Channel Title: Southwest Integrative Medicine Channel Description: I am all about helping you understand your health by providing quality health information. From the practice of integrative medicine, I provide clinical insights on topics like abnormal lab test results (like high liver enzymes), MTHFR and other genetics, testosterone replacement therapy, how to improve digestion and IBS, hormonal imbalance, thyroid problems, adrenal issues, anxiety and mood disorders disorders, the bests diets for different situations, etc. I love to get a deeper understanding on these topics and I learn from you too. If you have a question about a specific health issue you are facing, leave a comment. I might make a video on that specific topic! <video> Does B12 Really Help With Energy Description: Does Vitamin B12 Really Help With Energy? We discuss the crucial role of vitamin B12 in maintaining and enhancing energy levels and delve into how a deficiency in this essential vitamin might be responsible for fatigue, low mood, and even depression, drawing upon his extensive clinical experience treating over a thousand patients with B12 supplements. ** B12 Book: Dont B12 Deficient : https://geni.us/rTQTvd (Amazon) ** We examine scientific studies, highlighting one particular research that evaluates the effects of B12 on people without clinically significant deficiencies. His findings reveal that even those with suboptimal B12 levels can benefit from supplementation. https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/B3686B7640F0F84E0CB46F6BE1D340D4/S0007114573000358a.pdf/a-pilot-study-of-vitamin-b12-in-the-treatment-of-tiredness.pdf the biological processes by which vitamin B12 supports energy production, including its role in DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and mitochondrial function. He provides practical advice on identifying potential B12 deficiency symptoms, such as chronic fatigue and neuropathy, and stresses the importance of laboratory analysis for accurate diagnosis. The video also covers various supplementation methods, including dietary sources, injections, and sublingual forms, guiding viewers on the amount and frequency needed based on their specific levels. Those interested in further understanding their B12 status and supplementation strategies can refer to Dr. Taranella's book, 'Don't Be Deficient,' and additional videos on his channel. 00:00 Introduction: Uncovering the Mystery of Fatigue 00:21 The Role of Vitamin B12 in Energy Levels 01:02 Clinical Experiences with Vitamin B12 02:43 Scientific Research on B12 and Energy 04:21 How B12 Supports Energy Production 05:56 Identifying B12 Deficiency 07:37 Treatment Options for B12 Deficiency 09:07 Dietary Sources of Vitamin B12 10:18 Conclusion: The Importance of B12 Testing 11:49 Additional Resources and Final Thoughts </video> <video> The Truth Behind Your Low Folate Blood Test Description: Understanding Low Folate Levels: Genetic Factors and Accurate Testing This video delves into the underlying factors that can lead to low blood folate levels, even if you maintain a healthy diet. It sheds light on the various types of folates, like folic acid and methylfolate, and discusses how the body converts these forms using specific enzymes. Importantly, genetic mutations in the MTHFR gene can hinder this conversion process, resulting in low levels of active folate in the blood. The video compares two primary types of folate blood tests—plasma and red blood cell folate tests—explaining their differences and how each provides insight into short-term and long-term folate status, respectively. It highlights the prevalence of high plasma folate levels due to fortified foods, which can sometimes mask low red blood cell folate levels in those genetically predisposed to poor folate metabolism. Scientific studies are cited to demonstrate that individuals with MTHFR mutations, such as the C677T genotype, continue to show low folate and high homocysteine levels despite supplementation with folic acid. The video concludes by recommending that those with these genetic alterations consider methylfolate supplements and offers additional resources for a deeper understanding of how to manage and improve folate levels for optimal health. 00:00 Introduction to Blood Folate Levels 00:50 Understanding Folate Blood Tests 01:44 Genetic Influence on Folate Levels 02:46 Types of Folate Blood Tests 04:24 Folate Levels and MTHFR Genotypes 05:51 Choosing the Right Folate Supplement 06:03 Key Takeaways and Recommendations 06:58 Additional Resources and Conclusion </video> <video> Effect Of Microplastics On Our Health Description: The Hidden Health Risks of Microplastics: What You Need to Know We explore the ubiquitous presence of plastics and microplastics in our daily lives and their potential health impacts. He discusses how microplastics, such as phthalates, act as persistent organic pollutants and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, negatively affecting the endocrine and immune systems. The video explains how these chemicals can interfere with hormone signaling, disrupt glucose metabolism, impair immune function, and contribute to chronic diseases. Dr. Taranella emphasizes the importance of minimizing exposure to these chemicals and offers practical steps for reducing their impact on our health. He highlights research showing that these microplastics can lead to issues such as decreased sperm quality, reproductive organ malformation, weight gain, obesity, diabetes, and autoimmune diseases. By understanding the sources of these microplastics, such as food packaging, personal care products, non-stick cookware, and more, viewers can learn how to better protect themselves from these pervasive pollutants. 