A Functional Approach with Dr. Jim Chialtas
by Jim Chialtas, DACM, L.Ac.
In this Podcast we will discuss topics relating to Functional Medicine, Self Improvement, & Wellness. Dr. Jim Chialtas has been in private practice in San Diego, CA since 2003 with a focus in Acupuncture & Functional Medicine. www.afunctionalapproach.net He designs and teaches continuing education courses on Functional Blood Chemistry for the online education company, Acupuncture Insights. He also designed and currently teaches two courses on Functional Blood Medicine for the Doctorate of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM) program at Five Branches University.
Episodes
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Exploring our "Second Spring" with Dr. Kit Yoon
In this 188th episode, I sit with my good friend and colleague, Dr. Kit Yoon. We have a lovely conversation about all things midlife... Our "second Spring," so to speak. This is a time of life when many people believe, or accept, that it is all downhill from here. But is it? Or perhaps this time…
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Giant Redwoods, Humpback Whales, Black Bears, oh my! A 51st birthday gift for me.
In this 187th episode, I pop in quickly after a short trip to Northern California for my 51st birthday. I discuss my feelings of surprise and awe, at what I saw up on the Lost Coast of California. And express my sincere believe that magic is there to help you heal if only you let it. Please enjoy...
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Our caffeine fix - How caffeine effects your brain, body and habits
In this 186th episode I discuss caffeine and the lovely beverages with which we consume it! We will discuss how caffeine impacts our brain, blood pressure, energy levels, focus, etc. The good and the bad. How much caffeine is too much? Let's find out. And is there any net benefit from drinking...
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Five Brain-Support Compounds for Memory and Focus
In this 185th episode, I discuss some herbs andnutritional compounds that the medical literature has shown to support brain health, memory, and cognition. Things mostof us would love to have a little more of!! We’ll look at five compounds and herbs used for brainsupport: pregnenolone, Alpha-GPC,...
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The Shortcut and the Cost: My Experience with the GLP-3 Peptide, Retatrutide
What if I told you I could shed eight pounds, rediscover my defined abs, and significantly improve my blood markers in just five weeks? It sounds like the holy grail of fitness—but for me, it came with a significant price. In this 184th episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on my personal case...
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Methylene Blue for Chronic Fatigue, Mitochondria support, & Energy with Dr. Scott Sherr
In this 183rd episode, we take a closer look at a compound with a surprisingly long and fascinating history: methylene blue. Initially used as a textile dye in the 1800s, methylene blue has since found applications in medicine and surgery, and—more recently—conversations about mitochondrial...
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Can Constipation Make You Anxious? The Gut–Brain Connection
In this 182nd episode, I explore a more subtle connection between anxiety and constipation... Have you ever felt anxious without knowing why—only to realize that your digestion has been stalled for days? Constipation isn’t always just about how often you have a bowel movement. It can also involve…
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The key to overcoming pain & suffering
What if overcoming suffering isn’t about escaping pain, but learning how to meet it? In this 181th episode, I explore ideas inspired by Buddhist teachings as interpreted by the Eastern philosopher Alan Watts, and consider whether our fear of suffering may sometimes become part of the suffering...
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Is “Leaky Gut” Autoimmune? Understanding Intestinal Permeability and Immune Reactivity
In this 180th episode, we explore intestinal permeability and the delicate gut barrier that helps separate the contents of the digestive tract from the rest of the body. We’ll discuss the role of tight-junction and barrier-associated proteins, including occludin, zonulin, and actomyosin, as well…
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Does Eating Less Protein Help You Live Longer? The Science Behind the Longevity Headlines
In this 179th episode, I offer a rebuttal to some recent headlines making a bit of a splash... What if the headline telling you to “eat less protein to live longer” is getting far ahead of the actual science? A recent article published by Cell Press, titled “The Hallmarks of Protein and Amino…
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Microplastics, Bile, and Cellular Aging
In this 178th episode, I discuss what microplastics have to do with bile, gallstones, mitochondria, and cellular aging. In this episode, we explore emerging research detecting microplastics in human bile—and the higher concentrations found in people with gallstones. We’ll discuss how these...
