When it comes to holiday traditions, we think of decorating Christmas trees, baking cookies, the Elf on the Shelf, or lighting a menorah. But holiday traditions are far more unusual and diverse throughout the world. Some might really surprise you!

On today’s episode, we touch on some unusual international holiday customs you’ve likely never heard while sprinkling in some clinical pearls. We also continue our podcast tradition of reading The Lab Report’s special rendition of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 5:00 Kentucky Fried Christmas
• 7:00 The Christmas Pickle
• 8:55 Pooping logs, yule goats, & frankincense
• 14:30 Christmas disease game
• 17:30 Santa Claus towns
• 20:00 ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: podcast@gdx.net.

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the days get shorter and the air turns crisp, cold and flu season sneaks in bringing sniffles, coughing, fatigue, and fever. It’s a time when germs spread easily, and our immune systems face a tough challenge. When you add holiday stress in the mix, it becomes even more important to boost your defenses, and optimize your immunity.

In today’s episode, we offer tips to help you unlock your body’s natural defenses as we try to navigate cold and flu season. This podcast has everything you need to stay ahead of seasonal sickness so you can enjoy your holiday.

Today on The Lab Report:

· 3:00 Yep -Patti is still sick

· 5:05 Vitamin D is awesome

· 8:50 Sleep quantity and quality

· 12:00 Michael’s rant on herbal therapies

· 17:40 The importance of zinc

· 20:05 Cortisol and dampened immunity

· 22:55 Honorable mentions

Additional Resources:

Genova Connect

Manna Food Bank

Eblen Charities

United Way Asheville

Beloved Asheville

Habitat for Humanity - AVL

Rural Organizing and Resilience

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: podcast@gdx.net.

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and celebration – but to be honest, it can also be incredibly stressful. Between hosting dinners, finding the perfect gifts, managing finances, and navigating family dynamics, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. The good news? You’re not alone and there are ways to reclaim the magic of the season without losing your sanity.

In today’s podcast, we dive into the science of stress and how the vagus nerve holds the key to calm. Discover how breathwork, mindfulness, and gratitude can transform your holiday experience, helping you stay grounded, joyful, and resilient. Tune in and gift yourself some peace this season!

Today on The Lab Report:

· 3:10 Holiday season is here!

· 6:20 Stressors and getting to the root cause of expectations

· 8:40 Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic – neuroendocrine responses

· 11:30 Vagus nerve

· 13:15 Breathwork techniques, singing, gargling, laughing

· 18:15 Mortality of holiday season

· 20:15 Mindfulness and joy

· 24:00 Gratitude

Additional Resources:

Genova Connect

Manna Food Bank

Eblen Charities

United Way Asheville

Beloved Asheville

Habitat for Humanity - AVL

Rural Organizing and Resilience

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: podcast@gdx.net.

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Where to begin? It’s been a few weeks since you’ve heard from us – thank you so much for your amazing support and patience. As you may know, Hurricane Helene brought devastation to western North Carolina, eastern Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. Genova Diagnostics is headquartered in the heart of Asheville, North Carolina. With that, it’s been a challenging few weeks. But the heroic efforts of many, and the resilient spirit of our team have us back up and running. Genova continues to support our local community- many of whom are still struggling and have lost everything. #WNCStrong

Today’s episode is a bit different than usual. It’s our story. Our lessons learned. Genova’s story of resilience when faced with a devastating, historic hurricane.

Additional Resources:

Genova Connect

Manna Food Bank

Eblen Charities

United Way Asheville

Beloved Asheville

Habitat for Humanity - AVL

Rural Organizing and Resilience

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: podcast@gdx.net.

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or heartburn, is incredibly common as is the use of stomach acid suppressing medication. But what if there is far more to the story than stomach acid? There are many other factors to consider in a patient with heartburn. We are going to dive into the physiology of gastric acid, gastric hormonal signaling, and a slew of medications and foods that might be the real culprit. Are PPI’s over prescribed? Are we missing the picture? Tune in to find out.

In today’s episode, we tackle some burning questions about GERD and try to get to the root cause. Are acid suppressing medications always the answer? Perhaps the story is not that simple.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 3:45 Conventional medicine’s approach to GERD
• 6:30 The roll of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES)
• 8:15 Stomach acid and gastric hormonal signaling
• 13:20 Foods that affect the LES
• 14:15 PPI’s - controversy and weaning
• 18:00 Prescriptive meds, lifestyle, and the LES
• 19:50 Hiatal hernias
• 21:30 Question of the Day
  • How does hypochlorhydria or PPI use affect Genova testing?

