Rational Wellness Podcast

The HRT Questions Most Women Never Get Answered with Karen Martel | Rational Wellness Podcast 481
Perimenopause to Menopause: Testing, Progesterone First, and Evidence-Informed HRT with Karen Martell
Dr. Ben Weitz introduces the Rational Wellness Podcast and interviews hormone specialist Karen Martell about perimenopause and menopause, emphasizing that midlife hormonal shifts affect metabolism, sleep, mood, cognition, bone and cardiovascular health. Martell says perimenopause can begin in the mid-30s, often with declining progesterone from less frequent ovulation, leading to heavy periods, insomnia, anxiety, and perceived "estrogen dominance," while estrogen later becomes erratic and then declines toward menopause around age 51. She critiques common responses like birth control, hysterectomy, and symptom-only medications, and recommends combining bloodwork with saliva or urine metabolite testing (e.g., DUTCH) when cycling. For HRT, she prefers transdermal estradiol over oral estrogen, discusses progesterone delivery options and sensitivities to oral metabolites, addresses testosterone (often compounded; injectable preferred), and notes roles for DHEA and pregnenolone. She also covers vaginal therapies, dosing based on both symptoms and protective lab ranges, and cautious later-life initiation.
 
00:00 Show Intro and Mission
00:59 Why Midlife Hormones Matter
02:23 Perimenopause Starts Early
03:18 Progesterone Drop Signs
06:17 Testing Hormones and Thyroid
08:02 Bad Advice and Quick Fixes
09:33 When Supplements Aren't Enough
10:52 Starting Progesterone Therapy
12:49 Best Hormone Testing Methods
15:36 Endocrine Disruptors Cleanup
17:40 Choosing Estrogen Delivery
18:43 Pellets and Testosterone Risks
22:27 Progesterone Forms and Dosing
25:21 Why Avoid Oral Estrogen
27:00 Estradiol for Life
27:38 Estriol vs Estradiol
30:23 Patch vs Cream Dosing
31:56 E4 Estrogen Debate
33:39 Cycling Progesterone
35:38 DHEA and Pregnenolone
37:39 Vaginal Hormone Options
40:18 Optimizing HRT Levels
43:52 Starting HRT After 70
47:45 Perimenopause Timing Tips
50:19 Where to Find Karen


Karen Martel is a Certified Hormone Specialist and Transformation Nutrition Coach and the host of The Hormone Solution podcast, which focuses on perimenopause, menopause, hormone replacement therapy, metabolic health, weight loss resistance, and thyroid health.  Her website is KarenMartel.com.  


Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

What are the Functions of Microbial Gases, Hydrogen, Methane, & Hydrogen Sulfide with Dr. Tom Fabian | Rational Wellness Podcast 480
Gut Microbial Gases Beyond SIBO: Hydrogen, Methane, and Hydrogen Sulfide as Signaling Metabolites
Dr. Ben Weitz introduces the Rational Wellness Podcast and interviews Dr. Tom Fabian, PhD, to discuss gut microbial gases beyond the usual SIBO framing. They explain that hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulfide are normal microbial metabolites with potential signaling roles, alongside key microbiome products like short-chain fatty acids (especially butyrate), which fuels colon cells, supports tight junctions, regulatory T cells, and helps maintain an anaerobic colon environment. Fabian notes metabolomics (e.g., GI-MAP stool add-ons) can provide functional insight beyond which microbes are present, highlighting butyrate producers such as Faecalibacterium and Roseburia. They review controversies in breath testing interpretation, discuss methane biology and debated links to constipation, and emphasize emerging research that hydrogen sulfide is widely produced (often from cysteine metabolism), supports colon mitochondria and anaerobiosis, may relate to stress responses and longevity, and that excessive sulfur restriction may be misguided; fiber and polyphenols may mitigate protein-driven hydrogen sulfide.
00:00 Show Intro
00:59 Why Gut Gases Matter
04:04 Microbiome Metabolites
05:52 Butyrate Deep Dive
09:07 Measuring SCFAs
13:20 Hydrogen and Breath Tests
19:12 Hydrogen Benefits
28:19 Methane and Motility
31:06 Sponsor Break
32:13 Methanogens Explained
35:24 Hydrogen Sulfide Science
50:59 Clinical Takeaways
 

Dr. Tom Fabian has a PhD in molecular biology and who has spent many years researching the microbiome and translating the scientific literature into practical applications for functional medicine practitioners.  Currently, Dr. Fabian serves a consultant and science advisor with Diagnostic Solutions Laboratory.


Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

Galectin-3, Modified Citrus Pectin, and Therapeutic Apheresis: Emerging Applications in Sepsis, Cancer, and Chronic Inflammation
 
Dr. Ben Weitz introduces the Rational Wellness Podcast and interviews returning guest Dr. Isaac Eliaz about galectin-3 as an upstream driver of inflammation and fibrosis implicated in chronic degenerative disease, autoimmunity, cancer progression, and acute sepsis. Eliaz explains modified citrus pectin (PectaSol) as a researched galectin-3 inhibitor, discusses dosing ranges, and describes its clinical relevance across inflammation, cardiovascular risk, microbiome effects, and cancer (including prostate cancer trials). The conversation focuses on therapeutic apheresis and plasma exchange, contrasting nonselective plasma exchange with selective approaches such as LDL apheresis and Eliaz's developing Xgal-3 filter designed to remove circulating galectin-3. He cites porcine sepsis data, an FDA breakthrough designation, upcoming sepsis trials, and potential to enhance cancer immunotherapy, while warning about hype, safety, training, and misuse in integrative settings.
00:00 Show Introduction
00:59 Meet Dr Isaac Eliaz
02:47 What Is Galectin 3
09:25 Galectin 3 And Sepsis
11:45 Modified Citrus Pectin Basics
17:11 MCP Dosing Guide
20:43 MCP Gut And Cancer Research
25:33 Why Galectin 3 Is Overlooked
26:49 Apheresis Filter Breakthrough
28:57 Will Galectin 3 Return
29:49 Sepsis Immune Overdrive
30:39 Galectin-3 Cancer Shield
31:13 MCP Prostate Trial Wins
33:33 Boosting Immunotherapy Response
35:32 Therapeutic Apheresis Explained
36:48 Plasma Exchange Hype Risks
39:12 Safer Protocols And Expertise
47:02 Personal Longevity And LDL
49:53 Selective Vs Plasma Outcomes
52:59 Future Trials And Wrap Up
 
Dr. Isaac Eliaz is an internationally recognized expert in the field of integrative medicine. A highly skilled physician and healer trained across diverse medical systems, Dr. Eliaz offers an unparalleled holistic approach to health and healing. He is a leading specialist in integrative cancer treatment and prevention, mind-body medicine, and the application of strategic protocols to address complex, degenerative conditions. At Amitabha Medical Clinic, Dr. Eliaz and his team have pioneered the use of the blood filtration treatment, therapeutic apheresis, as a groundbreaking clinical procedure for cancer, chronic kidney disease, Lyme disease and other inflammatory conditions—with outstanding clinical success. His websites are DrEliaz.org and Amitabhab.com and Eliazapheresis.com

Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

IBS and SIBO Breath Testing with FoodMarble: Real-Time Hydrogen and Methane Monitoring


Dr. Ben Weitz introduces the Rational Wellness Podcast episode on IBS and SIBO with guests Angus Short, PhD (CEO/co-founder) and Claire Short, PhD (chief clinical officer) of FoodMarble, creators of the handheld AIRE breath analyzer that measures hydrogen and methane in real time to track fermentation patterns at home. Inspired by Angus's wife's unresolved IBS symptoms and restrictive dieting, the device evolved from early prototypes into a validated product, including published research with Johns Hopkins showing equivalence to a leading mail-in breath test kit. They discuss following North American Consensus SIBO protocols (prep diet, fasting, lactulose or glucose, readings every 15 minutes for two hours with customizable options), additional at-home FODMAP intolerance tests, symptom/diet/stool tracking, and personalization. They note ongoing development of hydrogen sulfide measurement, factors affecting readings, and how monitoring can guide diet, supplements, and treatment choices.


