Chiropractic neurology and functional neurologyHeadaches, migraines, and cervicogenic painThe cervical spine and head pain connectionEye tracking, posture, and balanceThe trigeminal nerve and pain pathwaysJaw tension, masseter function, and eye musclesPain as a brain-body communication processWhy emotion and stress influence painUpper cervical adjusting and neurological inputMotor pool inhibition and the chiropractic adjustmentProprioception and movement controlGlute medius activation and low back painMultifidi, spinal stability, and deconditioningShoulder blade mechanics and postureBreath, vagal tone, and stress regulationSound, smell, memory, and brain activationWhy “muscle memory” is a mythPinched nerves vs. nerve irritationNeuroplasticity and lifelong changeBuilding better athletes through chiropractic care Key takeaway:Pain is not just a tissue problem. It is a brain-body communication problem. Your eyes, jaw, neck, spine, vestibular system, posture muscles, glutes, and core are constantly sending information to the brain. When those signals become altered or poorly coordinated, symptoms can show up as headaches, dizziness, neck pain, back pain, poor posture, or recurring injuries. The goal is not just to chase pain.The goal is to understand the neurological patterns behind it. The brain is always listening.The body is always signaling.And better input can create better output. Resources:International Academy of Chiropractic Neurology Post Graduate: https://www.iacn.org/International Board of Chiropractic Neurology: https://www.dibcn.org/ Follow The Functional Code:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalcodeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFunctionalCodeSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3aY5zkhwg5Rzk2q33cbIlfApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-functional-code-podcast/id1754585557 Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

  2. Aug 12

    The Thyroid & Adrenal Code: Energy, Cortisol, and Metabolism I The Functional Code Podcast

    Episode 133: Organ Series Finale — Thyroid & Adrenals If you’ve ever felt tired, cold, brain foggy, stressed, wired, gaining weight despite doing the right things, or like your energy system is stuck — this episode is for you. In the finale of our Organ Series, Dr. Jace and Dr. Addy break down the thyroid, adrenal glands, HPA axis, cortisol rhythm, Hashimoto’s, subclinical thyroid issues, thyroid labs, adrenal fatigue, gut-thyroid connection, stress regulation, sleep, morning sunlight, nutrient support, and how these systems shape energy, weight, hormones, and metabolism. The thyroid acts like the body’s thermostat, setting the metabolic speed of every cell. The adrenal system acts like the body’s alarm system, helping regulate stress, cortisol, blood pressure, immune function, inflammation, and the daily rhythm that wakes you up in the morning and helps calm you down at night. About 12% of Americans will develop a thyroid condition at some point, and many people with thyroid disease do not know they have it. This episode also explores why people can have thyroid symptoms even when basic labs still fall inside the standard range. Dr. Jace and Dr. Addy explain why thyroid and adrenal health cannot be separated from the gut, immune system, liver, sleep, stress, blood sugar, nutrient status, and inflammation. In this episode, we cover: The thyroid as the body’s thermostatThe adrenals as the body’s alarm systemThe HPA axis and cortisol rhythmT3, T4, TSH, and thyroid conversionHypothyroidism and Hashimoto’sSubclinical thyroid issues and missed patternsWhy lab trends matterWhy thyroid issues are more common in womenGut permeability, gluten, and autoimmune thyroid diseaseThe microbiome and thyroid functionHigh cortisol and poor T4 to T3 conversionSleep consistency and morning sunlightStress regulation and recovery toolsSelenium, iodine, zinc, iron, and vitamin DAshwagandha, rhodiola, L-theanine, and magnesiumGluten-free trials for Hashimoto’sFull thyroid panels and thyroid antibodiesCortisol rhythm testingRed flags: fatigue, weight change, cold intolerance, hair loss, palpitations, tremors, heat intolerance, goiter, and menstrual irregularity Key takeaway:Your thyroid controls the metabolic thermostat. Your adrenals control the alarm system. The goal is not just to check one lab marker. The goal is to understand the full pattern: thyroid hormones, antibodies, cortisol rhythm, nutrients, gut health, stress, sleep, and symptoms. Sometimes “normal” labs do not tell the whole story. Follow The Functional Code:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalcodeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFunctionalCodeSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3aY5zkhwg5Rzk2q33cbIlfApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-functional-code-podcast/id1754585557 Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

