Welcome to The Modern Vital Podcast
Welcome to The Modern Vital Podcast, an environmental medicine health podcast that focuses on the relationship between environmental factors and human health.
Dr. Ben Reebs is a naturopathic doctor, founder of Portland Clinic of Natural Health, and creator of The Modern Vital Program, a 90-day health protocol customized to each individual health journey.
Overall, naturopathic medicine seeks to identify and address the underlying causes of illness or disease, including those related to environmental factors, in order to promote healing and prevent recurrence.
Stay tuned for fun, practical, and thought-provoking health tips, along with suggestions and insights into optimizing health and preventing chronic disease through naturopathic and functional medicine approaches.
Synopsis
In this episode of The Modern Vital Podcast, Dr. Ben Reebs sits down with Dr. Kasey Holland to dissect the intricacies of the Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and its association with other health complications. Dr. Holland sheds light on the fact that EBV, while increasingly recognized, is rarely the sole culprit behind patients’ symptoms. Instead, it often indicates deeper concerns like tick-borne illnesses, mold exposure, and environmental toxins.
Dr. Holland strongly advocates for personalized treatment plans that move beyond merely addressing symptoms. She emphasizes the necessity of understanding the patient’s total toxic burden and the importance of uncovering root causes to devise effective therapeutic strategies. The conversation is a testament to the evolving landscape of modern medicine, urging a more holistic and in-depth approach to patient care.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into understanding the intricacies of chronic disease and its impact on your overall well-being, consider checking out Dr. Reebs’ book, “The Serpent & The Butterfly: The Seven Laws of Healing.” In this book, he discusses the laws of healing essential to resolving chronic disease and much more to help you on your journey to optimal wellness. Click here to purchase your copy: https://modernvital.com/products/the-serpent-and-the-butterfly-the-seven-laws-of-healing
Additionally, if you’re interested in a supplement designed to directly support your digestion, we recommend trying Digest: Gentian & Skullcap Capsules. These capsules are formulated with natural ingredients that can help improve and support overall digestive health. To learn more and purchase, visit: https://modernvital.com/products/modern-vital-digest-gentian-and-skullcap-capsules
Also, we have Modern Vital store where you can purchase our supplements, books, and learn about MVP90™, which serves as your comprehensive roadmap, empowering you to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit over a transformative 90-day period:
Thank you for joining us on The Modern Vital Podcast. Your support means the world to us, and we hope you continue to find value in the information we provide. Please remember to subscribe, leave a review, and share our podcast with others who might benefit from this content. Until next time, stay informed and proactive in your pursuit of health and wellness!
Synopsis
In this episode of The Modern Vital Podcast, Dr. Ben Reebs explores the vast world of antioxidants, with a keen focus on one in particular: Resveratrol. Widely recognized for its presence in red wine, Dr. Reebs delves deeper into its chemical structure, revealing that this powerful antioxidant extends beyond our favorite evening beverage. Found in grape skin, seeds, various berries, and even peanuts, resveratrol stands out as a potent polyphenol (of which there are over 8,000 varieties). But its true marvel lies in its neuroprotective properties.
Studies over the past decade indicate that resveratrol can combat age-related neurological disorders such as macular degeneration, cognitive deficits, and even Alzheimer’s disease. Its role as a free radical scavenger, lowering oxidative stress and inflammation, brings hope in the field of neurology. Additionally, the podcast discusses how resveratrol promotes neuronal development and affects various cellular activities, from energy homeostasis to apoptosis and longevity. Dr. Reebs, advocating for its potential, also touches upon its multifaceted benefits, including antifungal, cardio protective, anti-carcinogenic, and antiviral properties.
