Dr. Bob Martin Show

Your Body Is Talking—Are You Listening?

45 min
Mar 31, 202619 days ago
Listen to Episode
Summary

Dr. Adam Brockman hosts a listener marathon addressing health questions ranging from choosing the right primary care physician to managing medication side effects, exploring natural pain management alternatives, and discussing male pattern baldness treatments. The episode emphasizes proactive health ownership, preventive care, and integrative approaches combining conventional and functional medicine.

Insights
  • Preventive care through routine physicals catches silent health trends (blood sugar elevation, vitamin D decline, liver enzyme changes) before symptoms manifest, enabling early intervention through lifestyle or targeted supplementation
  • Natural pain management modalities (chiropractic, acupuncture, cupping) work synergistically by addressing root mechanical and neurological causes rather than symptom suppression, with growing insurance coverage recognition
  • Male pattern baldness is reversible through multi-pillar approach targeting hormone balance (DHT reduction), nutritional density, scalp circulation, and inflammation control rather than pharmaceutical intervention alone
  • Healthcare decision-making should prioritize practitioner-patient relationship and consistency over credentials alone, enabling year-over-year trend tracking that reveals early warning signs
  • Medication side effects like amlodipine-induced leg pain are often reversible through circulation support, targeted nutrition, and natural detoxification rather than permanent conditions
Trends
Growing integration of complementary and functional medicine practitioners into mainstream healthcare with expanding insurance coverageShift from symptom management to root-cause analysis in patient care, particularly for chronic conditionsIncreased consumer demand for natural alternatives to pharmaceutical interventions, especially for cardiovascular and pain managementFunctional medicine practitioners interpreting lab values at upper wellness ranges rather than just within normal rangesTelehealth expansion enabling faster access to healthcare professionals without traditional office visit delaysRecognition that lifestyle factors (sleep, stress, digestion, energy) are leading indicators of health status before lab abnormalities appearPreventive health ownership model where patients take responsibility for daily health decisions (35+ decisions before lunch)Natural DHT-blocking compounds (saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, stinging nettle) gaining clinical validation for hair loss managementLow-level laser therapy and scalp massage gaining evidence-based support for hair regrowth comparable to pharmaceutical optionsHolistic dental care integration recognizing oral health as gateway to systemic body health
Topics
Primary Care Physician SelectionPreventive Health Screening and Routine PhysicalsFunctional Medicine vs. Conventional MedicineCalcium Channel Blocker Side Effects (Amlodipine)Medication-Induced Leg Pain RecoveryChiropractic Care and Spinal AlignmentAcupuncture and Nervous System ModulationCupping Therapy and MicrocirculationNatural Pain Management AlternativesMale Pattern Baldness (Androgenic Alopecia)DHT Reduction Through Natural CompoundsScalp Circulation and Hair Follicle HealthNutritional Support for Hair GrowthTelehealth Services and Remote HealthcareIntegrative Medical Centers
Companies
American Holistic Care Center
Dental care provider offering regenerative gum and bone tissue healing as alternative to traditional drilling and med...
Kyolic
Manufacturer of aged garlic extract supplements for cardiovascular health and blood pressure support with 900+ publis...
People
Dr. Adam Brockman
Licensed physician co-hosting the episode and providing clinical guidance on health questions from callers
Dr. Bob Martin
Chiropractic physician, board-certified clinical nutritionist, and founder of the show; referenced as primary host
Quotes
"Healthcare shouldn't start in a doctor's office. It starts in your mirror when you take ownership of what you eat, how you move, and especially how you think your biochemistry starts to change."
Dr. Adam Brockman
"Your body is talking to you right now through your energy levels, your digestion, even how quickly you bounce back from stress. The question is, are you listening?"
Dr. Adam Brockman
"Prevention, it's not always glamorous, but it's very powerful. A yearly exam catches trends silently that are brewing before you can see them."
Dr. Adam Brockman
"Pain, after all, it's a signal, it's not a sentence, it's your body's way of saying something's off."
