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. Some of Today’s Health Beliefs May Not Last – The Blind Spots Behind Fat, Lyme, and Long COVID with Dr. Aaron Hartman | Chronic Infections | E140

    17H AGO

    Some of Today’s Health Beliefs May Not Last – The Blind Spots Behind Fat, Lyme, and Long COVID with Dr. Aaron Hartman | Chronic Infections | E140

    🔥 Ever feel like what you’ve been told about your health doesn’t fully add up… or keeps changing over time? Read UnCurable to explore a deeper perspective on how medical blind spots can shape care and outcomes. What if some of the most widely accepted health beliefs today… are things we’ll look back on and question? In this minisode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman continues the conversation on medical blind spots, exploring how certain ideas in healthcare can be accepted for years, sometimes decades, before being re-evaluated. He revisits the history of dietary fat and how it was widely misunderstood, despite early evidence supporting its importance in human health. The episode also highlights more recent examples, including the evolving understanding of Lyme disease and long COVID, showing how recognition and treatment approaches can shift over time. This conversation encourages listeners to stay curious, informed, and engaged in their own health, recognizing that medicine is constantly evolving and that asking thoughtful questions can play an important role in better outcomes. Key Topics Covered What medical blind spots are and why they continue to happenHow early beliefs about dietary fat influenced decades of health recommendationsThe difference between natural fats and highly processed alternativesWhy some early research on cholesterol and heart disease was incompleteHow Lyme disease went unrecognized despite growing evidenceWhy chronic Lyme disease is now receiving broader attentionThe emergence and recognition of long COVID as a real conditionHow medical consensus can take years to evolveThe importance of safety and caution in medical decision-makingWhy patient awareness and self-advocacy are increasingly important Follow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine 🌐 Website: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/ 📺 YouTube: @AaronHartmanMD

    14 min
  2. The Missing Link in Midlife Hormones - Why the Gut Microbiome Changes Everything with Cynthia Thurlow | Gut | E139

    4D AGO

    The Missing Link in Midlife Hormones - Why the Gut Microbiome Changes Everything with Cynthia Thurlow | Gut | E139

    🔥 Feeling like your hormones aren’t the whole story… and something deeper might be driving your symptoms? Read UnCurable to explore a more complete, root-cause approach to your health. What if the key to navigating perimenopause and menopause… isn’t just hormones, but what’s happening deep inside your gut? In this episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman sits down with Cynthia Thurlow to explore the powerful connection between gut health and hormonal changes during midlife. Drawing from her new book The Menopause Gut, Cynthia explains why the microbiome plays a central role in how women experience perimenopause and menopause. They discuss how shifts in estrogen and progesterone influence gut diversity, inflammation, immune function, and even mood and cognition. The conversation also highlights how symptoms like brain fog, fatigue, weight changes, and digestive issues may be linked to deeper imbalances in the gut, not just declining hormones. This episode offers a more nuanced perspective on midlife health, emphasizing that while hormone therapy can be helpful, it is only one piece of a much larger puzzle involving lifestyle, stress, nutrition, and the microbiome. Key Topics Covered What the gut microbiome is and why it plays a central role in overall healthThe connection between gut health and hormones during perimenopause and menopauseHow declining estrogen impacts gut diversity and inflammationThe role of the “estrobolome” in processing and eliminating estrogenWhy symptoms like brain fog, mood changes, and weight resistance may reflect gut dysfunctionHow leaky gut and inflammation can influence brain health and immune functionThe relationship between stress, cortisol, and microbiome imbalanceWhy perimenopause can act as a “litmus test” for underlying health issuesHow ovarian aging and mitochondrial health are influenced by lifestyle and environmentThe importance of individualized approaches rather than “one-size-fits-all” solutions Therapies / Concepts Referenced Gut microbiome and microbial diversityEstrobolome (estrogen-processing component of the microbiome)Gut-brain, gut-ovarian, and gut-immune connectionsLeaky gut and microbial translocationHormone replacement therapy (bioidentical vs synthetic considerations)Cortisol and stress responseSleep optimization and circadian rhythmNutrition: protein intake, fiber, whole foodsDigestive support (enzymes, stomach acid, bile function)Exercise balance (strength training, recovery, metabolic health) 📚 Featured Resource 📘 Book: The Menopause Gut by Cynthia Thurlow 👉 https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/777129/the-menopause-gut-by-cynthia-thurlow-np/ A comprehensive guide to how gut health impacts hormones, inflammation, metabolism, and aging—designed to support women navigating midlife and beyond. About the Guest Cynthia Thurlow is a nurse practitioner, author, and internationally recognized expert in women’s health, particularly perimenopause, menopause, and metabolic health. With a background in cardiology and over two decades in clinical practice, she now focuses on helping women understand the connection between hormones, lifestyle, and the microbiome. She is also the host of the Everyday Wellness podcast and a leading voice in integrative health education. Resources & Links 🌐 Website: https://www.cynthiathurlow.com/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cynthia_thurlow_/?hl=en Follow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine 🌐 Website: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/ 📺 YouTube: @AaronHartmanMD

