Made for Health | Medical Gaslighting | Lyme | Chronic Infections | Metabolic Syndrome | Insulin Resistance | Mystery Illness

What if the biggest threat to your health is not your diagnosis, but the blind spots of the system treating it?In this segment of the UnCurable audiobook series, Dr. Aaron Hartman zooms out from his family story to expose how modern healthcare often fails complex patients, especially those with “unrelated” symptoms that never get connected. He introduces a patient case that mirrors what he sees daily: fatigue, brain fog, body aches, and a long trail of normal tests, dismissed concerns, and dead-end specialist visits.This segment argues that healing often begins when you stop chasing labels and start investigating root causes like gut dysfunction, toxin exposure (including mold), nutrient status, thyroid autoimmunity, and sleep. It also traces how one small shift toward real food opened a much larger journey into environmental health, soil quality, and nutrient density, showing why foundations matter more than protocols.Key Topics CoveredWhy many patients are told “nothing is wrong,” “it’s all in your head,” or “you can’t be helped”A real-world example of missed root causes: mold exposure, SIBO, and chronic inflammatory responseGut health as a long ignored driver of chronic illness, including intestinal permeability and dysbiosisWhy insurance, procedure-based medicine, and pharma incentives can sideline root-cause careHashimoto’s and the problem of not screening for autoimmunity until symptoms are severeA root-cause framework for autoimmunity: predisposition, trigger, gut permeability, and infection or colonizationSleep deprivation as a hidden epidemic that disrupts immune function, hormones, and agingWhy many “sleep solutions” can create new problems when they do not address the causeHow nutrition, toxins (like glyphosate), and food quality reshape healing potentialThe soil–plant–animal–human health connection, and why micronutrient deficiencies are so commonWhy patient insight matters, and how listening can change outcomesConcepts and Tools MentionedAdvanced stool testing and inflammatory markersSIBO, chronic gut dysfunction, and intestinal permeabilityMold exposure and chronic inflammatory response patternsThyroid antibody testing and early autoimmune signalsSleep as a core pillar of immune and metabolic repairFood sourcing, regenerative principles, and nutrient density📖 About UnCurableUnCurable blends memoir and medicine, weaving personal family experience with decades of clinical insight. It challenges conventional models of chronic illness and empowers patients...

What if many chronic, seemingly unrelated symptoms share a single hidden root?In this Friday minisode, Dr. Aaron Hartman explores how connective tissue health and generalized hypermobility quietly sit at the center of many chronic health struggles. From joint pain and early arthritis to gut dysfunction, autoimmune conditions, mast cell activation, anxiety, and even neurodivergence, hypermobility often explains what traditional medicine treats as separate problems.This conversation reframes hypermobility not as a rare or fringe diagnosis, but as a common, underrecognized driver of complex symptoms, affecting an estimated 20 percent of the population. Dr. Hartman walks listeners through how loose connective tissue impacts joints, organs, nerves, and the nervous system, creating ripple effects throughout the body.Rather than treating symptoms in isolation, this episode encourages patients and clinicians alike to step back, connect the dots, and ask a critical question that is too often overlooked.Key Topics CoveredWhy connective tissue may be the “one ring” linking many chronic conditionsThe difference between generalized hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos syndromeHow hypermobility accelerates joint wear, arthritis, and chronic painThe connection between hypermobility and gut issues like IBS, dysbiosis, and food sensitivitiesWhy hypermobility is commonly associated with autoimmune diseaseThe role of mast cell activation and chemical sensitivitiesLinks between hypermobility, anxiety, nervous system activation, and panicWhy hypermobile individuals are far more likely to be neurodivergentHow heightened sensory awareness and intuition may relate to connective tissue and nervous system wiringWhy hypermobility is frequently missed, dismissed, or misdiagnosed in modern healthcareFollow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative & Functional MedicineWebsite: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/YouTube: @AaronHartmanMDMentioned in this episode:Get Dr. Hartman's New Book - UnCURABLEIf you’ve been let down by the system, you’re not alone — and you’re not powerless. Dr. Hartmans wrote UnCURABLE to help you take back control of your health and your hope. Visit the link below ⬇️ to get your copy and start your transformation today.Get the new book UnCURABLE

What if blindly following “standard of care” is sometimes the very thing that stands in the way of real healing?In this segment of the UnCurable audiobook series, Dr. Aaron Hartman confronts one of the most dangerous myths in modern healthcare: the illusion that medicine is always right simply because it is “standard.”Through a deeply personal family experience, this episode explores what happens when rigid medical protocols collide with parental instinct, lived experience, and individualized care. What began as a recommendation for a feeding tube quickly revealed how easily systems can overlook nuance, ignore context, and punish families who ask questions.This reflection exposes the pressure parents face to comply, even when something feels wrong, and how saying no became a defining turning point in Anna’s healing journey. More broadly, it challenges listeners to reconsider blind obedience in healthcare and to reclaim their role as active participants in medical decision making.This segment reinforces a core UnCurable truth: healing often begins when curiosity replaces compliance and foundations are prioritized over convenience.Key Topics CoveredThe danger of unquestioned “standard of care” in complex casesWhy medicine has a long history of blind spots and evolving truthsThe feeding tube recommendation and the meaning behind “failure to thrive”How chewing and swallowing support brain development, speech, and motor milestonesThe emotional and systemic fallout of challenging a medical recommendationHow critical information, like condition specific growth charts, is often overlookedWhy families without medical training are especially vulnerable to pressureThe moment Dr. Aaron Hartman realized no one else would personalize Anna’s careThe shift from protocol driven medicine to individualized, root cause focused healingWhy foundations like nutrition, environment, movement, and support come firstThe importance of asking better questions and trusting informed instinctsTherapies and Concepts ReferencedNeuromuscular stimulation (NMS)Hyperbaric oxygen therapyNutrigenomics and SNP guided nutritional supportPersonalized medicine versus one size fits all careFoundational healing principles before advanced interventions📖 About UnCurable UnCurable blends memoir and medicine, weaving personal family experience with decades of clinical insight. It challenges conventional models of chronic illness and empowers patients to pursue healing through personalized, root cause focused care.Discover the...