Dr. Adam Brockman
"Male pattern baldness doesn't define you, but understanding your biology and supporting it naturally can revitalize your confidence, that circulation and your overall well being."
Dr. Adam Brockman
Full Transcript
Welcome to the number one radio health talk show in America, the Dr. Bob Martin show. Dr. Martin is a chiropractic physician, a board certified clinical nutritionist and diplomat of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine. The information presented on this show is educational in nature. Please consult your personal health care provider regarding health issues you may have. Got a health related problem or challenge? Not feeling well and you just don't know where to turn or what to do. Dr. Bob Martin is here for you and will do his very best to answer your health question. The toll free number to ask Dr. Martin a health question or to make a health related comment is 800-606-8822-800-606-8822. It's the Dr. Bob Martin show. Isn't it time you lived younger, longer? Think about that for a second. Your body is talking to you right now through your energy levels, your digestion, even how quickly you bounce back from stress. The question is, are you listening? Today, we're going to tune in to the language of health, translating that fatigue into insight and symptoms into action. In this hour, it's all about you, your questions, your breakthroughs, and your stories guiding this conversation. It's a listener marathon and the health revolution begins right here on the Dr. Bob Martin show, led by yours truly, Dr. Adam Brockman. And the lines are ready, so grab this number and join us. The number is 800-606-8822. That's 800-606-8822. And once more, 800-606-8822, because today, your voice is the medicine. And you know, every week we help listeners across the country, across this nation, take charge of their well-being, mostly through natural methods. This isn't about managing decline, it's about restoring your health and vitality. We talk science and we talk common sense, and we bring decades of practice to your kitchen table. And if you want to dive deeper, every resource, every past segment, every supplement is waiting for you at Dr.Bob.com. That's Dr.Bob.com, spelling it out, D-O-C-T-O-R-Bob.com. That's your virtual clinic for better living. So what's on your mind today? Do you have blood pressure, blues, or hormone confusion, or nutrition burnout? Maybe you're detoxing from the endless noise of social media health myths. And the good news is, this show is your safe place to recalibrate, because one call can change the course of your health journey. And here's the deal. The average American makes 35 health decisions before lunch. What to eat, what to skip, whether to move or stay seated. If you add in stress and processed foods and sleepless nights, it's no wonder so many of us feel stuck. But stuck isn't a diagnosis, it's a signal. A signal that your body is ready for an upgrade. So we'll unpack the tools, the truth, and yes, even a few secrets to get you feeling like yourself again. Because I want you to remember, healthcare shouldn't start in a doctor's office. It starts in your mirror when you take ownership of what you eat, how you move, and especially how you think your biochemistry starts to change. Energy rises and labs improve and life expands. And here's the beautiful part. It's never too late to begin. While we take your calls, I'll share cutting edge insights from medicine, from immunity hacks that actually work to stress management techniques used by elite athletes. Because when you understand how the body heals, you become unstoppable. So turn up that speaker and breathe deep. Yes, that's your first health exercise of the day. Breathe deep and let's get this listener marathon started. Again, the number is 800-606-8822. And for our listeners streaming worldwide, the digital hub is DrBob.com. You can submit your question there as well. Whether it's post-COVID fatigue or cholesterol confusion or weight loss frustration, whatever your question, we've got a roadmap for you. We've got research and a whole lot of real-world wisdom. I'm Dr. Adam Brockman and this is the Dr. Bob Martin show. And together, we're turning listeners into learners and learners into leaders in health. This is your hour. Let's make every minute of it count. Let's get started with a question that was submitted through our website, which is DrBob.com. It's from Gary and he asked, what type of doctor should I see for a routine physical? Okay, so Gary, that's a great question. It's one that everyone listening should think about because it strikes at the heart of proactive health care. It's what kind of doctor should I see for a routine physical? Sounds simple, but it can be one of the more confusing crossroads in medicine today. We live in this era of specialization overload. We have cardiologists and endocrinologists, immunologists, internists, and sometimes just picking the right doorway feels harder than the exam itself. Now, if you hop on most insurance websites, you'll be told to find where you can find