Root of the Cause Radio

Killing Cancer with Sulforaphane featuring Dr. Jed Fahey and Dr. Brian Cornblatt

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:15:00 -0500

In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome Dr. Jed Fahey—one of the planet’s foremost experts in phytochemicals and sulforaphane (SFN) research. Retired from Johns Hopkins but still a powerhouse in the field, Dr. Fahey is here to deliver a true masterclass on all things SFN, particularly its game-changing potential against cancer. Joining Dr. Fahey is Dr. Brian Cornblatt, his protégé, who’ll provide frontline insights from the clinical studies behind Avmacol - the SFN supplement he designed.

[2:50] From Mars to Broccoli. Dr. Fahey recounts his journey from researching "Life on Mars" to sulforaphane research at Johns Hopkins.

[7:00] "He Had Me at Hello." Dr. Cornblatt recalls meeting Dr. Fahey at a Johns Hopkins journal club, where they bonded over research.

[11:25] Dismantling the NRF2 Myth. Dr. Fahey and Dr. Cornblatt debunk fears that sulforaphane protects tumors.

[21:10] Taming the "Red Devil." Sulforaphane shields the heart from toxic chemotherapy while making tumors more vulnerable to treatment.

[35:35] The Glutathione Paradox. A transient depletion in glutathione leads to a genetic rebound that supercharges cellular defenses.

[41:00] NRF2 101

[43:30] Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and NK-kB and SFN’s inhibitory effects on their pro-cancer pathways.

[47:09] Starving the Tumor. Sulforaphane cuts off a tumor's blood supply (HIF-1/VEGF) and flips the "kill switch" on silenced suppressor genes via HDAC inhibition.

[49:30] Sulforaphane’s antibacterial effects against H. pylori help reduce the risk of stomach malignancies.

[54:20] The 150-Mutation Trap. Why single-target drugs fail against complex tumors and why multi-modal plant compounds are necessary.

[58:35] Killing the “Root of the Cause”. Targeting the drug-resistant "cancer stem cells" that cause relapses by stripping away their ability to self-renew.

[1:03:40] Similarities between indolent cancers (slow-dividing cancers) and cancer stem cells.

[1:07:47] Why the bladder is the "ideal" target for SFN.

[1:17:50] Dr. Fahey and Dr. Cornblatt reveal their daily habits, from eating homegrown sprouts to using genomics for precision.

[1:22:00] Suppositories. Bypassing the digestive tract to deliver protective compounds directly to the colon, prostate and cervix.

[1:28:37] Reclaiming Research. How clinicians can use "N of 1" trials to bypass the NIH funding void to help prove phytochemical efficacy.

[1:31:34] Dr. Brian Cornblatt’s New Project. Revolutionizing healthcare with the first hospital-based, preventive clinic on the planet. Collecting 8 gigs of diagnostic data, including the patients full genome, with the help of AI.

[1:34:35] Ending Amputations. A breakthrough Bahamas protocol combining plasma rays, exosomes, and specialized blood flow supplements to save diabetic limbs from decay.

[1:36:00] Eradicating Cancer. A look at AI-driven clinics and the "Tzar" blood test detecting cancer at Stage 0, way before any advanced image detection, with 91% sensitivity (soon to be 95%).

Resources:

Dr. Jed Fahey’s website, Dr. Brian Cornblatt’s new project, Doxorubicin plus SFN clinical trial, HIF1 Inhibition, HDAC Inhibition, MMP/NFKB, The “Double-Edged Sword” Paper, Mustard Seed Powder Study, Urinary Bladder Study 1, Urinary Bladder Study 2, Urinary Bladder Study 3, Urinary Bladder Study 4, Sulforaphane and Hormone Balance, NRF2 Paper

Debunking Dr. Paul Saladino's Misinformation on Sulforaphane

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 17:00:00 -0500

Health and fitness influencer Ben Greenfield provided animal-based diet proponent Dr. Paul Saladino a platform to discuss his dietary ideology via a guest-hosting solo episode on his popular podcast a few years back. A primary feature was Paul breaking down the perils, as he framed it, of phytochemicals. In this episode, I focus primarily on correcting the misinformation Paul presented on the phytochemical sulforaphane.

You can listen to Dr. Paul Saladino’s episode on Ben Greenfield’s podcast here.

Studies cited by Paul:

Study 1

Study 2

Study 3

Studies I cite on the benefits and benign nature of sulforaphane:

Study 1

Study 2

Study 3

GLP-1: "You Can't HANDLE the Carbs!" Why Your Own GLP-1 May be Low, How to Tell and What to Do About It

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 13:45:00 -0500

There's so much talk about taking GLP-1 these days. But how does our bodies' own GLP-1 work? And how do you know if your GLP-1 levels are suboptimal? I dig into this very subject as well as how to restore your body's own GLP-1 function.

