Functional Medicine Reality Podcast

Got Lab Results But No Real Answers? Download your free guide: rootseekhealth.com/labsYou've probably stood in a supplement aisle, or scrolled past an influencer ad, and thought, I have no idea if any of this actually works. Maybe you've spent real money on things that did nothing. Maybe your doctor shrugged when you asked. That confusion is not a personal failing. It's the supplement industry doing exactly what an under-regulated industry tends to do, and today we're pulling back the curtain on all of it.In this conversation, I sit down with Leah Habjan, a nutraceutical industry educator with OrthoMolecular Products, someone I genuinely trust because she leads with research, not a sales pitch. We talk about what separates a quality nutraceutical from a generic supplement, how to read a label without a science degree, and why the phrase "expensive urine" only applies when the product wasn't worth taking in the first place.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Not all supplements are created equal, and the difference between a dietary supplement and a professional nutraceutical comes down to formulation quality, therapeutic dosing, and whether the company has actually done the research to back what's in the bottle.You can identify a trustworthy supplement company without being a scientist. Look for products that link to clinical references, not just marketing claims, and watch for proprietary blends that hide what's actually in them and at what dose.Some ingredients now sold as supplements were once available only as prescriptions, and understanding that history changes how you think about what functional medicine has access to.The form of a nutrient matters as much as the nutrient itself. If you're a poor methylator, taking a B vitamin that isn't in its methylated form may do very little, no matter how reputable the brand looks on the outside.Finding someone you trust to help navigate supplement quality, whether that's a functional medicine physician, a knowledgeable health coach, or a credentialed industry professional, is one of the most protective things you can do for your health and your wallet.Leah Habjan is a nutraceutical industry educator with OrthoMolecular Products whose passion for health started long before her career did. Raised by a mom who was reading about food quality and organic sourcing decades before it was mainstream, Leah went on to study biology with the goal of becoming a healthcare provider, and eventually found her place at the intersection of clinical nutrition and physician education. Key Insights:One of the most important things Leah shared in this conversation is that nutraceuticals are a subset of dietary supplements, but not every supplement qualifies. A true nutraceutical is formulated with therapeutic intent, meaning the doses actually align with clinical research, the raw materials are verified for quality, and the company can show its work. If a product's website can't point you to peer-reviewed references, that tells you something.We also talked about what happens when manufacturing standards slip, and it happens more than people realize. Leah has watched companies that once held themselves to high standards quietly shift their formulations after rapid growth, cutting corners on raw material quality in ways that aren't visible on the label. One example she gave hit home for me: switching from methylfolate to folic acid in a B-complex formula. Connect With Leah Habjan: IG: @newenglandhealthy  READY FOR YOUR OWN ROOT CAUSE JOURNEY? https://rootseekhealth.com/ Need help with your Labs?  rootseekhealth.com/labs 

Got Lab Results But No Real Answers? Download your free guide: rootseekhealth.com/labsIf you've ever walked out of a doctor's office feeling like you were handed a prescription instead of an answer, you're not alone. That rushed, "here's a pill, see you later" experience is something a lot of people are navigating right now, and it leaves you with more questions than when you walked in. This week, Dr. Mark Sue sits down with Luigi, a sharp, self-advocating young guy in his twenties who came with a handful of real, relatable health questions and a whole lot of healthy skepticism.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why the conventional healthcare system is designed around speed, not depth, and what you can actually do about it as a patient to get more out of your visits.How to think about hair loss in your twenties, what's worth exploring naturally first, and when a pharmaceutical approach might actually make sense.What peptides really are, why BPC-157 and Thymosin Alpha-1 keep coming up in wellness circles, and the honest limitations even functional medicine practitioners face when recommending them.Why the "all natural vs. all pharma" debate is a false choice, and how finding the gray zone between the two leads to smarter, more sustainable health decisions.How taking ownership of the basics, sleep, stress, nutrition, movement, and hydration, is still the most powerful thing you can do before reaching for any compound or supplement.About Luigi:Luigi is a young guy in his twenties living in the Katy area who takes his health seriously and asks the kind of questions a lot of people are thinking but not saying out loud. He came on the podcast after a frustrating dermatology visit sparked a broader conversation about self-advocacy, the healthcare system, and what it really means to take care of yourself. His perspective is refreshingly grounded, curious, and honest.Key Insights:The experience Luigi described at the dermatologist's office, walking in with a question and walking out with a lifetime prescription before he could even finish filling out the paperwork, isn't an isolated story. Dr. Mark breaks down why that happens. When a single practitioner is seeing 40 or more patients a day, the math just doesn't leave room for nuance. That's not an excuse, it's context. And knowing that context helps you prepare better questions before you walk in the door.One of the most grounding moments in this conversation is when Luigi reflects on peptides. He'd heard about a certain compound being pushed by influencers for fat loss, but the more he dug into it, the more uncomfortable he got with the sourcing, the lack of testing, and the money behind the recommendations. Dr. Mark validates that gut feeling. When you can't test for a need, can't verify the source, and there's money being made by the people recommending it, skepticism is the smart response, not ignorance.The real through-line of this episode is something Luigi landed on himself: the law of equivalent exchange. If you want the result, you have to put in what it actually costs. Better sleep, real food, consistent movement, stress you actually manage rather than suppress. Those aren't boring backup plans. They're the foundation everything else has to sit on.Need help with your Labs? Root Seek Health: rootseekhealth.com Free Lab Guide: rootseekhealth.com/labs READY FOR YOUR OWN ROOT CAUSE JOURNEY?If something in this conversation landed for you, the Root Seek Health team would be honored to walk that path with you.Start here: rootseekhealth.com

