FMP Essentials: Functional Medicine Practitioner Show

Host & Guest Details

Host: Dr. Yousef Elyaman, Functional Medicine Primary Care Physician
Guest: Dr. M Isreb, Nephrologist & Functional Medicine Specialist, Founder of Integrative Kidney

Episode Overview

Kidney stones are becoming dramatically more common, yet many patients leave the emergency room with little guidance beyond drinking more water and hoping they never experience another painful episode.

In this episode of FMP Essentials, Dr. Yousef Elyaman welcomes back nephrologist and functional medicine physician Dr. M Isreb, whose previous episode on chronic kidney disease became the most-viewed episode on the channel.

Together they explore why kidney stones develop, why recurrence rates remain so high, and how functional medicine provides a much deeper understanding than conventional treatment alone. Rather than focusing only on removing stones, they explain how metabolism, nutrition, gut health, genetics, urine chemistry, inflammation, and lifestyle all influence stone formation.

The discussion covers the different types of kidney stones—including calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid, struvite, and cystine stones—and explains why identifying the specific stone type dramatically changes treatment strategies.

Dr. M Isreb also shares why every recurrent stone former should receive a comprehensive 24-hour urine evaluation, why restricting calcium is often the wrong recommendation, how oxalates interact with calcium inside the digestive tract, and why the gut microbiome plays a surprisingly important role in kidney stone prevention.

The conversation also explores vitamin C supplementation, collagen, probiotics, citrate therapy, hydration strategies, genetics, vitamin D receptor variants, and practical clinical pearls practitioners can immediately apply in practice.

Whether you're a healthcare professional looking to improve patient outcomes or someone who has experienced kidney stones firsthand, this episode offers evidence-based, root-cause strategies for preventing future stone formation while supporting overall kidney health.



Key Questions We're Answering

Why do kidney stones continue coming back?

What causes calcium oxalate kidney stones?

Is avoiding calcium actually making kidney stones worse?

How does gut health influence kidney stone formation?

Which laboratory tests uncover the true cause of kidney stones?



Why You Can't Miss This Episode

Kidney stones affect nearly 1 in 10 people, and nearly half of those individuals will experience another episode during their lifetime.

Most treatment focuses on removing stones after they occur. This episode explores how functional medicine helps identify why stones develop in the first place—giving practitioners and patients practical tools to reduce recurrence while improving metabolic and kidney health.



What You'll Learn

Key Insight

"Kidney stones are rarely an isolated problem—they're often a window into deeper metabolic dysfunction."

Top Takeaways

• Why a 24-hour urine collection is one of the most valuable tools for recurrent kidney stone patients.

• The surprising reason reducing calcium intake may actually increase calcium oxalate stones.

• How citrate protects against kidney stone formation.

• Why hydration alone isn't enough for many patients.

• The connection between gut bacteria, oxalate metabolism, and kidney stone risk.

• Which supplements may increase stone risk in susceptible individuals.

• How genetics can influence vitamin D metabolism and kidney stone formation.

• Why functional medicine focuses on prevention instead of simply treating stones after they occur.

Bonus Clinical Pearl

Low urinary citrate may become abnormal before traditional kidney function tests begin to change, making it a potentially valuable early marker for kidney dysfunction.



Shareable Quotes

"Removing the stone doesn't remove the reason the stone formed."

"Kidney stones are often a symptom—not the root cause."

"The goal isn't just to pass a stone. The goal is preventing the next one."



Unanswered Questions

These questions could be explored in future episodes:

• Should everyone with recurrent kidney stones receive genetic testing?

• What is the ideal diet for patients with different stone types?

• Which probiotics have the strongest evidence for reducing oxalate absorption?

• Can continuous glucose monitoring help identify metabolic contributors to kidney stones?

• What role does mitochondrial dysfunction play in recurrent nephrolithiasis?



