The Functional Edge with Dr. Julia Ward

In this eye-opening episode of The Functional Edge, I welcome Dr. Mark DeBrincat, known as the Good News Doctor, who shares his inspiring personal healing journey and introduces the revolutionary GlycoCheck system. After surviving a heart attack and severe injury despite leading a healthy lifestyle, Dr. DeBrincat set out to uncover better ways to assess cardiovascular and metabolic risk beyond traditional testing.

Discover how the G...

In this vital episode of The Functional Edge, I welcome Dr. Nettie Jones, a licensed psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience specializing in women’s mental health. Nettie offers compassionate, expert guidance on understanding and managing chronic stress, anxiety, and depression—challenges that impact every facet of our well-being.

Discover how to recognize the often-overlooked symptoms of chronic stress, how your daily patt...

In this essential episode of The Functional Edge, I welcome Dr. Jen Pfleghaar, a board-certified integrative medicine physician specializing in women's hormonal health. Dr. Pfleghaar shares invaluable insights on perimenopause and menopause, offering expert guidance to help you understand and navigate your health journey with the latest advancements in functional medicine.

Discover the key signs and symptoms of perimenopause, the in...

In this insightful episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward welcomes Dr. Tom Larkin, a proactive and preventative dentistry pioneer. Moving beyond traditional reactive care, Dr. Larkin shares his unique "Larkin Protocol," which integrates advanced diagnostics and treatments to transform oral health.

Discover how imbalances in the oral microbiome contribute to systemic inflammation and chronic diseases like heart dise...

In this cutting-edge episode of The Functional Edge, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Beth McDougall, functional medicine pioneer and co-founder of Jísen, a state-of-the-art bio-optimization center in Marin County, CA.

We explore the science and strategies behind reversing biological aging, from mitochondrial health to structured water, quantitative brain mapping, and NAD IVs. Dr. McDougall shares her powerful blend of foundational lifes...

In this episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward welcomes Dr. Monica Jauregui, MD, IFMCP, a leading voice in integrative medicine with a deep personal and clinical understanding of mold and mycotoxin illness. With roots in internal medicine and ICU care, Dr. Jauregui now focuses on helping patients navigate complex chronic conditions, particularly those caused by environmental toxins like mold.

Together, they uncover how mycot...

In this episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward sits down with Saumil Manek, founder of Union is Creation, to explore the deep and transformative power of sound healing. Saumil opens up about his journey into wellness, from his early experiences with singing bowls to leading immersive wellness festivals that blend sound, breathwork, and conscious movement. Tune in to learn how vibrational sound therapy, cold exposure, and in...

In this episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward interviews Gene Barnett, founder and CTO of Advanced Light Devices (Aldi), about how Aldi is pioneering light therapy for medical applications. Gene shares insights into Aldi’s high-tech laser devices and phototherapy tools, explaining how light wavelengths, including red, green, and ultraviolet, are being used to treat conditions like carpal tunnel, joint pain, and infections....

In this episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward sits down with Dr. Shivani Gupta, an expert in Vedic and integrative health, to explore Ayurveda's powerful role in combating chronic inflammation. Dr. Gupta explains how inflammation, rather than aging alone, is the key contributor to many age-related issues like fatigue, joint stiffness, digestive problems, and weight gain. She shares practical Ayurvedic tools—such as die...

In this episode of The Functional Edge, I'm honored to sit down with Dr. John Neustadt, medical director and founder of Balanced Body Functional Medicine, and a leading expert in bone health. We dive deep into common misconceptions about osteoporosis, revealing why bone density tests are not the full picture, and exploring the limitations of conventional medications. Dr. Neustadt shares his groundbreaking research on overlooked...

In this episode of The Functional Edge, I sit down with Lori Lowell, a trailblazer in the fitness and wellness industry, to explore how yoga transforms both the body and mind. We dive into her unique approach to training yoga teachers, the science behind yoga’s impact on the 11 major body systems, and why music is a powerful tool for deepening practice. Lori also shares how breathwork, mindfulness, and movement create lasting healt...

I dive into groundbreaking neuroscience with Dr. Ronald J. Swatzyna, exploring the power of EEG, neurofeedback, photobiomodulation, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy in treating brain injuries, anxiety, and neuroinflammation. 

We discuss why psychiatric medications often fail and how cutting-edge brain mapping techniques can pinpoint the real root causes of neurological conditions. If you’re interested in optimizing brain performance an...

Uncover the hidden dangers lurking in your home's air and discover how small actions can have a significant impact on your health. Learn smart ventilation tips and how to choose the best air purifiers from Dr. Julia Ward, MD, in this powerful episode on The Functional Edge.

Think oxygen therapy is just for wound care? Think again.

In this episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward sits down with Dr. Alexander Borsand, whose p...

In this powerful conclusion to the Detox Your Life series on The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward uncovers a silent threat hiding in plain sight—your home’s air. While we focus on the food we eat and the products we use, the air we breathe every day can be even more toxic, and often overlooked.

Dr. Ward explains how modern homes can trap pollutants from synthetic materials, harsh cleaners, artificial fragrances, and other sources. Sh...

In this episode of The Functional Edge with Dr. Julia Ward, Dr. Ward explores the hidden dangers of household cleaners and their impact on health. She discusses how volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in everyday products can contribute to long-term health issues such as respiratory problems, congenital disabilities, and cancer risk. Dr. Ward delves into the chemicals found in popular cleaning products and provides actionable advice ...

In this episode of The Functional Edge with Dr. Julia Ward, Dr. Ward dives deep into the hidden chemicals lurking in personal care products, from shampoos and deodorants to sunscreens and nail polishes. She explores how the under-regulation of the US personal care industry leaves consumers vulnerable to harmful ingredients, including phthalates, parabens, and oxybenzone. Dr. Ward explains the importance of understanding ingredient ...

In this episode of The Functional Edge with Dr. Julia Ward, Dr. Ward continues the topic of environmental toxins and their significant impact on our health. From the food we eat to the products we use, harmful chemicals like PFAs, BPA, and microplastics are all around us, contributing to chronic diseases like cancer, hormone disruption, and immune system problems. Learn how these toxins sneak into your daily life and discover pract...

In this episode of The Functional Edge with Dr. Julia Ward. Dr. Ward dives deep into the world of environmental toxins and their impact on our health. From the food we eat to the air we breathe, toxins are everywhere, and they can slowly accumulate in our bodies, leading to chronic conditions like cancer, heart disease, and infertility. Dr. Ward offers practical steps to reduce your exposure, focusing on simple, actionable changes ...

In this episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward sits down with Donald Grothoff, a mindset coach specializing in Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). Donald shares how EFT tapping, breathwork, and mindfulness help patients overcome emotional blocks and improve overall healing. He recounts his personal journey from skepticism to becoming an EFT practitioner, discusses the science behind tapping, and offers practical strategies ...