I also uncover the health implications - particularly blood sugar dysregulation - of low GLP-1 and how GLP-1 function is often the very first domino to fall on the path to diabetes.

I first discussed GLP-1 back in early 2020, before semaglutide was widely available on the market as a weight-loss drug, in an episode titled Blood Sugar Physiology 101. Listen to it here for a detailed explanation of the body's Phase 1 insulin response and its relationship to GLP-1.

The Skinny on GLP-1s: Helpful? Harmful? Are There Really Natural Forms or is it All Hype?

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 16:45:00 -0500

In this episode, I give my take on GLP-1 analogs (Ozempic, Mounjaro, etc.). I talk about the benefits, the potential risks that are rarely spoken about and the likely long-term limitations. I get into how these compounds differ from the GLP-1 we make on our own as well as ways to leverage that natural secretion for health benefits. I also dispel the notion that the "natural" GLP-1 stimulators are even remotely on par with the drugs on the market.

BioHarvest Sciences CEO Ilan Sobel & Dr. Brian Cornblatt on Their Paradigm-Shifting Technology in the Nutraceutical Space

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0500

BioHarvest Sciences CEO Ilan Sobel and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Brian Cornblatt join the show to talk about how BioHarvest Sciences has hacked all of the sustainability and logistical issues that traditionally come with manufacturing plant-based compounds. They discuss the groundbreaking process by which - through its patented technology – BioHarvest Sciences is able to essentially supercharge the compound within the plant that has the most scientifically-backed therapeutic efficacy, all without chemically altering the molecule.

BioHarvest Sciences has figured out how to properly get those healing compounds into the blood stream, into our cells, and into our tissues in an ingenious way - again, without chemically altering the molecule AT ALL. Most importantly, they put enormous amounts of resources into research and development so that their claims are not just theoretical but actually backed by clinical data. Plus, they join the show on an exciting day as BioHarvest Sciences began trading on the NASDAQ.

2:57 – Ilan Sobel’s story and the ethos of BioHarvest Sciences

10:18 – BioHarvest’s patented technology, and how it leverages the most therapeutically efficacious part of the plant and maximizes solubility in a way no other company is able to

21:25 – VINIA’s capacity to potentiate the ability of other supplements to enter the cells through increased blood flow

25:25 – VINIA’s achievement of 82% solubility (proven through clinical data) vs. the 1% solubility of ALL other brands

26:35 – Twelve hours of sustained levels with two peaks (proven by blood testing) vs. twenty minutes for ALL other brands

28:50 – Breaking down the math of how much of piceid resveratrol actually reaches the blood stream as compared to cis and trans (generic) resveratrol

34:20 – The exquisite pharmacokinetics (how a compound gets absorbed and broken down) of VINIA, and the science behind how BioHarvest was able to achieve what no other company has

38:31 – Future plans for BioHarvest to create more products and compounds using their patented technology

41:00 – BioHarvest’s leveraging of the powerful verbascoside molecule for therapeutic purposes within the olive that no one has been able to achieve yet

43:00 – CEO Ilan Sobel reveals BioHarvest’s future plans to partner with nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies

47:46 – There are 140 drugs that use botanically-based active pharmaceutical ingredients (API). This comes with challenges similar to those of nutraceuticals. BioHarvest’s plans to solve this problem with their patented technology

54:32 – Timeline to produce a product from start to finish (including the research and development). Cost for a company to have BioHarvest create a product, which includes owning the patent

57:43 – Cellular detox and VINIA’s role

59:50 - Dr. Cornblatt breaks down how unique and groundbreaking the soon-to-be-released olive-based product will be

1:03 - CEO Ilan Sobel makes his first public announcement about

BioHarvest Sciences’ debut on the NASDAQ (ticker: BHST)

bioharvest.com

Vinia.com

The Story on H. pylori (and the Perils of Acid-Blocking Drugs)

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 12:00:00 -0500

Today I'll be picking up where I left off in the previous episode on acid reflux. I'll be delving into the negative downstream effects of taking acid-blocking drugs long term as well as discussing the interplay between H. pylori and acid reflux. I'll also break down what H. pylori is, how to properly test for it, the incremental, long term consequences of not treating it, and how acid-blocking drugs compound those effects in a profoundly negative way.

The Real Root of the Cause of Acid Reflux

Mon, 28 Oct 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Today I'll be taking a deep dive into acid reflux. There is so much confusion and misunderstanding and so many misconceptions surrounding this very common ailment. Many "experts" will claim it's caused by low stomach acid, while others (if not most) claim it's from high stomach acid. So who's right? Are they both wrong?

The answer...YES! I'll get into all of that, including the very overlooked H-pylori connection. I'll go over what H-pylori is, how to best test for it, how the testing works, and, ultimately, what to do about it. I also break down what acid reflux actually is, what is really driving it and what can be done to "fix" it.