Closing out the episode, Dr. Reebs emphasizes the significant value resveratrol brings to the toolbox of naturopathic and functional medicine practitioners. As he delves into its applications in treating complex chronic illnesses, listeners gain a profound appreciation for this antioxidant powerhouse. If you’re curious about optimizing brain health, reversing aging, or even just understanding the untapped potential of common supplements, this episode is a must-listen.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into understanding the intricacies of chronic disease and its impact on your overall well-being, consider checking out Dr. Reebs’ book, “The Serpent & The Butterfly: The Seven Laws of Healing.” In this book, he discusses the laws of healing essential to resolving chronic disease and much more to help you on your journey to optimal wellness. Click here to purchase your copy: https://modernvital.com/products/the-serpent-and-the-butterfly-the-seven-laws-of-healing
Additionally, if you’re interested in a supplement designed to directly support your digestion, we recommend trying Digest: Gentian & Skullcap Capsules. These capsules are formulated with natural ingredients that can help improve and support overall digestive health. To learn more and purchase, visit: https://modernvital.com/products/modern-vital-digest-gentian-and-skullcap-capsules
Also, we have Modern Vital store where you can purchase our supplements, books, and learn about MVP90™, which serves as your comprehensive roadmap, empowering you to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit over a transformative 90-day period:
Thank you for joining us on The Modern Vital Podcast. Your support means the world to us, and we hope you continue to find value in the information we provide. Please remember to subscribe, leave a review, and share our podcast with others who might benefit from this content. Until next time, stay informed and proactive in your pursuit of health and wellness!
Synopsis
In this episode of the Modern Vital Podcast, Dr. Ben Reebs delves into the lesser-discussed yet pivotal role of bile, particularly in the context of environmental illness. Bile, produced by the liver and stored in the gallbladder, is not just essential for fat digestion and vitamin absorption but also plays a significant role in detoxifying our bodies. A deficiency in bile salts, critical components of bile, can lead to a myriad of health issues, from poor bone health to vision problems, largely due to hindered absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E, and K. The podcast highlighted the need for nutrients like taurine and glycine, vital for bile salt production, and emphasized the importance of dietary sources such as shellfish, eggs, bone broth, and grass-fed beef.
Dr. Reebs also touched on recent research suggesting the neuroprotective properties of bile acids. Certain bile acids have been linked to reduced risks of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. This revelation underscores the potential long-term consequences of cholecystectomy (gallbladder removal) and its implications for chronic disease, particularly in individuals with environmental illnesses. Highlighting the compromised detox pathways seen in environmental illnesses like mold or tick-borne diseases, Dr. Reebs stressed the significance of the gallbladder’s role in toxin removal.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into understanding the intricacies of chronic disease and its impact on your overall well-being, consider checking out Dr. Reebs’ book, “The Serpent & The Butterfly: The Seven Laws of Healing.” In this book, he discusses the laws of healing essential to resolving chronic disease and much more to help you on your journey to optimal wellness. Click here to purchase your copy: https://modernvital.com/products/the-serpent-and-the-butterfly-the-seven-laws-of-healing
Additionally, if you’re interested in a supplement designed to directly support your digestion, we recommend trying Digest: Gentian & Skullcap Capsules. These capsules are formulated with natural ingredients that can help improve and support overall digestive health. To learn more and purchase, visit: https://modernvital.com/products/modern-vital-digest-gentian-and-skullcap-capsules
Also, we have Modern Vital store where you can purchase our supplements, books, and learn about MVP90™, which serves as your comprehensive roadmap, empowering you to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit over a transformative 90-day period:
Thank you for joining us on The Modern Vital Podcast. Your support means the world to us, and we hope you continue to find value in the information we provide. Please remember to subscribe, leave a review, and share our podcast with others who might benefit from this content. Until next time, stay informed and proactive in your pursuit of health and wellness!
Synopsis
In this episode of the Modern Vital Podcast, host Dr. Ben Reebs delves into the intriguing concept of “medical stacking” with guest Lara Dilkes, LAc, owner of PDX Acupuncture and creator of superfood supplement, “SuperCube”. They explore how integrating multiple wellness interventions can amplify benefits and optimize health.
Lara introduces the adaptogenic qualities of ‘SuperCube’, detailing how it seamlessly fits into various routines, whether blended in morning coffee or as an afternoon pick-me-up. Dr. Reebs shares his own “stack”, a routine encompassing exogenous ketones, high-intensity training, and cognitive enhancers.
