Roland Pankewich welcomes fitness expert Justin Dees to explore the intersection of sports performance and health. Justin shares insights from his 30-year career, emphasizing the importance of foundational health in fitness. They discuss the pitfalls of neglecting digestive health and cardiovascular wellness, the dangers of misinformation, and the impact of lifestyle choices on fitness goals. Practical strategies, from balanced nutrition to stress management techniques, are highlighted to help listeners optimize their health and fitness journey. Justin’s passion for helping others and Roland’s expertise combine for an enlightening discussion.

Justin Dees is a renowned personal trainer, strength coach, and exercise physiologist with over 30 years of experience in the fitness industry. His career has been profoundly influenced by personal experiences and a desire to help others achieve optimal health and performance. Starting as an athlete himself, Dees pursued a formal education in exercise physiology at Arizona State University, which led to pivotal roles working with the National Academy of Sports Medicine and Apex Fitness. Throughout his career, Justin has worked with professional and Olympic athletes, acquiring a deep understanding of both the fitness and bodybuilding realms. Justin is passionate about bridging health and performance, educating his clients on the foundational aspects of fitness, nutrition, and wellness.

In this enlightening episode of “Following Your Gut,” Roland Pankewich invites his long-time friend and world-class fitness expert, Justin Dees, to share his insights from three decades in the industry. Broadcasting from Las Vegas, Roland and Justin delve into the intersecting worlds of health and sports performance, examining how foundational health concepts can often be overlooked in the pursuit of athletic excellence. Justin recounts his personal inspiration for entering the fitness field, emphasizing the lasting impact his grandfather’s health struggles had on his career trajectory.

The conversation steers towards the common pitfalls that many fitness enthusiasts encounter. Justin articulates how the allure of quick fixes and performance enhancers—such as steroids and fad diets—can overshadow the essential health fundamentals like digestion, sleep, and cardiovascular wellness. With engaging anecdotes and a straightforward approach, the duo discusses how a lack of foundational knowledge can lead to health issues ranging from digestive disorders to chronic inflammation and even severe injuries. They underscore the importance of balanced nutrition and the need for a well-rounded lifestyle approach to fitness, enriched by advanced supplement strategies.

Key Takeaways:

• The importance of foundational health: Dig into the critical role that proper digestion, hydration, and sleep play in achieving lasting fitness success.

• Avoiding quick fixes: Why the pursuit of rapid gains through supplements or steroids can often lead to severe health setbacks.

• Nutrition’s role in fitness: The significance of a balanced diet rich in fiber, protein, and whole foods for overall well-being and prevention of diseases like colon cancer.

• Effective stress management: Techniques such as gratitude exercises and proper sleep hygiene can drastically impact stress levels and athletic performance.

• Intelligent supplementation: A smart approach to probiotics, digestive enzymes, and essential vitamins can support an athlete’s health and optimize performance outcomes.

“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."

Roland Pankewich welcomes Dr. Jeffrey Marrongelle to explore the shortcomings of modern medicine and the promise of biological approaches. Drawing on Dr. Marrongelle’s pioneering work in homotoxicology and biological medicine, they unravel enzyme therapy, electromagnetic stress, and the crucial role of foundational physiology. The discussion delves into systemic enzymes’ impact on health, the interplay of minerals and enzymes, and tackling modern toxins. Discover how Dr. Marrongelle’s realignment towards fundamental physiology and personalized health monitoring promises new pathways for health restoration and chronic condition management.

Key Takeaways:

Biological Medicine Focus: Dr. Marrongelle emphasizes an approach that steps away from traditional medicine to find the root causes of illnesses and restore the body’s natural healing mechanisms.

Role of Enzymes: Systemic and digestive enzymes play a crucial role in maintaining health and balancing the body, especially as we age.

Environmental Impacts on Health: Persistent organic pollutants and electromagnetic stress significantly impact biological systems, requiring innovative management techniques.

Comprehensive Patient Care: Dr. Marrongelle’s practice is grounded in understanding foundational physiology rather than adhering to a disease-centered model.

