In this week’s Q&A and podcast episode, I explained why I almost never order ApoB cholesterol tests in practice and why most advanced lipid markers don’t actually change clinical outcomes. Here’s what we covered…
ApoB Testing for Heart Risk
Why I don’t run ApoB or advanced lipid tests for most patients. What the literature really shows about relative risk and why basic labs combined with root cause interventions usually get better results than chasing numbers.
Missing Hormone Doses
Whether forgetting to take bioidentical hormones once or twice a week matters. The difference between low-dose longevity support and high-dose dependency. Why I use DHEA personally and what patients need to know about withdrawal symptoms.
Detox Powder Formulas
How herbal detox blends actually work. Why I designed my own detox powder and why fiber, nutrient density, and microbiome support matter more than expensive single-ingredient binders. Real-world results we see in practice when patients use it consistently.
Managing Vertigo
The challenge of diagnosing vertigo and why most cases are self-limiting. The role of vitamin C in acute cases and why addressing toxins, deficiencies, and metabolic imbalances often leads to long-term resolution.
APO Gene and Alzheimer’s Risk
What I recommend for people with APO variants linked to dementia risk. The importance of silica-rich mineral water for aluminum detoxification and why we always start with the 14 Day Reset before layering on more advanced protocols.
Coronary Calcium Scores
Why I don’t chase calcium scores and why lowering inflammation, balancing minerals, and optimizing hormones matters more than the number itself. What we typically see in practice when patients follow our protocols.
Ionic Foot Baths
What I really think about ionic detox baths. Why I remain skeptical but open, and what I’ve heard from mentors who swear by them.
Water Choices
How to evaluate well water, spring water, reverse osmosis, and bottled water. Why testing, depth of the well, and contamination matter most. The surprising problem with municipal water towers and why tap water is essentially poison.
High Fat Diets
Whether eating more than 20 percent of calories from fat causes insulin resistance. Why responses to fat vary dramatically and why I focus on inflammation markers and energy instead of fixed macronutrient targets.
Healing Crises
Why patients sometimes feel worse after months on a mineral balancing program. The role of detoxification symptoms, retracing on HTMA tests, and why short-term setbacks often lead to long-term breakthroughs.
Migraines and Magnesium
Why magnesium glycinate is my first choice for pain, when to consider magnesium threonate, and why topical magnesium stacked with MSM can be so effective. The role of vitamin C, choline, and other targeted nutrients in reducing migraine frequency.
B12 Absorption
Why I usually prefer sublingual B12 over capsules and when oral dosing can still work.
Lighting for Circadian Health
What bulbs I recommend for home use, why I still use incandescents, and what color temperature supports circadian alignment. Why I like low-blue LEDs as the best modern option.
HTMA Accuracy
Why hair tissue mineral analysis is one of my favorite tests. The importance of hair prep, the pitfalls of water softeners, and how toxic exposures sometimes show up first in the hair. Why interpretation is everything.
Therapeutic Windows
How I determine the right dose for any nutrient. Why the “therapeutic window” matters more than RDA charts and how to know when you’ve crossed from benefit into side effect territory.
Binders and Genetics
Why I don’t see strong evidence that genetics determine who needs binders. Why gut binding doesn’t equal lymphatic detox and how I decide when binders are actually worth it.
What connects all these questions is my ongoing commitment to root-cause medicine. Instead of chasing lab numbers or quick fixes, we look at nutrition, minerals, light, toxins, and lifestyle to restore health in a sustainable way.
As always, thank you for your questions and support. Your supplement purchases and memberships make this writing possible and allow me to share what really works rather than more noise from the wellness industry.
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Until next time, be well,
Dr. Stillman
Executive Summary
Key Takeaways
All content on Substack will be free.
Premium Subscribers still get a discount on supplements.
Quality supplements are essential for health.
Bioidentical hormones can lead to significant health improvements.
Herbal detox formulas aid the body's natural detox processes.
Vertigo often resolves on its own and is multifactorial.
Aluminum exposure linked to Alzheimer's disease.
Coronary calcium scores do not alter treatment plans significantly.
Tap water is often contaminated and should be avoided.
Understanding the therapeutic window is vital for effective supplementation.
Healing crises can occur during detox protocols, indicating progress.