Got Lab Results But No Real Answers? Download your free guide: rootseekhealth.com/labsReady to find out what's actually going on in your body? Book a consult at rootseekhealth.com.What does alcohol have to do with functional medicine?More than you might think.In this episode, Dr. Mark Su sits down with patient and guest MaryJo for one of the most honest, human conversations the Functional Medicine Reality Podcast has had yet. No agenda, no judgment, just two people peeling back a topic that comes up in almost every social setting, yet rarely gets talked about with any real depth.MaryJo has been sober for ten years. Her journey away from alcohol didn't start with a dramatic rock bottom, it started quietly, with her body telling her something wasn't right. When she was deep in her Lyme disease journey and fighting to feel well again, anything that wasn't helping her heal had to go. Alcohol was one of the first things out the door. And looking back, that clarity, that decision to listen to her body, was one of the most powerful things she did for herself.Dr. Su brings his own honest reflection too, including his own gradual shift away from alcohol, the growing conversation he's having with patients about it, and why he thinks this topic belongs squarely in the root cause medicine conversation.Because here's the thing, functional medicine isn't just about your labs. It's about your whole life.4 KEY TAKEAWAYSRoot cause goes deeper than symptoms. Alcohol use is often a form of self-medication, sometimes for anxiety, ADD, stress, or emotional pain that hasn't been addressed yet. When the root cause gets treated, alcohol often stops being such a pull.Your body has been giving you signals all along. MaryJo knew from her teenage years that alcohol never quite served her. That quiet internal knowing, when you finally listen to it, can be the beginning of real change.Sobriety doesn't have to be a dramatic story. Some people don't drink because it genuinely doesn't add to their life. That's a valid, even inspiring, path, and it doesn't require a crisis to get there.Self-awareness is a root cause tool. Whether it's alcohol, doom scrolling, or emotional eating, we all self-medicate with something. The question Dr. Su keeps coming back to is: does this serve you? That one question can change everything.IN THIS EPISODEDr. Su and MaryJo talk about what it's actually like to be the person not drinking in a room full of people who are. They talk about the social pressure, the curious questions, the moments of clarity, and what it feels like to show up for your life completely present. MaryJo shares what ten years of sobriety has taught her, including watching her sister walk through a serious substance struggle and come out the other side into a life that is, as MaryJo puts it, fruitful and beautiful in ways she never could have imagined.Dr. Su connects it all to the bigger picture of root cause medicine, the idea that our emotional and behavioral health is just as important as our physical health. A patient who is depressed enough doesn't care about treating their labs. Mental and emotional health comes first. Always.This one is worth a listen, and probably worth sharing with someone you love.RESOURCES AND LINKSRoot Seek Health: rootseekhealth.com Free Lab Guide: rootseekhealth.com/labs READY FOR YOUR OWN ROOT CAUSE JOURNEY?If something in this conversation landed for you, the Root Seek Health team would be honored to walk that path with you.Start here: rootseekhealth.com

Got lab results but no real answers? Download your free guide and finally understand what your body is trying to tell you: rootseekhealth.com/labsEpisode OverviewMold. It's one of those words that makes people freeze, panic, or reach for their wallet before they even know what they're dealing with.In this episode of the Functional Medicine Reality Podcast, Dr. Mark Su sits down with Michael Schrantz, Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) and founder of Environmental Analytics, for a real, unscripted conversation with an anonymous patient, referred to here as Richie, kept anonymous to protect his family's privacy.Richie's adult son has been dealing with unexplained neurological symptoms, including brain fog, nerve pain, joint pain, and emotional health changes, for over a year. Testing pointed toward mold mycotoxin exposure, which led the family to investigate their home. What they found was a lot of competing information, wildly different remediation estimates, and the very human question: where do I even start?This episode is raw, real, and incredibly useful if you've ever felt overwhelmed by the mold conversation, whether you're dealing with it right now or trying to understand what it could mean for your health.4 Key TakeawaysDIY mold removal can make things worse. Cutting out drywall without proper containment can spread mold spores and mycotoxins to other areas of your home. Knowing this upfront changes how your IEP interprets your test results.Big price differences in remediation quotes don't always mean one company is wrong. They often reflect different scopes of work. Knowing what's included (and what's not, like HVAC cleaning and small particle cleaning) is everything.You don't have to do it all at once. A sequenced, staged approach to remediation is valid, but the order matters. Clean the ductwork before you clean the house, not after. Working with a qualified IEP to plan the sequence can save you time, money, and re-exposure.Small particle cleaning is often the single biggest line item in a remediation estimate, and it may be something you can do yourself. Products like Aerosolver (a non-toxic, DIY-friendly option) exist specifically for this purpose, and doing this work yourself can significantly reduce your overall costs.Resources & People MentionedMichael Schrantz, IEP | Environmental Analytics Website: environmentalanalytics.net Podcast: IEPradio.comISEAI (International Society for Environmentally Acquired Illness) Free remediation resources and one-on-one guidance documents available at iseai.org under "Get Help" > "Resources"Aerosolver — A non-toxic, DIY-friendly small particle cleaning product mentioned as an option for whole-home surface cleaning after mold remediationClosingIf this episode hit close to home, you're not alone, and you're not without options.Dr. Su and the RootSeek team work with patients across the country who are navigating exactly this: unexplained symptoms, labs that don't add up, and a conventional system that keeps telling them everything looks fine.Ready to finally get answers? Book a consult with Dr. Su at rootseekhealth.com Download your free lab results guide at rootseekhealth.com/labs Listen to more episodes of the Functional Medicine Reality Podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

What if the knee pain you've been blaming on age is actually a statin side effect?That's a question worth sitting with. And it's one of the reasons I wanted to do this episode, because I see this pattern in real people, in real conversations, all the time. Someone's been on a statin for a few years. They're moving less, feeling foggy, their joints ache. And when they bring it up, they're told it's just part of getting older.It doesn't have to be that way.In this episode, I walk you through what I consider to be an honest, grounded framework for thinking about cholesterol treatment — not from fear, and not from hype. We talk about why statin side effects like muscle pain, fatigue, and brain fog happen at a biological level, what the research actually shows about the diabetes signal, and how the risk picture for a 55-year-old with a complex history is completely different from a healthy 25-year-old with a flagged LDL number.We also get into the smarter data — apoB, lipoprotein(a), oxidized LDL, coronary calcium scoring — because a standard lipid panel alone doesn't always tell the full story.By the end, you'll have a real decision-making process you can actually use: define your risk profile, know your risk appetite, gather better information when it's needed, trial thoughtfully, and pay attention to both how you feel and what your labs show.No absolutes. No fear-mongering. Just clarity.As always, nothing here is medical advice or a diagnosis. These are recommendations and frameworks to support your own informed conversations with your care team.If this helped, follow the show, share it with someone weighing a statin decision, and leave a review. It genuinely helps us reach more people who need this kind of clarity.Connect with us:Root Seek Health: https://rootseekhealth.com/Dr. Mark Su's Podcast: Functional Medicine Reality Podcast Got Lab Results But No Real Answers? Download your free guide: rootseekhealth.com/labs

