Made for Health

• 88: When “It’s Just Anxiety” Isn’t the Truth – The Hidden Physiology of Medical Gaslighting with Dr. Aaron Hartman

  Could your “anxiety” actually be a hidden medical condition like POTS or hormonal imbalance that’s been overlooked or misdiagnosed?In this insightful minisode, Dr. Aaron Hartman explores the reality of medical gaslighting — a common yet deeply overlooked issue where physical symptoms are dismissed as “just anxiety” or “psychological.” Drawing from real clinical experience, he sheds light on the hidden physiological causes behind these often-minimized symptoms, especially in women.Dr. Hartman explains how conditions like dysautonomia and POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome) can masquerade as anxiety, causing dizziness, heart palpitations, and low blood pressure fluctuations. He also examines how hormonal cycles, gut health, and neurotransmitter balance play critical roles in mood and energy regulation.The episode reminds listeners that true healing starts with being heard—and that understanding your own physiology is one of the most powerful forms of advocacy. 🔑 Key InsightsCommon symptoms like anxiety, dizziness, and fatigue may have physiological—not psychological—roots.Dysautonomia and POTS are often missed causes of anxiety-like symptoms.Women’s hormonal fluctuations and monthly cycles can reveal key diagnostic clues.The gut-brain connection plays a major role in emotional and neurological health.Dismissive care delays diagnosis—patients must advocate for full evaluations and second opinions.Medical gaslighting disproportionately affects women and those with complex, multi-system conditions.Future episodes will explore gaslighting in obesity care and other misunderstood conditions.Follow Dr. Aaron Hartman & Richmond Integrative & Functional MedicineWebsite: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/YouTube: @AaronHartmanMDMentioned in this episode:Get Dr. Hartman's New Book - UnCURABLEIf 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.Get the new book UnCURABLE

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• 87: The Hidden Flaws in Modern Medicine – Uncovering “Blind Spots” with Dr. Aaron Hartman

  Could some of the biggest breakthroughs in medicine still be hiding in plain sight—overlooked by the very system meant to heal us?In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Aaron Hartman explores one of the most revealing themes from his book UnCurable: From Hopeless Diagnosis to Defying All Odds—the concept of medical blind spots. Drawing from history, research, and real-world clinical experience, Dr. Hartman examines how entrenched medical beliefs and slow adoption of new evidence can leave critical gaps in patient care. From Semmelweis and handwashing to modern examples like antibiotics, mitochondrial toxicity, and research bias, he sheds light on why humility and open-mindedness are essential to progress in medicine. This episode challenges both clinicians and patients to question assumptions, advocate for themselves, and embrace a more integrative, transparent approach to health. 👤 About the GuestDr. Aaron Hartman is a board-certified family physician and founder of Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine. His clinical and personal experiences inspired him to bridge conventional and functional medicine, helping patients with complex, chronic illnesses find answers when traditional care falls short. He is the author of UnCurable: From Hopeless Diagnosis to Defying All Odds, a powerful story of faith, transformation, and redefining what’s possible in healthcare. 🔑 Key Topics CoveredThe meaning of “blind spots” in modern medicine and why they persistHistorical lessons from Ignaz Semmelweis and the delayed recognition of smoking’s dangersMedical errors as a leading cause of death—and why they remain under-recognizedMitochondrial toxicity and gut disruption from common medicationsThe antibiotic-obesity connection and long-term metabolic effects of overprescriptionResearch bias: why up to 50% of published studies may later be proven falseEditorial gatekeeping and the slow adoption of new medical ideasThe importance of patient self-advocacy and presenting your own health history clearlyThe role of humility and collaboration in advancing integrative medicinePractical steps to identify and avoid medical blind spots in your own care 🧠 Takeaways & ReflectionsMedicine evolves slowly—critical thinking and open inquiry drive true progress.Not every “evidence-based” study tells the full story; experience and context matter.Patients can play an active role in shaping their health outcomes through advocacy and education.Recognizing blind spots in healthcare invites both professionals and patients to grow, learn, and heal together.🔗 Links & Resources📘 Book: UnCurable: From Hopeless Diagnosis to Defying All Odds👉 https://a.co/d/8sqjZNF🌐 Website: Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine📺 YouTube: @AaronHartmanMDMentioned in this episode:Get Dr. Hartman's New Book - UnCURABLEIf 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.Get the new book UnCURABLE

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• 86: Toxic Overload – The Hidden Chemicals Making You Sick with Dr. Christian Jenski