This Episode's Sponsors

FMP Essentials

The #1 Resource for Functional Medicine Practitioners

www.fmpessentials.com

Practitioners looking to level up your functional medicine game?

Join the Bronze Mastermind:

https://www.fmpessentials.com/mastermind-founders-launch



Connect with Us

Dr. M Isreb
Instagram: @integrativekidney
Website: www.inkidney.com
Book: A Systems-Based Approach to Modern Kidney Care is now available for preorder: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/integrative-nephrology-majd-isreb/1149707762
FMP Essentials
Instagram: @fmpessentialshq
Website: www.fmpessentials.com
Dr. Yousef Elyaman
Instagram: @drelyaman



Music Credit: "Heroes Approaching - Extended" by tunes2go



Don’t Just Listen—Transform Your Practice
Share This Episode – Forward it to a colleague or friend
Leave a Review – Tell us your biggest takeaway
Subscribe for More – Get exclusive resources inside the FMP Essentials Mastermind



Disclaimers

Educational Purpose Only – This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
No Doctor-Patient Relationship – Listening does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.
Supplement Use Disclaimer – Any supplement recommendations are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult your provider.
Professional Responsibility – Practitioners should use their professional judgment before applying strategies discussed.
Liability Disclaimer – The host, guest, and affiliated organizations assume no liability for the use or misuse of the information shared.

The FMP Essentials Show – Where Functional Medicine Meets Mastery

Host & Guest Details

Host: Dr. Yousef Elyaman | Functional Medicine Primary Care Physician

Guest: Melody Hartzler | PharmD, BCACP, BC-ADM, ABAAHP



Episode Description

In this FMP Essentials episode on functional medicine for PMOS (formerly PCOS), Dr. Melody Hartzler shares her personal health journey and explains why the condition was recently renamed from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS).

Millions of women struggle with irregular periods, infertility, acne, insulin resistance, weight gain, and hormone imbalances without fully understanding the root cause. Dr. Hartzler explains how conventional medicine often focuses on symptom management, while functional medicine seeks to uncover the underlying drivers behind hormone dysfunction.

Drawing from both her clinical expertise and personal experience with PMOS, Dr. Hartzler discusses advanced testing, lifestyle interventions, nutrition strategies, insulin resistance, fertility support, and evidence-based supplements that may help women restore metabolic and hormonal balance.

Whether you're a practitioner treating women with hormone challenges or someone personally navigating PMOS, this episode offers practical insights and clinical pearls you can begin applying immediately.



Key Questions We're Answering

• Why was PCOS renamed to PMOS and why does it matter?

• What role does insulin resistance play in hormone imbalance?

• Why do so many women continue to struggle despite being prescribed birth control?

• Which functional medicine labs can help uncover the root causes of PMOS?

• What lifestyle and supplement strategies may improve fertility and hormone health?



Why You Can't Miss This Episode

PMOS affects millions of women worldwide, yet many remain undiagnosed or improperly treated for years.

This episode breaks down the metabolic, hormonal, reproductive, and inflammatory factors driving PMOS while providing a practical roadmap for both clinicians and patients seeking root-cause solutions.



What Listeners Will Learn

Key Insight

"PMOS isn't simply an ovarian condition—it's a whole-body metabolic and endocrine disorder."

Top Takeaways

• Why insulin resistance is one of the primary drivers behind PMOS

• The limitations of relying solely on birth control for symptom management

• How advanced functional medicine testing can reveal hidden hormone imbalances

• The role of nutrition, sleep, stress reduction, and resistance training in hormone health

• Evidence-based supplements commonly used to support metabolic and reproductive health

Bonus Insight

Dr. Hartzler shares her own journey from years of painful cycles and infertility concerns to restoring hormonal balance through nutrition, stress reduction, gut healing, and functional medicine principles.



Shareable Quotes

"PMOS is not just an ovarian condition—it's a metabolic condition with hormonal consequences."

"Treating symptoms without addressing insulin resistance is like putting a bandage on the warning light."

