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

Join Chiropractors Dr. Sarah Clarke and Dr. Gena Kadar in this inspiring conversation about building a thriving practice. Dr. Kadar discusses incorporating nutrition with Chiropractic work for improved patient outcomes, and the importance of practitioners modeling healthy lifestyles and practicing self-care. They wrap up the episode with a vision for the future of integrative medicine, and valuable advice for new practitioners building their practices.

In this lively conversation, Dr. Besuden, DC, CFMP, shares all of her tips, tricks and recommendations for aging optimally and gracefully. Drs. Sarah and Besuden discuss strategies for maintaining healthy habits and routines for practitioner and patient alike. This episode is full of gems including specific supplementation to fill nutrition gaps, easy-to-maintain exercise routines, and a deep dive into hormesis practices.

About this Episode Drs. Daina Parent and Ryan Bradley take a deep dive into the microbiome and it’s influence on whole body health, and cover highlights on clinical research focused on gut health. They also touch on how soil health and environmental toxins have an impact on the microbiome. Dr. Ryan Bradley is a Naturopathic Physician with a Master’s Degree in Public Health and Epidemiology. He is currently a professor and has completed 8 years of clinical research training. He leads research initiatives at the intersection between public health and integrative and complimentary medicine. 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: Gut Health as connected to global effects throughout the whole body Current research in the gut health space and how it translates into clinical practice Mind Body Medicine and connection to Gut Health SOIL HEALTH: The hope for the near future: increased public understanding of soil health and connection to gut health and overall well-being Podcast Summary 2:00 – Dr. Bradley’s Journey towards current career and passion for research; his interest in mechanisms of natural products and clinical research; clinical practice was focused on cardiometabolic disease, Diabetes, and more 5:10 – New initiatives after closing clinical practice 5 years ago – now focuses on clinical research / clinical trials; also focuses on Mentorship through National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health, branch of NIH for Complimentary Medicine 8:30 – Importance of research for clinicians – shifts the way practitioners practice, especially in Complimentary and Integrative Medicine which has a population of clinicians thirsty for evidence of effectiveness of Complimentary and Integrative strategies, philosophy, and frameworks/protocols 11:55 – Historical Knowledge of effectiveness of Naturopathic Medicine, “the science is finally catching up to our practices”; example – gut health, dysbiosis, leaky gut syndrome; “We finally have the scientific tools to explore these concepts in greater detail.” 13:50 – Gut Health and Naturopathic Medicine – trends and changes in gut health practice; general public is paying more attention to their gut health; rapid innovation, especially with probiotics, postbiotics, prebiotics, and fibers; does the science support large doses of probiotics?; Is the practice outpacing the evidence?; What will the future of microbiome research and awareness look like? 20:40 – Gut Health as connected to global effects throughout the whole body – hormonal health, immune health, brain health; effects of environmental factors like air and water quality influence gut health 23:55 – Current research in the gut health space and how it translates into clinical practice 34:32 – NIH Grants for mentorship, gut health, mind-body practices and effects on anxiety, and more 40:40 – Mind Body Medicine and connection to Gut Health 42:15 – Will gut health continue to be at the forefront of medicine and medical research? Personalized probiotics and AI; potential natural GLP-1 agonists; increased public awareness to demand better foods, less environmental toxins in food, water, and air 49:55 – SOIL HEALTH: The hope for the near future: increased public understanding of soil health and connection to gut health and overall well-being; gut health linked to soil health, food quality, and farming practices; everything is interconnected 53:20 – Integrative Health and it’s impact on public health This podcast is sponsored by Standard Process About Standard Process – Only at SP https://youtu.be/5pmnY1nOfoU?si=MSyD04ZRu-zT9alc

