Dr. Kristin Hieshetter is the host of Functional Health Radio, an established healthcare professional with expertise in functional medicine, chiropractic care, and neuroinflammation. With a rich background in educating medical, chiropractic, and dental professionals, Dr. Kristin is dedicated to translating complex medical research into practical knowledge for both her peers and the general public. She regularly integrates insights from reputable medical journals into her work and travels to share her knowledge at various continuing education events for healthcare providers.

In this engaging episode of Functional Health Radio, Dr. Kristin Hieshetter delves into the implications of COVID-19 as a brain disease, discussing its impact on long-term neurological health and offering insights into potential therapeutic strategies. Highlighting the struggles faced by the 225 million individuals worldwide known as "Covid long haulers," Dr. Kristin shares her expertise on the often debilitating neurological symptoms that persist in many patients well after recovery from the initial infection.

Throughout the episode, Dr. Kristin explores the science behind COVID-19's effects on the brain, emphasizing the structural impact of the virus's spike proteins and their lingering presence. By referencing several studies, including those published in top-tier journals such as Molecular Neurobiology and Nature Medicine, she discusses the immune-mediated pathways that lead to neuroinflammation, cognitive deficits, and reduced gray matter in COVID-19 patients. She sheds light on the necessity for personalized protocols when treating long-haul symptoms, combined with the use of low-level lasers, supplements, and lifestyle changes to promote healing and brain health.

• COVID-19 can have long-term neurological effects, leading to symptoms such as brain fog, memory loss, and anxiety.
• Spike proteins from the virus remain in the body, contributing to neuroinflammation and facilitating long-term cognitive issues.
• Integral therapeutic approaches include tailored supplementation, regular exercise, low-level laser therapy, and controlled doses of methylene blue.
• Variability in patient responses necessitates highly individualized treatment plans to manage and potentially reverse symptoms.
• Maintaining brain health requires attention to exercise, nutrition, and supplementation to combat the inflammatory effects of the virus.

1. "Both long Covid and COVID vaccine can sometimes create things like brain fog, neuroinflammation, and long term sequelae."
2. "We have more abnormal than normal brains in the world."
3. "The COVID spike proteins, they hang out at the base of the skull, throughout the skull, in a system called the duromeningeal system."
4. "COVID long haulers have way too much inflammation. Low-level laser can help you with that."
5. "For every nerve that goes from the brain to the stomach, nine go back up."

• PubMed: Molecular Neurobiology, July 2021
• Journal Article: Cell Host and Microbe, Volume 32, 2024
• Dr. Greg Fors - BioSpec Nutritionals: Mito Detox 3
• Nature Medicine, Volume 31, 2025

Listeners are encouraged to dive into this informative episode to understand fully the complex nature of COVID-19 as a brain disease and its long-term implications on health. Join Dr. Kristin as she prepares to address these pertinent challenges faced by many today and provides tools for navigating them. Stay tuned for more episodes of Functional Health Radio for continued learning and insight.

Dr. Kristin Hieshetter is a renowned expert in functional health and wellness, known for her comprehensive approach to integrating chiropractic care with holistic health practices. With a significant background in healthcare, Dr. Hieshetter emphasizes preventative care and wellness, leveraging chiropractic adjustments, nutritional supplements, and lifestyle modifications to improve overall health. She is an influential voice in the field through her podcast, Functional Health Radio, where she shares insights on contemporary health challenges, including the long-term impacts of COVID-19.

In this enlightening episode of Functional Health Radio, Dr. Kristin Hieshetter delves into the complexities of COVID-19 and its long-term effects, often referred to as "long COVID." With firsthand anecdotes from her own family's experience with the virus, she illustrates the varied impacts of COVID-19 on individuals, emphasizing the persistent and often debilitating symptoms experienced by many months or even years after the initial infection. Dr. Hieshetter explores why these long-lasting effects happen, highlighting the role of genetic factors, lifestyle, and pre-existing health conditions.

Dr. Hieshetter's discussion is a valuable resource for those seeking understanding and solutions to the challenges posed by long COVID. She references a plethora of medical literature and research, explaining the virus's interaction with ACE2 receptors and its resultant impact on various bodily systems—including cardiovascular and neurological complications. Terms like myocarditis, pericarditis, and brain inflammation mark the severe potential consequences of long COVID. Interwoven through her narrative are powerful insights such as, "The virus gets in there and it trashes them," illustrating the significant medical implications of COVID-19's persisting presence in individuals.