I'll be upfront. I walked into my first encounter with Dr. Todd Watts as a full-on skeptic.I'm an MD. I like data. I've literally told vendors at conference booths, hey, I'm not buying anything, fair warning. That's just who I am.But I remember standing in that conference room years ago watching Todd present on parasites, a topic I had barely touched in fifteen years of conventional practice, and something just landed. I thought, that guy is solid. Something genuine is happening there. I didn't know much about him at all, but I trusted him.That was the beginning of a journey I didn't see coming.Dr. Watts is the co-founder of Cellcore Biosciences, a supplement company built around supporting the body's detox pathways starting at the cellular level. He came to this work through a second career, his own Lyme disease diagnosis, years of joint pain and fatigue that doctors shrugged off as normal aging, and a quiet refusal to give up on patients the way the system had given up on him.What we talk about in this episode goes way beyond products and protocols. It's about what actually drives a practitioner. The kind of care that doesn't quit when the obvious answers run out.Dr. Watts shares the story of a woman who came to him having twenty-five seizures a day, being carried into his clinic. She now runs one of the fastest-growing interior design businesses in the Boise valley. He talks about a family whose anxiety and mood collapse traced back to black mold consuming their entire attic. Thirty days on a binder protocol and their lives changed.He also says something I think a lot of us in this space feel but don't always say out loud. You can't keep giving from empty. Practitioners with the biggest hearts have to be the most intentional about refueling. That one hit home for me.And if you're a patient listening, this conversation is a window into what it feels like when a practitioner genuinely refuses to give up on you. That kind of care exists. It matters more than most people know.Everything here is educational. These are recommendations, not diagnoses or treatments.What we get into: Lyme disease, Babesia, parasites, mold and mycotoxin illness, heavy metals, plant-based medicine, peptides, trauma and chronic illness, emotional health as root-cause medicinePeople and resources mentioned: Dr. Todd Watts and Dr. Jay Davidson, co-founders of Cellcore Biosciences at cellcore.com. The Eco Conference, Cellcore's annual practitioner event, is the first week of May in Boise, Idaho. Find it under Events at cellcore.com. If something in this conversation resonated, head to RootSeekHealth.com and take the free health quiz. It's a quick way to start figuring out what might be going on beneath the surface and what kind of support could actually move things forward for you.And if you're a practitioner who's been on the fence about Eco, I've gone five times. I've cried four of those five times, and I'm not an easy crier. That's really all I'll say about that.Until next time. Keep it real. Peace be with you. — Dr. Mark SuConnect with us:Root Seek Health: https://rootseekhealth.com/Dr. Mark Su's Podcast: Functional Medicine Reality Podcast Got Lab Results But No Real Answers? Download your free guide: https://rootseekhealth.com/podcast/

Hey friends, what if we stopped fighting over labels and actually started treating the mechanisms behind what's making people sick? That's the question driving today's conversation with Dr. Jessica Lasky-Su from Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital.Here's the thing. Her team is working at the edge of some really fascinating science, genetics, epigenetics, proteomics, metabolomics, antibody profiling. And what we dig into is how long COVID research, viral exposures, and autoimmunity all connect. This isn't just academic, right? This shift in thinking could change how we approach everything from chronic fatigue to neurodegeneration.We unpack the NIH's massive long COVID program. We're talking tens of thousands of participants, deep biospecimen collection, repeated measures over time, and patient advocates actually shaping what gets studied. The goal isn't some single tidy definition of long COVID. It's mapping out subtypes and mechanisms. Immune dysregulation, viral persistence, autonomic dysfunction, coagulation issues, mitochondrial strain. Once you define the mechanisms, drug repurposing becomes a real lever. You can match known compounds to pathways for faster trials and earlier relief for patients.Then we zoom out a bit. Research grade antibody profiling can detect tens of thousands of potential autoantibodies, way beyond what routine panels show. Some of these signals correlate strongly with diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, hinting at early warning markers or maybe even direct roles in the disease process itself. Molecular mimicry explains how infections, especially persistent herpesviruses like HSV-1, EBV, CMV, and VZV, can trigger immune misfires that target our own tissues. It's good intentions gone wrong at the cellular level, and it's why mechanisms matter more than the names we slap on things.We keep it practical too. Support immune balance with sleep, nutrition, movement, vitamin D optimization, stress regulation, gut health. If reactivation is suspected, talk to your clinician about antiviral strategies and stepped, mechanism aware care. This isn't hype. It's a grounded path from lab to life where functional medicine and rigorous research meet to shorten the distance between discovery and relief.If this conversation resonates, subscribe, share it with someone who needs clarity, and leave a review to help others find the show. Your questions shape what we explore next.That my friends, is the reality of medicine as I see it. Let's get real and get results.Connect with us:Root Seek Health: https://rootseekhealth.com/📊 Got Lab Results But No Real Answers?You're not alone. Many patients are stuck with test results but no clear path forward. I've created a free resource to help you understand what your labs might actually be telling you about your health.Download your free guide: https://rootseekhealth.com/podcast/