Lara, leveraging her background in acupuncture, counters with a holistic approach centered on yoga, infrared sauna sessions, and dry brushing. The conversation provides a comprehensive look at how strategically “stacking” health interventions can lead to synergistic wellness outcomes. Dr. Reebs closes the episode by inviting listeners’ feedback and reviews, and sets the stage for more in-depth discussions in future episodes of The Modern Vital Podcast.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into understanding the intricacies of chronic disease and its impact on your overall well-being, consider checking out Dr. Reebs’ book, “The Serpent & The Butterfly: The Seven Laws of Healing.” In this book, he discusses the laws of healing essential to resolving chronic disea
se and much more to help you on your journey to optimal wellness. Click here to purchase your copy: https://modernvital.com/products/the-serpent-and-the-butterfly-the-seven-laws-of-healing
Additionally, if you’re interested in a supplement designed to directly support your digestion, we recommend trying Digest: Gentian & Skullcap Capsules. These capsules are formulated with natural ingredients that can help improve and support overall digestive health. To learn more and purchase, visit: https://modernvital.com/products/modern-vital-digest-gentian-and-skullcap-capsules
Also, we have Modern Vital store where you can purchase our supplements, books, and learn about MVP90™, which serves as your comprehensive roadmap, empowering you to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit over a transformative 90-day period:
Thank you for joining us on The Modern Vital Podcast. Your support means the world to us, and we hope you continue to find value in the information we provide. Please remember to subscribe, leave a review, and share our podcast with others who might benefit from this content. Until next time, stay informed and proactive in your pursuit of health and wellness!
Synopsis
In this episode of the Modern Vital Podcast, host Dr. Ben Reebs is joined by Kiran Krishnan, the knowledgeable research microbiologist and health expert from Microbiome Labs, to unravel the complexities of the microbiome, probiotics, and their connection to mold illness and small intestinal fungal overgrowth. The duo dives deep into how maintaining a balanced microbiome is crucial for health, with Kiran elaborating on the unique intelligent mechanisms through which beneficial microbes regulate the immune system to identify and control problematic organisms. The conversation sheds light on how mold and fungi operate within the body, the opportunistic nature of these pathogens, and their strategies for spreading, including invading the body’s blood system and creating collaborative biofilms with bacteria.
Kiran also elucidates the intricate relationships between inflammation, the immune system, and opportunistic pathogens, explaining how conditions like leaky gut create an environment that allows these harmful agents to thrive. The episode explores how probiotics, especially spore-based ones, can help manage these issues by controlling microbial balance, enhancing immune response, and competing for vital space within the body’s microbial real estate. With insights on the role of iron and histamine in these processes, Kiran provides a holistic understanding of the body’s microbial dynamics and offers a glimpse into how probiotics can be an ally in promoting health and preventing chronic diseases. For listeners eager to learn more, Kiran invites them to connect with him on Instagram where he shares valuable information, lectures, and updates on new projects in the realm of microbiology and health.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into understanding the intricacies of chronic disease and its impact on your overall well-being, consider checking out Dr. Reebs’ book, “The Serpent & The Butterfly: The Seven Laws of Healing.” In this book, he discusses the laws of healing essential to resolving chronic disease and much more to help you on your journey to optimal wellness. Click here to purchase your copy: https://modernvital.com/products/the-serpent-and-the-butterfly-the-seven-laws-of-healing
Additionally, if you’re interested in a supplement designed to directly support your digestion, we recommend trying Digest: Gentian & Skullcap Capsules. These capsules are formulated with natural ingredients that can help improve and support overall digestive health. To learn more and purchase, visit: https://modernvital.com/products/modern-vital-digest-gentian-and-skullcap-capsules
Also, we have Modern Vital store where you can purchase our supplements, books, and learn about MVP90™, which serves as your comprehensive roadmap, empowering you to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit over a transformative 90-day period:
Thank you for joining us on The Modern Vital Podcast. Your support means the world to us, and we hope you continue to find value in the information we provide. Please remember to subscribe, leave a review, and share our podcast with others who might benefit from this content. Until next time, stay informed and proactive in your pursuit of health and wellness!
