The Better Life with Dr. Pinkston

RSS Feed

Dr. Pinkston is working hard to create a new vision for health and wellness by re-entering the radio waves coming in April! Dr Pinkston is a graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio and of the Christus Santa Rosa family practice residency program. Graduating in 1997 and starting her clinical solo practice in 2000, Dr. Pinkston provided South Texas with the best general care in family practice until 2007 when she developed Rheumatoid Arthritis. Through diet, exercise, hormones, mind and body techniques she has regained her health and wants to help others discover their own path to wellness. She will have the local radio show with a national platform on Sirius XM and will have a podcast, blog and YouTube channel! Stay tuned as developments are happening EVERYDAY!

  

Bio

Dr. Marianne Pinkston is a graduate of the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio and of the CHRISTUS Santa Rosa Family Practice Residency Program. Graduating in 1997 and starting her clinical solo practice in 2000, Dr. Pinkston provided South Texas with the best general care in family practice until 2007 when she developed Rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid arthritis is a severe disabling inflammatory arthritis condition of all the joints that includes severe debilitating fatigue and other issues. Dr. Pinkston then began her journey into integrative and functional medicine where she has earned tens of thousands of hours in training and degrees in stem cell and peptide certification as well as anti-aging and regenerative medicine studies and in integrative medicine studies. Dr. Pinkston is a specialist of weight loss having her self gained up to 300 pounds and developed diabetes and high blood pressure, dr. Pinkston lost 162 pounds in a year and two months regaining her precious health. Dr. Pinkston also provides the best in hormone replacement therapy for men and women and treats autoimmune conditions as well as thyroid and diabetic and other inflammatory conditions. Dr. Pinkston is not limited to any certain disease or treatment style. Dr. Pinkston entered into the mass media scene in 2016 with KTSA 550 and the Dr Pinkston’s Radio Show and now has joined with KLUP-930 The Answer in San Antonio Texas where she will present many contemporary and integrative health topics as well as inspirational and guided life improvement topics and motivational speaking. Dr. Pinkston is a board of director and speaker for Global Pain Association having suffered chronic pain for 14 years and is the president of Pinkston Medical and Wellness Clinic under Total Care Physical Therapy And Rehab. She continues as a solo practitioner in San Antonio Texas treating all ages and men and women for all conditions. Dr. Pinkston is the premier specialist of Hormone Replacement Therapy and of wellness and anti-aging and is medical director of the Dolce Beauty and Laser medical spa. Dr. Pinkston has over 10,000 hours of teaching for medical students and Nurse Practitioner and physician assistants. She is extremely active in the community and in many philanthropic areas and continues in private practice. Dr. Pinkston is sponsored by PD labs in Austin Texas and join forces with pharmacist Ray Solano on Healthy Choices channel on Sirius XM and has developed a blog a podcast and a YouTube channel where you can find Dr. Pinkston at any time. Dr. Pinkston’s mission is to give patients and everyone everywhere the better life.

SUBSCRIBE:      Spotify    RssFeed    Amazon Music   

Decoding the Gut Microbiome: AI-Driven Health & Longevity with Dr. Pinkston and Dr. Leo Grady

Saturday, January 10, 2026

Join Dr. Pinkston on The Better Life for an enlightening deep dive into the gut microbiome. Featuring AI expert Dr. Leo Grady, founder of Jonah, this episode explores how cutting-edge technology analyzes over 200,000 medical studies to map the 30 trillion organisms living within you. Dr. Pinkston and Dr. Grady discuss the "digital twin" technology that simulates how diet and lifestyle changes impact your unique gut profile, offering a new frontier for treating depression, autoimmune issues, and chronic disease through integrative medicine.

The Great Healthcare Disruption: A Path to Better Health

Saturday, January 3, 2026

In this episode of The Better Life, Dr. Pinkston sits down with Dr. Marschall Runge, Dean of the University of Michigan Medical School and CEO of Michigan Medicine. Together, they explore the systemic challenges facing the American healthcare system and discuss the optimistic future outlined in Dr. Runge’s new book, The Great Healthcare Disruption.

