00:00:00 Dr. Sina Smith, a medical doctor, acupuncturist, and functional medicine expert, discusses her morning routine and the benefits of exposure to cold weather. She shares that she bundles up to go to the gym, which is nearby, and intentionally exposes herself to the cold again on her way back home. Dr. Smith explains that this practice, inspired by the Vim Hoff method, boosts the immune system and helps the body adapt to seasonal changes, particularly during the time of year when viral infections are prevalent. She also mentions that cold plunges and ice baths, currently popular on social media, have physiological benefits and are not just trends. From a Chinese medicine perspective, the stimulation of the yin-yang balance through the contrasting temperatures of hot and cold is beneficial for movement.

00:05:00 In this section of the podcast episode "The Power of Integrative, Functional & Culinary Medicine” with Dr. Sina Smith, she shares her fascinating journey from surgery to acupuncture. Having been all set to pursue an academic medicine career with degrees in physiology and biophysics, and a fellowship in surgical education, she developed a debilitating repetitive stress injury during her surgery training. Despite trying various treatments, she found relief for the first time through acupuncture. Fascinated by this ancient practice, she transitioned from her planned academic career to studying acupuncture, selling her house, and moving to Los Angeles to attend acupuncture school. Her story is a testament to the complementary nature of different medical practices and the power of finding one's passion even in the face of adversity.

00:10:00 Dr. Sina Smith shares her unique journey into the fields of integrative and culinary medicine. After completing her education in Acupuncture school in California, she was drawn to various alternative therapies and sought out training in cranial sacral therapy, colon hydrotherapy, aroma therapy, and more. Despite facing financial challenges, she managed to learn from various practitioners and even began teaching at the Acupuncture school and working for a plasmaferesis company to support herself. Her interest in integrative medicine led her to explore the link between food and the body, which she referred to as culinary medicine. She emphasized the importance of understanding not just macronutrients but also the micronutrients and minerals that are transferred from the soil into the food we eat. She also recognized the need to teach people how to cook, as many have lost this skill. The differences between integrative and culinary medicine lie in their approaches: integrative medicine uses conventional and unconventional methods together, while culinary medicine focuses on the understanding of how food works in the body.

00:15:00 In this section with Dr. Sina Smith, the discussion revolves around the importance of maximizing nutritional value from food through cooking methods and the role of culinary medicine in healthcare. Dr. Smith emphasizes that medical professionals who can cook and advise patients on nutritious meals lead to better health outcomes. She also explains integrative medicine as a combination of conventional and unconventional or complementary practices, using the example of cancer treatment and acupuncture. Dr. Smith, as an integrative practitioner, uses various hats, including functional medicine, acupuncture, and culinary medicine, to provide the best care for her patients. She is a strong believer in food as medicine and the importance of understanding the body's biochemistry to optimize health. Culinary medicine, a new concept for her, focuses on the preparation and consumption of nutrient-dense foods for therapeutic purposes. The conversation also touches on the importance of the microbiome in maintaining overall health.

00:20:00 Dr. Smith discusses the importance of the microbiome and its symbiotic relationship with the human body. She explains how fiber, which is not digested in the small intestine, is processed by bacteria in the large intestine, producing short-chain fatty acids that nourish the colon cells. Dr. Smith also highlights the significance of the microbiome diversity and its role in supporting the immune system. She shares her excitement about functional medicine, which she has incorporated into her medical practice over the last few years, and how it has helped her understand various health issues, particularly leaky gut syndrome. In contrast, she compares the conventional medical approach to treating leaky gut syndrome, which may involve diagnosing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and referring patients to a nutritionist or registered dietitian, but without a clear solution. Dr. Smith emphasizes the importance of considering the biochemical perspective in functional medicine to address the root cause of health issues.

00:25:00 The discussion shifts to the impact of food on the gut and the immune system. Dr. Smith explains how certain foods, such as those with high levels of gram-negative bacteria, sugar, and gluten, can activate toll-like receptors in the gut, leading to a leaky gut and the production of antibodies to foods that shouldn't trigger an immune response. She suggests an elimination diet and food sensitivity testing to identify irritating foods and repair the gut lining. The time frame for recovery from a moderate case of leaky gut syndrome is estimated to be three to six months.

00:30:00 Dr. Sina Smith discusses the concept of integrative, functional, and culinary medicine, which involves retraining the immune system to react less strongly to certain foods by collaborating with it and reclaiming the mucus barrier. They also mention the importance of cleaning up the microbiome to improve overall health. Dr. Smith explains that this approach is different from conventional medicine, which is starting to explore the idea of leaky gut but is still skeptical and cautious about it. She notes that there isn't anything in conventional medicine that does the same kind of thing and that it takes time for new ideas and treatments to be accepted in the medical community.

00:35:00 The discussion revolves around the importance of continuous learning in medicine and Dr. Smith's passion for teaching. Dr. Smith expresses that older doctors may not be aware of the latest medical advancements due to the lack of a strong push to continue learning throughout their careers. He still teaches and speaks at various events, emphasizing education as one of his passions. If Dr. Smith could go back in time, he would encourage his younger self to take advantage of undergraduate education and explore various fields of interest, as he believes the liberal arts education he received was fantastic and provided him with the capacity to learn a multitude of things. Despite being in private practice, he would still advise his younger self to pursue more education.

00:40:00 The guest discusses the advantages and disadvantages of working in private practice versus academic medicine. Dr. Smith shares her frustration with the lack of flexibility and decision-making power in academic centers and her appreciation for the autonomy she has in private practice. She also expresses her need for expertise in financial management, which her husband, a former business owner, was unable to provide. The conversation then shifts to holiday eating, with Dr. Smith recommending fiber cookies as a way to feel full and boost fiber intake before holiday meals. She also suggests taking smaller portions and using a smaller plate to help maintain a healthy diet during the holiday season.

00:45:00 In this section of the podcast episode with Dr. Sina Smith, they discuss the benefits of mindful eating, particularly when it comes to sweets and sugar intake. Dr. Smith explains that focusing on the pleasure of a small portion of dessert can help reduce the overall amount consumed, which in turn positively impacts the microbiome and digestive system. They also touch on the psychological aspects of eating, such as stress and social situations, and how mindful eating can help alleviate these factors. Dr. Smith suggests serving smaller portions on smaller plates to trick the brain into feeling full, and taking the time to savor each bite. She is currently working on two upcoming projects: a book about acupuncture, which should be available soon, and leading a task force to write about the state of acupuncture in the United States.

00:50:00 Dr. Smith discusses an upcoming publication on the state of acupuncture in the United States and shares personal experiences of treating people in various settings without needing needles. She emphasizes the versatility of integrative medicine and the various connection points that can be addressed.