Rational Wellness Podcast

Rational Wellness
  • 5.0 (164)
  • Nutrition
  • 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. The Science of Longevity with Dr. Chris Renna | Rational Wellness Podcast 465

    1d ago

    The Science of Longevity with Dr. Chris Renna | Rational Wellness Podcast 465

    View the Show Notes For This Episode The Science of Longevity with Dr. Chris Renna | Rational Wellness Podcast 465 Longevity Medicine Deep Dive with Dr. Chris Renna: Lifestyle Foundations, Stem Cells, Regenokine & Rapamycin Dr. Ben Weitz welcomes longevity physician Dr. Chris Renna of Lifespan Medicine to discuss evidence-informed longevity and joint regeneration strategies. Renna argues that 90% of aging outcomes still come from diet, exercise (including resistance training), sleep, and psychological perspective, with supplements and hormones as important supports. He explains why stem cells are often overhyped, why many donor cells die quickly, and describes Muse cells as a type that can survive longer, noting Florida's approval of umbilical cord cells for osteoarthritis and Lifespan's plans to offer Muse cells. Renna outlines aging as incomplete daily repair beginning around age 30 and reviews Regenokine (autologous serum rich in anti-inflammatory factors/exosomes) as a top-performing joint injection without cartilage regrowth. He covers mitochondrial support, NAD precursors, urolithin A, peptides, and discusses low-dose intermittent rapamycin plus fisetin to reduce senescent cells, ending with a message of gratitude and presence. 00:00 Show Intro  00:59 Meet Dr Chris Renna 02:17 Origins of Functional Medicine 03:42 Longevity Today and Tomorrow 05:49 Stem Cells Overhype 09:59 Why People Go Abroad 13:28 How Stem Cells Really Work 15:55 Muse Cells Explained 19:59 Aging Starts at 30 24:05 Joint Injection Breakthroughs 30:55 Regenokine and Exosomes 37:39 Diet and Food Quality 40:06 Clean Eating Basics 40:30 Hydration And Daily Movement 41:41 Sleep Skills And Wind Down  43:31 Stress Perspective Reset 45:49 Core Supplements Stack  47:23 Mitochondria Boosters 49:20 Peptides Hype And Risks 52:43 FDA Shifts And Hormones 57:21 Rapamycin Senescence Plan  01:03:01 Longevity Vision And Wrap Up  Dr. Chris Renna is a physician and the founder of Lifespan Medicine, a practice focused on proactive, personalized approaches to health optimization and longevity. With over 30 years of clinical experience, Dr. Renna has been a pioneer in integrative and anti-aging medicine, emphasizing the interconnected roles of the immune, endocrine, and nervous systems in maintaining long-term health. His website is www.lifespanmedicine.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 12m
  2. Using Precision Medicine to Reverse Alzheimer's Disease with Dr. Heather Sandison: Rational Wellness podcast 464

    Jun 4

    Using Precision Medicine to Reverse Alzheimer's Disease with Dr. Heather Sandison: Rational Wellness podcast 464

