Your labs come back normal and you still feel terrible. That’s where I start digging. The organic acid test (OAT) is a urine test that measures the end products of your metabolism. Your body makes organic acids when it handles food, toxins, and neurotransmitters, and when it makes energy. Some gut microbes make them too. Since your body doesn’t reabsorb them, they show up in your urine. In my telehealth clinic, I use it for clues about yeast and fungal overgrowth, mitochondrial function, oxalates, methylation, neurotransmitter metabolites, and markers linked to mold exposure. It can be especially helpful for chronic fatigue, brain fog, chronic pain, and autoimmune conditions. It has limits, though. It’s a screening tool, not a diagnosis. It doesn’t directly test inflammation, intestinal permeability, parasites, or specific food sensitivities. Results can also shift quickly with diet or a new supplement, so timing matters. Work with a practitioner who knows how to read it. I walked through how to do the test in the article. Do any of these sound like your daily baseline? Fatigue, brain fog, bloating? Drop it below. Full details in the article: drwillcole.com/oat-test-what… #artofbeingwell #selfhealers #organicacidtest #labtesting #functionalmedicine

A lot of people ask me if they need a parasite cleanse, and my answer almost always starts with another question... Parasitic infections are something I see often in my telehealth functional medicine clinic, so many people come to me having already tried a cleanse, or wondering if one will finally take care of their symptoms. Here’s what most people don’t hear. Parasites aren’t one-size-fits-all. There are worms you can sometimes spot in your stool, microscopic single-celled protozoa (the type I see most), and ectoparasites like ticks and mites that get to you through your skin. Each one has its own way of getting in and its own set of symptoms. Those symptoms are tricky too. Stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, skin rashes, joint pain. The longer someone has struggled, the harder it is to trace it back to a parasite, because it looks so much like other long-term health problems. That’s why I never want anyone to jump into the first cleanse that promises to flush everything out. A cleanse is basically a system of supplements, dietary changes, and sometimes teas or laxatives, and most of what’s on the market is built on trends instead of research. There are herbs, foods, and dietary changes with real research behind them, but it comes down to dosing and finding the combination that fits your case. I also know not everyone can work with a practitioner. That’s why I put together my new Parasite Cleanse, with herbal remedies chosen to support your gut, calm inflammation, and help your body’s natural detox. Click the links below and I’ll send you the article, and the link to the new cleanse. Article: drwillcole.com/truth-about-p… Parasite Cleanse: shop.drwillcole.com/products… #artofbeingwell #selfhealers #parasites #guthealth #functionalmedicine

I’m so excited to have Emilie Toups back on the podcast so we could dive deep into the brand she’s built, and it all started with a moment at home... Her daughter was digging through her makeup bag, Emilie realized she hadn’t swapped out a single product in it yet, and she decided to build something safer from scratch. That decision grew into Toups & Co, the farm-to-face brand she runs in Alabama while homeschooling five kids. Since her last visit, it has expanded into full color cosmetics, and everything is still made in small batches, in-house, from natural ingredients she can trace back to the source. Here’s the part that stopped me in my tracks... The chemistry that makes a mascara waterproof comes from the same PFAS family used in nonstick Teflon pans, and your eyes and lips absorb far more than the rest of your skin. Imagine what that’s doing to your body when you wear it every day. We also break down the science behind titanium dioxide, plus a PFAS risk hiding in how pressed powders are made that you’d never spot on a label. You can find this episode, Titanium Dioxide, Tallow, & The Truth About “Clean” Makeup & Skincare | Emilie Toups, on my podcast The Art of Being Well on all streaming platforms. drwillcole.com/titanium-diox… #artofbeingwell #theartofbeingwell #drwillcole #cleanbeauty #toupsandco

Stem cell therapy is exciting. It’s also not where I’d start with anyone. Stem cells can renew themselves and become other types of cells, which is why they’re so central to repair. Your gut lining regenerates every few days thanks to them. Stem cell therapy collects, concentrates, and injects them where tissue is damaged. Research is ongoing for joint and orthopedic concerns, neurodegenerative disease, autoimmune conditions, heart tissue, skin and hair, and longevity. I’ve seen some patients do really well with it when it’s used at the right time and in the right way. It doesn’t work for everyone. Age, inflammation levels, and metabolic health all play a role in how you respond. Many types of stem cell therapy aren’t FDA approved, so work with a provider who’s qualified and transparent. Common side effects are minor, like soreness, bruising, or swelling. Infection and nerve damage are rare but possible. It’s a tool in the toolbox. It isn’t a first-line therapy, and it isn’t a substitute for nourishing food, sleep, exercise, community, and emotional awareness. Get those right first, and your body is more likely to respond. I also covered PRP and prolotherapy in the article. Where do you stand on regenerative therapies, curious or cautious? Drop it below. Read the full article here: drwillcole.com/future-of-reg… #artofbeingwell #selfhealers #stemcells #regenerativemedicine #functionalmedicine