The conversation dives deep into the "corporatization" of medicine, where insurance companies and administrative costs often take precedence over the doctor-patient relationship. Dr. Runge highlights a startling statistic: while the U.S. spends the most on healthcare globally, it ranks roughly 60th in "healthy average life expectancy." They discuss potential solutions, including shifting focus toward prevention, learning from international models like Singapore and Denmark, and restoring the fundamental trust between physicians and their patients.

Key Topics Covered:

  • The Efficiency Gap: Comparing the 16% administrative costs of private insurance to the 2% cost of Medicare.

  • The Preventive Approach: How lifestyle factors, nutrition, and social policy impact long-term health outcomes.

  • AI in Healthcare: The double-edged sword of AI being used by insurance companies to drive high denial rates.

  • The Primary Care Shortage: Why the U.S. has fewer primary care doctors per capita than almost any other developed nation and how "medical homes" can bridge the gap.

  • Restoring Trust: Moving away from "Reddit-based" medical advice and back to evidence-based care provided by trusted professionals.

 

Unmasking Food Triggers: The Power of the Elimination Diet

Saturday, December 27, 2025

Is what you’re eating causing your pain, fatigue, or stubborn weight gain? Join Dr. Pinkston and nutritionist Laura LaValle as they dive deep into the Elimination Diet—the gold standard for identifying hidden food sensitivities.

In this episode, Dr. Pinkston explores why modern life has triggered a surge in "leaky gut" and how removing common culprits like gluten, dairy, and soy can resolve everything from chronic migraines to seasonal allergies. Learn the exact protocol to reset your system, boost your metabolism, and finally understand your body’s unique needs.

A Promise Kept: Navigating Dementia and End-of-Life Choices

Saturday, December 20, 2025

Join Dr. Pinkston as she welcomes Erica Bacchus, author of the deeply personal book, A Promise Kept. Erica shares the extraordinary and heartbreaking story of her late husband, John, and his battle with early cognitive impairment consistent with Alzheimer's disease.

This conversation delves into a highly controversial and often-unspoken topic: end-of-life choices in the face of neurodegenerative disease. Erica describes the difficulty of John's diagnosis, his profound desire to maintain agency and dignity, and the intense emotional journey she undertook as his caregiver. They discuss:

  • The challenge of Alzheimer's and end-of-life options, particularly the catch-22 regarding mental capacity and current U.S. laws like Medical Assistance in Dying.

  • The couple's decision to seek assistance at Dignitas in Switzerland and the seven-month, complex application process.

  • The overwhelming emotional toll of caregiving, the isolation, and the importance of honoring a spouse's deeply held, personal beliefs about life, purpose, and death.

Erica's story is a testament to unwavering love, shared independence, and the courage it takes to support a loved one's choice to have a peaceful, dignified end on their own terms.

Stop Hair Loss: Personalized, Evidence-Based Solutions with GetHairMD™

Saturday, December 13, 2025

This episode features Dr. Pinkston and Paul Herchman, Co-Executive Founder of Get Hair MD, discussing a holistic and evidence-based approach to hair loss. They highlight the widespread issue of hair loss in both men and women, exacerbated by factors like stress and rapid weight loss (including GLP-1s).

Key Takeaways from Get Hair MD's Approach:

  • Multifactorial Treatment: Hair loss is complex, requiring a comprehensive approach.

  • Personalized Diagnosis: The process begins with an AI-driven photo documentation system to identify viable hairs, followed by a cheek swab for genetic analysis. This determines which topical products (like Minoxidil) a patient can effectively metabolize, avoiding wasted time and money.

  • Treatment Modalities:

    • Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): A Class II device used to quickly stop hair loss and is often done in-office a couple of times a month initially.

    • HairCell Technology: A new, exciting technology that uses electrical stimulation to signal cells to emit beneficial proteins like Clotho (longevity protein) and COAL17A (hair longevity protein) to condition the atrophic scalp.

    • Topical & Oral Supplements: Customized topical sprays from compounding pharmacies, plus validated vitamins and specialized shampoos.

