Dr. Jim Cares

Episode 53: Gut Health, Probiotics, & the Carnivore Diet: Is It Time to Rethink What’s on Your Plate?

Welcome back to Dr. Jim Cares, where Dr. James Augustine dives deep into holistic healthcare topics that might just change the way you think about health. This episode is all about gut health and why it matters more than you might think! Ever wondered if those veggies you’re loading up on could be doing more harm than good? Dr. Jim gives us a refreshing look at gut health, probiotics, and even the buzzworthy carnivore diet in this packed session.
Episode Highlights:
The Gut-Brain Connection: We’re talking about how your gut and brain are in constant communication—thanks to the vagus nerve! That’s right; your brain listens to what’s going on in your stomach. This connection is a big reason why mood swings, anxiety, and even brain fog can be directly related to what you’re eating.
Do Vegetables Have a Dark Side?Sure, you’ve heard “eat your veggies” forever, but Dr. Jim breaks down how plant defense chemicals like lectins and oxalates could actually be the culprits behind inflammation and gut issues for some people. This flips the script on the traditional “plant-based is always better” mantra.
Exploring the Carnivore Diet:So, what is the carnivore diet? Dr. Jim explains it’s not just about eating meat—this diet is focused on giving your body high-quality animal proteins and fats while cutting out potentially irritating plant compounds. He shares stories of people who switched to carnivore and saw huge health transformations, from lower inflammation to relief from autoimmune symptoms.
Probiotics, Prebiotics, & the Essential Bacteria Your Gut NeedsNot all gut bacteria are created equal! Dr. Jim explores the probiotics (like Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium longum) that can actually help reduce anxiety and inflammation. He also discusses how on a carnivore diet, the gut can adapt to thrive without relying on fiber from plants—something most of us didn’t know was possible.
The Power of GI Map Testing:Want to know exactly what’s happening in your gut? Dr. Jim’s a fan of GI map testing, which can tell you what’s growing in there—good, bad, or ugly. It’s like getting a full report on your gut’s microbial neighborhood, and it can guide you toward a personalized gut health plan.
Steps to Get Started on a Gut-Friendly Path:
Consider GI Map Testing – Learn what’s in your gut so you can make informed decisions.
Explore the Carnivore Diet – A diet focused on animal-based foods might be worth trying if you’re dealing with inflammation, gut issues, or autoimmune concerns.
Choose the Right Probiotics – Dr. Jim lists his top picks and explains how they can help balance and heal your gut.
Why Listen?
If you’re ready to challenge the status quo on gut health and want practical advice on diet, supplements, and lifestyle changes, this episode is for you. Dr. Jim combines the science with real talk and personal stories, so you’ll walk away both informed and inspired.

Episode 52: Why Diet Sodas Are Worse Than You Think (and What to Drink Instead!)

Are diet sodas really the guilt-free indulgence they claim to be? Dr. James Augustine is here to break it all down in this episode of Dr. Jim Cares! Spoiler alert: those “zero-calorie” drinks aren’t doing your body any favors. In fact, they could be wreaking havoc on your health in ways you wouldn’t expect.
Key Takeaways:
The Truth Behind Diet DrinksThink zero calories means no harm? Think again. Dr. Jim reveals how artificial sweeteners like aspartame, sucralose, and erythritol can disrupt your gut microbiome, increase cravings, and even lead to weight gain and metabolic issues. Not so sweet, huh?
Health Risks UnveiledLong-term consumption of diet drinks is linked to serious health issues like metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and stroke. Dr. Jim shares shocking case studies and research that will have you rethinking your next soda sip.
Why You Should Care About Insulin ResistanceWith 1 in 3 Americans prediabetic, it’s important to understand how diet sodas worsen insulin resistance and set the stage for type 2 diabetes—a leading cause of heart disease.
Healthy, Delicious AlternativesCraving that fizzy drink? Dr. Jim recommends healthier options like Poppy and Olipop. These natural beverages are packed with prebiotics, fibers, and way less sugar, giving your gut and metabolism the love they deserve. Poppy, with apple cider vinegar, is Dr. Jim's personal favorite!
Stay Connected: Let’s stay in touch! You can find me on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aheadtowellness/ 
Instagram: instagram.com/drjimcares 
TikTok: tiktok.com/@drjimcares?lang=en 
YouTube: youtube.com/c/DrJimCares 
Website: https://aheadtowellness.com/ 
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Episode 51: Strengthening Your Immune System for Cold & Flu Season