What if the symptoms you’ve been chasing for years aren’t random at all, but signs of a common and misunderstood connective tissue trait most doctors never explain?In this episode, Dr. Aaron Hartman breaks down the often misunderstood difference between generalized hypermobility and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). While EDS represents a severe and disabling connective tissue disorder, hypermobility itself is far more common and frequently overlooked in everyday medical care.Dr. Hartman explains why many people with hypermobility struggle with chronic pain, fatigue, neurological symptoms, gut issues, and recurrent infections, yet never receive a clear explanation for their symptoms. He also explores why hypermobility can be both a risk factor and, in some cases, a biological advantage, especially in athletics, emotional intelligence, and coordination.This episode offers practical education, prevention strategies, and early-intervention guidance for adults, parents, and clinicians seeking a deeper root-cause understanding of connective tissue health.🔍 Key Topics CoveredThe difference between Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and generalized hypermobilityWhy EDS is rare, but hypermobility is far more commonHow the Beighton score is used and where it falls shortSecondary diagnostic features of EDS, including joint dislocations and tissue fragilityWhy hypermobility affects more than joints, including:Nervous system regulationEmotional processing and trauma sensitivityGut motility and digestionBlood flow and oxygen delivery to tissuesThe connection between hypermobility and:Chronic pain syndromesFatigueHeadachesMast cell activationTick-borne illness susceptibility, including Lyme diseaseWhy hypermobility can enhance athletic performance, coordination, and emotional intelligenceThe role of environment, including mold exposure, in worsening symptomsWhy early awareness matters more than late diagnosisAbout the HostDr. Aaron Hartman, MD is the founder of Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine and specializes in root-cause, systems-based care for complex and chronic conditions. His work focuses on the intersection of connective tissue health, nervous system regulation, nutrition, and environmental medicine.Follow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative & Functional

What if the moment medicine calls something “incurable” is actually the moment real healing begins to be possible?In this segment, Dr. Aaron Hartman begins a new audiobook based podcast series by sharing a powerful excerpt from UnCurable: From Hopeless Diagnosis to Defying All Odds. This deeply personal reflection introduces the life changing moment that reshaped his family, his faith, and ultimately his entire approach to medicine.Through the story of adopting their daughter Anna, Dr. Hartman invites listeners into an intimate journey that exposes the limitations of conventional medical thinking and challenges the idea of “incurable” diagnosis. What began as a foster care decision became a turning point that forced him to question rigid medical protocols and search for answers beyond standard care.This segment sets the emotional and philosophical foundation for the UnCurable series, offering hope, perspective, and a reminder that healing often begins when curiosity and individualized care replace resignation.Key Topics CoveredThe moment Dr. Hartman first met Anna and the severity of her early medical diagnosesHow early prognoses revealed critical blind spots within the healthcare systemThe role of parental intuition, faith, and advocacy in challenging medical limitationsWhy the word “incurable” often reflects system constraints rather than biological realityHow this experience transformed Dr. Hartman’s medical philosophyHistorical examples of medicine being proven wrong over timeThe shift toward functional, personalized, and root cause driven careThe importance of questioning dogma while respecting scienceWhy real healing requires looking beyond standardized protocolsA message of hope for patients who feel dismissed or out of options📖 About UnCurableUnCurable blends memoir and medicine, weaving personal family experience with decades of clinical insight. It challenges conventional models of chronic illness and empowers patients to pursue healing through personalized, root-cause-focused care. The book chronicles how Dr. Aaron Hartman’s own daughter was labeled “incurable” and how that experience reshaped his entire approach to health, medicine, and healing. AmazonDiscover the book here: UnCurable: From Hopeless Diagnosis to Defying All Odds on AmazonFollow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative &...

