Proven Health Alternatives

Unmasking Metabolic Syndrome: Insights and Solutions

Fri, 04 Apr 2025

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with the brilliant Dr. Melody Hartzler to dig deep into the metabolic storm affecting so many today. We’re talking insulin resistance, gut dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies—and how functional medicine can actually turn the tide.

Dr. Hartzler brings the data, the real-world insights, and the solutions most aren’t talking about. From the hidden dangers of common meds like statins to the underrated power of zinc, magnesium, and gut health, this conversation is packed with takeaways you can apply right away.

If you’re a practitioner, a health-conscious individual, or someone simply looking to understand how to fight back against metabolic disease—this one’s for you.

Let’s uncover the root causes. Let’s challenge the norm. And let’s take real steps toward better health.

Key Takeaways:

Less than 7% of Americans are metabolically healthy, highlighting a critical national health crisis.
Metabolic syndrome is characterized by factors such as abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, and elevated fasting glucose.
The gut microbiome plays a pivotal role in metabolic health, with antibiotics posing a risk to gut diversity.
CoQ10 supplementation is crucial for those on statins to prevent mitochondrial damage and related muscle pain.
Continuous glucose monitoring can provide detailed insights into blood sugar fluctuations, offering a more comprehensive picture than traditional tests alone.

More About Dr. Melody Hartzler:

Dr. Melody Hartzler is passionate about functional medicine and addressing the root causes of disease. Her primary focus areas include functional gastrointestinal disorders, nutritional deficiencies, metabolic conditions, and autoimmune diseases. She is also a nationally recognized speaker on diabetes and functional medicine.

She holds multiple board certifications: Ambulatory Care Pharmacy Specialist (BCACP), Advanced Diabetes Management (BC-ADM), and through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (ABAAHP).

Dr. Hartzler is the founder of PharmToTable, LLC, where she develops continuing education content for pharmacists via FxMedCE.com and provides functional medicine telehealth services through PharmToTable.Life. Alongside her nationwide team of pharmacists, she is dedicated to helping individuals move from feeling tired, stressed, or experiencing GI symptoms to thriving and living symptom-free. Her mission is to redefine the role of pharmacists in patient care through a collaborative, functional approach.

She also serves as Director of Clinical Services at Profero Team, LLC, and is co-owner of the Integrative Metabolic Center, LLC.

A graduate of Ohio Northern University College of Pharmacy, Dr. Hartzler completed her residency at Chalmers P. Wylie VA Ambulatory Care Center. Her functional medicine training includes the Applying Functional Medicine in Clinical Practice (AFMCP) program through the Institute of Functional Medicine and a Fellowship in Anti-Aging, Metabolic, and Functional Medicine (FAAMFM) through the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M).

Our Continuing Education website for healthcare providers

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Low Level Lasers in Dentistry

Fri, 28 Mar 2025

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Rad, a leader in sleep apnea and gum health, to explore how low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is transforming modern dentistry. We discuss the profound connection between oral health and systemic disease, highlighting the role of advanced laser treatments in preventing and managing conditions like Alzheimer’s, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes.

Dr. Rad shares insights on how laser technology enhances healing, reduces inflammation, and improves outcomes for conditions such as TMJ, receding gums, and biofilm-related infections. We also examine the latest research on oral hygiene’s impact on long-term health, providing actionable strategies to protect both dental and systemic well-being.

Join us for a compelling conversation that redefines the role of oral health in disease prevention and longevity.

Key Takeaways:

Laser Dentistry: Low-level laser therapy is instrumental in reducing inflammation, postoperative pain, and healing time after dental procedures.
Oral-Systemic Connection: Poor oral health can lead to severe systemic diseases, including heart conditions, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes, emphasizing the importance of oral hygiene in overall health.
Gum Health: Emerging studies suggest lasers could help revert gum recession non-surgically, enhancing gum health without invasive procedures.
Sleep Apnea: A focus on diagnosing and treating sleep apnea highlights its importance in maintaining not just oral health but overall well-being, with Dr. Rad offering insights on home-based sleep studies.
Preventive Measures: Essential daily practices like regular water swishing, strategic flossing, and use of non-fluoride products help in managing oral bacteria and maintaining oral health.