    • Regenerative Products: Physicians may use extracellular matrix/regenerative products like exosomes, often applied using needle-free technology for comfort.

  • Sustained Home Care: Patented dual-wavelength caps are used at home to maintain results and protect the investment. They also offer a protective, fashionable baseball cap that filters sun to SPF 50 while converting sun rays to a therapeutic wavelength.

  • Early Intervention is Key: The most important message is to act early. Once a hair follicle dies, it cannot be reversed. Don't waste time and money on unproven methods.

https://gethairmd.com/

 

Eating Healthy & Mindful Balance During the Holidays

Saturday, December 6, 2025

This episode of The Better Life with Dr Pinkston features Dr Pinkston and Ray Solano from PD Labs, focusing on how to navigate and survive the holidays—dubbed the "Super Bowl of Sugar" (Halloween to Valentine's Day)—without derailing your health goals.

The discussion centers on research challenging restrictive dieting, suggesting that unrestricted eating of nutritious food, layered with non-digestible fiber (nuts, seeds, berries) to slow sugar absorption, can offer similar benefits to fasting without the negative effects.

Key Takeaways:

  • Mindful Holiday Strategy: The holidays are a time for balance and not gaining weight, rather than focusing intensely on losing it.

  • The Problem with Restriction: Restrictive diets (like extreme keto or carnivore) can backfire psychologically and physically. Research suggests high protein without proper carbohydrates can negatively affect longevity.

  • The "Eat Human" Approach: Focus on a common-sense approach: avoid processed foods, know your intolerances, and aim for a balance of protein, fat, and carbs (suggested ratio: 40% protein, 30% fat, 30% carb) in every meal.

  • Breakfast is Key: Start the day with high protein (40 grams) to stabilize blood sugars, reducing cravings later. Avoid traditional high-carb breakfasts like instant oatmeal.

  • Stay Hydrated & Stress-Free: Managing stress with simple supplements like Magnesium Glycinate and Theanine (or cortisol managers like Triquillata) is crucial, as stress often leads to poor eating choices.

  • Next-Generation Health: Ray Solano introduces PD Labs' work on peptides (like the GLP-1 incretins) and their innovative two-year project to make these high-molecular-weight molecules available transdermally (non-injectable) by Christmas, transforming chronic disease prevention.

The conversation emphasizes starting your health recovery journey now, not waiting for a "magical time" in January.

Immune System, Common Cold, and Allergies with Dr. Lesser

Saturday, November 29, 2025

Join Dr. Pinkston and special guest Dr. Lesser from Magna Pharmaceuticals as they discuss the connection between the immune system, the common cold, and allergies (Upper Respiratory Symptoms, or URIs).

In this highly relevant episode, Dr. Lesser delves into:

  • Myths and Facts surrounding the common cold, including debunking old wives' tales.

  • The Four Stages of the common cold, from incubation to recovery.

  • The profound ways that colds and allergies can impair cognitive function, sleep, mood, and relationships.

  • The critical role of a strong immune system and the importance of being proactive with prevention and treatment.

  • Preventative measures like hygiene, exercise (myokines), and the impact of sleep on immune restoration.

  • Identifying the difference between cold and allergy symptoms, including the significance of mucus color.

  • Appropriate treatments for symptoms, emphasizing when to use decongestants, mucolytics, and when antibiotics are not the answer.

Tune in to learn how an integrative approach, combining holistic health and contemporary medical information, can help you and your family navigate the cold and allergy season for a better life!

Red Light Therapy: Anti-Aging, Energy, and Recovery

Saturday, November 22, 2025

Join Dr. Pinkston and her esteemed guest, pharmacist and expert on anti-aging and metabolic health, Jim LaValle, as they dive into the science and benefits of Red Light Therapy, also known as photobiomodulation. They discuss how this non-invasive therapy works by utilizing specific wavelengths of light—ideally in the mid-600s and mid-800s—to stimulate collagen synthesis (for improved skin and anti-aging), boost nitric oxide production (for better circulation), and enhance ATP production (for increased cellular energy and mitochondrial health).

