Made for Health | Peptides | Lyme | Chronic Infections | Long Covid | Insulin Resistance

Latest Episodes:

72: Is Your Fatigue Really Lyme? – The Truth About Missed Diagnoses with Dr. Aaron Hartman Sep 26, 2025

Show notes

Could your unexplained fatigue, brain fog, or gut issues actually be signs of chronic Lyme disease that standard tests keep missing?

In this mini-episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman explores the complex and often misunderstood world of chronic Lyme disease—a condition sometimes labeled a “mystery illness.” With symptoms ranging from joint pain and fatigue to brain fog and gut dysfunction, Lyme frequently goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, leaving patients searching for answers.

Dr. Hartman breaks down the limitations of CDC-recommended Lyme testing, which misses nearly half of actual cases, and reviews advanced testing options that can provide more accurate insights—though they are less widely accessible. He emphasizes the importance of clinical judgment, awareness, and asking the right questions when considering a Lyme diagnosis.

This episode is part of an ongoing series on multi-system illnesses that often fly under the radar of conventional medicine, offering listeners tools to better understand and advocate for their health.

✅ Show Highlights:

Why chronic Lyme disease is often underdiagnosed or dismissed
Symptoms beyond joint pain: brain fog, gut issues, and fatigue
The flaws in standard CDC-approved Lyme tests—and why they miss up to half of cases
More advanced diagnostic tools and their accessibility challenges
The role of clinical judgment in diagnosing “mystery illnesses”
How Lyme overlaps with other chronic, multi-system health issues

💡 In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Why testing alone can’t provide a complete Lyme diagnosis
How to recognize symptoms that point to chronic Lyme disease
The difference between standard vs. advanced Lyme testing methods
Questions to ask your healthcare provider if you suspect Lyme
Why multi-system illnesses require a holistic, root-cause approach

🌐 Resources & Links:

Dr. Aaron Hartman – Richmond Functional Medicine: richmondfunctionalmedicine.com
YouTube – Aaron Hartman, MD: @AaronHartmanMD

Mentioned in this episode:

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If you’ve been let down by the system, you’re not alone — and you’re not powerless. Dr. Hartmans wrote UnCURABLE to help you take back control of your health and your hope. Visit the link below ⬇️ to get your copy and start your transformation today.

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71: Are Your Hormones Broken? – The Shocking Truth About Stress, Sleep & Gut Health with Dr. Christian Jenski Sep 22, 2025

Show notes

What if the real key to balancing your hormones isn’t just lab tests and prescriptions, but stress, sleep, gut health, and everyday choices?

In this episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman welcomes back Dr. Christian Jenski for a practical and empowering discussion on hormone optimization through integrative strategies.

Together, they explore how stress, sleep, detoxification, and gut health form the foundation of hormonal balance. They also walk through comprehensive testing protocols, highlight the role of nutrient deficiencies—especially B vitamins and magnesium—and explain why insulin resistance is one of the most critical yet overlooked drivers of hormone dysfunction.

The conversation moves beyond labs and protocols, touching on lifestyle, exercise, and even family dynamics that often make or break sustainable change. Listeners are left with a clear understanding of how to combine advanced testing with everyday practices to create a personalized, holistic approach to hormone health.

✅ Show Highlights:

Why stress management and quality sleep are non-negotiables for hormone balance
The role of detoxification in hormone metabolism, including lifestyle and dietary strategies
How gut health influences hormone regulation and long-term stability
Initial assessment and testing protocols for hormone and nutrient optimization
The importance of personalized, patient-centered care over one-size-fits-all approaches
How nutrient deficiencies—particularly B vitamins and magnesium—affect hormone function
Understanding insulin resistance and sugar metabolism in hormonal health
Diet, fasting, and lifestyle interventions to improve insulin sensitivity
The challenges patients face, from family dynamics to financial constraints
Why movement and exercise are key to overall wellness and hormone stability

💡 In This Episode, You Will Learn:

How to build a comprehensive strategy for hormone optimization
Why lifestyle foundations must accompany advanced testing and treatment
The hidden role of nutrient deficiencies in hormone dysfunction
How insulin resistance impacts nearly every aspect of health
Practical ways to overcome real-world barriers to change