More About Dr. Rad:

Dr. Dar Radfar, better known as Dr. Rad, is an international speaker on Sleep Apnea/Snoring, Low Level Laser Therapy, Marketing, Medical Billing and much more! A practicing dentist of 22 years, he has a passion for speaking that includes personal development and strategies that help anyone manifest the life of their dreams! Winner of Dentistry’s Got Talent at Dykema and the Best Facebook and Instagram influencer award, Dr. Rad. humbly captivates any audience he speaks to.

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📢This podcast is sponsored by Erchonia Corporation®. They are the global leader in low-level laser technology, pioneering over 22 FDA market clearances for non-invasive laser treatments. With three decades in business, Erchonia has revolutionized laser therapy for various medical fields, including dentistry. Their advanced laser technology helps reduce inflammation, accelerate tissue repair, and improve patient comfort—all without drugs or invasive procedures. Whether for TMJ disorders, post-op healing, pain relief, or soft tissue management, Erchonia lasers provide clinically proven, safe, and effective solutions to enhance patient outcomes and streamline dental procedures. Trusted by healthcare professionals worldwide, Erchonia continues to set the standard for innovation in laser therapy.

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Recipes for Living Long & Well

Thu, 20 Mar 2025

In this episode, I sit down with my lifelong friend, Dr. Gregg Robins, for a conversation that’s equal parts nostalgia, insight, and inspiration. We go way back to our days growing up in the Bronx, but what’s even more fascinating is the journey that took Gregg from our old neighborhood to prestigious institutions like Rice University and Oxford—and ultimately into a career as a problem solver, financial advisor, and thought leader.

We talk about the intersection of physical health, mental resilience, and professional success, how Gregg has reinvented himself over the years, and the key lessons he’s learned along the way. Whether you’re navigating your own career shifts or just love a good success story, this episode delivers valuable takeaways.Tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Lifelong Learning: Dr. Robins underscores the importance of being curious and continuously seeking knowledge to enhance mental health and personal development.
Physical Fitness and Recovery: Returning to competitive sports at an older age taught Dr. Robins valuable lessons about the importance of recovery and respecting one's physical limits.
Growth Mindset: Emphasizing resilience, Dr. Robins promotes adopting a growth mindset, confronting challenges to facilitate learning and personal advancement.
Community and Connection: The value of human connection and learning from others is highlighted as essential for a meaningful life.
Freedom and Adaptability: Dr. Robins candidly discusses reevaluating his life and career priorities, placing high importance on personal freedom and adapting to change.

More About Dr. Gregg Robins:

Gregg Robins is the founder of Robins Advising, where he helps clients navigate complex challenges in managing personal wealth and business interests. With a distinguished career in financial services, he has held leadership roles at major banks, including Citigroup, UBP, and UBS.

Gregg earned his BA in Economics from Rice University before continuing his studies as a Marshall Scholar at Oxford University, where he obtained both a Master’s and Doctorate in Finance, specializing in Russia and Eastern Europe. He has shared his expertise as a professor in leading business schools, including NYU Stern's Executive MBA Program, the New Economic School in Moscow, and currently at the Banking and Finance Academy of Uzbekistan.

A proud Bronx native, Gregg has spent much of his professional life abroad and is a long-time resident of Switzerland.

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📢This podcast is sponsored by Professional Co-op®, where clinicians gain exceptional access to industry-leading lab services without the hefty price tag—since 2001, they’ve been redefining what efficient, patient-focused support looks like. Imagine no hidden fees, no minimums, and only paying for completed tests. Experience lab services that not only meet but also exceed your expectations. Join the co-op trusted by countless licensed clinicians nationwide. Visit www.professionalco-op.com to learn more!

Unlocking the Secrets of Recovery and Performance

Fri, 14 Mar 2025

I have a powerful conversation in our latest episode with Eric Hinman, an elite endurance athlete and entrepreneur who knows that recovery is just as important as training—maybe even more. If you’re pushing your body but neglecting recovery, you’re leaving results on the table.