    1 hr
  3. Some of the Biggest Health Decisions Were Based on Incomplete Data – The Shifting Story of Hormones and Dietary Fat with Dr. Aaron Hartman | Hormones | E138

    APR 24

    Some of the Biggest Health Decisions Were Based on Incomplete Data – The Shifting Story of Hormones and Dietary Fat with Dr. Aaron Hartman | Hormones | E138

    🔥 Ever feel like health recommendations keep changing… and you're left trying to make sense of what to trust? Read UnCurable to explore a deeper perspective on how medical blind spots can shape care and outcomes. What if some of the biggest health decisions made over the last few decades… were based on incomplete or misunderstood data? In this minisode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman continues the discussion on medical blind spots, focusing on two major areas where conventional guidance has recently shifted: hormone replacement therapy and dietary fat. He walks through how earlier research led to widespread fear and reduced use of hormone therapy for women, despite more recent data suggesting broader benefits in areas like heart health and cognitive function. The episode also revisits the long-standing narrative around dietary fat, highlighting how recommendations have evolved after decades of low-fat guidance. This conversation encourages listeners to reflect on how medical recommendations are shaped, and how staying informed and curious can help navigate an ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Key Topics Covered How medical blind spots can shape long-term health recommendationsWhat changed in the understanding of hormone replacement therapyHow earlier studies influenced widespread fear around hormone useWhy newer data suggests a different perspective on hormone therapyThe potential connection between hormone balance and heart healthHow long low-fat dietary guidance influenced public health trendsWhy fats are being reconsidered in modern nutritionThe role of metabolism, blood sugar, and satiety in dietary patternsHow medical recommendations can be influenced by systemic factorsWhy awareness and education can support better health decisions Follow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine 🌐 Website: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/ 📺 YouTube: @AaronHartmanMD

    9 min
  4. What We’ve Been Told About Fat May Be Incomplete – The Traditional Nutrition Perspective on Cholesterol, Milk, and Health with Sally Fallon Morell | Nutrition | E137

    APR 20

    What We’ve Been Told About Fat May Be Incomplete – The Traditional Nutrition Perspective on Cholesterol, Milk, and Health with Sally Fallon Morell | Nutrition | E137

