Episode #224: Nitric Oxide with Beth Shirley, RPh, CCN

🎧 Episode Summary In this episode, Corbin Popp, DMD, explores the hidden links between oral health and complex chronic illness through the lens of biological dentistry and whole-body care. He examines the oral microbiome, interference fields, mercury amalgams, root canal-treated teeth, and jawbone cavitations, including emerging research on covered socket residuum, patient readiness, and strategies for supporting bone healing. The conversation then explores biocompatible materials, ceramic implants, airway health, Dentosophy, tongue-tie, sleep apnea, and jaw and bite stability, emphasizing conservative treatment and collaboration with systemic healthcare providers to support better outcomes. 🧭 In This Episode - Biological dentistry and its relationship to complex chronic illness - Dental interference fields and potential effects on systemic health - Oral microbiome testing and connections between oral and systemic health - Cavities, enamel erosion, and approaches to remineralization - Gum recession and the role of tissue health and bite forces - Dental biofilms and the use of ozone and xylitol - Mercury amalgams, safe removal, and replacement materials - Root canal-treated teeth and persistent infection - Connections between dental issues and sinus health - Jawbone cavitations, covered socket residuum, and biopsy-based diagnosis - Patient readiness and medical collaboration before cavitation surgery - Platelet-rich fibrin and bone grafting for jawbone healing - Zirconia implants and dental material compatibility testing - Dentosophy and training nasal breathing, tongue position, and swallowing - Palate expansion, tongue-tie, and dental approaches to sleep apnea - TMJ dysfunction, clenching, grinding, and jaw and bite stabilization 👤 About the Guest Corbin Popp, DMD, grew up in small-town Nebraska around his father's dental office. He excelled in science and math and earned a biochemistry degree with honors from the University of Nebraska. A Fulbright Scholarship took him to Germany, where he put dentistry on hold for a decade-long career as a professional dancer on Broadway and international stages. Dance taught him to see the body as one interconnected system, and that view now shapes his dentistry. A tooth functions within a bite, a jaw, a skeleton, and ultimately a whole person. He graduated top of his class from the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health and was named Resident of the Year in his Graduate Practice Residency at the University of Colorado Anschutz. His practice focuses on ceramic implant surgery, regenerative bone augmentation, and complex Bioesthetic full mouth rehabilitation and jaw stabilization. His surgical work also includes managing root canal treated teeth and poorly healed extraction sites. These sites have historically been called cavitations or FDOJ lesions and are now being studied through newer concepts such as Covered Socket Residuum. He has completed Level 3 training through the OBI Foundation for Bioesthetic Dentistry, as well as Level 1 dental technician training in dental morphology. That combination reflects his view that bone, implant position, jaw stability, and tooth morphology must all come together to create function, which is why he stabilizes the jaw before restoring the teeth. He was the first American dentist certified in the Swiss Biohealth Concept, trained under Dr. Ulrich Volz, and later studied Biological Bone Augmentation with Dr. Frank Zastrow. He is currently in advanced postgraduate training with Professor Shahram Ghanaati, whose work in wound healing, regenerative biology, and jawbone healing informs his surgical approach. On the more controversial questions in biological dentistry, he is careful to separate clinical observation from established science. In his words, "Biological dentistry shouldn't mean less science. It should mean more biology and better science." Connect With the Guest Website - https://coloradobiodental.com YouTube -

🎧 Episode Summary In this episode, Andrew Heyman, MD, MHSA, continues exploring complex chronic illness through the broader framework of the Cell Danger Response and his five-phase treatment model. Building on Part 1, he examines Actinobacteria, endotoxins, MARCoNS, fungal colonization, detoxification, phospholipid replacement, hidden infections, the microbiome, and nervous system regulation as part of moving through CDR1. The conversation then explores CDR2 and CDR3, including mitochondrial and metabolic restoration, immune regulation, safety signaling, VIP, and strategies for rebuilding resilience and supporting a return to health. 