Reversing a Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis with Dr. Brian Cornblatt

Fri, 19 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0500

Dr. Brian Cornblatt is back to share his gripping story of medical misdiagnosis. What started as a challenging Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis turned into a years-long health journey that saw Dr. Cornblatt eventually unearthing the root cause of his health issues and triumphantly reversing his diagnosis.

Got a question, comment or suggestion for a future show topic? Email ROTC@rootofthecause.net.

SHOW NOTES

2:06 - Dr. Cornblatt’s MS misdiagnosis story
8:35 - How, after 6 years, with genetic testing and functional lab testing, Dr. Cornblatt figured out that he didn’t have MS
19:55 - The Nitric Oxide genetic polymorphism that contributed to Dr. Cornblatt’s MS symptoms
24:40 - PON1 gene: how it impacts oxLDL, detoxifying pesticides, appetite, leptin, insulin sensitivity, and how to upregulate this protective gene
30:22 - VINIA study on reducing HbA1C (longer term blood sugar) in type 2 diabetics by 7.8%
36:50 - The value and limits of peripheral blood markers
43:15 - Acid reflux, H-Pylori, acid blocking medications lowering nitric oxide, impacting heart health
49:12 - Oxidative stress impacting heart health (BH4)
51:55 - Dr. Cornblatt's immune system SNP and what supplement provides support
53:00 - How to evaluate blood tests in context with the individual

A Deep Dive Into Detox With Dr. Brian Cornblatt

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 15:35:00 -0500

Dov is once again joined by Dr. Brian Cornblatt, Chief Medical Officer at BioHarvest Sciences, for a spirited and in-depth conversation. They take a deep dive into the detox process and discuss the science behind VINIA, a revolutionary supplement that leverages the power of technology to deliver unparalleled bioavailability of detoxifying phytochemical compounds. Dr. Cornblatt is a Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Graduate with a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences and a postdoctoral fellowship from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Environmental Health Sciences Division of Toxicology. He is also the inventor of 7 issued patents and 9 pending provisional patents focused on plant-based bioactive compounds and health promotion.

RESOURCES

The Science of VINIA

VINIA’s Solubility Advantage

VINIA’s Bioavailability Advantage

Research Article

Got a question, comment or suggestion for a future topic? Email ROTC@rootofthecause.net.

SHOW NOTES

5:15 – Dr. Cornblatt explains why he likes discussing the chemical compounds heterocyclic amines and benzene
9:05 – Testing for benzene levels in the body
10:30 – Objective methods Dr. Cornblatt implements to determine one’s ability to detox benzene using phytochemicals; Lab report measuring benzene levels (see page 4).
11:34 – Phase 2 enzymes and how they work like a dimmer switch; how plant-based bioactive compounds can modulate the switch
17:27 – Glutathione S Transferase: how these enzymes work and the many redundancies at the cellular level
19:30 – How Glutathione is made and how plant phytochemicals can upregulate it
21:40 – Are plant phytonutrients antioxidants, pro-oxidants or “indirect” antioxidants?
24:14 – The evolutionary principle behind how and why these plant compounds produce phytochemicals
26:32 – Benefits of taking phytochemicals; stimulation of NRF2, ET1 (impacts vasoconstriction) and eNOS (impacts vasodilation); how VINIA stimulates all 3 pathways, helping to modulate blood pressure and oxygenate the blood, aiding in the reversal of chronic fatigue
31:40 – How the piceid form of resveratrol in VINIA is vastly different from standard resveratrol (cis and trans form); unparalleled absorbability and bioavailability and the innovative ways Dr. Cornblatt’s team achieves this
41:00 – New innovations coming soon from BioHarvest
44:00 – VINIA’s impact on insulin sensitivity; VINIA's wide-ranging polyphenolic content versus standard resveratrol's limited polyphenolic content
48:55 – LDL cholesterol vs oxidized LDL and how VINIA upregulates a phase 2 enzyme called PON1, preventing oxidation of LDL cholesterol
59:37 – The value of genetic testing when applying nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals in a customized way
1:04 – Does the body recognize the difference between human-made chemicals and plant-derived phytochemicals? Can we over-stimulate NRF2 with phytochemicals if it’s chronically stimulated by ubiquitous human-made chemicals?
1:11 – Is there merit to taking multiple supplemental phytochemicals if any 1 phytochemical in isolation has been shown to upregulate NRF2?

Detox Decoded

Thu, 30 May 2024 07:00:00 -0500

In this solo episode, I present a foundational primer on the very misunderstood topic of detoxification. I deconstruct all the phases of detox, including the very overlooked and unspoken phase zero. I also include the often forgotten (yet what I feel to be the most important) part of detox: the elimination phase. I, of course, cover phases 1, 2 and 3 as well, explaining how detox conjugation works, what the 6 conjugation pathways are and how we can leverage these pathways when embarking on a detox. Listen for a fun analogy I use to simplify this very complex topic and help you understand just how practical, as well as critical, detoxification is in today’s unavoidably toxic world.