a primary care provider or PCP. That's an umbrella term for professionals that are trained to manage your overall health picture. We're talking about family physicians and internists, pediatricians for the little ones, or nurse practitioners and physician assistants and collaborative practices. So a family physician is the most common gateway for adults that covers just about everything. We're talking blood pressure and cholesterol, vaccinations and basic laboratory work. They are trained to treat the entire person across age groups. And an internist, by contrast, specializes in adult medicine and tends to focus a bit deeper on the internal organ systems. So internists are terrific for folks managing multiple medications or chronic concerns like diabetes or high blood pressure. So if you're 18 to 80 and want one clinician coordinating the bigger picture, one of these paths may work beautifully. But if we take a wider lens, because here on the Dr. Bob Martin show, we see health maintenance as more than a snapshot of numbers on a chart. So a physical should be a conversation about health and vitality, your energy, your sleep, your digestion, and your mental outlook. So while it's important to have the conventional checkup, many listeners also gravitate towards a complementary or functional medicine practitioner for a deeper annual review. And this might be a doctor of naturopathy, an integrative medical doctor, or a physician that's trained in functional diagnostics. And these doctors look at the same lab values, but they interpret them a little bit differently and asking not, are you within range, but are you thriving at the upper end of wellness? If you think of it as the difference between an oil change inspection or a full engine calibration, and the former, it keeps you running and a latter helps you perform. So during this routine physical, you should expect a comprehensive discussion on lifestyle, not just your vital signs. A good practitioner will assess everything from your sleep patterns in your stress management to diet and exposures. That's because these little shifts in your daily habits often foreshadow an illness long before the blood work is actually flashing that warning sign. For instance, a declining energy can flag thyroid sluggishness or adrenal fatigue. Emboating might reflect gut microbiome imbalance that are persistent inflammation can trace back to hidden food sensitivities. So if you identify these early, they can spare you years of frustration. So here's my recommendation. Start with a relationship and not a title. So find yourself a doctor or practitioner in MD, a DO, an MD, a DC, or an NP who listens, teaches and partners with you. So these credentials matter, but the chemistry that you have in that relationship matters even more. So stick with one primary clinician who can track your data year over year. That consistency, it turns snapshots into more motion pictures. So you see these trends, the progress in those early warning signs. So I also want to remind everyone listening that routine doesn't mean optional. Too many people wait until something feels wrong before scheduling that visit. But prevention, it's not always glamorous, but it's very powerful. A yearly exam catches trends silently that are brewing before you can see them. That blood sugar elevation, the vitamin D decline, the liver enzyme changes. And that's before you feel them systemically. So that early adjustment can happen through diet, lifestyle, or even targeted supplementation or medication that can bring those numbers back into that healthy range. So there you have it. So my short answer, choose a primary care physician you trust, but think broader. Collaborate also with physicians who support your overall wellness. So again, folks, we're taking your questions today. The lines are open at 800-606-8822. Or you can also submit your question like Gary did through our website at DrBob.com. We'll be right back. You're listening to the Dr. Bob Martin Show. Hi, it's Dr. Adam Brockman. We talk about health every week. When your joints hurt, everything hurts. You lose that freedom to move and bend and stretch and do the things you love. And that's why I want to tell you about something truly special. And that's Apex joint minerals. This isn't another gimmick or quick fix. It's a mineral complex and it's inspired by a discovery high in the Sierra Mountains. And it's minerals that your body actually recognizes and uses to restore joint flexibility and comfort. And what makes Apex joint minerals different is its science. Seeing what happens when people give their joints the nutrients they've been missing and they get their life back. And that's what I want for you. So if you're ready to move freely again, go to jointminerals.com or call 844-943-1144. Apex joint minerals because movement is the gift worth protecting. Welcome back. You're listening to the Dr. Bob Martin show. I'm Dr. Adam Brockman and both Dr. Bob and I were all about helping you live smarter and thrive naturally and also teaching you to become your own best doctor