Lifetime Commitment: Highlighting his lifelong dedication, Dr. Marrongelle aims to preserve and share extensive medical knowledge for future generations, promoting healthier living through the American Institute of Biophysics.

About the Guest: Dr. Jeffrey L. Marrongelle, D.C., CCN

Dr. Jeffrey L. Marrongelle is a Doctor of Chiropractic, a Certified Clinical Nutritionist, and a graduate of the inaugural class in Integrative Medicine at Capitol University. For more than three decades, he has integrated chiropractic care with advanced nutritional and homotoxicology-based therapies to support whole-body health and recovery.

As the founder and director of the BioEnergiMed Metabolic Institute, Dr. Marrongelle specializes in assessing autonomic function using state-of-the-art diagnostic technologies. His approach combines Heart Rate Variability (HRV), plethysmography, and bioimpedance body composition analysis with conventional medical evaluation. Over the past 15 years, he has built one of the world’s largest clinical HRV databases, with more than 40,000 test results.

A significant focus of Dr. Marrongelle’s work is non-narcotic pain management, inflammation reduction, and enhanced wound healing. His clinical toolbox includes Low-Level Laser Therapy, PEMF, biofeedback-driven electrical stimulation, and targeted nutrition strategies—offering patients effective, science-based solutions to support healing and long-term wellness.

“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."

In this enlightening episode of the “Following Your Gut” podcast, host Roland Pankewich sits down with Jeff Thurston, an expert in the world of probiotics and microbiome research. They delve deep into the parallels between soil ecosystems and the human gut — insights that could revolutionize the way we understand nutrition and health. Thurston revisits the initial conversations with his business partner and founder, Randy Porubcan, where they found common ground in agriculture, marking the inception of their successful venture. He shares compelling connections between how plants absorb nutrients and how humans might better harness food’s full nutritional potential.

Throughout the discussion, emphasis is placed on the significant role of minerals in human health, identifying deficiencies as pivotal to long-term wellness. Thurston articulates a holistic perspective, advocating that the imbalances within modern agriculture mirror those inhibiting human gut health. By drawing on regenerative agricultural principles, he suggests a path forward not just for better crops, but for a healthier microbiome. The episode culminates in actionable advice on how individuals can optimize their gut health through the balanced consumption of enzymes, probiotics, and fiber, while maintaining a diversified diet.

Key Takeaways:

Interconnected Ecosystems: Both the soil and the human gut rely on microbial interactions to enhance nutrient absorption and ensure health and productivity.

Mineral Deficiency as an Epidemic: Understanding and addressing widespread deficiencies in essential minerals can have profound ramifications for both human health and agricultural productivity.

Regenerative Practices: Transitioning to regenerative agriculture can vastly improve the nutritional profile of crops, paralleling efforts to restore gut health.

Role of Fiber and Probiotics: Diversity in diet and fiber intake is crucial for promoting a thriving microbiome, which in turn, supports overall health and nutrient uptake.

Proactive Health: Embracing sustainable, integrative approaches can lay the foundation for future generations, honoring the philosophy of considering the impact seven generations forward.

Notable Quotes:

• “The greater diversity of the food fiber that you eat, the greater the diversity of the microbes are going to be in your colon.”

• “We are not regulated by our total resources as much as we are limited by our scarcest resource.”

• “If you feed the good guys the food that they need, the bad guys don’t stand a chance.”

• “Health habits, knowledge, and understanding are part of what needs to be passed on.”

• “You have to do what we need to do to put ourselves in the best position to take what food we are getting and getting the most out of it.”

“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."

In this insightful episode of the “Following Your Gut” podcast, host Roland Pankewich is joined by Dr. Jeff Essen, an expert in combining Eastern and Western health philosophies. They delve into the unexpected intersections of Eastern medicine with Western scientific approaches, elucidating how ancient practices can enrich modern naturopathy. Dr. Essen shares his transformative journey from massage therapy to becoming a leading naturopathic doctor and how an enduring curiosity led him to meld diverse healing methodologies.