  3. Aug 5

    The Kidney Code: Hydration, Blood Pressure, and Silent Damage I The Functional Code Podcast

    Episode 132: Organ Series — Kidneys Your kidneys are not just filters. In episode 11 of our Organ Series, Dr. Jace and Dr. Addy break down the kidneys, hydration quality, electrolytes, blood pressure, blood sugar, NSAIDs, kidney disease, fluid retention, kidney testing, and how to protect kidney function before symptoms show up. The kidneys filter roughly 50 gallons of blood per day, reabsorbing about 99% of that fluid and excreting only one to two liters as urine. But kidney dysfunction can be silent. Kidney function can decline significantly before standard markers like creatinine clearly rise. This episode explains the kidneys as the body’s second water treatment plant. They filter waste, reabsorb water and nutrients, regulate sodium and potassium, help manage blood pH, influence blood pressure, support fluid balance, and play a role in blood cell production. Dr. Jace and Dr. Addy also discuss why hydration is not just about drinking more water. The quality of hydration matters. Water, minerals, sodium, potassium, and magnesium all play a role in how well the body uses fluid. They also cover why uncontrolled blood pressure and blood sugar are two of the biggest drivers of chronic kidney disease, why chronic NSAID use can stress the kidneys, and why tests like eGFR and urinalysis can help detect early warning signs. In this episode, we cover: The kidneys as the second water treatment plantWhy kidney disease can be silentKidney filtration and reabsorptionHydration quality vs. hydration quantityElectrolytes, sodium, potassium, and magnesiumThe kidney-to-heart connectionFluid retention and blood pressureWhy high blood pressure damages kidney tissueWhy diabetes and blood sugar damage kidney filtersNSAIDs, dehydration, and kidney injury riskeGFR, creatinine, and urinalysisSugar in urine and metabolic warning signsPotassium-rich foods for kidney and blood pressure supportHimalayan salt, Celtic salt, and mineral hydrationAt-home blood pressure trackingFood order, walking after meals, and strength trainingMagnesium and citrate-rich foods for kidney stone supportRed flags: foamy urine, blood in urine, swelling, flank pain, low urine output, fatigue, nausea, and appetite changes Key takeaway:Kidney health is metabolic health. The kidneys depend on healthy blood pressure, healthy blood sugar, intelligent hydration, electrolyte balance, and protection from chronic stressors like dehydration and overuse of NSAIDs. Your kidneys filter the blood.They regulate the chemistry.They manage fluid balance.And when they struggle, the heart, metabolism, and whole body can feel the effects. Follow The Functional Code:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalcodeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFunctionalCodeSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3aY5zkhwg5Rzk2q33cbIlfApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-functional-code-podcast/id1754585557 Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

  4. Jul 29

    The Lung Code: Nasal Breathing, CO2, and Oxygen Delivery I The Functional Code Podcast