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Thriving Beyond Limits — Care, Community, and Integrative Medicine at the Chanda Center
In this 177th episode, I sit down with Brian from the Chanda Center for Health to explore how integrative therapies — acupuncture, massage, chiropractic care, and physical therapy — are transforming care for people with long‑term physical disabilities, chronic pain, and spinal cord injuries.…
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Psychedelics with Paul Austin
In this 176th episode, I sit down with Paul Austin to discuss the exciting, controversial, and promising topic of psychedelics. Paul is the CEO and founder of The Third Wave, which is a company focused on providing information and resources on the safe use of psychedelic therapies. He also trains...
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When We Mourn the Wrong Things
In this 175th episode, I get a bit vulnerable and share some personal experiences of loss. Why? Because we all experience similar loss. And we are all in this together. And sharing our experience with each other has the potential to heal. Communication, connection, and reflection are all so...
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Are you living with Mold? A frank conversation with Jason Earl from "Got Mold?"
In this 174th episode, I revisit the topic of mold but in much more detail. Today I sit down with a true expert in the field, Jason Earl, who is the founder and CEO of the at-home mold testing company, Got Mold? Our conversation covers a broad spectrum of topics from differences in mold testing,...
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Epitalon: The wellness and longevity peptide!
In this 137 episode, I showcase the peptide Epitalon. This amazing peptide has been shown to improve wellness and longevity by promoiting better sleep, improving immune function, improving endocrine function, improving immune function, and lowering cardiovascular and neurovascular risk. And... It...
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Thymulin-Zinc: Rebalancing Immunity with Age
In this 172nd episode I continue with my mini-series on peptide therapy with a focus on Thymulin-Zinc. We will cover what the thymus gland is/does, how it changes with age, the mechanisms by which Thymulin‑Zinc supports immune‑endocrine communication and neuroimmune health, practical clinical…
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To Treat or Not to Treat: Infections in Autoimmunity
In this 171st episode, I discuss a messy, though fascinating paradox: Infections can trigger autoimmune disease, they can worsen existing autoimmunity, and—surprisingly—some infections can actually protect against it. We’ll unpack the science, from molecular culprits and autoantibodies to the...
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The DNF-10 Peptide: A safe and effective pick for weight loss support
In this 170th episode, I continue with my mini-series on Peptide Therapy with a product called Lipotone which contains the peptide DNF-10. This particular peptide can be a nice safe alternative to the Ozempic class of medications for things like weight loss. But it can also be a helpful player in...
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Early Testing for Alzheimer’s: The Alzheimer’s LINX with Chase Zittrauer from Cyrex Labs
In this 169th episode, I speak with Chase Zittrauer, my rep for Cyrex Labs. We spent some time diving into one of the fastest-growing health crises of our time — Alzheimer’s and related dementias — and what cutting‑edge testing can reveal long before symptoms show up. We unpack the rising global...
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Connection Is the Meaning of Life: How Real Connection Heals
In this 168th episode, I discuss connection... I’ve always been a people person. I’m the one who smiles at a stranger in a lobby, who says hello without expecting anything back. Most mornings that greeting bounces off the world and keeps going — sometimes met with a smile, sometimes met with...
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Circulation, Mind, and Medicine: Rethinking Erectyle Dysfunction with Dr. Jordan Barber
In this 167th episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jordan Barber, Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine with over 20 years in clinical practice. He is the co-author of "Thinking in Chinese Medicine: A Patient's Guide to Acupuncture" (2026) and "Realigning Medicine: Building an Authentic, Fulfilling,...
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Peptides, Part 2: Copper GHK’s Role in Healing & Regeneration
In this 166th episode, I continue with my mini-series on peptide therapies and discuss Copper GHK. Copper GHK is a small copper-bound tripeptide that affects repair, aging, and gene expression. I cover its natural role in plasma and tissues, how levels fall with age, and the surprising breadth of...
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Autoimmunity, MS, Wellness Strategies and so much more with Dr. Amy Behimer, Pharm. D.
In this 165th episode, I chat with Amy Behimer, Doctor of Pharmacy & Health Coach, about her approach to chronic conditions. As a person with Multiple Sclerosis and a few other autoimmune conditions, Dr. Amy knows firsthand what can work to manage autoimmunity. During this conversation, Amy and I...
