Made for Health | Medical Gaslighting | Lyme | Chronic Infections | Metabolic Syndrome | Insulin Resistance | Mystery Illness

Aaron Hartman, MD
  • 4.7 (14)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Weekly

You were made for health—vibrant, thriving, and full of possibility. But navigating today’s broken healthcare system, endless misinformation, and confusion can feel overwhelming. On Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman cuts through the noise to deliver science-backed solutions that restore your health and reignite your hope. Join us each week for expert insights, practical tips, and inspiring conversations that empower you to harness your body’s incredible power to heal. Whether you're seeking clarity, direction, or just a trusted voice, this podcast is your roadmap to the vibrant life you were made for.

  1. 1d ago

    Your Symptoms May Trace Back to an Old Concussion - The Hidden Signs of Post-Concussion Syndrome and Traumatic Brain Injury with Dr. Aaron Hartman | Concussion Symptoms | E164

    🔥 What if the lingering effects of a concussion don’t always look like headaches or dizziness, but instead show up as brain fog, sleep problems, vision changes, hormone issues, or emotional shifts that seem completely unrelated? Read UnCurable (https://uncurablebook.com/) to explore a deeper perspective on chronic illness, brain health, and why identifying overlooked connections can be an important part of understanding what is happening in the body. What if symptoms that seem unrelated could actually trace back to an old concussion? In this Made for Health minisode, Dr. Aaron Hartman continues his series on concussions and traumatic brain injuries by exploring the many ways post-concussion symptoms can appear beyond the signs most people recognize. Headaches, dizziness, nausea, and light sensitivity may be familiar warning signs, but concussion-related changes can also affect cognition, emotions, vision, balance, hormones, sleep, and nervous system regulation. Dr. Hartman explains how post-concussion symptoms generally fall into somatic, cognitive, and emotional categories before diving into subtler patterns that may be overlooked. He discusses vestibular dysfunction, visual tracking difficulties, slower processing speed, memory problems, difficulty switching between tasks, hormonal disruption, autonomic dysregulation, and sleep disturbances. He also explains why emotional changes such as anxiety, depression, irritability, and difficulty handling stress may sometimes reflect changes in brain function rather than being purely psychological. Key Topics Covered Why post-concussion symptoms can persist much longer than expectedThe somatic, cognitive, and emotional categories of concussion symptomsHeadaches, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and sensory sensitivity after a concussionWhy seemingly minor acceleration and deceleration injuries may affect the brainMemory problems, brain fog, and slower processing speedWhy multitasking and switching between tasks may become more difficultVestibular dysfunction and unexplained dizzinessVisual dysfunction, eye tracking problems, and reading fatigueHow concussion may affect the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and hormone functionThe connection between brain injury and autonomic nervous system dysregulationSleep initiation, sleep maintenance, and poor-quality sleep after concussionWhy restorative sleep is especially important for brain recoveryAnxiety, depression, irritability, and emotional dysregulation after brain injuryWhy some post-concussion symptoms may be mistaken for unrelated conditionsThe importance of looking at the bigger picture when symptoms persist Follow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine 🌐 Website: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/ 📺 YouTube: @AaronHartmanMD

    Your Symptoms May Trace Back to an Old Concussion - The Hidden Signs of Post-Concussion Syndrome and Traumatic Brain Injury with Dr. Aaron Hartman | Concussion Symptoms | E164

  2. 5d ago

    Long COVID Is Not Going Away - The Hidden Post-Infectious Pattern Behind Chronic Illness with Dr. Christian Jenski | Long COVID | E163

