The Root Cause Medicine Podcast

In this episode of the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge is joined by Dr. Jessica Christie, a licensed naturopathic doctor, clinical nutritionist, and integrative fertility expert, to discuss a diagnosis that frustrates both patients and practitioners: unexplained infertility. Dr. Christie explains that “unexplained” can sometimes mean “we haven’t found the root cause yet,” and she walks us through six of the most common hidden causes of fertility struggles—from subclinical hypothyroidism and nutrient deficiencies to autoimmune markers and environmental toxin exposure. Whether you’re a patient searching for answers or a practitioner looking for a more complete workup, this conversation offers evidence-based strategies, powerful case examples, and a hopeful message: unexplained doesn’t mean unsolvable. You’ll hear them discuss: - Why “unexplained infertility” is a diagnosis of exclusion—and what it often misses (Abdallah et al., 2020) - Six common, often-overlooked root-cause contributors to fertility struggles - How research links subclinical hypothyroidism with IVF success rates (Cho et al., 2015) - The immune markers linked to miscarriage and implantation failure (Demir et al., 2009; Shahbazi et al., 2019; Sauer et al., 2010; Jalilvand et al., 2023; Edassery et al., 2010) - Why gut and vaginal dysbiosis matter for egg quality and implantation (Patel et al., 2022; Tersigni et al., 2014; Blancafort & Llácer, 2023) - The micronutrients most essential for fertility—and most commonly deficient (Skoracka et al., 2021; Ji et al., 2023) - How to approach detoxing safely when trying to conceive (Jain & Singh, 2022; Pizzorno, 2017; NCCIH, 2019) - Real patient stories that show what’s possible with root-cause medicine Guest Details: * Website: magnoliaintegrativefertility.com * Email: info@magnoliaintegrativefertility.com [info@magnoliaintegrativefertility.com] * Instagram: @trulyholisticfertility * Clinical Director, Magnolia Integrative Fertility * Magazine Manager, Fullscript and Rupa Health * Specialties: Fertility, hormone balance, autoimmune conditions, nutrition, women’s health Rupa Health Details: * Rupa Health's Website [https://www.rupahealth.com/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rupahealth/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rupa_health/], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@rupahealth/videos] * Rupa Health Reference Guide [https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide] & Magazine [https://www.rupahealth.com/magazine] Labs Mentioned * TSH [https://www.rupahealth.com/lab-tests/bioreference-tsh] * Ovarian antibodies [https://www.rupahealth.com/lab-tests/bioreference-anti-ovarian-antibody-igg] * CRP [https://www.rupahealth.com/lab-tests/bioreference-c-reactive-protein-crp] * Vitamin D [https://www.rupahealth.com/lab-tests/vitamin-d-25oh-d2-d3] * Selenium [https://www.rupahealth.com/lab-tests/quest-diagnostics-selenium] * Stool testing for dysbiosis [https://www.rupahealth.com/lab-tests/mosaic-diagnostics-comprehensive-stool-analysis] * Vaginal swab for BV [https://www.rupahealth.com/lab-tests/doctors-data-vaginosis-profile] * Urine panel for environmental toxins [https://www.rupahealth.com/lab-tests/doctors-data-urine-toxic-metals-24-hr] * Functional hormone panels [https://www.rupahealth.com/lab-tests/access-med-labs-functional-health-panel-male](blood, urine, or month-long testing) Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome and introduction to Dr. Jessica Christie 03:05 – What “unexplained infertility” really means 06:36 – Six hidden contributors of infertility: thyroid, autoimmunity, inflammation, dysbiosis, nutrient deficiencies, toxins 12:24 – Subclinical hypothyroidism: labs, ranges, fertility outcomes 17:35 – Autoimmune markers and how they can affect implantation and miscarriage risk 23:15 – IL-6 and chronic inflammation in infertility 25:33 – Gut and vaginal dysbiosis and how it’s tested 29:27 – Top nutrient deficiencies to test and replete 34:28 – Environmental toxins: where they come from and how to reduce them 41:04 – Ideal lab panel for investigating unexplained infertility 44:31 – Safe detox strategies while trying to conceive 47:53 – Probiotics, fiber, and supporting the body’s natural detox pathways 51:03 – Rapid fire: favorite supplements, myths, labs, and research picks

