Functional Medicine, Gut Health, & Toxicity, with Dr. Bob Rakowski Artwork

Health Is A Skill with Todd Vande Hei

Welcome to the Health is a Skill podcast with host Todd Vande Hei! Todd is the CEO of Stark, which exists to change the future of health and fitness in the communities they serve. For the last 15 years, Todd has been on a journey to discover what it means to be in a state of peak health. After suffering from a series of seizures and being diagnosed with high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation in his early 30’s, Todd decided it was time to make a change. Those changes fell into one of four categories: lifestyle, exercise, nutrition, and stress management. But the biggest thing Todd learned through it all? Health is a skill. You’re not born with it, like some would like you to believe, and it isn’t acquired by simply buying another product or starting that new diet. Health is something you can create for yourself, and over time it is possible to attain peak health.

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Health Is A Skill with Todd Vande Hei

Functional Medicine, Gut Health, & Toxicity, with Dr. Bob Rakowski

February 13, 2025 • Todd Vande Hei • Season 3 • Episode 6

The foundation of health starts in the gut—something ancient wisdom and modern science both can agree on. In this week’s episode of Health Is A Skill, Dr. Bob Rakowski unpacks the critical role gut health plays in overall wellness and why functional medicine is the key to addressing the root causes of disease.

Together Todd and Dr. Rakowski highlight the dangers of xenoestrogens and microplastics, explaining their link to declining testosterone, metabolic disorders, and early puberty. The conversation then shifts to hormones, where Dr. Rakowski reveals why muscle is the real driver of longevity and explains that conventional hormone replacement therapies may not be the best first step.

With decades of experience in functional medicine, Dr. Rakowski shares inspiring case studies of patients reversing chronic diseases, overcoming stage four cancer, and regaining their health through natural interventions. His insights on diet, movement, stress management, and environmental awareness offer a powerful roadmap for anyone looking to optimize their health.

Learn more about Dr. Rakowski and his practice on his website: https://www.drbobrakowski.com/.

Get access to Todd's free health resource: https://podtodd.com

Learn more about Stark at: https://www.stark.health

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Suppression of Natural Medicine and Its Comeback
03:26 Todd’s Health Transformation and the Role of Functional Medicine
06:20 Gut Health: The Foundation of Wellness
07:34 What is Functional Medicine? Common Misconceptions
12:55 Understanding Hormones and Endocrine Disruptors
16:57 Xenoestrogens and Their Impact on Male and Female Health
18:39 Microplastics and Environmental Toxins in the Body
25:53 The Shift Towards Health Consciousness in Younger Generations
27:53 Diagnostic Tools in Functional Medicine
33:59 The War on Health and Political Shifts in Medicine
35:17 Generational Differences in Healthcare Trust
37:49 How to Begin Your Health Journey
40:09 Success Stories: Overcoming Chronic Illness with Functional Medicine
42:17 Where to Find Dr. Bob Rakowski

Connect with Stark
Personalized inside‑out health programs at stark.health

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🤔 ABOUT Todd Vande Hei 🤔

Welcome to Todd Vande Hei's channel, where health mastery meets real-life transformation. Join Todd as he shares invaluable insights and practical tips to help you unlock your full health potential.

Whether you're struggling with chronic pain, seeking sustainable weight loss, or simply striving to live your best life, Todd's journey and expertise will inspire and empower you to take control of your health and well-being.

Join our community of health enthusiasts committed to making positive changes and thriving at every stage of life. Let's embark on this journey to vibrant health together!

DISCLOSURE

We focus on optimizing every aspect of your well-being. At Stark, our team of expert trainers, doctors, nutritionists and a complete medical support team, led by CEO Todd Vande Hei, is dedicated to helping you become the BEST version of yourself. We specialize in coaching executives, athletes, pop stars, astronauts and other noteworthy individuals in all forms of exercise, diet, lifestyle, stress management and personalized supplement protocols.

Our methodology is designed to tackle each facet of well-being comprehensively. We believe that optimal health encompasses ten key aspects, which...