The Real Health Podcast

Riordan Clinic

The Real Health podcast is brought to you by Riordan Clinic. Our mission is to bring you the latest information and top experts in functional and integrative medicine to help you make informed decisions on your path to real health. 

  1. Aug 11

    Re-Mission: Nutrition, Metabolic Health, and Real Recovery, with Jen Nolan

    Metabolic health, remission, and real nutrition strategies: on this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Ron Hunninghake and Jen Nolan of Remission Nutrition explore what it actually takes to rebuild your health through food. "So it's not always about, oh, I have a diagnosis and I'm doing this thing, and then I'll be in remission. But what about re-mission?" said Jen Nolan. In this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Ron Hunninghake sits down with Jen Nolan, owner and director of Remission Nutrition, to explore how nutrition builds metabolic health and lays the foundation for lasting wellness and remission. Remission, Jen explains, isn't just a cancer conversation: the same principles apply to diabetes and other chronic conditions rooted in metabolic health, which is why the conversation broadens from there into practical nutrition that works for everyone. Discover practical strategies for overcoming common barriers to healthy eating: convenience, time, and food addiction, and learn how to retrain your taste buds for real, whole foods. From intermittent fasting and ketogenic diets to simple home cooking techniques and smart shopping habits, Jen and Dr. Ron share actionable guidance for building a sustainable nutrition plan that supports metabolic health and long-term vitality. Whether you're thinking about remission from cancer, diabetes, or another chronic condition, or simply want to eat in a way that supports your metabolic health, this conversation offers practical, food-first strategies you can start using today. Chapters: 0:00 Intro [1:15] Remission beyond cancer: diabetes and chronic conditions [4:10] Barriers to healthy eating: convenience, time, and food addiction [8:20] Home cooking techniques and smart shopping habits [12:40] Trends, Intermittent fasting, and ketogenic diets [17:40] Building a sustainable nutrition plan 👉 Learn more about Dr. Ron Hunninghake: https://riordanclinic.org/staff/ron-hunninghake-md/ 👉 Learn more about Jen Nolan and Remission Nutrition: https://www.remissionnutrition.com/ 👉 Learn more about becoming a co-learner at Riordan Clinic: https://riordanclinic.org/become-a-patient/ 👉 Want more structured support building metabolic health? Learn about our Metabolic Restoration Program: https://riordanclinic.org/what-we-do/metabolic-restoration-program/ Episode links and resources: - Learn more about Riordan Clinic: https://riordanclinic.org - Explore integrative health services: https://riordanclinic.org/services/ - Listen/watch more Real Health Podcast episodes: http://podcast.riordanclinic.org Topics we explore in this episode include: metabolic health, remission, diabetes, chronic disease, food as medicine, practical strategies, terrain, individualized care, integrative medicine, orthomolecular nutrition, real health, Riordan Clinic, Real Health Podcast #MetabolicHealth #RealHealthPodcast #FoodAsMedicine #RiordanClinic #RemissionNutrition

    Re-Mission: Nutrition, Metabolic Health, and Real Recovery, with Jen Nolan
  2. Jul 21

    Beyond Conventional Medicine: What Integrative Oncology Means to Us — Riordan Roundtable

    "The patient, the first thing I think we look at is the patient themselves, what makes that person who they are. Everybody has their own journey as to why they're here and why they developed cancer. And so trying to understand more of what that person is bringing to the table is only going to help us help them as doctors and as co-learners together." - Dr. Kirsten West In this episode of the Riordan Roundtable, Dr. Drew Rose sits down with Naturopathic Oncologists Dr. Stacy Dunn and Dr. Kirsten West to explore integrative oncology—a holistic approach to cancer care that combines conventional treatments with complementary therapies. The providers discuss what integrative oncology means to them, why patients are "co-learners" in their own care, and how trending wellness strategies—from fasting to repurposed medications—fit into evidence-based practice. Learn how they navigate patient autonomy while protecting against harmful decisions, and why there's no single cure for cancer. 👉 Learn more about Dr. Drew Rose: https://riordanclinic.org/staff/drew-rose-do/ 👉 Learn more about Dr. Stacy Dunn: https://riordanclinic.org/staff/stacy-dunn-nd-lac-fabno-faborm/ 👉 Learn more about Dr. Kirsten West: https://riordanclinic.org/staff/kirsten-west-nd-lac-fabno/ 👉 Learn more about becoming a co-learner at Riordan Clinic: https://riordanclinic.org/become-a-patient/ Episode links and resources: Learn more about Riordan Clinic: https://riordanclinic.org Explore integrative oncology services: https://riordanclinic.org/what-we-do/integrative-oncology-at-riordan-clinic/ Listen/watch more Real Health Podcast episodes: https://podcast.riordanclinic.org/ Topics we explore in this episode include: integrative medicine, naturopathic medicine, root-cause care, functional medicine, chronic illness, integrative oncology, cancer support, patient advocacy, wellness, lifestyle medicine, provider collaboration, Riordan Clinic, Real Health Podcast

    Beyond Conventional Medicine: What Integrative Oncology Means to Us — Riordan Roundtable
  3. Jul 7

    Rethinking Metabolic Syndrome: What are the root causes and where do we begin?