00:00 Introduction to Plastics in Our Lives 01:05 Understanding Microplastics and Their Chemical Names 03:10 Health Impacts of Microplastics: Endocrine System 05:04 Health Impacts of Microplastics: Immune System 06:15 Sources of Microplastics and How to Avoid Them 07:36 Conclusion and Next Steps </video> <video> The Foods That Make Enlarged Prostate Worse Description: Foods That Make Enlarged Prostate Worse: Understanding Diet and BPH Dr. Taranella explores the intricate relationship between diet and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a prevalent condition affecting millions of men. BPH, which causes symptoms like frequent urination, weak urine stream, and nocturia, can significantly impact quality of life. The root of these symptoms often ties back to dietary habits, specifically the intake of red meat and high-fat foods that promote inflammation and metabolic syndromes. The video delves into the scientific dynamics of inflammation, explaining how pro-inflammatory substances, such as arachidonic acid found in red meats, can aggravate prostate tissue. By understanding these mechanisms, viewers are encouraged to reconsider their dietary patterns for better prostate health. Research shared in the video highlights a palpable link between diet and BPH risks. Studies indicate that men who consume red meat daily face a 38% increased risk of developing BPH symptoms compared to those who limit their intake. Alternatively, diets rich in vegetables, proteins, and moderate alcohol intake are associated with a 32% decrease in risk. Dr. Taranella stresses the importance of balanced meals, suggesting that smaller, sustained changes in one's diet can lead to significant health improvements. By managing insulin resistance through lower carbohydrate intake and moderating saturated fats, individuals may not only mitigate the progression of BPH but potentially reverse some symptoms. This informative guide empowers viewers with knowledge to make conscious dietary decisions, illuminating pathways to alleviate BPH symptoms naturally and preventively. 00:00 Introduction to Prostate Health Issues 01:31 Understanding Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) 02:08 The Role of Inflammation in BPH 05:18 Impact of Diet on BPH 11:29 Balancing Diet for Better Prostate Health 13:11 Dietary Recommendations for Managing BPH 15:11 Conclusion and Further Resources </video> <video> The Dangers Of Iron Overload Description: Are you wondering about iron regulation throughout your body? Maybe you received some blood tests that are showing some numbers that don't make sense, or you have anemia or you have iron excess, and you just want to understand in a more intricate way what's going on with iron regulation in the human body. *Fenton Reaction not Venton* </video> <video> The Impact of Plastics On Diabetes Description: Unseen Chemical Threats to Your Blood Sugar & Diabetes Risk This episode explores the hidden factors in your environment that could be increasing your risk of diabetes. Common chemicals found in plastics, such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs), phthalates, and bisphenol A (BPA), might be silently impacting your blood sugar levels. The script dives deep into the scientific literature, showing a positive association between these chemicals and the development of type 2 diabetes. The chemicals persist in the environment, are lipophilic, and can accumulate in the body's fat tissues, potentially disrupting insulin function and glucose metabolism. The video emphasizes the importance of understanding these environmental factors and suggests testing for chemical exposure through Mosaic Labs for those concerned about their personal burden. Beyond diabetes, these chemicals are also linked to weight gain and are termed obesogens. The episode aims to raise awareness about these hidden risks and encourages viewers to consider environmental factors in their diabetes and health management. 00:00 Introduction: Hidden Dangers in Your Environment 00:56 Understanding Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) 04:31 The Impact of Phthalates on Diabetes 06:10 Bisphenol A (BPA) and Its Link to Diabetes 07:36 Why This Matters: Environmental Factors and Diabetes 08:37 Conclusion and Next Steps </video> <video> Finding Your TRT Sweet Spot Description: Many people starting Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) begin with the wrong dosage, and this can significantly impact whether the therapy provides any benefit. Finding the best starting dose is critical and can require adjustments based on various factors like the patient's symptoms, personal health goals, lab values, and dosing schedules. Typically, an initial dose ranges from about 80 to 120 milligrams per week, but this can vary. Adjustments might be needed depending on individual symptoms such as low libido, lack of motivation, low energy, decreased muscle mass, mood swings, and erectile dysfunction. </video> <video> Essential TRT Advice Description: </video> <video> Is Inflammation Keeping You Up At Night? Description: How Inflammation is Keeping You Up at Night: Understanding the Link & Solutions In this video, the host delves into the fascinating and complex relationship between inflammation and poor sleep. Starting with the common experience of restless nights, the video explains how inflammation and neuroinflammation—natural responses to stress, infection, injury, or illness—may be to blame. The host provides an in-depth look at how these inflammatory processes work, emphasizing the role of cytokines, the chemical messengers of the immune system. They stress that inflammation isn't always visible in standard blood tests, making it a tricky yet crucial factor in sleep disturbances. The discussion then transitions to the challenges and limitations of measuring immune activity in clinical settings. Conventional