00:00 Podcast Intro


00:59 IBS SIBO Episode Setup


02:29 Why FoodMarble Started


06:54 Early Prototypes to Product


07:46 Clinical Validation Studies


10:06 How to Run SIBO Tests


12:34 FODMAP Intolerance Testing


16:11 Stool Microbiome Links


20:17 Building a Healthier Microbiome


24:30 Daily Tracking and H2S Sensor


27:00 Diet Variability Matters


27:39 Tracking Meals and Symptoms


28:56 Personalization Factors in Data


29:39 Meal Timing and Liquids


30:48 GLP-1s and Gut Transit


31:56 Patient Engagement and App Modes


33:38 Avoidance and Food Reintroduction


34:32 Lactose Myths and Hidden FODMAPs


36:09 How FODMAPs Really Work


39:20 Food Database and Alternatives


40:16 Enzymes and Supplement Testing


41:54 Breath Sampling Technique


44:28 Calibration and Device Longevity


48:18 Breath Testing Misconceptions


49:59 SIBO Treatments and Research


54:51 Wrap Up and Where to Buy


Claire Shortt, PhD and Aonghus Shortt, PhD are the creators of the Food Marble, the handheld SIBO breath analyzer that measures hydrogen and methane in real time to track fermentation patterns at home. To learn more, go to FoodMarble.com and use the code WEITZ15 to get 15% off.


Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.

Environmental Toxins, Wildfire Smoke, and Practical Detox Strategies with Dr. Joe Pizzorno
 
Dr. Ben Weitz hosts the Rational Wellness Podcast and interviews Dr. Joe Pizzorno on latest research about environmental toxins, emphasizing wildfire smoke risks, PM2.5 penetration, rapid body and brain distribution, and links to neurological, respiratory, and cardiovascular disease. Pizzorno argues toxins are a primary, solvable driver of chronic illness and that oxidized cholesterol reflects toxic exposure more than cholesterol itself. Practical protections include running high-MERV (≥12, ideally 16) HVAC filtration 24/7, avoiding incense, and supporting detox with glutathione (liposomal or via NAC), increased and diverse fiber to reduce toxin reabsorption, and saunas to sweat profusely (except PFAS "forever chemicals," which don't excrete via sweat). They discuss mercury release from forest fires, microplastics and gut binding, arsenic reduction from rice cooking, water filtration (carbon block, RO for arsenic), endocrine disruptors like bisphenols, and toxin assessment using GGTP, ALT, eGFR, and urinary 8-OHdG rather than challenge tests.
 
01:02 Meet Dr Joe Pizzorno
02:24 Wildfires and Toxic Exposure
05:21 PM2.5 and Systemic Damage
07:24 Cholesterol Oxidation and Toxins
09:35 Home Air Filtration Tips
11:25 Mercury From Forest Fires
13:15 Glutathione and NAC Basics
14:41 Binders and Fiber Strategy
17:26 Persistent vs Nonpersistent Toxins
19:21 Saunas and Forever Chemicals
21:47 Microplastics and Gut Binding
24:13 Post Fire Cleanup Safety
25:21 Arsenic in Water Rice Chicken
27:54 Whole House Water Filters
29:08 Chlorine Fluoride Tradeoffs
31:08 Plastic Bottles and Bisphenols
31:54 Endocrine Disruptors Explained
33:58 Phytoestrogens vs Xenoestrogens
35:49 Safer Drinkware and Cookware
36:37 Testing Toxins Smarter
39:49 Biomarkers GGTP ALT eGFR
44:37 Detox Nutrition and Glutathione
46:54 Toxins and Autoimmune Disease
48:22 Cure Versus Suppression
53:44 Final Thoughts and Outro
 
Dr. Joe Pizzorno is one of the founders of the modern naturopathic medicine and also the Functional Medicine movement, founding president of Bastyr University, editor of the Textbook of Natural Medicine, and one of the world's leading authorities on environmental toxins and chronic disease. He's the author of at least 14 outstanding books, including The Toxin Solution and a textbook on toxins that he cowrote with Walter Crinion, Clinical Environmental Medicine and he continues to publish groundbreaking research on the role of environmental toxicants in human health.

Dr. Ben Weitz is available for Functional Nutrition consultations specializing in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders like IBS/SIBO and Reflux and also Cardiometabolic Risk Factors like elevated lipids, high blood sugar, and high blood pressure. Dr. Weitz has also successfully helped many patients with managing their weight and improving their athletic performance, as well as sports chiropractic work by calling his Santa Monica office 310-395-3111.