About this Episode Strategies for Motivating Patients Towards Optimal Health In this enlightening episode, Dr. Sarah Clarke interviews Dr. Ryan Lazarus, author of The Essential Health Playbook and creator of The Lazarus Method. The conversation highlights Dr. Lazarus’  personal health journey and how it shaped his career and the work he’s developed over the past 20+ years. He offers inspiring and effective strategies for meeting patients where they are at; supporting their goals, values, and priorities; and offering tools to help them achieve optimal 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: The four ways people change; finding what motivates each individual to make important health changes is the key to success Gamification as a useful wellness tool Defining priorities, values and goals Finding your true purpose and how it affects one’s health journey Unlocking greater potential with Biohacking Podcast Summary 1:20 Dr. Lazaraus describes his near death experience at 18 while playing indoor soccer that began his health journey and shaped the trajectory of his career 4:00 Digestive issues and type 1 diabetes diagnosis following the accident that destroyed his pancreas 5:30 10 years of frustration using conventional medicine to help with digestive issues and mental health support prompted him to take charge of his own health and find a better way to heal and live a healthy life 7:30 How Dr. Lazarus’ healing journey changed his career path and how he was drawn to Chiropractic Medicine 11:10 Common obstacles people face in finding healthcare; Dr. Lazarus’ role is to explain that there is a holistic evidence-based way to heal 13:20 The Lazarus Method – people change in four different ways; finding what motivates each individual to make important health changes is the key to success 19:00 Change takes time and Gamification is a useful tool– uses engaging athletic/sports language for motivational tools; sets fun micro challenges; individualized approach 25:20 Meeting people where they’re at – How to keep ourselves and patients motivated and engaged to continue to make positive changes towards better health and healthier overall lifestyle; defining priorities, values and goals 28:05 Nutrition and Diet – Ryan describes his EAT Plan (Essentials, Amount, Timing) 32:00 – Flow States, “in the zone” and the importance with long-term health 36:15 – Finding your true purpose and how it affects one’s health journey 41:00 Transition from 20-year clinical practice to writing books and focusing on The Lazarus Method 43:15 Dr. Lazaraus’ passion for Human potential – realizing what one is capable of on all levels 46:33 Supporting motivated people ready to unlock the next level of performance, achievement, and potential with Biohacking Strategies 50:00 thelazarusmethod.com offers free wellness tools; The Essential Health Playbook is his latest book This podcast is sponsored by Standard Process About Standard Process – Only at SP

About this Episode Pediatric and Maternal Wellness: Growing Healthy Children in all Ages and Stages Host Dr. Sarah Clarke, DC, IFMCP, leads this informative episode, interviewing Dr. Brenda Holland, Chiropractic Physician who specializes in pediatric care and maternal wellness. Drs. Clarke and Holland take a deep dive into supporting mothers and children of all ages and stages from pre-conception through adolescence with nutrition, chiropractic care, and healthy movement.  Use the audio player above or the YouTube video below 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: Nutrition recommendations for healthy growing children Establishing healthy habits with older children Nutrition for infants, babies and toddlers Pre-conception, Fertility and Prenatal care and nutrition recommendations Fourth Trimester Care for women and breastfeeding support Podcast Summary 1:00 Growing up on farm – health of cows and how to increase healthy milk by providing cows with alfalfa and fermented corn, and how soil health impacts crops and animals 3:15 Whole Body Health – connection between the Earth and what we put into our bodies 5:30 beginning Chiropractic Practice and earned Diplomate in Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics through ICA 7:00 Chiropractic Companies and Organizations for support network 10:10 Changes in the field of Chiropractic over past 20 years – more female chiropractors, and how it’s changing the workplace to support working Chiropractic mothers; more emphasis on specialties – pediatrics, functional medicine, etc. 17:45 Common conditions children come into the chiropractic office – sports injuries, back pain, obesity, skin conditions; when to refer out 20:00 Nutrition recommendations for healthy growing children 23:20 Risks of children becoming a one sport athlete at a young age, and the importance of a good nutritional foundation for young athletes 28:20 Nutrition for infants, babies and toddlers – breastfeeding if possible, good quality formulas, vitamin D3, healthy fats, solid food introduction at the right time 34:20 Making healthy foods look appealing for babies and toddlers – focus on eating colorful foods 36:38 Establishing healthy habits with older children – take them shopping, parents lead activities on growing foods and nutritional value; the 80/20 rule 38:48 Pre-conception, Fertility and Prenatal care and nutrition recommendations – fertility is not just about female health, 30-50% of fertility issues are due to male health, including inadequate folate intake, CoQ10, and selenium; common pregnancy concern is back pain, 45-50% of females experience low back pain in pregnancy and 65+% experience low pain within 12 months of delivery 42:30 Fourth Trimester Care for women – healthcare and society need to establish a foundational understanding of pelvic care prior to and after pregnancy; safe comfortable places to breastfeed 47:00 Chiropractic as patient-centered care – 49:44 – Simple changes to start with if patients are feeling overwhelmed on starting their wellness journey – adding good things in before taking away, healthy eating habits, and basic movement Other WholisticMatters Children’s Health Content Nurturing Gut Health for Kids Supporting Children’s Immune Health through the Microbiome How Much Protein do Children Need: Nutritional Requirements for Growing Kids This podcast is sponsored by Standard Process About Standard Process – Only at SP https://youtu.be/LWsINdQBN-0