most of the time. And remember today we're getting to your questions. If you've got questions about natural health, nutrition or anything in between, our toll free hotline is open for you at 800-606-8822. That's where you'll find Dr. Bob and I, two licensed physicians and we're standing by to help you unlock your best self. That's 800-606-8822. Again, 800-606-8822. All right, let's get back to your caller questions. Let's get to a question from Dale in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Hi, Bill, Lake Havasu City. Some months ago, my cardiologist advanced practice RN prescribed me a load of pain against my best interest. I tried, decided to go with, she said, well, they're different. I've had trouble with a calcium gel lock before and I really didn't want to take this one. I shouldn't have taken this one because it's been causing pain in my legs ever since. Even though I only took it for 30 days, it persists. Really like to know if there's anything I can do about this or I'm just going to die with ATE legs. I'm 71 years old and I'd really like to hear some good news from you. Thank you. Bye. All right, Dale. Well, thanks for your question. Dale again is a 71-year-old gentleman who took amlodipine. It's a calcium channel blocker and he's been taking it for about a month. He's had trouble with this class of drug before, but gave it another try under his cardiologist direction. Since starting and even after stopping, he's been dealing with persistent achy pain in his legs. Again, he's understandably concerned about whether the pain will go away and what he can do about that. Dale, again, to begin with, it's important to know that leg discomfort with calcium channel blockers like amlodipine, it isn't unusual. Medications, they work by relaxing blood vessel walls to lower that blood pressure. For some individuals, in particular those over 60 years of age, they can dilate smaller vessels just a little bit too much and that causes fluid accumulation, it causes muscle fatigue, and it causes those achy sensations in the legs. The fact that the pain remains even after stopping likely means that there's still some residual inflammation and possible some of that microvascular irritation and that needs some time to settle. It is rarely permanent and the body can heal naturally once that circulation starts to normalize. Here's how you can help it recover along those natural lines. First, support your circulation. That gentle daily movement, like walking, stretching, or even just moving your ankle through some rotations, it can improve the blood in that lymph flow and helping to clear some of that leftover metabolic waste that may irritate the nerves in the muscles and may cause an aching sensation. Alternately, using some warm and cool compresses on the legs can reduce the swelling and bring fresh blood supply for healing. In second, to reduce that vascular inflammation, you need some nutrients that strengthen the blood vessel lining, such as magnesium or vitamin C, vitamin E, and something known as bioflavonoids. These can be very beneficial. Adding foods that are high in antioxidants in omega-3 fats, we're talking salmon, flax seeds, and walnuts, they can help to calm that irritation, those arteries, and support nerve recovery. If we're looking at herbal circulatory aids, we look at things like horse chestnut extract or ginkgo voloba, these should be used short-term under supervision and they can promote tone in the veins and the capillaries. In third, to optimize the detox in the muscle recovery, use a gentle massage or Epsin salt soaks and they draw out that lactic acid and they smooth, they help to soothe the muscles while providing magnesium through that skin, the surface of the skin. If you stay hydrated and limit the salt intake, that also reduces that fluid retention. For faster healing, avoid other medications or substances that may worsen circulation, such as excessive caffeine, alcohol, or even over-the-counter decongestants. So over the next few weeks, most will find that the body starts to metabolize away the last traces of the drug and the vascular inflammation eases in the leg comfort returns. But if persistent pain persists beyond another month or it worsens, ask your physician or your cardiologist to check your electrolytes. You can also check that circulatory function and possibly you may need to do a Doppler ultrasound to rule out vascular spasms or even some of that fluid buildup. So this is primarily to ensure that there's no deep vein inflammation or other underlying causes that are unrelated to that medication. So the prognosis is generally very good. It's usually a reversible side effect rather than some type of a permanent issue. So in summary, your system, it's still resetting from the effects of amlodipine. If you give it some time, if you stay active and you're gentle on your legs, maybe like walking 10 or 15 minutes, several times throughout the day, you can nourish your circulation also with those right nutrients and avoid those inflammatory habits. But most importantly, trust that