tests like C-reactive protein, sedimentation rate, and white blood cell counts offer some insights but fall short of providing a 360-degree view of your immune system. Despite these limitations, the host underscores the importance of carefully examining these metrics to uncover underlying inflammation that could be disrupting sleep. Next, the video explores scientific research linking cytokines such as Interleukin 1, TNF alpha, and Interleukin 6 to sleep disturbances. These studies reveal that these pro-inflammatory cytokines can alter sleep architecture by increasing non-REM sleep while reducing REM sleep, thereby affecting the balance essential for restful slumber. The research also highlights that these inflammatory processes can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, exacerbating problems with circadian rhythms and stress responses, independent of any physical pain or discomfort. If you find yourself struggling with chronic sleep issues potentially linked to inflammation, the host suggests starting with detailed blood work analyzed with a keen eye. They explain the nuances of interpreting different markers and levels, underlining that normal reference ranges might not always reflect your body's optimal state. The host also touches on how chronic sleep disturbances can perpetuate a vicious cycle through epigenetic changes, further complicating the quest for restful sleep. The video recommends several practical steps to address inflammation-related sleep issues. Behavioral interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) offer a starting point by helping develop healthier sleep habits and improved sleep hygiene. While over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen are mentioned, the host cautions against their chronic use due to potential side effects and limited efficacy for long-term immune modulation. For more targeted interventions, the host discusses medications like trazodone, an atypical antidepressant that may help improve sleep without disturbing its architecture. Natural remedies such as reishi mushrooms and curcumin are also highlighted for their dual role in reducing inflammation and enhancing overall immune function. The video concludes by pointing viewers to additional resources on the channel for a deeper dive into sleep problems and solutions, and invites questions and engagement from the audience. 00:00 Introduction to Sleep and Inflammation 01:10 Understanding Inflammation and Its Impact on Sleep 02:54 Measuring Immune Activity and Its Challenges 04:17 Research Insights on Inflammation and Sleep 08:24 Practical Steps to Address Sleep Issues 12:27 Pharmacological and Natural Interventions 14:09 Conclusion and Further Resources </video> <video> What Most People Don’t Get About Liver Health Description: Understanding Liver Health: Beyond the Enzyme Tests This video explains that normal liver enzyme levels do not necessarily indicate optimal liver health or detoxification capacity. Despite appearing healthy in blood test results, the liver may still be overburdened by toxins. The video highlights the limitations of liver enzyme tests, which primarily reveal cell damage rather than the overall detoxification process. Genetic variations and elevated toxin exposure can complicate liver function, with varying effects on enzyme levels over time. It's important to note that elevated enzyme levels can indicate a burden on the liver, but it may not always be due to direct toxins, as seen in conditions like fatty liver, where the liver is overwhelmed by fats rather than traditional toxins. Therefore, even individuals with normal enzyme levels may silently struggle with toxin buildup. Regular exposure to harmful substances such as alcohol and medications may increase this burden without immediate detection in standard tests. Monitoring enzyme changes and understanding the nuances of liver functionality are crucial for maintaining liver health. For comprehensive insights into one's liver capacity and to manage potential risks, working with healthcare providers is recommended. Dr. Terronella emphasizes the need for discerning liver enzyme test results to obtain a more accurate assessment of liver health and overall detoxification ability. This understanding empowers individuals to make informed health decisions and recognize signs needing professional attention, acknowledging that liver enzyme tests alone offer only a limited glimpse into the liver's true health status. 00:00 Introduction to Liver Health 00:47 Understanding Liver Function Tests 02:31 Genetic Variations and Detoxification Pathways 04:02 Real-Life Scenarios and Liver Health 05:09 Elevated Liver Enzymes: Causes and Implications 06:05 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts 06:51 Nuances of Liver Enzyme Tests 07:24 Conclusion and Further Resources </video> <video> How Your Waistline Affects Your Liver Health And Fatty Liver #fattyliver Description: Do you have questions about what could be going on with your liver health? Maybe you found that you have high liver enzymes, fatty liver or NAFLD on a test of some kind, an image, etc. In this video, we're going to look at fatty liver disease. 00:00 Introduction to Fatty Liver Disease We're going to look at how the body and the liver, in particular, progress through those stages and some key characteristics on blood work and imaging that you might find at different stages. We're also going to address what the most important thing is to reverse it when that's possible.We'll also talk about when it may not be possible to actually reverse fatty liver disease or NAFLD. 