Synopsis
In this episode of The Modern Vital Podcast hosted by Dr. Ben Reebs, the discussion with Dr. Heather Zwickey, an esteemed immunologist, centers around the detrimental effects of air pollution, including wildfire smoke, on human health through oxidative stress and inflammation. Dr. Zwickey elucidates the dangerous cascade initiated by reactive oxygen species (ROS), produced in response to various forms of pollution, leading to chronic inflammation and cellular damage, notably to the mitochondria – our cellular energy generators.
During the conversation, Dr. Zwickey explains that an excess of ROS in the body signals danger to the immune system, initiating an inflammatory response analogous to that observed during severe physical damage, such as a house fire. This response activates the production of cytokines, which have behavioral effects, including fatigue, anxiety, and aggression, symptomatic of chronic inflammation prevalent in today’s society. However, she also highlights the crucial balance needed between oxidative stress and antioxidant levels in the body. While oxidative stress is necessary for certain physiological processes and immune functions, excessive antioxidants can also be harmful, inhibiting essential immune responses to infections.
Dr. Zwickey sheds light on the delicate balance required between oxidative stress and antioxidants for maintaining health. With increasing environmental pollution and challenges such as wildfires exacerbated by climate change, understanding and managing the body’s inflammatory responses becomes imperative for public health. For listeners interested in learning more about her work, Dr. Zwickey can be reached through her website and Instagram account.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into understanding the intricacies of chronic disease and its impact on your overall well-being, consider checking out Dr. Reebs’ book, “The Serpent & The Butterfly: The Seven Laws of Healing.” In this book, he discusses the laws of healing essential to resolving chronic disease and much more to help you on your journey to optimal wellness. Click here to purchase your copy: https://modernvital.com/products/the-serpent-and-the-butterfly-the-seven-laws-of-healing
Additionally, if you’re interested in a supplement designed to directly support your digestion, we recommend trying Digest: Gentian & Skullcap Capsules. These capsules are formulated with natural ingredients that can help improve and support overall digestive health. To learn more and purchase, visit: https://modernvital.com/products/modern-vital-digest-gentian-and-skullcap-capsules
Also, we have Modern Vital store where you can purchase our supplements, books, and learn about MVP90™, which serves as your comprehensive roadmap, empowering you to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit over a transformative 90-day period:
Thank you for joining us on The Modern Vital Podcast. Your support means the world to us, and we hope you continue to find value in the information we provide. Please remember to subscribe, leave a review, and share our podcast with others who might benefit from this content. Until next time, stay informed and proactive in your pursuit of health and wellness!
Synopsis
In this episode of The Modern Vital Podcast, host Dr. Ben Reebs delves deep into the intricate relationship between tick-borne diseases and autoimmune disorders. He elucidates five mechanisms that detail how infections from ticks might lead the body to mistakenly attack its tissues. Key concepts like “Molecular Mimicry” and “Bystander Activation” are explored, where certain tick-borne pathogen proteins resemble our bodily structures, causing inadvertent immune attacks, and immune responses unintentionally activate cells that harm our tissues, respectively.
Dr. Reebs further introduces listeners to “Epitope Spreading,” “Original Antigenic Sin,” and “Apoptosis.” These processes involve the misidentification of our cells as harmful entities by our immune system, the shaping of future immune responses based on past ones, and cell self-destruction due to certain bacterial infections. Intertwined with these scientific explanations, Dr. Reebs shares compelling clinical cases from his practice, shedding light on the potential of tick-borne pathogens, like Bartonella, in causing autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Highlighting the preventive side, Dr. Reebs passionately speaks about the role of antioxidants in mitigating the oxidative stress resulting from these conditions. He emphasizes the need for medical practitioners to recognize the potential link between tick-borne illnesses and autoimmune diseases. For anyone intrigued by the mysteries of medical science, this episode offers a wealth of insights and underscores the importance of tailored medical advice.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into understanding the intricacies of chronic disease and its impact on your overall well-being, consider checking out Dr. Reebs’ book, “The Serpent & The Butterfly: The Seven Laws of Healing.” In this book, he discusses the laws of healing essential to resolving chronic disease and much more to help you on your journey to optimal wellness. Click here to purchase your copy: https://modernvital.com/products/the-serpent-and-the-butterfly-the-seven-laws-of-healing
Additionally, if you’re interested in a supplement designed to directly support your digestion, we recommend trying Digest: Gentian & Skullcap Capsules. These capsules are formulated with natural ingredients that can help improve and support overall digestive health. To learn more and purchase, visit: https://modernvital.com/products/modern-vital-digest-gentian-and-skullcap-capsules
Also, we have Modern Vital store where you can purchase our supplements, books, and learn about MVP90™, which serves as your comprehensive roadmap, empowering you to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit over a transformative 90-day period:
Thank you for joining us on The Modern Vital Podcast. Your support means the world to us, and we hope you continue to find value in the information we provide. Please remember to subscribe, leave a review, and share our podcast with others who might benefit from this content. Until next time, stay informed and proactive in your pursuit of health and wellness!