    🔥 Trying to make sense of what to eat… and why so much nutrition advice seems to keep changing? Read UnCurable to explore a deeper, root-cause perspective on health and healing. What if much of what we’ve been told about fats, cholesterol, and even milk… isn’t the full picture? In this episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman sits down with Sally Fallon Morell, author of Nourishing Traditions and founder of the Weston A. Price Foundation, to explore the foundations of traditional nutrition and how modern dietary guidelines have evolved over time. They discuss the role of nutrient-dense foods like animal fats, raw milk, and organ meats, and how shifts toward processed foods and industrial oils may have influenced long-term health trends. The conversation also explores how cholesterol, saturated fats, and fat-soluble vitamins support brain function, hormones, and overall physiology. This episode invites a broader perspective on nutrition, encouraging listeners to look beyond simplified labels like “good” or “bad” and instead consider how whole foods, preparation methods, and individual needs can all play a role in health. Key Topics Covered How dietary guidelines have changed over time and why that mattersThe role of saturated fats in supporting cell membranes and hormonesWhy cholesterol is essential for brain function and overall healthDifferences between traditional fats and processed vegetable oilsThe importance of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and KHow butter, egg yolks, and organ meats contribute to nutrient densityThe potential connection between fat intake and cravings or satietyHow raw milk differs from pasteurized milk in structure and functionThe role of nutrient-dense foods in supporting development and resilienceWhy food quality, sourcing, and preparation methods may matter About the Guest Sally Fallon Morell is the author of the best-selling cookbook Nourishing Traditions and a leading advocate for traditional, nutrient-dense diets. She is the founding president of the Weston A. Price Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to restoring whole, ancestral foods to modern diets. Her work focuses on the benefits of raw milk, animal fats, organ meats, bone broths, and traditional food preparation methods. Resources & Links 🌐 Weston A. Price Foundation: https://www.westonaprice.org/about-us/welcome-from-sally-fallon-morell/#gsc.tab=0 📸 Instagram (Sally Fallon Morell): https://www.instagram.com/sallyfallonmorell/ Follow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine 🌐 Website: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/ 📺 YouTube: @AaronHartmanMD

    51 min
  5. Some of the Most Trusted Advice Was Once Wrong – The Hidden Blind Spots That Shape Modern Medicine | Inflammation | #E136

    APR 17

    Some of the Most Trusted Advice Was Once Wrong – The Hidden Blind Spots That Shape Modern Medicine | Inflammation | #E136

    🔥 Ever wonder if some “accepted” health advice might actually be missing the full picture? Read UnCurable to explore a deeper perspective on how medical blind spots can shape care and outcomes. What if some of the most trusted medical advice… was once completely wrong? In this minisode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman continues the conversation on medical blind spots, exploring how widely accepted ideas in healthcare can sometimes be incomplete, delayed, or even incorrect. Using powerful historical examples, he walks through how practices like smoking recommendations and even surgical interventions were once considered acceptable, despite long-term consequences. The episode also highlights how research, bias, and systemic influences can shape what becomes “standard” in medicine, sometimes delaying important shifts in understanding. This conversation encourages a more thoughtful and curious approach to health, reminding listeners that medicine is always evolving, and that asking informed questions can be an important part of better care. Key Topics Covered What medical blind spots are and how they developHistorical examples of harmful practices once considered acceptableHow smoking was promoted before being linked to diseaseWhy it can take decades for medical consensus to changeThe role of bias and external influence in shaping medical recommendationsHow newer trends like vaping may follow similar patternsThe concept of medical error and its impact on outcomesWhy some systemic issues in healthcare may go unaddressedThe importance of patient awareness and asking questionsHow curiosity and education can support better health decisions Follow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine 🌐 Website: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/ 📺 YouTube: @AaronHartmanMD

    10 min
  6. High Blood Pressure Is Not the Starting Point – The Early Changes That Lead to Hypertension and Heart Rhythm Issues | Heart Disease | E135

    APR 13

    High Blood Pressure Is Not the Starting Point – The Early Changes That Lead to Hypertension and Heart Rhythm Issues | Heart Disease | E135