For questions or to suggest future topics, email ROTC@rootofthecause.net.

Healing Trauma with EMDR, featuring Roxanne Grobbel - Part 2

Sat, 04 Nov 2023 01:00:00 -0500

Part 2 of my discussion with Roxanne Grobbel, leading expert in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Listen as Roxanne demystifies EMDR and teaches us just how effective and well researched this treatment is.

Roxanne is a certified EMDR therapist and consultant. With a career focused on trauma-related issues, she is widely considered one of the leading experts on EMDR today. Roxanne is also an EMDRIA-approved EMDR instructor, teaching clinicians both basic and advanced EMDR courses and traveling around the country conducting workshops and lectures. Roxanne currently provides intensive trauma treatment at the 11th Hour Trauma Retreat in Denver, Colorado.

emdria.org

www.insightcounselingandeducation.com or www.Center4emdr.com

EMDRrox@gmail.com

For questions or to request future show topics, email ROTC@rootofthecause.net.

Healing Trauma with EMDR, featuring Roxanne Grobbel - Part 1

Mon, 16 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0500

My guest this episode is Roxanne Grobbel, leading expert in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Listen as Roxanne demystifies EMDR and teaches us just how effective and well researched this treatment is.

emdria.org

www.insightcounselingandeducation.com or www.Center4emdr.com

EMDRrox@gmail.com

2:49-What is EMDR?

5:40-The connection between R.E.M. and EMDR

8:33-Taxation of working memory while doing a secondary task. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pmc/articles/PMC4325664/#S1title

10:38-What to expect from your first EMDR session

14:44-How does an EMDR practitioner extract repressed traumas that are driving a fear, phobia or anxiety?

23:37-Is EMDR effective for everyone? Is there an efficacy spectrum?

26:12-Reasons for non-responders

29:55-Is EMDR for trauma-related struggles only?

36:25-The impact environment has on children aged 0-3 and how the practitioner taps into a trauma their patient was too young to remember (as opposed to a repressed memory)

For questions or to request future show topics, email ROTC@rootofthecause.net.

Estrogen Part 3 - Estrogen Metabolites (2-, 4-, 16-Hydroxyestrones) & Why They’re So Critical

Sat, 23 Jul 2022 05:00:00 -0500

In this episode of Root of the Cause Radio, I’ll be covering the good, the bad and the ugly of estrogen metabolites: the more benign 2-Hydroxyestrone, the duality of the 16-Hydroxyestrone and the dreaded 4-Hydroxyestrone.

1:53 - Phase 1 estrogen detoxification and estrogen metabolites

2:47 - 16-Hydroxyestrone, the impact, risk and reasons for high levels and the possible downsides of very low levels

4:06 - Can Estriol convert into anything harmful or helpful?

5:40 - The bad and ugly of the 4-Hydroxyestrone and how methylation plays a critical role

7:42 - Phosphatidylcholine and how it can indirectly help to neutralize the 4-Hydroxyestrone metabolite

9:23 - What happens to the 4-Hydroxyestrones that don’t get methylated? Hint: DNA damage

9:42 - How sulforaphane stimulates glutathione S transferase and quinone reductase to mop up DNA damaging quinones

11:12 - Can you measure quinone levels? Can you measure DNA damage from oxidative stress (8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine)?

12:00 - How glutathione is made and the critical nutrients necessary

13:49 - How glutathione and sulforaphane impact estrogen metabolites that don’t get methylated

Estrogen Part 2 – Estrogen Clearance and the Best Time to Test Estrogen Levels and Why

Sat, 09 Jul 2022 05:00:00 -0500

Today’s episode is part 2 of my 3-part series on estrogen, where I’ll be covering the nuts and bolts of how we properly eliminate estrogen from the body, what’s needed to do so and some reasons for why that process may become suboptimal. I also discuss the timing of testing as well as how and why that detail can render greater value for some people.

2:58 - Does the day of the month you test for estrogen matter? If so, when should you test and why

4:52 - Mid-luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and its importance with estrogen testing

6:24 - Estrogen clearance 101

6:52 - The gallbladder’s, liver’s and bile’s impact on estrogen clearance

7:53 - Bile production, bile flow, bile acids vs. bile salts and glycine/taurine and how they all impact estrogen clearance

9:50 - Phosphatidylcholine, PEMT gene and their impact on bile and the gallbladder

11:13 - Gut dysbiosis

14:11 - Calcium D-glucarate

15:29 - Some potential reasons for high estrogen in men

Estrogen Part 1 – Must-Know Elements of Estrogen for Both Woman and Men

Wed, 29 Jun 2022 05:00:00 -0500

Today begins part 1 of my 3-part series on estrogen.

