In this episode of “Why Am I Just Finding This Out?,” host Kristin Stovern, APRN-C, MSN, CNM, FACNM discusses gut health and its impact on overall health with Christopher H. Roberts, MD, a a functional medicine practitioner specializing in hormonal health.
Dr. Roberts explains that the medical industry is failing women by not recognizing their unique health needs and offering a one-size-fits-all approach. This has resulted in a rise of chronic illnesses and autoimmune diseases among women, as well as an overall decline in their quality of life.
The conversation delves into the importance of nutrition in women’s health and how a diet filled with processed foods can contribute to inflammation and disease. Dr. Roberts recommends a whole-foods based diet, with an emphasis on organic fruits and vegetables, and avoiding foods high in sugar and gluten.
Kristen and Dr. Roberts also discuss the role of stress in women’s health and how chronic stress can lead to hormone imbalances and other health issues. Dr. Roberts recommends various stress-reducing techniques, such as yoga, meditation, and spending time in nature.
Lastly, they touch on the importance of advocating for oneself in the medical industry and seeking out healthcare providers who prioritize integrative and personalized medicine. Listen now for valuable insights and practical tips for women to take charge of their own health and work towards a better quality of life.
Dr. Robert’s Bio:
Dr. Roberts graduated from the University of Missouri Columbia School of Medicine in 1991. specializes in Obstetrics & Gynecology, Urology and Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. He has gone on to be a certified functional medicine practitioner.
Dr. Roberts’ goal in functional medicine is to help patients who have been through conventional medicine and are frustrated with the fact that “no one listens to me” and “all they want to do is treat my symptoms but never get to the source of my problem.” He has a goal to find the root cause allowing patients to thrive with his holistic approach and not merely survive with conventional treatments.
Dr. Roberts pursued urogynecology which led to his eventual discovery of functional medicine. “In urogynecology, I was introduced to an in-office-based treatment called pelvic floor therapy. This technique offered a surgery free, no pain, no risk approach to incontinence and was addressing the actual causes for urinary and/or stool leakage.” This disorder is “rooted” in the nerves and muscles of the pelvic floor that control those bodily functions.
Dr. Roberts has a passion to focus on each individual patient as a unique person with a specific problem. Dr. Roberts states that he, “hates that traditional medicine wants merely to label patients and often treat symptoms rather than addressing the cause of their problem.” Dr. Roberts would rather spend his time listening to the patient describe their symptoms in detail, perform an appropriate and often more detailed physical examination and order comprehensive and personalized testing to gain a better insight to the problem facing each individual.
Fundamentally, traditional medicine limits physicians by requiring them to “stay within the parameters they set” creating a kind of ‘fence’ around the practice of medicine. Dr. Roberts admits “As soon as I was introduced to functional medicine, it’s like someone opened the gate to that fence allowing for a much deeper understanding of disease and giving more options to treat conditions. I realize now that I can run as hard and as fast to the horizon and will never see another fence again. How refreshing.” He also states “It’s not as if there is no place for traditional medicine. I tell patients all the time that the advantage of my medical degree (MD) is that I have the ability to practice both from a traditional medicine perspective and adding my new-found knowledge in herbal, nutritional medicine to help them more completely with their problems.”
Dr. Roberts has continued to study in new areas of medicine. He has completed a master’s course in lipidology with a follow up course which has him as the areas only certified Bale Doneen Method physician. This certification has allowed Dr. Roberts to offer a cardiovascular and stroke risk detection and prevention program that involves more detailed lab testing for lipid/cholesterol abnormalities that could signal impending risk for a heart attack and/or stroke. He has completed certification in prodrome testing as well. This testing offers a potential for getting a deeper look into cell membrane health and its relationship to cardiovascular disease risk, neurodegenerative disease risk (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, etc.) and cancer risk. He is very excited about the possibilities associated with this testing as these are the three leading causes of death in America today.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-roberts-55708471/
website: https://customizedrelief.com/