Proven Health Alternatives

Managing ME/CFS and Post-COVID Symptoms with Oxaloacetate

Fri, 27 Mar 2026

What if aging isn't just something we accept… but something we can actually influence?

In this episode, I sit down with Alan Cash, CEO of Terra Biological and a leading researcher in oxaloacetate, to break down the science behind aging and what it really takes to support longevity at the cellular level.

We dive into one of the most consistent strategies in longevity research—calorie restriction—and how it led to a powerful discovery around oxaloacetate and its role in metabolic health. From mitochondrial function and energy production to mental clarity and inflammation, this conversation connects the dots between cutting-edge science and real-world application.

We also explore its potential in addressing chronic fatigue, long COVID, and metabolic dysfunction, and how targeting these pathways may help shift the trajectory of aging itself.

If you're serious about longevity, performance, and understanding the physiology behind aging, this is a conversation you don't want to miss.

Key takeaways:

Oxaloacetate Potential: Works as an anti-aging supplement by replicating benefits seen in calorie restriction, enhancing mitochondrial density, and aiding glucose uptake.
Impact on Chronic Illness: Significant improvements recorded in patients with ME/CFS and long COVID, demonstrating increased cognitive function and reduced post-exertional malaise.
Mechanism of Action: Oxaloacetate induces energy production by increasing ATP creation efficiency, addressing chronic fatigue's energy deficiency.
Research Insights: Published studies articulate oxaloacetate's role in reducing systemic inflammation and enhancing brain function, providing hope for those with chronic diseases.
Safety and Usage: Generally well-tolerated and effective in widely varied doses, subject to medical guidance, making it a versatile option in the treatment landscape.

More About Alan Cash:

Alan Cash serves as founder and chief science officer (CSO) at Terra Biological LLC. Terra Biological LLC is a family business started in 2006 and headquartered in San Diego, California, USA. Researching into the molecular and genomic mechanisms of aging and the effects of calorie restriction on aging, Cash developed unique molecular methods and compounds to mimic calorie restriction and extend lifespan in laboratory animals.

Alan Cash has a Master of Science in physics from the University of Oklahoma. As an entrepreneur, Cash has gained recognition and awards from the White House, INC 500 business, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year, Deloitte and Touche Technology Fast 50, and Top 100 Hotfirm. Cash and colleagues recently conducted clinical trials on the effects of Oxaloacetate, a nutritional supplement, for the treatment of physical and mental fatigue in ME/CFS patients. Their published results indicate significant reduction in fatigue in ME/CFS as well as Long COVID patients following treatment.

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Dementia Isn't Inevitable: How Lifestyle and the Nervous System Protect the Brain

Fri, 20 Mar 2026

Alzheimer's and dementia are often framed as genetic or unavoidable outcomes of aging, but research and clinical experience tell a more hopeful story. In this conversation, Dr. Clint Steele explains why brain decline is not just about genetics or biomarkers, but about how well the brain and nervous system adapt to stress over time.

Dr. Steele breaks down how lifestyle factors like movement, neurological stimulation, inflammation, sleep, and stress regulation directly influence brain health. He explains why supporting the nervous system, the body's master controller, plays a critical role in maintaining brain connectivity, resilience, and long-term cognitive function.

This episode focuses on proactive, preventative care and practical actions people can take now to protect their brain, improve adaptability, and shift from fear of decline to confidence in longevity.

Key takeaways:

Dementia is not an inevitable part of aging; lifestyle and environment play significant roles in brain health.
Genetics alone do not dictate one's likelihood of developing dementia; proactive lifestyle changes can alter outcomes.
Stress management, dietary habits, and physical exercise are crucial components for maintaining cognitive function.
Innovative treatments and supplements—like methylated B vitamins, omega-3s, and curcumin—can contribute significantly to brain health.

Early intervention is key; regular testing for cognitive decline markers can help in timely preventive measures.

More About Dr. Clint Steele:

Dr. Clint Steele is a doctor, author, speaker and dementia & brain health specialist with over 30 years of experience helping people improve brain function by addressing the nervous system at the root.

He is an Amazon best-selling author and educator with over 2.3 million followers across social media platforms, where he teaches lifestyle-based strategies to support memory, reduce stress, and promote long-term cognitive health. Dr. Steele is the founder of The Better Brain Company and is dedicated to shifting the conversation from fear of cognitive decline to confidence in prevention and action.