  Could the toxins in your air, food, and water be quietly sabotaging your energy, hormones, and long-term health?In this episode, Dr. Aaron Hartman and Dr. Christian Jenski dive deep into the hidden world of environmental toxins and how they affect human health. From heavy metals and pesticides to plastics and micro-pollutants, they uncover how modern life exposes us to thousands of untested chemicals—and what we can do about it. They explain how toxins enter and disrupt the body, the organs responsible for detoxification, and why an individualized, science-based approach is essential. Listeners will learn practical ways to reduce exposure, support the liver and kidneys, and adopt safer habits for air, water, food, and household choices. This conversation is both eye-opening and empowering, offering a clear path toward detoxing smarter, not harder. 👤 About the GuestsDr. Aaron Hartman is a board-certified physician and founder of Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine. With years of experience in both conventional and integrative care, he helps patients uncover root causes behind complex conditions through nutrition, lifestyle, and regenerative medicine. Dr. Christian Jenski is an emergency medicine and integrative physician who brings a systems-based perspective to toxin exposure and detoxification. His expertise bridges conventional toxicology and functional medicine, helping patients restore balance through practical, evidence-based strategies. 🔑 Key Topics CoveredWhy more than 80,000 chemicals are in circulation—but fewer than 2,000 have been adequately tested for safetyHow toxins from air, water, food, and household products contribute to inflammation, endocrine disruption, and chronic illnessCommon toxic culprits: arsenic, lead, mercury, glyphosate, aluminum, and microplasticsHow phase 1 and phase 2 liver detoxification work, and why amino acids and B-vitamins are crucialThe role of the kidneys and hydration in toxin elimination and pH balanceThe surprising connection between sweating, gut health, and detox efficiencyWhy chronic stress and shallow breathing interfere with the body’s natural detox pathwaysPractical detox methods: infrared saunas, cold plunges, mineral support, and hydrationThe precautionary principle—why Europe’s approach to chemical regulation is safer than America’sHow to create a low-toxin home environment with simple, affordable steps 🧭 Actionable TipsFilter your water: Use certified filters or reverse osmosis systems and test your tap water at ewg.org/tapwater.Improve air quality: Use HEPA filters, houseplants, and proper ventilation—especially in kitchens and bathrooms.Choose safer cookware: Replace Teflon with stainless steel or cast iron, and store food in glass instead of plastic.Support your liver: Eat protein-rich meals with amino acids like glycine and taurine; include cruciferous vegetables and hydration.Sweat regularly: Sauna sessions or exercise at least 3 times per week to promote toxin elimination.Prioritize gut health: Ensure daily bowel movements and balanced microbiome support. 📚 Products and Resources MentionedEnvironmental Working Group (EWG) – Tap Water Database and Clean 15/Dirty Dozen ListsHarvard School of Public Health – Healthy Home GuideReverse...

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• 85: Medical Gaslighting in Obesity Care – How Misdiagnosis Delays Real Healing with Dr. Aaron Hartman

  What if your weight struggles aren’t about willpower at all—but signs of deeper inflammation, toxins, or trauma your body’s been carrying?In this insightful minisode, Dr. Aaron Hartman examines the issue of medical gaslighting in obesity care—when a patient’s symptoms are automatically dismissed as a result of their weight. He challenges the oversimplified view of obesity as a purely lifestyle-related condition and highlights how it is, in fact, a complex, multifactorial disease.The episode breaks down the different types of obesity—including inflammatory, metabolic, toxin-related, and trauma-induced forms—and underscores how each requires its own diagnostic approach and treatment strategy. Dr. Hartman emphasizes the importance of listening carefully to patients, identifying root causes, and addressing underlying physiological drivers rather than applying one-size-fits-all advice. 🔑 Key Topics CoveredWhat medical gaslighting looks like in obesity treatment and why it persistsThe four main types of obesity and how they differ in cause and treatmentWhy inflammation, toxins, and trauma are often overlooked in weight-related careThe role of hormones, metabolism, and the nervous system in obesityFunctional medicine’s approach to identifying root causes behind weight gainThe importance of compassionate listening and individualized care plansHow dismissing obesity as “just lifestyle” delays accurate diagnosis and healingFollow Dr. Aaron Hartman & Richmond Integrative & Functional MedicineWebsite: https://richmondfunctionalmedicine.com/YouTube: @AaronHartmanMDMentioned in this episode:Get Dr. Hartman's New Book - UnCURABLEIf 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.Get the new book UnCURABLE

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• 84: From Hopeless Diagnosis to Defying the Odds: A Father’s Journey with Anna

  What if one child’s impossible diagnosis became the spark that transformed a father—and a physician—forever?In this moving and transformational episode, Dr. Aaron Hartman shares the extraordinary story behind his book UnCurable: From Hopeless Diagnosis to Defying All Odds. What began as a devastating medical journey with his daughter, Anna, who was born with severe neurological challenges, became a story of faith, resilience, and transformation.Through navigating medical controversies, challenging conventional practices, and embracing integrative and functional approaches, Dr. Hartman reveals how one child’s journey changed the course of his life and career. This episode is both a heartfelt story of family and a compelling exploration of how personalized, integrative medicine can help even the most complex patients reclaim their health and hope. 👤 About the GuestDr. Aaron Hartman is a board-certified family physician and founder of Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine. Drawing on both conventional and holistic modalities, he specializes in complex, chronic conditions that often fall through the cracks of traditional healthcare. His personal journey as a father to a medically complex child fuels his passion for helping others reclaim their health and vitality. 🔑 Key Topics CoveredAnna’s early diagnosis and the challenges of navigating a fragmented healthcare systemHow questioning “standard of care” led to unexpected resistance from medical authoritiesThe importance of intuition and parental advocacy in caring for special-needs childrenLessons learned from medical controversies involving feeding tubes, surgeries, and growth chartsHow one family’s perseverance revealed the system’s siloed nature — and the need for integrative careThe evolution of Dr. Hartman’s practice into a refuge for complex, misunderstood patientsUsing integrative tools such as neuromuscular stimulation, nutritional medicine, and nutrigenomicsReal-life applications of light therapy, detoxification, and regenerative medicineThe emotional and spiritual lessons of hope, perseverance, and purpose through hardshipHow Anna’s journey continues to inspire Dr. Hartman’s mission to help others “defy the odds” 🧠 Takeaways & ReflectionsTrue healing often begins when you refuse to accept “there’s nothing more we can do.”Integrative and functional approaches bridge the gaps between medical silos.Advocacy, faith, and persistence can change not only one life — but the lives of many.Health is the foundation of all dreams: “A person who has their health has a thousand dreams; the one who does not has but one.”🔗 Links & Resources📘 Book: UnCurable: From Hopeless Diagnosis to Defying All Odds👉 https://a.co/d/8sqjZNF🌐 Website: Richmond Integrative & Functional Medicine📺 YouTube: @AaronHartmanMDMentioned in this episode:Get Dr. Hartman's New Book - UnCURABLEIf 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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