Applied Natural Medicine Podcast

TUDCA and Neuroprotection: Clinical Uses, Mechanisms, and Safety in Naturopathic Practice

Wed, 13 May 2026 09:57:33 -0700

NDNR welcomes Dr. Mikhail Friedman to discuss tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) and its protective role against neurodegeneration, based on an NDNR neurology and mind-body issue. Friedman explains TUDCA’s origin from bear bile research related to hibernation and describes proposed mechanisms including protection against cholestasis, mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum stress, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects, autophagy support, bile-acid receptor signaling, and blood-brain barrier penetration. He reviews clinical and regulatory contexts (Italy approval for cholestatic liver disease; U.S. prescription only when combined with phenylbutyrate for ALS), mixed ALS study outcomes, and case experiences in ALS, MS, COPD, Parkinson’s, biliary dyskinesia, and post-cholecystectomy memory issues. 00:00 Podcast Intro 01:12 Guest Introduction 02:01 Why TUDCA Matters 02:17 Bear Bile Origins 04:37 Human Uses and Approvals 06:17 ALS and MS Stories 09:22 More Clinical Cases 11:54 Bile Acids and Microbiome 17:03 Metabolic and ER Stress 18:54 Autophagy and Sleep 22:06 Safety and Dosing 25:17 Synergy and Future Research 26:35 Clinician Role and Wrap Up 30:01 Closing Credits

Beyond Gout Elevated Uric Acid as a Hidden Driver of Insulin Resistance and Chronic Pain

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:11:19 -0700

This episode of the Applied Natural Medicine Podcast explores how elevated uric acid can act as a hidden driver of insulin resistance, inflammation, and chronic musculoskeletal pain, going beyond its traditional association with gout. Featuring Dr. Anjana Subramanian, the discussion centers on a clinical case of an active patient with persistent low back pain and prediabetes whose symptoms did not improve despite a “healthy” lifestyle. The conversation reveals how factors like excessive exercise, high fructose intake, and over-supplementation can contribute to metabolic dysfunction and inflammation. By shifting to a more balanced, personalized approach, including dietary adjustments, reduced training intensity, and targeted herbal support, the patient experienced significant improvements in pain, insulin sensitivity, and uric acid levels. The episode highlights the importance of functional lab ranges, root-cause treatment, and adaptable clinical thinking, while positioning uric acid as a valuable, accessible biomarker for practitioners managing complex chronic conditions. Stay at the forefront of Natural Medicine Youtube | @NDNRNaturopathic
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Bridging the Gap: Naturopathic Philosophy and Psychotherapy

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:21:38 -0700

Applied Natural Medicine Podcast welcomes Dr. Alina Soto to NDNR’s Applied Naturopathic Medicine Roundtable to discuss the “mind-body bridge” and why mental health is often wrongly separated from the physical nervous system in clinical practice. Soto describes how thoughts, emotions, and bodily patterns are linked, critiques the provider–patient “vertical dynamic,” and advocates a “horizontal” model where the clinician acts as a guide, establishes informed consent, and supports patient ownership of change. She emphasizes provider self-work, secondary trauma risk, and that trauma responses are normal but can become persistent without support. Soto outlines her psychoeducation-based FMPI (Focal Neurocognitive and Physio-emotional Integration) framework and “areas of balance” (proactive awareness, simplification, input/output, nourishment/movement, community/relationships) to build skills and a focal goal, illustrating with cases including tobacco cessation and significant trauma improvement. Resources include Terra DSA/terraDOA.com and her TEDu Academy diagrams (active progress spiral vs active resistance loop). 00:00 Podcast Welcome 00:51 Meet Dr Alina Soto 02:34 Why Mind Body Matters 05:51 Breaking the Vertical Dynamic 09:24 Building a Horizontal Alliance 11:49 Provider Self Work 16:07 Trauma Loops and Identity 17:54 Safety and Psychoeducation 23:03 Empowerment Over Quick Fixes 24:55 FMPI Explained 32:43 Setting Goals for Anxiety 37:59 Tools for Lasting Change 39:36 Simple Tools Foundation 40:22 Trauma Recovery Case 41:55 Acknowledgment And Choice 42:57 Input Output Basics 45:09 Nourishment Beyond Food 46:12 Movement Blocks And Joy 54:11 Community And Relationships 59:21 Smoking Case Reframed 01:05:13 Strong Sense Of Self 01:08:12 Resources And Diagrams 01:09:57 Judgment Free Integration 01:13:25 Closing And Credits