LaValle explains how the different wavelengths penetrate tissues, with the shorter waves targeting the skin and the longer, near-infrared waves (800s) penetrating deeper to help with inflammation, muscle soreness, and overall cellular repair. The discussion also covers:

  • Optimal usage (timing and frequency) and best forms (whole-body beds/blankets vs. panels/masks).

  • Potential benefits for conditions like fibromyalgia, post-exercise recovery, and skin issues like psoriasis.

  • Crucial supplements to combine with red light therapy for maximized benefits, including NAD+ boosters (like Nicotinamide Riboside), CoQ10, Magnesium, collagen peptides (with Vitamin C), and Methylene Blue (USP grade).

  • Important warnings, especially regarding photosensitizing medications and pre-existing conditions.

  • New diagnostic tests, like the MeeScreen, for assessing mitochondrial health.

Learn how integrating this contemporary tool with foundational nutrition and lifestyle changes can improve longevity, vitality, and help you live The Better Life.


Protecting & Advocating for Children with Dr. Rose

Saturday, November 15, 2025

Join Dr. Pinkston for a vital conversation with Dr. Rose, a passionate children's advocate and educator with 40 years of experience. They discuss the critical need for an integrative approach to health and healing for children, especially those who have experienced trauma, abuse, and adverse childhood circumstances.

Dr. Rose shares her inspiring journey of personal healing and decades of professional work, from building schools in the inner city to teaching at the college level, emphasizing the resilience of children and the power of creative outlets like art in healing.

In this episode, you will learn:

  • The powerful, often unseen, impact of trauma and anxiety that can be epigenetically transmitted from parent to child.

  • The importance of self-healing for parents and the danger of "dumping" unresolved issues onto children.

  • The crucial role of early childhood development (ages zero to five) and why a nation that neglects its children is a nation in peril.

  • Insights into recognizing signs that a child is struggling, how to provide an outlet for them, and strategies to stop cycles of abuse and bullying.

  • The challenges faced by teachers and the societal responsibility to establish policies that support educators and protect the most vulnerable.

Sugar, Magnesium, and Collagen: A Toxic Trio

Saturday, November 8, 2025

Join Dr. Pinkston and returning favorite guest, Dr. Carolyn Dean, as they tackle the great confusion surrounding sugar and its profound impact on your health.

In this illuminating discussion, you'll learn:

  • The Sugar-Heart Disease Connection: Discover the suppressed history of how the sugar industry successfully blamed fat for heart disease and the critical role of Vitamin C in preventing arterial damage.

  • The Magnesium Link: Understand the biochemistry of how sugar metabolism depletes your body's essential magnesium stores and its direct connection to ATP energy production.

  • Collagen & Scurvy: Hear how high sugar intake bumps off Vitamin C, which is vital for collagen production, potentially leading to weakened blood vessels (scurvy) and the mechanism of arterial plaque formation.

  • The Addiction and Cravings Cycle: Explore why sugar is highly addictive, the role of yeast overgrowth (Candida) in cravings, and how nutrient depletion drives excessive eating.

  • Artificial Sweeteners & Toxicity: Dr. Dean explains the dangers of many synthetic sweeteners, including how they break down into toxic compounds, and offers safer alternatives like Stevia and monk fruit.

  • Peripheral Neuropathy Explained: Learn the fascinating (and terrifying) mechanism by which excess sugar transforms into sorbitol, which builds up inside cells and can lead to nerve damage.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the science behind sugar's toxicity and how an integrative approach—focusing on critical nutrients like Magnesium and Vitamin C—can help you achieve the "Better Life."

Long COVID: The Glycocalyx, Microvascular Damage, and an Integrative Approach to Recover

Saturday, November 1, 2025

Five years after the pandemic began, the long-term impact of COVID-19—known as Long COVID—remains a controversial but crucial subject. In this episode of The Better Life with Dr. Pinkston. Dr. Pinkston explores an integrative approach to understanding and addressing post-COVID complications, combining holistic and contemporary medical information.