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Pao Pereira, Ginkgo, Green Tea & more: How the Beljanski Foundation Targets Cancer
In this 164th episode, we trace the Beljanski Foundation’s origin and mission, explore its signature research tools (including the Oncotest), and dive into the botanicals and molecular components used in the Foundation’s anticancer approaches. The conversation covers how select plant alkaloids...
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Balancing fear and uncertainty, while allowing in the loveliness
In this 163rd episode, I simply recognize the fear and struggle we are all feeling in this time of war, financial stress, and uncertainty. Just a small public service announcement and a call to action to remember to let in the positive, lovely things. This is how we will get through. Remember…
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An introduction to Peptide therapies: BPC-157
In this 162nd episode I begin to unpack the topic of peptides—what they are, how they work, and why tiny chains of amino acids are becoming major players in healing and recovery. In this particular episode I focus on BPC-157: a 15–amino‑acid fragment derived from human gastric juice that’s been...
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Small Vessels, Big Trouble: How Vascular Disease Drives Dementia
In this 161st episode I unpack vascular dementia — what causes it, how it differs from (and often overlaps with) Alzheimer’s, and the brain and vascular mechanisms that drive cognitive decline. I review some common clinical features of vascular dementia, noteworthy MRI findings, and the major...
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Our Dreams are the Seeds to our Reality...
In this 160th episode, I riff a bit on a book my former Ju-Jitsu Sensei wrote and gifted to me many years back. The concept here is "vision." There is a difference between dreams and vision. And it takes vision to make change happen. I share a story about an elephant from my book, and discuss how...
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Understanding Breast Implant Illness
In this 159th episode, I take a clear, evidence-focused look atBreast Implant Illness — what implants are made of, how our bodies can react to them, and why some people develop unexplained systemic symptoms. I walk you through the history—major recalls, FDA actions, and key studies—so you can see...
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My Neurology in Hell Hole Canyon
In this 158th episode, I follow up on my last episode about my journey into and out of Hell Hole Canyon in the Southern California Anza Borrego desert. You already heard about my journey itself, but I felt it only fitting to explain just what happened to me physiologically. For example.... How…
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My Trip into Hellhole Canyon: A piece about goal setting for ultimate success
In this 157th episode, I recount a harrowing experience of survival, persistence, calm rational thinking, and realistic goal setting - all in the face of very real danger. My trip into and out of Hell Hole Canyon in Anza Borrego State Park, a literal desert paradise here in Southern California,...
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Mind Over Gluten: A personal story
In this 156th episode, I share a recent gluten exposure experience. This exposure was one of the largest (accidental) exposures to gluten that I can remember... One whole cracker. Listen in and hear about how something like that can happen to us in the GF community, how I responded to knowing I...
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A perspective on loss
In this 155th episode, we reflect on loss—big and small—and how it shapes our lives. From everyday comforts and relationships to health, habits, and grief, we explorehow attachment can both comfort and weigh us down. Rather than denying painful emotions, the conversation invites you to feel them...
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The Low Stomach Acid Conundrum
In this 154th episode, I unpack hypochlorhydria — low stomach acid — exploring what it is, why stomach acid matters for digestion and immune defense, and how reduced acid can cause symptoms that often mimic reflux. We review common causes (long‑term PPI use, H. pylori, autoimmune gastritis, age,...
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Kava with Morgan Smith — Tradition, Pharmacology, and Healing Ritual
In this 153rd episode, I speak with Morgan Smith, CEO of Kalm with Kava, founder of Pu'iwa Hawaiian Farms, and Board member of the International Kava Organization. We discuss concepts about how kava came into his life, and how this herb helped him manage the ever-increasing stresses of work and...
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A Taoist Lens on Uncertainty — Navigating Paradox, Presence, and Healing with Prashanthi Amarnath
In this 152nd episode, I speak with Prashanthi Amarnath about how Taoist principles can help reshape our relationship to uncertainty, fear, decision‑making, and our emotional life. We discuss how uncertainty affects physiology and the nervous system. The conversation explores why the mind resists...
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Boosting BDNF: The Brain Fertilizer for Mood, Memory & Mental Health
In this 151st episode, we unpack Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) — often called “fertilizer for the brain.” We explore what BDNF is, why it matters for learning, memory, and mood, and how low BDNF shows up in conditions like depression, cognitive decline, and neurodegenerative disease....
