The Authentic Health Podcast

Dr. Gus Vickery and Dr. Troy Jackson
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Alternative Health

Welcome to The Authentic Health Podcast, where family physicians and precision medicine experts Dr. Gus Vickery and Dr. Troy Jackson explore what it really takes to live a long, healthy, and vibrant life. With a focus on personalized medicine, disease prevention, and health optimization, we cut through the confusion to bring you practical, evidence-based insights that actually make a difference. From lifestyle changes to supplementation and peptides —we cover the science and the real-world strategies to help you take control of your health and thrive at every stage of life. Let us help you reach your authentic health.

  1. 1d ago

    Could Retirement Harm Your Brain? The Surprising Link to Dementia

    Retirement is supposed to be a time to relax, travel, spend time with family, and enjoy the life you’ve worked so hard to build. But research suggests that the transition into retirement may also affect cognitive health — particularly when work is replaced by a less active, less social, or less purposeful routine. In this video, we explore the connection between retirement, brain health, memory, and dementia risk, including what researchers have found about early retirement and cognitive decline. More importantly, retirement doesn’t have to mean stepping away from a stimulating and meaningful life. There are practical ways to “retire-proof” your brain by maintaining social connections, learning new things, staying physically active, and building a life with purpose beyond your career. For those of us in Asheville, NC, and beyond, retirement can be an opportunity to create a rich, active, multidimensional life — while continuing to care for both brain and body.

  2. Sep 30

    What If We’re Wrong About Alzheimer’s Disease? | Rethinking Brain Health

    What if we’re wrong about Alzheimer’s disease? For more than a century, Alzheimer’s disease has been associated with specific changes in the brain, including the accumulation of amyloid and tau proteins. But could early-onset and late-onset Alzheimer’s actually represent very different conditions? In this video, we take a closer look at the history of Alzheimer’s disease, the differences between early- and late-onset disease, and the growing conversation around what actually drives late-life cognitive decline. We also explore the role of genetics, vascular health, metabolic health, inflammation, sleep, nutrition, exercise, social connection, and other factors that may influence brain health over the course of a lifetime. At Authentic Health in Asheville, NC, we believe that caring for your brain shouldn’t begin when cognitive decline appears. A prevention-focused approach means thinking early and often about the factors that influence brain aging, resilience, and long-term cognitive health. Could prevention be the most important tool we have for protecting our brains? Watch the full video and learn more about why the way we think about Alzheimer’s disease may be changing. Learn more about Authentic Health: https://authentichealth.com/

  3. Sep 23

    What the WHO Dementia Prevention Guidelines Missed

    The 2026 WHO Guidelines for Dementia Prevention offer an important framework for reducing dementia risk—but population-level recommendations don't always tell us what matters most for an individual. In this podcast, Dr. Troy Jackson discusses three areas I believe deserve more attention when it comes to personalized brain health: • Targeted supplementation and nutrient deficiencies • Menopause hormone therapy and women's brain health • Sleep apnea and its potential impact on dementia risk We know that heart health and brain health are closely connected, but dementia prevention is about more than following a universal checklist. Individual risk factors—including nutrition, sleep, hormones, metabolic health, genetics, and cardiovascular health—can all play a role. If you're interested in protecting your brain as you age, the question isn't just "What works for most people?" It's also "What matters most for me?" Learn more about individualized brain health and dementia prevention in Asheville, NC, and beyond. #DementiaPrevention #BrainHealth #DementiaRisk #HealthyAging #SleepApnea #Menopause #BrainHealthTips

  4. Sep 16

    Can You Prevent Dementia? 7 Ways to Protect Your Brain Health

    Could nearly half of dementia risk be influenced by the choices we make throughout our lives? According to the World Health Organization's updated 2026 guidelines, up to 45% of dementia risk is associated with potentially modifiable factors — including physical inactivity, tobacco use, harmful alcohol use, social isolation, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol and air pollution. In this video, we break down the most important things you can do to support long-term brain health, including: • Why cardiovascular health and brain health are closely connected • How exercise supports cognitive health • Why social connection and cognitive stimulation matter • The role of nutrition in brain health • Why hearing and vision are important • What we know about alcohol and tobacco • Why air quality and PM2.5 deserve attention • How personalized health data can help identify areas of risk earlier The goal isn't to live in fear of dementia. It's to understand the factors you can potentially influence and start building better habits before problems appear. Authentic Health in Asheville, NC takes a comprehensive approach to health optimization, helping patients understand their health data and develop personalized strategies for long-term wellness. Learn more about Authentic Health and our approach to personalized healthcare in Asheville, NC.