7 seconds won’t fix your constipation. Here’s what might... The trend comes from gastroenterologist Dr. Gina Sam, who shared a morning ritual for constipation. You drink a glass of warm or room-temperature water, do gentle stretches like cat-cow, forward bends, or wind-relieving pose, then practice deep diaphragmatic breathing. I’m fully behind every step. Hydration, movement, and breathwork all support digestion. The “7 seconds” part is marketing, though. If you’re dealing with chronic constipation, a few seconds of stretching before a stressful day isn’t going to cut it. At my telehealth clinic, we see what’s underneath far more often. Dehydration, low fiber, gut dysbiosis including SIBO, IBS, a sedentary lifestyle, low vagal tone, hormone imbalances, and low stomach acid can all play a part. Start simple. Water, a stretch, a few deep breaths. If that doesn’t move things, look deeper at fiber, magnesium, probiotics, and stress. I shared more natural tips in the article. Which of these surprised you most? Drop it below. Full breakdown in the article: drwillcole.com/7-second-poop… #artofbeingwell #selfhealers #constipation #guthealth #functionalmedicine

The 7-second poop method has taken over my feed, so let’s talk about what it actually gets right... It was popularized by gastroenterologist Dr. Gina Sam as a quick morning ritual. A glass of warm water. A few gentle stretches like cat-cow, a forward fold, or wind-relieving pose. Then some slow belly breathing. I’m a fan of every step. Water wakes up your digestive system, movement helps move trapped gas and stimulates your bowels, and deep breathing shifts you into rest-and-digest mode. But seven seconds is more marketing than medicine... If you’re constipated now and then, this might be all you need. If it’s chronic, a few seconds of breathing before a stressful day probably won’t cut it. In my telehealth clinic, constipation is usually a signal that something underneath needs attention, like dehydration, low fiber, gut dysbiosis or SIBO, low stomach acid, hormone imbalances, low vagal tone, or a buildup of biotoxins. I’d add fiber-rich foods like avocados, chia seeds, pumpkin seeds, artichokes, broccoli, and apples, plus plenty of filtered water and magnesium. Humming, singing, or gargling can stimulate your vagus nerve, and consistent movement throughout the day helps too. If it keeps coming back, I'd stop guessing and start testing. Functional bloodwork can show your thyroid, blood sugar, inflammation, cortisol, and hormone patterns, which are some of the reasons your gut slows down. It’s the easiest way to see where to start instead of trying one fix after another. And please don’t ignore it... A bowel movement at least once a day is one of your body’s main ways to clear toxins, so a backed-up gut is a backed-up detox pathway. Click the link below and I’ll send you my brand new article, plus the details on the $97 at-home bloodwork through The Health Institute that I personally recommend as a great baseline to see whether your thyroid, blood sugar, inflammation, cortisol, or hormones are slowing your gut down. Article Link: drwillcole.com/7-second-poop… $97 Functional Bloodwork: orders.thehealthinstitute.co… #artofbeingwell #selfhealers #guthealth #constipation #digestion

Some parasites may trigger autoimmunity. Some worms are being studied for the opposite. Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, IBD, Hashimoto’s, and Graves’ have all been linked to parasites. Researchers point to a few ways it can happen. Molecular mimicry, where parasite proteins resemble your own tissue. Chronic immune activation that keeps your immune system on high alert. Leaky gut, where a damaged gut lining lets particles into the bloodstream. Here’s what surprises people. Parasites are common, and not all of them cause harm. Blastocystis hominis shows up on stool tests all the time and often causes no symptoms. If a parasite doesn’t line up with your symptoms, it can be a red herring. The ones I see most in my telehealth clinic are microscopic protozoa, not worms. Testing helps sort it out. I use comprehensive stool testing (multi-day collection catches more), blood tests for parasite antibodies, and organic acid testing, depending on the case. Helminth therapy is still experimental and shouldn’t be self-administered. It’s a tool for people who feel like they’ve tried everything else. I covered testing and holistic options in the article. What symptom made you first suspect something deeper was going on? Drop it below. I broke it all down here: drwillcole.com/parasites-and… #artofbeingwell #selfhealers #autoimmune #parasites #guthealth