🌐 Resources & Links:

Dr. Aaron Hartman – Richmond Functional Medicine: richmondfunctionalmedicine.com
YouTube – Aaron Hartman, MD: @AaronHartmanMD

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Dr. Hartman's New Book - UnCURABLE

Get the new book UnCURABLE

70: Cancer in Your 30s?! – The Alarming Rise of Early-Onset Cancer (and How to Prevent It) with Dr. Aaron Hartman Sep 19, 2025

Show notes

Why are cancer rates rising among younger people—and what everyday choices can truly lower your risk?

In this mini-episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman addresses the alarming trend of increasing cancer rates among younger people. Drawing on recent research, he explains how lifestyle factors—particularly alcohol, smoking, and processed food consumption—are major drivers of this rise.

The discussion emphasizes that even moderate alcohol use can significantly increase the risk of cancers such as early-onset colon cancer. Dr. Hartman also explores the dangers of processed foods and how dietary and lifestyle changes can dramatically reduce cancer risk at any age. While supplements like NAC (N-acetylcysteine) and cysteine may play a supportive role, the central message is clear: prevention starts with daily choices.

✅ Show Highlights:

The rise of early-onset cancers and what’s driving the trend
Why alcohol—even in moderation—raises colon cancer risk
How processed foods contribute to inflammation and cancer development
The impact of smoking and environmental toxins on younger populations
Supplements like NAC and cysteine: supportive, but not substitutes for lifestyle change
The powerful role of nutrition, exercise, and stress reduction in cancer prevention

💡 In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Why younger populations are facing rising cancer rates
The underestimated risks of alcohol and processed food consumption
How small, consistent lifestyle shifts can reduce cancer risk
What role supplements may play in supporting prevention
Practical steps you can take today to lower your long-term cancer risk

🌐 Resources & Links:

Dr. Aaron Hartman – Richmond Functional Medicine: richmondfunctionalmedicine.com
YouTube – Aaron Hartman, MD: @AaronHartmanMD

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Dr. Hartman's New Book - UnCURABLE

Get the new book UnCURABLE

69: The Hidden Hormone Hierarchy – Unlocking True Balance & Vitality with Dr. Christian Jenski Sep 15, 2025

Show notes

What if balancing your hormones wasn’t about quick fixes, but about uncovering the root causes that shape your health?

In this episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman and Dr. Christian Jenski—both functional medicine practitioners—explore the science and art of hormone optimization therapy through a truly holistic lens.

They discuss the hormone hierarchy—starting with the HPA axis, thyroid function, sex hormones, and insulin resistance—and how imbalances ripple through the body. The conversation also highlights how genetics (such as the COMT gene), gut health, detoxification pathways, and the autonomic nervous system all play pivotal roles in achieving hormonal balance.

Rather than offering quick fixes, Dr. Jenski and Dr. Hartman emphasize the power of detailed patient history, targeted testing, individualized treatment, and lifestyle change to support long-term health. They also share practical tools and resources for both patients and providers seeking to understand and apply a root-cause approach to hormone care.

✅ Show Highlights:

The hormone hierarchy: HPA axis, thyroid, sex hormones, and insulin resistance
How genetics (COMT gene) and detox pathways affect hormone metabolism
Why gut health is a cornerstone of hormonal balance
The role of the autonomic nervous system in regulating hormones
Targeted testing: blood, urine, saliva, and when each is useful
Why patient history and context matter more than “quick fixes”
Practical strategies for both patients and practitioners

💡 In This Episode, You Will Learn:

The differences between conventional hormone replacement and functional hormone optimization
How lifestyle factors—nutrition, stress, sleep, detoxification—shape hormone outcomes
The importance of personalized, patient-centered hormone care
Why education and empowerment are crucial for both patients and providers
Tools and approaches for safely balancing hormones long-term

🌐 Resources & Links:

Dr. Aaron Hartman – Richmond Functional Medicine: richmondfunctionalmedicine.com
YouTube – Aaron Hartman, MD: @AaronHartmanMD

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Dr. Hartman's New Book - UnCURABLE

Get the new book UnCURABLE

68: Why Pain Doesn’t Go Away – The Surprising Science of Chronic Pain & the Gut with Dr. Aaron Hartman Sep 12, 2025

Show notes

What if the key to breaking free from chronic pain lies not just in advanced treatments, but in understanding how your gut, brain, and daily habits all work together?