    View the Show Notes For This Episode Using Precision Medicine to Reverse Alzheimer's Disease with Dr. Heather Sandison | Rational Wellness Podcast 464 Dr. Ben Weitz interviews Dr. Heather Sandison about a precision, multimodal approach to Alzheimer's and cognitive decline that challenges the amyloid-only model. Sandison cites a 2026 Cochrane review finding anti-amyloid antibody therapies remove plaque but don't meaningfully improve cognition and carry risks like brain bleeding and swelling, arguing cognitive decline is driven by multiple modifiable factors. She reviews lifestyle-intervention research (Bredesen/Toups 2022, her 2023 study, Ornish 2024, and the Alzheimer's Association POINTER trial) showing cognitive improvements, discusses key drivers such as toxins (mycotoxins, metals, chemicals), infections, metabolic flexibility/ketosis, sleep, stress, and social connection, and outlines evaluation tools including MoCA, CNS Vital Signs, MRI volumetrics with arterial spin labeling, and blood biomarkers like p-tau217, Aβ 42/40, and NfL, plus interpreting nutrients via homocysteine. 00:00 Show Intro  00:59 Alzheimers Rethink 01:34 Guest Background  02:48 Trial Clarification  03:39 Limits Of Amyloid Drugs  05:29 Houseplant Brain Analogy  07:10 Lifestyle Trials Evidence 09:41 Research Funding Reality  11:08 Preventable Dementia Risks  12:44 Synapses And Social Ties 15:13 Drivers Beyond Amyloid 17:27 Toxins As Key Factor 18:52 Why Toxins Get Ignored  20:42 Metabolic Flexibility Diet  23:33 Ketosis For Cognition 24:57 Exogenous Ketones Guide  26:57 MCT And Coconut Oil 27:10 Coconut Oil Ketones  28:10 Apollo Wearable Ad  29:42 Cognitive Testing Tools 31:17 Advanced Brain Imaging  33:56 Blood Biomarkers Explained  37:39 Nutrients And Homocysteine  40:29 Vitamin D And Calcium  41:53 Treatment Priorities  43:47 Sleep Apnea First  45:53 Hormones And Peptides  48:48 Wrap Up And Resources  49:53 Podcast Outro Dr. Heather Sandison is the founder of Solcere Health Clinic in San Diego, California and Marama, a pioneering residential care facility focused on personalized, root-cause approaches to dementia.  She is also the primary investigator and author of a peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease demonstrating improvements in cognition using a personalized lifestyle intervention, and the author of the New York Times best selling book Reversing Alzheimer's.   Her website is DrHeatherSandison.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.

    52 min
  3. Correcting Chronic Gut Issues with Dr. Kate Davis: Rational Wellness Podcast 463

    May 27

    Correcting Chronic Gut Issues with Dr. Kate Davis: Rational Wellness Podcast 463

    Dr. Kate Davis on Parasites, "Drainage," and Functional Strategies for Chronic Gut Symptoms   Dr. Ben Weitz introduces the Rational Wellness Podcast and interviews Dr. Kate Davis, a chiropractor turned functional medicine practitioner specializing in gut health. Davis recounts developing severe constipation and bloating at 24, receiving limited GI options, getting relief from visceral/myofascial work, then later worsening symptoms after stress with brain fog and joint swelling. A functional medicine friend used a hair follicle test (Cell Wellbeing) that suggested parasites; Davis followed an individualized protocol (including CellCore products, herbs, binders, Mimosa pudica seed, and TUDCA) and passed numerous parasites with symptom resolution. In practice she treats constipation, bloating, and loose stools by prioritizing "drainage" (bowel movements, liver/gallbladder/lymph function), assessing via hair scans, symptoms, stool/toxin tests, and bloodwork, and using diet, fermented foods, lifestyle, vagus/vestibular exercises, and breathwork; she discusses binders, mold, leaky gut, and insulin resistance targets, and shares contact info and an Instagram consult offer. 00:00 Show Intro 01:03 Meet Dr Kate Davis 01:33 Her Gut Health Journey 04:21 Parasites And Testing 06:30 Detox Protocol Basics 07:44 Practice Focus And Cases 09:06 Testing Leaky Gut 12:22 Parasite Treatment Strategy 13:58 Drainage And Gallbladder 16:18 Apollo Wearable Sponsor 17:51 4R Framework And Detox 21:04 Diet Probiotics Lifestyle 24:24 Gut Brain Vagus Nerve 28:46 Underrated And Overrated 32:04 Breathwork And Wrap Up 34:52 Podcast Outro   Dr. Kate Davis is a Doctor of Chiropractic and she also has a BS in Microbiology & Cell Science and also in Psychology.  She is in private practice in San Diego, California specializing in gut health and she also has a podcast.  Her website is DrKateDavis.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.