What does “I feel good” mean after years of chronic Lyme and a major surgery that reshapes your body and your identity? We sit down with Mary Jo to unpack a tender, determined third chapter: living well after treatment, navigating a post-hysterectomy reality, and rebuilding confidence without ignoring limits. The result is a rare blend of practical playbooks and soul-level honesty—how to budget energy to avoid push-crash, why anti-inflammatory eating clarifies symptoms fast, and where simple modalities like sauna and cold plunges fit when you’re ready to nudge good toward great.Mary Jo walks us through the emotional weight of sharing good news after long suffering, and the courage it takes to keep saying it. A 4,000‑foot hike becomes a turning point—part victory lap, part lesson in recovery—and a powerful metaphor for reclaiming identity after years of illness. We connect the dots between symptom patterns and daily choices: refined sugar and processed foods fueling headaches, skin flares, and joint aches; whole foods and steady protein restoring clarity and calm. Along the way, we explore coinfections, post-hysterectomy hormone shifts, and how faith and community steady the mind when data is sparse and the wellness market gets loud.If you’re seeking a roadmap that respects your limits while expanding your possibilities, this conversation offers guardrails and green lights: one meaningful task per day, honest recovery windows, gentle movement that builds capacity, and clear, low-risk tools to test. It’s a grounded path from symptom control to genuine vitality—crafted with discernment, gratitude, and grit.If this resonates, subscribe, share with a friend who needs hope, and leave a review telling us the one habit that moves you from good to great.Connect with us:Root Seek Health: https://rootseekhealth.com/Dr. Mark Su's Podcast: Functional Medicine Reality Podcast📊 Got Lab Results But No Real Answers? Download your free guide: https://rootseekhealth.com/podcast/

In this episode, I sit down with Sebastian, a family friend and college student, for an open and thoughtful conversation about health, food, mental clarity, and the overwhelm of modern wellness information. This is a rare and refreshing look at how the younger generation is thinking about health and asking questions many adults never learned to ask.Seb shares how his interest in lifting, performance, and nutrition gradually turned into something deeper. What started as a focus on strength and physique became an exploration of sleep, food quality, anxiety, gut health, and mental well-being. Along the way, he noticed something important. Changes in diet and lifestyle didn’t just affect his body. They changed how present, calm, and focused he felt in daily life.We talk about:How food choices can influence mood, anxiety, and mental clarityThe gut as a major interface between the body, the immune system, and the brainWhy food sensitivities are complex and not one-size-fits-allThe difference between food allergies and delayed food reactionsWhy stress, attention, and mindset can amplify or reduce physical symptomsThe gut-brain connection, serotonin, and emerging research on the microbiomePsychobiotics and the evolving science of probiotics and mental healthIntermittent fasting and time-restricted eating, including where the data is strong and where nuance mattersThe risk of becoming overly fixated on “perfect” eating and health optimizationWe also explore a topic that doesn’t get enough airtime. When does health awareness turn into health anxiety? And how do we pursue better health without losing joy, flexibility, and connection along the way?This episode is not about promoting a specific diet, supplement, or protocol. It’s about curiosity, balance, and learning how to listen to your body without becoming consumed by the noise.Sebastian brings honesty, humility, and insight from his generation, and this conversation highlights something I believe deeply. Good medicine is not just about data or discipline. It’s about discernment, self-awareness, and context.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by conflicting health advice, unsure whether symptoms are coming from food, stress, or both, or curious about how gut health and mental health intersect, this episode will resonate.As always, this podcast is for education and awareness, not diagnosis or treatment. My hope is that it helps you ask better questions and feel less alone in the process.Let’s get real, and let’s keep learning together.Connect with us:Root Seek Health: https://rootseekhealth.com/Dr. Mark Su's Podcast: Functional Medicine Reality PodcastTrue Wellness Clinic (for VO2 max testing, DEXA scans, and more): truwellnessclinic.com📊 Got Lab Results But No Real Answers? Download your free guide: https://rootseekhealth.com/podcast/

In this episode of the Functional Medicine Reality Podcast, I sit down again with my friend and colleague Mike Schrantz, an Indoor Environmental Professional I often call the “Doctor of Homes.” I’m the “Doctor of People,” and together we work at the intersection where sick buildings and sick bodies collide.Today we step into a thorny topic that affects a lot of patients and a lot of practitioners: human mold testing, specifically urine mycotoxin testing.If you have ever had a urine mycotoxin test, or if you have been told your results prove you “have mold,” you are going to want to hear this conversation. If you are a practitioner using these tests, you may feel challenged by what we say. Our intent is not to criticize, shame, or polarize. Our intent is truth telling and clarity, because the stakes are real. These results can lead to major decisions about treatment, remediation, belongings, and even moving.We walk through the two major camps we see in the mold illness world today. One is the Shoemaker and CIRS framework, where testing is focused largely on blood-based inflammatory markers and pattern recognition. The other camp is the growing use of urinary mycotoxin testing through labs like RealTime, Vibrant, and Mosaic. We discuss how urine mycotoxin testing is sometimes being used as a standalone diagnostic tool, and why that can become dangerous.Mike shares what he sees in the field when people come to him with a urine mycotoxin result and a diagnosis that triggers panic, decision fatigue, and expensive next steps. We talk about the hard questions that still need answers, including how labs establish “normal” versus “elevated,” what healthy control data is being used, and why repeatability and interpretation are major concerns.A key theme is this: mycotoxins can show up in urine even in people who feel well, and mycotoxins can also come from diet and everyday exposures, not only from a moldy home. That does not mean a urine test is useless. It means the results need context. A urine mycotoxin test can be one piece of the puzzle, but it is rarely the whole puzzle.We also discuss provocation testing, the difference between qualitative and quantitative meaning, and why overconfident conclusions can cost people more than money. They can cost peace of mind.This episode is for anyone trying to avoid rabbit holes and get real about what these tests can and cannot tell you. Whether you are a patient or a clinician, the goal is the same: make decisions with clarity, not fear.If you want help navigating mold illness step by step, including testing, interpretation, environment, and treatment sequencing, my team at Root Seek is here to support you.Let’s get real and get results.Connect with us:Root Seek Health: https://rootseekhealth.com/📊 Got Lab Results But No Real Answers?You're not alone. Many patients are stuck with test results but no clear path forward. I've created a free resource to help you understand what your labs might actually be telling you about your health.Download your free guide: https://rootseekhealth.com/podcast/

