Proven Health Alternatives

Dr. Robert Silverman

Welcome to Proven Health Alternatives—a webcast revealing science-based alternatives to today's healthcare practices. I'm your host, Dr. Rob Silverman, a chiropractic doctor, clinical nutritionist, functional medicine practitioner, international speaker, and author of "Immune Reboot: Your Guide to Maximizing Immunity, Restoring Gut Health, and Optimizing Vitality" and "Inside-Out Health: A Revolutionary Approach to Your Body." Join me as I converse with leading health, fitness, supplements, nutrition, functional medicine, and more professionals. Together, we explore cutting-edge approaches to proven health alternatives.

  1. Bridging The Gap Between Science & Healing to Transform Lives

    2d ago

    Bridging The Gap Between Science & Healing to Transform Lives

    Why are so many women told their symptoms are "normal" when they know something isn't right? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Nancy Beliveau, a functional medicine expert dedicated to helping women uncover the root causes behind fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, hormone imbalances, and other commonly overlooked health concerns. Together, we discuss why standard lab work doesn't always tell the full story and how a proactive, personalized approach can help women move beyond simply managing symptoms. We explore the powerful connection between gut health and hormones, the impact of chronic stress on the body, the early signs of perimenopause, and why listening to your body's signals matters. We also discuss how conventional and functional medicine can work together to provide more comprehensive, patient-centered care while empowering women to take an active role in their long-term health. If you've ever been told your labs are "normal" but you still don't feel like yourself, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on what's possible when we look beyond the symptoms and search for the root cause.   Key takeaways: Bridging the gap between conventional and functional medicine involves integrating their strengths—acute care from conventional practices and root cause analysis from functional approaches. Functional medicine emphasizes understanding symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and hormonal imbalances before they develop into serious health concerns. Women's intuition about their own health is often a valuable diagnostic tool, prompting the need for alternative testing and solutions when standard medical results are inconclusive. Everyday choices, such as consuming whole foods and using chemical-free products, have profound effects on hormone health and overall well-being. Stress, sleep, and lifestyle management are as critical to women's health as traditional medical interventions, highlighting the importance of supporting emotional and mental health. More About Dr. Nancy Beliveau: Specializing in Functional Medicine, Dr. Nancy Beliveau helps high-achieving women restore their health, balance their hormones, and reclaim their vitality. She uses a root-cause approach that addresses gut health, hormone optimization, detoxification, and lifestyle medicine to create real, lasting healing. As the founder of the Holistic Wholeness Institute, she is on a mission to educate, empower, and provide practical solutions that help women transform their health from the inside out.   Website Instagram Connect with me! Website Instagram Facebook YouTube

    45 min
  2. Helping Patients Who Have Tried Everything

    Jul 3

    Helping Patients Who Have Tried Everything

    Many patients with chronic, complex conditions feel like they've tried everything, yet they're still searching for answers. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Mike Powell, a board-certified functional neurologist with more than 30 years of clinical experience, to explore why traditional approaches often fall short and what it takes to successfully care for patients whose symptoms don't fit neatly into a single diagnosis. We discuss the importance of looking at each patient with fresh eyes, simplifying complexity, and building a personalized strategy instead of relying on one-size-fits-all protocols. From functional neurology and Parkinson's disease to concussion recovery, sleep, and the foundations of chronic illness, we examine why lasting progress begins with understanding the individual, not just the diagnosis. We also dive into the role of patient preparation, clinical thinking, and the therapeutic relationship, offering practical insights for both healthcare professionals and anyone navigating a complex health journey. If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed by conflicting advice, or wondered why nothing seems to work, this conversation offers a thoughtful perspective on what it really takes to move forward.   Key takeaways: Complex patient cases often demand a personalized, fresh approach distinct from standard medical protocols. Preparation and understanding in patient-practitioner interactions are crucial for addressing chronic conditions effectively. Sleep, exercise, and foundational health factors play pivotal roles in managing and improving complex conditions. Hope and empathy significantly enhance the therapeutic process and patient commitment. Patients should resist the temptation of pursuing multiple simultaneous treatments and find credible, caring practitioners. More About Dr. Mike Powell: Dr. Mike Powell integrates brain science and chiropractic care to help patients with complex neurological and musculoskeletal conditions. His practice serves individuals with clear neurological diagnoses—such as ADHD, Parkinson's disease, neuropathy, traumatic brain injury, multiple sclerosis, and migraine—as well as those whose symptoms remain confusing, persistent, or unresponsive despite working with multiple skilled providers. Dr. Powell teaches doctors and therapists how to efficiently and effectively incorporate brain‑based clinical strategies into their practices. He has served on state association and regulatory boards, taught as faculty with the Carrick Institute, and has presented at more than 500 professional events. He has a passion for helping providers elevate their clinical impact. A second‑generation Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Powell practices alongside his wife, Kourtne, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Website Connect with me! Website Instagram Facebook YouTube