She is joined by experts Robert Long and Dr. Hans Vink, who have conducted extensive research into the glycocalyx and microvascular function. They explain how the COVID-19 virus can severely damage this critical protective gel lining our blood vessels, leading to systemic inflammation, organ compromise, and a significantly increased risk of serious cardiovascular events like heart attacks and strokes—even in otherwise healthy individuals.

Peptide Questions: BPC 157 and Other Peptides

Saturday, October 25, 2025

Many patients have questions on the use of peptides. What are peptides and what are the most common peptides used as well as the safety and other concerns. BPC157 is one of the most common peptides that patients ask about. There are more but today, Ray Solano of PD Labs and I discussed peptide use and safety.


 

Chapters:

 

  • 0:00 🎙️ Welcome to The Better Life & Guest Introduction

    • Dr. Pinkston welcomes the audience and introduces Ray Solano from PD Labs.

  • 0:32 🧪 Understanding Peptides: Focus on BPC 157

    • Discussion on the confusion surrounding peptides and the powerful molecule BPC 157.

  • 1:29 ⚠️ The Critical Issue of Peptide Sourcing and Quality

    • Ray Solano stresses the importance of knowing the source of peptides due to contamination risks.

  • 2:57 🧬 What is a Peptide? The Building Blocks of Proteins

    • A peptide is defined as linked amino acids.

  • 5:24BPC 157: A Signaling Peptide for Healing

    • BPC 157 is described as a signaling peptide that tells the body to heal and reduce inflammation.

  • 6:23 🎯 BPC 157 Applications: Injections, Nasal, and Oral Use

    • Ray explains how BPC 157 is used for different conditions (tendons, brain, GI tract).

  • 6:51 ⚖️ BPC 157 Salt Forms: Arginate vs. Acetate

    • The difference between the less effective acetate salt and the more absorbable arginate salt is highlighted.

  • 7:49 💊 Oral, Non-Prescription BPC 157 LPT Chewables

    • Discussion of the effective, non-prescription BPC 157 LPT nanosphere liposome chewable tablets.

  • 11:18 🌿 The Power of Curcumin and the Anti-Inflammatory Pairing

    • Introducing curcumin and how it differs from NSAIDs, which stall the healing process.

  • 11:48 🤝 Tetracure and BPC 157: A Powerful Pain-Stopping Combination

    • The synergy of high-quality curcumin (Tetracure) with BPC 157 for pain and healing.

  • 12:46 🚨 Why Curcumin Quality Matters: Particle Size and Contaminants

    • Warning against low-quality curcumin supplements due to absorption issues and heavy metal risk.

  • 15:11 🛑 The Difficulties in Treating Inflammation

    • The importance of slowing inflammation without arresting the healing process.

  • 17:35 ⏳ Healing is a Process: Long-Term Changes Take Time

    • Dr. Pinkston emphasizes that long-term health issues require patience and a process.

  • 18:05 👏 Compliment to Integrative Practitioners & BHRT Awareness

    • Ray Solano praises practitioners like Dr. Pinkston for using the best, evidence-based tools.

  • 19:04 🤯 Pharmaceutical Push for Non-Hormonal Menopause Treatments

    • Discussion on the use of non-hormonal, antidepressant-like drugs for hot flashes.

  • 21:29 💡 Dr. Pinkston's Integrative Health Awakening

    • Dr. Pinkston shares the personal journey that changed her approach to medicine.

  • 23:30 🔄 Synthetic vs. Bioidentical Hormones Explained

    • The difference between synthetic hormones (progestins) and bioidentical hormones (identical structure, like Progesterone USP).

  • 25:18 📈 Customization and Safety of Compounded Hormones

    • The crucial role of personalized dosing and the long history of safety for compounded hormones.

  • 27:14 📞 How to Connect with PD Labs & Dr. Pinkston

    • Final contact information for PD Labs (pdlabsrx.com) and Dr. Pinkston's show archives (drpbetterlife.com).