    🔥 What if Long COVID isn't an entirely new condition, but another chapter in a much older story of infections triggering chronic inflammation, immune dysfunction, and symptoms that refuse to go away? Read UnCurable (https://uncurablebook.com/) to explore a deeper perspective on complex chronic illness, root-cause medicine, and why understanding what keeps the body stuck may be the key to moving healing forward. What if Long COVID is still affecting millions of people while the resources created to study it are disappearing? In this episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman and Dr. Christian Jenski begin a new series on Long COVID and the larger world of post-infectious chronic illness. They discuss why people continue to experience persistent symptoms years after infection, even as federally funded Long COVID programs and research initiatives wind down without establishing a single standardized approach to diagnosis or treatment. Dr. Hartman and Dr. Jenski explore why Long COVID may not be an entirely new phenomenon, but part of a broader pattern of post-infectious illness seen throughout medical history. They discuss its overlap with chronic fatigue, POTS, dysautonomia, mast cell activation, mitochondrial dysfunction, chronic inflammatory response, and other complex conditions. They also explain why functional medicine approaches these patients through a systems-based lens, looking at inflammation, immune regulation, metabolic health, nutrition, gut health, environmental exposures, and other potential contributors rather than treating each symptom in isolation. Key Topics Covered Why Long COVID remains a major health challenge years after the pandemicThe winding down of federally funded Long COVID clinics and research programsWhy standardized diagnostic and treatment pathways remain limitedThe history of post-viral and post-infectious syndromesWhy Long COVID may share patterns with other complex chronic illnessesThe overlap between Long COVID, chronic fatigue, POTS, and dysautonomiaMast cell activation and chronic inflammatory responseMitochondrial dysfunction and persistent post-viral symptomsWhy multisystem illness can be difficult to address through separate medical specialtiesHow functional medicine uses a systems-based approach to complex illnessThe role of metabolic health and underlying inflammationNutrition, nutrient optimization, and the gut-brain axisWhy treatment needs may change from acute infection to chronic illnessHow infections may trigger or uncover previously hidden health vulnerabilitiesWhy individualized care matters when treating complex chronic conditions Follow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine 🌐 Website: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/ 📺 YouTube: @AaronHartmanMD

    Long COVID Is Not Going Away - The Hidden Post-Infectious Pattern Behind Chronic Illness with Dr. Christian Jenski | Long COVID | E163

  3. Jul 17

    A Mild Concussion Can Change the Brain for Months – The Hidden Biology Behind Post-Concussion Symptoms with Dr. Aaron Hartman | Post-Concussion Syndrome | E162

    🔥 What if the symptoms that linger after a concussion aren't because the injury was severe... but because the brain is still trying to heal? Read UnCurable (https://uncurablebook.com/) to discover how inflammation, cellular health, and root-cause medicine are changing the way we think about chronic conditions. A Mild Concussion Can Have Lasting Effects on the Brain In this Made for Health minisode, Dr. Aaron Hartman continues his series on concussions and post-concussion syndrome by explaining what actually happens inside the brain after a head injury. While many people assume a concussion is only serious if someone loses consciousness, the science tells a different story. Even a mild traumatic brain injury can trigger inflammation, disrupt cellular energy production, and lead to symptoms that persist for months. Dr. Hartman walks through the biology of concussion, including changes to the blood-brain barrier, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and why the brain's electrical activity after a concussion can resemble seizure-like patterns. He also explains why factors such as metabolic health, nutrition, gut health, and previous injuries may influence recovery and discusses emerging strategies that may help support the healing process. Key Topics Covered Common myths about concussions and loss of consciousnessWhy mild traumatic brain injuries can cause long-lasting symptomsHow concussion affects the blood-brain barrierMitochondrial dysfunction and impaired energy productionBrain inflammation and cytokine activationWhy concussion may resemble seizure activityFactors that can influence recovery after a brain injuryThe potential role of omega-3s, magnesium, and metabolic healthWhy concussion should be treated as a whole-body condition In This Episode, You Will Learn ✅ Why losing consciousness is not required for a concussion to be serious ✅ How brain inflammation can affect the entire body ✅ What happens to brain cells immediately after a concussion ✅ Why mitochondrial dysfunction can prolong recovery ✅ How nutrition and overall health may influence healing ✅ Why understanding the biology of concussion helps guide treatment Follow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine 🌐 Website: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/ 📺 YouTube: @AaronHartmanMD

    A Mild Concussion Can Change the Brain for Months – The Hidden Biology Behind Post-Concussion Symptoms with Dr. Aaron Hartman | Post-Concussion Syndrome | E162

  4. Jul 13

    Chronic Illness May Start at the Cellular Level – The Hidden Communication Breakdown Behind Complex Disease with Dr. Melanie Stein | Chronic Illness | E161

