About this Episode Episode 8 - airs August 21st, 2025 In this episode, Dr. Daina Parent, ND, sits down with Laurence Katsaras—Naturopath, Acupuncturist, and classically trained Western Herbalist—for a deep dive into incretin hormones, especially GLP-1’s and their far-reaching effects on the body. They discuss the interconnected web of health in which all physiological pathways work together, and how GLP-1 medications can distort this web leading to unintended effects elsewhere. They highlight clinical takeaways for keeping the web strong through hormone balance, gut health, herbs, diet, and lifestyle. They explore the pros and cons of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, herbal and lifestyle recommendations to help manage side effects, and natural approaches that support the body’s own ability to regulate these pathways. Laurence also shares insights from his 20 years in the natural medicine industry as a clinician, researcher, and educator. A sought-after speaker in the naturopathic and complementary medicine field across Australia and New Zealand, he is known for translating emerging research into practical, actionable strategies for clinical practice. Use the audio player above to listen now! And don't forget to follow and like our podcast channel to stay up-to-date on upcoming podcast episodes. Highlights of the episode include: GLP-1 medication effects vs. the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone activity Risks for women in perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause: muscle loss and bone health impacts Herbal compounds that stimulate GLP-1 receptors naturally The complex web of health: restoring balance in interconnected physiological systems Broad benefits of bitter herbs on the gut microbiome as part of a holistic approach to metabolic health Podcast Summary 1:30 Defining incretin hormones, including GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) 5:06 Organs that are influenced by incretin hormones, and how are they affected 7:48 GLP-1 medication effects vs. the body’s natural GLP-1 hormone activity 8:53 Side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications 11:00 Concerns about weight loss, muscle loss and rebound weight gain after discontinuing medication 15:30 Importance of continuing holistic diet and lifestyle habits after going off medications 18:20 Risks for women in perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause: muscle loss and bone health impacts 20:07 Herbal compounds that stimulate GLP-1 receptors naturally—gentle, holistic alternatives without dramatic or rapid changes 29:00 How bitter herbs and foods stimulate incretin hormone production naturally 30:30 Herbs with metabolic benefits and that support GLP-1 function 32:25 Is long-term GLP-1 medication use sustainable considering side effects and costs? Harnessing the body’s innate ability to rebalance 33:30 The complex web of health: restoring balance in interconnected physiological systems 36:22 Discontinuation rates of GLP-1 medications: potential for combining herbal approaches with medication 39:00 Herbal safety: choosing the right herb for the right person, only when truly needed 41:14 Broad benefits of bitter herbs on the gut microbiome as part of a holistic approach to metabolic health 47:10 The “interconnected web of health”—how a single strand impacts the whole system 49:20 Clinical guidance for supporting patients considering or currently taking GLP-1 medications This podcast is sponsored by Standard Process About Standard Process - Only at SP https://youtu.be/G6AbE7ddb6s?si=GDwF0V6SooMgv3ML

About this Episode Episode 7 - airs August 7th, 2025 Dr. Daina Parent, ND and Dr. Sarah Clarke, DC, IFMCP engage in an informative clinical conversation about all things folate. From whole food forms to folate’s influence on epigenetics, they transform complex biochemistry into a clear, easy-to-follow, and engaging conversation with clinical gems. They discuss the relationship between folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine on mental health, brain function, and cardiovascular health and cover biomarkers to help clinicians properly test patients for deficiencies. Drs Parent and Clarke highlight throughout the episode the importance of consuming a whole foods diet that emphasizes foods high in natural forms of folate to support whole body health. Use the audio player above to listen now! And don't forget to follow and like our podcast channel to stay up-to-date on upcoming podcast episodes. Highlights of the episode include: Natural and whole food forms of folate vs. synthetic folic acid Plant sources of folate when consumed in a whole foods diet Folate’s role in mental health, mood and cognition Golden Chlorella – superfood with folate and vegetarian source of B12 Podcast Summary 2:10 Folate (vitamin B9) overview – why is folate important and what is it’s role in the body? 4:30 Methylation: a folate-dependent process – how is methylation connected to epigenetics and overall healthy functions of body systems 7:00 Foods that contain methyl donors for methylation - including turnip greens, collard greens and other leafy greens 9:00 Methylation and aging 10:00 Natural forms of folate vs. synthetic folic acid 15:10 Why folic acid isn’t the ideal for everyone 17:45 Plant sources of folate when consumed in a whole foods diet 21:00 Dangers of the SAD Diet (Standard American Diet) and over consumption of fortified foods with folic acid 23:35 How malabsorption of nutrients due to GI conditions can impact levels of folate in the body 25:00 When we need more folate and lifestyle habits and medications that impact absorption of folate 27:58 Folate’s role in mental health, mood and cognition – brain health, brain function, and aging 32:10 Folate and it’s connection to cardiovascular health and the importance of B12 and folate in creating balanced homocysteine levels 35:27 Golden Chlorella – superfood with folate and vegetarian source of B12 35:58 How to measure homocysteine and other important biomarkers 41:52 The benefits of running a CBC to help determine folate or B12 deficiencies 44:20 Clinical case that demonstrates the need to find the right form of folate and B12 for each person 45:44 Benefits of whole food forms of folate and B vitamins This podcast is sponsored by Standard Process About Standard Process - Only at SP https://youtu.be/jF7xtqntPFg?si=m7ojkj5yC3v5NlAx