You flip your eggs in your favorite non-stick pan and think nothing of it. Meanwhile, one tiny scratch from last week’s spatula can release more than 9,000 plastic particles into your breakfast... I wish I was kidding. I sat down with Emily from my telehealth clinical team for a Deep Dive on environmental toxins, and this conversation got quite wild, and slightly controversial... 🧪 Heavy metals can create what I call a leaky mitochondria, which spikes oxidative stress and inflammation right at the cellular level. 🧾 That receipt crumpled in your purse can be hiding forever chemicals, along with anything labeled wrinkle-free or waterproof. Your body can barely clear them, and they blunt your hormone signaling until your cells start losing recognition of self. ⛳ Then we got to golf courses, and I can’t stop thinking about it. They’re sprayed 4 to 7 times MORE heavily than the average farm, so that picture-perfect house on the fairway could be a bigger exposure than the one next to the cornfield. 🦠 If a positive mold test has ever sent you spiraling, just pause first. It doesn’t automatically mean mold toxicity. It can mean your body is doing exactly what it’s supposed to and clearing it out. 🐟 And even wild-caught fish isn’t the gold standard it used to be. I know that one is going to ruffle some feathers... I’m not here to scare you, and your body is far more resilient than the wellness internet makes it sound... But you have so much more say in this than you think. drwillcole.com/heavy-metals-… #artofbeingwell #theartofbeingwell #drwillcole #environmentaltoxins #detox

Your stress response runs on autopilot. Biofeedback lets you take the wheel. Sensors track things that normally happen without thinking, like heart rate, breath, muscle tension, body temperature, and brainwave activity. The data comes right back to you in real time, so you can learn to shift it yourself. That matters because so many people are living in chronic sympathetic overdrive. That looks like exhausted, wired, anxious, and inflamed. Biofeedback trains your nervous system to move toward a calmer, parasympathetic state where digestion, healing, and hormone regulation can happen. Research has shown HRV biofeedback can reduce anxiety symptoms, neurofeedback can improve focus and attention in ADHD, and muscle tension biofeedback may reduce the frequency and severity of migraines. It may also help with IBS, insomnia, and high blood pressure. In my telehealth clinic, I like to pair it with root-cause work, like balancing the gut microbiome. You can also try it at home with a wearable or app that gives you real-time feedback. I shared how each type works in the article. Have you tried biofeedback or an HRV tracker? I’d love to hear your experience. Read the full article here: drwillcole.com/biofeedback-n… #artofbeingwell #selfhealers #biofeedback #nervoussystem #stressmanagement

H. pylori can live in your stomach for years without a single symptom. This bacteria is built for your stomach. It makes an enzyme called urease that neutralizes stomach acid, which creates the perfect home for it. It’s responsible for half of all bacterial infections in America, and left alone it’s the main cause of chronic gastritis and a major cause of peptic ulcers. In severe cases it can raise the risk of certain stomach cancers. In my telehealth clinic, gut issues are some of the most common things I see. When H. pylori is in the mix, testing comes first. A urea breath test, stool test, or blood antibody test can find it. Antibiotics, PPIs, and bismuth products can cause false negatives, so tell your doctor everything you take. Here’s where I keep it honest. There’s no clinical evidence that H. pylori can be cured without antibiotics. Natural tools can still support your gut while you heal. In one study, daily broccoli sprouts for 8 weeks lowered H. pylori levels and gastric inflammation. Probiotics, curcumin, berberine, deglycyrrhizinated licorice, and green tea also have research behind them. I laid out 6 of my top strategies in the article. Have you ever been tested for H. pylori? Drop it below. I broke it all down here: drwillcole.com/h-pylori-natu… #artofbeingwell #selfhealers #hpylori #guthealth #functionalmedicine

Thomas DeLauer avoids seed oils, but he still eats nuts and seeds every single day... so what’s the difference? Thomas is the health and fitness educator with one of the most-watched nutrition science channels on YouTube, and he breaks it down for Dr. Cole. It’s the adulterated, industrialized seed oils he limits as much as he possibly can, not whole nuts and seeds. When Dr. Cole asks for the top arguments against seed oils, Thomas says the research really comes down to oxidation, but that part is very clear. It’s a big reason he doesn’t think they belong in your frying pan. His go-to for frying is something like tallow, or at least avocado oil. Where do you land on seed oils? You can find this episode, Fake Avocado Oil Scandal, The Brands Sneaking Seed Oils, Quantum Consciousness & AI Making You Dumber | Thomas DeLauer, on The Art of Being Well podcast on all streaming platforms. drwillcole.com/fake-avocado-… #artofbeingwell #theartofbeingwell #drwillcole #seedoils #nutrition