    🔥 What if the biggest obstacle to healing chronic illness isn't finding the right medication... but helping your cells recover from years of inflammation, infection, and stress? Read UnCurable to explore a deeper perspective on chronic illness, root-cause medicine, and why healing often begins at the cellular level. What if chronic illness is really a problem of cellular communication? In this episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman welcomes Dr. Melanie Stein, ND, a licensed naturopathic physician, acupuncturist, and founder of Restorative Health Clinic, to discuss why chronic illnesses such as Lyme disease, mold toxicity, mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), POTS, and long COVID often share a common thread: impaired cellular function. Dr. Stein shares her remarkable personal journey from suddenly waking up unable to move her legs during naturopathic medical school to being told her symptoms were "all in her head." After developing a bullseye rash and ultimately discovering she had Lyme disease, she began a years-long journey into functional medicine that transformed both her health and her career. Together, Dr. Hartman and Dr. Stein explore the science behind the Cell Danger Response, cell membrane health, mitochondrial function, phospholipid therapy, neural therapy, photobiomodulation, peptide therapy, and other emerging approaches that aim to restore the body's ability to heal rather than simply suppress symptoms. About the Guest Dr. Melanie Stein, ND, is a licensed naturopathic physician, acupuncturist, and founder of Restorative Health Clinic in Portland, Oregon. She earned her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and Master's in Acupuncture from the National University of Natural Medicine. After overcoming her own battle with chronic Lyme disease and complex neurological illness, she dedicated her practice to helping patients with chronic infections, mold illness, mast cell activation, POTS, long COVID, and other complex chronic conditions through a root-cause, cellular healing approach. Key Topics Covered Dr. Melanie Stein's personal experience with paralysis and medical gaslightingWhy chronic Lyme disease is often misunderstoodWhat naturopathic medicine adds to root-cause healthcareThe science behind the Cell Danger ResponseHow chronic inflammation affects cell membranesWhy mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to chronic illnessThe connection between Lyme disease, mold exposure, MCAS, POTS, and dysautonomiaWhy healing cell membranes may improve cellular communicationThe role of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phospholipid therapyIV butyrate and mitochondrial supportNeural therapy and vagus nerve regulationPhotobiomodulation (red light therapy) and cellular healingSupportive Oligonucleotide Therapy (SOT) for chronic infectionsWhy healthy fats are essential for cell membrane healthFunctional medicine strategies for treating complex chronic illness In This Episode, You Will Learn ✅ Why chronic illness often begins at the cellular level ✅ How inflammation changes the structure and function of cell membranes ✅ Why Lyme disease, mold illness, MCAS, and POTS frequently overlap ✅ How mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to fatigue and chronic symptoms ✅ Why supporting cell membranes may improve healing and resilience ✅ How functional medicine combines nutrition, lifestyle, and advanced therapies to support recovery Resources & Links 📘 Breaking Through Chronic Illness by Dr. Melanie Stein (Available on Amazon) 🌐 Restorative Health Clinic: https://restorativehealthclinic.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmelaniestein/ 🌐 Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/ 📘 UnCurable: https://uncurablebook.com/

    Chronic Illness May Start at the Cellular Level – The Hidden Communication Breakdown Behind Complex Disease with Dr. Melanie Stein | Chronic Illness | E161

  5. Jul 10

    A Concussion Is More Than a Bump on the Head – The Hidden Brain Changes That Can Last for Years with Dr. Aaron Hartman | Concussion | E160

    🔥 What if a concussion doesn't end when the headache goes away... but continues to affect your brain, nervous system, and overall health for months or even years? Read UnCurable to explore a deeper perspective on chronic inflammation, brain health, and the hidden root causes that often go overlooked. What if a concussion is more than just a bump on the head? In this minisode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman begins a new series on traumatic brain injuries by explaining why concussions are far more complex than many people realize. He explores how even seemingly minor head injuries can trigger inflammation, alter brain function, and contribute to long-term health challenges if they are not properly recognized and addressed. Dr. Hartman discusses the differences between traumatic brain injuries and concussions, the concept of primary versus secondary brain injury, and why normal CT scans or MRIs do not always rule out lasting neurological effects. He also explains how repetitive micro-concussions from sports, falls, and other everyday events may contribute to chronic symptoms, particularly when combined with infections, inflammation, or other stressors later in life. Key Topics Covered What defines a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and a concussionWhy concussions are often invisible on standard brain imagingThe difference between primary and secondary brain injuryHow brain inflammation affects the nervous systemWhy even mild concussions can have lasting consequencesThe role of repetitive micro-concussions in long-term healthSports and activities commonly associated with head injuriesThe connection between brain injuries and chronic fatigue, gut health, and moodHow previous concussions may increase vulnerability to future illnessWhy functional medicine looks beyond imaging resultsThe growing prevalence of traumatic brain injuriesWhy early recognition is essential for long-term brain health In This Episode, You Will Learn ✅ Why a concussion is more than simply losing consciousness ✅ How brain inflammation can continue after the initial injury ✅ Why normal imaging does not always mean the brain has fully healed ✅ How repetitive head injuries may contribute to chronic symptoms ✅ Why brain injuries can affect the gut, immune system, and nervous system ✅ How recognizing past concussions may change your healthcare approach Follow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine 🌐 Website: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/ 📺 YouTube: @AaronHartmanMD