In the search for foods that offer exceptional health benefits, Swiss chard and buckwheat stand out as two versatile, nutrient-dense vegetables. Though very different in form—one a leafy green, the other a gluten-free pseudo-grain—they share a reputation for supporting a wide range of bodily systems. Packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds, Swiss chard and buckwheat deserve a top spot in any health-conscious diet. Swiss Chard: A Colorful Leafy Supergreen  Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris subsp. cicla) is a member of the beet family, known for its vibrant stems and dark, crinkled leaves. It is low in calories but high in nutrients, making it a favorite in Mediterranean and plant-based diets. Swiss chard is rich in micronutrients. Its an excellent source of vitamin K, vitamin A (as beta-carotene), vitamin C, and magnesium. One cooked cup of chard delivers over 300% of the recommended daily intake of vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone metabolism. Vitamin A supports vision, immune function, and cellular growth, while vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant and collagen builder. The high content of vitamin K, magnesium, and calcium in Swiss chard plays a synergistic role in bone formation and maintenance. Vitamin K specifically activates proteins that regulate calcium deposition in bones and prevents calcium buildup in arteries.  Swiss chard contains unique flavonoids like syringic acid, which may help regulate blood sugar by inhibiting alpha-glucosidase, an enzyme involved in carbohydrate breakdown. This slows glucose absorption and may support healthy blood sugar levels, especially useful for individuals with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes.  High in nitrate-rich compounds, Swiss chard supports vascular dilation and blood pressure regulation. Potassium and magnesium further contribute to maintaining a healthy heart rhythm and reducing hypertension.  With its spectrum of phytonutrients, including betalains (also found in beets), chard acts as an antioxidant powerhouse. These compounds help neutralize oxidative stress and may reduce inflammation—an underlying cause of many chronic diseases. Swiss chard’s fiber, chlorophyll, and betacyanins support liver health and detoxification. Fiber helps eliminate waste through the digestive tract, while betacyanins may support phase II liver detox enzymes.  Buckwheat: Complete Protein and Robust Nutrient Profile Despite its name, buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is not a grain and contains no wheat or gluten. It is a pseudocereal, related to rhubarb and sorrel, and is prized for its robust nutritional profile and adaptability in gluten-free diets.  Buckwheat is one of the few plant foods that provides a complete protein—meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. This makes it particularly valuable for vegetarians, vegans, and anyone seeking high-quality protein without animal products.  Buckwheat contains resistant starch and soluble fiber, which support gut health, regulate bowel movements, and feed beneficial gut bacteria. Its fiber also contributes to slower glucose absorption, which helps regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.  Buckwheat is high in rutin, a flavonoid known to strengthen capillaries, reduce blood pressure, and provide antioxidant protection to blood vessels. Magnesium, another heart-protective mineral found in buckwheat, helps relax blood vessels and improve circulation.  Thanks to its fiber and protein content, buckwheat promotes satiety, reduces cravings, and helps control appetite. Its low glycemic index supports stable energy levels without blood sugar spikes and crashes, making it ideal for weight management and sustained energy.  In addition to rutin, buckwheat contains quercetin and tocopherols, which provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits. These compounds have been studied for their role in reducing inflammation, lowering cholesterol, and supporting immune function.  Buckwheat is naturally gluten-free, making it a safe and nutritious grain alternative for people with celiac disease, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, or anyone seeking to reduce their gluten intake. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also support gut lining integrity.  Nutrient Spotlight: Magnesium Both Swiss chard and buckwheat are incredibly high in magnesium, a nutrient that is required for over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body- reactions which are crucial for DNA synthesis, muscle and nerve function, bone health and blood sugar stabilization.   Magnesium in supplements can be found in many different forms, such as magnesium glycinate, magnesium threonate and magnesium citrate. These forms of magnesium combine the magnesium ions with an amino acid like glycine or similar compounds to facilitate absorption across the digestive epithelium. The different forms of magnesium supplements are thought to have particular strengths or affinities within the body, such as sleep support and stress management, or muscle relaxation. Improved digestive absorption, however, does not necessarily translate into superior bioavailability if that magnesium isn’t able to effectively reach particular parts of the body, such as crossing the blood brain barrier.   Whole foods, such as Swiss chard and buckwheat, contain magnesium ions naturally held within the structure of the plant, primarily bound to chlorophyll. This naturally-occurring magnesium easily absorbed in the gut, and also demonstrates higher bioavailability within the nervous system than other forms of magnesium. Pre-Clinical Study on Magnesium-Deficient Patients In one pre-clinical study of magnesium-deficient subjects, administration of an extract of Swiss chard and buckwheat resulted in higher brain concentrations of magnesium than other forms of magnesium supplements, including magnesium threonate and glycinate.1  This higher brain concentration of magnesium indicates that magnesium sourced from whole foods is more effectively able to cross the blood brain barrier than the forms of magnesium commonly found in nutritional supplements. When using magnesium to support nervous system health, including the relief of anxiety and support for sleep pathways, bioavailability across the blood brain barrier is key for therapeutic efficacy.  Key Takeaways Swiss chard and buckwheat complement each other well in a nutrient-rich diet. While Swiss chard brings in chlorophyll, carotenoids, and blood-building minerals, buckwheat offers robust fiber, plant protein, and vascular-supportive flavonoids. Both foods are highly versatile: Swiss chard can be sautéed, added to soups, or blended into smoothies, while buckwheat can be cooked like rice, used in porridge, made into pancakes, or ground into flour for baking.  Swiss chard and buckwheat are more than just healthy—they’re functional foods that provide deep support for the cardiovascular system, metabolism, gut health, cognitive function, and overall vitality. Incorporating these two nutrient-dense foods into weekly meals offers a simple, affordable way to harness the healing power of nature and nourish the body at every level.    Did you know WholisticMatters is powered by Standard Process? Learn more about Standard Process’ whole food-based nutrition philosophy.   Learn More