I believe estrogen to be a very misunderstood hormone in the body, which is why I decided to use this platform to break down the finer points of estrogen, not only for women but for men as well.

2:30 - Estrogen basics in women

4:12 - Estrogen, bone density and PTH’s (parathyroid hormone’s) interplay

5:05 - How estrogen is made in men

6:18 - The aromatase gene (CYP19)

7:07 - Effects of high and low estrogen in men

10:16 - The 3 main estrogens and the pros, cons and limitations within the various testing methods

14:35 - SHGB (sex hormone-binding globulin)

19:42 - Estrogen metabolites (2-, 4-, and 16-Hydroxyestrones) and the value of knowing your levels

The Therapeutic Benefits of Liposomal Colostrum With Doug Wyatt

Fri, 22 Apr 2022 07:00:00 -0500

In this episode, we cover leaky gut, immune modulation, cancer, IGF1, growth hormone, pathogens and liposomal delivery systems, just to name a few.

My guest today is Douglas Wyatt. Doug is the founder of Sovereign Laboratories, which provides the most efficacious bovine colostrum for immune resilience and maintaining homeostasis. Colostrum has been shown to help restore gastrointestinal damage caused by leaky gut, a primary cause of chronic disease. As Director of Research for the Vibrant Life Institute, Doug is the leading expert in colostrum and is credited with reintroducing bovine colostrum for human use.

Mr. Wyatt is also a proponent of colostrum’s unique and powerful bioactive components that show incredible promise for turning the tide on the prevention and treatment of the world’s increasing chronic disease epidemic.

2:10 - Doug’s story of his serendipitous discovery of colostrum and how he became a leading authority on the subject

12:08 - What is colostrum? What is its biological purpose and function for a newborn child?

17:05 - The effects on infants who do not receive colostrum and what can be done to remedy that

19:33 - What else can colostrum do other than what it’s most known for – healing leaky gut? Contains lactoferrin (antimicrobial, inhibits viral replication, iron sequestrate), immunoglobulins (aids in fighting pathogens), polypeptides (immune modulatory)

29:48 - Colostrum…immune “booster” or immune modulatory and what the difference is

35:20 - Liposomal turmeric and vitamin C

38:56 - What liposomal is and why liposomal colostrum is superior

44:00 - Leaky gut. Is it real? If so, how to test for it?

48:59 - Secretory IgA (the gut’s immune system) in the context of colostrum

51:33 - The IGF1/growth hormone with colostrum, cancer and if there are possible concerns

Part 3 – All Things Undermethylation With Methylation Expert Dr. Albert Mensah

Fri, 25 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0500

The final installment with Dr. Mensah, where we continue to take a deep dive into undermethylation.

1:03 - Quantifying the severity of undermethylation using the whole blood histamine marker, and the thresholds that begin to hinder versus enhance performance

8:35 - Calcium supplements for undermethylation, the mechanism and the potential down sides

12:07 - Dr. Mensah's thoughts on the enzyme catecol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and what, if anything, can be extrapolated from knowing your COMT status

14:52 - Dr. Menshah feels undermethylating people are sensitive to folate. Should they then want to induce a mild deficiency?

18:24 - SSRIs for someone with high histamine vs. SSRIs for someone with optimal histamine levels, or…is it copper overload?

23:52 - Dr. Mensah's thoughts on genetic tests for pharmaceutical use Genesight.com

25:44 - Dr. Mensah’s thoughts on receptor down regulation concerns with SSRI medication

28:00 - Zinc and its role in methylation, serotonin production and mental health

29:13 - Dr. Mensah's thoughts on 5HTP supplementation

Methylation Pathway Visual Aid

SSRI 101 Visual Aid

Mensahmedical.com

Listen to the Accompanying Episode Here: Methylation: A Primer to My interview with Dr. Albert Mensah

Email ROTC@rootofthecause.net to ask a question or request a future episode.

Part 2 – All Things Undermethylation With Methylation Expert Dr. Albert Mensah

Fri, 11 Mar 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Part two of my three-part series with methylation expert Dr. Albert Mensah.

1:40 - Is it ever appropriate and/or helpful to combine pharmaceutical approaches with nutraceutical strategies for mental health in the context of methylation?

4:13 - SAMe – a natural SSRI?

7:35 - The SERT gene, SAMe, folate and various other ways one’s methyl status impacts serotonin

10:20 - SAM to SAH ratio test: how and why this test can render actionable data Methylation profile/SAM to SAH ratio test

17:50 - Ways the SAM to SAH ratio test can become skewed

11:50 - What actually is homocysteine both in the context of methylation and in general? Do homocysteine levels correlate to methyl status?