One of the questions I am asked most often by patients is this:“Don’t doctors get paid to prescribe medications?”It is a fair question. And if you have ever left a medical visit feeling rushed, unheard, or confused about why a prescription was offered when you wanted to talk about lifestyle change, you are not alone.The short answer, from my experience, is no. Doctors are not paid directly for writing prescriptions. I have never seen that arrangement in my own career. But the longer and more important answer is where things get complicated, and where a lot of patient frustration actually starts to make sense.In this episode, I share how modern healthcare really works behind the scenes, specifically the metric driven systems that shape many outpatient medical visits, often without patients ever being told those systems exist.Insurance contracts commonly withhold a portion of physician reimbursement. That money can only be earned back if certain population level targets are met. These targets include cancer screening rates, blood pressure control, diabetes markers, depression screenings, and age based testing requirements.These systems were created with good public health intentions. On a population level, they aim to reduce disease, improve outcomes, and lower long term healthcare costs. But in real life, they can unintentionally distort the patient experience.When metrics drive behavior, office visits can become crowded with checklists, screenings, and documentation that have little to do with the reason you came in that day, whether that is back pain, fatigue, brain fog, or something else entirely.This helps explain why you may feel frustrated when:You are asked the same questions at every visitScreenings feel unrelated to your concernLifestyle conversations feel rushed or absentMedications are offered before behavior change has time to workThis episode is not about blaming doctors. I speak honestly about the difficult position many clinicians are placed in. They are often caught between wanting to support their patients and being financially penalized if metrics are not met by the end of the calendar year.I also explain why lifestyle change, while essential, often does not move the numbers fast enough for these systems. That reality can quietly influence medical decisions, especially late in the year, even when a patient is motivated and ready to make change.This conversation is about clarity, not conspiracy. It is about helping you understand why healthcare can feel transactional, why visits sometimes miss the mark, and how understanding the system can help you advocate for yourself more effectively.My goal is not to create fear or distrust. It is to offer context, compassion, and empowerment.If you have ever wondered why your healthcare experience feels the way it does, this episode is for you.Let’s get real and get results.Connect with us:Root Seek Health: https://rootseekhealth.com/📊 Got Lab Results But No Real Answers?You're not alone. Many patients are stuck with test results but no clear path forward. I've created a free resource to help you understand what your labs might actually be telling you about your health.Download your free guide: https://rootseekhealth.com/podcast/

Hey friends. This is one of those foundational conversations that quietly shapes everything we do in healthcare, yet it’s rarely talked about outside medical training.In this episode, I walk you through the concept of differential diagnosis, what it is, why it matters, and how overlooking it can delay healing or, in some cases, cause real harm.Differential diagnosis simply means creating a thoughtful list of all the possible causes of a symptom before jumping to conclusions. It’s not about being overly technical. It’s about being thorough, humble, and clinically responsible.Using real-world examples like chronic abdominal pain, I explain how symptoms that sound familiar can have very different meanings depending on context:How long has it been going on?Is it changing?Is it associated with food, movement, stress, or time of day?In functional medicine, we’re trained to think broadly. Lyme, mold, parasites, gut infections, inflammation, and toxicity all matter. That perspective is incredibly valuable. But here’s the nuance: we can’t skip over the conventional “big and bad” possibilities, especially acute or dangerous conditions like infection, obstruction, or cancer.This episode is especially important for:Prescribing clinicians practicing functional or integrative medicinePatients with long-standing, complex, or unexplained symptomsAnyone who has felt dismissed, or alternatively, overwhelmed by diagnosesI also talk candidly about a real risk in our space. We can become so focused on chronic, root-cause explanations that we miss something urgent or conventional that still needs to be ruled out first.The takeaway isn’t fear. It’s balance.Good medicine, whether functional or conventional, requires:Pattern recognition and vigilanceCuriosity and restraintInnovation and respect for fundamentalsIf you’ve been on a long health journey, this conversation may help you better understand how your symptoms are being interpreted and how to advocate for yourself more clearly. And if you’re a clinician, my hope is that this serves as a grounding reminder: breadth without prioritization can be just as risky as narrow thinking.As always, let’s get real and let’s get results.Connect with us:Root Seek Health: https://rootseekhealth.com/Dr. Mark Su's Podcast: Functional Medicine Reality PodcastTrue Wellness Clinic (for VO2 max testing, DEXA scans, and more): truwellnessclinic.com📊 Got Lab Results But No Real Answers? Download your free guide: https://rootseekhealth.com/podcast/

Welcome back to the Functional Medicine Reality Podcast. I'm Dr. Mark Su, and today we're pivoting from the chronic inflammation world into the longevity space. I'm here with Cooper Paul, a pulmonary hypertension specialist at a major academic hospital in Boston and a true longevity medicine enthusiast who's taught me an incredible amount over the last few years.Here's the thing. We all know exercise is good for us. But what if I told you there's data showing that going from a low VO2 max to an elite VO2 max can decrease your risk of dying in a given year by 400%? There is no medication in the world that can do that. And that's what we're unpacking today.What We Cover in This Episode:Cooper shares his family's story with the New England Parkinson's Ride, a fundraising event for the Michael J. Fox Foundation that's raised well over $12 million. That personal connection through his father sparked his passion for longevity medicine.We break down the three pillars of exercise science within longevity medicine: VO2 max (your anaerobic power), zone two training (your aerobic base), and muscle mass and strength training. Cooper explains why VO2 max is the single best predictor we have for both healthspan and lifespan, and why even small improvements can make a drastic difference.Cooper introduces predictive programming and back casting. You can actually project what your physical capacity will look like at 75 or 80 based on where you are now. Then ask yourself, is that the future I want? If not, build a plan to change it.Zone two training is where things get counterintuitive. This isn't about grinding yourself into the ground. It's low intensity, sustainable, and it builds the aerobic base that supports everything else. Cooper explains the pyramid concept: VO2 max is the peak, but you can't build a tall peak without a wide base.We also cover strength training for longevity. If you want to pick up your grandkid at 80 and that toddler weighs 35 pounds, you probably need to handle 45 to 50 pounds now to account for the scheduled decline we all experience.Key Takeaways:Low to elite VO2 max decreases your risk of dying in a given year by approximately 400%, far exceeding any medication.You don't have to reach elite status. Even moving from low to below average makes a meaningful difference.Zone two training is the foundation. It's the "I'm a little bored on the treadmill" kind of workout, and it works.Strength training for longevity is about functional independence, picking yourself up if you fall, opening a jar, playing with your grandkids.Progress over perfection. This is a lifelong endeavor, but it doesn't have to be an internal battle.Connect with us:Root Seek Health: https://rootseekhealth.com/Dr. Mark Su's Podcast: Functional Medicine Reality PodcastTrue Wellness Clinic (for VO2 max testing, DEXA scans, and more): truwellnessclinic.com📊 Got Lab Results But No Real Answers? Download your free guide: https://rootseekhealth.com/podcast/

