BetterHealthGuy Podcast

🎧 Episode Summary In this special episode, Neil Nathan, MD and Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, MD come together to share their distinct perspectives on mold-related illness and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). Drawing on decades of clinical experience and research, they explore where their approaches converge and differ across diagnosis, urine mycotoxin testing, MARCoNS, GENIE, environmental assessment, Actinobacteria, nervous system regulation, VIP, treatment approaches, and overall recovery. The conversation offers two evolving perspectives on complex chronic illness with a shared goal of helping patients regain health and resilience. 🧭 In This Episode - Treatment models for mold illness and CIRS, including key drivers and foundational pillars of recovery - HLA-DR testing and its role in susceptibility, clinical decision-making, and recovery potential - Biotoxin blood markers for diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring progress - Urine mycotoxin testing, including accuracy, interpretation, limitations, and clinical utility - VCS, NeuroQuant, GENIE, and organic acids as tools for clinical assessment and treatment direction - MARCoNS, the sinubiome, and their potential significance in mold-related illness and CIRS - Environmental assessment using ERMI, HERTSMI-2, air sampling, and indoor environmental professionals - Nervous system dysfunction involving the limbic system, vagus nerve, dysautonomia, and mast cell activation - Coagulation abnormalities and their potential significance in CIRS - Prescription and natural binders and their role in treatment - Fungal colonization and the role of antifungal treatment - Actinobacteria and endotoxins as potential contributors to CIRS - VIP and its potential role in treatment - Recovery endpoints and the factors involved in restoring health and resiliencef 👥 About the Guests Neil Nathan, MD is a leading clinician in the treatment of mold illness, Lyme disease, chemical sensitivities, and other complex chronic conditions, and is the author of several books including Toxic and The Sensitive Patient's Healing Guide. Connect With the Guest Website - https://neilnathanmd.com Ritchie Shoemaker, MD is a pioneer in the field of biotoxin illness and the developer of the Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, or CIRS, model. He is the author of several books including Mold Warriors and Surviving Mold. Connect With the Guest Website - https://www.cirsx.com Interview Date: August 13, 2026 🔗 Related Resources Detection of Mycotoxins in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23580077 Biochemical Markers in the Urine Associated with Gastrointestinal Mold-Overgrowth Are Linked with Elevated Urinary Mycotoxins in Patients with Suspected Mold Illness - https://townsendletter.com/biochemical-markers-in-the-urine-associated-with-gi-mold-overgorwth-shaw-and-pratt-hyatt Clearance of multiple antibiotic-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci is selectively associated with higher circulating α-melanocyte stimulating hormone in patients evaluated for chronic inflammatory response syndrome - https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2026.1728408/full Pitfalls of Mycotoxin Testing: Evidence-Based Findings Confirm Mycotoxin Assays Using Antibody Testing and Urinary ELISA Are Based on Flawed Science - https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/7260 Transcriptomic Parkinson's Prodrome and its Correction by Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide in Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome - https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/7608 📄 Transcript Review a transcript of this episode: https://betterhealthguy.com/ep238 ☕ Support the Show Support the show and Buy Me a Coffee: https://betterhealthguy.link/BuyMeACoffee 🧭 My 16-Step Framework Learn more about my 16-Step Framework for better health: https://betterhealthguy.link/Steps 💸 Community Discounts Explore BetterHealthGuy Community Discounts: https://betterhealthguy.link/Discounts 🌐 Additional Information Learn more: https://BetterHealthGuy.com 📱 Connect With Me Facebook - https://facebook.com/betterhealthguy Instagram - https://instagram.com/betterhealthguy X - https://twitter.com/betterhealthguy TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@betterhealthguy ℹ️ Disclaimer The content of this show is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or medical condition. Nothing in today's discussion is meant to serve as medical advice or as information to facilitate self-treatment. As always, please discuss any potential health-related decisions with your own personal medical authority.