your body knows how to restore that balance once that stressor is removed. So usually within weeks, your comfort that achiness should improve, prove itself, you can use some of those steps to improve it naturally. And then the next time maybe start a discussion about blood pressure management with your physicians and be sure to let your doctor know about this reaction. So maybe a more compatible option or another approach can be considered. Again, thank you for your question, Dale, and I hope that it finds you some some relief. All right, folks, we're coming up on a break. So but before we pause, how often do you actually tune into what your body's telling you when something is feeling off or those symptoms pop up? These are important signals that you shouldn't ignore, just like the question that we just answered. And if you have questions or concerns, we do have a option that you don't have to wait to talk to your doctor. We have a telehealth service and that lets you connect with a healthcare professional fast, right from your couch. And there's no waiting that's required. All you got to do is pick up the phone, you can call our hotline at 800-606-8822. Again, that's 800-606-8822 or visit our website, that's drbob.com, and you can get started immediately. Again, one more time, that's 800-606-8822 or by visiting drbob.com. Smell the word doctor, D-O-C-T-O-R-Bob.com. And you can fill out our quick telehealth form. It's as simple as that. All right, folks, don't go anywhere. We'll be right back with more telehealth insights after this short pause. This is the Dr. Bob Martin Show on Radio America. Welcome back to the Dr. Bob Martin Show. Your trusted destination for science-based natural health wisdom in real world strategies to help you become your own best doctor most of the time. I'm Dr. Adam Brockman. Folks, today's Caller Marathon has had some great questions so far. You're bringing those sharp, great questions, the personal stories, and that curiosity that keeps moving medicine forward in the right direction. So our next question comes from Cindy in Texas, and it's an email question. Cindy writes, Can you talk more about chiropractic care in other natural pain treatments such as acupuncture or cupping? Well, Cindy, this is a terrific question because pain, especially chronic back and neck pain, is now the number one reason Americans visit a doctor. Traditional medicine is great. It often reaches, though, first for that prescription pad. Nature and biomechanics offer another roadmap, and that's what sparks your question. It's one that respects your body's built-in ability to heal. Let's start with chiropractic care. The human spine isn't just a stack of bones. It's an information highway. Every nerve controls every organ, tissue, and muscle that travels directly through the spinal column. And when alignment shifts, whether it could be from anything from military training, or heavy lifting, or car accidents, or even hours hunched over a computer, it results in a mechanical stress that irritates those nerves. An outcome is usually pain and stiffness and muscle tension, and sometimes far-reaching effects like headaches or digestive imbalance. So a chiropractic adjustment can gently and precisely restore the movement of those spinal joints. If you think of it like recalibrating a musical instrument whose strings have gone slightly flat, when alignment returns, nerve communication improves and inflammation decreases, and the body often finds its equilibrium without chemical intervention. And modern chiropractic has evolved beautifully. It's not just that crack and go. Many offices, they integrate soft tissue therapy, rehabilitative exercise, laser therapy, and even postural coaching. And here's something supported by multiple studies, including those published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. It's for specific low back, not specific low back pain. It supports that spinal manipulation therapy often matches and even outperforms conventional medication. And that's minus the side effects. Now, when you compare chiropractic with acupuncture, you're uniting two systems that both honor the body's innate intelligence. Acupuncture operates on the principle of balancing the body's electrical currents through ultra fine needle stimulation. And that that modern explanation is that these tiny insertion, these trigger micro signals, they travel to the brain and it relieves endorphins like serotonin. And it also increases your body's natural anti-inflammatory chemicals. So this shifts the nervous system from that fight or flight, and it shifts it into a repair mode. And I see this daily that the combination of chiropractic and acupuncture is very transformative. While the chiropractic adjustment restores mechanical freedom, acupuncture modulates the nervous system's pain threshold. And together, they help muscles relax and it improves circulation and it improves recovery. So if we if we talk about the other other tool that you mentioned that cupping therapy. So if you've ever seen an Olympic swimmer or an athlete when