    38 min
  4. Terrific Tocotrienols with Dr. Barrie Tan | Rational Wellness Podcast 462

    May 21

    Terrific Tocotrienols with Dr. Barrie Tan | Rational Wellness Podcast 462

    Dr. Barrie Tan on Tocotrienols: Annatto Vitamin E, Lipid Antioxidant Protection, and Clinical Uses   Dr. Ben Weitz hosts Dr. Barrie Tan to discuss tocotrienols, lesser-known vitamin E family members (eight total: four tocopherols and four tocotrienols) that differ from common alpha-tocopherol-only supplements. Tan describes discovering tocotrienols in annatto in South America, noting annatto is uniquely tocopherol-free and rich in delta and gamma tocotrienols. He argues alpha-tocopherol is only clearly tied to bringing a fetus to full term and that excess alpha-tocopherol can antagonize tocotrienol absorption and clinical results. Tan emphasizes tocotrienols as superior lipid antioxidants that protect cell-membrane phospholipids and help stabilize omega-3 oils, and reviews studies and proposed benefits across fatty liver disease, metabolic syndrome/diabetes, dyslipidemia, inflammation markers, bone density in post-menopausal women and obesity, plaque-related endpoints, and selected cancers, plus discussion of radiation/antioxidant concerns and dosing ranges used in trials. 00:00 Show Intro and Mission 00:59 Meet Dr Barrie Tan 03:12 Annatto Discovery Story 08:03 Tocotrienols vs Tocopherols 11:20 Lipid Antioxidant Explained 16:16 Omega 3 Protection Strategy 20:34 Alpha Tocopherol Antagonism 24:26 Clinical Wins and Conditions 25:53 Obesity Study Results 30:33 Cancer Research and Ferroptosis 31:40 Delta Gamma Standouts 32:10 Iron Overload Ferroptosis Link 33:57 Apollo Wearable Sponsor 35:27 Antioxidants During Cancer Therapy 38:05 Radiation Countermeasure Evidence 43:31 Cancer Dosage Guidance 45:35 Heart Metabolic Benefits 49:35 Statins CoQ10 GG Explained 54:28 Black Seed Oil Combo 55:47 Books Vitamin K Wrap Up 58:10 Podcast Closing Credits   Dr. Barrie Tan has a PhD in chemistry and he's spent his life dedicated to researching vitamin E, among other nutritional compounds. Dr. Tan was chief science officer for Designs For health from 2018 to 2025. He's currently senior advisor for Everwell health and he is credited with discovering tocotrienols in palm, rice, and annatto, with annatto being the most efficient source.    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

  5. May 17

    The Fluoride Debate: Risks, Toxicity & Public Health with Dr. Paul Connett: RWP Episode 015

    The Fluoride Debate: Risks, Toxicity & Public Health with Dr. Paul Connett: RWP Episode 015 Dr. Ben Weitz interviews Dr. Paul Connett, a former chemistry and toxicology professor, on the possible dangers of fluoride toxicity.  To begin with, there is no need in the human body for flouride and there is no disease associated with a lack of fluoride.  Second, biochemists have known for a long time that flouride is very toxic and at high dosages it can kill you. Fluoride can interfere with enzymes, hydrogen bonds, and it combines with metal ions like calcium and magnesium, preventing them from the useful functions they have in the body. And these effects occur at low levels. And then there are the health effects of flouride, including dental flourosis, which is a discoloration of the enamel of the teeth, and this occurs in over 50% of children in the US.  And then we have potential damage to the brain, bones, thyroid, and the rest of the endocrine system, esp. in children. Over 50 studies document that levels of flouride that can easily occur in our children between water fluoridation, fluoride in toothpaste and mouthwash, and other sources of flouride, leads to lowering IQ by approximately 5 points! What an irrational way to deliver a potentially toxic drug to our population, given that there is no way to control the dosage. And may be giving a medication to people without their consent!   Dr. Connett has written many papers and several books, including his most recent, The Zero Waste Solution  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-zero-waste-solution-paul-connett-phd/1115235807   and  The Case Against Flouride https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-case-against-fluoride-paul-connett/1021577574?ean=9781603582872     Here is Dr. Connett's website:  http://www.americanhealthstudies.org/index.html    While he is retired, Dr. Connett is available to speak at conferences.