01:03 Understanding the Stages of Fatty Liver Disease For most people, this is going to come down to managing your insulin resistance. We'll talk in detail about that in this video. Most people find out about having fatty liver after going through some kind of imaging done to, people find out that they have some kind of fatty liver or fatty liver disease, and now your liver ultrasound shows fatty liver. </video> <video> The Hidden Impact Of Alcohol On Your Liver Description: From A longer video titled "This Is How Alcohol Affects Blood Test Results" This short learn about the impact of alcohol on liver enzymes like how it can cause elevated AST, ALT, and GGT levels and more. </video> <video> What Many People Miss About IBS Description: Unveiling the Complexities of IBS and Digestive Health The video delves into the often-overlooked complexities of IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) and the digestive tract. The presenter emphasizes that the digestive system is not merely an inanimate tube in the abdomen, but a vibrant, sensitive organ that requires the harmonious function of the immune, neurological, and endocrine systems to operate healthily. The video critiques the conventional GI medicine approach, which typically relies on colonoscopies and endoscopies, and tends to overlook the broader, more intricate factors at play. The narrative transitions into discussing the limitations of these standard diagnostic tools and introduces more advanced testing methods, such as the IBS Smart Test, to detect subtle but significant issues like ongoing inflammation and antibody presence in the blood. The presenter also explores the concept of post-infectious IBS, where symptoms manifest after incidents like food poisoning or upper respiratory infections, often going undetected due to their delayed onset. Additionally, the video highlights the importance of understanding microbiome disturbances and the role of enzymes like lactase and diamine oxidase in digestive health. It stresses that many digestive issues stem from complex interactions at the microbiological and macroscopic levels, and advocates for a more nuanced, detailed diagnostic approach. Furthermore, the presenter touches on the impact of diet, specifically how the body's ability to break down certain foods like lactose and histamines can contribute to IBS symptoms. They also introduce the notion that a lack of digestive capacity can lead to chronic issues and emphasize the need for comprehensive testing in identifying problems related to inflammation, immune function, and endocrine health. The video concludes by encouraging viewers to consider advanced diagnostic tests, despite potential costs, to gain a fuller understanding of their digestive health and to achieve effective treatment strategies. 00:00 Understanding the Complexity of IBS and Digestion 00:33 Introduction to the Channel and Today's Topic 00:59 The Overlooked Complexity in Conventional GI Medicine 02:24 Common Diagnostic Limitations and Misconceptions 03:48 Exploring the Micro Level: Microbiome and More 04:42 Post-Infectious IBS: Causes and Symptoms 05:45 Advanced Testing for IBS and Digestive Issues 07:08 Macro Level Considerations: Digestive Capacity and Enzymes 09:12 Additional Tests and Final Thoughts 10:36 Conclusion and Further Resources </video> <video> The Hidden Link Between Alcohol and Essential Vitamins Description: Alcohol doesn’t just impact your liver—it affects your body’s ability to absorb and use essential vitamins. This video dives into the hidden link between alcohol consumption and nutrient deficiencies, including B vitamins, and more. Learn how drinking disrupts vital processes in your body and what it means for your overall health. </video> <video> What Many People Don't Get About Inflammation Description: Understanding the Role of Inflammation: The Good, the Bad, and the Chronic This video explores the concept of inflammation, explaining how it is a crucial immune response that protects and heals the body, yet can also lead to chronic issues if unregulated. Through practical examples, such as cuts, tissue repair, and allergies, the video outlines how inflammation works, its benefits, and potential negative consequences. It also discusses the importance of balance in the immune system and how chronic inflammation can contribute to autoimmune diseases and ongoing tissue damage. Additionally, viewers will learn about the stages of inflammation, from initial immune responses to the resolution phase, and how unresolved inflammation can lead to health complications. The video emphasizes the significance of understanding inflammation to better manage one's health and prevent chronic conditions. Tips for identifying and addressing inflammation are also provided, offering viewers actionable steps to maintain a balanced immune response. 00:00 Understanding Inflammation: The Basics 01:50 The Dual Nature of Inflammation 02:03 Immune System Balance and Positive Inflammation 02:26 Common Inflammatory Responses: Protection from Invaders 04:36 Tissue Repair and Inflammation 07:25 Allergies: An Overactive Immune Response 09:12 Chronic Inflammation and Autoimmune Issues 10:50 Conclusion and Key Takeaways </video>

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I am all about helping you understand your health by providing quality health information. From the practice of integrative medicine, I provide clinical insights on topics like abnormal lab test results (like high liver enzymes), MTHFR and other genetics, testosterone replacement therapy, how to improve digestion and IBS, hormonal imbalance, thyroid problems, adrenal issues, anxiety and mood disorders disorders, the bests diets for different situations, etc.
I love to get a deeper understanding on these topics and I learn from you too. If you have a question about a specific health issue you are facing, leave a comment. I might make a video on that specific topic!

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