with those mysterious dark circles on their back, that's cupping in action. It's an ancient technique that originates in both Eastern and Middle Eastern medicine. Using glass or silicone cups, it creates this localized suction and it draws blood flow to these stagnant or tight muscle groups. In this mild controlled vacuum, it lifts tissues, it loosens the fascia, the the the kind of tight soft tissue layers, and it promotes lymphatic drainage and that's the body's natural detox pathway. So people they often report immediate lightness or warmth in that treated area. It's like hitting refresh on that sore muscle. And so so cupping, it doesn't just replace all rehabilitation, but it enhances the recovery by improving nutrient delivery and also waste removal. So the marks, they look dramatic, but they disappear in a few days and they're they're not bruises, they're simply evidence of improved microcirculation. So now how do these natural treatments fit together without overwhelming your entire schedule or your wallet? In this case, here's a simple hierarchy I often share with patients. If you reset that alignment through chiropractic evaluation or gentle adjustments, you reduce the inflammation through acupuncture, cupping, or therapeutic massage, and then you rebuild that movement with corrective exercise and mobility training. Maybe that's with a physical therapist. So this reinforces the wellness and you can also help yourself with that reinforcement through nutrition, hydration, restorative sleep, and stress management. So each of these stages, they complement the other like cords in a sawn. So there's no single therapy that's a magic bullet, but the synergy changes everything. So pain, after all, it's a signal, it's not a sentence, it's your body's way of saying something's off. So please listen. And too often we silence that voice with pills instead of decoding that message. And natural approaches ask that different question, though the why are you hurting? And then they address that root issue. So if we explore these therapies, I think it should be part of your regular health routine, it targets that function and not just that symptom suppression. It encourages active participation, whether it's a movement or mindset or maintenance, and it avoids that GI, the cognitive or the dependency risk that are tied to long term medication use. In these therapies, they can also promote better posture, circulation, and nerve communication. And these are all foundations of health that are far beyond pain relief. And you know, here's another encouraging trend. Integrative medical centers like the ones that I've been involved with are now incorporating chiropractic and acupuncture as mainstream options. The insurance coverage is expanding and it recognizes that noninvasive modalities reduce hospitalizations and also opiate or drug use. That's progress that's grounded in outcomes through science. And in folks, I think that's very encouraging. And for those of you who are listening, who may feel stuck like you've tried everything, I'll tell you this. This is a clinician's secret. If you combine that natural body work with nutrition, that fights that inflammation from within. And we're talking about omega threes, magnesium rich greens, curcumin, and quality hydration that amplifies the success of any chiropractic and acupuncture program or massage program or other therapeutic program. So the healing isn't passive. It's also requires your participation. So for listeners that, you know, deal with headaches, jaw tension or postural fatigue, you might be surprised also how often the solutions begin, not with medication, but with proper cervical mechanics. So, so folks again, Cindy, this is a great question to bring up and sparking this conversation. And in we're going to get to more of your questions after the break. I want you to stay with us. I'm Dr. Adam Brockman and you're listening to the Dr. Bob Martin show where natural healing get real results. Don't go anywhere. We'll be right back. Dr. Adam Brockman here. You've heard us say it before your mouth is the gateway to your body's health. But what if your dental problems could actually be repaired, not just patched? If you're struggling with painful gums, jawbone loss, implant failure, or chronic dental infections, don't settle for more drilling or medications that just mask the problem. At American Holistic Care Center, healing starts from the inside out. Imagine regenerating healthy gum and bone tissue, eliminating toxic materials in restoring balance to your entire body, starting with your smile. Call now to schedule your consultation at 877-207-0824. That's 877-207-0824 or visit American Holistic Care dot com because your smile is more than cosmetic. It's a reflection of your whole body health. American Holistic Care dot com. If you are tired of chronic pain, stiff joints or endless recovery from surgeries and medications, what if you could heal naturally without risky procedures or breaking the bank? I'm Dr. Adam Brockman and New Vasell is changing the game. This at-home topical