Listeners will gain an in-depth understanding of how Eastern concepts like energy channels and meridians can harmonize with Western clinical practices to provide robust health solutions. The episode explores topics like biofeedback loops, the role of breathwork in restoring hormonal balance, and the effects of modern-day frequencies on human health. Through engaging discussions and real-world applications, Roland and Dr. Essen demystify many complexities of integrating holistic approaches into conventional medicine, offering practical insights for practitioners and health enthusiasts alike.

About the Guest:

Dr. Jeff Essen is a distinguished naturopathic doctor with significant expertise in integrating Eastern medicine philosophies with Western medical practices. A Minnesota native, Dr. Essen is known for his deep understanding of various medical disciplines, and his innovative approach to holistic health and natural healing. With a practice spanning over 25 years, he also contributes to educational advancements as an instructor for the International Holistic Health Alliance.

Key Takeaways:

Integration of East and West: Dr. Essen explains how Western medicine can be enhanced through Eastern philosophy by understanding the body’s energetic pathways and their physiological relevance.

Role of Breathwork: Learn how specific breathing techniques can influence hormone regulation and overall energy balance in the body.

Impact of Modern Frequencies: The discussion highlights how artificial frequencies, like 5G, affect human health and strategies for mitigating these effects.

Holistic Health Strategies: Emphasizing the necessity of treating the whole person, integrating various diagnostics to obtain a complete picture of health.

Practical Applications: The podcast explores actionable strategies for incorporating Eastern practices into everyday health routines, emphasizing energy flow and balance.

“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."

Episode Summary:

In this illuminating episode of the “Following Your Gut” podcast, Roland Pankewich takes listeners on a deep dive into the world of dysbiosis, a complex and multifaceted issue affecting gut health. He challenges listeners to rethink their understanding of this umbrella term, highlighting the nuances and individualistic nature of dysbiosis presentations in patients. By infusing philosophical and conceptual perspectives with established scientific insights, Roland crafts a comprehensive discussion that pushes the boundaries of traditional treatments.

Roland articulates the reasons behind the challenges faced while diagnosing and treating dysbiosis, emphasizing the variability and uniqueness of each case. Key SEO topics include “dysbiosis treatment,” “gut microbiome health,” and “individualized healthcare.” He stresses the importance of considering the body’s broader ecological and energetic patterns and how these might align with or influence gut health. From critiquing the limitations of current diagnostic sensitivity to the importance of personalized treatment protocols, Roland provides a holistic approach to restoring gut eubiosis.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding Dysbiosis: Dysbiosis represents an imbalance in the gut microbiome, which may include bacterial, fungal, parasitic, or archaic imbalances.

Individual Variability: No two dysbiosis cases are alike; each requires a personalized approach considering the individual’s unique health profile.

Diagnostic Limitations: Current tests only provide a snapshot of the gut’s state and might not capture the full picture, requiring practitioners to consider the broader context.

Holistic Approaches: Successful treatment often combines traditional and alternative medical insights, focusing on restoring the body’s overall balance and terrain.

Time and Patience: The path to rectifying dysbiosis often necessitates a long-term commitment and a phased approach, respecting the body’s natural healing processes.

About the Host:

Roland Pankewich is the host of the “Following Your Gut” podcast, where he delves into the intersection of health science and clinical wisdom. With a keen focus on the intricate dynamics of gut health, particularly dysbiosis, Roland brings his wealth of knowledge to listeners who are keen on understanding the nuances of gut microbiome health. Offering a blend of philosophical reflections and scientific insights, Roland aims to revolutionize how individuals and practitioners perceive and treat gut-related issues.

“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."

In this enlightening episode of the “Following Your Gut” podcast, host Roland Pankewich welcomes back Dr. Eric Balcavage for a deep dive into the digestive system. Titled as a masterclass in gut physiology, the episode intricately explores topics such as fungal overgrowth, the role of the immune system, and the consequences of lifestyle factors on gut health. Dr. Balcavage articulates the nuanced interplay between gastrointestinal issues and thyroid conditions, emphasizing the importance of viewing the body holistically.

