Food labels can be very confusing. In fact, many of us completely ignore them. If you look at the ingredients in many processed foods, you’ve probably tried to pronounce some of the chemical compounds listed in the ingredients. The food industry adds chemicals to food to either enhance flavor and color, or to preserve shelf life. There are thousands of accepted food additives and some may have important health implications.

In today’s episode, we discuss just a few additives you might want to keep an eye out for next time you go to the grocery store.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 3:20 MSG – monosodium glutamate
• 6:40 Nitrites and nitrates
• 9:55 The “Name that Food” game
• 12:45 Sulfites are everywhere
• 13:55 Maraschino cherries are polarizing?
• 15:20 Sulfites as a top food allergen
• 16:55 Food colorings, FD&C, lakes, and blue rats
• 21:25 Artificial vs. natural flavoring

Additional Resources:

Genova Connect **PROMO CODE TheLabReport for 20% off your purchase**

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Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: podcast@gdx.net.

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shakira Niazi is the founder of Basil Seed Works – an organic basil seed product line featuring the superfood ZenBasil. As a refugee from war-torn Afghanistan who was later raised and educated in the US, Shakira’s path to becoming an entrepreneur is remarkable. Although she’s known for her work with Vita Water – helping to solve the world water crisis and providing water points to poor villages around the world, her current focus is to bring basil seeds from the Far East to the Western world. Basil seeds are a natural source of fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

In today’s show, Shakira Niazi tells us her inspiring story - from childhood refugee to being featured in Times Square. We also discuss the amazing health benefits of basil seeds and why they are the new superfood!

Today on The Lab Report:

• 5:30 Meet Shakira Niazi and hear her amazing story
• 10:30 Changing courses through the pandemic
• 20:40 Health benefits of basil seeds
• 26:40 Hydrating and using basil seeds
• 28:45 ZenBasil vs. other basil seeds
• 30:45 Where to find ZenBasil
• 32:00 The Fireball

Additional Resources:

ZenBasil

Genova Connect **PROMO CODE TheLabReport for 20% off your purchase**

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: podcast@gdx.net.

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson dedicated her life to public health and veterinary epidemiology. In studying dolphins, she discovered the first essential fatty acid to be found in over 90 years – C15:0 (pentadecanoic acid). Dr. Stephanie’s discovery and further research on C15:0 has uncovered some amazing cellular health benefits and significant potential for disease prevention. With this knowledge, Dr. Stephanie pivoted and founded fatty15 - a company that produces the world’s first, and only science-backed, patented C15:0 supplement.

In today’s episode, we speak with Dr. Stephanie Venn-Watson about her latest research into the newly discovered essential fatty acid C15:0 and how supplementation with fatty15 could be a game-changer for cellular health.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 4:45 Stephanie Venn-Watson on veterinary epidemiology and dolphins
• 10:15 Pentadecanoic acid (C15:0), dolphins, and disease
• 12:20 Food sources for C15:0
• 15:35 Essential fatty acid criteria
• 18:45 Cellular stability and pentadecanoic acid
• 21:10 Red blood cell membranes and testing
• 24:10 Iron and ferroptosis
• 28:00 Measuring cell fragility
• 31:30 Ferroptosis and inflammatory cascades
• 34:05 Fatty15 supplementation
• 39:10 The Fireball

Additional Resources:

fatty15

Genova Connect **PROMO CODE TheLabReport for 20% off your purchase**

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: podcast@gdx.net.

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Methylation is a very important enzymatic reaction responsible for so many crucial metabolic processes. In a previous episode, we introduced the topic of methylation and the basics of this biochemical reaction. However, there are many subtle nuances to consider when assessing whether a patient’s methylation cycle is out of balance.

Today, we dive a bit deeper into the biochemistry of methylation and peel back the layers to show how some of the specific biomarkers and backup pathways contribute to imbalance. And, what does that mean clinically? It may help to review our prior episode or use Genova’s Methylation Pathway Handout to follow along.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 2:50 Quick review of the methylation cycle
• 4:45 The important relationship between choline and betaine
• 7:05 Logical Speculation: Why is the betaine: choline ratio associated with disease risk?
• 9:35 Dimethylglycine (DMG)
• 11:15 Sarcosine and the ‘SAM disposal chute’
• 14:20 Glycine: What does it do?
• 16:55 Transsulfuration and glutathione
• 21:00 The multi-omics of the methylation panel
• 22:25 Question of the Day: What is the stability of measuring SAM and SAH?

Additional Resources:

Genova's Methylation Panel

Dr. Michael Chapman's Methylation Webinar

Genova Connect **PROMO CODE TheLabReport for 20% off your purchase**

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: podcast@gdx.net.