In this mini-episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman explores the complex world of chronic pain syndromes such as CRPS (complex regional pain syndrome) and phantom limb pain. He explains how pain can become “centralized” in the nervous system, persisting long after the original injury has healed.

Dr. Hartman highlights exciting new research linking the gut microbiome to chronic pain, as well as the use of AI to analyze microbiome data for personalized treatment. He also discusses the roles of environmental toxins, inflammation, and stress in amplifying pain.

Listeners will walk away with both cutting-edge insights and timeless strategies: while advanced treatments and personalized medicine have promise, foundational practices like nutrition, stress management, and quality sleep remain essential for improving outcomes and breaking the pain cycle.

✅ Show Highlights:

How chronic pain becomes centralized in the nervous system
The surprising role of the gut microbiome in pain syndromes
Using AI to analyze microbiome data for personalized insights
The impact of environmental toxins and inflammation on chronic pain
Foundational practices—nutrition, stress reduction, and sleep—that support healing
Why a holistic approach works better than one-size-fits-all treatment

💡 In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Why pain can persist even after injuries resolve
How the gut-brain connection influences chronic pain syndromes
Where emerging research on AI and microbiome analysis is headed
The importance of addressing inflammation and toxins in pain care
Practical steps to support the body’s resilience and reduce suffering

🌐 Resources & Links:

Dr. Aaron Hartman – Richmond Functional Medicine: richmondfunctionalmedicine.com
YouTube – Aaron Hartman, MD: @AaronHartmanMD
LinkedIn – Dr. Aaron Hartman: Connect Here

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Dr. Hartman's New Book - UnCURABLE

Get the new book UnCURABLE

67: Are We Getting Hormones Wrong? – The Shocking Legacy of the Women’s Health Initiative with Dr. Christian Jenski Sep 08, 2025

Show notes

Are you confused about the difference between hormone optimization and hormone replacement therapy—and what’s actually safe for your health?

In this episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman is joined by Dr. Christian Jenski for a clarifying conversation on hormone health. Together, they unpack the often-confused concepts of hormone optimization and hormone replacement therapy (HRT)—and why individualized care is essential.

The discussion begins with the misconceptions rooted in the landmark Women’s Health Initiative study, which shaped public and medical opinion on hormone therapy for decades. Dr. Jenski and Dr. Hartman address why those conclusions were misleading, what newer research reveals, and how functional medicine provides a safer, more effective framework for hormone care.

Listeners also gain insight into the role of gut health, stress, and nutrition in hormone metabolism, as well as the pros and cons of different testing methods (blood, saliva, urine) and delivery systems (pills, patches, creams, pellets). The episode emphasizes the importance of safe, personalized balancing rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

✅ Show Highlights:

Key differences between hormone optimization and hormone replacement therapy
The lingering misconceptions from the Women’s Health Initiative study
How gut health, nutrition, and stress affect hormone balance
An overview of blood, saliva, and urine testing for hormones
Pros and cons of hormone delivery systems like pills, patches, creams, and pellets
Why individualized, root-cause care ensures safety and better outcomes
Practical insights for patients considering hormone therapy

💡 In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Why hormone therapy should always be tailored to the individual
How addressing gut and lifestyle factors improves hormone metabolism
The limitations of conventional hormone testing and how to interpret results
What delivery systems may work best in different contexts
Why safe hormone balancing is about more than replacing what’s “low”

🌐 Resources & Links:

Dr. Aaron Hartman – Richmond Functional Medicine: richmondfunctionalmedicine.com
YouTube – Aaron Hartman, MD: @AaronHartmanMD
LinkedIn – Dr. Aaron Hartman: Connect Here

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Dr. Hartman's New Book - UnCURABLE

Get the new book UnCURABLE

66: Sugar Is Slowly Killing Us – The Shocking Truth About Cancer, Stroke & Obesity with Dr. Aaron Hartman Sep 05, 2025

Show notes

Could the hidden sugars and processed foods on your plate be quietly fueling cancer, stroke, and obesity?