Synopsis
In this episode of The Modern Vital Podcast, host Dr. Ben Reebs
In this insightful episode of The Modern Vital Podcast, Dr. Ben Reebs delves deep into the nuanced relationship between humans and food with guest expert, Ian Rubin. Ian, a wellness coach and founder of Food Story Coaching, introduces the concept of “food story”, emphasizing how our relationship with food is driven by both internal and external influences.
This dynamic relationship isn’t solely about nutritional values but deeply rooted in our cultural, emotional, and psychosocial interactions with food. Ian highlights that often, individuals act on their food choices unconsciously, driven by the needs of their story rather than rational thought. While many people can access information about nutritious diets and health advice, the disconnect arises when there is a lack of understanding or confrontation of one’s personal food story.
Dr. Reebs and Ian discuss the challenges faced by patients who get overwhelmed by strict diets and the need for practitioners to recognize the importance of addressing the emotional and cultural ties patients have to food.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into understanding the intricacies of chronic disease and its impact on your overall well-being, consider checking out Dr. Reebs’ book, “The Serpent & The Butterfly: The Seven Laws of Healing.” In this book, he discusses the laws of healing essential to resolving chronic disease and much more to help you on your journey to optimal wellness. Click here to purchase your copy:
https://modernvital.com/products/the-serpent-and-the-butterfly-the-seven-laws-of-healing
Additionally, if you’re interested in a supplement designed to directly support your digestion, we recommend trying Digest: Gentian & Skullcap Capsules. These capsules are formulated with natural ingredients that can help improve and support overall digestive health. To learn more and purchase, visit:
https://modernvital.com/products/modern-vital-digest-gentian-and-skullcap-capsules
Also, we have Modern Vital store where you can purchase our supplements, books, and learn about MVP90™, which serves as your comprehensive roadmap, empowering you to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit over a transformative 90-day period:
https://modernvital.com/
Thank you for joining us on The Modern Vital Podcast. Your support means the world to us, and we hope you continue to find value in the information we provide. Please remember to subscribe, leave a review, and share our podcast with others who might benefit from this content. Until next time, stay informed and proactive in your pursuit of health and wellness!
Synopsis
In this episode of The Modern Vital Podcast, host Dr. Ben Reebs delves deep into the nature of autoimmune diseases, discussing their progression through three distinct stages. Starting with a focus on oral tolerance, he elaborates on how our gut’s microbiome, which houses approximately 40 trillion cells, plays a pivotal role in the onset of autoimmune conditions. A disruption in this ecosystem, possibly from environmental factors or pathogens, can lead to what’s termed as “intestinal permeability” or “leaky gut.” This condition allows undigested food contents to seep into the bloodstream, potentially triggering an immune response, which may set off an autoimmune process.