    "The idea of metabolic scoring is to take guilt out of the picture. Because this is not anyone's fault. It's basically a cosmic shift in just our whole lifestyle here in Western civilization." — Dr. Ron Hunninghake In this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Ron Hunninghake and Dr. Drew Rose discuss the complexities of metabolic syndrome, its prevalence in the Western world, and the lifestyle factors contributing to it. They emphasize the importance of identifying root causes and implementing personalized health strategies to combat this growing epidemic. 👉 Learn more about Dr. Ron Hunninghake: https://riordanclinic.org/staff/ron-hunninghake-md/ 👉 Learn more about Dr. Drew Rose: https://riordanclinic.org/staff/drew-rose-do/ 👉 Learn more about becoming a co-learner at Riordan Clinic: https://riordanclinic.org/become-a-patient/ Episode links and resources: - Learn more about Riordan Clinic: https://riordanclinic.org - Explore integrative health services: https://riordanclinic.org/services/ - Listen/watch more Real Health Podcast episodes: http://podcast.riordanclinic.org Topics we explore in this episode include: metabolic syndrome, metabolic scoring, BMI, triglycerides, HDL, LDL, body compositions, glucose monitors, whole foods, trans fat, GLP-1, food, stress, sleep, support, early detection, metabolic program, social support, individualized care, integrative medicine, real health, Riordan Clinic, Real Health Podcast

    Rethinking Metabolic Syndrome: What are the root causes and where do we begin?
  4. May 26

    From Survival to Thriving in the Nervous System

    “We survive in danger, but we thrive in safety.” —Jen Nolan The nervous system shapes how the body responds to stress, healing, and everyday life, often without us realizing it. In this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Kirsten West is joined by Jen Nolan, owner of Remission Nutrition and nutrition advisor at Riordan Clinic, to explore how the nervous system influences the healing process, especially for those navigating cancer and life after treatment. Jen shares how patterns of chronic stress, fear, and “scanxiety” can keep the body in a constant state of fight or flight. Over time, this can influence inflammation, immune function, sleep, and the body’s ability to adapt. Dr. West walks through the physiology behind these responses, including the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The conversation also introduces polyvagal theory, offering a clearer picture of how the body moves between states of stress, safety, and shutdown. You’ll hear how heart rate variability can reflect the body’s resilience and why it can be helpful to notice patterns over time. They also discuss the vagus nerve and its role in communication between the brain and body, influencing digestion, mood, and overall regulation. The episode closes with practical ways to support the nervous system in daily life. Breathwork, movement, time in nature, and connection with others can all help signal safety and support the body’s ability to regulate. Throughout the conversation, one idea keeps coming up. Healing involves more than addressing physical symptoms. It also includes creating a sense of safety within the body. 👉 Learn more about Jen Nolan and Remission Nutrition 👉 Learn more about Dr. Kirsten West 👉 Learn more about becoming a co-learner at Riordan Clinic Episode links and resources Learn more about Riordan Clinic Explore integrative health services Listen/watch more Real Health Podcast episodes Disclaimer The information contained on the Real Health Podcast and the resources mentioned are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as medical or health advice. The information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Information provided by hosts and guests on the Real Health Podcast or the use of any products or services mentioned does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this podcast. Topics we explore in this episode include: nervous system health, stress response, vagus nerve, polyvagal theory, heart rate variability, cancer support, survivorship, scanxiety, emotional resilience, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, healing, Riordan Clinic, Real Health Podcast

    From Survival to Thriving in the Nervous System
  5. May 19

    Why Mental Health Starts with the Whole Person

    “Words give feelings meaning.” —Dr. Drew Rose Mental health is often treated as something separate from physical health, even though the two are closely connected. In this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Michelle Niesley sits down with Dr. Drew Rose to talk through how a whole-person approach can support mental and emotional well-being. Dr. Drew shares how factors like nutrient levels, inflammation, and daily habits can influence mood and mental clarity. They discuss the role of lab testing in identifying potential imbalances in vitamin D, B vitamins, magnesium, and fatty acids, and how these factors work together. Sleep is a major part of the conversation. You’ll hear why restorative sleep matters for the nervous system and how small changes in sleep habits can support better consistency over time. They also touch on circadian rhythm, light exposure, and common disruptions that affect rest. The discussion also explores the role of therapy and the importance of having the right support system in place. Mental health care often works best as a collaborative effort, where lifestyle, nutrition, and emotional support are all part of the picture. They also walk through practical ways to begin making changes, including spending time outdoors, moving, and creating space for rest. The focus stays on building a foundation that supports both mental and physical well-being. For a deeper look at this topic, Dr. Drew expands on these ideas in his article: 👉 Mental Health Starts with the Whole Person Throughout the episode, the conversation returns to a simple idea. When the body is supported, the mind often follows. 👉 Learn more about Dr. Drew Rose 👉 Learn more about Dr. Michelle Niesley 👉 Learn more about becoming a co-learner at Riordan Clinic Episode links and resources Learn more about Riordan Clinic Explore integrative health services Listen/watch more Real Health Podcast episodes Disclaimer The information contained on the Real Health Podcast and the resources mentioned are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as medical or health advice. The information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Information provided by hosts and guests on the Real Health Podcast or the use of any products or services mentioned does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this podcast. Topics we explore in this episode include: mental health, sleep, circadian rhythm, stress, nervous system health, nutrient deficiencies, vitamin D, magnesium, B vitamins, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, therapy, wellness, functional medicine, Riordan Clinic, Real Health Podcast