In today's episode of The Root Cause Medicine Podcast, we're gonna go over what to do when your kid gets sick, including what to do, what not to do, and how you can address the top 25 acute childhood concerns using an integrative approach with Dr. Elisa Song. You’ll hear us discuss: * Integrative approaches to pediatric health * Post-antibiotic recovery for your kids * Engaging your vagus nerve to enhance your health * Breathing exercises for children * Homeopathy and natural remedies for children's health Dr. Elisa Song is a holistic pediatrician and pediatric functional medicine expert who has helped over 1,000 children thrive by combining conventional pediatrics with functional medicine, homeopathy, essential oils, and Traditional Chinese Medicine. She is the Founder of Healthy Kids Happy Kids, a trusted online resource for holistic pediatric advice. Dr. Song is also the Founder and Holistic Pediatrician at Whole Family Wellness. Her new book, Healthy Kids, Happy Kids: An Integrative Pediatrician’s Guide to Whole Child Resilience, offers practical insights on how to nurture resilient children. Labs Mentioned * IgE-Mediated [https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-complete-guide-to-food-sensitivity-and-intolerance-testing] * IgG Antibodies [https://www.rupahealth.com/post/why-would-my-patient-have-a-positive-igg-if-they-havent-eaten-that-food] * Environmental Allergies [https://www.rupahealth.com/post/a-functional-medicine-protocol-for-seasonal-allergies] Guest Details: * Dr. Elisa Song’s Website [https://healthykidshappykids.com/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drelisasong/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/healthykids_happykids/?hl=en], X [https://x.com/ElisaSongMD], Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/DrElisaSongMD], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/drelisasongmd], TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@healthykids_happykids] * Healthy Kids, Happy Kids Book [https://www.amazon.com/Healthy-Kids-Happy-Integrative-Pediatricians/dp/0358751179/ref=sr_1_1?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.jsEPuTp4Jmal56QSNH6qYg.CTVCO78uUEUco5Wktwdtdi8Q8adiW-pwEYvQoHNNpL8&dib_tag=se&qid=1717055550&refinements=p_27%3AElisa+Song+M.D.&s=books&sr=1-1&text=Elisa+Song+M.D.] * Whole Family Wellness Website [https://www.wholefamilywellness.org/who.htm] * CEDH USA Website [https://www.cedhusa.org/] Rupa Health Details: * Rupa Health's Website [https://www.rupahealth.com/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rupahealth/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rupa_health/], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@rupahealth/videos] * Rupa Health Reference Guide [https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide] & Magazine [https://www.rupahealth.com/magazine] * Dr. Kate Kresge [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkatehenry/overlay/about-this-profile/]’s Website [https://www.doctorkatehenry.com/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkatehenry/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dr.katehenry/], Youtube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNh_I-FlfB0n99dqT3vSbog] & Twitter [https://twitter.com/DrKateHenry1] * Dr. Kate Kresge [https://www.linkedin.com/in/drkatehenry/overlay/about-this-profile/] on Podcast [https://open.spotify.com/show/5VK9cQmakC33rLkK7hLGVA] Timestamps 00:00 - Intro 02:43 - Post-Antibiotic Recovery for Your Kids 08:34 - How One Conference Led Dr. Song to Transform Pediatric Medicine 15:17 - Engaging Your Vagus Nerve to Enhance Your Health 25:22 - Natural Remedies for Your Child's Ear Infection 31:41 - The Link Between Childhood Diseases and Enlarged Tonsils 37:58 - Natural Allergy Tips 42:50 - Restore Your Health at Any Age

In this episode of the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with Dr. Eric Viegas, a naturopathic doctor and Fullscript’s Medical Product Manager, to pull back the curtain on the world of supplement quality and safety. From raw ingredient sourcing to manufacturing audits, Dr. Viegas explains what CGMP really means, how Fullscript ensures product integrity, and why certifications like NSF and third-party testing matter. You’ll learn how to evaluate your supplements for quality, what common industry terms really mean (or don’t), and what to avoid—like potentially dangerous sports nutrition products and under-tested trendy gummies. Whether you’re a clinician or a supplement-savvy consumer, this episode offers practical insights to help you navigate the supplement landscape with confidence. You’ll hear them discuss: * What CGMP certification actually means—and why it matters * The hidden dangers of poor