Why You Should Listen: In this episode, you will learn about breakthrough therapies for chronic illness recovery including EBOO and TPE. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Dr. Tami Lyday. Tami Lyday, DO, MS has been a physician since 2006 and a functional and integrative specialist since 2017. Prior to that, she spent 11 years as a family practitioner but was never quite satisfied with conventional medical approaches. Her mother's illness and subsequent side effects of traditional treatments prompted her to learn more about integrative medicine, and she has not looked back. Dr. Lyday believes functional and integrative medicine is the best way to ensure lasting recovery as it helps patients determine the root of their health issues and does not rely on medications that treat symptoms while ignoring the underlying causes of illness. She pursued training and certifications in functional and integrative medicine, including specialty training and certifications in the treatment of mold-related illnesses and Lyme disease. At the time of her certification, she was one of only 26 practitioners in the world who were Shoemaker certified in mold treatment protocols. After 4 years as a functional and integrative medical practitioner, she opened The Lyday Center to provide a dedicated resource for people who are suffering from mystery illnesses and ailments that don't respond to conventional treatment and are seeking natural solutions to their chronic illnesses. Since that time, she has expanded her specialties to include the treatment of thyroid disorders and overall energy levels. Her mission is to heal the world one patient at a time. Key Takeaways: How much does environmental toxicity contribute to chronic illness? How is a patient tested for mold illness? What binders are most commonly used for detoxification? Do natural binders have a place? What is the role of Actinobacteria and endotoxins in CIRS patients? Can a patient have fungal colonization and potentially benefit from antifungals? Does treating mold also treat Lyme and coinfections? How important is working on the limbic system to set the stage for healing? How might EBOO and TPE support those with autoimmunity? Where in a recovery timeline do EBOO and TPE best fit? Does Hashimoto's occur without mold? What is the role of EBOO? What is the EBOO process? What is done before and after EBOO to support the patient? Can patients have detoxification or Herxheimer reactions after EBOO or TPE? How might EBOO and TPE help those with Long COVID? What types of infections might EBOO support? What is the role of TPE? What is the TPE process? What types of toxicants and toxins can be filtered out? How is the removed plasma replaced Might beneficial materials be removed with TPE? Can EBOO or TPE help those with neurodegenerative conditions? Connect With My Guest: TheLydayCenter.com Interview Date: September 5, 2025 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode222. Additional Information: To learn more, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com. Follow Me on Social Media: Facebook - https://facebook.com/betterhealthguy Instagram - https://instagram.com/betterhealthguy X - https://twitter.com/betterhealthguy TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@betterhealthguy Disclaimer: The content of this show is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or medical condition. Nothing in today's discussion is meant to serve as medical advice or as information to facilitate self-treatment. As always, please discuss any potential health-related decisions with your own personal medical authority.

Why You Should Listen: In this episode, you will learn about quantum energy and how to harness the power of quantum energy to transform health. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Todd Shipman. Todd Shipman is a wellness enthusiast, entrepreneur, and advocate for cutting-edge quantum technologies that enhance health and well-being. With a background in anti-aging, physical performance, water revitalization, and holistic living, Todd's passion lies in helping people unlock their optimal wellness potential by connecting with nature-inspired solutions. Todd's journey has brought him to the forefront of innovative products like those from Leela Quantum Tech, a company revolutionizing energy healing through quantum-charged tools and EMF-neutralizing technologies. From wearable quantum devices to solutions for homes and bodies, Todd is dedicated to sharing the transformative power of quantum energy with the world. Key Takeaways: What is quantum energy? What biological changes are observed with quantum energy? Do some people need to start low and slow with the introduction of quantum energy? What is quantum entanglement? Can quantum energy tools be implemented both locally and at a distance? What studies have been done on Leela quantum energy products? Can quantum energy increase ATP production? How might quantum energy mitigate the negative effects of EMR / EMF exposure? Does quantum energy reverse rouleaux in the blood? Can quantum energy increase HRV? Is water beneficially impacted when exposed to quantum energy? Can charging food with quantum energy reduce allergic responses? What effect does quantum energy have on environmental toxicants? Has quantum energy been observed to benefit those with autism? How might quantum energy support those dealing with chronic infections? What quantum energy products does Leela Quantum offer? What is the Hawkins scale? What is the TraumEZ service and how might it help those dealing with trauma? What is the Quantum Upgrade service? What are the various frequency bundles available in Quantum Upgrade? Are there an contraindications for the use of quantum energy? For those new to quantum energy, what is a good way to start and then build a quantum energy journey from that initial foundation? Connect With My Guest: Leela Quantum Use code BETTERHEALTH to get 10% off your first order TraumEZ Quantum Upgrade Use code BETTERHEALTH to get a 15 day free trial Interview Date: July 9, 2025 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode220. Additional Information: To learn more, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com. Follow Me on Social Media: Facebook - https://facebook.com/betterhealthguy Instagram - https://instagram.com/betterhealthguy X - https://twitter.com/betterhealthguy TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@betterhealthguy Disclosure: BetterHealthGuy.com is an affiliate of Leela Quantum, TraumEZ, and Quantum Upgrade. Disclaimer: The content of this show is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or medical condition. Nothing in today's discussion is meant to serve as medical advice or as information to facilitate self-treatment. As always, please discuss any potential health-related decisions with your own personal medical authority.