🧭 In This Episode - Actinobacteria exposure and its role within the CIRS model - Environmental and gut-derived endotoxins as drivers of inflammation - Detoxification strategies for chemicals, pesticides, and heavy metals - Phospholipid replacement for detoxification, cell membranes, and mitochondrial support - RG3 (Synapsin) for neuroinflammation and microglial activation - Pathogen reduction for Lyme disease, Candida, SIBO, parasites, and reactivated viruses - MARCoNS and nasal dysbiosis in chronic inflammatory illness - Fungal colonization and the use of natural and pharmaceutical antifungals - Gut permeability, microbiome diversity, fiber, probiotics, and immunoglobulins - EMDR, limbic retraining, and autonomic regulation for hyperreactivity - CDR1 treatment gates for progressing through trigger removal, pathogen reduction, and gut repair - CDR2 metabolic and mitochondrial restoration for rebuilding cellular energy production - Mitochondrial testing for personalizing CDR2 treatment - CDR3 safety signaling, VIP, and restoring immune regulation - Autoimmunity and restoring balance between innate and adaptive immunity - Graded exercise, fasting, hormesis, and rebuilding resilience in CDR3 👤 About the Guest Andrew Heyman, MD, MHSA, is an internationally recognized expert in integrative and metabolic medicine. He is currently the Fellowship Director of Integrative Medicine at The George Washington University and is responsible for overseeing graduate education and multiple degree programs. Dr. Heyman created the first master's degree in Integrative Medicine in the United States within a major academic center and developed additional graduate curricula in nutrition, metabolic medicine and performance, men's health, biotoxin exposure and neurodegeneration, and administrative health services in wellness settings. Dr. Heyman has held board certifications in Family Medicine, Integrative Medicine, and Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. He also served as the Director of Academic Affairs for the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine for a decade, overseeing all educational programs globally. Since 2014, Dr. Heyman has maintained a clinical and research focus on biotoxin illnesses and exposure to water-damaged buildings. He has published almost two dozen papers in peer-reviewed academic journals on the subject and edited the first medical textbook on the subject. Dr. Heyman is considered one of the world's leading experts in this area, having presented his work to Congress, testified in dozens of mold-related legal cases, and provided professional education to countless practitioners globally. He is the founder of Beyond Mold, a complete medical and health resource for individuals and families suffering from mold illness. Dr. Heyman has been featured on the Discovery Channel, Martha Stewart Living, Ladies' Home Journal, and Natural Health Magazine. He has appeared in many other television and print venues and is a widely sought-after and celebrated speaker around the world on many integrative medicine topics. Connect With the Guest Website - https://BeyondMold.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondMold Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587620336794 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/beyond_mold TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondmo

🎧 Episode Summary In this episode, Andrew Heyman, MD, MHSA, explores mold-related illness, CIRS, and complex chronic illness through the broader framework of the Cell Danger Response. Drawing on his clinical experience, research, and personal journey with Lyme disease and mold illness, he explains how mitochondrial responses to threat may connect CIRS with conditions such as ME/CFS, Long COVID, and other chronic illnesses. The conversation explores total toxic and infectious load, resilience, CDR1, testing strategies, mitochondrial function, and an evolving approach to understanding and treating patients whose bodies remain stuck in a state of cellular defense. 🧭 In This Episode - Dr. Heyman's personal experience with Lyme disease and mold-related illness - CIRS within the broader Cell Danger Response model - Chronic illness triggers, total load, and mitochondrial resilience - CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 as stages of cellular defense and recovery - Trauma-based illness, hyperreactivity, and cellular danger signaling - Testing strategies for assessing the Cell Danger Response - GENIE findings and their relationship to mitochondrial signaling and exposure - HLA-DR genetics, illness susceptibility, and total load - GDF15 and FGF21 as markers of mitochondrial stress - Direct mitochondrial function testing with Seahorse and citrate synthase assays - Persistent alarm signaling and abnormal test results after triggers are removed - Cellular mosaicism and different Cell Danger Response states within the same person - Five danger-sensing pathways and their response to mold, Lyme, Actinobacteria, endotoxins, and beta-glucans - Treatment timing across CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 - CDR1 treatment phases for trigger removal, inflammation, detoxification, and microbial recovery 👤 About the Guest Andrew Heyman, MD, MHSA, is an internationally recognized expert in integrative and metabolic medicine. He is currently the Fellowship Director of Integrative Medicine at The