What if the flexibility that once felt like a strength is actually a hidden driver of pain, gut issues, and nervous system overload later in life?In this episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman takes a deep dive into hypermobility, a commonly overlooked condition where connective tissues like joints, ligaments, and fascia are unusually loose. While hypermobility can offer advantages such as enhanced athletic performance, faster reaction times, and heightened nervous system awareness, it can also contribute to joint instability, chronic pain, digestive issues, anxiety, and increased injury risk over time.Dr. Hartman explains why generalized hypermobility is far more common than most people realize and why it often goes undiagnosed as people age and become stiffer. He explores how connective tissue health influences nearly every system in the body, from digestion and hormones to the nervous system and musculoskeletal function. This episode introduces a holistic framework for understanding hypermobility and outlines practical nutritional, therapeutic, and lifestyle strategies to support connective tissue resilience and long-term health.Key Topics CoveredWhat hypermobility is and how it differs from Ehlers-Danlos syndromeWhy hypermobility can act as both a performance advantage and a health vulnerabilityThe surprising prevalence of generalized hypermobility across children, college students, and adultsHow loose connective tissues increase nervous system activation, alertness, and anxietyLinks between hypermobility and gut issues like constipation, diarrhea, and fermentationWhy many hypermobile individuals become stiffer and more injury-prone with ageThe role of nutrition, especially vitamin C, trace minerals, and real food, in connective tissue strengthWhy hypermobility is often missed in conventional and integrative medicine trainingSubtle signs of connective tissue instability, including joint shifting, rib pain, and pregnancy-related complicationsTherapeutic approaches including fascia work, nutritional support, and targeted physical therapiesAbout the HostDr. Aaron Hartman, MD is the founder of Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine and specializes in root-cause, systems-based care for complex and chronic conditions. His work focuses on the intersection of connective tissue health, nervous system regulation, nutrition, and environmental medicine.Follow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine💻 Website: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/YouTube: @AaronHartmanMDMentioned in this episode:Get Dr. Hartman's New Book - UnCURABLEIf you’ve been let down by the system, you’re not alone — and you’re not powerless. Dr. Hartmans wrote UnCURABLE to help you take back control of your health and your hope. Visit the link...

What if chronic Lyme persists not because treatment failed, but because antibiotics alone were never designed to address the full complexity of the disease?In the final episode of this three part Lyme disease series, Dr. Aaron Hartman is joined by Veronica Porterfield, MS, LN, MPAS, PA-C to explore why antibiotics alone are often not enough to resolve chronic Lyme disease. Drawing from both functional medicine and clinical experience, they explain how Borrelia can evade treatment through biofilms, immune suppression, and dormant forms, making long term recovery more complex than standard protocols suggest.The conversation dives into advanced treatment strategies that go beyond antibiotics, including biofilm disruptors, herbal antimicrobials, immune and detox support, and careful sequencing of care. Dr. Hartman and Veronica emphasize the importance of addressing gut health, hormones, stress, sleep, and nervous system regulation alongside antimicrobial treatment. This episode highlights why effective Lyme care must be personalized, layered, and holistic to support durable healing in chronic illness.About the HostDr. Aaron Hartman, MD is the founder of Richmond Integrative and Functional Medicine. He specializes in root cause care for complex chronic illnesses including Lyme disease, mold illness, autoimmune conditions, and post infectious syndromes. His work integrates functional medicine, environmental medicine, and trauma informed care to help patients restore resilience and long term health.About the GuestVeronica Porterfield, MS, LN, MPAS, PA-C is a clinician with extensive experience in Lyme disease and complex chronic infections. She brings a functional and integrative perspective to Lyme treatment, focusing on individualized care, immune regulation, detoxification support, and sustainable recovery strategies beyond standard antibiotic protocols.Key Topics CoveredWhy short antibiotic courses often fail in chronic Lyme diseaseDifferences between IDSA and ILADS based treatment perspectivesHow Borrelia evades treatment through biofilms and dormant formsThe role of biofilm disruptors in improving antimicrobial effectivenessImmune dysregulation and complement system interference in LymeDetox support including glutathione, Epsom salt baths, and bindersHerbal antimicrobials and anti inflammatory botanicals such as Japanese knotweed and cryptolepisTransitioning from antibiotics to herbal protocols for durable improvementManaging Herxheimer reactions and inflammatory flaresThe importance of gut health, probiotics, sleep, stress regulation, and trauma informed careHow treatment sequencing must be individualized based on tolerance and symptom burden📲 Follow & ResourcesDr. Aaron Hartman & Richmond Integrative & Functional MedicineWebsite:...

What if healing your brain, hormones, and immune system starts with repairing the fats that make up every single cell in your body?In this minisode, Dr. Aaron Hartman breaks down the foundations of lipid membrane medicine and explains how unhealthy fats, especially industrial seed oils and oxidized fats, become embedded in cell membranes and disrupt brain, hormone, and immune function. Rather than focusing only on what to avoid, Dr. Hartman walks listeners through a practical, step by step strategy for repairing damaged cell membranes using healthy fats and targeted nutrition.Dr. Hartman explains why simply removing bad fats is not enough, how to actively replace them with healing fats like olive oil, butter, ghee, omega-3s, and phospholipids, and how to help the body safely eliminate damaged fats through bile flow, fiber, and binders. This episode offers a clear, empowering framework for using fat as a therapeutic tool to support brain health, hormone balance, and whole body resilience.Key Topics CoveredWhat lipid membrane medicine is and why cell membrane health mattersHow seed oils and oxidized fats become trapped in cell walls and mitochondriaWhy cholesterol and fats are essential for hormones, neurons, and brain functionThe first step in healing: removing industrial seed oils and processed fatsReplacing harmful fats with healing options like extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, butter, ghee, coconut oil, and omega-3sThe role of phospholipids, especially phosphatidylcholine, in repairing cell membranesWhy organ meats, egg yolks, and phospholipid supplementation matterHow healthy fats help displace and wash out damaged fats from tissuesSupporting bile flow and fat elimination with fiber and bindersThe role of butyrate and short chain fatty acids in burning off unhealthy fatsWhy personalized testing can guide fat balance and nutrition strategiesFollow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine💻 Website: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/YouTube: @AaronHartmanMDMentioned in this episode:Get Dr. Hartman's New Book - UnCURABLEIf you’ve been let down by the system, you’re not alone — and you’re not powerless. Dr. Hartmans wrote UnCURABLE to help you take back control of your health and your hope. Visit the link below ⬇️ to get your copy and start your transformation today.Get the new book UnCURABLE