    55 min
  6. Life Changing Results for Parkinson's Patients with Dr. Greg Eckel: Rational Wellness Podcast 461

    May 13

    Life Changing Results for Parkinson's Patients with Dr. Greg Eckel: Rational Wellness Podcast 461

    Parkinson's Disease, Prions, and Root-Cause Brain Regeneration with Dr. Greg Eckel Dr. Ben Weitz introduces the Rational Wellness Podcast and interviews Dr. Greg Eckel about Parkinson's disease, brain regeneration, and misfolded proteins (prions) such as alpha-synuclein. Eckel shares that his focus on neurodegeneration began after his wife died from Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, motivating him to develop the Eckel Protocol and found Be Vital. He explains prions as misfolded proteins that propagate misfolding, discusses debates about whether alpha-synuclein may be protective, and argues Parkinson's reflects upstream systemic issues beyond dopamine loss. The conversation covers diagnostics (SYN-1 skin biopsy vs DaTscan), environmental toxins (TCE, paraquat, heavy metals), chelation approaches (provoked urine with DMSA), microbiome testing, and dietary guidance favoring Mediterranean/Zone patterns over keto. Eckel describes regenerative "brain camp" therapies including VSEL intranasal procedures, laser activation, exosomes, and adjunct modalities, and reviews supplements and IV therapies while emphasizing individualized testing and root-cause care. Dr. Greg Eckel has degrees in both naturopathic medicine and Chinese medicine. After a deeply personal journey that reshaped his understanding of chronic illness, Dr. Greg Eckel has developed a comprehensive approach aimed not just at managing symptoms, but at restoring function and supporting the brain's capacity to heal.   He has developed a brain regenerative program and a nasal spray that specifically targets neuroinflammation in the brain.  He's also published a book, "Shake It Off: An Integrative Approach to Parkinson's Solutions." Dr. Eckel can be reached through his websites at brainregen.com, Bvital.com and on Instagram at @drgreckel. 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 5m
  7. Reversing Alzheimer's Disease is Science with Dr. Dale Bredesen | Rational Wellness Podcast 460

    May 7

    Reversing Alzheimer's Disease is Science with Dr. Dale Bredesen | Rational Wellness Podcast 460

    View the Show Notes For This Episode Precision Medicine and Functional Approaches to Alzheimer's: Dr. Dale Bredesen on Personalized Treatment, Trial Results, and Key Drivers Dr. Ben Weitz introduces the Rational Wellness Podcast and interviews neurologist Dr. Dale Bredesen about a precision medicine approach to Alzheimer's, arguing cognitive decline reflects multiple interacting drivers rather than a single disease. Bredesen explains why a randomized controlled trial was needed to convince mainstream medicine, describes the ethical challenges of a declining control group, and reports statistically significant improvements in memory, executive function, processing speed, and neurocognitive index, including benefits for APOE4 carriers and preliminary improvement in APOE4/4 patients. He outlines key contributors— inflammation, toxicity, energetics, plus neurotransmitters, trophic support (including BHRT), and stress—along with common factors like metabolic dysfunction, mycotoxins, sleep apnea, infections, and heavy metals. The discussion covers early detection with blood biomarkers, individualized treatment variability by site training, diet (Ketoflex 12/3), stress-reduction tools, targeted supplements, and applications to other neurodegenerative syndromes. 01:03 Alzheimer's Precision Medicine 02:29 Why an RCT Matters 04:18 Ethics and Pushback 06:57 APOE4 and Site Results 09:40 Network Model Big Drivers 12:40 Training Makes the Difference 13:44 Trial Baselines and Outcomes 16:34 Personalized vs One Size 18:50 Top Root Causes to Address 21:56 Early Screening Blood Tests 25:56 Amyloid Tau as Defense 29:20 Sponsor Break Apollo Wearable 30:54 Personalized Infection Treatment 32:30 Hormones and Brain Support 34:49 Progesterone for Men Too 35:54 Beyond Alzheimer's Parkinson's 36:18 Detox Reverses Corticobasal 37:49 Posterior Cortical Atrophy Turnaround 39:33 Network Failure and Evolution 41:57 Prions as Immune Defense 44:10 Stress Reset Strategies 46:00 Targeted Supplements and Genetics 51:37 Curcumin and Anti Amyloid Caution 54:28 Ketoflex Diet and Metabolic Flexibility 01:00:31 ApoE4 Nuance and Future Therapies 01:05:06 Closing Thanks and Podcast Outro Dale Bredesen, MD, is an internationally recognized neurologist with specialty expertise in the mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases. He is the senior director of Precision Brain Health at Pacific Neuroscience Institute® and the Chief Scientific Officer at Apollo Health. Dr. Bredesen has written a number of books, including the NY Times best-seller The End of Alzheimer's, The End of Alzheimer's Program and The First Survivors of Alzheimer's. The website for Apollo Health is ApolloHealthCo.com. Guided by his philosophy and belief that Alzheimer's disease it is not just preventable, but reversible, Dr. Bredesen's innovative research has helped explain the physical mechanism behind the erosion of memory seen in Alzheimer's disease. His decades of clinical study and neurological research have opened the door to new approaches of treatment leading to the ReCODE Protocol™. Also known as the Bredesen Protocol, this methodology has emerged as a viable attempt to prevent, arrest, and reverse symptoms of cognitive decline associated with conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, dementias, and mild cognitive impairment. 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 9m
  8. Extend Your Healthspan through Cellular Optimization with Dr. Will Haas: Rational Wellness Podcast 459