In this mini-episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman explores the hidden dangers of added sugars and ultra-processed foods, connecting them to serious health risks like stroke, cancer, and obesity.

He shares alarming statistics on rising cancer incidence worldwide, the quadrupling of obesity since 1975, and the role processed meats—now classified as carcinogens—play in long-term disease risk. Dr. Hartman also highlights the impact of alcohol, tobacco, and environmental chemicals on health outcomes, urging listeners to focus on dietary and lifestyle choices as powerful tools for prevention.

This episode is a wake-up call: small, consistent changes in how we eat and live can dramatically reduce our chances of chronic disease.

✅ Show Highlights:

How added sugars and processed foods increase stroke and cancer risk
Why obesity rates have quadrupled since 1975—and what’s driving the trend
Processed meats as classified carcinogens and their impact on health
The compounding dangers of alcohol, tobacco, and environmental toxins
Practical strategies for reducing sugar, alcohol, and processed food intake
Why prevention is more powerful than treatment in chronic disease

💡 In This Episode, You Will Learn:

How diet directly influences cancer and stroke risk
The overlooked dangers of ultra-processed foods in modern lifestyles
Why limiting processed meats and alcohol supports longevity
How environmental chemicals add to disease burden
Actionable steps to protect your long-term health through nutrition and habits

🌐 Resources & Links:

Dr. Aaron Hartman – Richmond Functional Medicine: richmondfunctionalmedicine.com
YouTube – Aaron Hartman, MD: @AaronHartmanMD
LinkedIn – Dr. Aaron Hartman: Connect Here

🎧 Closing Call to Action:

👉 Your health is built on daily choices. Subscribe to Made for Health, share this episode with someone who needs it, and start making simple, powerful shifts away from processed foods toward whole, nutrient-dense living.

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Dr. Hartman's New Book - UnCURABLE

Get the new book UnCURABLE

65: Are You Breathing Wrong? – The Shocking Truth About Breathwork, Health & Healing with Sachin Patel Sep 01, 2025

Show notes

What if the way you breathe could reshape your health, calm your mind, and even help heal old trauma?

In this episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman is joined by Sachin Patel, a renowned health coach and functional medicine practitioner, to explore the ancient practice and modern science of breathwork.

Together, they dive into how intentional breathing transforms the body and mind—impacting the nervous system, immune system, lymphatic flow, and even trauma healing. Sachin explains how proper breathing patterns and tongue posture influence facial structure and overall health, while Dr. Hartman adds clinical insights and personal stories from his own practice.

Listeners are introduced to practical breathwork techniques they can begin using immediately, along with a deeper understanding of why nasal breathing, mindfulness, and emotional integration are essential for holistic well-being.

✅ Show Highlights:

The ancient roots of breathwork and its resurgence in modern health practices
How breath influences the nervous, immune, and lymphatic systems
Breathwork’s role in trauma release, stress resilience, and anxiety reduction
The surprising connection between breathing patterns and facial structure
Why nasal breathing and tongue posture are critical for health
Practical techniques you can start practicing today
Breathwork as a foundational, accessible tool for both physical and mental health

💡 In This Episode, You Will Learn:

How dysfunctional breathing contributes to stress and chronic illness
Why breathwork is a bridge between mind, body, and emotions
Practical exercises for calming the nervous system and improving energy
How breath can accelerate healing and enhance overall performance
Simple ways to integrate breath awareness into everyday life

🌐 Resources & Links:

Sachin Patel – Official Website: https://thelivingproofinstitute.com
Instagram – Sachin Patel: @thesachinpatel
Dr. Aaron Hartman – Richmond Functional Medicine: richmondfunctionalmedicine.com
YouTube – Aaron Hartman, MD: @AaronHartmanMD
LinkedIn – Dr. Aaron Hartman: Connect Here

🎧 Closing Call to Action:

👉 Breath is free, powerful, and always available. Subscribe to Made for Health to keep learning how foundational practices like breathwork can transform your life—and share this episode with someone who needs the reminder to pause and breathe.