• Diverse Impacts of COVID-19: COVID-19 affects individuals differently, with some experiencing mild symptoms and others facing prolonged and severe consequences. Genetic predispositions and immune responses play a significant role.
• Understanding Long COVID: Persistent symptoms like fatigue, cognitive issues, and respiratory problems are common and can significantly impact daily life and employment.
• Medical Insights: COVID-19's impact on ACE2 receptors and the cardiovascular system underscores the complexity of long-term complications, including myocarditis and neurological disorders.
• Support and Treatments: There are promising therapies emerging, such as low-level laser therapy, hyperbaric oxygen, and specialized supplements like Nattokinase and Mitodetox 3 that support recovery from long COVID.
• Holistic Approach to Recovery: A combination of lifestyle changes and medical interventions can help mitigate the effects of long COVID. Dr. Hieshetter emphasizes the importance of not giving up, "Even if you don't have access to that stuff, don't give up."

• "There are 225 million people worldwide who have what we call long COVID, and that's a really big deal."
• "Every single blood vessel in the body has ACE2 receptors, which help regulate your blood pressure and fluid balance."
• "This COVID 19 virus, it's really crazy because this ACE2 expression is in many tissues and organs."
• "The incidence of myocarditis increased by 15 times compared to pre-COVID."
• "We're building solutions and very soon it's going to launch."

• Studies on COVID-19 myocarditis and neurological impacts: "Circulation Research," "Molecular Neurobiology"
• Supplement recommendations for long COVID recovery: Nattokinase, Mitodetox 3
• Low-level laser therapy and hyperbaric oxygen for brain health
• Dr. Hieshetter's recommended supplements: EPA/DHA, N-acetyl cysteine, and vitamins for boosting immune function

Encourage listeners to dive deeper into this episode to gain comprehensive insights into long COVID and discover practical ways to manage and mitigate its effects. Stay tuned for more explorative discussions on functional health from Functional Health Radio.

Dr. Kristin Hieshetter is a prominent figure in the field of functional health, dedicated to improving public health and wellness. With an extensive background in chiropractic care, Dr. Hieshetter has gained recognition for her innovative approach to healthcare, focusing on the interplay between modern medicine and holistic treatments. She is the host of Functional Health Radio, where she shares her expertise on optimizing health through vitamins, diet, and lifestyle changes. Dr. Hieshetter's passion for spreading wellness extends beyond her practice, as she regularly contributes to medical journals and collaborates with leading healthcare professionals.

In this engaging episode of Functional Health Radio, Dr. Kristin Hieshetter delves into the alarming decline in life expectancy in the United States and the rise of chronic diseases among children. She questions the efficacy of current healthcare spending and emphasizes the importance of optimizing human potential through functional health strategies. The episode is packed with actionable insights on protecting DNA from free radical damage and improving overall well-being.

Dr. Hieshetter introduces the concept of the "Core 4" essential supplements—multivitamins, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D3 with K2—and highlights their critical role in promoting longevity and preventing chronic diseases. Drawing from recent studies, she discusses how these supplements can enhance cognitive function, reduce inflammation, and support cellular health. Dr. Hieshetter also touches on the importance of maintaining a diet free from unnecessary copper and iron, and she advocates for personalization in supplement regimens based on individual health needs. Her insights are backed by a wealth of research and years of clinical practice, providing listeners with valuable tools to take charge of their health.

• Life Expectancy Concerns: The United States has experienced a decline in life expectancy due to increased chronic diseases and healthcare inefficiencies.
• Core 4 Supplements: A regimen of high-quality multivitamins, magnesium, omega-3s, and vitamin D3 with K2 is essential for optimal health and longevity.
• Magnesium's Vital Role: Magnesium is crucial for over 600 enzymatic reactions and supports genomic stability, protecting against aging and disease.
• Impact of Nutrition on Cognitive Function: Multivitamins and proper diet can significantly improve cognitive abilities and delay age-related decline.
• Vitamin D's Deficiency Risks: Low vitamin D levels are linked to severe health risks, emphasizing the need for appropriate supplementation.

• "Everything we put in our bodies will either immediately help you or immediately harm you. There is no neutral."
• "Multivitamin use has also been shown to protect telomere length… preserving memory in older adults."
• "Magnesium is responsible for all of these cellular pathways. It's a key driver."
• "Low vitamin D is the leading cause of non-specific musculoskeletal pain."
• "Essential supplements have a profound role in not just curing diseases but preventing them."

• Dr. Christy Sutton's book, "The Iron Curse" on Amazon.
• "Primal Fat Burner" and "Primal Body, Primal Mind" by Dr. Nora Gedgaudas.
• Dr. Dan Murphy's research article reviews.
• Various articles from the journal Nutrients on supplements and aging.

Listeners are encouraged to dive into the full episode to gain a comprehensive understanding of how these functional health strategies can be implemented into daily life for better health outcomes. Don't miss out on more insightful content—stay tuned for upcoming episodes of Functional Health Radio.