Eric shares his game-changing recovery routine, including why he swears by contrast therapy (sauna + cold plunge) every night. We also dive into:

The science-backed benefits of contrast therapy—better circulation, faster recovery, and stress relief
How shifting from high-fat to high-protein transformed his performance
Why whole, single-ingredient foods are the key to sustained energy and health
His journey from athlete to successful investor and brand builder

This episode is packed with actionable insights for athletes, high performers, and anyone looking to optimize their health. Ready to level up your recovery? Tune in now!

Key Takeaways:

Recovery is Key: Eric emphasizes the importance of sleep and contrast therapy for athletic recovery and overall health.

Adaptable Nutrition: Tailor your diet to align with your fitness goals, focusing on single-ingredient, whole foods.
Exercise as a Catalyst: Regular exercise serves as a foundation for healthy habits and wellness.
Time Management: Block scheduling and understanding personal productivity peaks enhance efficiency and success.
Entrepreneurial Mindset: Embrace risk-taking and relationship-building for entrepreneurial success.

More About Eric Hinman:

Based in Denver, Eric is a hybrid athlete (5x Ironman), serial entrepreneur, and brand builder, who specializes in scaling early-stage consumer and wellness brands. Some of Eric’s partners include Ten Thousand, Slate, Ice Barrel, SISU, HVMN, The Normal Brand, Blokes, MASA Chips, Kane, Flux, GORUCK, Kreatures of Habit, and more.

Eric believes in the long-term vision of the brands he partners with and his portfolio of angel investments in the wellness space includes companies such as Ten Thousand, HVMN, Beam, Slate, Ice Barrel, The Real Cereal Co, Kane Footwear, MASA Chips and more.

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📢This podcast is sponsored by Professional Co-op®, where clinicians gain exceptional access to industry-leading lab services without the hefty price tag—since 2001, they’ve been redefining what efficient, patient-focused support looks like. Imagine no hidden fees, no minimums, and only paying for completed tests. Experience lab services that not only meet but also exceed your expectations. Join the co-op trusted by countless licensed clinicians nationwide. Visit www.professionalco-op.com to learn more!

NFL to Wellness: Concussion, Nutrition, and Longevity in Sports

Fri, 07 Mar 2025

In this latest episode of Proven Health Alternatives, I sit down with former NFL player Asher Allen, who made one of the toughest calls of his career—walking away from football to protect his long-term health. After multiple concussions, Asher knew he had to prioritize brain health, nutrition, and overall well-being over the game he loved.

Now a health advocate, Asher shares powerful insights on functional nutrition, explaining how protein, vitamin D, and omega-3s play a crucial role in athletic performance and cognitive function—not just for pro athletes, but for anyone looking to optimize their health.

We also dive into cutting-edge strategies that can:

Bolster athletic performance
Speed up recovery
Minimize the risk and impact of concussions

This conversation is a must-listen for anyone serious about brain health, longevity, and peak performance.

Key Takeaways:

Prioritizing Health: Asher Allen underscores the importance of prioritizing long-term health over short-term gains, sharing his personal story of leaving the NFL to safeguard against further concussions.
Foundational Nutrition: Athletes should focus on essential nutritional elements such as high-quality protein, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids to optimize performance and recovery.
Concussion Awareness: Understanding concussions is critical for athletes. The episode discusses how minor, repeated impacts can lead to significant brain health issues.
Gut-Brain Connection: The discussion highlights the powerful link between gut health and brain performance, emphasizing how dietary choices impact mental acuity and emotional well-being.
Takeaway Strategies: Families and young athletes are encouraged to embrace healthy eating practices and understand the broader nutritional implications for sports and overall health.

More About Asher Allen:

Asher Allen is a former NFL player, entrepreneur, and functional medicine expert with a background in real estate and performance optimization. Currently completing his Master’s in Human Nutrition, he works closely with healthcare practitioners to integrate advanced nutritional protocols into their practices. As the co-founder of RARE (Real Athletes in Real Estate), Asher helps athletes build long-term wealth through real estate education and investment. Passionate about corporate wellness, tech innovation, and high-performance living, he bridges the gap between business, health, and longevity.

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