Based on recent research, the term ‘dysbiosis’ is no longer a simple black-and-white diagnosis of a gut imbalance. The scientific understanding of a healthy microbiome is evolving. It’s no longer just about the laundry list of organisms present, but rather about their functionality for health and disease.

In today’s episode, we unpack the term ‘dysbiosis.’ Join us to rethink what it means to have a healthy microbiome, the utility of novel algorithmic scoring, and how a deeper understanding of this complex ecosystem is opening doors to more targeted diagnostics and therapeutics.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 4:30 Healthy microbiome vs. Dysbiosis
• 8:00 Defining terms
• 10:10 Dysbiosis scoring algorithms
• 15:40 Functional approach to dysbiosis
• 16:30 Rethinking pathogens
• 19:25 The microbiome is reactionary – root cause is important!
• 23:15 Should we even be using the word “dysbiosis”?
• 24:25 Whole genome sequencing and gut functionality
• 28:00 Adaptability of the microbiome

Additional Resources:

GI Effects Stool Profile

Microbiomix

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.

Like Hippocrates said, “All Disease Begins in the Gut.” Here in functional/personalized medicine, stool testing is an important tool to help get to the root cause of chronic conditions or to optimize health. Given its vital role in clinical practice, choosing the right stool test becomes paramount and being mindful of the information you are seeking is key.

In today’s episode, we're taking the conversation deeper, refocusing on why studying the microbiome is so critical. This episode redefines the clinical utility of Genova's stool tests, giving you the insights you need to make informed decisions and get better results for your patients.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 4:55 Stool testing - High-level why’s
• 8:00 Clinical guide to basic gut function
• 11:00 Inflammation biomarker overload
• 13:30 Measuring maldigestion/malabsorption
• 16:15 Gut metabolites – direct vs. Next-Gen Sequencing
• 20:10 Infection – bacterial culture
• 24:45 Finding parasites

Additional Resources:

GI Effects Stool Profile

Microbiomix

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.

Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) are often called molecular chaperones. These crucial proteins spring into action when cells are under threat from environmental stressors, toxins, inflammation, and oxidative stress.

Join us as we uncover how heat shock proteins function as the cell’s microscopic repair crew. Discover how this fundamental biological mechanism not only protects our cells from daily stresses but also holds promising clues to treating age-related illnesses like cancer and neurodegenerative diseases.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 3:50 Heat shock proteins and cellular health
• 8:05 Types of cellular stress
• 9:30 Specific functions of HSPs
• 11:00 Metaphors are fun
• 13:05 How were these discovered?
• 14:00 Different than cold shock proteins
• 16:00 Clinical associations in disease
• 19:15 Naturally increasing your HSPs
• 21:25 Drug development and implications

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.

Licorice root is a time-honored herbal remedy with a sweet side. Beyond its role in teas and tonics, licorice root has been used for centuries to support digestion, ease respiratory illnesses, and calm everyday inflammation. It is well- known for its synergistic effects with other herbal therapies.

Join us as we talk about how licorice root can fit into your wellness routine, the traditions behind its medicinal use, and simple ways you can explore these benefits safely.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 4:00 Licorice root – the plant, not the candy
• 7:15 Powerhouse synergizer herb
• 9:45 Bioactive constituents – pharmacologic overview
• 13:45 Clinical uses – starting with the respiratory tract
• 16:40 Google it – Dental caries
• 19:15 In vitro cancer studies
• 21:30 Estrogenic activities
• 23:22 Cortisol, fluid retention, electrolytes, blood pressure
• 25:45 “What’s in a Name?”

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.

Mitochondrial dysfunction may be one of the most important topics in the area of personalized and preventative medicine to date. Thousands of articles have been published on the nature of how mitochondria become damaged and what that means for health, longevity, and aging. On today’s podcast, we take a deep dive into the triggers for mitochondrial dysfunction and what clinical conditions are related to damaged mitochondria.