    Episode 131: Organ Series — Lungs You breathe roughly 20,000 times per day. In episode 10 of our Organ Series, Dr. Jace and Dr. Addy break down the lungs, nasal breathing, mouth breathing, oxygen delivery, CO2 tolerance, nitric oxide, the Bohr effect, diaphragm training, breathwork, humming, HRV, cold exposure, and how breathing can influence stress, sleep, recovery, and performance. This episode explains the lungs as a delivery truck system. Oxygen is the fuel. Hemoglobin is the truck. But CO2 is the signal that tells the truck when to drop oxygen off at the tissues. That means CO2 is not just waste. It is a key part of oxygen delivery. Dr. Jace and Dr. Addy also discuss why nasal breathing matters, how the nose produces nitric oxide, why chronic mouth breathing can affect sleep, dental health, anxiety, oral pH, and facial development, and how training the diaphragm may improve breathing mechanics and athletic performance. In this episode, we cover: The lungs as the body’s gas exchange systemWhy you breathe around 20,000 times per dayNasal breathing and nitric oxide productionMouth breathing and its effects on sleep and oral healthCO2 tolerance and the Bohr effectWhy CO2 helps oxygen release into tissuesHyperventilation and why it can make you pass outThe diaphragm as the breathing engineBelly breathing and diaphragmatic controlResisted diaphragm trainingBreathing mechanics for endurance athletesNasal strips, mouth tape, and airway support5.5 breaths per minute for parasympathetic activationHRV, blood pressure, and slow breathingCO2 tolerance testing and the BOLT scoreHumming and nitric oxide productionButeyko breathing and box breathingRib expansion and intercostal trainingCold exposure as breath-control trainingRed flags: shortness of breath, chronic cough, wheezing, sleep apnea, and coughing blood Key takeaway:Breathing is not just about getting more oxygen. It is about delivering oxygen efficiently, regulating CO2, supporting nitric oxide, training the diaphragm, improving nervous system control, and helping the body shift between stress and recovery. Your lungs exchange the gases.Your diaphragm drives the breath.Your nose helps filter and optimize the air.CO2 tells oxygen where to go. If you can control your breath, you can start to control your physiology. Follow The Functional Code:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalcodeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFunctionalCodeSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3aY5zkhwg5Rzk2q33cbIlfApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-functional-code-podcast/id1754585557 Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

  5. Jul 22

    The Brain Code: Neuroplasticity, Sleep, and Cognitive Health I The Functional Code Podcast

    Episode 130: Organ Series — Brain Your brain is not fixed. In episode 9 of our Organ Series, Dr. Jace and Dr. Addy break down the brain, neuroplasticity, the glymphatic system, BDNF, memory, Alzheimer’s risk, gut-brain signaling, sleep, exercise, loneliness, meditation, cold exposure, red light therapy, creatine, lion’s mane, and the habits that support long-term cognitive health. The brain uses roughly 20% of the body’s energy despite making up only about 2% of body weight. It is constantly processing, rewiring, adapting, filtering, and responding to the inputs you give it every day. This episode explains the brain as a living computer. Through neuroplasticity, the brain can build and rebuild pathways through repetition, movement, learning, challenge, and experience. Through the glymphatic system, the brain clears metabolic waste during sleep, including waste products associated with Alzheimer’s disease and neurodegeneration. Dr. Jace and Dr. Addy also discuss why cognitive decline can begin years before symptoms appear, why sleep is one of the most important brain health tools, why loneliness can damage the brain, and why exercise may be the most powerful “brain drug” available. In this episode, we cover: The brain as the body’s living computerNeuroplasticity and brain rewiringThe glymphatic system and brain waste clearanceBDNF and building stronger neural connectionsAlzheimer’s disease and early preventionSleep quality and cognitive healthExercise as the best brain drugSocial connection and lonelinessGut-brain signaling and inflammationBlood-brain barrier healthChronic stress, cortisol, and memoryInsulin resistance and Alzheimer’s as type 3 diabetesScreen time, attention, learning, and child developmentNovel experiences, reading, and brain gamesAnti-inflammatory nutrition and omega-3sCreatine and cognitive supportLion’s mane and nerve growth factorCold exposure, norepinephrine, and learningMeditation and brain structure changesRed light therapy and photobiomodulationRed flags: memory changes, mood changes, word-finding issues, getting lost, and wandering Key takeaway:Your brain changes based on how you use it. The goal is to build a brain that can adapt, learn, recover, clear waste, regulate emotion, and maintain strong communication across the body. Neuroplasticity is the rewiring system.The glymphatic system is the cleaning system.BDNF is the growth signal.And your habits are the inputs. Follow The Functional Code:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalcodeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFunctionalCodeSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3aY5zkhwg5Rzk2q33cbIlfApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-functional-code-podcast/id1754585557 Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