    Why Mental Health Starts with the Whole Person
  6. May 12

    Inside Integrative Care | Riordan Clinic Provider Roundtable

    "The body wants to be well." —Dr. Kirsten West Every person’s health story looks different. Some people arrive after a diagnosis. Others come in after years of feeling dismissed, exhausted, or stuck searching for answers. In this first episode of the Riordan Clinic Provider Roundtable, Dr. Drew Rose is joined by Dr. Stacy Dunn and Dr. Kirsten West to discuss what led each of them to medicine, how they approach integrative care, and why individualized support matters. They discuss the differences between conventional and integrative medicine, including the importance of looking beyond symptoms and understanding the bigger picture of a person’s health. The conversation also touches on chronic illness, oncology support, patient advocacy, and the challenges of sorting through health information online. You’ll hear the providers share how they evaluate research, why collaboration matters in patient care, and what they hope co-learners experience when they come to Riordan Clinic. The episode also gives listeners a first look at the Riordan Clinic Provider Roundtable series, a monthly conversation bringing providers together to discuss integrative health topics, answer common questions, and share perspectives from their work with co-learners. 👉 Learn more about Dr. Drew Rose 👉 Learn more about Dr. Stacy Dunn 👉 Learn more about Dr. Kirsten West 👉 Learn more about becoming a co-learner at Riordan Clinic Episode links and resources Learn more about Riordan Clinic Explore integrative oncology services Listen/watch more Real Health Podcast episodes Disclaimer The information contained on the Real Health Podcast and the resources mentioned are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as medical or health advice. The information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Information provided by hosts and guests on the Real Health Podcast or the use of any products or services mentioned does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this podcast. Topics we explore in this episode include: integrative medicine, naturopathic medicine, root-cause care, functional medicine, chronic illness, integrative oncology, cancer support, patient advocacy, wellness, lifestyle medicine, provider collaboration, Riordan Clinic, Real Health Podcast

    Inside Integrative Care | Riordan Clinic Provider Roundtable
  7. May 5

    Bone Health After Cancer What Matters Most

    “It is so important, and I think most people don’t realize that some of the cancer treatments can actually impair bone health.”—Dr. Stacy Dunn Bone health doesn’t always get attention until something changes. For many people, especially after cancer treatment, shifts in bone density can happen quietly over time. In this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Michelle Niesley sits down with Dr. Stacy Dunn to talk through what supports bone health during and after cancer care. Dr. Dunn shares how treatments like chemotherapy and hormone therapies can influence bone density, sometimes earlier than expected. They discuss how tools like DEXA scans are used to check bone health and why they can be helpful as part of ongoing care. The conversation also covers nutrients that play a role in bone health, including vitamin D, vitamin K2, and magnesium. Rather than focusing on one piece in isolation, they talk about how these work together and why balance matters. Movement is another part of the picture. You’ll hear why resistance training can support bone strength and how it can be worked into everyday routines without needing a full gym setup. Starting small and staying consistent can go a long way. They also walk through a few common areas of confusion, including medications, calcium intake, melatonin, and soy. The goal is to offer context so people can better understand their options and ask informed questions. Throughout the episode, the focus stays on the bigger picture. Bone health connects to nutrition, movement, sleep, and overall well-being, especially during survivorship and long-term care. 👉 Learn more about Dr. Stacy Dunn 👉 Learn more about Dr. Michelle Niesley 👉 Learn more about becoming a co-learner at Riordan Clinic Episode links and resources Learn more about Riordan Clinic Explore integrative oncology services Listen/Watch more Real Health Podcast episodes Disclaimer The information contained on the Real Health Podcast and the resources mentioned are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as medical or health advice. The information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Information provided by hosts and guests on the Real Health Podcast or the use of any products or services mentioned does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this podcast. Topics we explore in this episode include bone health, osteoporosis, osteopenia, cancer survivorship, integrative oncology, vitamin D, vitamin K2, magnesium, DEXA scan, resistance training, lifestyle support, hormone therapy, melatonin, soy and health, functional medicine, integrative health, Riordan Clinic, Real Health Podcast

    Bone Health After Cancer What Matters Most
4.8
out of 5
45 Ratings

About

The Real Health podcast is brought to you by Riordan Clinic. Our mission is to bring you the latest information and top experts in functional and integrative medicine to help you make informed decisions on your path to real health. 

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