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The Importance of Letting Go of Control
In this 150th episode, I take a moment to riff on the importance of letting go of control. Of course, a life without some form of control is chaotic and might lend itself to being controlled by other people or institutions. I am not talking about letting go of complete control. Rather, I am...
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Dr. Aristo Vojdani - A discussion with an expert: Autoimmunity, Food & Chemical Sensitivity, Lab Testing, and more!
In this 149th episode, I do a deep-dive into autoimmunity, laboratory testing, food sensitivity, chemical sensitivity, and all things immunology. On this day I had the significant honor of sitting down with a giant in the integrative and functional medicine arena, Dr. Aristo Vojdani. I have...
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Three overlooked risk factors for cardiovascular disease
In this 148th episode we delve into the intricacies of cardiovascular health by shining a light on some often-overlooked cardiovascular risks that could be influencing your heart health: trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), and homocysteine. These biochemical...
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The Great California Tortilla Conundrum
In this 147th episode, I discuss the recent California law taking effect on Janurary 1, 2026 enforcing the supplementation of Folic Acid into corn masa (corn flour). This will impact corn tortillas, tamales, corn chips, etc. It just so happens that upwards of 40% of the people this new law is...
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Together in Transition: Welcoming a New Year with Open Hearts
In this 146th (bonus) episode, I riff a bit on the concept of ritual as we turn the page of a new year. The focus and motivation of the episode though is one of gratitude and connection. This podcast has covered a lot of topics, but if there is one concept that I hope comes through strongly it is...
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Embracing the Flow: Lessons from Zen teachings, Ju-Jitsu, and Life's Uncertainties
In this 145th episode I discuss concepts around "Transitional Flow." This is a concept I became keenly aware of through my training of Ju-Jitsu, so many years ago. Understanding the principles of transitional flow I can see it everywhere. It is certainly useful on the sidewalks, in the market,...
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There is Pain... And then there is suffering
In this 144th episode I discuss various aspects of pain and suffering. The inspiration for this topic came to me recently as I was laying in bed, suffering from a nasty gluten-induced migraine, feeling sorry for myself, and pondering concepts around how I was processing the pain I was…
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Fear
In this 143rd episode I unpack some thoughts about fear. I was inspired about this topic from a recent conversation I heard on the Duncan Trussell Family Hour Podcast between Duncan and Ram Dev. There were many topic discussed but fear came up and it just struck a chord. And so I sat down and…
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The Dark Side of Cooking Oils: Unpacking Industrial Seed Oils
In this 142nd episode, we delve into the often-overlooked process of how industrial seed oils are made and why their widespread use may be harmful to our health. From the collection of seeds to the final product, the manufacturing process involves several steps, including high-temperature heating...
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Next Level Physical Therapy with Dr. Eric Schulte
In this 141st episode I sit down with Dr. Eric Schulte. Eric is a doctor of physical therapy and runs a private practice called Movement Academy here in San Diego, CA. I got to know Eric recently and have had a few conversations that let me know he was someone I wanted to have on the podcast. You...
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Can Testosterone Replacement Therapy Really Make Your Balls Shrink?
In this 140th episode I discuss some important concepts around testosterone replacement therapy in men. This topic came up as a result of a conversation I had recently with a colleague where I talked about some of the more radical concepts I have seen as a result of higher levels of testosterone...
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What is your Biome Burden waiting to tell you?
In this 139th episode I sit down with Chase Zittrauer, Rep for Cyrex Labs, to discuss a new test called the BiomeBurden Complete. This ground breaking lab panel looks at the gut microbiome (bacterial) and mycobiome (yeast/fungus) as seen through the lens of the immune system. By that I mean…
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About this show
In this Podcast we will discuss topics relating to Functional Medicine, Self Improvement, & Wellness. Dr. Jim Chialtas has been in private practice in San Diego, CA since 2003 with a focus in Acupuncture & Functional Medicine. www.afunctionalapproach.net He designs and teaches continuing education courses on Functional Blood Chemistry for the online education company, Acupuncture Insights. He also designed and currently teaches two courses on Functional Blood Medicine for the Doctorate of Traditional Chinese Medicine (DTCM) program at Five Branches University.
Hosted by
Jim Chialtas, DACM, L.Ac.
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