"The body often whispers long before it screams. Functional medicine helps us listen earlier."



Unanswered Questions

• Why do some women with PMOS remain lean despite significant insulin resistance?

• What role do environmental toxins play in the rising prevalence of PMOS?

• Could continuous glucose monitoring become standard care for women with PMOS?

• Which PMOS phenotypes respond best to GLP-1 therapies?

• How will the PMOS name change impact future research and clinical guidelines?



Connect

Host: Dr. Yousef Elyaman

Instagram: https://instagram.com/drelyaman

Guest: Dr. Melody Hartzler

Instagram: https://instagram.com/drmelodyhartzler

Website: http://www.pharm2table.life





Educational Purpose Only

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

No Doctor-Patient Relationship

Listening does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Supplement Use Disclaimer

Any supplement recommendations are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult your provider.

Professional Responsibility

Practitioners should use their professional judgment before applying strategies discussed.

Liability Disclaimer

The host, guest, and affiliated organizations assume no liability for the use or misuse of the information shared.



This Episode's Sponsors

FMP Essentials – The #1 Resource for Functional Medicine Practitioners

www.fmpessentials.com

Practitioners: Want to level up your functional medicine game?

https://www.fmpessentials.com/mastermind-founders-launch



Music Credit: "Heroes Approaching - Extended" by tunes2go



Don't Just Listen—Transform Your Practice

Share This Episode

Forward it to a colleague, practitioner, or friend who could benefit.

Leave a Review

Tell us your biggest takeaway from today's conversation.

Subscribe for More

Get exclusive resources and advanced practitioner training through the FMP Essentials Mastermind.

Episode Description



🧠 Anxiety isn't always just a mental health issue.

In this FMP Essentials episode on functional medicine for anxiety, Dr. Yousef Elyaman sits down with functional psychiatric nurse practitioner Everest Goldstein to explore the hidden physiological causes of anxiety that are often overlooked in conventional care.

Together they discuss how blood sugar imbalances, cortisol dysregulation, nutrient deficiencies, gut dysfunction, mold exposure, nervous system imbalance, and chronic stress can contribute to anxiety symptoms. They also share practical strategies for nervous system regulation, vagus nerve activation, and identifying root causes through functional medicine testing.

Whether you're a practitioner looking for clinical insights or someone struggling with anxiety symptoms, this conversation offers a deeper understanding of what's happening beneath the surface and actionable steps toward better health.



Key Questions We're Answering



• What are the hidden root causes of anxiety?

• How do cortisol and blood sugar affect anxiety symptoms?

• Can mold exposure contribute to anxiety and panic attacks?

• What functional medicine labs can help uncover anxiety triggers?

• How can vagus nerve training support nervous system regulation?



Why You Can't Miss This Episode



Millions of people struggle with anxiety, yet many never investigate the underlying physiological factors contributing to their symptoms.

This episode reveals how functional medicine practitioners approach anxiety differently by identifying and addressing root causes rather than focusing solely on symptom management.



Host & Guest Details



Host

Dr. Yousef Elyaman
Functional Medicine Primary Care Physician

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drelyaman



Guest

Everest Goldstein, PMHNP
Functional Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Area of Expertise:
Functional Psychiatry, Anxiety Disorders, Nervous System Regulation, Root Cause Mental Health Care

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/wellnesswitheverest

• Website: https://everestpsychandwellness.com/



What Listeners Will Learn



Key Insight

"Anxiety is often a signal from the body, not simply a problem of the mind."

Top Takeaways

✅ Blood sugar instability can significantly impact anxiety levels.

✅ Cortisol dysregulation often plays a major role in chronic anxiety.

✅ Mold exposure can be an overlooked contributor to severe anxiety symptoms.

✅ Functional testing may uncover physiological drivers missed by standard evaluations.

✅ Consistent vagus nerve training can help improve nervous system regulation.

