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. 4d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Jun 26

    Identifying Hypermobility Takes More Than the Beighton Score – The Hidden Connective Tissue Clues Most Clinicians Miss with Dr. Aaron Hartman | Hypermobility | E156

    🔥 What if recognizing hypermobility early could change the course of someone's lifelong health? Read UnCurable to explore a deeper perspective on chronic illness, connective tissue health, and the root causes that often go unnoticed. What if identifying hypermobility is about much more than checking joint flexibility? In this minisode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman continues his series on hypermobility by explaining how clinicians evaluate connective tissue health beyond the traditional Beighton Score. He discusses why physical examination, body proportions, medical history, and connective tissue findings often provide important clues that standardized screening tools can miss. Dr. Hartman also explores why hypermobility is fundamentally a connective tissue condition that can influence nearly every organ system, including the nervous system, digestive tract, immune system, cardiovascular system, and musculoskeletal system. He explains how recognizing these patterns early may help guide nutrition, lifestyle interventions, and personalized care strategies that support long-term health. Key Topics Covered What the Beighton Score measures and its limitationsWhy hypermobility requires more than a screening questionnaireHow physical examination helps identify connective tissue differencesBody proportions and physical signs associated with hypermobilityThe relationship between hypermobility and scoliosisWhy skin texture, stretch marks, and connective tissue findings matterChildhood signs that may suggest hypermobilityThe connection between hypermobility and recurrent joint instabilityHow connective tissue influences the nervous system and immune functionThe relationship between hypermobility, mast cell activation, and chronic painWhy hypermobility may contribute to gut dysfunction and SIBOThe importance of nutrition and connective tissue supportHow early recognition may improve long-term health outcomesWhy personalized care plans should account for connective tissue health Follow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine 🌐 Website: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/ 📺 YouTube: @AaronHartmanMD

    Identifying Hypermobility Takes More Than the Beighton Score – The Hidden Connective Tissue Clues Most Clinicians Miss with Dr. Aaron Hartman | Hypermobility | E156

  7. Jun 22

    Some of Medicine’s Most Trusted Beliefs Were Wrong – The Hidden Blind Spots That Changed Healthcare with Dr. Christian Jenski | Medical Blind Spots | #E155

    🔥 What if some of the biggest health challenges people face today are not caused by bad medicine... but by blind spots in the system itself? Read UnCurable to explore a deeper perspective on overlooked diagnoses, chronic symptoms, and the importance of asking better questions when answers are hard to find. What if some of medicine’s most trusted beliefs have unintentionally harmed the very people they were meant to help? In this episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman and Dr. Christian Jenski begin a new series exploring medical blind spots, outdated assumptions, and the unintended consequences that can occur when healthcare systems become overly attached to prevailing beliefs. Using historical examples and modern patient experiences, they discuss how medicine has repeatedly evolved by challenging accepted ideas. From handwashing and infection control to hormone replacement therapy and chronic illness, they examine how some widely accepted medical assumptions have later been proven incomplete or incorrect. The conversation also highlights how women have often been disproportionately affected by these blind spots, particularly in areas such as autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, hormonal health, fertility, and complex chronic illnesses. Throughout the episode, Dr. Hartman and Dr. Jenski emphasize the importance of curiosity, humility, patient advocacy, and continuously questioning assumptions in the pursuit of better healthcare. About the Guest Dr. Christian Jenski is a triple board-certified physician with expertise in emergency medicine, obesity medicine, and functional medicine. He works alongside Dr. Aaron Hartman to help patients uncover root causes of chronic illness through a systems-based and personalized approach to healthcare. Key Topics Covered What medical blind spots are and how they developWhy science evolves and accepted medical beliefs sometimes changeThe difference between scientific discovery and medical dogmaHistorical examples of medical blind spots and unintended harmThe story of handwashing and infection prevention in medicineHow healthcare systems can unintentionally overlook important patient experiencesWhy women are disproportionately affected by medical gaslightingThe relationship between chronic illness and missed diagnosesThe history and controversy surrounding hormone replacement therapyHow delayed acceptance of new evidence can affect patient careThe importance of intellectual curiosity in medicineWhy listening to patients remains one of the most important clinical skillsThe role of functional medicine in addressing complex chronic illnessesHow chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, autoimmune disease, and hormone disorders are often misunderstoodWhy advocacy and self-education can help patients navigate healthcare challenges Follow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine 🌐 Website: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/ 📺 YouTube: @AaronHartmanMD

    Some of Medicine’s Most Trusted Beliefs Were Wrong – The Hidden Blind Spots That Changed Healthcare with Dr. Christian Jenski | Medical Blind Spots | #E155

  8. Jun 19

    Hypermobility Changes More Than Your Joints – The Hidden Link Between Chronic Illness, POTS, and Neurodivergence with Dr. Aaron Hartman | Hypermobility | E154

    🔥 What if one of the most overlooked factors in chronic illness isn't an infection, hormone imbalance, or autoimmune condition... but the connective tissue you're born with? Read UnCurable to explore a deeper perspective on why seemingly unrelated symptoms may share common root causes. What if hypermobility is the hidden link connecting many of today's most complex health conditions? In this minisode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman introduces hypermobility, a surprisingly common but frequently overlooked trait that may influence everything from chronic pain and fatigue to POTS, mast cell activation, neurodivergence, autoimmune conditions, and digestive health. He explains that hypermobility exists on a spectrum. For some people, it may contribute to athletic performance, flexibility, and enhanced physical abilities. For others, it can create vulnerabilities that affect connective tissue, nervous system regulation, healing, immune function, and overall resilience. The episode explores why connective tissue plays a much larger role in health than most people realize and how hypermobility may help explain why certain individuals are more susceptible to chronic symptoms, environmental triggers, infections, and inflammatory conditions. Key Topics Covered What hypermobility is and why it affects far more than just the jointsThe difference between hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)Why hypermobility exists on a spectrumHow connective tissue influences the nervous system, healing, and inflammationThe relationship between hypermobility and neurodivergenceWhy hypermobility may be associated with ADHD, autism, and other neurological differencesThe connection between hypermobility and POTSHow mast cell activation and hypermobility frequently overlapWhy hypermobility may contribute to digestive symptoms and gut dysfunctionThe relationship between connective tissue health and chronic painHow hypermobility may influence recovery from infections and environmental exposuresThe connection between hypermobility, fatigue, and chronic illnessWhy nutrient deficiencies are common in hypermobile individualsThe importance of protein, minerals, vitamin C, vitamin D, and connective tissue supportWhy identifying hypermobility early may help support long-term health outcomes Follow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine 🌐 Website: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/ 📺 YouTube: @AaronHartmanMD

    Hypermobility Changes More Than Your Joints – The Hidden Link Between Chronic Illness, POTS, and Neurodivergence with Dr. Aaron Hartman | Hypermobility | E154
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4.7
out of 5
14 Ratings

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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