26:15 - Glycine: have this amino acid’s methyl-buffering effects been overstated?

28:50 - Methionine: the concerns over excess methionine. Overstated and out of context?

31:17 - Folate, folic acid and cancer

32:40 - Folate pathway via MTHFR. Is it the main pathway, as most “experts" would have you believe, or is it the backup pathway to re-methylating homocysteine?

Methylation Pathway Visual Aid

SSRI 101 Visual Aid

Mensahmedical.com

Listen to the Accompanying Episode Here: Methylation: A Primer to My interview with Dr. Albert Mensah

Email ROTC@rootofthecause.net with your questions, episode requests or feedback.

Part 1 – All Things Undermethylation With Methylation Expert Dr. Albert Mensah

Fri, 25 Feb 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Dr. Albert Mensah, MD, discusses cutting edge (and affordable) ways to test for undermethylation, plus its mental health implications, nutraceutical solutions, pharmaceutical options and much more.

Dr. Mensah is the founder of Mensah Medical, an international biomedical clinic for patients diagnosed with autism, ADD, ADHD, OCD, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression and eating disorders. He treats patients with advanced nutrient therapy, an effective and natural alternative to prescription medication.

Answering the need for specialists with backgrounds in both traditional and natural medicine, Dr. Mensah founded Mensah Medical after serving as a primary physician at the original Pfeiffer Treatment Center. While at Pfeiffer, he received extensive training from Dr. William J. Walsh, PhD, founder and former director of the Walsh Research Institute and a pioneer in methylation and mental health research.

Dr. Mensah works closely with the Walsh Research Institute, updating therapies and protocols, initiating cutting-edge paradigms and serving as a clinical instructor for its International Doctor Training Program.

3:38 - What is methylation?

7:00 - Serotonin production, activation, recycling and reprocessing

9:03 - Whole blood histamine blood marker and its implication in methylation. The personality characteristic often seen in those with high whole blood histamine (undermethylators) and the advantages and struggles undermethylators are prone to

12:26 - How and why there is an inverse relationship between methyl and histamine

13:53 - How Dr. Mensha approaches a treatment plan for a high histamine individual

15:56 - Can a genetic polymorphism (SNP) for histamine skew the whole blood histamine levels that would otherwise correlate to methylation?

18:03 - Are whole blood histamine levels genetically determined or can they be altered if one “fixes” their undermethylation issues?

19:06 - Why do many undermethylators do well on the supplement SAMe and don’t do as well when folate and/or folic acid is added to the SAMe?

20:25 - Folate/folic acid – methylating agent or demethylating agent? Or both??

22:30 - Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and the biochemical rationale behind this class of drugs

25:53 - Why undermethylators tend to be hyper responders to SSRIs

27:06 - Folate – select serotonin re-uptake enhancer? Folate contraindicated in undermethylators despite contrary popular belief?

29:45 - When and why to take and not take folate, irrespective of methyl status, particularly during pregnancy

30:42 - The potential issues with haphazardly taking folate and/or folic acid during the entire pregnancy due to folate being a “double agent”

31:35 - How the increased use of folic acid has contributed to global epigenetic changes

32:03 - Dr. Mensah further explains how folate/folic acid is a “double agent”

36:06 - Is methyl-folate as effective as it’s thought to be, and why?

41:21 - Which type of B12 is best for undermethylators and balanced types? Methylcobalamin, Cyanocobalamin, Hydroxocobalamin?

Methylation Pathway Visual Aid

SSRI 101 Visual Aid

Mensahmedical.com

Listen to the Accompanying Episode Here: Methylation: A Primer to My interview with Dr. Albert Mensah

For questions or requests for future show topics, email ROTC@rootofthecause.net.

Methylation: A Primer to My Interview With Dr. Albert Mensah

Fri, 11 Feb 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Today I’m doing a solo episode covering key concepts I discuss in my upcoming interview with one of the leading experts on methylation today, Dr. Albert Mensah. Dr. Mensah was in the game many years prior to the word methylation even becoming part of the functional medicine vernacular. He mentored under Dr. William Walsh, who started doing groundbreaking work on methylation in the mental health sphere decades before MTHFR became a trendy buzz term and years before methylation was at all talked about outside of academic circles. Dr. Mensah is part of this lineage of the great pioneers in the field of methylation research, and as such, you’ll see that his knowledge in this area knows no bounds. With that said, I felt that doing a solo episode to provide some background information and a better understanding of some of the advanced concepts we discuss would be of value. Look for my three-part interview series with Dr. Mensah, which will be released in the coming weeks.

