In this episode of The Better Life, Dr. Marianne Pinkston and guest Ray Solano, owner of PD Labs, a compounding pharmacy, explore the intricate link between gut health and neurological well-being. They discuss how an integrative approach, combining functional medicine principles with modern therapeutics, can address the root causes of mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. The conversation covers the impact of diet, genetics, and lifestyle on mental health, and introduces natural and compounded solutions like L-theanine, oxytocin, and BH4.

Chapters

0:00 - 4:14: Introduction and the Problem with Conventional Solutions. Dr. Pinkston introduces Ray Solano and the topic of neurological problems. They discuss the rising rates of conditions like depression and ADD and argue that conventional medicine often only treats symptoms with pharmaceuticals, ignoring the root causes.

4:14 - 8:40: The Gut-Brain Connection and Inflammatory Foods. Ray and Dr. Pinkston explain the direct link between gut health and brain function, highlighting how neurotransmitters are made in the GI tract. They emphasize that inflammatory foods like gluten, processed items, and alcohol can significantly impact mental health.

8:40 - 13:28: The Role of Genetics and Foundational Treatments. The discussion shifts to the role of genetic predispositions (SNPs) and how lifestyle and diet can either turn these genes on or off. They introduce the importance of a holistic approach, viewing health as a puzzle with multiple pieces, including nutrition, exercise, sleep, and gut health.

13:28 - 19:38: Nutraceuticals and Hormonal Support. Dr. Pinkston and Ray detail natural, accessible remedies. Ray highlights L-theanine for its calming effects and introduces oxytocin, explaining its role in social bonding and mood elevation. They discuss its use as a compounded treatment for conditions like OCD and autism.

19:38 - 25:22: The Power of Compounded Pharmaceuticals. The focus returns to specific, targeted solutions. Ray explains BH4 (tetrahydrobiopterin), a pharmaceutical used to treat a specific genetic deficiency that impacts serotonin and dopamine production. They also discuss the compounding of natural thyroid medication and the importance of personalized medicine.

25:22 - 30:40: Progesterone and Metabolic Dysfunction. The conversation broadens to include hormonal balance, with Dr. Pinkston highlighting progesterone's role in sleep and anxiety. They also discuss metabolic dysfunction, the prevalence of belly fat, and its link to hormonal disruption and chronic disease.

30:40 - 34:25: Addressing ADD and Brain Inflammation. Dr. Pinkston and Ray focus on ADD and the importance of removing inflammatory foods from the diet. Ray introduces Synapsin, a compounded nasal spray containing RG3-Ginseng, as an effective tool for reducing brain inflammation associated with ADD and other neurological issues.

34:25 - 39:05: Conclusion and Final Thoughts. Dr. Pinkston and Ray encourage listeners to seek professional support for their health issues. They emphasize the value of telehealth and the growing field of longevity medicine, which aims to fix underlying problems rather than just treating symptoms. They conclude by providing contact information for their respective websites and podcasts.

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In this episode, Dr. Laura, with her extensive knowledge and science-backed education, helps us separate fact from fiction about seed oils. Beyond the buzz and misinformation, she clarifies the real science behind acidity and alkalinity, giving you the truth without the hype.

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Do you or someone you love struggle with unexplained fatigue, brain fog, pain, or a
""mystery illness"" that never seems to have clear answers? In this episode of The Better Life with Dr. Pinkston, Dr Amy Offutt, president of ILADS, dive deep into chronic complex illness—a condition that often hides behind vague symptoms yet impacts every aspect of daily life. ILADS.org

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In this inspiring episode of The Better Life with Dr. Pinkston, I welcome Tiffany Jones Smith—President of the Texas Kidney Foundation, Chair of the Chronic Kidney Disease Task Force, the first African American woman to hold these positions, and a chronic kidney disease patient herself. Tiffany shares her powerful journey and groundbreaking leadership, highlighting the urgent need for awareness, early diagnosis, and patient advocacy in kidney health. Together, we explore how patients can take an active role in their care and how hope and action can change the future of chronic kidney disease.

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Thyroid therapies have come under scrutiny and Ray Solano of PDLABS and I discuss the therapies and options and explain why treatment is controversial. Dr Pinkston also makes a huge announcement on a new option for weight loss and integrative medical care.

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In this episode, I sit down with Robert Long and Dr. Hans Vick to uncover the hidden drivers of high blood pressure. Beyond numbers on a blood pressure cuff, we explore how the microvascular system and the Glycocalyx, the intricate network of tiny blood vessels—plays a central role in hypertension and overall cardiovascular health. Together, we discuss cutting-edge insights and natural therapies such as Revasca, that go beyond symptom management to address the root causes, offering hope for sustainable healing and prevention.

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Is your brain keeping you in pain? Rewire your brain and get relief from the root cause. In this episode, guest Brandon Day, All- American Linebacker and Sports Illustrated cover athlete with chronic pain history, uncovers the surprising role of brain signaling in chronic pain and why conventional treatments often fall short.Discover how root-cause medicine can reset the nervous system and offer new hope for chronic sufferers.

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Dr Marianne Pinkston is joined by Dr. William Hsu, Chief Medical Officer of L-Nutra, to explore a growing crisis: 93% of Americans are metabolically unhealthy, and for the first time in generations, our life expectancy is declining. Together, they uncover why conventional medicine and prescription-based approaches are falling short— and how science-backed nutrition and strategic fasting offer a realistic, attainable path to restoring metabolic health. If you're looking for hope beyond the prescription pad, this conversation delivers powerful insights that could change the trajectory of your health and our nation's future.

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