Welcome back to the Functional Medicine Reality Podcast. I'm Dr. Mark Su, and this is part two of my conversation with Mary Jo Anderson. If you caught our first episode together, you know we covered the long, painful road to getting a Lyme disease diagnosis. Today we're diving into what happens after you finally have answers.Here's the thing. Getting a diagnosis doesn't mean everything magically gets better overnight. Mary Jo's story is proof of that. And I think her willingness to share the messy, nonlinear reality of treatment is exactly what so many people need to hear.What We Cover in This Episode:Mary Jo opens up about why she's been hesitant to share her treatment journey publicly. The short answer? What works for one person doesn't work for another. She's seen it firsthand talking with other Lyme patients over the years. Every story is vastly different once you get past diagnosis.We talk through her initial treatment with herbals and supplements. She was taking 15 to 20 different things at one time. It was overwhelming. She'd never even taken Advil before this. After three to four months, she went from feeling like a 12 on a pain scale to maybe a nine or ten. Barely moving the needle.Then came antibiotics. Two at once for six months, which I know sounds intense. Over that time she went from a 10 down to about a five or six. Fifty debilitating symptoms down to ten. Real progress.But here's where it gets real. Two weeks after stopping the antibiotics, everything came back with a vengeance. Back to square one. Mary Jo describes feeling scared, discouraged, and honestly questioning whether she wanted to keep fighting.We talk about how she got back on the horse. Her faith, her community, her kids, the simple phrase "keep going" that she held onto in the darkest moments.And then she shares about the combination that finally moved the needle in a big way: a specific medication paired with a raw, plant-based diet for six months. She went from feeling like she was at ground zero to feeling 100% better.The Reality of Living with Chronic Lyme:Mary Jo is honest that she hasn't eradicated Lyme. She's living with it. She still has some joint pain and neuropathy that comes and goes. But she's resilient. She's learned what her body needs. And she's pursuing optimal health rather than waiting to feel "cured" before moving forward.We also touch on something important: the double life she was living during all this. Sharing beautiful sunrises and family moments online while suffering behind closed doors. Not because she was being fake, but because that joy and connection was literally what kept her going.Key Takeaways:Treatment isn't linear. You might try herbals, then antibiotics, then something else entirely. Progress doesn't always stick. Setbacks happen. That's the reality.What works for one person won't necessarily work for another. Mary Jo is clear about this. She's not giving medical advice. She's sharing her experience.Staying "broken wide open" to information, to angels who plant seeds along the way, to possibilities you haven't considered yet. That posture of openness was critical to her progress.Connect with us:Root Seek Health: https://rootseekhealth.com/📊 Got Lab Results But No Real Answers?You're not alone. Many patients are stuck with test results but no clear path forward. I've created a free resource to help you understand what your labs might actually be telling you about your health.Download your free guide "Lab Results Without Answers: Your Labs Are Only Half the Story"

Alright, so here's one I get asked constantly: Do I really need to throw out all my belongings if there's mold in my house?If that question's been keeping you up at night, or if you're stuck wondering whether dealing with mold means going bankrupt and starting over, take a deep breath. This episode's for you.I brought back Mike Schrantz, one of the most networked indoor environmental professionals in the country. He's what I call a "doctor of houses and buildings." And we got into the real, practical reality of what mold remediation actually looks like. Not the fear-based stuff you find all over social media. The truth.Here's what we talked about:What to actually expect from a mold inspection and report. Mike breaks down why "normal" looks different depending on where you live, and how outdoor mold is different from indoor sources.The four categories of remediation: surface cleaning, air quality, contents (furniture, clothing, papers), and deeper structural issues. Not everything requires ripping down walls.Why the contents question brings up the most emotion. This is where people panic about throwing everything away. Mike explains what "clean enough" actually means and why treating mold like plutonium creates unnecessary fear.The truth about mycotoxins. They have short half-lives. Normal laundering removes them from fabrics. You can clean furniture without throwing it away. And no, you probably don't need to get rid of everything.Why the fear itself might be doing more harm than the actual exposure. We talk about the emotional toll, the financial strain, and why so many people end up spending tens of thousands on things they didn't need to do.Bottom line: Most situations don't require moving out or going bankrupt. There are sequential steps you can take. And clarity itself can be medicine.If you're dealing with mold concerns, chronic illness, or wondering if your environment is making you sick, this conversation will help you move forward with less overwhelm and more confidence. Next steps: Visit RootSeekHealth.com to take our free health quiz or schedule a discovery call.Connect with us:Root Seek Health: https://rootseekhealth.com/Dr. Mark Su's Podcast: Functional Medicine Reality Podcast📊 Got Lab Results But No Real Answers?You're not alone. Many patients are stuck with test results but no clear path forward. I've created a free resource to help you understand what your labs might actually be telling you about your health.Download your free guide: https://rootseekhealth.com/podcast/Let's get real and get results.