  6. Jul 15

    The Heart Code: VO2 Max, HRV, and Cardiovascular Health I The Functional Code Podcast

    Episode 129: Organ Series — Heart Your heart is not just a pump. In episode 8 of our Organ Series, Dr. Jace and Dr. Addy break down the heart, heart rate variability, VO2 max, cholesterol, ApoB, blood vessels, insulin resistance, zone 2 cardio, strength training, sleep, breathwork, sauna, cold exposure, and the habits that support long-term cardiovascular health. The heart beats roughly 100,000 times per day and pumps around 2,000 gallons of blood. But heart health is not only about how often it beats. It is about how well it adapts, recovers, pumps, and responds to stress. This episode explains the heart as the body’s engine. It has a muscle system, an electrical system, a vascular system, and even endocrine functions that help regulate blood pressure, fluid balance, and communication with the kidneys, brain, and blood vessels. Dr. Jace and Dr. Addy also challenge the basic cholesterol conversation. Around half of heart attacks can happen in people with “normal” cholesterol, which is why deeper markers like ApoB, insulin resistance, inflammation, blood pressure, triglycerides, HDL, LDL particle patterns, and lifestyle factors matter. In this episode, we cover: The heart as the body’s engineHeart rate variability and stress adaptationVO2 max and all-cause mortalityWhy VO2 max is trainableZone 2 cardio and cardiovascular baselineVigorous exercise and sprint workStrength training and metabolic healthMuscle as a glucose sinkSleep and heart recoveryDiaphragmatic breathing and HRVNasal breathing and vagus nerve activationSauna as passive cardioCold exposure and stress resilienceCholesterol, ApoB, and heart attack riskInsulin resistance and cardiovascular diseaseSmoking and blood vessel damageBlood pressure, fluid balance, and vascular healthPotassium-rich foods and sodium balanceRed flags: chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations, fainting, swelling, and unexplained fatigue Key takeaway:The heart is an engine that needs training. The goal is not just to lower cholesterol. The goal is to build a cardiovascular system that can pump efficiently, adapt to stress, recover quickly, maintain healthy vessels, and support long-term performance. Your VO2 max is a performance metric.Your HRV is an adaptability score.Your muscles support your metabolism.Your daily habits determine how hard the heart has to work. Follow The Functional Code:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalcodeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFunctionalCodeSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3aY5zkhwg5Rzk2q33cbIlfApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-functional-code-podcast/id1754585557 Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

  7. Jul 8

    The Pancreas Code: Insulin, Blood Sugar, and Metabolic Health I The Functional Code Podcast

    Your pancreas is both a digestive enzyme factory and a blood sugar control center. In episode 7 of our Organ Series, Dr. Jace and Dr. Addy break down the pancreas, insulin, blood sugar, digestive enzymes, insulin resistance, prediabetes, reactive hypoglycemia, GLP-1s, fasting insulin, strength training, food order, sleep, and metabolic health. One in three Americans has prediabetes, and most do not know it. The scary part is that insulin resistance can build for years before fasting glucose or A1C clearly shows the problem. This episode explains the pancreas as two factories in one building. One side produces enzymes that help digest proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The other side regulates blood sugar like a thermostat. When cells stop listening to insulin, the pancreas has to overproduce it. Over time, that compensation can lead to prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, gallstone risk, fatigue, cravings, and broader metabolic dysfunction. Dr. Jace and Dr. Addy also discuss one simple test many people are not getting: fasting insulin. It is inexpensive, often overlooked, and may reveal early signs of hyperinsulinemia before blood sugar becomes obviously abnormal. In this episode, we cover: The pancreas as two factories in one organDigestive enzymes: protease, lipase, and amylaseInsulin and the blood sugar thermostatInsulin resistance and hyperinsulinemiaPrediabetes and type 2 diabetes riskFasting glucose, A1C, and fasting insulinWhy “normal” insulin may not be optimalReactive hypoglycemia and the sugar rollercoasterWhy food order mattersEating vegetables and protein before carbohydratesPost-meal walks and glucose controlSleep quality and insulin sensitivityProcessed carbs and added sugarsStrength training and glucose uptakeMuscle as a metabolic organProtein intake and preserving lean massContinuous glucose monitorsBerberine, chromium, cinnamon, and curcuminTime-restricted eatingGLP-1s, weight loss, and muscle loss riskRed flags that may point to pancreatic or metabolic issues Key takeaway:Blood sugar control is not just about eating fewer carbs. It is about improving insulin sensitivity, building muscle, sleeping well, moving after meals, eating protein, reducing processed foods, and catching metabolic dysfunction early. The pancreas is the thermostat.Muscle is the glucose sink.And the earlier you listen to the signals, the better chance you have of preventing long-term metabolic damage. Follow The Functional Code:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalcodeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFunctionalCodeSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3aY5zkhwg5Rzk2q33cbIlfApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-functional-code-podcast/id1754585557 Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