What happens when medical training meets lived experience, intuition, and a willingness to question the system?In this deeply personal episode, Dr. Aaron Hartman, the physician and author behind A Curable: From Hopeless Diagnosis to the Final Odds, pulls back the curtain on his family’s journey navigating rare pediatric health challenges and the modern healthcare system. Dr. Hartman shares how his wife Becky’s background as a pediatric occupational therapist profoundly shaped both his parenting and his medical philosophy, introducing him to the reality of rare diagnoses, individualized care, and nontraditional therapies long before they became part of mainstream conversation.This episode explores the power of gut instinct, the science behind intuition, and the importance of integrating head knowledge, hand knowledge, and heart knowledge when caring for complex patients. Through stories of innovative therapies like suit therapy, nutritional interventions, and environmental changes, Dr. Hartman highlights why healing often requires openness, humility, and a willingness to look beyond standard medical protocols.About the HostDr. Aaron Hartman, MD is the founder of Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine and the author of A Curable: From Hopeless Diagnosis to the Final Odds. His work focuses on root-cause medicine, complex chronic illness, and integrating environmental, nutritional, and neurological approaches to healing.Key Topics CoveredWhy gut instinct and intuition are real biological phenomena, not “just emotions”The role of the enteric nervous system and subconscious processing in decision-makingHow pediatric occupational therapy approaches rare and complex conditions differentlyThe impact of Becky’s work with children with special needs on the author’s medical thinkingWhy rare diagnoses are more common than we realize when viewed at population scaleHead knowledge, hand knowledge, and heart knowledge and why all three matter in healingSuit therapy and its origins in aerospace medicine and neurorehabilitationHow unconventional therapies often precede mainstream adoption by decadesThe role of nutrition, environment, and early intervention in pediatric health outcomesLessons learned from animal health, farming, and environmental medicineWhy integrative medicine requires curiosity beyond human medicine aloneLinks & Resources📘 Book: UnCurable: From Hopeless Diagnosis to Defying All Odds👉 https://a.co/d/8sqjZNF🌐 Website: Richmond Integrative and Functional Medicine https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/Mentioned in this episode:Get Dr. Hartman's New Book - UnCURABLEIf you’ve been let down by the system, you’re not alone — and you’re

What if chronic illness isn’t a single diagnosis to fix, but a layered process shaped by infections, environment, and how your body responds to stress over time?In this episode of Mate for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman is joined by Veronica Porterfield, MS, LN, MPAS, PA-C, for a deep, systems level conversation on why chronic illness is rising and why recovery looks different for every person. Together, they unpack the “perfect storm” driving persistent illness, including Lyme disease, mold exposure, long COVID, immune dysregulation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and environmental toxicity.Rather than viewing chronic illness as a single diagnosis or infection, this episode reframes it as a layered process influenced by genetics, environment, nervous system regulation, hormones, and cumulative toxic load. Dr. Hartman and Veronica explain why antibiotics alone are often not enough, why some people recover quickly while others do not, and how individualized, root cause focused care can change long term outcomes. This episode offers clarity, validation, and a roadmap for patients navigating complex, chronic health conditions.About the HostDr. Aaron Hartman, MDFounder of Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine, Dr. Hartman specializes in complex chronic illness, tick borne disease, mold related illness, and immune dysregulation. His approach integrates functional medicine, mitochondrial health, nervous system regulation, and personalized care to restore resilience and healing.About the GuestVeronica Porterfield, MS, LN, MPAS, PA-CVeronica is a clinician with extensive experience in Lyme disease, mold illness, mast cell activation, and chronic inflammatory conditions. She focuses on identifying hidden drivers of illness and helping patients recover through individualized, whole person care.🔑 Key Topics CoveredWhy Lyme disease outcomes vary so widely from person to personThe “perfect storm” of genetics, toxins, infections, and immune dysfunctionHow mold exposure contributes to chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS)Why environment often outweighs genetics in determining health outcomesThe role of epigenetics and transgenerational exposure in chronic diseaseMitochondrial dysfunction and the cell danger responseHow nervous system dysregulation impacts immune resilienceHormonal disruption in chronic Lyme, mold illness, and long COVIDDysautonomia, POTS, and mast cell activation as downstream effectsWhy long COVID often reactivates latent infections like Lyme or Epstein-BarrLimitations of antibiotic-only treatment strategiesThe importance of individualized, multi-layered treatment plans📲 Follow & ResourcesDr. Aaron Hartman & Richmond Integrative & Functional MedicineWebsite:

What if the fats you have been told to avoid are actually the key to repairing your cells, calming inflammation, and protecting your heart and brain?In this episode, Dr. Aaron Hartman breaks down the powerful role dietary fats play in health and disease. He explains how modern fat consumption has shifted dramatically over the past century and why low omega 3 levels, excess omega 6 intake, trans fats, and oxidized seed oils are now strongly linked to heart disease, metabolic syndrome, neurological disorders, autoimmune conditions, and even cancer. Dr. Hartman walks listeners through the biology of fats, how damaged oils disrupt cell membranes and inflammation signaling, and why restoring healthy fats is one of the most effective ways to support healing. The episode introduces the concept of lipid membrane medicine and shows how intentional fat choices can become a force for resilience and recovery rather than disease.Key Topics CoveredWhy low omega 3 levels carry a heart disease risk comparable to smokingHow trans fats, hydrogenated oils, and oxidized polyunsaturated fats damage arteriesThe connection between excess omega 6 intake and obesity, insulin resistance, PCOS, and fatty liver diseaseHow industrial seed oils became a staple in the modern food system and why that mattersThe importance of omega 3 to omega 6 balance and how modern diets became highly inflammatoryHow oxidized LDL contributes to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular riskThe impact of unhealthy fats on brain health, mood disorders, ADHD, and neurodegenerative diseaseWhy autoimmune and inflammatory conditions are worsened by damaged fatsThe decline of organ meats and egg yolks and resulting phospholipid deficienciesThe role of phosphatidylcholine and phospholipids in mitochondrial and cellular repairIntroduction to lipid membrane medicine as a therapeutic strategy for healingFollow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine💻 Website: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/YouTube: @AaronHartmanMD

What if your genes are not a fixed sentence, but a flexible blueprint shaped by how you live?In this episode, Dr. Aaron Hartman takes a deep dive into the powerful relationship between genetics, environment, and health. Drawing from both cutting edge science and his personal journey supporting his daughter’s health, he explains why the outdated idea that “genes cause disease” no longer tells the full story.With only about 23,000 genes, humans are not genetically much more complex than some animals. The real difference lies in the epigenome, the system that controls how genes are turned on or off in response to nutrition, stress, toxins, infections, and lifestyle. Dr. Hartman explores how gut bacteria, viral DNA, and environmental exposures influence gene expression, and why even well known genetic conditions can show dramatically different outcomes depending on context.From historical events like the Dutch Hunger Winter to modern examples such as BRCA mutations and Down syndrome, this episode reinforces a hopeful truth: genes load the gun, but environment pulls the trigger. Listeners will walk away empowered with practical ways to use genetic insights, personalized nutrition, and lifestyle changes to support long term health and resilience.Key Topics CoveredWhy humans are not defined by gene count aloneWhat the epigenome is and how it controls gene expressionHow gut bacteria and viral DNA influence human geneticsThe Dutch Hunger Winter and transgenerational epigeneticsWhy genes are blueprints, not fixed outcomesUnderstanding SNPs and how small genetic variations affect healthThe MTHFR gene and its role in folate metabolismVitamin D receptor genes and nutrient requirementsHow personalized nutrition can modify gene expressionUsing genetic testing to identify vulnerabilities and strengthsThe difference between genotype and phenotypeWhy real food, sleep, movement, and environment matter mostAbout the HostDr. Aaron Hartman, MD, is the founder of Richmond Integrative and Functional Medicine. He specializes in complex chronic illness, root cause medicine, and personalized care that integrates advanced testing with nutrition, lifestyle, and environmental medicine. His work bridges modern science with practical strategies to help patients reclaim health and resilience.Links & Resources📘 Book: UnCurable: From Hopeless Diagnosis to Defying All Odds👉 https://a.co/d/8sqjZNF🌐 Website: Richmond Integrative and Functional Medicine https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/Mentioned in this episode:Get Dr. Hartman's New Book - UnCURABLEIf you’ve been let down by the system, you’re not...

What if the reason so many people struggle with chronic symptoms is not a missed diagnosis, but a misunderstood infection?In this episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman is joined by Veronica Porterfield, MS, LN, MPAS, PA-C to unpack the growing epidemic of Lyme disease and other tick borne illnesses such as Babesia and Bartonella. Together, they explore why Lyme disease is so frequently overlooked, misdiagnosed, or dismissed, despite affecting nearly half a million people in the United States each year.This conversation dives deep into the limitations of current testing, the controversy surrounding diagnostic guidelines, and why Lyme is often called the “great imitator.” Dr. Hartman and Veronica explain how Lyme and its coinfections can mimic autoimmune disease, neurological conditions, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and even dementia. They also discuss why many patients worsen with immune suppressing treatments and how underlying infections may be the missing piece.This episode serves as an essential foundation for understanding Lyme disease, setting the stage for deeper discussions on treatment strategies and recovery in upcoming episodes.About the HostDr. Aaron Hartman, MD is the founder of Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine. He specializes in complex chronic illness, root cause medicine, and cases that have failed conventional treatment. His work focuses on uncovering hidden infections, immune dysfunction, and environmental triggers that drive long term illness.About the GuestVeronica Porterfield, MS, LN, MPAS, PA-C is a clinician at Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine with extensive experience treating Lyme disease and tick borne illnesses. She brings a patient centered, systems based approach to complex infections, autoimmunity, and chronic inflammatory conditions.Key Topics CoveredWhy Lyme disease affects nearly half a million people annually in the USThe economic and personal cost of missed Lyme diagnosesWhy standard Lyme tests often produce false negativesDifferences between antibody testing and direct testing methodsHow early antibiotics can suppress antibodies without clearing infectionWhy Lyme is known as the “new great imitator”Conditions commonly misdiagnosed instead of Lyme diseaseThe role of Babesia and Bartonella as common coinfectionsClassic symptoms of Babesia including night sweats and air hungerSigns of Bartonella such as foot pain, bladder irritation, and unusual stretch marksWhy coinfections are often treated clinically rather than by lab confirmationThe controversy between IDSA and ILADS diagnostic perspectivesHow immune suppression can worsen undiagnosed infectionsThe link between chronic infection, autoimmunity, and immune...