  • 28:38 🎧 Ray Solano Promotes 'Doctor Talks' Podcast

    • Ray Solano encourages listeners to check out PD Labs' free, science-based "Doctor Talks" podcast.

  • 29:10 👋 Final Thoughts and Sign Off


Overcoming Binge Eating Disorder and the Power of Habit Change with Amber Abila

Saturday, October 18, 2025

Join Dr. Marianne Pinkston and guest Amber Abila, an adult binge eating coach and expert, for a deep dive into Binge Eating Disorder (BED). Dr. Pinkston shares her personal journey of gaining over 300 pounds, losing weight, and realizing she was struggling with an eating disorder later in life. Amber, who also overcame bulimia and binge eating, discusses how this disorder—only recognized in the DSM-5 in 2013—is often misunderstood as a "willpower problem." They explore the origins of the binge-restrict cycle, the power of mindset and habit change, and practical strategies to dismantle the shame, fear, and addictive patterns surrounding food. Learn the six pillars of Amber's coaching program, including how to sit with urges, develop an abundance mindset, and use celebration to rewire your brain for lasting change.

00:00 Introduction: The Better Life with Dr. Marianne Pinkston

00:32 Introducing Guest Amber Abila: Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and its History

01:00 Dr. Pinkston's Personal Story: Realizing an Eating Disorder at 47

01:27 Amber's Story: The Dieting Origin of Binge Eating and Bulimia

02:54 The Shift from Therapy to Habit Research: Understanding Binge as a Habit

04:10 The First Binge and Purge: The Shame and Desperation of the Cycle

05:43 The "Aha!" Moment: Changing the Reaction to Triggers and Urges

07:08 Defining BED and Taking the First Step: Unshaming the Behavior

09:51 Tools for Awareness: The Simple Food Diary and Changing Mindset

10:45 How Thoughts Create Desire: The "Last Glass of Water" Analogy

12:10 Dr. Pinkston's Secret Binge: Stress, Pleasure, Guilt, and the Need for Support

14:16 The Crucial Role of Objective Support and Coaching

15:10 Amber’s Six Pillars of Freedom: Mindset, Moderation, and Urges

15:37 Pillar 2: Moderation & The Scarcity Mindset ("Enough is a Decision")

16:33 Pillar 3: Processing Urges by Grounding in Body Sensations

17:57 Pillar 5 & 6: Confidence, Body Image, and Shifting Identity

18:24 The Power of the Urge: Intermittent Reinforcement and Rewiring the Brain

19:19 The New Reward: Using Celebration as Neural Superglue

20:37 Binge Eating and the Addictive Cycle (Dopamine Surge)

21:57 Showing Yourself the Whole Story: Chapter One vs. Chapters Two Through Ten

23:50 Slowing Down: Mindful Binging and Noticing Negative Food Consequences

25:15 Distinguishing Overeating, Emotional Eating, and Binge Eating

26:42 The Role of Trauma in Eating Issues and When to Seek a Specialis

t28:36 Resources and Next Steps: Amber's Free Guided Urge Audio

Healing Your Relationship with Food: Trauma, Addiction, and the Mind-Body Connection

Saturday, October 11, 2025

Join host Dr. Pinkston and special guest, psychologist Tori Janae, for a powerful and transparent conversation on how past trauma and relationships shape our destructive connections with food. Dr. Pinkston, who once struggled with her own eating disorder and obesity, and Tori Janae, who shares her personal journey of healing generational trauma through addressing food addiction, dive deep into the emotional and psychological roots of disordered eating.

Discover why food becomes a source of comfort, the role of dopamine in the "eat, repent, repeat" addiction cycle, and why so many people struggle with guilt, shame, and self-sabotage. Learn practical, free tools rooted in an integrative approach to start your healing journey, including:

  • Identifying the core psychological wounds (e.g., abandonment, guilt, people-pleasing) that drive addictive behaviors.

  • The importance of self-awareness and how to use your triggers as teachers.

  • Techniques to "finish the stress cycle" and down-regulate your nervous system using movement and Box Breathing (physiological sigh).

  • The power of neuroplasticity and mind-body techniques like EFT Tapping to rewire your brain for safety and self-acceptance.