cream harnesses the power of stem cells to target joints, muscles, and cartilage right where it hurts. No surgeries, no side effects, just science-based regeneration. Deliver deep into your tissues. New Vasell offers the same proven technology as costly injectables for a fraction of the price. And for a limited time, get 20% off exclusively through myself and Dr. Bob. But hurry for this offer. Call our hotline 800-606-8822 now to be connected with a provider or visit newvasellbiologics.com or drbob.com. New Vasell is prescription only. Don't just manage pain, reverse it. Call 800-606-8822 and ask for New Vasell today. Welcome back everyone to the Dr. Bob Martin Show, the place where health wisdom meets everyday life and where natural solutions take the center stage. I'm Dr. Adam Brockman and thank you for spinning part of your day investing in your greatest asset. And that's your health. Next up, let's get to a question from Steve. Hello Dr. Bob, my name is Steve. I live in the state of Texas and my question is I'm 66 and I've been in a balding situation since I was in college, probably preceding the airline since about 20. And I'm curious to know if you have any suggestions on natural remedies for male pattern baldness. And would love to hear from that on your perspective. Thank you very much. All right, well Steve, thanks for reaching out. Hair loss for men really is one of those universal topics. It's part vanity and it's also part health and vitality. It's not just about what's on your head, it's about what's happening inside your body. So let's start with the straightforward biology. Male pattern baldness, scientifically called androgenic alopecia is a combination of genetics, hormones and time. In most cases, the hair follicles on the crown in the front of the scalp are sensitive to a hormone called DHT that's dihydrotestosterone. It's a derivative of testosterone and it's created by the enzyme 5 alpha reductase. And over the years, DHT shorts out the growth cycle of those hair follicles and they may shrink, they might produce finer hairs and they eventually might just go quiet. It's not that the hair stops existing, it's that the follicle goes dormant. So the goal of any approach, whether it's medical or natural, is to nourish and protect those follicles and reduce the factors that accelerate that DHT damage. So from a natural point of view, we look at four pillars, hormone balance, nutrition density, circulation and inflammation. If you balance those, the hair has its best shot at reviving. So we first talk about hormone balance, that 5 alpha reductase enzyme can be naturally moderated by certain plant compounds. The best known is solpalmetto extract and it's typically about 160 milligrams twice a day. It gently blocks DHT conversion. You can also look at pumpkin seed oil and staining nettle root and they work synergistically with it. There's clinical studies even published in journals out of Europe that show measurable improvements in hair density for men using this trio consistently over just a few months. Then we're talking about nutrition density, that hair growth is cellular work. The follicle is one of the fastest regenerating tissues in the body, meaning nutrient shortages show up in your hair before even they do in the blood tests. So if we make sure that your diet, you're getting enough protein, add zinc, selenium, biotin, silica and especially vitamin D, a 2024 study revealed that men low in vitamin D were significantly more likely to show advanced baldness. For that reason, I recommend testing vitamin D and supplement if necessary. And then if you look at your circulation pillar three, your scalp is like a skin layer obviously, right? So in like all skin, it thrives with blood flow. So modern life, it gives us tight necks and jaw tension and desk posture. It's all of which restrict that scalp blood flow. You can reverse that with some simple rituals like a daily five minute scalp massage. You can add in rosemary or peppermint essential oils to help with that. These natural vasodilators, they show real promise in these small trials. And one study, it demonstrated that rosemary oil matches the effects of low dose monoxidil after six months. So if you combine that with regular exercise and stay hydrated, manage your stress, it feeds those follicles, the oxygen that they crave. And finally, we talk about inflammation, chronic low grade inflammation from processed foods and high insulin levels or oxidative stress, it damaged the micro environment around that follicle. So anti-inflammatory foods, salmon, flax, turmeric, olive oil, these can calm that storm. So some practitioners also use low level laser therapy. And this is for the same reason they improve circulation and reduce that oxidative burden. It's entirely drug free and it's also approved for home use. So from an integrative view, a functional medicine lab, it might be worthwhile to take a look at. Check the fasting insulin, thyroid panel, ferritin, the iron levels in B12. And you might ask why? Because each of these nutrients are hormones