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Dr. Hartman's New Book - UnCURABLE

Get the new book UnCURABLE

64: Is the Western Diet Destroying Your Gut? – The Shocking Truth About Processed Foods with Dr. Aaron Hartman Aug 29, 2025

Show notes

In this mini-episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman explains how the typical Western diet—loaded with processed foods, sugar, chemicals, and unhealthy fats—damages the gut lining and disrupts the microbiome, especially after antibiotic use.

He highlights how this diet not only drives inflammation and chronic disease risk, but also reduces the effectiveness of even advanced treatments like fecal microbial transplants. Dr. Hartman underscores the power of whole foods, fiber, polyphenols, and healthy fats in repairing the gut, lowering inflammation, and protecting against conditions such as colon cancer.

This episode is both a warning and a call to action: true gut recovery requires moving beyond processed foods and embracing real nutrition.

✅ Show Highlights:

How the Western diet damages the gut lining and microbiome
Why processed foods impair gut healing and recovery
The impact of antibiotics and how diet affects microbiome restoration
Why advanced treatments like fecal transplants fail without dietary change
The protective role of whole foods, fiber, polyphenols, and healthy fats
How reducing processed food intake lowers the risk of colon cancer and other chronic diseases

💡 In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Why your diet is foundational for gut recovery and long-term health
The hidden dangers of processed foods and additives on gut integrity
How to nourish the microbiome for resilience and healing
Practical steps to replace processed foods with nutrient-dense options
How diet-driven gut health influences inflammation, immunity, and disease prevention

🌐 Resources & Links:

Dr. Aaron Hartman – Richmond Functional Medicine: richmondfunctionalmedicine.com
YouTube – Aaron Hartman, MD: @AaronHartmanMD
LinkedIn – Dr. Aaron Hartman: Connect Here

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Dr. Hartman's New Book - UnCURABLE

Get the new book UnCURABLE

63: Your Kitchen Could Be Making You Sick – The Shocking Truth About Food, Hormones & Healing with Shelly Rose Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Made for Health, Dr. Aaron Hartman is joined by Shelly Rose, a nutritionist and culinary instructor, for an inspiring discussion on the power of food as medicine and how transforming your kitchen can transform your health.

Shelly shares her personal health journey and how it led her to reimagine cooking as a pathway to healing. She offers practical strategies for meal planning, tips for gradually replacing processed foods with whole, nutrient-dense ingredients, and insights into women’s hormone health and protein needs. Together, they highlight how sourcing quality foods, cultivating a supportive kitchen environment, and letting go of perfectionism can empower sustainable, life-changing nutrition habits.

This episode is packed with actionable steps for anyone looking to make food not just a daily necessity, but a foundation for vibrant health.

✅ Show Highlights:

Shelly’s journey from health challenges to healing through food
How to create a kitchen that supports wellness and sustainability
Meal planning strategies to make healthy eating realistic
The role of protein and nutrient-dense foods in women’s hormone health
Sourcing high-quality, whole ingredients—and why it matters
Overcoming perfectionism and embracing progress over perfection
How to personalize nutrition for your body and lifestyle

💡 In This Episode, You Will Learn:

Why food is one of the most powerful medicines available to us
How to approach meal planning without overwhelm
The nutritional foundations of hormone balance and long-term wellness
Why perfection is the enemy of consistency when it comes to healthy eatin
How to make small, intentional changes that lead to big results

🌐 Resources & Links:

Shelly Rose – Pure Roots Nutrition: purerootsnutrition.com
Dr. Aaron Hartman – Richmond Functional Medicine: richmondfunctionalmedicine.com
YouTube – Aaron Hartman, MD: @AaronHartmanMD
LinkedIn – Dr. Aaron Hartman: Connect Here

Mentioned in this episode:

Get Dr. Hartman's New Book - UnCURABLE

Get the new book UnCURABLE

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