Additional Resources:

Genova Connect **PROMO CODE TheLabReport20 for 20% off your purchase**

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: podcast@gdx.net.

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Occasionally, there are new and novel things introduced into the functional medicine and biohacker space that catch our attention. Lately, you might have heard a lot of people talking about the amazing health benefits of “nootropics,” but what are they? Coming from the name of the Greek word Nous (meaning “mind”), nootropics are medicines designed to improve cognitive function and protect the brain. Many of us could use a healthy dose of cognitive support to help us through our busy lives, but what is the truth about nootropics and where can we find them?

In today’s episode, we discuss the what, how, and why of nootropics. We explain what things are considered nootropics and how they work in the body. We also discuss what may be unexpected nootropic things you can do everyday that may not even be termed a nootropic. Listen for more information on how you can help get the most out of your cognition.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 3:30 There’s a lot of buzz about nootropics
• 4:30 Defining Terms: Nootropics
• 6:30 Michael rants on what is not a nootropic?
• 8:30 How do nootropics work in the body?
• 10:30 Vinpocetine
• 12:55 Huperzine A and brain energy
• 15:00 Astaxanthin - not just for flamingos
• 18:00 Nootropic herbs – aka “adaptogens”
• 22:10 Ginkgo biloba – a powerful nootropic
• 24:15 Are there side effects?

Additional Resources:

Genova Connect **PROMO CODE TheLabReport20 for 20% off your purchase**

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: podcast@gdx.net.

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ok, we know what you’re thinking…. Artichokes? Really? Yes really. It may seem a bit out of left field, but you’d be surprised at the many health benefits from either eating artichokes or taking an extract supplement. As a vegetable, it contains fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Extracts made from artichoke leaves, stems, and roots have been used as nutraceutical agents to support the GI tract, liver, and cardiovascular system. But why?

In this episode, we peel back the layers of the artichoke – a very mysterious plant indeed. Is it possible to boost your health with artichoke leaf extract? Tune in to find out!

Today on The Lab Report:

• 3:25 Random artichoke topic – functional food
• 4:30 Jerusalem artichoke globe artichoke
• 6:00 Fruit, vegetable, and flowers - Extract vs. Whole food
• 8:15 Gut and liver health
• 10:35 Milk thistle vs. artichoke
• 12:30 Artichoke extract is antimicrobial
• 14:50 Powerful impact in IBD
• 18:00 Cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, cancer
• 20:00 Artichoke Game Time!!

Additional Resources:

Genova Connect **PROMO CODE TheLabReport20 for 20% off your purchase**

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: podcast@gdx.net.

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly yourself, visit Genova Connect.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) has become a hot topic in functional medicine. Mast cells are an integral part of the body’s immune system. They can be found in areas of exposure such as mucosal membranes, the lining of the GI tract, skin, and airways. Mast cells are responsible for storing important chemical mediators like histamine and others which help to instigate allergic responses. Mast cell disorders arise when there are too many mast cells, or they become hyperreactive. That being said, these conditions are often misunderstood, and diagnoses are sometimes misused.

In today’s episode, we focus on the role of mast cells and histamine in the immune response. We discuss the different mast cell activation disorders, how to diagnose them, and what you can do about it.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 3:05 Mast Cell Activation Diseases
• 5:15 What is a mast cell? Why do we care?
• 7:05 Symptoms of histamine release
• 8:40 Histamine intolerance vs. MCAS
• 11:11 Foods: High Histamine or Low Histamine?
• 14:25 Non-food related histamine associations
• 15:30 Diagnosing and treating MCAS
• 18:00 Question of the Day
  • What Genova profiles can help parse out histamine intolerance v. MCAS?

Additional Resources:

IgE Food Antibodies Profile

IgE Inhalants - Allergy Profile

IgE Mold - Allergy Profile

Methylation Panel

Subscribe, Rate, & Review The Lab Report

Thanks for tuning in to this week’s episode of The Lab Report, presented by Genova Diagnostics, with your hosts Michael Chapman and Patti Devers. If you enjoyed this episode, please hit the subscribe button and give us a rating or leave a review.

Don’t forget to visit our website, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Email Patti and Michael with your most interesting and pressing questions on functional medicine: podcast@gdx.net.

And, be sure to share your favorite Lab Report episodes with your friends and colleagues on social media to help others learn more about Genova and all things related to functional medicine and specialty lab testing.

To find a qualified healthcare provider to connect you with Genova testing, or to access select products directly, visit Genova Connect.

Disclaimer: The content and information shared in The Lab Report is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. The views and opinions expressed in The Lab Report represent the opinions and views of Michael Chapman and Patti Devers and their guests.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.