Why You Should Listen: In this episode, you will learn about chronic kidney disease and how to address the Kidneydemic with Renology. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Dr. Robin Rose. Robin Rose, MD began a journey into holistic healing in her teens in the mid-sixties beginning with nutrition and botanical medicine and yoga and meditation. Over the years her journey included time living in India and working with both village doctors and healers. She became a health food chef and inspired many to change their habits. Before long she was enrolled in an RN program and then a family nurse practitioner program. Aware that the education wasn't complete, she attended University of Arizona College of Medicine; while also serving as a medical student board member for the American Holistic Medical Association. During residency, she continued learning Chinese medicine, acupuncture, osteopathy, energy medicine, and herbal medicine. Her main practice was in Ashland, Oregon where she served a community eager to integrate many healing modalities into the conventional setting, including innovative care in the hospital. In the past decade after her own alarming health challenges with kidney cancer and advanced kidney disease, she became agile in regenerative medical approaches to kidney care. She created a new specialty called Renology; a new concept of "Kidney Success" not Kidney Failure. When she discovered peptides and especially bioregulator peptides, she led the brigade to new heights of seeing success in a field that had not embraced this kind of care. Her recent book "Renology Peptides" is a nearly 800 page text on how to achieve this renewal of health. Her current intention is to raise awareness of the role of kidney in wellbeing and how we can all celebrate this success. Key Takeaways: What is the purpose of the kidneys? What symptoms are observed in chronic kidney disease? Is kidney disease a catabolic process? Is kidney disease genetic or epigenetic? What are the stages of kidney disease? What are the best tests and lab markers? What might elevations or phosphorous or potassium suggest? What is the kidney-gut axis? What is the role of endothelial health in kidney disease? What role do the mitochondria play? How do infections and environmental toxicants contribute to kidney disease? What is the role of oxalates in kidney health? How might carbon dioxide guide treatment? Does cellular senescence play a role? What is the connection between the kidneys and the teeth? How do the limbic system and mental/emotional health impact the kidneys? What treatment intervention warrant exploration? Where do dialysis and transplantation come into the discussion? What role might peptides and peptide bioregulators play? Connect With My Guest: RenologyIsKidneySuccess.com Interview Date: May 21, 2025 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode218. Additional Information: To learn more, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com. Follow Me on Social Media: Facebook - https://facebook.com/betterhealthguy Instagram - https://instagram.com/betterhealthguy X - https://twitter.com/betterhealthguy TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@betterhealthguy Disclaimer: The content of this show is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or medical condition. Nothing in today's discussion is meant to serve as medical advice or as information to facilitate self-treatment. As always, please discuss any potential health-related decisions with your own personal medical authority.