2:16 - Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor SSRI physiology 101

6:04 - How homocystein is biochemically made

7:30 - Methionine converting to S-adenosyl-L-methione (SAM)

8:03 - SAM converting to SAH

9:02 - The SAM to SAH ratio

9:55 - The methylation misconceptions of folate

12:14 - Selective serotonin reuptake enhancers

13:02 - gene polymorphism (SNP) 101

13:41 - Glycine in the context of methylation

Methylation Pathway Visual Aid

SSRI 101 Visual Aid

Email ROTC@rootofthecause.net with questions or requests for future episodes.

Part 2 – Infrared Sauna Therapy, Light Therapy & Advanced Therapeutic Detoxification With Robby Besner

Fri, 28 Jan 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Today is part two of my two-part series with Robby Besner, where we continue to take a deep dive into all things sauna therapy, light therapy and detoxification.

0:58 - Demystifying red light and the difference between actual red light wavelengths and red light bulbs

5:19 - Therapeutic effects of the red Tri Light Panel

9:11 - What is Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and how does it differ from the light from an infrared sauna?

14:53 - Electro Magnetic Frequencies (EMF) and Extremely Low Frequencies (ELF) regarding infrared saunas

26:02 - Infrared sauna therapy for cancer. Testing to determine if a cancer is heat sensitive and radiation sensitive (reference page 2, section 4 titled “Radiotherapy/Hyperthermia Sensitivity” of the Heat Sensitive Cancer Test

29:02 - Ozone therapy and its synergy with infrared sauna

32:52 - Mineral loss from sauna therapy and what to do about it

38:50 - Detoxing organophosphates using infrared sauna therapy https://www.greatplainslaboratory.com/gpl-tox

42:10 - The reason your head remains outside the sauna in Robby’s sauna design

Therasage.com

Instagram: @therasageinfrared

Email ROTC@rootofthecause.net with any questions or comments.

Part 1 – Infrared Sauna Therapy, Light Therapy & Advanced Therapeutic Detoxification With Robby Besner

Fri, 14 Jan 2022 07:00:00 -0500

Today is part one of my two-part series with guest Robby Besner. Robby is the founder of the company Therasage, through which he designs and sells full spectrum infrared saunas, among many other health optimization tools. He has an unusually unique and deep understanding of light therapy, heat therapy and detoxification in the form of sweating. Robby comes armed with the science behind all three of these powerful therapies.

1:45 - What is infrared light and why is it so often associated with saunas?

5:55 - The spectrum of the sun’s rays and the crossover to when it changes from non-ionizing (healing) radiation to ionizing (potentially harmful) radiation

10:33 - Therapeutic benefits of the sun’s wavelengths vs. an infrared sauna

14:02 - What is photobiomodulation? How do we get Vitamin D from the sun, and is that a form of photobiomodulation?

21:43 - DMinder app

26:48 - Hack to determine what Vitamin D level may be optimal for you

29:46 - Benefits of nitric oxide and how infrared light affects it (stimulating cytochrome c oxidase)

Therasage.com

Instagram: @therasageinfrared

Reach out to ROTC@rootofthecause.net with any questions, comments or episode requests.

Reversing Heart Disease & Calcification + All Things Vitamin K With Biochemist Patrick Theut

Fri, 31 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0500

If you’re interested in reversing your coronary calcification and heart disease, today’s episode takes a deep dive into just that. Biochemist Patrick Theut put in over 16,000 hours of intense research to address and resolve his own heart disease, and that healing journey led him to create THE most effective Vitamin K supplement on the market today: Koncentrated K. The Root of the Cause podcast welcomes Patrick to educate us on exactly how he did it.

3:14 - What is a coronary calcium score (CAC score)?

3:52 - Plaque vs. calcium

4:14 - Determining severity of the CAC score

8:36 - Overview of Vitamin K

12:14 - What is carboxylation and what is its role with Vitamin K dependent proteins?

12:58 - Does Vitamin K contribute to unwanted clotting? (Protein S, C, Z)

17:02 - The body making the type of K it needs with any form of K as a substrate (K1, K2,

Mk-7, Mk-4)

20:11 - Warfarin: contraindicated with K2?

21:23 - Dabigatran: a work around to other Vitamin K blocking medications?

22:36 - Mk-4 vs. Mk-7

28:59 - Mechanism of action in calcium removal with Vitamin K2

35:00 - Foam cells, Autoschizis

38:26 - Vitamin K dosing for therapeutic purposes and for basic biological function

40:37 - Got a high coronary calcium score? What to do next

43:44 - Testing for Vitamin K status

52:08 - High risk for stroke and taking K1

54:39 - Statins and coronary calcium score

1:03:46 - Patrick’s Vitamin K formulation and how it came to be

1:10:59 - Astaxanthin and its role in the Koncentrated K formulation

For questions or requests of any kind, email ROTC@rootofthecause.net.