What if the fats you eat are either fueling your inflammation or repairing your cells, depending entirely on which ones you choose?In this episode, Dr. Aaron Hartman breaks down one of the most confusing topics in modern nutrition: fat. From omega threes and omega sixes to saturated fats, seed oils, and trans fats, Dr. Hartman explains what these fats actually do in the body and why the right balance is essential for healing. Drawing on his clinical experience using lipid therapy for neurological issues, traumatic brain injury, and chronic inflammatory conditions, he shows how healthy fats support cell membranes, hormone signaling, mitochondrial function, and inflammation regulation. This short but powerful episode cuts through the noise and gives listeners a clear, science based framework for choosing fats that truly support long term health.About the HostDr. Aaron Hartman, MD, founder of Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine, specializes in root cause medicine and complex chronic illness. Through advanced testing, personalized nutrition, and innovative therapies such as lipid medicine, he helps patients restore cellular health and unlock their innate healing potential.Key Topics CoveredWhy healthy fats are essential for every cell, membrane, and mitochondrial function in the bodyHow saturated fats, monounsaturated fats, and polyunsaturated fats differThe role of phospholipids in cell signaling and “cell vibration”Why omega threes calm inflammation while omega sixes support the early healing responseHow oxidized or industrially processed fats disrupt cell functionThe surprising medical uses of phosphatidylcholine in hospitalsWhy trans fats and hydrogenated oils are harmful at a molecular levelHow seed oils become toxic when industrially heated or chemically extractedThe unique benefits of butyrate and short chain fatty acids for gut and brain healthWhat makes extra virgin olive oil a powerful anti inflammatory fatHow MCT oil, coconut oil, butter, and ghee support metabolic and neurological healthA functional medicine approach to choosing fats that heal rather than harmFollow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine💻 Website: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/YouTube: @AaronHartmanMD

What if the key to human health starts not with supplements, superfoods, or lab testing, but with the soil beneath our feet?In this episode, we explore the remarkable connection between soil quality, nutrient density, physical development, and long term wellness. Drawing from the groundbreaking work of agricultural pioneer Sir Albert Howard and nutritional researcher Weston A. Price, the speaker uncovers how traditional farming practices once produced vibrant, disease resistant populations — and how the shift to chemical fertilizers silently eroded soil biology, plant nutrition, and ultimately human health.From rare earth minerals and bone broth to organ meats and Ayurvedic ghee, this conversation connects ancient traditions with modern functional medicine to reveal why so many people today struggle with nutrient deficiencies, structural development issues, and chronic illness. This powerful episode encourages listeners to rethink where their food comes from and understand why soil stewardship is essential for human vitality.About the HostDr. Aaron Hartman, MD, founder of Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine, is a leader in root cause medicine and environmental health. He uses advanced testing, ancestral nutrition principles, and evidence based lifestyle medicine to help patients restore cellular health and overcome chronic illness. Key Topics CoveredSir Albert Howard’s discoveries in India and why traditional farming produced healthier animals and healthier peopleHow chemical fertilizers acidify soil and destroy beneficial microbes essential for nutrient formationThe role of humic and fulvic acids in breaking down minerals so plants (and humans) can use themWhy mammals need up to 98 trace minerals — and how modern grain based agriculture leaves us deficientHow ruminants concentrate soil minerals into nutrient dense foods like milk, bones, and meatThe disappearance of organ meats and bone broth from modern diets and the health consequencesWeston A. Price’s global research showing how traditional diets shaped strong facial structure and cavity resistanceHow malnutrition leads to smaller jaws, crowded teeth, and higher risk of sleep apneaAncient Ayurvedic wisdom about ghee and its surprising alignment with modern mitochondrial scienceThe speaker’s ongoing journey of learning from historical wisdom, patient experience, and functional medicine research🔗 Links & Resources📘 Book: UnCurable: From Hopeless Diagnosis to Defying All Odds👉 https://a.co/d/8sqjZNF🌐 Website: Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine📺 YouTube: @AaronHartmanMDMentioned in this episode:Get Dr. Hartman's New Book - UnCURABLEIf you’ve been let down by the system, you’re not alone — and you’re not powerless. Dr. Hartmans wrote UnCURABLE to help you take back control of your health and your hope. Visit the link below ⬇️ to get your copy and start your transformation today.Get the new book UnCURABLE