Integrative Management of Multiple Sclerosis and Bilateral Uveitis: A Naturopathic Roundtable Case

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 11:21:24 -0700

Integrative Management of Multiple Sclerosis and Bilateral Uveitis: A Naturopathic Roundtable Case

On the Applied Natural Medicine Podcast Roundtable, host Dr. Kareem Kandil interviews naturopathic physician Dr. Heidi Wenhold about a case from NDNR’s July edition on the integrative management of multiple sclerosis with optic nerve inflammation and recurrent bilateral uveitis in a young woman whose vision threatened her pilot training. After a flare requiring hospitalization, IV steroids, and frequent steroid eye drops, Wenhold added a gluten-free/dairy-free Mediterranean-style diet, supplements for neuroinflammation and support (including curcumin, fish oil, NAC, phosphatidylserine, lion’s mane, skullcap, and magnesium glycinate), and homeopathy with repeated dosing, using remedies including Conium, Natrium sulph, and intermittent Staphysagria alongside attention to trauma and emotional stress. The patient improved steadily, tapered to one steroid drop daily by March, had a calm healed retina and improved MRI findings, and avoided an immunosuppressant.

00:00 Podcast Intro 00:59 Topic and Guest 02:01 Case Background 02:56 Steroids and Flare 04:05 Diet Foundations 08:32 Homeopathy Approach 13:07 Key Remedies Used 15:53 Trauma and Autoimmunity 19:10 Modern Practice Shifts 22:58 Synergy and NAC 27:36 Neuro Support Nutrients 31:28 Outcomes and Remission 37:37 Homeopathy Advocacy 38:34 Resources and Wrap Up

Friedman

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 07:43:49 -0700

In this discussion from NDNR's Mental Health & Insomnia issue, Dr. Kareem Kandil (Medical Director, NDNR), Dr. Natasha McLay (Medical Editor, NDNR), and Dr. Node Smith (CE Director & Associate Editor, NDNR) explore the rapidly evolving field of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and how naturopathic medicine is uniquely positioned to lead within it.

Topics covered:

Introductions and backgrounds of the three panelists
Overview of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy — psilocybin, ketamine, plant medicines, and beyond
Set and Setting: The foundational framework for safe and effective psychedelic therapy
- What "set" means: mindset, intention, preparation, and psychological groundwork
- What "setting" means: the physical environment, facilitator, cultural/religious neutrality, and home life context
The critical role of preparation and counseling before a psychedelic session
Integration: what happens after the experience
- Journaling, breath work, meditation, and giving space for the experience to unfold
- Waiting 24–48 hours before discussing the experience with others
- How breakthroughs can emerge days, weeks, or even months later
Naturopathic medicine's holistic edge: incorporating nutrition, sleep, breath work, and lifestyle into the psychedelic care framework
Dr. Node Smith's approach to "psychedelic therapy without a psychedelic" and conscious development work
Closing reflections on patient selection, limitations of psychedelic therapy, and avoiding the "silver bullet" mindset

Resources mentioned:

The Witness and the Four Behaviors by Charlie Ley (ND, Boulder, CO)
NDNR Continuing Education Platform — ndnr.com
Dr. Waters' article on ketamine history (in the Mental Health issue)
Erica Zan's work on difficult vs. harmful psychedelic experiences

Connect with NDNR:

Website: ndnr.com
Submissions & partnerships: editor@ndnr.com