Dr. Daina Parent, Naturopathic Physician and Clinical Educator at Standard Process, interviews Dr. Michelle Simon, Naturopathic Physician, PhD in Biomedical Engineering, and President and CEO of the Institute for Natural Medicine. 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.

In this episode Dr. Daina Parent, Clinical Educator at Standard Process, interviews Dr. Jaqueline Smeaton, Naturopathic Physician and founder of Hello Fertility.

Sheila Dodson, DVM, CVA, has been a veterinarian over twenty years, and she owns an integrative veterinary practice offering multiple modalities for wholistic pet care. In this episode, Dr. Dodson talks with Jody Griffiths, CVT, about the unique aspects of the veterinary profession that make personnel decisions, work-life balance, and self-care particularly important. >> Audio bookmark: Veterinarians are 3.5 times as likely to die by suicide compared to people in the general population, according to a 2018 study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (00:46) Self-care in the Veterinary Field Veterinarians are not taught during their technical training the concept of “compassion fatigue,” which may make it necessary for veterinarians to be particularly intentional about take care of their own physical and emotional needs so that they can best serve their patients (01:40). Dr. Dodson relates this aspect of being a veterinarian to “letting your battery run down to zero” (02:19). >> Audio bookmark: “I think that the characteristics that make us good veterinarians also set us up for stressors” (01:47) Veterinarians and pet owners both are setting standards for veterinarians that may be too high or inconsiderate of the veterinarian’s mental health (03:05).  Dr. Dodson discusses the importance of a supportive staff that a veterinarian can trust, so it is possible to take time off for self-care without worrying about daily function of the clinic (04:07). Dr. Dodson says it is important to “unplug,” to “recharge the battery,” rest, and ask for help when needed (05:10). Setting communication boundaries is crucial, a key to being a successful veterinarian and an effective support staff (06:52). Building An Effective, Supportive Veterinary Team First, Dr. Dodson says, take the time to find the right person for your team (10:45). Consider emotional intelligence, philosophy matching, and trust (11:34). Include staff members in key decision making and promote open communication about issues and challenges in the workplace (13:19). It’s tough, but let employees go when it’s just not a good fit for the organization (14:30). As a leader, delegation is a significant responsibility (15:40). >> Audio bookmark: “Remember what our job is; our job is to make recommendations to give our pet parents options to give them information to make a decision. It is not our job to make the decision for them, and we have to respect that everybody has different things that can affect a decision” (18:05) Dr. Dodson’s Advice to New Veterinarians (19:18) Be flexible Listen intently Give all you can, not all you have Preserve your core being Never stop learning   The music track featured in the WholisticMatters Podcast Series is a track called “New Day” by Lee Rosevere. Please note: During the recording of this podcast, our hosts transitioned from live studio recording to remote recording from two different locations.