    47 min
  3. Walk Better, Live Longer: The Science of Foot Health and Longevity

    Jun 26

    Walk Better, Live Longer: The Science of Foot Health and Longevity

    What if one of the most overlooked keys to longevity is at the end of your legs? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Courtney Conley, renowned foot and gait specialist and author of Walk, to explore why foot health, balance, and walking may be some of the most important predictors of long-term health and independence. Together, we challenge common misconceptions about footwear, movement, and aging while uncovering the critical role the feet play in brain health, stability, and overall function. We discuss walking as a vital sign, the connection between gait and cognitive health, the importance of toe strength and foot dexterity, and why modern lifestyles may be weakening one of the body's most essential systems. Dr. Conley also shares practical strategies for improving balance, preventing falls, recovering from common foot injuries, and building a stronger foundation for lifelong movement. If you want to move better, age better, and better understand the connection between your feet, your brain, and your longevity, this episode is a must-listen.   Key takeaways: Walking speed is considered the sixth vital sign, serving as a predictor of health outcomes and cognitive decline. The big toe plays a crucial role in balance and mobility; strengthening it can significantly reduce fall risk. Modern footwear often weakens our feet; integrating barefoot exercises can revitalize foot strength. Foot health is interconnected with overall wellness; thus, proactive steps must be taken early to prevent future issues. Simple daily practices, such as barefoot walking and toe exercises, can have a profound impact on foot health and longevity. More About Dr. Courtney Conley: Dr. Courtney Conley is an international educator and movement specialist passionate about helping people move with strength, ease, and confidence. Drawing on her clinical background in chiropractic and years of working with athletes and practitioners, she teaches how foot health and functional movement can transform the way we live and perform, whether you're on the field, in the clinic, or simply navigating daily life. Website Instagram GAIT Happens Connect with me! Website Instagram Facebook YouTube

    47 min
  4. Rethinking Concussions: From Brain Injury to Brain Recovery

    Jun 19

    Rethinking Concussions: From Brain Injury to Brain Recovery

    Concussions are often treated as short-term injuries, but what if the real issue is how the brain recovers afterward? In this episode, Dr. Rob Silverman sits down with Dr. Brett Jarosz, an ACA endorsed Fellow Sports & Exercise Chiropractor, to explore the evolving science of concussion recovery and brain health. Together, they challenge outdated approaches that rely on complete rest and discuss why modern rehabilitation focuses on restoring function through targeted movement, individualized therapy, and metabolic support. Dr. Jarosz explains why a concussion is more than just a structural injury, how persistent symptoms can stem from dysfunction across multiple systems, and why factors such as autonomic regulation, inflammation, and brain energy production play critical roles in recovery. The conversation also dives into emerging therapies like photobiomodulation, the science behind red light therapy, and why personalized rehabilitation may be the future of concussion care. Whether you're a clinician, athlete, coach, or someone recovering from a brain injury, this episode offers practical insights into helping the brain heal and perform at its best.   Key takeaways: Concussion is an energy crisis in the brain, affecting metabolism, blood flow, and neurological function. New models of concussion treatment emphasize controlled exercise and targeted rehabilitation over complete rest. Photobiomodulation, especially low-level laser therapy, shows promising results in improving brain recovery post-concussion. Persistent post-concussion symptoms could be multi-faceted, involving neuroinflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and autonomic nervous systems. Female athletes experience different concussion recovery processes due to biological and structural differences.     More About Dr. Brett Jarosz: Dr. Brett Jarosz is an ACA endorsed Fellow Sports & Exercise Chiropractor (AICE 2019), Neurorehabilitation Chiropractor (AICE 2022), researcher and international lecturer. He has worked with the World Surf League, as a part of the medical team at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, as well as Surfing Australia at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He consults with the Melbourne Storm NRL Team, along with several AFL teams, Olympic and elite athletes on neurotrauma, with his work being featured on 60 Minutes Australia, Apple TV, The Age, Herald Sun, and more. For the past decade, Dr. Brett lectured within the Chiropractic degrees at RMIT University in Melbourne, and currently maintains a role as a lecturer for a number of post-graduate education programs.   Website Instagram Connect with me! Website Instagram Facebook YouTube