    Apr 29

    Extend Your Healthspan through Cellular Optimization with Dr. Will Haas: Rational Wellness Podcast 459

    Extend Your Healthspan through Cellular Optimization with Dr. Will Haas: Rational Wellness Podcast 459 Longevity and Healthspan: Cellular Optimization, Toxins, Testing, and Peptide Therapies with Dr. Will Haas Dr. Ben Weitz introduces the Rational Wellness Podcast and interviews Dr. Will Haas, founder of VYVE Wellness, about longevity as extending healthspan and maintaining function rather than simply living longer. They discuss preventable lifestyle risk factors behind chronic disease, major blind spots in conventional medicine (limited insurance-driven labs and reference-range thinking), and the value of deeper functional testing, including advanced cardiometabolic markers, toxins (heavy metals and mycotoxins), and gut health. Haas describes urine testing (Real Time Labs, Vibrant America), detox strategies, and therapeutic plasma exchange as a more aggressive option. He highlights body composition and heart rate variability as key assessments and reviews core lab categories (metabolic, inflammation, hormones, micronutrients, detoxification). They cover biological aging methylation tests, underused labs like fasting insulin and oxidized LDL, personalized diet interventions, peptide therapies (growth hormone secretagogues, tesamorelin, mitochondrial peptides), NAD strategies, limited use of senolytics, and the importance of hormone optimization and emerging omics such as metabolomics. 00:00 Show Intro 01:00 Meet Dr Will Haas 02:00 Longevity Defined 03:25 Lifestyle Risk Factors 05:16 Conventional Blind Spots 08:16 Advanced Cardio Markers 10:38 Toxins And Aging 13:17 Testing For Toxins 14:31 Therapeutic Plasma Exchange 17:55 Patient Workup Basics 19:43 HRV And Lab Strategy 24:10 Biological Age Testing 24:45 Sponsor Apollo Wearable 26:14 Underused Key Labs 28:10 Interventions Foundations 28:47 Clean Eating Defined 29:16 Gut Bloating and SIBO 29:59 Personalized Diet Strategy 30:51 Peptides and FDA Debate 32:41 Growth Hormone Controversy 34:23 Why Peptides Feel Safer 37:49 Choosing GH Peptides 40:09 GLP-1 Muscle Loss Fixes 42:30 Mitochondria and Energy 45:01 NAD Precursors and Sirtuins 47:37 Brain Health and Hormones 51:54 Longevity Myths and Methylene Blue 53:23 Future of Omics Testing 55:42 Final Takeaways and Contact   Dr. Will Haas, MD, MBA is redefining what it means to age well. He is the Founder and CEO of VYVE Wellness in Charlotte, NC, where he helps high-achieving professionals reclaim energy, focus, and vitality through cellular optimization. Dr. Haas can be reached through his website VYVEWellness.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 2m
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5
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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Rational Wellness
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    298
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © @2026 Rational Wellness
  • Show Website
    Rational Wellness Podcast

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