    A Concussion Is More Than a Bump on the Head – The Hidden Brain Changes That Can Last for Years with Dr. Aaron Hartman | Concussion | E160

  6. Jul 6

    Women’s Health Is More Than Hormones – Why Personalized Medicine Changes Everything with Dr. Christian Jenski | Women's Health | E159

    🔥 What if improving women's health starts by recognizing that women are not simply smaller versions of men... but have unique physiology that deserves its own approach? Read UnCurable to explore a deeper perspective on chronic illness, women's health, and why personalized medicine begins with asking better questions. What if women's health requires an entirely different lens than modern healthcare has traditionally provided? In this episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman and Dr. Christian Jenski conclude their series on medical blind spots by discussing why women deserve a more personalized approach to healthcare. They explain how female physiology differs throughout every stage of life and why treating women's health as primarily reproductive health has left many patients feeling unseen, unheard, and undertreated. The conversation explores why intuition, patient advocacy, and individualized care are essential in functional medicine. Dr. Hartman and Dr. Jenski discuss hormone health, personalized testing, therapeutic trials, environmental health, nutrition, and the importance of partnering with healthcare providers who are willing to think beyond conventional algorithms. They also share practical advice for becoming an informed advocate for your own health while avoiding common pitfalls such as misinformation, social media echo chambers, and one-size-fits-all medical advice. About the Guest Dr. Christian Jenski is a triple board-certified physician specializing in emergency medicine, obesity medicine, and functional medicine. He works alongside Dr. Aaron Hartman to help patients uncover the root causes of complex chronic illnesses through a systems-based, evidence-informed approach that integrates lifestyle medicine, metabolic health, cardiovascular prevention, and personalized care. Key Topics Covered Why women's health requires a different clinical perspectiveHow female physiology changes throughout different life stagesWhy reproductive health is only one part of women's healthThe importance of trusting intuition while pursuing evidence-based careHow medical gaslighting can undermine patient confidenceFinding healthcare practitioners who value curiosity and collaborationWhy personalized medicine goes beyond standard treatment protocolsThe role of hormone health, nutrition, and lifestyle interventionsTherapeutic trials and individualized treatment plansAvoiding misinformation and social media echo chambersWhy objective testing and clinical judgment work best togetherBuilding a trusted healthcare teamThe importance of patient education and self-advocacyHow improving women's health can positively impact entire families Follow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine 🌐 Website: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/ 📺 YouTube: @AaronHartmanMD

    Women’s Health Is More Than Hormones – Why Personalized Medicine Changes Everything with Dr. Christian Jenski | Women's Health | E159

  7. Jul 3

    Treating Hypermobility Starts with the Foundation – The Nutrition and Lifestyle Strategies That Support Connective Tissue with Dr. Aaron Hartman | Hypermobility | E158