This episode offers profound insights and actionable steps to break free from the cycle of emotional eating and move toward The Better Life.

The Two-Minute Exercise for Low Back Pain with Dr. Hélène Bertrand

Saturday, October 4, 2025

Chronic pain, especially low back pain, is a global struggle—but what if relief was just two minutes away? Dr. Marianne Pinkston welcomes Dr. Hélène Bertrand, a physician and innovator who shares her personal and professional journey to finding effective, integrative solutions for intractable pain.

In this episode, you’ll learn about:

  • The Two-Minute Low Back Pain Exercise: Dr. Bertrand details her personal 39-year battle with back pain and how she discovered a simple, two-minute technique to realign the sacroiliac (SI) joints in the pelvis, offering a 90% success rate for immediate relief. She even demonstrates how to self-check for SI joint displacement.

  • Prolotherapy for Ligament Pain: Discover how a few simple injections of "sugar water" (dextrose/mannitol) can stimulate healing in loose ligaments, like those that stabilize the SI joints, ending chronic pain where traditional methods fail.

  • A Breakthrough Pain Cream: Dr. Bertrand explains the science behind her innovative cream, which uses mannitol to block pain messages at the nerve level. Hear the compelling research that shows this cream provides a 53% average pain relief, significantly outperforming common over-the-counter and prescription medications.

  • Practical Tools for Support: Learn about using a pelvic support belt and a donut cushion to maintain pelvic alignment and prevent pain flare-ups.

Connect with Dr. Bertrand:

  • Her book: Low Back Pain: Three Steps to Relief in Two Minutes (available on Amazon).

  • Her website for webinars and courses: no-pain.ca

  • Resources to find Prolotherapy (Orthopedic Medicine) providers.

Disclaimer: As Dr. Pinkston advises, please consult your physician before starting any new treatment or making changes to your healthcare routine.

 

The Gut-Brain Connection: A Holistic Approach to Mental Health

Saturday, September 27, 2025

In this episode of The Better Life, Dr. Marianne Pinkston and guest Ray Solano, owner of PD Labs, a compounding pharmacy, explore the intricate link between gut health and neurological well-being. They discuss how an integrative approach, combining functional medicine principles with modern therapeutics, can address the root causes of mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. The conversation covers the impact of diet, genetics, and lifestyle on mental health, and introduces natural and compounded solutions like L-theanine, oxytocin, and BH4.

Chapters

    0:00 - 4:14: Introduction and the Problem with Conventional Solutions. Dr. Pinkston introduces Ray Solano and the topic of neurological problems. They discuss the rising rates of conditions like depression and ADD and argue that conventional medicine often only treats symptoms with pharmaceuticals, ignoring the root causes.

    4:14 - 8:40: The Gut-Brain Connection and Inflammatory Foods. Ray and Dr. Pinkston explain the direct link between gut health and brain function, highlighting how neurotransmitters are made in the GI tract. They emphasize that inflammatory foods like gluten, processed items, and alcohol can significantly impact mental health.

    8:40 - 13:28: The Role of Genetics and Foundational Treatments. The discussion shifts to the role of genetic predispositions (SNPs) and how lifestyle and diet can either turn these genes on or off. They introduce the importance of a holistic approach, viewing health as a puzzle with multiple pieces, including nutrition, exercise, sleep, and gut health.

    13:28 - 19:38: Nutraceuticals and Hormonal Support. Dr. Pinkston and Ray detail natural, accessible remedies. Ray highlights L-theanine for its calming effects and introduces oxytocin, explaining its role in social bonding and mood elevation. They discuss its use as a compounded treatment for conditions like OCD and autism.

    19:38 - 25:22: The Power of Compounded Pharmaceuticals. The focus returns to specific, targeted solutions. Ray explains BH4 (tetrahydrobiopterin), a pharmaceutical used to treat a specific genetic deficiency that impacts serotonin and dopamine production. They also discuss the compounding of natural thyroid medication and the importance of personalized medicine.