  5. Sep 9

    Semax Peptide for Brain Health, Recovery & Resiliency

    Could Semax help support brain recovery, focus, neuroplasticity, and long-term brain resilience? In this podcast, we take a closer look at Semax, a peptide derived from a fragment of ACTH that has attracted interest for its potential effects on BDNF, neuroplasticity, neurological recovery, and cognitive function. We’ll explore what the research actually tells us about Semax—including studies looking at stroke recovery, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotransmitter signaling, and the potential role of Semax in supporting brain health. We’ll also discuss: What Semax is and how it worksSemax and BDNFSemax for focus and cognitive fatigueSemax and neurological recoveryIntranasal vs. injectable SemaxPotential side effectsWhat we know—and don't know—about Semax dosing and long-term useThe FDA's 2026 review of Semax and what it means for peptide compoundingWhy Semax should be viewed as an adjunct to foundational brain-health strategies, not a magic solution At Authentic Health in Asheville, NC, we believe peptides are best considered within the context of the whole person and alongside the fundamentals of good sleep, exercise, stress management, metabolic health, and healthy lifestyle habits. Important: Semax remains an area of emerging research, and evidence for many of the uses discussed is limited. This podcast is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice.

  6. Sep 2

    Can a Blood Test Detect Cancer? The Future of Multi-Cancer Screening

    Can a simple blood test really detect multiple types of cancer? Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) testing is one of the most exciting developments in cancer screening. These emerging blood tests look for biological signals associated with cancer and may eventually help identify cancers earlier — including cancers that don't currently have routine screening tests. In this video, we explore how MCED testing works, the potential benefits, its limitations, and what you should know before considering a multi-cancer early detection blood test. We also discuss an important point: MCED testing does not replace established cancer screenings like mammograms, colorectal cancer screening, cervical cancer screening, or lung cancer screening when recommended. If you're in Asheville or Western North Carolina and interested in taking a more proactive approach to your health, talk with your physician about whether this emerging technology may be appropriate for you. In this podcast: • What is multi-cancer early detection (MCED) testing? • Can a blood test detect cancer? • What types of cancer can MCED tests detect? • How accurate are cancer blood tests? • What are the limitations of MCED testing? • Can an MCED test replace a mammogram or colonoscopy? • Who might consider MCED testing? • What is the future of cancer screening?

  7. Aug 26

    MOTS-c Explained: The Mitochondrial Peptide for Energy, Metabolism & Healthy Aging

    What is MOTS-c, and why is this mitochondrial peptide generating so much interest in the world of peptide therapy? In this video, we take a closer look at MOTS-c, sometimes called the “Exercise Peptide,” and explore what the current research says about its potential role in mitochondrial health, energy production, metabolism, exercise capacity, muscle health, and healthy aging. We’ll cover: What MOTS-c is and how it relates to the mitochondriaHow MOTS-c may influence AMPK and glucose metabolismWhat animal and cellular research tells us about MOTS-cPotential applications for metabolic health, exercise, and healthy agingWhat we know—and don’t yet know—about MOTS-c safety and dosingWhy quality sourcing and clinical supervision matterHow MOTS-c fits into a broader approach to health and longevity MOTS-c is an intriguing area of peptide research, but much of the evidence remains preclinical. We discuss the potential while also looking honestly at the limitations of the current science. If you're exploring peptide therapy in Asheville, NC, or Greenville, SC, this video can help you better understand where MOTS-c fits into the growing field of targeted peptide therapies. Disclaimer: This video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. MOTS-c remains an experimental peptide, and treatment decisions should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

  8. Aug 13

    Can You Have Insulin Resistance With Normal Blood Sugar? 6 Labs to Check

    Can your blood sugar look completely normal while you’re already developing insulin resistance? The answer is yes — and that’s why looking at fasting glucose or A1c alone may not tell the whole story. In this video, Dr. Troy Jackson explains why insulin resistance exists on a spectrum and walks through 6 important lab markers that can provide a more complete picture of your metabolic health: • Fasting glucose and A1c • Fasting insulin • Triglycerides and HDL-C • ALT and liver health • Uric acid • HOMA-IR Dr. Jackson also explains why a normal glucose level doesn't always mean everything is metabolically healthy, how elevated insulin can be an early warning sign, and what patterns in your blood work may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider. If you're in Asheville, NC, Greenville, SC, or anywhere in between, understanding your metabolic health can be an important part of taking a proactive approach to your long-term health. Always discuss your individual lab results and treatment options with your healthcare provider.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Authentic Health Podcast, where family physicians and precision medicine experts Dr. Gus Vickery and Dr. Troy Jackson explore what it really takes to live a long, healthy, and vibrant life. With a focus on personalized medicine, disease prevention, and health optimization, we cut through the confusion to bring you practical, evidence-based insights that actually make a difference. From lifestyle changes to supplementation and peptides —we cover the science and the real-world strategies to help you take control of your health and thrive at every stage of life. Let us help you reach your authentic health.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Gus Vickery and Dr. Troy Jackson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Dr. Gus Vickery and Dr. Troy Jackson
  • Show Website
    The Authentic Health Podcast

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