  8. Jul 1

    The Liver & Gallbladder Code: Detox, Bile, and Fatty Liver I The Functional Code Podcast

    Your liver is not just a detox organ, and your gallbladder is not just an organ you remove when it causes pain. In episode 6 of our Organ Series, Dr. Jace and Dr. Addy break down the liver, gallbladder, bile flow, detox pathways, fatty liver, gallstones, fat digestion, Tylenol, alcohol, sugar, insulin resistance, and why these organs are central to metabolism, digestion, hormone balance, and long-term health. The liver performs over 500 metabolic functions and filters roughly 1.5 liters of blood per minute. But liver and gallbladder dysfunction can build quietly for years, sometimes without obvious symptoms or early lab findings. This episode explains the liver and gallbladder as the body’s “water treatment plant.” Everything absorbed from the gut moves through the liver to be processed, filtered, neutralized, and eliminated. When that system becomes overwhelmed, toxins can recycle, bile can become sluggish, fats may not digest properly, and metabolic health can suffer. Dr. Jace and Dr. Addy also explain the three phases of detoxification, why glutathione matters, how methylation fits into detox, why regular bowel movements matter for liver health, and how bile helps digest fat and carry waste out of the body. In this episode, we cover: The liver and gallbladder as the body’s water treatment plantWhy liver dysfunction can be silent for yearsFatty liver in children and adultsSoda, processed foods, sugar, and high fructose intakeThe three phases of liver detoxificationGlutathione, methylation, and antioxidant supportBile, stool, kidneys, and toxin eliminationWhy constipation can affect detoxificationHow bile helps digest fatsFat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and KGallstones and sluggish bile flowGallbladder removal and digestion changesTylenol, alcohol, and liver stressFatty liver, insulin resistance, and sedentary livingPost-meal walks and glucose controlCruciferous vegetables and sulforaphaneDigestive bitters and GLP-1 signalingNAC, milk thistle, taurine, and ox bileCholine and fatty liver supportRed flags: jaundice, pale stools, dark urine, right upper quadrant pain Key takeaway:Detox is not a cleanse. Detox is a 24/7 biological process that depends on nutrient status, bile flow, antioxidant systems, methylation, kidney function, bowel movements, and metabolic health. Bile is the unsung hero of digestion. It helps digest fats, absorb fat-soluble vitamins, and carry toxins out of the body. When bile flow suffers, digestion and detoxification suffer too. Follow The Functional Code:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalcodeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheFunctionalCodeSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3aY5zkhwg5Rzk2q33cbIlfApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-functional-code-podcast/id1754585557 Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider.

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4.3
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

We are here to bring you knowledge and tools to help you better yourself. Dr. Jace Dr. Addy We are The Functional Podcast

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Jace Nybo, Dr. Addy Knutson
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    134
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Jace Nybo, Dr. Addy Knutson
  • Show Website
    The Functional Code Podcast

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