Bonus Insight

Simple interventions such as humming, gargling, singing, mindfulness exercises, and sensory grounding techniques may help activate the vagus nerve and support stress resilience.



Shareable Quotes



"Anxiety is often a body problem before it becomes a mental health problem."

"The goal isn't to suppress symptoms—it's to understand why they're happening."

"When you address the root cause, the body often becomes easier to regulate."



Unanswered Questions



• Why do some people develop anxiety after mold exposure while others do not?

• Which functional medicine interventions create the fastest improvement in anxiety symptoms?

• How much does gut health contribute to anxiety compared to hormonal or neurological factors?

• What role does trauma play alongside physiological triggers?



Educational Purpose Only

This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

No Doctor-Patient Relationship

Listening does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.

Supplement Use Disclaimer

Any supplement recommendations are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult your provider.

Professional Responsibility

Practitioners should use their professional judgment before applying strategies discussed.

Liability Disclaimer

The host, guest, and affiliated organizations assume no liability for the use or misuse of the information shared.



This Episode's Sponsors



FMP Essentials – The #1 Resource for Functional Medicine Practitioners

www.fmpessentials.com

Practitioners wanting to level up their functional medicine game can sign up for the Bronze Mastermind:

https://www.fmpessentials.com/mastermind-founders-launch



Connect With Us



Everest Goldstein

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/wellnesswitheverest

• Website: https://everestpsychandwellness.com/

FMP Essentials

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/fmpessentialshq

• Website: https://www.fmpessentials.com

Dr. Yousef Elyaman

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drelyaman



Music Credit:

"Heroes Approaching - Extended" by tunes2go



Don’t Just Listen, Transform Your Practice



📣 Share This Episode

Forward it to a colleague, practitioner, or friend who wants to understand anxiety from a root-cause perspective.

⭐ Leave a Review

Tell us your biggest takeaway from the episode.

🚀 Subscribe for More

Get exclusive resources and advanced training inside the FMP Essentials Mastermind.

Host & Guest Details

Host: Dr. Yousef Elyaman, Functional Medicine Primary Care Physician
Guest: Natalie Lue, Author & Boundaries Expert



Episode Overview

In this functional medicine episode, Natalie Lue explains how people pleasing and lack of boundaries can impact your health, stress levels, and long-term wellbeing.

Dr. Elyaman and Natalie explore how these patterns show up in everyday life, relationships, and even medical care. Whether you're a practitioner or someone struggling with stress and overwhelm, this episode gives you a new lens on healing.

You’ll walk away with practical insights on how to recognize these patterns and begin setting healthier boundaries—without guilt.



Key Questions Answered

Why do people struggle to say no—even when it hurts them?

How does people pleasing affect your physical health?

What are the hidden signs of weak boundaries?

Why do some patients struggle to follow health protocols?

How can you start setting boundaries without conflict?



Why You Can’t Miss This Episode

Most people think burnout comes from doing too much—but it actually comes from saying yes to the wrong things. This episode reveals the hidden emotional patterns behind stress, illness, and exhaustion—and how changing them can transform your health.



What Listeners Will Learn

Key Insight:
“Saying yes when you mean no creates stress in your body—and that stress shows up as illness.”

Top Takeaways:

People pleasing leads to emotional and physical burnout

Boundaries are critical for mental, emotional, and physical health

Avoiding conflict often creates deeper long-term problems

Healing requires awareness of emotional patterns—not just treatments

You can say no in healthy, respectful ways

Bonus Insight:
There are hundreds of ways to say “no” without actually using the word—and learning them can transform your relationships and health.



Shareable Quotes

“Saying yes when you mean no is one of the fastest ways to burn out.”
“People pleasing isn’t kindness—it’s disconnection from yourself.”
“Your body feels every ‘yes’ that your soul didn’t agree to.”