The Healing & Detox Potential of Sulforaphane With THE Leading Nutraceutical SFN expert, Dr. Brian Cornblatt

Fri, 17 Dec 2021 07:00:00 -0500

Dr. Brian Cornblatt joins me to unravel the unparalleled benefits of sulforaphane. Not only does he break down the science behind the detoxification capabilities of this potent phytochemical but he decodes the countless other profound uses of this remarkable compound as well.

Dr. Cornblatt is a Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine graduate with a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences and a postdoctoral fellowship from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and Environmental Health Sciences Division of Toxicology. He is one of the leading experts on sulforaphane and THE leading expert on nutraceutical-based sulforaphane in the world today.

Dr. Cornblatt is the creator of Avmacol, the most bioavailable glucoraphanin product that yields the highest amount of sulforaphane on the market. Avmacol is uniquely backed up by a robust supply of actual, verifiable clinical data, showcasing its broad range of powerfully therapeutic uses.

2:15 - Sulforaphane 101: a primer

4:22 - The story of how and why Dr. Cornblatt became so interested in the study of sulforaphane

10:00 - NRF2 and how sulforaphane affects it

11:56 - How sulforaphane is made and the varying degrees to which glucoraphanin converts to sulforaphane from person to person

16:13 - Glutathione, how it’s made in the body and how sulforaphane impacts it

19:53 - Potential pitfalls of taking exogenous glutathione

21:50 - NAC with sulforaphane

25:09 - Heat shock proteins and sulforaphanes impact

28:48 - Sulforaphane and H-Pylori

31:49 - Innate vs. adaptive immune system

33:55 - Sulforaphane and autism

44:33 - Avmocal vs. consuming broccoli sprouts

46:21 - Why Avmocal is not actually sulforaphane

48:36 - Bioavailability of sulforaphane and Avmacol

52:47 - How much sulforaphane can one tablet of Avmacol render on average?

56:38 - Taking Avmacol with a sulfur sensitivity

58:50 - Avmacol vs. Prostaphane and the prostate

1:03:53 - Avmocal...Goitrogenic?

1:09:02 - Dr. Paul Saladino’s concern with sulforaphane

1:14:58 - DIM vs. sulforaphane

1:19:14 - Sulforaphane, estrogen detoxification, quinone reductase

1:21:56 - Heterocyclic amines and sulforaphane

Avmacol Clinical Trials

Avmacol.com

For questions or requests for future topics, email ROTC@rootofthecause.net

Blood Sugar Hacks, the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test and Biohacks You’ve Never Heard Of

Mon, 30 Mar 2020 11:00:00 -0500

In today’s episode, I’ll be talking about the oral glucose tolerance test as well as sharing some biohacks you’ve never heard of before related to fasting, low carb diets and exercise hacks. I’ll also be mentioning some other blood sugar markers and how they relate and compare to the oral glucose tolerance test and discussing whether there is a cheaper, more efficient and, arguably, more accurate alternative test. Hint: the answer is yes!

Fructosamine: Underappreciated Yet Invaluable

Mon, 24 Feb 2020 12:00:00 -0500

In today’s episode, I’ll be talking about the blood sugar marker fructosamine. I’ll be comparing and contrasting it to the far more popular marker hemoglobin A1C.

Hemoglobin A1c – a Good or Bad Marker?

Mon, 10 Feb 2020 12:00:00 -0500

In today’s episode, I’ll be discussing the good, the bad and the ugly of the blood sugar marker hemoglobin a1c. I’ll be breaking down how this marker works on a physiological level as well as how it’s used in the context of blood sugar regulation. I will elucidate some limitations and even potential pitfalls when using this marker.

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Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/rootcause/message

Fasting Glucose and its Pitfalls

Mon, 03 Feb 2020 12:00:00 -0500

In today’s episode, I’ll be getting into the blood chemistry marker fasting blood sugar. I’ll also discuss non-fasting blood sugar, some of the at-home biohacks you can do related to blood sugar as well as some of the various ways this test can be skewed and what to do about it.

Blood Sugar Physiology 101

Mon, 27 Jan 2020 12:00:00 -0500

In this episode I’ll be giving an introductory primer to basic blood sugar physiology. What is glucose and how is it made? What is insulin and its role in blood sugar? What is glut 4 and its role? What role does GPL1 play? And much more.

Intro

Mon, 20 Jan 2020 12:00:00 -0500

This podcast will focus on discussing matters of health, fitness, nutrition, biochemistry, human physiology and biohacking of all kinds. This show came out of my burning desire to connect you guys to world class experts that I personally have the great fortune of talking to regularly, from doctors to exercise scientists, nutritionists, leading researchers - and the list goes on. Basically any and all people who will help me and my audience reach a level of peak performance both physically and mentally. I consider myself a curator of information, and in these interviews, I’ll be teasing out all the complex scientific concepts and leaving you guys with actionable information to help you improve your quality of life. My goal is for these episodes to be fun and relaxed while still digging deep to obtain the answers to your burning questions.