{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/67dc796a782fc3c7c6e1c2cb/69025006fc950e90d2bfb6b4?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Digging Deeper: Root Causes, Lab Markers, and the Truth About Testing (Part 2 with Michael Rutherford)","description":"<p>On this episode, Amber and Johanna continue their conversation with functional health expert Michael Rutherford. This second part is packed with practical advice and myth-busting around lab testing, root causes, and women’s health.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Key Topics Covered:</strong></p><ul><li>Why “root cause” matters: Michael explains why diagnoses like hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s, or low progesterone are just the beginning, and why asking “why” is the key to true healing.</li><li>The pitfalls of jumping straight to hormone panels, food sensitivity tests, and specialty labs without addressing foundational health.</li><li>How symptoms often reveal more than lab numbers, and why practitioners should look beyond the diagnosis to underlying causes.</li><li>The importance of working with ethical, skilled practitioners (and how DIY approaches can waste time and money).</li><li>Understanding blood markers: Why blood tests are the gold standard, and how to interpret markers like glucose, insulin, A1C, and cholesterol with nuance.</li><li>The complexity of insulin resistance, why fasting labs matter, and how stress, diet, and even things like mold or parasites can impact your results.</li><li>Cholesterol demystified: Why high cholesterol isn’t always bad, how age and gender affect optimal ranges, and why context is everything.</li><li>The truth about TSH and thyroid testing: Why TSH alone isn’t enough, the role of the pituitary, and how under-eating and over-exercising can impact thyroid health.</li><li>Gut health basics: Why food sensitivity tests are often unnecessary, and the simple foundational steps to start healing your gut.</li><li>The three root causes of dysfunction: Deficiency, toxicity, and vitality (mental/emotional health)—and why you need to address all three for lasting wellness.</li><li>Michael’s approach to blood chemistry and why patterns (not single markers) tell the real story.</li></ul><p><br></p><p><strong>Connect with Michael Rutherford:</strong></p><ul><li>Instagram: <a href=\"https://www.instagram.com/functional_blood_chemistry/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://www.instagram.com/functional_blood_chemistry/</a></li><li>Website:<a href=\"https://www.fundamentawellness.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"> https://www.fundamentawellness.com/</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p>*All of the information discussed in this episode is for entertainment and education purposes only, please do not take this information as medical advice. Please discuss any changes you’d like to make with your medical provider. Contact us: <a href=\"mailto:hello@wildandfierce.com\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">hello@wildandfierce.com</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Johanna:</strong></p><p>IG: @‌wildmusewellness</p><p>Website: <a href=\"http://www.wildmusewellness.com/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">www.wildmusewellness.com</a></p><p>Book a consult with Wild Muse: <a href=\"https://l.bttr.to/Yj3AA\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Book A Consult</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Amber:</strong></p><p>IG: @‌fierce.not.fragile</p><p>Website: <a href=\"https://www.subscribepage.com/fiercenotfragile\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Fierce, Not Fragile</a></p><p>Coaching Inquiries: <a href=\"https://fierce-not-fragile.kit.com/2bc1651227\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">https://fierce-not-fragile.kit.com/2bc1651227</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong><em>Disclaimer</em></strong></p><p><em>This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. Nothing shared in this episode is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, heal, or prevent any disease or medical condition, and it is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or care from a licensed healthcare provider.</em></p><p><br></p><p><em>Any nutrition, lifestyle, or supplement information discussed is general in nature and may not be appropriate for your individual situation. Always consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, starting new supplements, or changing any medications, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, managing a health condition, or taking prescription medications.</em></p><p><em>The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Wild Muse Wellness. Listening to this podcast does not create a practitioner-client relationship.</em></p>","author_name":"Amber Grimmett & Johanna Clark"}