Disclaimers

Educational Purpose Only – This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
No Doctor-Patient Relationship – Listening does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.
Supplement Use Disclaimer – Any supplement recommendations are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult your provider.
Professional Responsibility – Practitioners should use their professional judgment before applying strategies discussed.
Liability Disclaimer – The host, guest, and affiliated organizations assume no liability for the use or misuse of the information shared.



This Episode’s Sponsors

FMP Essentials – The #1 Resource for Functional Medicine Practitioner Success
Website: www.fmpessentials.com



Connect with Us

Natalie Lue
Instagram: @natlue
Website: https://natalielue.com/
FMP Essentials
Instagram: @fmpessentialshq
Website: www.fmpessentials.com
Dr. Yousef Elyaman
Instagram: @drelyaman

Music Credit: "Heroes Approaching - Extended" by tunes2go



Don’t Just Listen—Transform Your Practice
Share This Episode – Forward it to a colleague or friend
Leave a Review – Tell us your biggest takeaway
Subscribe for More – Get exclusive resources inside the FMP Essentials Mastermind

The FMP Essentials Show – Where Functional Medicine Meets Mastery

Host & Guest Details

Host: Dr. Yousef Elyaman, Functional Medicine Primary Care Physician
Guest: Dr. Kara Fitzgerald, ND, IFMCP — Functional Medicine & Epigenetics Expert

Episode Overview

In this episode, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald explains how biological age vs chronological age works and how you can reverse aging naturally using diet, lifestyle, and epigenetics. We break down real research showing how gene expression and inflammation impact longevity.

Key Questions Answered

Can you reverse biological age naturally?

What is epigenetics and how does it affect aging?

How does inflammation (CRP) speed up aging?

What is the best diet for longevity and gene expression?

How can you measure your biological age?

Why You Can’t Miss This Episode

This is science-backed longevity — not trends. Learn how people reduced their biological age in just 8 weeks and how you can apply these functional medicine strategies to slow aging and improve health.

What Listeners Will Learn

Key Insight:
Your biological age isn’t fixed — it can be improved through diet, lifestyle, and epigenetics, meaning you have real control over how fast you age.


Top Takeaways:

Biological age vs chronological age: your body can be younger (or older) than your actual age

Epigenetics controls gene expression and plays a key role in aging

Inflammation (CRP) is a major driver of faster aging

A functional medicine diet (whole foods, vegetables, nutrients) supports longevity

Lifestyle factors like sleep, stress, and exercise directly impact aging

Bonus Insight:
A clinical study showed that simple diet and lifestyle changes reduced biological age by over 3 years in just 8 weeks — proving aging can be influenced naturally.



Shareable Quotes

“Your age isn’t fixed — your biology is listening to your lifestyle.”

“You don’t just inherit your genes… you influence them every day.”

“Aging isn’t just time passing — it’s information your body is responding to.”



Disclaimers

Educational Purpose Only – This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.
No Doctor-Patient Relationship – Listening does not establish a doctor-patient relationship.
Supplement Use Disclaimer – Any supplement recommendations are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease. Consult your provider.
Professional Responsibility – Practitioners should use their professional judgment before applying strategies discussed.
Liability Disclaimer – The host, guest, and affiliated organizations assume no liability for the use or misuse of the information shared.



This Episode’s Sponsors

FMP Essentials – The #1 Resource for Functional Medicine Practitioner Success
Website: www.fmpessentials.com



Connect with Us

Dr. Kara Fitzgerald
Instagram: @drkarafitzgerald
Website: www.drkarafitzgerald.com
FMP Essentials
Instagram: @fmpessentialshq
Website: www.fmpessentials.com
Dr. Yousef Elyaman
Instagram: @drelyaman

Music Credit: "Heroes Approaching - Extended" by tunes2go



Don’t Just Listen—Transform Your Practice
Share This Episode – Forward it to a colleague or friend
Leave a Review – Tell us your biggest takeaway
Subscribe for More – Get exclusive resources inside the FMP Essentials Mastermind

The FMP Essentials Show – Where Functional Medicine Meets Mastery