Dr. Rob

Mycorhizza, Microbiome, and You

Mycorhizza, Microbiome, and You

by Dr. Rob

This picture of fungus growing on a dead tree branch was taken in my compost pile. We are beginning to understand more profoundly the amazing role of fungal and mycorrhizal networks in the Earth’s ecosystem. Myco (fungus) and Rhiza (root) specifically refers to the symbiotic associations between a green plant and a fungus. For example a plant provides the mycorrhiza with sugar and carbohydrates while the mycorrhiza helps deliver mineral nutrients and water to the plants roots.

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Posted by Dr. Rob in Gut Health, 0 comments
Introduction to Paleo and Keto Diets

Introduction to Paleo and Keto Diets

by Dr. Rob

At this time, the concept of a Paleo or Keto diet is no longer foreign to most people. It wasn’t always that way, but with the spread of information in the 21st Century, and with so many people experiencing clear benefits, things are beginning to change. The most common reason for embarking on this type of diet is weight loss, but there can be many other reasons as well, including improving energy, enhancing mental sharpness and clarity, dealing with metabolic issues such as high triglycerides, insulin, and sugar, preventing Alzheimer’s Disease in high risk individuals, and a host of other rationales.

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Posted by Dr. Rob in Natural Weight Loss Solutions, 2 comments
Intermittent Fasting – A Typical Protocol (Part 3 of 3)

Intermittent Fasting – A Typical Protocol (Part 3 of 3)

by Dr. Rob

The table below illustrates what a weekly intermittent fasting schedule could look like. Note that on day 7 in this table, that lunch is skipped. This is optional, but would lead to a 24 hour period of fasting between the meal on Day 6 and the meal on Day 7. This would especially be the case if the bulletproof coffee or tea was also skipped in the morning, or if the coffee was black. But this, as well as other factors, are at your discretion.

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Posted by Dr. Rob in Natural Weight Loss Solutions, 0 comments
Intermittent Fasting – Why Intermittent Fasting Works (Part 2 of 3)

Intermittent Fasting – Why Intermittent Fasting Works (Part 2 of 3)

by Dr. Rob

In Part 1, I emphasized that the human body evolved not only to survive, but to thrive on periods of fasting. This is one of the reasons why among the many cultures and religious traditions around the world, all of them include observances of fasting in their practices. This is a connection with our humanity itself, and a way to achieve spiritual and physical cleansing, clarity, and health.

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Posted by Dr. Rob in Natural Weight Loss Solutions, 0 comments
Intermittent Fasting- Intro (Part 1 of 3)

Intermittent Fasting- Intro (Part 1 of 3)

by Dr. Rob

In this 3 part blog, I introduce the concept and rationale for intermittent fasting (Part 1), the reasons why intermittent fasting is so beneficial (Part 2), and a template for accomplishing intermittent fasting (Part 3).

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There is nothing fancy about Intermittent Fasting and that is one of the reasons why it is so great! The best solutions are always the simplest ones, and I have seen Intermittent Fasting solve a variety of difficult problems in my patients, such as weight gain, gut issues (bloating, SIBO, candida, pain, reflux), chronic fatigue, anxiety, sleep problems, joint aches, and inflammation. Anything that can potentially achieve so much must be producing benefits on a fundamental level. This is the case with intermittent fasting.

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Posted by Dr. Rob in Natural Weight Loss Solutions, 0 comments
Intravenous Infusions – Why, When, How

Intravenous Infusions – Why, When, How

by Dr. Rob

I am a big believer in the power of food as medicine. It is the beginning, middle, and end to any healing plan I promote. Why then intravenous nutrients? We all need a boost sometimes, and a nutrient infusion provides an elegant modern twist to the ancient truth of the power of nutrition. When cellular, mitochondrial, and overall energy systems are rundown, nothing compares to the right IV formula to provide a quick but authentic recharge. Allowing nutrients to flow directly into the bloodstream allows them to reach the cellular machinery that need them the most, and in sufficient quantities to make a significant impact.

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Posted by Dr. Rob in IV Therapy, 0 comments
For you, Dr. Chocolate

For you, Dr. Chocolate

by Dr. Rob

This entry, my first since 2013, is in honor of another doctor- my uncle, Dr. Paul Krochmal, who just passed unexpectedly last week. The only other doctor in my family, my grandfather Dr. Henry Krochmal, passed when I was just beginning medical school. Paul talked a lot about him, particularly what a good, kind, and caring man and doctor he was. So perhaps it is not surprising that the knowledge Paul is gone has hit me most deeply during some simple moments I have had with my patients since then, knowing that Paul too carried on my grandfather’s doctoring spirit, in his own lighthearted, yet solemn encounters with his patients in the Emergency Room. Paul had an active and inquisitive mind, and was a great teacher- I remember many medical stories as well as enlightenments in medical history- for example the heartbreaking yet inspiring story of a Viennese trained physician (like my grandfather), Dr. Ignaz Semmelweis, who’s story is well worth looking up.

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Posted by Dr. Rob in General, 2 comments
Hydrate your way to health

Hydrate your way to health

by Dr. Rob

A recent bike ride in the Santa Monica mountains inspires me to kick off these early blog pages with some very basic, but critical, advice. Am I talking about exercise? Well, I would never give up my rides, but Iʼm talking about something different- water. As I pedaled through the parking lot and under the oak trees toward my climb up the trails, I realized I was thirsty. Municipal drinking water fountains donʼt normally inspire me, but perhaps it was the 300+ year old oaks hovering above it. The cool liquid wetting my mouth, I was ready to get back on the bike. On the way up, I began to realize that while our drinking water system is not perfect, we have a lot to be thankful for.

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Posted by Dr. Rob in Health and Wellness, 0 comments
Doctor in the Garden (VIDEO)

Doctor in the Garden (VIDEO)

by Dr. Rob

Hi, I’m Dr. Rob, and I’m here with my 5 year old daughter Luci. For my first blog, I thought I would introduce you to some of my first patients, I’m here with my plants.

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Posted by Dr. Rob in General, 0 comments
Welcome to MD Integrative Wellness!

Welcome to MD Integrative Wellness!

by Dr. Rob

I am grateful to have the privilege to be able to practice integrative medicine during this time of great discovery and expansion in access to information. This will enable a new model of healthcare that is holistic, focused on finding the root cause of illness, and empowers individuals to discover their own path to optimal health. The information and discussions provided in these pages is intended to contribute to this new model- often also called Functional Medicine. Grassroots health care reform and universal health care will truly become a reality as our medical system shifts to this integrative, preventive approach that will reduce costs and improve wellness.

Posted by Dr. Rob in General, 0 comments