If you’ve dealt with bloating, nausea, or a stomach that always feels full and nobody can tell you why... H. pylori is one trigger I always want to rule out. It can sit in your stomach for years. Some people feel nothing, while others write off the gas, burping, and stomach pain as just how their gut is. Here’s what I wish more people knew. H. pylori is notorious for resisting multiple antibiotics, especially if you’ve taken a lot of them over the years. That’s why your history matters. In functional medicine, my goal is the most effective treatment with the fewest side effects, and sometimes that means antibiotics. The catch is that antibiotics don’t only take out the bad bacteria. They take out some of the good too, so I’m big on adding a probiotic with strains like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. Research shows they can improve eradication rates and ease the side effects. Food helps your gut recover from the damage too. No single food kills H. pylori, but fiber-rich veggies, fruit, sauerkraut, wild-caught fish, and nuts and seeds support a healthy microbiome. Brussels sprouts and cauliflower are rich in sulforaphane like broccoli sprouts are, and green tea with a little raw honey and ginger is an easy add. Left unaddressed, H. pylori can lead to bigger problems, including a higher risk of certain stomach cancers in severe cases. So if something feels off, don’t guess. Get tested. Click this link below and I’ll send you my full article on H. pylori, where I break down 6 natural strategies to support your gut, plus supplements that I recommend to support your body: Article: drwillcole.com/h-pylori-natu… Supplements: shop.drwillcole.com/collecti… Have you ever been tested for H. pylori? #artofbeingwell #selfhealers #hpylori #guthealth #functionalmedicine

I don’t use the word cheating when it comes to food, and here’s why... “Cheating” turns a meal into a moral test. That’s the opposite of sustainable wellness. Here’s what I’d rather you do. If you choose to eat something that doesn’t love you back, make that choice calmly and neutrally. Notice how it makes you feel. Learn from it. Move on. If it wasn’t worth it, you’ve grown in awareness for next time. You love feeling great more than you wanted that thing that left you feeling like 💩. That’s not failure. It’s an essential part of Food Peace. The shame is the part that does the damage. It’s worse than any food that didn’t love you back. Meals can be medicine, and they can be a meditation. Click this link if you want me to send you how my telehealth team and I work with people around the world to find out which foods love your body back and which don’t: drwillcole.com/consultation/… #artofbeingwell #selfhealers #foodpeace #wellness #jomo

Many people with type 1 diabetes are told there’s nothing to do but take insulin. Insulin is necessary. I’m never going to say otherwise. Still, I’ve seen lots of patients in my telehealth clinic keep stable blood sugar on minimal insulin doses with a functional medicine approach, and that approach can also help prevent further autoimmunity. Type 1 is autoimmune, so we look for root causes. Gut dysbiosis, leaky gut, viral triggers like Coxsackie B, and low vitamin D are some of the most common. Research shows keto diets can reduce blood glucose variability, HbA1c, and the need for insulin. High-dose, multi-strain probiotics have reduced insulin needs and improved HbA1c in new-onset type 1. The newest research is the most exciting. A small clinical trial from Vancouver General Hospital and UBC, published in Nature Biotechnology, found that several participants with no natural insulin production began making their own with a stem-cell based device. It’s early, but it’s real. I covered the full toolbox in the article. Which of these surprised you most? Drop it below. Full details in the article: drwillcole.com/natural-treat… #artofbeingwell #selfhealers #type1diabetes #autoimmune #functionalmedicine

UC Davis tested 53 or 54 products made with avocado oil, and 47 of them didn’t have any avocado oil in them... yes, you read that right. Thomas DeLauer, the health and fitness educator who’s made a name for himself breaking down complicated studies on YouTube, walks Dr. Cole through the study that came out in July. We’re talking potato chips, tortilla chips, mayo, and salad dressings that were all labeled 100% avocado oil. The full episode gets into how researchers caught it using sterols, which work like a plant oil’s DNA, and why that’s so hard to fake. How many of these are sitting in your pantry right now? You can find this episode, Fake Avocado Oil Scandal, The Brands Sneaking Seed Oils, Quantum Consciousness & AI Making You Dumber | Thomas DeLauer, on The Art of Being Well podcast on all streaming platforms! drwillcole.com/fake-avocado-… #artofbeingwell #theartofbeingwell #drwillcole #avocadooil #foodfraud

I love technology and progress, and we live in a blessed, privileged time in a lot of ways. But when we look up from our phones, it's fair to ask whether we're headed in the right direction. We're lonelier, more anxious, more depressed, and sicker with chronic disease than ever, and we've never been more "connected." When do we admit we're outsourcing our sovereignty, expecting AI to fix what common sense and nature could? Data centers are already straining our health and the planet. It doesn't have to be either-or. We can have both-and, a "slow AI" with real checks and balances that thinks through the long-term effect on our health, our minds, our society, and nature. The accelerationist worldview treats the destruction of nature and our well-being as collateral damage while it races toward the singularity, the moment AI supposedly surpasses human intelligence. If that's where this is going... just give me dial-up internet. Give me the late 90s. Nature, a Friday night movie, the mall, simplicity, and balance, because a little is good, but more isn't always better. Nature is a somatic baptism for a dysregulated nervous system, stress hormones, and a burnt out brain, and a forest really is a place for rest. Who's with me? #artofbeingwell #selfhealers #nature #slowliving