What if the earliest clues to your chronic health issues aren’t in your labs or symptoms at all, but right inside your mouth?In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Aaron Hartman sits down with Dr. Mary Ellen Chalmers, one of the nation’s leading functional dentists, to explore how oral health directly shapes overall wellness. With more than 40 years of clinical experience, Dr. Chalmers explains how seemingly simple dental issues like periodontal disease, canker sores, and white enamel spots can signal deeper systemic concerns such as gluten sensitivity, celiac disease, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular risk, and chronic inflammation. She also uncovers how advanced diagnostics, oral microbiome testing, nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste, and functional medicine principles can transform the way we approach oral and whole body health. This episode is an essential guide for anyone searching for integrative answers to chronic health conditions. Key Topics CoveredHow oral health reflects systemic inflammation and chronic diseaseMercury amalgam fillings and their connection to hypertension, autoimmune disease, and neurological disordersWhy periodontal pathogens influence gut health, cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, and autoimmunityThe power of oral microbiome testing and DNA PCR screeningRoot canals: modern technology, risks, and who should consider removalHow children’s jaw development and airway shape long term healthGluten sensitivity and celiac disease signs found inside the mouthNano hydroxyapatite toothpaste and why it outperforms fluoride for remineralizationThe link between occlusion, chewing, and cognitive functionWhy dentistry must partner with functional medicine to improve outcomes📲 Follow & ResourcesDr. Mary Ellen Chalmers, DDS, ND — LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-ellen-chalmers-54296415/Dr. Aaron Hartman & Richmond Integrative & Functional MedicineWebsite: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/YouTube: @AaronHartmanMDMentioned in this episode:Get Dr. Hartman's New Book - UnCURABLEIf you’ve been let down by the system, you’re not alone — and you’re not powerless. Dr. Hartmans wrote UnCURABLE to help you take back control of your health and your hope. Visit the link below ⬇️ to get your copy and start your transformation today.Get the new book UnCURABLE

What if a few simple changes in your daily routine could dramatically lower your EMF exposure and support a calmer, healthier nervous system?In this quick and actionable minisode, Dr. Aaron Hartman shares simple, science-backed strategies to reduce electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure in your home, workplace, and everyday environment. Whether you're EMF-sensitive or simply want to prevent nervous system dysregulation, these practical tips help you minimize unnecessary exposure without making drastic lifestyle changes. From managing Wi-Fi and cell phones to choosing the right lighting and understanding shielding, this episode breaks down what actually matters when it comes to EMF safety. Key InsightsYour home is where half of your EMF exposure happens, making nighttime habits especially important.Turning off Wi-Fi at night and keeping your phone in airplane mode while you sleep can dramatically reduce EMF load.Avoiding Bluetooth earbuds inside the ear canal helps limit direct EMF exposure to the head.Brick, concrete, and certain paints naturally block EMFs better than wood or vinyl structures.Fluorescent and LED lighting contain transformers that emit EMF; incandescent bulbs emit far less.Smart meters matter only if they're placed near sleeping areas.Shielding methods work best when they involve physical barriers, not “frequency-modifying” gadgets.Cars and workplaces are overlooked sources of EMF due to electronics and lighting systems.EMF sensitivity is more common in individuals with chronic inflammation, mold illness, CIRS, or nervous system dysregulation. What You’ll LearnPractical steps to reduce EMF exposure at homeHow distance, unplugging, and nighttime habits make the biggest differenceBest and worst headphones for EMF exposureBuilding materials and renovation hacks that lower household EMFHow lighting, smart meters, laptops, and routers contribute to overall exposureWhich shielding approaches work and which are mostly ineffectiveHow to evaluate whether EMF reduction is important for your healthFollow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine💻 Website: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/YouTube: @AaronHartmanMDMentioned in this episode:Get Dr. Hartman's New Book - UnCURABLEIf you’ve been let down by the system, you’re not alone — and you’re not powerless. Dr. Hartmans wrote UnCURABLE to help you take back control of your health and your hope. Visit the link below ⬇️ to get your copy and start your transformation today.Get the new book UnCURABLE

What if the real barrier to healing chronic illness isn’t your labs or treatments, but a stressed nervous system that keeps your body from ever fully recovering?In this episode, Dr. Aaron Hartman unpacks one of the most overlooked factors in chronic illness: the nervous system and the mind-body connection. Drawing from decades of clinical experience with patients struggling with Lyme disease, mold illness, long COVID, autoimmune disorders, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, IBS, inflammatory bowel disease, and more, he highlights a powerful truth: these conditions are interconnected through the nervous system. Dr. Hartman explains how trauma, both big and small, can trap the body in a chronic stress state that blocks healing, sleep, gut repair, and cellular regeneration. He breaks down the “Triangle of Health,” showing how gut health, stress, and sleep must work together for true recovery. This episode offers a compassionate, trauma informed perspective and actionable tools to help listeners break through healing plateaus and reclaim long term wellness. About the HostDr. Aaron Hartman, MD, founder of Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine, specializes in root cause medicine and complex chronic illness. He integrates advanced testing with lifestyle, nutrition, and trauma informed care to help patients unlock the body’s innate healing capacity. Key Topics CoveredHow chronic conditions like Lyme, mold illness, autoimmune disorders, long COVID, and fibromyalgia are linked through the nervous systemUnderstanding psycho neuro immuno gastro endocrinology and how the mind influences immunity, inflammation, gut health, and hormonesBig T trauma vs. little T trauma and how both disrupt healingWhy many patients improve 60 to 70 percent and then plateauHow chronic illness becomes a form of trauma itselfThe cell danger response and why stressed nervous systems block cell turnoverReal patient stories illustrating trauma triggered setbacksHow caregiving, childhood stress, and narcissistic family dynamics create long term physiology changesWhy gut health, sleep, and stress form the Triangle of HealthTrauma therapies that support healing including EMDR, tapping, somatic work, and family systems therapyA functional medicine approach to reconnecting the gut, nervous system, and immune system🔗 Links & Resources📘 Book: UnCurable: From Hopeless Diagnosis to Defying All Odds👉 https://a.co/d/8sqjZNF🌐 Website: Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine📺 YouTube: @AaronHartmanMDMentioned in this episode:Get Dr. Hartman's New Book - UnCURABLEIf you’ve been let down by the system, you’re not alone — and you’re not powerless. Dr. Hartmans wrote UnCURABLE to help you take back control of your health and your hope. Visit the link below ⬇️ to get your copy and start your transformation today.Get the new book UnCURABLE

