A conversation with mindfulness-based self-love coach Jonathan Quigg "Quiggy". We connect functional medicine with self-love and relationship work to show how nervous system safety shapes health, behavior, and intimacy. Courage, honesty, and practical tools like RAIN turn shame into movement and shift partnerships from codependence to generosity. • diagnosing biology not disease as a guiding principle • alcohol culture contrasted with sober connection and embodiment • autonomic balance...

We share how our functional medicine clinic bridges the gap between rushed primary care and siloed specialty care, focusing on human stories, data, and doable steps. The process restores hope with a clear plan, thoughtful labs, and real collaboration across disciplines. • why we built a bridge between wellness and specialists • how we define scope and when we refer out • the chemotherapy integration story and terrain support • why we skip free discovery calls • our philosophy on systems, hab...

A single lab spike does not equal better health. We dive into the viral claim that an upper cervical adjustment “boosts immunity” by raising salivary IgA for 30 minutes and unpack what that marker actually reflects at your barrier surfaces. In clear, plain language, we explain why IgA is a frontline "bouncer" for the mouth, sinuses, lungs, and gut—and why a temporary increase can mean everything from an appropriate alarm to simple irritation. The headline sounds exciting; the physiology is mo...

We unpack a weekend of research into practical steps: food-first strategies, meaningful biomarkers, and supplements at real doses that move the needle. From omega-3 targets and nitric oxide to fiber, PFAS, mastic gum, tocotrienols, and saffron, we focus on what works and how to apply it. • diagnosing biology before disease • supplement quality versus "pixie dusting" • habit formation before optimization • balancing research for women and men • homocysteine as a bone and methylation marker • ...

Kate Daugherty, MS, CNS breaks down how packaging claims blur judgment and teaches a fast, reliable method to read nutrition labels with confidence. By the end, you can spot serving-size traps, translate sugar into teaspoons, and see through “clean,” “plant-based,” and “keto-friendly” halos. • why front-of-pack language misleads • gluten-free and plant-based as context, not health • halo claims like immune-boosting, natural, clean • keto-friendly math, net carbs, and trade-offs • serving siz...

We share how a midlife patient reversed severe hypertriglyceridemia in three months using precise nutrition, movement, and targeted support after costly conventional care failed to move the needle. The story shows how education, not shame, turns effort into measurable change. • baseline labs showing triglycerides rising to 2,251 and fatty liver risk • why triglycerides climb with fructose, refined carbs, and hepatic overload • plan design: ultra‑low‑carb, moderate protein, 30g+ fiber, monthl...

Fertility massage therapist Erika Perez shares her journey from marketing professional to womb care specialist, blending ancient Mayan techniques with modern support for fertility, painful periods, and reconnection with the body. • Erica's career transformation from marketing to massage therapy during the pandemic • Her personal struggle with PCOS and finding traditional womb care practices • Learning Sobada de Matriz (Mayan uterine massage) from teachers in LA and Mexico • The concept of "f...

We share what mattered most at the Vibrant Longevity Summit—where the science shines, where presentations missed, and why basics still beat biohacks for real people. From polyphenols to peptides and testing strategy, we focus on practical steps you can use today. • diagnosing biology not disease as core philosophy • highlights from polyphenols, epigenetics, and cardio prevention • why mindset and foundations drive the biggest gains • peptides and NAD: promise, sourcing, and safety • testing ...

Heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease may appear to be separate illnesses, but they all share a common root cause: metabolic dysfunction. Dr. Mitchell Rasmussen explores the connection between these top killers and reveal how addressing your metabolic health can protect you from multiple diseases simultaneously. • The LDL versus inflammation debate isn't either/or – both factors work together in heart disease • Endothelial dysfunction turns blood vessels from "Teflon" to "Velc...

Environmental toxins from water-damaged buildings and mold are often overlooked causes of multi-system symptoms that conventional medicine struggles to diagnose. We explore how mold exposure affects approximately 10-15% of the population who can't effectively eliminate mycotoxins due to genetic factors, leading to chronic inflammatory response syndrome. • Mold illness affects multiple body systems simultaneously including brain, respiratory, digestive, skin and energy systems • 30-40% of bui...

Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) provide valuable insights but are often misunderstood and misused by people without diabetes. We debunk common misconceptions about glucose monitoring and explain why a flat glucose line isn't necessarily optimal for everyone. • CGMs measure interstitial fluid glucose through a filament and algorithm, not actual blood glucose • Healthy glucose range for non-diabetics is 70-140 mg/dL with approximately 98% time in range • Some variability in glucose is norma...

Dr. Mitchell and Andrea Whitmarsh from Vibrant Wellness Labs dive deep into how lab testing quality impacts patient care and clinical outcomes. • Lab certifications matter - CLIA is standard but CAP accreditation ensures higher quality control and validation • Direct-to-consumer testing often leaves patients with data but no guidance on what to do with it • Test sensitivity and specificity dramatically impact treatment - some labs have 100% specificity while others may be as low as 26% • Com...

Kate and Dr. April Dominick share the story of their instant connection and growing friendship, which began with a coffee meeting arranged by a mutual patient and evolved into a powerful professional collaboration focused on pelvic floor health, pregnancy, and postpartum care. • Kate shares her experience as April's patient throughout pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery • April discusses her mission to disrupt "fear-forward messaging" around pregnancy movement and exercise • ...

We introduce the concept of "Middle Medicine" as an alternative to traditional functional medicine approaches that often focus too narrowly on finding a single root cause or running excessive tests without results. • Frustration with the term "functional medicine" as it's been co-opted by practitioners who run expensive tests and prescribe supplements without understanding systems biology • The problem with obsessively seeking a "root cause" when sometimes fixing the system matters more than...

2025 Rocky Mountain Conference sponsored by NutriDyn Recap! When we reflect on last weekend's seminar with Dr. Rob Silverman, we're excited to share valuable insights on how gut health connects to brain function, mitochondrial health, and simplified patient care protocols. • The enteric nervous system is the largest nervous system in the body • Simplified nutrition protocols like GPS (gluten, processed foods, sugar) and DNA (dairy, nicotine, alcohol) increase patient compliance • 90% of ind...

Lydia Prusinowski, a seasoned physician assistant, shares her journey from 14 years in emergency medicine to finding new purpose in dermatology practice. She reflects on the challenges, rewards, and life lessons of this dramatic career transition, while exploring how both fields inform her holistic approach to patient care. • Emergency medicine can lead to compassion fatigue due to high volume and constant trauma • COVID-19 paradoxically helped some providers reconnect with deeper purpose in...

Men contribute to roughly 40% of fertility challenges, making male reproductive health a vital yet often overlooked component of successful conception. We explore how sperm quality, measured through total motility count, morphology, volume, and concentration, influences fertility outcomes. • Heat exposure from laptop computers, cell phones, tight underwear, and hot tubs can damage sperm mitochondrial DNA • Stress significantly impacts testicular function, potentially reducing sperm motility ...

Infertility affects 19% of women in the US, yet conventional medicine often labels cases as "unexplained" before rushing to expensive interventions that bypass rather than address underlying issues. We share how functional medicine views fertility as a spectrum with modifiable factors, where improving overall health can naturally enhance conception chances. • Infertility defined: inability to conceive naturally for 12 months (or 6 months for women over 35) despite frequent unprotected sex • ...

We reflect on six years of practice at The Facility and examine why we approach functional medicine differently than many other clinics in the industry. • The term "functional medicine" isn't protected, allowing anyone to claim expertise regardless of credentials • Many practitioners order unnecessary tests before even meeting patients or understanding their health history • "Big Wellness" has created a commercialized approach where marketing tactics often override patient needs • Some clini...

Functional medicine practitioners Dr. Mitchell and Kate dive into the complex world of medical testing, explaining when testing helps, when it doesn't, and how to avoid getting overwhelmed by data without action. They share candid insights about their complementary practice styles and why clinical judgment is crucial for test interpretation. • Testing should confirm suspicions, not go fishing for random problems • Many patients spend money on tests but avoid making necessary lifestyle change...