    49 min
  5. Parkinson's Beyond the Brain: A Root-Cause Approach to Neurodegeneration

    Jun 12

    Parkinson's Beyond the Brain: A Root-Cause Approach to Neurodegeneration

    What if Parkinson's disease is more than a movement disorder? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Greg Eckel, naturopathic physician and pioneer in neurodegenerative medicine, to explore a broader, root-cause approach to Parkinson's disease. Inspired by his late wife's battle with Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, Dr. Eckel shares the personal journey that led him to dedicate his career to understanding the underlying drivers of neurodegeneration. Together, we discuss the three major contributors he believes are central to neurological decline: environmental toxins, trauma, and infections. We also explore the role of gut health, alpha-synuclein, the vagus nerve, advanced diagnostic testing, personalized medicine, and emerging therapies such as non-thermal low-level laser therapy. This conversation challenges conventional thinking and offers a more comprehensive framework for understanding Parkinson's and supporting long-term brain health. If you're interested in the future of neurodegenerative care, the gut-brain connection, and strategies that go beyond symptom management, this episode is a must-listen.   Key takeaways: Three Buckets of Neurodegeneration: The holistic Echo Protocol examines environmental toxins, trauma, and infections as core contributors to Parkinson's and other neurodegenerative diseases. Diagnostic Innovations: Comprehensive diagnostic testing surpasses basic clinical exams by delving into hormonal levels, gut microbiome health, and possible toxic exposures. Holistic Treatments and Protocols: Utilize personalized supplements, dietary modifications, and non-invasive therapies like low-level laser to improve patient outcomes significantly. Innovative Approaches to Parkinson's: Dr. Eckel's Echo Protocol emphasizes neuroinflammation and synucleopathetic disorders, pushing the conversation beyond conventional categorizations. Community and Support: Building supportive communities and encouraging ongoing education empowers patients and practitioners to harness new insights and treatments for neurological conditions.   More About Dr. Greg Eckel: Dr. Greg Eckel is a naturopathic physician and Chinese medicine practitioner with more than 25 years of clinical experience and a deep focus on helping the brain do what conventional care often says it cannot: repair, reorganize, and recover capacity. After the death of his wife, Sarieah, from Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Dr. Eckel began asking a question that changed the direction of his work: What if the brain's capacity to heal is far greater than the medical system has been willing to acknowledge? That question led him into frequency medicine, quantum biology, mitochondrial metabolism, regenerative therapeutics, and root-cause neurological care. Today, his work spans Parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury, neurodegeneration, cognitive decline, and normal brain optimization for people who want to protect, sharpen, and extend the function of the brain they rely on every day. He is the founder of bVital in Park City, Utah, the creator of the Eckel Protocol®, and the architect of the Brain Regen program. His clinical model begins by detecting the hidden drivers of dysfunction, correcting the conditions that block recovery, and helping patients build the resilience to thrive for years to come. A speaker, researcher, and author, Dr. Eckel has published peer-reviewed work, trained physicians nationwide, served as past president of the Oregon Board of Naturopathic Medicine, and reached over one million people through summits, webinars, and media appearances. His work continues from one conviction: your brain wants to heal. Sometimes it just needs the right conditions to remember how. Website Instagram Connect with me! Website Instagram Facebook YouTube

    52 min
  6. The Biology of Trauma: Why Sequence And Precision Are the Missing Piece in Healing

    Jun 5

    The Biology of Trauma: Why Sequence And Precision Are the Missing Piece in Healing

