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Homocysteine is one of the most important blood markers for evaluating heart and metabolic health. Elevated levels may signal inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, genetic factors, or other underlying imbalances that increase cardiovascular and cognitive risk. Learn what homocysteine is, why it matters, and how nutrition, movement, and lifestyle habits can help support healthy levels naturally.
Beef liver and organ supplements are often marketed as “nature’s multivitamin,” praised for supporting energy, hormones, metabolism, and overall wellness. While these supplements are undeniably nutrient-dense, they also come with important risks that are frequently overlooked. From vitamin A toxicity and iron overload to histamine reactions, digestive side effects, and quality control concerns, organ supplements aren’t automatically safe for everyone. This article explores the potential side effects, regulation issues, and functional medicine considerations to help you make a more informed decision before adding beef liver supplements to your routine.
Are cortisone shots actually helping your joints long term — or just temporarily masking pain? This article compares cold laser therapy vs cortisone injections, including what current research says about inflammation, healing, arthritis pain, and long-term recovery.
The official renaming of PCOS to PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome) marks a major shift in women’s health — recognizing this condition for what it truly is: a whole-body hormonal and metabolic disorder, not just an ovarian condition. Learn why the name change matters, how it may improve diagnosis and care, and how functional medicine approaches PMOS from a root-cause perspective.
Could common childhood illnesses like chickenpox and measles have long-term protective effects against cancer? Emerging research suggests early viral infections may help “train” the immune system in ways that influence cancer risk decades later. Here’s what the science says — and what it doesn’t.
I cut open a reverse osmosis tank after two years of use—and what I found inside surprised me. While RO systems are excellent at filtering contaminants, the water is stored in a rubber bladder that may expose it to low levels of chemical compounds, especially with prolonged stagnation. The bigger question isn’t just filtration… it’s what happens after.
Perimenopause is often portrayed as overwhelming and miserable—but is that really the full story? In this candid conversation, I sit down with my wife to share her real-life experience navigating perimenopause with minimal symptoms—without relying on hormones—and what actually makes the biggest difference.
For years, people have said the same thing:
“Supplements don’t work.”
“You’re just making expensive toilet water.”
“Food first — supplements are a waste.”
And honestly… sometimes they’re right. Food is foundational. But in functional medicine, we know there’s more to the story.
In this episode, I share a real-world case that puts those claims to the test. A 45-year-old gentleman came into my office — not because he wanted to, but because his wife insisted. She’d already seen big improvements in her own health, and she wanted him to experience the same.
From the start, he made it clear:
He didn’t really believe in supplements. He thought the whole thing was overhyped. He agreed to do my recommended lab testing but told me he’d only take the supplements — no diet changes, no exercise, no lifestyle shifts.
Fine. I told him that’s his choice, and we’d see what the data says.
Three months later, he called the office asking to redo his full labs. We typically just recheck key markers to keep costs reasonable, but he was adamant — he wanted the entire panel. He said he wanted to “see if this stuff actually works.”
When the results came in, even I was surprised.
A1C: dropped from 5.8 → 5.4, moving him out of the pre-diabetic range.
Vitamin D: rose from 19 → 47, despite never seeing the sun working 80-hour weeks.
B12 and Folate: normalized, dramatically improving his methylation and detox potential.
DHEA: more than doubled (61 → 124), restoring hormone balance.
Cortisol: returned to a healthy range — from low adrenal fatigue levels to optimal.
Homocysteine: fell from 13.5 → 8.5, reducing cardiovascular inflammation risk.
All of this happened without changing his diet, exercise, or stress levels — the only variable was the supplements.
By the end of that visit, this once-skeptical client was sitting forward in his chair, shaking his head in disbelief. He smiled and said,
“All right doc… you convinced me. Now hit me with the diet plan.”
This story isn’t about magic pills. It’s about proof.
Supplements aren’t a replacement for food, movement, or sleep — but when used correctly, they can create dramatic, measurable changes in physiology. They fill the gaps that diet alone can’t cover, especially in our modern, stressed-out, nutrient-depleted world.
The real power comes when you combine both approaches — supplementation + lifestyle. That’s when 1 + 1 = 3.
Is the Asea Redox Cell Signaling Supplement a breakthrough—or just brilliant branding? In this video, Dr. Craig Mortensen, DC (Functional Medicine) shares a true story that perfectly illustrates how “miracle supplement” hype spreads — and how easily good people get misled. A patient brings up a new product she heard could help with cancer, inflammation, and energy — the Asea Redox Cell Signaling supplement. After a quick review, Dr. Mortensen discovers the shocking truth: the $170 “breakthrough” product contains nothing more than water and sodium chloride (salt water). From false marketing and MLM events to doctors promoting unproven claims, this episode exposes how some companies take a legitimate scientific term — like redox signaling — and twist it into a sales pitch. You’ll learn why claims of “cellular rejuvenation” and “healing from within” often crumble under basic scientific scrutiny. What you’ll learn: How supplement companies exaggerate partial truths into miracle claims Why “redox signaling” sounds scientific but often lacks real evidence How to quickly spot multi-level marketing tactics disguised as wellness science The real risks — including for people with high blood pressure who start drinking salt water daily The importance of doing your own research and trusting, but verifying 💡 Takeaway: Just because something is “natural” or marketed as “cellular health” doesn’t mean it’s effective — or safe. Be your own advocate, question bold claims, and invest in products backed by real data, not hype. Disclaimer This content is for educational purposes only and not medical advice. Always consult your licensed healthcare provider before starting or stopping any supplement.
Join Dr. Craig Mortensen as he explores a smarter, more comprehensive approach to breast health. In each episode, we go beyond traditional mammograms to uncover the full picture—discussing advanced screening tools like ultrasound, MRI, and SureTouch, and how inflammation, hormones, detox pathways, and lifestyle all play a role in prevention and early detection.
You’ll learn how to combine the best of modern diagnostics with a functional-medicine mindset, empowering women to understand their bodies, identify risks early, and take proactive steps toward lasting wellness.
From cancer prevention to natural hormone balance, this show helps you decode your breast health—because true prevention starts with understanding the whole body.
SIBO can manifest with a range of digestive and systemic symptoms due to the fermentation of food by excess bacteria in the small intestine. The most common symptoms include:
Digestive Symptoms:
Gas (Flatulence & Belching) – Caused by excess hydrogen, methane, or hydrogen sulfide production.
Diarrhea – More common in hydrogen-dominant SIBO, as bacteria pull water into the intestines.
Constipation – More frequent in methane-dominant SIBO, as methane slows gut motility.
Abdominal Pain & Cramping – Due to inflammation and gas buildup.
Nausea & Acid Reflux – SIBO can impact stomach acid levels and digestion.
Malabsorption & Nutrient Deficiencies:
Vitamin B12 Deficiency – Bacteria consume B12, leading to fatigue and brain fog.
Iron Deficiency Anemia – Due to impaired absorption.
Fat Malabsorption – Bacteria interfere with bile, causing greasy stools and nutrient loss.
Weight Loss or Gain – Some experience malnutrition-related weight loss, while others have weight gain due to inflammation.
Systemic Symptoms:
Brain Fog & Fatigue – Toxins from bacteria can affect brain function.
Joint Pain & Inflammation – Due to increased gut permeability (leaky gut).
Skin Issues – Rosacea, eczema, and acne can be linked to SIBO-related inflammation.
Relative risk, absolute risk reduction & Number needed to treat are some of the most important terms you should know for every medication that you take. Dr. Craig breaks down what the terms mean in terms of effectiveness and how to understand them easily.