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Beyond Biohacking: The Real Science of Longevity

Fri, 13 Mar 2026

What does real longevity actually look like? Is it the latest biohacking trend, or something much more foundational?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Loren Marks, chiropractor and longevity-focused clinician, to discuss why the conversation around healthspan is rapidly becoming one of the most important topics in modern healthcare. Together, we explore how true longevity is less about chasing health fads and more about understanding and optimizing the body's fundamental physiological processes.

Dr. Marks breaks down the difference between biohacking and sustainable longevity, emphasizing the importance of metabolic health, inflammation control, and personalized assessments. We discuss key biomarkers such as insulin and hsCRP, the role of muscle mass in aging well, and why balance training is one of the most overlooked strategies for preventing falls and maintaining independence later in life.

If longevity is the healthcare conversation of the next decade, this episode offers a clear roadmap for practitioners and patients alike. From foundational metabolic markers to functional movement and personalized care, we explore how integrating modern science with clinical fundamentals can help people not just live longer, but live better.

Key takeaways:

Longevity is rooted in physiological optimization rather than quick-fix biohacking techniques.
Metabolic markers such as insulin, APOB, and HSCRP play crucial roles in determining health risks and should be part of regular health assessments.
Muscle mass is pivotal for glucose disposal, fall prevention, and overall health, making strength training essential for longevity.
Balance training can significantly reduce fall risks, a leading cause of serious injuries among older adults.

More About Dr. Loren Marks:

Dr. Loren Marks is a Manhattan-based Doctor of Chiropractic and board-certified Clinical Nutritionist with more than four decades of clinical experience guiding patients toward precision health, structural integrity, and long-term vitality.

At his Midtown practice, Dr. Marks delivers executive-level health optimization through comprehensive metabolic analysis, advanced cardiovascular risk stratification, microbiome and gastrointestinal evaluation, hormone mapping, and precision structural care. His work integrates chiropractic medicine, functional nutrition, advanced blood chemistry interpretation, and non-invasive performance technologies into a cohesive, data-driven model of care.

With a deep foundation in spinal biomechanics and neurophysiology, Dr. Marks brings extensive expertise in structural rehabilitation, chronic pain syndromes, neurologic function, and the relationship between biomechanical alignment and systemic health. His clinical approach recognizes that metabolic resilience, neurologic integrity, and structural stability are inseparable components of long-term performance and longevity.

Dr. Marks is the author of a chapter in Arachnoiditis: The Evidence Revealed, edited by Antonio Aldrete, MD, and a contributing chapter author in Integrative Gastroenterology, edited by Gerard Mullin, MD, as part of the Andrew Weil integrative medicine series. His published work reflects a longstanding commitment to bridging structural medicine, gastrointestinal health, and systems-based clinical strategy.

Known for synthesizing complex laboratory and clinical data into clear, strategic action plans, Dr. Marks focuses on identifying subtle patterns of dysfunction years before they manifest as overt disease. His philosophy is grounded in a core principle: sustainable longevity and peak performance are achieved not through isolated interventions, but through system-wide alignment — metabolic, neurologic, structural, and behavioral.

Dr. Marks provides discreet, highly personalized care for individuals committed to measurable, evidence-informed health optimization.

Licensed Doctor of Chiropractic in New York State. Board-Certified in Clinical Nutrition (DACBN).

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Do Natural Medicines for Mental Health Really Work?

Sat, 07 Mar 2026

In our latest episode, we ask a different question about mental health:

What if anxiety and depression are signals, not just diagnoses?

I'm joined by Dr. Peter Bongiorno, naturopathic doctor and functional medicine expert specializing in integrative mental health, to explore how inflammation, nutrient status, mitochondrial function, and gut health shape mood and behavior.

We move beyond symptom suppression and into root cause investigation. Why are so many patients still struggling despite conventional care? What role do inflammation and blood-brain barrier integrity play? How does the gut-brain axis influence anxiety and depression? And why is sleep non-negotiable for mitochondrial repair and emotional resilience?

Dr. Bongiorno breaks down the biological drivers of mental health, from nutrient deficiencies and hormonal shifts to neuroinflammation and vagal tone. We also discuss why lifestyle interventions often need to come before supplementation, and how functional psychology integrates physiology with emotional well-being.

If you want a deeper understanding of how to approach mental health through the lens of systems biology, this conversation delivers clarity, practicality, and a roadmap forward.

Key takeaways:

Natural Approaches to Mental Health: Discussing the growing traction of natural therapies, focusing on lifestyle, nutrition, and addressing biological imbalances.
Nutrient Deficiencies and Mental Health: Exploring key nutrients such as vitamin D, B12, and magnesium, and their vital roles in neurotransmitter production and mood regulation.
Importance of the Gut-Brain Axis: Highlighting how gut health impacts mental wellness through mechanisms involving microbiota and vagus nerve communication.
Role of Sleep and Exercise: Addressing the essential contributions of restful sleep and physical activity to overall mental health, emphasizing the balance of mitochondrial function.
Herbal and Supplementary Support: Assessing the effectiveness of supplements like St. John's Wort and saffron as supportive measures in managing depressive symptoms.