manufacturing practices and counterfeit products * Why Fullscript’s catalog is CGMP-certified across all 375+ brands * How and why supplements like turmeric are tested for purity, potency, and contamination * The surprising problems with gummies and “pharmaceutical grade” claims * Which third-party certifications actually mean something (and which don’t) * Why the supplement industry is regulated—but not in the way most people assume * How Fullscript handles recalls, audits, and adverse event reports * What every provider and consumer should know before recommending or taking a supplement Guest Bio: Dr. Eric Viegas is a naturopathic doctor and a Medical Product Manager at Fullscript, where he leads initiatives related to supplement quality, safety, and education. Before joining Fullscript, he worked directly with supplement companies to educate providers about clinical applications, product quality, and manufacturing standards. At Fullscript, Dr. Viegas plays a pivotal role in vetting brands, reviewing third-party certifications, and educating practitioners on how to choose safe and effective supplements. His work ensures that thousands of clinicians and their patients have access to a curated catalog of rigorously vetted products. Guest Details: Dr. Eric Viegas * Role: Medical Product Manager, Fullscript * Education: Naturopathic Doctor (ND), Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine * Focus: Supplement quality, functional ingredients, CGMP standards, third-party testing * Website: www.fullscript.com [https://www.fullscript.com] * Quality Program: Fullscript Quality Standards Rupa Health Details: * Rupa Health's Website [https://www.rupahealth.com/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rupahealth/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rupa_health/], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@rupahealth/videos] * Rupa Health Reference Guide [https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide] & Magazine [https://www.rupahealth.com/magazine] Labs Mentioned * CGMP [https://www.rupahealth.com/post/what-is-the-difference-between-medical-grade-supplements-and-over-the-counter-supplements] * NSF and NSF Certified for Sport [https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-role-of-functional-nutrition-in-optimizing-athletic-performance] * Informed Sport / Informed Choice [https://www.rupahealth.com/post/neurological-health-in-athletes-preventing-and-managing-concussions-and-brain-injuries] * B Corp [https://www.rupahealth.com/post/dba-vs-llc-vs-s-corp-the-different-ways-to-incorporate-your-functional-medicine-practice] * Friend of the Sea (fish oil) [https://www.rupahealth.com/post/the-truth-about-fish-oil-supplements-benefits-risks-and-controversies] * USP methods (United States Pharmacopeia) [https://www.rupahealth.com/post/what-is-the-difference-between-medical-grade-supplements-and-over-the-counter-supplements] * Prop 65 (California heavy metal limits) [https://www.rupahealth.com/post/heavy-metals-test-101-why-testing-heavy-metals-is-important-for-a-root-cause-medicine-approach] * Botanical Adulterants Prevention Program [https://www.rupahealth.com/post/sarsaparilla-an-ancient-herb-with-modern-health-benefits] * Microbial, heavy metal, and pesticide testing [https://www.rupahealth.com/lab-tests/mosaic-diagnostics-envirotox-complete-metals] Timestamps 00:00 – Meet Dr. Eric Viegas and his path to Fullscript 02:05 – Why supplement quality matters more than you think 05:10 – What CGMP means and why third-party audits matter 08:23 – Fullscript’s vetting process and catalog standards 13:50 – The turmeric example: testing for identity, potency, and purity 18:03 – Stability testing and why overages are sometimes added 19:10 – The issue with gummies and water-based supplements 22:04 – Clinical safety vs. manufacturing safety 24:48 – Contaminants in supplements: what providers should know 30:02 – Making it easier to find high-quality products in a big catalog 32:30 – Vegan, organic, non-GMO, and sustainability filters 34:06 – Friend of the Sea and oxidation testing for fish oils 36:11 – Rapid fire: fish oil, collagen hype, and what "pharmaceutical grade" really means 43:03 – Should a good diet make supplements unnecessary? 46:24 – Final rule of thumb: see your provider and check for CGMP