Hey friends, this one's for both practitioners and patients who've been around the functional medicine world for a while.Here's the thing. When you've been dealing with chronic symptoms for months or years, it's really easy to fall into patterns. You start assuming every flare-up is the same old story. SIBO acting up again. Mold toxicity. Food sensitivities.But what if it's not?I'm talking about the differential diagnostic list, which is just a fancy way of saying: all the possible things that could be causing your symptoms. And here's where it gets tricky for those of us working in the functional medicine world.We get so focused on the chronic inflammatory stuff, the SIBO, the parasites, the mycotoxins, that sometimes we can overlook the conventional diagnoses. The diverticulitis. The cancer, God forbid. The kidney stones. The things that need attention now.I'll be honest, this is something I actively remind myself about. When I'm seeing a patient I've worked with for two years, and they come in describing abdominal pain, it's tempting to just pick up where we left off. But if they tell me the pain is different somehow, more intense, or now there's bleeding when there wasn't before, I cannot just chalk that up to hemorrhoids and move on.Now, if you're a patient, here's what I want you to hear. Pay attention when symptoms vary, even just a little bit. Maybe they're 20% more intense. Maybe they're not triggered by the usual things.And here's the critical part: don't present it to your practitioner with presumptions already baked in. Don't say, "Oh, my SIBO is flaring up again." Just describe what you're experiencing. Let them go through their checklist.The differential diagnostic list in functional medicine is way more expansive than in conventional medicine. That's both a gift and a challenge. We're thinking about things other practitioners might miss. But we cannot let that blind us to the conventional stuff.Being comfortable is not always a good thing. Experience helps us work faster, but complacency can be a real stealth enemy.That my friends, is definitely the reality of medicine, especially at the intersect of functional and conventional medicine. Worth it, but more work.In This Episode:Why the differential diagnostic list matters for both practitioners and patientsThe risk of getting too comfortable with chronic symptomsHow to communicate symptoms without presumptionsBalancing functional and conventional medicine approachesKey Takeaways:When symptoms vary even by 20-30%, pay attentionDon't attach labels to your symptoms before presenting themPractitioners must guard against overlooking conventional diagnosesClear communication protects both patient and practitioner📊 Got Lab Results But No Real Answers?You're not alone. Many patients are stuck with test results but no clear path forward. I've created a free resource to help you understand what your labs might actually be telling you about your health.Download your free guide: https://rootseekhealth.com/podcast/

From GI Struggles to Stability: Anti-Aging in Real LifeA Patient Conversation with JeanIn this episode, I’m joined by Jean, a long-time patient who generously shares her real-life health journey, not from a place of perfection, but from lived experience.This conversation is about what healing actually looks like over time. It is about chronic gut issues, instability, fatigue, and inflammation, but also about perspective, gratitude, resilience, and what it means to pursue longevity in a realistic, human way.What This Episode CoversJean’s transition into a new chapter of life, including relocation, retirement, and changeYears of chronic GI symptoms and the complexity of digestive healingThe role of journaling, self-awareness, and trial-and-error in recoveryHow inflammation shows up across multiple systems over timeWhy healing is often cyclical, not linearWhat “anti-aging” really means outside of hype and extremesThe difference between chronological age and biological agingHow energy, cognition, stability, and connection define quality of lifeThe importance of movement, nature, sleep, and routineWhy social connection and lifelong learning matter for longevityHow to think through anti-aging options without overwhelm or fearA Realistic View of LongevityRather than chasing every new trend, this episode walks through how to think clearly about longevity based on values, resources, tolerance, and life stage.We discuss data-driven strategies like nutrition, exercise, and inflammation reduction, alongside emerging longevity concepts, while always coming back to what is sustainable and meaningful for the individual.Key TakeawayLongevity is not about doing everything.It is about doing the right things for you, at the right time, in the right way.Stability, resilience, curiosity, and connection matter just as much as supplements or tests.And healing does not mean erasing the past. It means building a steadier future.Important NoteThis episode reflects a real patient conversation shared for educational purposes only. Nothing discussed should be taken as individual medical advice. Each person’s health journey is unique and should be navigated with appropriate professional support.Thank you to Jean for her honesty, wisdom, and willingness to share.This is what real-life healing looks like.📊 Got Lab Results But No Real Answers?You're not alone. Many patients are stuck with test results but no clear path forward. I've created a free resource to help you understand what your labs might actually be telling you about your health.Download your free guide: https://rootseekhealth.com/podcast/

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. George Papanicolaou, long-time mentor, colleague, and friend, for one of the most honest conversations we’ve ever had publicly about medicine, humanity, and what it really means to care for people.George was my first boss early in my career and has spent more than three decades practicing medicine across vastly different settings, from the Navajo Nation to primary care to the UltraWellness Center. This conversation is not about protocols or supplements. It is about the inner work of being a doctor and the shared humanity between practitioner and patient.What We ExploreWhy medicine is never just about symptoms or lab valuesThe complexity of patient stories and evolving health narrativesHow bias quietly shapes clinical decision making on both sides of the exam roomWhy self-awareness is essential for good medicineThe gift and burden of empathy in patient careEmotional depletion and burnout in clinicians who care deeplyWhy hypervigilance around health can slow healingThe limits of medicine and the role of acceptanceHow contentment and gratitude can coexist with illnessWhat it means to partner with patients rather than try to fix themA Rare Look Behind the CurtainThis episode offers a rare and honest look at what happens on the other side of the exam room. We talk openly about the pressures clinicians carry, the responsibility of working with complex chronic illness, and the ongoing effort required to stay present, objective, and human.We also explore why healing is rarely linear and why progress often depends as much on mindset, relationships, and expectations as it does on treatments.Key TakeawayGood medicine requires more than knowledge.It requires humility, self-awareness, and humanity.Patients are not puzzles to be solved.Doctors are not machines without limits.Healing happens best when both are seen clearly and honestly.This conversation is a reminder that clarity begins with truth, and truth begins with being human.📊 Got Lab Results But No Real Answers?You're not alone. Many patients are stuck with test results but no clear path forward. I've created a free resource to help you understand what your labs might actually be telling you about your health.Download your free guide: https://rootseekhealth.com/podcast/