More About Dr. Peter Bongiorno:

Dr. Peter Bongiorno is on a mission to revolutionize psychiatric care by integrating effective holistic healing into mental health practice. Since 2004, his thriving practices in New York have transformed countless lives. A graduate of Bastyr University in Seattle, where he earned his naturopathic doctor degree in 2003 and served as class speaker, Dr. Bongiorno's journey began by researching as a pre-doctoral fellow at the National Institutes of Mental Health and Yale University's Department of Pharmacology.

In 2008, Dr. Bongiorno authored the groundbreaking textbook Healing Depression published by CCNM Press – the first textbook on integrative medicine for depression, marking a significant milestone in the field. Since then, he has produced numerous influential papers, textbook chapters, and books, passionately educating the medical community on the most effective natural methods to heal mood disorders. His latest essential text, Holistic Solutions for Anxiety and Depression, is published by Norton. For the public, his books are Put Anxiety Behind You and How Come They're Happy and I'm Not?, which offer actionable insights into Dr. Bongiorno's effective methods for naturally overcoming anxiety and depression. His books have been translated into multiple languages, including Chinese and Italian.

You can discover the transformative work of Dr. Bongiorno and join the movement toward natural mental health solutions at www.drpeterbongiorno.com.

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Movement as a Path to Self-Connection

Sat, 28 Feb 2026

What if autoimmune disease is not an overactive immune system, but a loss of immune tolerance?

In our latest episode, I sit down with Dr. Russell Jaffe, MD, PhD, CCN, a pioneer in integrative and functional medicine, to unpack the difference between suppressing symptoms and restoring true immune balance. We explore the concept of immune competence, why inflammation often reflects a repair deficit, and how the body's innate intelligence can be supported rather than silenced.

Dr. Jaffe challenges the conventional "anti" model of medicine and instead emphasizes evoking repair through bioavailable nutrition and targeted lifestyle strategies. We discuss autoimmune disease, immune tolerance, advanced biomarkers, and the critical role of nutrients like vitamin C in cellular repair and resilience. This conversation reframes longevity as healthspan and vitality, reminding us that sustainable healing begins by restoring balance at the systems level.

If you are ready to rethink inflammation, immunity, and what true healing looks like, this episode is for you.

Key takeaways:

Transformation through Adversity: Tyler Bramlett's career shifted due to personal injuries, leading him to develop a fitness philosophy focused on movement freedom and longevity rather than aesthetics.
Critique of Traditional Fitness Culture: Tyler discusses the toxic narratives in the fitness industry that drive people towards self-loathing and unhealthy pursuits of physical perfection.
Personalized Approach to Fitness: Through We Shape, Tyler emphasizes the importance of customized workouts that honor individual needs, capabilities, and health conditions.
Movement Snacks for Health: Tyler suggests incorporating small, mindful movement practices throughout the day to enhance mobility and health without the rigidity of structured workouts.
Mindset and Community: A supportive community and a positive mindset are crucial for real health transformations, shifting the focus from external validation to internal well-being.

More About Tyler Bramlett:

Tyler Bramlett is a movement coach, father, and Co-founder of WeShape whose path was reshaped by a cycling accident that shattered his femur and permanently damaged his knee. Unable to return to traditional, appearance-driven fitness routines, he began a 15-year healing journey that included multiple surgeries and deep study in functional anatomy, biomechanics, and rehabilitation.

Through working with top physical therapists and coaches, he discovered that real transformation comes from moving smarter, not pushing harder. This led him to reject shame-based fitness culture and create an approach centered on alignment, mindful movement, and what he calls "movement freedom" — the ability to live without feeling trapped in a body that hurts.

After building and later stepping away from a multi-million-dollar fitness company that ranked on the Inc. 500 for three consecutive years, Tyler and his wife founded WeShape to challenge the belief that worth is tied to appearance. His work now sits at the intersection of movement, psychology, and culture, helping primarily women 50+ reduce pain, restore confidence, and build healthier relationships with their bodies.

With more than 800 million views and 6.3 million followers across platforms, Tyler blends personal story, practical expertise, and emotional depth. His message resonates widely, making him a compelling voice in conversations around wellness, mindset, resilience, and the future of fitness.

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