What if the missing link between knowing how to get healthier and actually doing it is a health coach who helps you turn real life into real change?In this episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman sits down with Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum, Ph.D., founder and CEO of the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy (FMCA), to explore why health coaching is becoming an essential part of modern healthcare.Dr. Scheinbaum shares her journey from classroom teacher to clinical psychologist to functional medicine pioneer and coach educator. She explains how health coaches help patients do the hardest part of medicine: actually changing daily habits. From mindset and self efficacy to social connection and healthy aging, this conversation makes a powerful case for why coaching may be the missing link between good medical advice and real life transformation.Whether you are a patient, practitioner, or someone curious about how to stay strong, connected, and purpose driven as you age, this episode will expand how you think about health and who belongs on your care team. 👤 About the Guest – Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum, Ph.D. Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum is the founder and CEO of the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy, created in collaboration with the Institute for Functional Medicine. A clinical psychologist and educator with nearly 50 years of experience, she has been a pioneer in mind body medicine, biofeedback, neurofeedback, and lifestyle based care long before they were mainstream.At age 65, instead of retiring, she launched FMCA to train and certify health coaches who partner with practitioners and health systems to prevent and reverse chronic illness. She is the author of several books, including Your Health Coach Will See You Now: Creating a Healthier Future Together, which advocates for health coaching as a critical part of primary care.🔑 Key Topics CoveredFrom classroom to functional medicine pioneer How Dr. Scheinbaum went from teaching children with learning differences, to early biofeedback and relaxation training, to becoming one of the first psychologists certified in functional medicine.What health coaching really is (and what it is not) Why a health coach is not just cheerleading, but a trained partner who helps you change when change is hard, break big goals into doable steps, and build true self efficacy.Why lifestyle change is the real frontline of chronic disease prevention The staggering impact of diet, sleep, movement, and stress on heart disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, and more, and why a 15 minute office visit is not enough to help people change.Bridging the gap between medical advice and real life How coaches translate “eat healthy and exercise” into practical, personalized habits that fit real families, schedules, budgets, and cultures.Coaches as the “bedside manner” of modern healthcare How health coaches restore what many patients miss in today’s rushed system: someone who listens deeply, builds rapport, and walks with them between doctor visits.Healthy aging vs anti aging The difference between fearing aging and embracing “pro aging” with curiosity, purpose, resistance training, and forward looking goals in your 60s, 70s, and beyond.The power of community and connection Why loneliness is one of the biggest risk factors for decline, and how shared activities like movement classes, games, and craft circles act as true medicine for the brain and body.Group coaching and community as medicine How practices that lead with coaching and group visits often see symptoms...

Are electromagnetic fields simply harmless background energy, or could they quietly influence sleep, inflammation, brain function, and long term health?In this short minisode, Dr. Aaron Hartman continues the EMF series by breaking down the real differences between natural electromagnetic fields that support health and artificial EMFs that may contribute to chronic symptoms. He explains why EMFs exist on a spectrum, from the natural frequencies generated by the Earth and the human body to the high intensity non ionizing and ionizing radiation emitted by cell towers, Wi Fi systems, radar, and other modern technologies.This episode explores how high intensity EMFs are linked with increased cancer and cardiovascular risk and how low intensity exposures can disrupt circadian rhythm, melatonin production, sleep, and neurological balance. Dr. Hartman highlights why people with chronic inflammation and conditions like mold illness, Lyme disease, mast cell activation, POTS, dysautonomia, and chronic fatigue may react more strongly to everyday EMF levels that others barely notice.He also previews upcoming practical strategies for reducing exposure and strengthening nervous system resilience.Key Insights• Natural EMFs from the Earth and human biofields can support healthy physiology • High intensity EMFs such as ionizing radiation and strong radio frequencies are associated with increased cancer and cardiovascular risks • Children are more vulnerable due to longer lifespan exposure and thinner skull tissue • Low intensity EMFs from devices like Wi Fi routers, cell phones, and screens can contribute to sleep disruption, brain fog, and fatigue • EMFs may impact voltage gated calcium channels and suppress melatonin • Flying exposes the body to increased EMF and radiation, affecting circadian rhythm and recovery • Individuals with chronic inflammatory conditions are more likely to experience EMF sensitivity • Nervous system inflammation amplifies reactivity and can trigger symptoms even at low exposure levels • Brain retraining and autonomic regulation may be more effective than blocking all EMFsTakeaways• EMF effects depend on intensity, distance, duration, and biological sensitivity • Sensitivity often reflects an inflamed or dysregulated nervous system • Not all EMF exposure is harmful, but thoughtful awareness supports better health • The next minisode will cover practical strategies to reduce exposure and protect nervous system balanceFollow Dr. Aaron Hartman and Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine💻 Website: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/YouTube: @AaronHartmanMDMentioned in this episode:Get Dr. Hartman's New Book - UnCURABLEIf you’ve been let down by the system, you’re not alone — and you’re not powerless. Dr. Hartmans wrote UnCURABLE to help you take back control of your health and your hope. Visit the link below ⬇️ to get your copy and start your transformation today.Get the new book UnCURABLE