In this episode of the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with functional immunology expert and educator Dr. Samuel Yanuck to explore one of the most overlooked systems in chronic illness: the immune system. With clarity and compassion, Dr. Yanuck breaks down how immune dysregulation can contribute to complex conditions like depression, neuropathy, migraines, chronic fatigue, and even cardiovascular disease. From brain inflammation and mast cell activation to Epstein-Barr virus and mold, Dr. Yanuck offers a new way of thinking about biology—where inflammation isn’t just a symptom, but a system that can be measured, understood, and treated. You’ll here them discuss: * Why immunology could be at the root of nearly every chronic illness * The immune pathways that connect depression, anxiety, brain fog, and fatigue * What PANS, PANDAS, and autoimmune encephalitis really are—and why they’re often misdiagnosed * How gut, brain, and immune health form a feedback loop * The labs you should run if you suspect chronic immune dysfunction * A framework for evaluating chronic viral infections like EBV and CMV * Natural immune modulators: Chinese skullcap, astragalus, quercetin, sulforaphane, and more * Why personalized immune workups—not protocols—create results Guest Bio: Dr. Samuel Yanuck is a functional medicine clinician and expert educator in functional immunology. He is the creator of Cogence Immunology, a comprehensive online training program that has educated over 9,000 clinicians in over 60 countries. His approach blends immunology, clinical experience, and systems thinking to help providers and patients uncover the true drivers of chronic illness. Dr. Yanuck is also the co-founder of the Yanuck Center for Life and Health in North Carolina, where he sees patients and helps clinicians find root-cause solutions to immune dysfunction through mentorship and collaboration. His work is helping reshape how the next generation of practitioners understand inflammation, autoimmunity, and healing. Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide Guest Details: Dr. Samuel Yanuck * Clinic Website: www.yanuckcenter.com [https://www.yanuckcenter.com] * Academy: www.cogenceimmunology.com [https://www.cogenceimmunology.com] * Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina * Clinician Training Program: Cogence Immunology (Free with sponsorship) * Specialties: Functional immunology, complex chronic illness, autoimmune encephalitis, PANS/PANDAS, neuroimmune interactions Rupa Health Details: * Rupa Health's Website [https://www.rupahealth.com/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rupahealth/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rupa_health/], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@rupahealth/videos] * Rupa Health Reference Guide [https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide] & Magazine [https://www.rupahealth.com/magazine] Labs Mentioned CBC with differential [https://www.rupahealth.com/lab-tests/7590] Ferritin [https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-do-you-interpret-your-ferritin-blood-test-results] Myeloperoxidase [https://www.rupahealth.com/lab-tests/quest-diagnostics-myeloperoxidase-antibody] EBV panel (VCA IgG, EBNA, Early Antigen) [https://www.rupahealth.com/lab-tests/bioreference-ebv-panel] Thyroid panel with antibodies [https://www.rupahealth.com/lab-tests/bioreference-thyroid-antibodies] Food sensitivity testing [https://www.rupahealth.com/post/common-food-sensitivities-intolerances] Mold antibodies [https://www.rupahealth.com/health-categories/mold] VIP (vasoactive intestinal polypeptide) [https://www.rupahealth.com/lab-tests/labcorp-vasoactive-intestinal-polypeptide-vip] Genetic testing for IL-6 [https://www.rupahealth.com/lab-tests/bostonheart-interleukin-6] Sleep tracking [https://www.rupahealth.com/post/smart-watches-the-gateway-to-advanced-health-tracking-for-functional-medicine-practitioners] (e.g., Oura Ring) Timestamps 00:00 – Meet Dr. Sam Yanuck and how functional immunology became his life’s work 01:52 – Case studies: reversing sarcoidosis and managing cancer with immune modulation 04:16 – Immunology in every case: from neuropathy to chronic fatigue 07:33 – What’s missing in traditional medical education 11:08 – How to catch immune dysfunction before it's too late 20:18 – What functional immunology reveals when the "right thing" didn’t work 21:13 – Understanding PANS, PANDAS, and autoimmune encephalitis 27:37 – How depression, anxiety, and inflammation feed each other 34:16 – Why casting a wide net with labs matters for root cause medicine 36:00 – The labs you’re probably not running (but should) 41:16 – The role of genetics, IL-6, IL-4, histamine, and acetylcholine 47:21 – How to begin testing for inflammation, oxidative stress, and immune loops 55:36 – Chronic viral infections (EBV, CMV, HSV) and how to screen for them 59:15 – Understanding IgG patterns and EBV early antigen 01:06:12 – What to do about viral burden: nutrition, herbs, and TH1 support 01:09:39 – Histamine intolerance, aldehydes, and mast cell overwhelm 01:11:49 – How to think like a clinician: iterate, evaluate, evolve 01:12:46 – Where to find Dr. Yanuck and how to access Cogence Immunology

