Lecture Notes: Testing, Autoimmune Disorders, and Root Cause Medicine

Introduction

• Speaker: Dr. Josh Axe
• Guest: Dr. Kate Henry
  • Position: Head of Medical Education at Rupa Health
  • Host of the Root Cause Medicine Podcast
  • Trained in naturopathic medicine, biofeedback, and nutrition

Key Themes

• Importance of testing in healthcare
• Connection between autoimmune disorders and gut health
• Use of food as medicine
• Root cause medicine for treating health issues

Dr. Kate Henry's Background

• Overcame personal health issues at a young age
• Diagnosed with celiac disease by a functional medicine doctor
• Inspired to help others by studying naturopathic medicine

Mental Health

• Mental health issues like anxiety and depression are rising rapidly
• Root causes often include:
  • Inflammatory processes
  • Nutrient deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B6)
  • Mitochondrial dysfunction
  • Hormonal imbalances
  • Infections and immune dysfunction
• Importance of biochemical markers in mental health
  • Example: Omega-3s reducing anxiety and anger

Importance of Blood Work

• Annual panels to check vitamin and mineral levels
• Conventional blood tests often miss nutrient deficiencies
• Rupa Health promotes comprehensive lab tests

Key Tests and Nutrients

• Omega-3 Index: Checks omega-3 levels in red blood cells
• Vitamin B6: Crucial for dopamine production
• Vitamin D: Deficiency linked to immune dysfunction

Autoimmune Disorders

• Many have underlying gut issues
• Tests for antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and specific organ antibodies
• Early detection can lead to more effective treatment

Chronic Pain and Inflammation

• Inflammatory markers like HS-CRP and F2 isoprostanes
• Diet rich in omega-3s and antioxidants can reduce inflammation

Mold, Lyme, and Other Chronic Conditions

• Testing for environmental and infectious triggers
• Importance of supporting the immune system along with direct treatments

Rupa Health

• Facilitates comprehensive and accessible lab testing
• Aims to make testing easier across different medical practices
• Offers tools like lab comparison for selecting appropriate tests

Conclusion

• Testing is integral for identifying root causes of health issues
• Encouragement to integrate lab testing into regular health check-ups
• Importance of practitioners understanding and utilizing lab testing in treatments

Additional Resources

• Website: Rupa Health for lab testing and educational resources
• In-depth training and support for health practitioners

Final Thoughts

• Emphasis on understanding personalized health needs
• Testing as a tool for preventive health care and optimized well-being.