    What if trauma is more than a psychological experience? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Aimie Apigian, a Preventive and Addiction Medicine Physician and founder of Trauma Healing Accelerated™, to explore how trauma becomes stored in the body and influences the nervous system, metabolism, immune function, and overall health. Together, we challenge the conventional view of trauma and examine why unresolved survival responses can contribute to chronic symptoms, fatigue, dysregulation, and disease. We discuss the differences between stress and trauma, the body's survival adaptations, the five patterns of stored trauma, and the critical role of the autonomic nervous system in recovery. Dr. Aimie shares her Biology of Trauma® framework, explaining how healing goes beyond mindset and requires creating safety within the body to restore resilience, regulation, and lasting health. If you've ever wondered why some patterns seem impossible to change, why chronic symptoms persist despite doing everything "right," or why healing often feels incomplete, this conversation may completely transform the way you think about trauma, health, and recovery.   Key takeaways: Trauma is not limited to psychological impacts but involves complex biological adaptations that affect the entire body system. Stress and trauma are distinct, with trauma representing an overwhelming threat that triggers a different survival response. Unresolved trauma can lead to chronic health conditions, including autoimmunity and fatigue, highlighting the need for integrative healing methods. Healing from trauma requires creating an environment of safety before addressing deeper emotional and physiological issues. Effective trauma therapy should incorporate mind work, body somatic work, and biology for comprehensive healing.   More About Dr. Aimee Apigian: Dr. Aimie Apigian is a double board-certified physician in Preventive and Addiction Medicine, with advanced training in biochemistry, public health, and functional medicine. She is the national bestselling author of The Biology of Trauma (foreword by Gabor Maté), featured on the USA TODAY Best-Selling Booklist and recipient of multiple book awards. She is known for making trauma healing both precise and deeply human, bridging functional medicine, attachment science, and trauma therapy to show how the body stores survival patterns and what it specifically needs to heal. Through her Biology of Trauma® framework, she integrates somatic work, parts work, and targeted biology to identify where the system is blocked and restore its capacity for healing through a structured, measurable sequence. Dr. Aimie is the founder of Trauma Healing Accelerated™ and host of the Biology of Trauma® Podcast, where she trains individuals and practitioners worldwide to move beyond insight into real, lasting change. Website Instagram Connect with me! Website Instagram Facebook YouTube 🚀For those looking to go deeper into the nutritional strategies I often discuss, supporting the body with targeted nutrients can play an important role in immune resilience, metabolic health, and long-term vitality. I've partnered with Big Bold Health, a company focused on developing research-driven supplements designed to support those systems. You can learn more here: https://bigboldhealth.com/pages/robertsilverman and save 15% sitewide with code SILVERMAN15.

    37 min
  7. Why Posture Is a Brain Problem, Not a Spine Problem

    May 29

    Why Posture Is a Brain Problem, Not a Spine Problem

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Steven Weiniger, posture expert, author, speaker, and creator of the StrongPosture® framework, to explore the deeper science behind posture, movement, and human performance. Together, we challenge the traditional view that posture is simply about spinal alignment and instead examine how the brain, nervous system, and sensory awareness shape the way we move and function. We dive into the relationship between structure and function, the impact of technology and modern lifestyle on movement patterns, and why posture is constantly adapting based on what we repeatedly do every day. Dr. Weiniger also breaks down the concept of interoception, the body's internal awareness system, and explains how it influences posture, balance, breathing, and even longevity. From chiropractic and movement to nervous system retraining and brain-body awareness, this conversation reframes posture as far more than a cosmetic issue. It's a reflection of how the body and brain communicate. If you want to better understand movement, performance, and the future of posture health, this episode will completely change the way you think about the human body.   Key takeaways: Posture is a dynamic reflection of how the brain senses and controls the body, influenced by external and internal cues. Enhancing posture awareness and integrating strong postural movements can significantly impact longevity, resilience, and brain health. Interoception, the awareness of internal body signals, plays a crucial role in how posture is sensed and corrected. Effective posture training encompasses balance, alignment, and motion, encouraging an interconnected approach rather than isolated exercises. A simple longetivity test: Stand tall, lift one leg, and remain balanced for five slow breaths, combining breath awareness with core engagement.   More About Dr. Steven Weiniger: Dr. Steven Weiniger is an internationally recognized posture expert, chiropractor, author, and researcher whose work bridges neuroscience, movement, posture, and healthy aging. He is the creator of the StrongPosture® framework, which explores the connection between posture, interoception, and the brain's predictive processing systems. His research has been published in journals including Frontiers in Neuroscience, and he has presented at the Annual Symposium for Active Inference. Dr. Weiniger is also the author of Stand Taller Live Longer, a practical guide focused on posture, movement, and longevity. Through his StrongPosture® program, he has trained thousands of clinicians worldwide as Certified Posture Exercise Professionals. He also serves on faculty at the University of Western States and teaches at institutions including Northwestern Health Sciences University and the University of Bridgeport. Dr. Weiniger's work has been featured on FOX, CBS, and NBC, helping bring the conversation around posture and brain-body health into the mainstream. 7 Steps to StrongPosture® Self-Help Program Online Continuing Education for Professionals Tools for Professionals CPEP® Certification Instagram Connect with me! Website Instagram Facebook YouTube 🚀For those looking to go deeper into the nutritional strategies I often discuss, supporting the body with targeted nutrients can play an important role in immune resilience, metabolic health, and long-term vitality. I've partnered with Big Bold Health, a company focused on developing research-driven supplements designed to support those systems. You can learn more here: https://bigboldhealth.com/pages/robertsilverman and save 15% sitewide with code SILVERMAN15.