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are honored to welcome Dr. Casey Means back to the show. She is not only a passionate advocate for metabolic health, but also a voice of reason amidst a broken healthcare system, a profound champion spreading the message of connectedness and fearlessness, and lastly a dear friend. Dr. Means’ new book “Good Energy – The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health” is available now anywhere books are sold.

In this episode, we talk to Dr. Casey Means about her new book “Good Energy” which outlines how to connect the dots in healthcare, the critical importance of metabolic health, and practical tips to change your life and create your own GOOD ENERGY.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 3:10 The Amazing Dr. Casey Means on connection vs. siloes in medicine
• 8:45 Economics of the current healthcare model and outdated thinking
• 12:15 Longevity and biohacking – where have we lost our way?
• 19:55 Fear of death, control, and transcending the fear mindset
• 23:20 Fixing incentive structures of the healthcare system & food and farm industries
• 33:10 Practical tips and eating for GOOD ENERGY
• 40:55 Overcoming behavior change obstacles – listen to your body!
• 44:00 ROI in eating healthy whole foods
• 45:35 Life is miraculous, live in awe- not fear
• 48:05 The Fireball

Additional Resources:

Get your copy of Good Energy today!

Casey’s Newsletter sign-up: https://www.caseymeans.com/newsletter

Casey’s Social Media Platforms:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drcaseyskitchen/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CaseyMeansMD

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caseymeansmd

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CaseyMeansMD

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casey-means-md/

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: podcast@gdx.net.

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The word ‘methylation’ has become somewhat of a buzz word in functional and personalized medicine. We’ve mentioned it several times throughout many episodes of The Lab Report – hard to avoid since it’s involved in just about every biological process.

In today’s episode, we finally hit the topic of methylation head on and dive into the methylation cycle itself. What is it? Why should you care? Although biochemistry can be intimidating, listen as we simplify and demystify the steps involved. You may find it helpful to refer to a Methylation Pathway Chart while listening to this one!

Today on The Lab Report:

• 2:00 What is methylation and why is it clinically important
• 5:30 Jumping into the biochemistry – metaphors to the rescue!
• 11:35 Homocysteine
• 14:00 The main pathway versus back up pathway
• 19:33 Transsulfuration
• 22:30 Multi-omics and the methylation cycle
• 27:50 Question of the Day
  • “What does it mean if homocysteine is low?”

Additional Resources:

Genova's Methylation Panel

Dr. Michael Chapman's Methylation Webinar

Genova Connect **PROMO CODE TheLabReport20 for 20% off your purchase**

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: podcast@gdx.net.

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and show not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Everest Goldstein is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who is also certified in Functional Medicine and has an extensive background in integrative wellness interventions. She deeply cares about her patients and devotes her time to working closely with each of them to address their individual needs. Knowing the importance of the brain-body connection, Everest addresses the body as a whole to optimize health and wellness.

In today’s episode, we dive into the root causes of mood disorders and psychiatric illness with Everest Goldstein. Everest discusses how nutrition, diet, and lifestyle can contribute to mental health and wellness. If you are struggling mentally, emotionally, or physically, Everest is here to help you regain your life.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 4:30 Meet Everest Goldstein and hear about her passion for psychiatry
• 7:45 Everest’s unique approach to mental health
• 9:55 The debate of mental health root causes
• 12:15 Gut microbiome and the brain connection
• 16:50 Nutrition changes for better outcomes
• 20:00 Using the ketogenic diet in mental illness
• 23:50 Protein, amino acids, and neurotransmitters
• 26:00 The role for psychiatric medications
• 28:30 Coaching lifestyle changes and motivation
• 31:50 Therapy and counseling
• 35:12 The Fireball

Additional Resources:

Everest Functional Psychiatry and Wellness

Genova Connect **PROMO CODE TheLabReport20 for 20% off your purchase**

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: podcast@gdx.net.

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Berberine is an alkaloid compound that can be extracted from several plants. It is a widely used supplement in personalized medicine and is also beginning to get some traction within the conventional medicine space. Berberine is mainly used in the GI tract for its antimicrobial effects, but as it relates to gut health, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. What is even more fascinating is berberine’s vast systemic metabolic influences.

In today’s episode, we dive into the wide array of berberine’s important effects. Not only on the gut, but also on detoxification systems, skin, eyes, lipid and blood glucose control, hypertension, and cardiovascular health.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 4:00 Berberine – not an herb – where does it come from?
• 6:55 Overall gut modulator, skin health, and detox
• 13:05 Metabolic dysfunction – blood glucose, protein, lipids
• 14:50 Cardiovascular effects and heart health
• 16:00 Contraindications and safety considerations
• 18:00 What’s in a name?

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: podcast@gdx.net.

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.