In this episode of the Dr. Jim Cares podcast, I discuss practical strategies to boost your immune system as we approach the cold and flu season. From reducing stress to improving sleep quality, I offer holistic insights to help you stay healthy and resilient during the challenging months ahead.
Key highlights include:
Managing Stress:
The connection between stress and illness
Practical strategies to reduce stress and protect your immune system
How adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha can help your body adapt to stress
Improving Sleep:
Tips to get better quality sleep and boost immune function
Simple lifestyle changes, from bedtime routines to supplements like magnesium, that can enhance relaxation
Immune-Boosting Supplements:
Key immune-supporting supplements, including vitamin D, magnesium, and echinacea
How to choose high-quality supplements and why they matter for immune resilience
Gut Health & Immunity:
Why 70% of your immune system is in your gut
The importance of probiotics and colostrum for gut health and overall immunity
Adrenal Support for Stress Resistance:
How adrenal glands affect your immune system and stress response
Natural ways to support your adrenals for better hormonal balance and stress management
By the end of this episode, you'll have a practical roadmap for building a strong immune system through lifestyle, stress management, sleep, and targeted supplementation.
Stay Connected: Let’s stay in touch! You can find me on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aheadtowellness/ 
Instagram: instagram.com/drjimcares 
TikTok: tiktok.com/@drjimcares?lang=en 
YouTube: youtube.com/c/DrJimCares 
Website: https://aheadtowellness.com/ 
Subscribe & Share: If this episode hit home for you, I’d love it if you could give it a thumbs up, subscribe, and maybe even share it with someone who could benefit. Your support means the world to me!

Episode 50: Holistic Solutions for Celiac Disease

Hey everyone, it’s Dr. Jim here from Ahead to Wellness! In this episode of the Dr. Jim Cares podcast, I’m diving deep into something that affects a lot of people—celiac disease. If you or someone you care about is dealing with this condition, stick around because we’re going to cover some powerful holistic solutions that can make a real difference.
We’ll start with the basics—what celiac disease actually is, how it messes with your small intestine, and why symptoms can range from annoying to downright debilitating. I’ll also break down the importance of getting a proper diagnosis, including why it’s crucial to stay on gluten before getting tested to avoid any false negatives.
But we’re not just talking about avoiding gluten here. I’m going to walk you through holistic strategies that go beyond diet, like how the carnivore diet could be a game-changer for some of you, and the role of nutrient-dense foods in healing your gut. Plus, I’ll share some insights on advanced testing, like the GI map stool test, that can help uncover what’s really going on in your gut.
We’ll also explore some cutting-edge technology like high-voltage pulsed electromagnetic fields and vagus nerve stimulation—trust me, this stuff is a game changer for reducing inflammation and boosting gut health. And of course, we’ll talk supplements, stress management, and even some tips on how to keep your kitchen gluten-free.
Whether you’re new to managing celiac or have been at it for years, I hope you find something in this episode that helps you on your journey to better health.
**What We’ll Cover:**- What celiac disease is and how it affects your body- How to get an accurate diagnosis and why it matters- The role of a strict gluten-free diet and beyond- Advanced testing options like the GI map stool test- Holistic dietary strategies, including the carnivore diet and bone broth- Anti-inflammatory foods and how they can support gut health- The benefits of high-voltage pulsed electromagnetic fields and vagus nerve stimulation- Supplements that can help with gut healing and adrenal support- Stress management tips and why lifestyle changes matter- How to keep your kitchen (and your life) gluten-free
 
Stay Connected: Let’s stay in touch! You can find me on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aheadtowellness/ 
Instagram: instagram.com/drjimcares 
TikTok: tiktok.com/@drjimcares?lang=en 
YouTube: youtube.com/c/DrJimCares 
Website: https://aheadtowellness.com/ 
Subscribe & Share: If this episode hit home for you, I’d love it if you could give it a thumbs up, subscribe, and maybe even share it with someone who could benefit. Your support means the world to me!
Disclaimer:Just a quick reminder that this podcast is for educational purposes only and isn’t meant to replace professional medical advice. Always talk to your healthcare provider before making any changes to your health plan.
Final Thoughts: Thanks for hanging out with me today! If you have any questions or need some extra help, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to support you on your journey to wellness.
Coming Up Next: Be sure to tune in next week where I’ll be sharing even more holistic health tips and tricks. You won’t want to miss it!

Episode 49: Bulletproof Your Immune System: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Cold & Flu Season