directly affect the antigen, that's the growth phase of hair. And so even mild thyroid sluggishness can amplify that DHT sensitivity. And for some men, supporting the thyroid with selenium and iodine turns that tide as well. So it's regrowth after 40 possible. In many cases, partial regrowth, yes. Most men can reclaim improved thickness at the crown and slow future shedding by combining many of these approaches. And even without full regrowth, improvement and scalp health in appearance is worth it. And if you're investing in that circulation, the nutrient status and that hormone balance, all of which will pay dividends far beyond that hairline. Because here's the truth, male pattern baldness doesn't define you, but understanding your biology and supporting it naturally can revitalize your confidence, that circulation and your overall well being. I'm Dr. Adam Brockman and you're listening to the Dr. Bob Martin show. Don't go anywhere. We'll be right back. Are you concerned about your blood pressure? Join the millions worldwide who have chosen chaiolic as a natural alternative to support their heart health. Why chaiolic? It works. Over 900 published scientific articles and research studies have shown that chaiolic aged garlic extract has a positive effect on cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, circulation, blood sugar balance and more. Chaiolic aged garlic extract organically grown garlic aged for up to 20 months for maximum purity and potency. Gentle on the stomach, easy to swallow capsules with no offensive garlic odor or taste. Visit chaiolic.com. That's k-y-o-l-i-c dot com. Learn about chaiolic formula 109 for blood pressure as well as chaiolic's other cardiovascular formulas. Chaiolic is sold at sprouts, natural grocers, whole foods and natural health stores everywhere. Also online. Get chaiolic blood pressure health formula 109. It works. Welcome back. I'm Dr. Adam Brockman and that, my friends, brings us to the close of another hour of the Dr. Bob Martin show where we remind you every week that health is not something that happens to you. It's something you build one choice at a time. And I want you to think about the voices we heard today on our caller marathon. We opened with people from every walk of life, leaning in and saying, help me understand my health. We heard from Cindy asking how to handle pain without losing the spark of mobility. And together we explored the hands-on world of chiropractic care, the balance of acupuncture in the soothing release of cupping that are all rooted in the same principle that the body wants to heal if we simply clear the path. Then came Steve taking ownership of a lifelong question for many. And that's what can I do about male pattern baldness the natural way. And didn't his courage to ask embody exactly what the show is about? He wasn't chasing vanity. He was chasing health and vitality. We talked about hormones, nutrition, circulation in realistic steps for any man who's ready to feed his follicles instead of fighting them. And earlier in the hour, we even tackled a foundational issue. What kind of doctor should you see for a routine physical? Because maintenance isn't about just cars. It's about our bodies as well. The message threaded through every segment today is simple but profound. And that's choose partnership over being passive. Whether you're letting a chiropractor adjust your spine and acupuncturist balance your energy or a family doctor track your labs, be the captain, not a passenger in your care. And the show, the show, it's never about having you be perfect. It's about having you progress. It's about listening to your body's whispers before they become shouts. It's about trusting that nature in the natural way doesn't always mean that you're just being naive. It means working with the design, not against it. And I want you to carry this thought through you throughout the week. Your health story is written in pencil, not ink. You can still edit it. You can rewrite that fatigue and you can make it into energy. You can make pain into power and uncertainty into clarity. It takes questions like Cindy's and Steve's. It takes showing up for that checkup and it takes those small consistent actions. But it's doable and it's honest and it's worth it. And if something you heard struck a chord or maybe it opened a door you didn't know was there, don't let it fade when the music stops and fades out today. Reach out. The lines are open at 800-606-8822. Again, that's 800-606-8822 or visit us at drbob.com. That's drbob.com. So as we wrap up, let me leave you with this. Healing isn't an event. It's a relationship between you and your body, your choices and your creator. Honor it, feed it, give it rest. And don't forget to share what you learn with someone else because when one person chooses health, it raises that whole village. I'm Dr. Adam Brockman, thanking you for spending part of your day with us here on The Dr. Bob Martin Show. Until next time, be well, stay curious and remember, your body is the best doctor you own. If you just listen to it, good day.