202. Inflammation, Energy, and Learning: A Functional Medicine Lens with Dr. Kendall Stewart
From Non Linear Learning - Rethinking Education for Neurodivergent Learners by Vaish Sarathy
February 2, 2026 · 41 min · Episode 202
About this episode
Dr. Vaish Sarathy discusses with Dr. Kendall Stewart the impact of inflammation and metabolic factors on learning in neurodivergent children.
Dr. Vaish Sarathy speaks with Dr. Kendall Stewart (former surgeon turned functional medicine + genomics clinician) about the biochemistry of learning: how inflammation, metabolic factors, neurotransmitter balance, and genetics can influence regulation, sensory stability, and why some kids respond to interventions while others don't. What we cover: Why progress can look like "good days/bad days" when inflammation fluctuates Nutrigenomics vs exome sequencing vs pharmacogenetics (and why personalization matters) A parent-friendly clinical framework: inflammation → autophagy/insulin tendencies → neurotrophic factors → glutamate/GABA → methylation Sensory stability (vestibular/visual) and why eye contact can reduce listening for some learners Microbiome basics: inflammation load, butyrate, absorption/biofilms Resources Dr. Kendall Stewart: www.drkendalstewart.com Non Linear Education (NLE): https://www.drvaishsarathy.com/nonlineareducation Medical disclaimer (important): This episode is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your qualified clinician for medical decisions—especially for children and complex conditions.
People in this episode
Host: Dr. Vaish Sarathy
Guest: Dr. Kendall Stewart
Topics covered
- functional medicine
- neurodivergent learners
- inflammation
- biochemistry of learning
- personalized medicine
- sensory stability
- microbiome
Keywords
- inflammation
- neurotransmitter balance
- genetics
- nutrigenomics
- autophagy
- glutamate
- GABA
- microbiome
- sensory stability
- personalization
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Non Linear Education (NLE), www.drkendalstewart.com, https://www.drvaishsarathy.com/nonlineareducation
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