    🔥 Trying to make sense of your blood pressure, heart rhythms, or early symptoms that don’t quite add up? Read UnCurable to explore a deeper, root-cause approach to understanding your health. What if high blood pressure isn’t the starting point… but the result of changes happening much earlier in your body? In this episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman continues his conversation with Dr. Christian Jenski, taking a deeper look at how hypertension develops and how it connects to electrical heart issues, vascular health, and whole-body physiology. They explore how blood pressure is influenced by far more than just the arteries, including the nervous system, hormones, kidney function, nutrient status, and lifestyle patterns. The conversation highlights how early signals like subtle blood pressure changes, sleep disturbances, or irregular rhythms can point to deeper dysfunction long before a diagnosis is made. This episode also emphasizes the connection between structural changes in the heart and electrical disturbances, showing how untreated hypertension can gradually lead to arrhythmias, heart remodeling, and more serious complications over time. Key Topics Covered Why optimal blood pressure is lower than many people realizeHow vascular stiffness and endothelial dysfunction contribute to hypertensionThe role of hormones, kidneys, and nervous system in blood pressure regulationWhy early blood pressure changes should not be dismissedHow hypertension can lead to structural changes in the heartThe connection between heart remodeling and electrical rhythm disturbancesWhat PVCs, PACs, and arrhythmias may indicate about heart healthWhy EKGs and heart rhythm monitoring provide important early insightsHow electrolyte balance (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium) affects heart rhythmThe link between lifestyle factors and conditions like atrial fibrillation Follow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine 🌐 Website: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/ 📺 YouTube: @AaronHartmanMD

    38 min
  7. What We Believe About Health May Be Wrong – The Hidden Blind Spots That Shape Medical Thinking | Inflammation | E134

    APR 10

    What We Believe About Health May Be Wrong – The Hidden Blind Spots That Shape Medical Thinking | Inflammation | E134

    🔥 Ever feel like your symptoms are being dismissed or not fully understood? Read UnCurable to explore a deeper perspective on how health is understood and where medicine can sometimes miss the mark. What if some of what we believe about health today… will one day be seen as completely wrong? In this minisode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman introduces a powerful concept: how medicine can sometimes miss the mark through blind spots, misinterpretation, and systemic gaps in understanding. He walks through real historical and modern examples to illustrate how medical thinking evolves, from early misconceptions around infection control to more recent challenges in understanding conditions like chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. The episode also highlights how differences in physiology, especially in women, have sometimes led to missed or delayed diagnoses. This conversation invites listeners to approach health with curiosity and awareness, recognizing that medicine is always evolving and that asking deeper questions can play an important role in better outcomes. Key Topics Covered What medical blind spots are and how they develop over timeA historical example of how handwashing was once dismissed in medicineThe concept of medical gaslighting and how it can affect patientsHow chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia have been misunderstoodThe evolving understanding of brain and immune-related conditionsDifferences in how women and men may experience symptomsWhy heart attack symptoms in women can look differentHow systemic assumptions can lead to missed diagnosesThe importance of questioning long-held medical beliefsWhy staying open to new information matters in healthcare Follow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine 🌐 Website: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/ 📺 YouTube: @AaronHartmanMD

    10 min
  8. Cholesterol Is Not the Problem – What It Reveals About Inflammation, Metabolism, and Vascular Health | Inflammation | E133

    APR 6

    Cholesterol Is Not the Problem – What It Reveals About Inflammation, Metabolism, and Vascular Health | Inflammation | E133

    What if cholesterol isn’t the problem… but a signal pointing to something deeper happening in your body? In this episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman sits down with Dr. Christian Jenski to take a deeper look at cholesterol through the lens of metabolic cardiology and vascular health. They explore why cholesterol is often misunderstood, and how focusing on a single number can miss the bigger picture. Instead, they break down how cholesterol functions in the body, why it’s essential for survival, and how factors like inflammation, metabolism, toxins, and nutrient balance can influence whether it becomes a risk. This conversation shifts the perspective from “lower is always better” to a more individualized approach, helping listeners understand how to interpret their labs in context and what may actually be driving changes in their lipid profile. Key Topics Covered Why cholesterol is essential and not inherently harmfulThe difference between total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglyceridesHow cholesterol levels relate to overall health and longevityWhy very low cholesterol may be problematic in some casesThe role of LDL particle size, oxidation, and densityWhat dysfunctional HDL is and why it mattersHow triglycerides reflect metabolic health and insulin sensitivityThe importance of ratios like triglyceride to HDLHow inflammation and oxidative stress influence lipid patternsWhy diet alone does not fully explain cholesterol levels Discover the book here: https://uncurablebook.com/ Follow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine 🌐 Website: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/ 📺 YouTube: @AaronHartmanMD

    48 min
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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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