We also discuss how to arm your arsenal with everyday items to help stability, protect, and maintain our mitochondria. We also discuss how other systems within and outside the cell are impacted by these “power plants” within.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 3:45 Break it down: the parts of the cell
• 8:40 The mitochondria are power plants
• 9:00 What’s normal?
• 10:00 Factors that trigger mitochondrial dysfunction
• 13:20 The mitochondria as our cell’s cohabitant
• 16:10 Progression of mitochondrial dysfunction
• 20:10 Clinical conditions associated with mitochondrial dysfunction
• 21:00 What can we do about it?

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.

Eggs are one of the most widely-consumed, and underappreciated, foods in the human diet. Long regarded as a nutritional powerhouse, eggs are rich in high-quality protein and essential nutrients that are key for health. In fact, eggs are considered the best complete protein – meaning they contain all 9 essential amino acids. But for decades, eggs were caught in the crossfire of the cholesterol debate.

In today’s episode, we’ll explore what current research says about the relationship between eggs and heart health, and whether concerns about dietary cholesterol still hold up. We’ll also discuss the role of eggs in weight management, muscle maintenance, eye health, and brain function. Whether you’re someone who eats eggs daily or has questions about whether you should, this episode offers a thoughtful, evidence-based discussion on why eggs have earned their place at the table.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 4:00 Why can't we agree about eggs?
• 6:00 Eggs are low calorie and a complete protein
• 8:30 Which is better the whites or the yolks?
• 10:00 Eggs, choline, and brain health
• 11:45 Eggs and eyes
• 17:00 The egg and cholesterol controversy
• 19:45 We find a way to bring "methylation" into the discussion
• 23:00 Eggs, satiety, and weight management
• 24:50 Little known constituents inside eggs
• 26:30 Other types of eggs and their nutritional value
• 29:00 Fun facts about eggs: color and bloom
• 30:20 Which came first, the chicken or the egg?

We also referenced The Methylation Episode which can be listened to here.

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.

Stool testing technology has advanced rapidly in recent years, with newer methods like PCR and whole-genome sequencing offering faster and more precise insights into the gut microbiome. These innovations have transformed how clinicians approach gut health, allowing for more targeted interventions. However, older technologies—such as microscopy, culture, and enzyme-based assays—still play a valuable role. These methods provide functional insights that molecular tools may miss, such as direct observation of parasites or assessment of digestive markers. The most comprehensive labs recognize that no single method gives the full picture. Instead, combining the strengths of both modern and traditional techniques ensures more accurate, clinically meaningful results.

In this episode, we dive into the pros and cons of different laboratory methodologies used in stool testing—from culture and microscopy to PCR and advanced sequencing. We break down how these choices impact accuracy, sensitivity, and clinical usefulness. You'll also learn why Genova Diagnostics stands out for its integrative, evidence-based approach, combining multiple testing methods to deliver the most comprehensive and clinically actionable results available.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 4:00 Technology grows quickly, and the microbiome is complex
• 7:30 Microbiology culture
• 12:40 PCR – very precise if done correctly!
• 17:00 Interpreting the laundry list
• 20:10 Remember the microscope?
• 23:30 Whole-genome (shotgun) sequencing pros/cons
• 27:15 Genova does it all – and well

Additional Resources:

GI Effects Stool Profile

Microbiomix

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.

N-acetylcysteine, or NAC, plays an important role in the body when it comes to combating oxidative stress. As a precursor to make glutathione, NAC has been used for decades both as an acute medication and as an over-the-counter supplement. Recently, the line between medication and supplement has been blurred and is now being debated.

Today we talk all about N-acetylcysteine - the ways NAC is used and its importance in health and disease.

Today on The Lab Report:

• 2:45 NAC as a drug in acute care settings
• 4:00 Mechanisms of action in the lung and kidney
• 7:15 NAC as a daily supplement
• 10:00 Hmmm…so is it a medication or a supplement?
• 11:15 Generic drug or herbal constituent?
• 15:00 Research on NAC in psychiatric disorders
• 16:16 NAC in polycystic ovary syndrome and fertility
• 17:40 Safety and side effects
• 18:50 Question of the Day:
  • What are the other precursors to glutathione and how do we measure them?

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.

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.