Essentials of Healthy Living

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The benefits of magnesium including support for relaxation, stress, sleep, mood and fatigue Sep 28, 2026

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Dana Laake and her special guest Rex Jones will discuss the benefits of magnesium including support for relaxation, stress, sleep, mood and fatigue. Rex Jones has been an educator with Garden of Life for more than seven years and brings with him a lifelong passion for the Natural Foods Industry and a strong knowledge of herbals. For more than 10 years he worked in a natural foods retail setting as a nutrition manager and herbalist. Rex also led classes, co-hosted a radio show, managed web content and gave a variety of in-store and off-site health lectures. He is excited to share the Garden of Life mission: Empowering Extraordinary Health®.

Supporting kids with optimal nutrition including MegaFood Kid’s Nutrient Booster Powders Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

Dana Laake and her special guest Dr. Erin Stokes will discuss supporting kids with optimal nutrition including MegaFood Kid’s Nutrient Booster Powders. Dr. Erin Stokes, ND, received her naturopathic degree from Bastyr University in 2001. In her current position as Medical Director for MegaFood, she combines her experience as a naturopathic doctor with an extensive background in the natural retail products industry. Erin enjoys educating the public on health and wellness topics via webinars, radio shows, articles and blogs; her personal mission is to empower people with the inspiration and tools to change their lives. She practices naturopathic medicine and lives with her family in Boulder, CO.

Functional Medicine and the future of healthcare Sep 28, 2026

Show notes

Dr. Kevin Passero and his special guest Elizabeth Baer will discuss Functional Medicine and the future of healthcare. Elizabeth Baer, LAc, MAc, is a healthcare advocate, acupuncturist, and co-founder of Capital Integrative Health in the DC Metro area. She received her Masters from the Maryland University of Integrative Health in 2006. While pursuing her certificate in Functional Medicine, she met Dr. Andrew Wong, an internist and Functional Medicine doctor, who shared her deep desire to provide integrated, comprehensive care to patients while breaking down barriers between traditional medical and allied health providers. They co-founded and opened Capital Integrative Health in 2015, a progressive medical clinic that offers a wide range of services for body, mind and spirit.

Common nutrient deficiencies Dec 11, 2016

Show notes

Dana Laake and her special guest Erin Stokes, ND, will discuss common nutrient deficiencies. Dr. Erin Stokes, ND, received her naturopathic degree from Bastyr University in 2001. In her current position as Medical Director for MegaFood, she combines her experience as a naturopathic doctor with an extensive background in the natural retail products industry. Erin believes education is a key to making positive changes, and her personal mission is to empower people with the inspiration and tools to change their lives. The focus of Erin’s naturopathic practice in Boulder, Colorado, is on healthy moms. She believes, “When moms are healthy, the world can be healthy.”

"News you can use," including controversies in health and nutrition, the need for sufficient vitamin D and magnesium when taking calcium, talcum powder and cancer risk, the US government's reversal of dietary and cardiovascular recommendations, fluoride recommendations, autism, and the autoimmune solution. Nov 27, 2016

Show notes

Dana Laake will discuss "news you can use," including controversies in health and nutrition, the need for sufficient vitamin D and magnesium when taking calcium, talcum powder and cancer risk, the US government's reversal of dietary and cardiovascular recommendations, fluoride recommendations, autism, and the autoimmune solution. Dana Laake is a licensed nutritionist in the Washington, DC area, who has provided preventive and therapeutic medical nutrition services for over 25 years. Her practice includes the nutritional evaluation and treatment of the full spectrum of health issues affecting children and adults. Dana holds a Master's degree in nutrition from the University of Maryland.

Genomics and inflammation Nov 20, 2016

Show notes

Dr. Kevin Passero and his special guest Dr. Weiss will discuss genomics and inflammation. Dr. Decker Weiss, NMD, FASA, is the first naturopathic physician to complete a conventional internship, residency, and fellowship in a conventional medical system. He trained in the Columbia Hospital system, the Arizona Heart Hospital, and the prestigious Arizona Heart Institute. Dr. Weiss has a holistic approach to cardiovascular disease management and is a pioneer in the application of effective natural alternatives to heart bypass and angioplasty. He is also knowledgeable about natural treatments for autoimmune disease, gastrointestinal issues, weight loss, and most forms of chronic disease. Dr. Weiss has traveled worldwide training physicians and pharmacists on safer ways to use fewer prescriptions and provide improved outcomes to their patients, and is currently is a consultant for Solgar.

Omega-3 basics, cognition, pain and inflammation Nov 13, 2016

Show notes

Dana Laake and her special guest Dr. Chris Oswald will discuss omega-3 basics, cognition, pain and inflammation. Dr. Chris Oswald, DC, CNS, has extensive post-graduate training in functional medicine. With the use of functional diagnostics, he has developed a highly effective approach to support those struggling with weight gain, fatigue, depression and digestive problems. In addition to seeing patients, Dr. Oswald works with other healthcare practitioners teaching them how to provide the highest quality and most effective care, so their patients can also realize the power of integrative physical medicine. Dr. Oswald is a Member of the Scientific Advisory Board at Nordic Naturals.

ThermiVa – a new FDA approved feminine rejuvenation treatment Oct 30, 2016

Show notes

Dana Laake and her special guest Dr. Janine Blackman will discuss ThermiVa – a new FDA approved feminine rejuvenation treatment. Dr. Janine Blackman, MD, PhD, is a uniquely trained expert in the fields of natural medicine, nutrition, and hormones for disease prevention, optimal health, and longevity. Dr. Blackman founded the Living Wellness Medical Center with the mission to provide personalized expertise and support for people at every age. Dr. Blackman’s practice offers effective and safe approaches to customized and natural hormone therapies, based on the latest evidence-based medicine. Her focus is on the root cause of symptoms and the essential elements of health to assist the body in restoring itself to optimal function, and thereby, naturally reverse imbalances and illness.

Drug-induced nutrient depletions Oct 23, 2016

Show notes

Dr. Kevin Passero and his special guest Ross Pelton will discuss drug-induced nutrient depletions. Ross Pelton, RPh, PhD, CCN, began his career in the health sciences after graduating from the University of Wisconsin School of Pharmacy in 1966. He is the author of several books, including two on the topic of drug-induced nutrient depletions. He also has extensive experience in alternative cancer therapies and was the administrator of an alternative cancer treatment hospital in Baja, Mexico. In 1994, Ross became a certified clinical nutritionist. A significant part of his career has been devoted to speaking, writing, and conducting seminars on a variety of health-related topics.

Natural approaches for severe GI malabsorption including celiac, Crohn’s, UC, IBS Oct 16, 2016

Show notes

Dana Laake and her special guest Sara LeBrun-Blashka will discuss natural approaches for severe GI malabsorption including celiac, Crohn’s, UC, IBS. Sara LeBrun-Blashka is the Director of Medical Nutrition and Practitioner Engagement at Metagenics. Sara led the teams that launched Ultra Glucose Control, UltraMeal Advanced Protein, New and Improved UltraInflamX Plus 360, and SPM Active. Sara is a nutritionist with a Bachelor of Science in dietetics and food science from Iowa State University.

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