    38 min
  8. The Mouth-Body Connection: Why Dentistry Might Be the Missing Piece in Your Health

    May 22

    The Mouth-Body Connection: Why Dentistry Might Be the Missing Piece in Your Health

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Michelle Jorgensen, a holistic dentist and founder of Living Well with Dr. Michelle, to explore the powerful connection between oral health and systemic wellness. Through her own personal experience with mercury toxicity from dental fillings, Dr. Jorgensen shares how that journey transformed her approach to dentistry and led her toward a more integrative, physiology-based model of care. We discuss how chronic oral inflammation may contribute to broader health issues, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction, and chronic inflammation throughout the body. We also dive into topics such as mercury amalgams, fluoride, root canals, dental meridians, and the growing understanding of how the mouth can influence the rest of the body. From alternative dental care strategies to the role of hydroxyapatite and oil pulling, this conversation challenges conventional thinking and highlights why oral health should be part of every comprehensive wellness plan. If you want to better understand the mouth-body connection and how oral health impacts long-term wellness, this episode will completely change the way you think about dentistry.   Key takeaways: Oral Health's Impact on Overall Health: The mouth is a gateway influencing systemic health, potentially driving inflammation and chronic disease. Dangers of Conventional Dental Practices: Practices like mercury fillings, fluoride use, and root canals may contribute to broader health issues. Holistic Approach & Dental Meridians: The intricate network connecting teeth to body systems underlines the importance of holistic dental practices. Role of Dentists in Health: Dentists have a responsibility to protect patient health beyond traditional drilling and filling.   More About Dr. Michelle Jorgensen: Today's guest is Dr. Michelle Jorgensen, a former traditional dentist turned holistic health pioneer, who helps exhausted, health-conscious people finally feel like themselves again—by starting where health actually begins: your cells. She's the founder of Living Well with Dr. Michelle and author of her newly released book by the same name, which reveals how to decode your symptoms and give your body exactly what it needs to heal, thrive, and stay energized—without the fads, overwhelm, or guesswork. If you're tired of chasing health trends and still not feeling better, this conversation is for you.   Website Instagram Connect with me! Website Instagram Facebook YouTube 🚀For those looking to go deeper into the nutritional strategies I often discuss, supporting the body with targeted nutrients can play an important role in immune resilience, metabolic health, and long-term vitality. I've partnered with Big Bold Health, a company focused on developing research-driven supplements designed to support those systems. You can learn more here: https://bigboldhealth.com/pages/robertsilverman and save 15% sitewide with code SILVERMAN15.

    49 min
4.9
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Welcome to Proven Health Alternatives—a webcast revealing science-based alternatives to today's healthcare practices. I'm your host, Dr. Rob Silverman, a chiropractic doctor, clinical nutritionist, functional medicine practitioner, international speaker, and author of "Immune Reboot: Your Guide to Maximizing Immunity, Restoring Gut Health, and Optimizing Vitality" and "Inside-Out Health: A Revolutionary Approach to Your Body." Join me as I converse with leading health, fitness, supplements, nutrition, functional medicine, and more professionals. Together, we explore cutting-edge approaches to proven health alternatives.

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