George Washington University and is responsible for overseeing graduate education and multiple degree programs. Dr. Heyman created the first master's degree in Integrative Medicine in the United States within a major academic center and developed additional graduate curricula in nutrition, metabolic medicine and performance, men's health, biotoxin exposure and neurodegeneration, and administrative health services in wellness settings. Dr. Heyman has held board certifications in Family Medicine, Integrative Medicine, and Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. He also served as the Director of Academic Affairs for the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine for a decade, overseeing all educational programs globally. Since 2014, Dr. Heyman has maintained a clinical and research focus on biotoxin illnesses and exposure to water-damaged buildings. He has published almost two dozen papers in peer-reviewed academic journals on the subject and edited the first medical textbook on the subject. Dr. Heyman is considered one of the world's leading experts in this area, having presented his work to Congress, testified in dozens of mold-related legal cases, and provided professional education to countless practitioners globally. He is the founder of Beyond Mold, a complete medical and health resource for individuals and families suffering from mold illness. Dr. Heyman has been featured on the Discovery Channel, Martha Stewart Living, Ladies' Home Journal, and Natural Health Magazine. He has appeared in many other television and print venues and is a widely sought-after and celebrated speaker around the world on many integrative medicine topics. Connect With the Guest Website - https://BeyondMold.com YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondMold Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587620336794 Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/beyond_mold TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondmold Interview Date: September 3, 2026 🔗 Related Resources A Clinical

🎧 Episode Summary In this special episode, Neil Nathan, MD and Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker, MD come together to share their distinct perspectives on mold-related illness and Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). Drawing on decades of clinical experience and research, they explore where their approaches converge and differ across diagnosis, urine mycotoxin testing, MARCoNS, GENIE, environmental assessment, Actinobacteria, nervous system regulation, VIP, treatment approaches, and overall recovery. The conversation offers two evolving perspectives on complex chronic illness with a shared goal of helping patients regain health and resilience. 🧭 In This Episode - Treatment models for mold illness and CIRS, including key drivers and foundational pillars of recovery - HLA-DR testing and its role in susceptibility, clinical decision-making, and recovery potential - Biotoxin blood markers for diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring progress - Urine mycotoxin testing, including accuracy, interpretation, limitations, and clinical utility - VCS, NeuroQuant, GENIE, and organic acids as tools for clinical assessment and treatment direction - MARCoNS, the sinubiome, and their potential significance in mold-related illness and CIRS - Environmental assessment using ERMI, HERTSMI-2, air sampling, and indoor environmental professionals - Nervous system dysfunction involving the limbic system, vagus nerve, dysautonomia, and mast cell activation - Coagulation abnormalities and their potential significance in CIRS - Prescription and natural binders and their role in treatment - Fungal colonization and the role of antifungal treatment - Actinobacteria and endotoxins as potential contributors to CIRS - VIP and its potential role in treatment - Recovery endpoints and the factors involved in restoring health and resilience 👥 About the Guests Neil Nathan, MD is a leading clinician in the treatment of mold illness, Lyme disease, chemical sensitivities, and other complex chronic conditions, and is the author of several books including Toxic and The Sensitive Patient's Healing Guide. Connect With the Guest Website - https://neilnathanmd.com Ritchie Shoemaker, MD is a pioneer in the field of biotoxin illness and the developer of the Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome, or CIRS, model. He is the author of several books including Mold Warriors and Surviving Mold. Connect With the Guest Website - https://www.cirsx.com Interview Date: August 13, 2026 🔗 Related Resources Detection of Mycotoxins in Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23580077 Biochemical Markers in the Urine Associated with Gastrointestinal Mold-Overgrowth Are Linked with Elevated Urinary Mycotoxins in Patients with Suspected Mold Illness - https://townsendletter.com/biochemical-markers-in-the-urine-associated-with-gi-mold-overgorwth-shaw-and-pratt-hyatt Clearance of multiple antibiotic-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci is selectively associated with higher circulating α-melanocyte stimulating hormone in patients evaluated for chronic inflammatory response syndrome - https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2026.1728408/full Pitfalls of Mycotoxin Testing: Evidence-Based Findings Confirm Mycotoxin Assays Using Antibody Testing and Urinary ELISA Are Based on Flawed Science - https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/7260 Transcriptomic Parkinson's Prodrome and its Correction by Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide in Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome - https://esmed.org/MRA/mra/article/view/7608 📄 Transcript Review a transcript of this episode: https://betterhealthguy.com/ep238 ☕ Support the Show Support the show and Buy Me a Coffee: https://betterhealthguy.link/BuyMeACoffee 🧭 My 16-Step Framework Learn more about my 16-Step Framework for better health: https://betterhealthguy.link/Steps 💸 Community Discounts Explore BetterHealthGuy Community Discounts: https://bet

🎧 Episode Summary Emily Gutierrez, DNP, C-PNP, CCN, IFMCP, FMAPS explores the brain-folate connection and the role of cerebral folate deficiency in autism, PANS/PANDAS, and neurodevelopmental health. She explains how folate supports DNA synthesis, myelination, neurotransmitter production, and other critical functions in the brain, while highlighting how blood folate levels may appear normal even when folate availability in the central nervous system is inadequate. The conversation examines folate receptor alpha autoantibodies and the mechanisms that can interfere with folate transport into the brain. Dr. Gutierrez discusses their significant overlap with autism and PANS/PANDAS, the potential contributions of mitochondrial dysfunction and genomic variants, and the use of the Folate Receptor Antibody Test (FRAT) to identify blocking and binding autoantibodies. She explores dietary, inflammatory, and immune factors that may influence folate receptor autoimmunity and cerebral folate availability. Dr. Gutierrez discusses folinic acid and prescription leucovorin as strategies to increase folate availability in the brain, including dosing, titration, potential side effects, and factors that may influence treatment response. She explains how higher doses may utilize alternative folate transport mechanisms, why addressing inflammation, infections, and nutrient cofactors may be important, and how restoring adequate folate availability may support language, development, neurological function, and resilience. 🧭 In This Episode - Cerebral folate deficiency and impaired folate availability in the brain - Folate receptor alpha autoantibodies and their effect on folate transport - Autism and PANS/PANDAS prevalence in cerebral folate deficiency - Mitochondrial dysfunction and energy-dependent folate transport - FRAT testing for folate receptor alpha autoantibodies - Blocking, binding, and soluble folate receptor findings and clinical severity - Folate receptor autoantibodies and fluctuations in folate transport - Genomic variants and their relationship to folate metabolism and FRAT positivity - Dietary folic acid and dairy considerations with folate receptor autoantibodies - Inflammation, infections, nutrient cofactors, and preparation for high-dose folinic acid - Leucovorin dosing and clinical response to folinic acid - Folinic acid side effects and its relationship to tetrahydrobiopterin - High-dose folinic acid and alternative folate transport mechanisms - Immune dysregulation and folate receptor autoimmunity in autism 👤 About the Guest Emily Gutierrez, DNP, C-PNP, CCN, IFMCP, FMAPS is a doctorally prepared nurse practitioner and nationally recognized expert in functional medicine. With advanced clinical training in both pediatric and adult care, she brings a root-cause, evidence-based approach to optimizing neurological and mental health across the lifespan. As a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Johns Hopkins University, Dr. Gutierrez specializes in translational medicine; applying the latest scientific research to real-world patient care. She has served as adjunct faculty at Johns Hopkins University for six years, teaching integrative and functional health. She is a Fellow of the Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs (MAPS), an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner (IFM-CP), a Certified Clinical Nutritionist (CCN), and a Primary Care Mental Health Specialist (PCMHS). Her clinical background includes extensive training in neuronutrition, genomics, and integrative strategies to support complex mental health and neurodevelopmental conditions. In her role as Chief Scientific Medical Liaison and Formulator for Neuro Nutrients, she develops clinically informed, research-backed supplements that support brain function, mood balance, and overall neurological resilience; designed for both pediatric and adult populations. Connect With the Guest Website - https://neuronutritionassociates.com You