    🔥 What if supporting hypermobility starts long before advanced therapies... with giving your connective tissue the nutrients and support it has been missing? Read UnCurable to explore a deeper perspective on connective tissue health, chronic illness, and the foundations that help the body heal. What if the best treatment for hypermobility starts by rebuilding the body's foundation? In this minisode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman concludes his hypermobility series by outlining a practical, whole-body approach to supporting connective tissue health. Rather than relying on a single therapy, he explains why nutrition, targeted supplementation, bodywork, and regenerative therapies all work together to improve long-term outcomes for people living with hypermobility. Dr. Hartman discusses why many people with hypermobility require higher protein intake, additional vitamin C, collagen support, trace minerals, anti-inflammatory nutrition, and gut repair strategies. He also explains how therapies such as myofascial work, craniosacral therapy, Pilates, yoga, acupuncture, and regenerative medicine may help improve pain, nervous system regulation, and connective tissue function when used as part of a personalized care plan. Key Topics Covered Why nutrition is the foundation of hypermobility treatmentThe increased protein needs of people with hypermobilityHow collagen and bone broth support connective tissueWhy vitamin C is essential for connective tissue repairThe importance of magnesium, trace minerals, and silicaHow processed foods may contribute to nutrient deficienciesThe role of anti-inflammatory nutrition in connective tissue healthGut repair strategies that support healingAdvanced therapies including peptides and regenerative medicineWhen intravenous vitamin C may be consideredWhy phosphatidylcholine supports healthy cell membranesThe importance of myofascial therapy, craniosacral therapy, and acupunctureHow Pilates, yoga, and Tai Chi may improve stability and reduce painWhy treating headaches and nervous system dysregulation mattersBuilding a personalized plan that combines nutrition, movement, and bodywork Follow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine 🌐 Website: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/ 📺 YouTube: @AaronHartmanMD

    Treating Hypermobility Starts with the Foundation – The Nutrition and Lifestyle Strategies That Support Connective Tissue with Dr. Aaron Hartman | Hypermobility | E158

  8. Jun 29

    When Everything Looks Normal but You Still Feel Sick – The Hidden Cost of Medical Gaslighting with Dr. Christian Jenski | Medical Gaslighting | E157

    🔥 What if being told "everything looks normal" has less to do with your symptoms... and more to do with the limits of the healthcare system? Read UnCurable to explore a deeper perspective on chronic illness, overlooked diagnoses, and why asking better questions can change lives. What if medical gaslighting is preventing people from getting the care they truly need? In this episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman and Dr. Christian Jenski continue their series on medical blind spots by exploring one of healthcare's most damaging challenges: medical gaslighting. They discuss how patients with chronic symptoms are too often told that "everything is normal" or that their symptoms are caused by stress or anxiety, even when an underlying medical condition has yet to be identified. The conversation highlights why unexplained symptoms should be viewed as unfinished science rather than dismissed as imaginary, and why listening carefully to patients remains one of the most powerful diagnostic tools in medicine. Through examples including fibromyalgia, perimenopause, POTS, mold-related illness, neurodivergence, autoimmune conditions, and chronic pain, Dr. Hartman and Dr. Jenski explain how curiosity, expanded testing, and a root-cause approach can help uncover conditions that conventional evaluations may overlook. About the Guest Dr. Christian Jenski is a triple board-certified physician specializing in emergency medicine, obesity medicine, and functional medicine. He works alongside Dr. Aaron Hartman to help patients uncover the root causes of complex chronic illnesses through a systems-based, evidence-informed approach that integrates lifestyle medicine, metabolic health, cardiovascular prevention, and personalized care. Key Topics Covered What medical gaslighting is and why it happensWhy unexplained symptoms should not be dismissedHow chronic illness is often misunderstood in conventional healthcareThe relationship between fibromyalgia and neuroinflammationWhy perimenopause symptoms are frequently overlookedThe connection between hormones, chronic inflammation, and nervous system healthWhy POTS continues to be underrecognizedHow mold-related illness can mimic many chronic conditionsThe impact of neurodivergence and connective tissue disorders on healthWhy environmental exposures and toxic burden deserve greater attentionThe importance of listening to patients and validating their experiencesHow functional medicine approaches complex, overlapping symptomsWhy curiosity and continued learning are essential for better healthcareThe role of patient advocacy in navigating chronic illness Follow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine 🌐 Website: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/ 📺 YouTube: @AaronHartmanMD

    When Everything Looks Normal but You Still Feel Sick – The Hidden Cost of Medical Gaslighting with Dr. Christian Jenski | Medical Gaslighting | E157
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4.7
out of 5
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About

You were made for health—vibrant, thriving, and full of possibility. But navigating today’s broken healthcare system, endless misinformation, and confusion can feel overwhelming. On Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman cuts through the noise to deliver science-backed solutions that restore your health and reignite your hope. Join us each week for expert insights, practical tips, and inspiring conversations that empower you to harness your body’s incredible power to heal. Whether you're seeking clarity, direction, or just a trusted voice, this podcast is your roadmap to the vibrant life you were made for.

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