    25:22 - 30:40: Progesterone and Metabolic Dysfunction. The conversation broadens to include hormonal balance, with Dr. Pinkston highlighting progesterone's role in sleep and anxiety. They also discuss metabolic dysfunction, the prevalence of belly fat, and its link to hormonal disruption and chronic disease.

    30:40 - 34:25: Addressing ADD and Brain Inflammation. Dr. Pinkston and Ray focus on ADD and the importance of removing inflammatory foods from the diet. Ray introduces Synapsin, a compounded nasal spray containing RG3-Ginseng, as an effective tool for reducing brain inflammation associated with ADD and other neurological issues.

    34:25 - 39:05: Conclusion and Final Thoughts. Dr. Pinkston and Ray encourage listeners to seek professional support for their health issues. They emphasize the value of telehealth and the growing field of longevity medicine, which aims to fix underlying problems rather than just treating symptoms. They conclude by providing contact information for their respective websites and podcasts.

Visit my website: https://www.drpbetterlife.com/

Connect with me on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/pinkston4life
https://instagram.com/drmariannepinkston
https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-pinkston-md-857ba069
https://twitter.com/pinkston4life
https://www.tiktok.com/@drmariannepinkston

 

Seed Oils, the truth and myths

Saturday, September 20, 2025

In this episode, Dr. Laura, with her extensive knowledge and science-backed education, helps us separate fact from fiction about seed oils. Beyond the buzz and misinformation, she clarifies the real science behind acidity and alkalinity, giving you the truth without the hype. 

Visit my website: https://www.drpbetterlife.com/

Connect with me on social media:
https://www.facebook.com/pinkston4life

https://instagram.com/drmariannepinkston

https://www.linkedin.com/in/marianne-pinkston-md-857ba069

https://twitter.com/pinkston4life

https://www.tiktok.com/@drmariannepinkston

Battling a Mystery Illness? Unraveling the Secrets of Chronic Complex Illness with Dr. Amy Offutt

Saturday, September 13, 2025

Do you or someone you love struggle with unexplained fatigue, brain fog, pain, or a
""mystery illness"" that never seems to have clear answers? In this episode of The Better Life with Dr. Pinkston, Dr Amy Offutt, president of ILADS, dive deep into chronic complex illness—a condition that often hides behind vague symptoms yet impacts every aspect of daily life. ILADS.org 

Kidney Health: Advocacy, Early Diagnosis, and Hope- Breaking Barriors

Saturday, September 6, 2025

In this inspiring episode of The Better Life with Dr. Pinkston, I welcome Tiffany Jones Smith—President of the Texas Kidney Foundation, Chair of the Chronic Kidney Disease Task Force, the first African American woman to hold these positions, and a chronic kidney disease patient herself. Tiffany shares her powerful journey and groundbreaking leadership, highlighting the urgent need for awareness, early diagnosis, and patient advocacy in kidney health. Together, we explore how patients can take an active role in their care and how hope and action can change the future of chronic kidney disease.

State of Natural Thyroid Therapy

Saturday, August 30, 2025

Thyroid therapies have come under scrutiny and Ray Solano of PDLABS and I discuss the therapies and options and explain why treatment is controversial. Dr Pinkston also makes a huge announcement on a new option for weight loss and integrative medical care.

Salem News Channel Today

Sponsored Links

On Air & Up Next

  • The People Playbook
    2:00PM - 2:30PM
     
    Your People Playbook, with Coach Cora is a weekly leadership and business radio   >>
     
  • Purity Products
    2:30PM - 3:00PM
     
    As an industry leader for nearly 25 years, Purity Products strives to deliver   >>
     
  • The Del Walmsley Radio Show
     
    The Del Walmsley Radio Show will change the way you think about investing! Del   >>
     
  • Purity Products
    4:00PM - 4:30PM
     
    As an industry leader for nearly 25 years, Purity Products strives to deliver   >>
     
  • InfoTrak
    4:30PM - 5:00PM
     
    INFOTRAK is the weekly nationally syndicated Public Affairs radio show   >>
     

See the Full Program Guide