In this episode of the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, Dr. Kate Kresge sits down with neurologist and bestselling author Dr. Dale Bredesen to challenge everything we think we know about brain aging. Dr. Bredesen shares why age-related cognitive decline is not just treatable but in many cases preventable—and even reversible. Drawing on decades of lab research and clinical success, he outlines the root causes of cognitive decline and introduces the listener to the "cognoscopy," a powerful tool for early detection. With practical, science-backed insights on inflammation, insulin resistance, environmental toxins, and the emerging brain microbiome, this is a masterclass in 21st-century brain health. You’ll here them discuss: * Why cognitive decline is often preventable—and sometimes reversible * The three key drivers of cognitive decline: inflammation, energy deficit, and toxicity * How to use the "cognoscopy" to catch signs of dementia early * The role of the brain’s microbiome and oral health in neurodegeneration * Why mold, metals, and mycotoxins are underestimated threats * New blood biomarkers like pTau217, GFAP, and NFL * Supplements that support brain health, including magnesium threonate and omega-3 * How to tailor treatment using functional lab testing and wearables * Stories of patient recovery—and what makes the difference Guest Details: Dr Dale Bredesen’s website: https://www.apollohealthco.com/dr-bredesen/ [https://www.apollohealthco.com/dr-bredesen/] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdalebredesen [https://www.instagram.com/drdalebredesen] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drdalebredesen [https://www.facebook.com/drdalebredesen] X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/drdalebredesen [https://twitter.com/drdalebredesen] Rupa Health Details: * Rupa Health's Website [https://www.rupahealth.com/], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/rupahealth/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/rupa_health/], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@rupahealth/videos] * Rupa Health Reference Guide [https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide] & Magazine [https://www.rupahealth.com/magazine] Order tests through Rupa Health, the BEST place to order functional medicine lab tests from 30+ labs - https://www.rupahealth.com/reference-guide Labs Mentioned * Cognoscopy [https://www.rupahealth.com/post/how-the-occipital-lobe-shapes-our-visual-world] * Homocysteine [https://www.rupahealth.com/post/what-do-homocysteine-test-results-tell-us] * Sleep metrics [https://www.rupahealth.com/post/smart-watches-the-gateway-to-advanced-health-tracking-for-functional-medicine-practitioners] * phosphatidylcholine IV [https://www.rupahealth.com/post/poor-short-term-memory-muscles-weakness-and-constipation-are-symptoms-of-low-levels-of-this-neurotransmitter] * glutathione [https://www.rupahealth.com/post/glutathione-health-benefits-the-master-antioxidant] Timestamps 00:00 – Intro to Dr. Dale Bredesen & episode theme: cognitive decline is preventable. 02:29 – Dr. Bredesen introduces The Ageless Brain and its purpose. 04:46 – Functional medicine approach outperforms standard care in trials. 06:00 – His background and frustration with traditional neurodegenerative treatments. 10:22 – First anecdotes and pushback from medical establishment. 14:34 – Scientific fraud in Alzheimer’s research; real recovery stories. 18:49 – What a “Cognoscopy” includes: labs, cognitive tests, optional MRI. 21:16 – Key biomarkers: P-Tau217, GFAP, NFL. 29:45 – 7 fundamentals for brain health: diet, exercise, sleep, stress, brain training, detox, supplements. 36:29 – Brain microbiome and oral health links to cognition. 41:01 – Secondary factors: neurotransmitters, hormones, stress markers. 46:15 – APOE4 insights; inflammation vs. toxin-driven cases. 49:03 – Oral/sinus probiotics, targeted treatments. 51:17 – Testing is the most critical first step. 53:00 – Making testing and precision medicine more accessible. 56:46 – What the “Brain Scan” test includes. 59:26 – Closing: book, website, and resources.