The conversation sheds light on the often-overlooked aspects of immune dysregulation caused by lifestyle choices and environmental factors. Dr. Balcavage introduces listeners to cutting-edge testing methods like Cyrex Labs’ lymphocyte map and biome burden test, which provide detailed insights into the immune system’s interaction with microbial factors. The podcast emphasizes a shift from conventional symptom management to addressing root causes, offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of both immunological and lifestyle-driven digestive disorders.

About the Guest:

Dr. Eric Balcavage is a renowned specialist in the field of functional medicine, focusing extensively on thyroid dysfunction and related metabolic conditions. With years of experience, Dr. Balcavage is an advocate for understanding thyroid disorders not as isolated issues but as interconnected systemic imbalances. He is the co-author of “The Thyroid Debacle” and hosts the Thyroid Answers Podcast. Dr. Balcavage is committed to educating both patients and clinicians on adaptive immune responses and physiology to improve methods of diagnosis and treatment.

Key Takeaways:

• The digestive system’s health is pivotal to overall well-being, influenced by lifestyle habits, stress, and environmental factors.

• Conventional testing may not adequately reflect immune reactivity to gut organisms; advanced tests like those from Cyrex Labs can offer deeper insights.

• There’s a critical need to focus not just on eradicating pathogens like those seen in SIBO, but to understand and correct the reasons behind microbial imbalances.

• True recovery from gut-related disorders requires examining factors beyond digestion, such as mindset, habits, and sleep, to restore equilibrium.

• Avoidance of labeling and identity association with disorders encourages a more comprehensive approach to wellness, focusing on change and adaptation rather than a singular diagnosis.

“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."

Join host Roland Pankewich as he welcomes Jeff Porubcan to discuss the challenges and strategies for staying healthy while traveling. As August marks a peak travel period, they explore the impact on the gut and immune system. Jeff shares personal anecdotes about travel mishaps, emphasizing the value of supplements like Theralac and Enzalase.

They delve into topics such as probiotics for immune support and the role of digestive enzymes. Tune in for practical advice to ensure a healthier and smoother travel experience.

Roland and Jeff emphasize the connections between travel, immune system function, and gut health. They stress the importance of preparation, recommending a strategic approach to supplementation, highlighting specific products like Theralac, TruFlora, and Enzalase for different scenarios. The episode is rich with actionable insights, drawing on personal anecdotes that illustrate how travel can disrupt daily routines and why digestive health should be prioritized. They also touch upon non-supplementary aspects, like diet and sleep, underlining the multifaceted approach necessary for travelers to maintain health on the go.

About the Guest:

Jeff Porubcan is the second-generation leader of Master Supplements Inc. and the U.S. Enzymes Brands. With substantial experience in the health and wellness industry, Jeff is dedicated to advancing the understanding of gut health and probiotics. As a seasoned traveler and father, he leverages his personal and professional experiences to provide practical and expert advice on maintaining health during travel, emphasizing immune system support and digestive wellness.

“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."

Roland Pankewich delves into the intricacies of the microbiome, exploring its pivotal role in health. He explains the interconnected axes between microbes, the immune system, and the epithelial mucosal layer, highlighting how imbalances can lead to health issues.

Pankewich discusses the significance of initial gut health formed at birth and how long-term dysbiosis can manifest in various symptoms. By understanding the microbiome’s mechanics, listeners gain insights into effective interventions for maintaining gut health.

Discover the deep connections between gut microbiota and overall well-being, along with practical strategies for management.

About the Host:

Roland Pankewich is the host of the “Following Your GUT” podcast, where he delves into the intersection of health science and clinical wisdom. With a background in health sciences, Roland is dedicated to making complex health topics comprehensible and practically actionable for his audience. He is also known for his lectures with Master Supplements and US Enzymes, contributing years of educational content on topics such as gut health, the microbiome, and digestion.

“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."