Root Cause CSI™

Hypertension in 3 Lenses

High blood pressure is not just about the numbers—it may be a signal. In this deep dive episode, we explore hypertension through a functional medicine lens, while also comparing conventional and Traditional Chinese Medicine perspectives. We discuss how micronutrient imbalances—such as magnesium, potassium, and CoQ10—along with insulin resistance, chronic stress, inflammation, and medication-related nutrient depletion, may play a role in how the body regulates blood pressure. This episode is intended to expand your understanding of hypertension beyond symptom management and into root-cause thinking. Interested in micronutrient testing? Learn more at joanlu.com. For educational purposes only. Please consult your healthcare provider for medical care.

Episode 10: Insulin Resistance

Insulin resistance is not just about sugar. Two people can eat the same meal-but have completely different blood sugar responses. That's not just about food. That's about body chemistry. In this episode, we break it down through three lenses: Conventional Medicine - glucose and insulin regulation Functional Medicine - root causes, inflammation, nutrients Traditional Chinese Medicine - digestion, energy, internal balance Because healing starts with investigation.

Episode 9: What is the Root Cause of PCOS?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is often described as a hormonal disorder—but is that really the root cause? In this episode of Root Cause CSI™ — Clinical. Scientific. Investigations., Joan Lu breaks down PCOS beyond surface-level explanations and explores what is happening underneath the diagnosis. You’ll learn why many women are told they have a “hormonal problem,” but may actually be dealing with deeper metabolic and systemic imbalances—especially insulin resistance. This episode is designed to help you: • Understand the true root drivers behind PCOS • Recognize how blood sugar and insulin impact hormones • See PCOS through a broader, whole-body perspective • Begin thinking beyond symptom management Whether you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS, suspect hormonal imbalance, or are simply looking to understand your body better—this episode will give you a clearer, more empowering framework. 🎧 Follow the podcast for more root-cause health investigations 📍 Connect with Joan Lu for functional and culinary medicine education

Episode 8: Endometrial Hyperplasia vs Endometrial Cancer

In this episode of Root Cause CSI™ — Clinical. Scientific. Investigations., Joan Lu discusses the difference between endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer, two conditions that can sometimes appear similar but have very different implications. Joan also shares a personal experience of being told she had endometrial cancer based on an ultrasound finding, before a biopsy was even performed. The emotional impact of hearing that diagnosis inspired this episode and a gentle reflection on the importance of careful and compassionate communication in healthcare. This episode reviews: * What the endometrium is * What endometrial hyperplasia means * How it differs from endometrial cancer * Why proper medical evaluation and biopsy are important * Why words matter when communicating serious diagnoses This episode is intended for educational purposes only and encourages listeners experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding or concerning symptoms to seek appropriate medical evaluation from their healthcare provider.

Episode 7: Endometriosis Through Three Lenses

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. In this episode of Root Cause CSI™ — Clinical. Scientific. Investigations., Joan Lu explores endometriosis through three different clinical perspectives: conventional medicine, functional medicine, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Endometriosis is a condition that can affect millions of women worldwide, often presenting with symptoms such as severe menstrual pain, pelvic discomfort, fatigue, digestive changes, and fertility challenges. Yet many individuals spend years searching for answers before receiving a diagnosis. In this episode, we examine how different medical frameworks interpret the condition and what each perspective contributes to our understanding of the body. Topics discussed include: * Common symptom patterns associated with endometriosis * How conventional medicine explains endometrial lesions and inflammation * Functional medicine insights into hormones, inflammation, gut health, and metabolic factors * Traditional Chinese Medicine concepts such as Blood Stasis and Liver Qi stagnation * Why examining conditions through multiple clinical lenses can offer a broader understanding of health This episode also includes a brief personal reflection from Joan’s own journey with PCOS and endometriosis. This podcast is intended for education and awareness only and does not provide medical diagnosis or treatment. Root Cause CSI™ — Clinical. Scientific. Investigations. explores health conditions the way investigators examine a case — by looking at them through multiple clinical perspectives. Follow the podcast for more discussions on integrative health, functional medicine, and Traditional Chinese Medicine frameworks.