Why You Should Listen: In this episode, you will learn about Metabolic Vulnerability Index (MVX) as an indicator of mortality and longevity. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Dr. Darren Schmidt. Darren Schmidt, DC is the Founder of The Nutritional Healing Center of Ann Arbor which is the largest non-insurance nutrition clinic in the country. His purpose is to bankrupt pharmaceutical companies by teaching doctors how to improve health rather than treat symptoms. He uses new and old clinical discoveries to solve complex chronic illness with only diet and supplements. He uses MVX Plus, the best lab test to measure longevity and health, and it also directs the treatment plan. Key Takeaways: What is MVX? What are the 6 factors and 3 indices that are explored with MVX? How might MVX be a better metric for mortality than many conventionally-used metrics today? Can MVX be extrapolated to be used as a measure of health and longevity? What is GlycA? What drives it? What tools can be used to lower GlycA? What is the connection between GlycA and hypercoagulation? Why is eGFR and kidney health often used on the context of predicting mortality? What is small HDL particle number? How can it be optimized? What is the Inflammation Vulnerability Index? What is citrate? What tools can be used to lower it when elevated? What is the connection between citrate and mitochondrial function? What is lactic acidosis? What is learned from looking at valine, leucine, and isoleucine? What steps may be taken if they are high? If they are low? What is the Metabolic Malnutrition Index? When might a keto diet be appropriate? What does the Metabolic Vulnerability Index tell us? Is MVX impacted by genetics or epigenetics? What is the 7 Step Blueprint to Optimal Health? How do the 7 steps overlap with the 6 MVX factors? Connect With My Guest: TheNutritionalHealingCenter.com Related Resources: To see the resources in the Show Notes, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode216. Interview Date: April 21, 2025 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode216. Additional Information: To learn more, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com. Follow Me on Social Media: Facebook - https://facebook.com/betterhealthguy Instagram - https://instagram.com/betterhealthguy X - https://twitter.com/betterhealthguy TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@betterhealthguy Disclaimer: The content of this show is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or medical condition. Nothing in today's discussion is meant to serve as medical advice or as information to facilitate self-treatment. As always, please discuss any potential health-related decisions with your own personal medical authority.

Why You Should Listen: In this episode, you will learn about the microbiome and how to create a Super Gut. About My Guest: My guest for this episode is Dr. William Davis. William Davis, MD is cardiologist and #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Wheat Belly series of books and, more recently, Super Gut. Recent human clinical trials that Dr. Davis conducted have revealed that it is possible to lose (fat) weight while preserving muscle, thereby preventing weight regain and enjoying improved body composition. Dr. Davis is also Chief Medical Officer at Realize Therapeutics Corp. which he co-founded to explore the new science of the microbiome to improve health and appearance, including body composition. Key Takeaways: What symptoms and conditions are associated with the microbiome? What is the role of viruses, fungi, and parasites in the microbiome? What are the best methods of testing the microbiome? Are food sensitivities an indication of a less than optimal microbiome? Can beneficial organisms act as psychobiotics and improve mental and emotional health? How can we support the microbiome to better manage oxalates? What is the role of glyphosate in damaging the microbiome? What are some of the key organisms to consider in creating a Super Gut? What role do prebiotics and polyphenols play in optimizing microbiome health? What is the interplay between Akkermansia and the mucin layer? How do we build a healthy mucin layer? Why might long-term NAC not benefit optimal mucin and microbiome health? What conditions does SIBO contribute to? What are some strategies for resolving SIBO and SIFO? What are the best approaches for testing for SIBO? Is H. Pylori an organism that needs to be eradicated? Do antimicrobial herbs have the potential to harm beneficial flora? Is a low FODMAPs diet addressing the root cause? How can one create "yogurts" at home to support an optimized microbiome? Are the yogurts tolerated by those with MCAS? What is the future of microbiome medicine? Connect With My Guest: WilliamDavisMD.com Related Resources: Oxiceutics - MyReuteri and Gut to Glow Ultimate Yogurt Maker Full disclosure: My first one did not work but the company immediately sent a replacement. Luvele Yogurt Maker Interview Date: February 26, 2025 Transcript: To review a transcript of this show, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com/Episode214. Additional Information: To learn more, visit https://BetterHealthGuy.com. Follow Me on Social Media: Facebook - https://facebook.com/betterhealthguy Instagram - https://instagram.com/betterhealthguy X - https://twitter.com/betterhealthguy TikTok - https://tiktok.com/@betterhealthguy Disclosure: BetterHealthGuy.com is an affiliate of Oxiceutics, Ultimate, and Luvele. Disclaimer: The content of this show is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any illness or medical condition. Nothing in today's discussion is meant to serve as medical advice or as information to facilitate self-treatment. As always, please discuss any potential health-related decisions with your own personal medical authority.