Dr. Reebs then transitions to discuss central tolerance, spotlighting the crucial role of the thymus gland in our lymphatic system. This gland is responsible for training white blood cells to combat diseases and infections. A malfunction in the thymus might cause the body to misdirect its defenses against its organs, leading to autoimmune reactions. Finally, he touches upon peripheral tolerance, emphasizing its significance in curbing rogue B and T cells that could bypass central checks. An intriguing point Dr. Reebs raises is the role of environmental factors, such as heavy metals. These can attach to cell nuclei, deceiving the body into identifying its cells as foreign threats. For example, increased mercury levels in the bloodstream, possibly from consuming specific seafood types, might initiate an autoimmune response.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into understanding the intricacies of chronic disease and its impact on your overall well-being, consider checking out Dr. Reebs’ book, “The Serpent & The Butterfly: The Seven Laws of Healing.” In this book, he discusses the laws of healing essential to resolving chronic disease and much more to help you on your journey to optimal wellness. Click here to purchase your copy:
https://modernvital.com/products/the-serpent-and-the-butterfly-the-seven-laws-of-healing
Additionally, if you’re interested in a supplement designed to directly support your digestion, we recommend trying Digest: Gentian & Skullcap Capsules. These capsules are formulated with natural ingredients that can help improve and support overall digestive health. To learn more and purchase, visit:
https://modernvital.com/products/modern-vital-digest-gentian-and-skullcap-capsules
Also, we have Modern Vital store where you can purchase our supplements, books, and learn about MVP90™, which serves as your comprehensive roadmap, empowering you to rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit over a transformative 90-day period:
https://modernvital.com/
Thank you for joining us on The Modern Vital Podcast. Your support means the world to us, and we hope you continue to find value in the information we provide. Please remember to subscribe, leave a review, and share our podcast with others who might benefit from this content. Until next time, stay informed and proactive in your pursuit of health and wellness!
Synopsis
In this episode of The Modern Vital Podcast, Dr. Ben Reebs hosts a conversation with Dr. Cyndi Gilbert, a naturopathic doctor and founder of Heal All Consulting, which focuses on promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare and other businesses. The conversation begins with Dr. Gilbert sharing her journey into naturopathic medicine and her realization of the impact of societal factors such as racism and homophobia on health and well-being. She discusses the importance of acknowledging and addressing these issues at both an individual and societal level and highlights the role of education and inclusive language in promoting equity and inclusion. Dr. Gilbert also touches on the principles of naturopathic medicine and the importance of acknowledging the disconnect between these principles and the realities of societal inequalities.
The discussion then delves deeper into the implications of societal factors on health, emphasizing the importance of considering the source and impact of natural health products, supporting indigenous and black-led businesses, and considering cultural considerations in dietary recommendations. Dr. Gilbert stresses the importance of viewing health as a whole system, considering the individual in the context of their community and environment, and applying principles of equity and inclusion in all aspects of healthcare practice. She also shares insights into the work of Heal All Consulting in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion from an anti-oppressive practice perspective.
In summary, this episode of The Modern Vital Podcast highlights the importance of acknowledging and addressing societal inequalities and their impact on health and well-being. It emphasizes the role of healthcare professionals in promoting equity and inclusion at both individual and societal levels and underscores the importance of considering the source and impact of natural health products, supporting indigenous and black-led businesses, and considering cultural considerations in dietary recommendations. Additionally, it highlights the importance of viewing health as a whole system and the work of Heal All Consulting in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare and other businesses.
If you’re looking to dive deeper into understanding the intricacies of chronic disease and its impact on your overall well-being, consider checking out Dr. Reebs’ book, “The Serpent & The Butterfly: The Seven Laws of Healing.” In this book, he discusses thyroid health and much more to help you on your journey to optimal wellness. Click here to purchase your copy: https://www.drreebs.com/serpent-butterfly-book/
Additionally, if you’re interested in a supplement designed to directly support your digestion, we recommend trying Digest: Gentian & Skullcap Capsules. These capsules are formulated with natural ingredients that can help improve and support overall digestive health. To learn more and purchase, visit: https://www.drreebs.com/digest-gentian-skullcap-capsules/
Thank you for joining us on The Modern Vital Podcast. Your support means the world to us, and we hope you continue to find value in the information we provide. Please remember to subscribe, leave a review, and share our podcast with others who might benefit from this content. Until next time, stay informed and proactive in your pursuit of health and wellness!