This is a deeply personal and meaningful episode.In this conversation, I’m joined by Mary Jo Anderson, who courageously shares her health journey for the first time publicly. This episode marks the beginning of a longer, unfolding story and a new chapter for both Mary Jo and this podcast.Mary Jo’s story is not just about chronic illness or Lyme disease. It is about what it feels like to slowly lose your health, to feel unseen and unheard, and to keep going even when answers are not coming.What This Episode Is Really AboutAt its core, this episode explores:What it feels like to slowly stop feeling well when life once felt full and vibrantHow chronic symptoms can be dismissed or minimized within the healthcare systemThe emotional and relational toll of prolonged, unexplained illnessThe loneliness that can exist even when you are surrounded by people who love youThe breaking point that forces many patients to seek a different pathThe power of listening to your intuition when something does not feel rightWhy resilience is often built through suffering, not before itHow vulnerability can open doors for healing and connectionMary Jo shares honestly about pain, fear, self doubt, and the moments when she questioned whether she would survive. She also shares about faith, perseverance, and the quiet strength it takes to keep searching for answers.A Story Many Will RecognizeIf you have ever:Been told your labs are normal while your body says otherwiseFelt dismissed, minimized, or labeled without explanationWondered if your symptoms were “all in your head”Felt like you were carrying your illness aloneHad to fight for answers while caring for othersThis story will resonate deeply.Why This Episode MattersMary Jo’s journey reflects the lived experience of countless patients navigating chronic illness. It highlights the limitations of a system that often lacks time, depth, or tools to fully see complex cases.It also reminds us that healing is rarely instant, rarely linear, and often begins with being truly heard.This episode focuses on the beginning of her story, including the years before diagnosis and the emotional reality of being undiagnosed. In future episodes, we will explore her diagnosis, treatment journey, and ongoing healing in greater depth.Key TakeawayIf something feels wrong in your body, listen.If you are not being helped, keep looking.And if you are in a dark place, you are not weak for needing support.Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is keep going.Resources MentionedRootseekVirtual functional medicine practice mentioned in closingwww.rootseek.comThank you for listening and for holding space for stories like this.This is how clarity begins, through truth, vulnerability, and human connection.📊 Got Lab Results But No Real Answers?You're not alone. Many patients are stuck with test results but no clear path forward. I've created a free resource to help you understand what your labs might actually be telling you about your health.Download your free guide: https://rootseekhealth.com/podcast/

Mold is a real issue, but the conversation around it has become increasingly extreme and overwhelming.In this episode, I’m joined by Mike Schrantz, an indoor environmental professional and long-time colleague, for an honest, grounded discussion about mold, sick buildings, and how environmental health intersects with human health in the real world.Together, we explore how fear-based, black-and-white thinking has caused unnecessary stress, financial strain, and confusion for many patients. We talk about why mold illness is legitimate, but rarely simple, and why balance matters more than absolutes.In This Episode, We DiscussWhy mold-related illness is real, but not always binaryThe difference between what is common and what is truly normalWhy “mold free” is often an unrealistic goalThe concept of normal fungal ecologyHow geography, season, and lifestyle affect indoor environmentsWhy most homes do not require extreme remediationThe role of fear, stress, and overwhelm in chronic illnessHow sequencing and realistic expectations support healingWhy progress matters more than perfectionKey TakeawayHealing does not require eliminating every possible variable.It requires thoughtful decisions, realistic expectations, and reducing the most meaningful sources of stress and exposure.Mold exposure deserves respect, not panic.Resources MentionedMike Schrantz, Indoor Environmental ProfessionalEnvironmental AnalyticsPodcast: IEP RadioClinical care resource mentioned in closingRootseekwww.rootseek.comThis conversation is part of an ongoing series focused on clarity, nuance, and helping people get better without unnecessary fear.Let’s get real and get results.📊 Got Lab Results But No Real Answers?You're not alone. Many patients are stuck with test results but no clear path forward. I've created a free resource to help you understand what your labs might actually be telling you about your health.Download your free guide: https://rootseekhealth.com/podcast/

I’m Dr. Mark Su, a conventionally trained physician, functional medicine practitioner, and lifelong student of the why behind symptoms.This podcast was born out of real-life questions, real patient stories, and a deep sense that the healthcare conversation needs more honesty, nuance, and humanity. Not perfection. Not dogma. Just reality.In this kickoff episode, I share three confessions, a few pivotal stories from my clinical journey, and the deeper reason this podcast exists in the first place.Three Confessions (Right Out of the Gate)I’m not here for the reasons you think I am.This podcast isn’t about trends, protocols, or being “anti” anything. It’s about understanding people and physiology more deeply.This podcast is non-compliant.Meaning we’re willing to ask uncomfortable questions, challenge oversimplified narratives, and sit in the gray when the truth isn’t black and white.I only practice some of what I preach.Because I’m human too. And real healing requires honesty, not a pedestal.The Question That Changed EverythingEarly in my career, I noticed something that didn’t make sense.Patients diagnosed with fibromyalgia would tell me that when they took antibiotics for unrelated infections, their joint pain and muscle pain improved.That shouldn’t happen, at least not according to conventional training.So I had to ask myself:What am I missing?And more importantly:What are we missing as a system?That question opened the door to functional medicine, chronic infections like Lyme disease, and eventually environmental factors such as mold-related illness.From Symptoms to Root CausesIn this episode, I walk through:How symptom-based diagnoses like fibromyalgia often describe what someone feels but not whyHow functional medicine reframes chronic illness through systems biology and root-cause thinkingWhy some patients heal dramatically when the right missing piece is identified and why others don’t yetI also share real patient stories. These are individuals who were told their symptoms were due to aging, stress, or “nothing serious,” only to experience profound improvement when the underlying cause was finally addressed.Why This Podcast ExistsThis show is for you if:You’ve been dismissed, minimized, or told “your labs are normal”You feel overwhelmed by conflicting health informationYou’re tired of binary thinking like all pharma versus no pharma or it’s all in your head versus it’s all physicalYou want clarity, not fearYou believe healing is possible, even if the path isn’t linearWe’ll talk about inflammation, infections, mold, medications, supplements, environment, mindset, and the lived experience of patients and practitioners alike.Always with nuance.Always with compassion.Never with guarantees.This podcast is about education and awareness, not diagnosis or prescriptions.My goal is to help you think more clearly, ask better questions, and feel more confident in your healthcare decisions.Because when you understand why your body is doing what it’s doing, everything changes.Thanks for being here at the beginning.Let’s get real and let’s get results.📊 Got Lab Results But No Real Answers?You're not alone. Many patients are stuck with test results but no clear path forward. I've created a free resource to help you understand what your labs might actually be telling you about your health.Download your free guide: https://rootseekhealth.com/podcast/