In this episode of the Dr. Jim Cares podcast, Dr. James Augustine shares his ultimate immune-boosting protocol to help you sail through cold and flu season without a hitch. Learn how to strengthen your immune system with powerful supplements, lifestyle hacks, and natural solutions, all backed by science. Dr. Jim dives deep into understanding why we get sick and provides actionable steps to create a multi-layered defense system against seasonal illnesses.
Key Topics Covered:
Understanding the causes of colds and flus and how they attack the body.
The importance of a strong immune system and how to fuel it properly.
A four-part immune-boosting strategy including thymus support, gut health, stress management, and vitamin D.
Lifestyle habits that enhance immunity, such as sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
The significance of personalizing your immune-boosting protocol based on individual health needs.
Timestamps:
0:03 - Introduction and disclaimer.
0:29 - Why cold and flu season doesn’t have to be inevitable.
1:12 - Understanding the enemy: Why do we get sick?
2:24 - Supercharging your immune system: The four powerhouses.
3:25 - The role of thymus support and the benefits of Epicor.
4:44 - Gut health and the importance of colostrum.
5:28 - Stress management with adaptogenic herbs and vitamin D optimization.
6:49 - Lifestyle habits for optimal immunity: Sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management.
9:22 - The importance of hygiene and avoiding unnecessary contact.
9:55 - Personalizing your immune-boosting protocol.
11:00 - How to contact Dr. Jim for personalized advice.
Links and Resources:
Link to the video on Yoodli: Watch Here
Contact Dr. Jim for personalized advice: draugustine@gmail.com | Office Phone: (562) 860-3404
Follow Dr. Jim on social media for more health tips:
Facebook: Dr. Jim Cares
Instagram: @DrJimCares
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YouTube: Dr. Jim Cares

Episode 48: Detox Your Life: Holistic Health Tips for Hepatitis

In this episode of the Dr. Jim Cares podcast, Dr. James Augustine dives deep into the complex world of hepatitis, focusing on how a holistic approach can support liver health. Dr. Jim provides a thorough overview of hepatitis, its types, and the vital functions of the liver. He emphasizes that while he does not treat or cure diseases, promoting overall wellness and supporting the body’s natural healing processes can be profoundly effective.
Key Topics Discussed:
Introduction to Hepatitis:
Explanation of what hepatitis is and its various types (A, B, and C).
The vital functions of the liver, including detoxification, metabolism, bile production, nutrient storage, immune function, protein synthesis, and hormone regulation.
Holistic Approach to Supporting Liver Health:
Diet & Nutrition:
Importance of an anti-inflammatory diet, with a focus on the carnivore diet and ketogenic diet as ways to reduce stress on the liver.
The role of healthy fats like omega-3s and cruciferous vegetables in enhancing liver detoxification.
Supplementation:
Key supplements for liver support, including milk thistle (silymarin), N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), and omega-3 fatty acids.
Lifestyle Changes:
Avoidance of alcohol, toxins, high fructose corn syrup, and other harmful substances.
Benefits of regular exercise, particularly walking, for reducing inflammation and improving overall body physiology.
Stress management techniques such as yoga, deep breathing, and meditation to support overall health.
Natural Support:
Discussion on the use of herbs like dandelion root and burdock root for natural liver detoxification.
Key Takeaways:
Dr. Jim emphasizes that while holistic healthcare does not treat or cure diseases, it plays a critical role in promoting overall health and supporting the body’s ability to heal itself.
The episode underscores the importance of diet, lifestyle changes, and natural supplements in maintaining liver health and managing conditions like hepatitis.
Call to Action: If you found this episode helpful, please like and subscribe to the Dr. Jim Cares podcast. Dr. Jim is also active on social media, sharing valuable health information on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Follow him @DrJimCares for more insights into holistic health and wellness.

Episode 47: International Self-Care Day

 Join us for a transformative dive into true self-care! 
In this episode, Dr. Jim breaks down the essentials of physical, mental, and emotional wellness—perfectly timed for International Self-Care Day on July 24th. Discover why self-care is more than just spa days and pedicures; it's about listening to your body and giving yourself the gift of health. 
**0:01 - Introduction**- Dr. James Augustine introduces the episode and emphasizes the importance of consulting healthcare professionals before making health changes.
**0:26 - International Self-Care Day**- Discussion on the true meaning of International Self-Care Day, highlighting that it goes beyond health spas and pedicures.
**0:42 - True Self-Care**- Exploring what real self-care looks like, including listening to your body and prioritizing health.
**0:59 - Importance of Awareness**- Raising awareness about self-care and its necessity for maintaining long-term health.
**1:31 - Physical Health**- The importance of taking care of physical health, starting with nutrition and exercise.
**2:23 - Addressing Misconceptions**- Debunking common misconceptions about aging and genetics in relation to health problems.
**3:25 - Consistency in Exercise**- The necessity of consistent exercise to maintain lean muscle and overall health.
**4:11 - Nutrition**- Benefits of a carnivore diet, the role of anti-inflammatory foods, and the impact of blood sugar on heart disease.
**7:05 - Importance of Regular Exercise**- Various forms of physical activity, including walking, Zumba, and pickleball, and their benefits.
**10:00 - Bio Cranial Therapy**- Introduction to bio cranial therapy and its benefits for brain function and overall health.
**12:09 - Cellular Health**- Understanding cellular health, measuring it, and improving it through high voltage pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF).
**15:21 - Mental and Emotional Health**- Practices like mindfulness and meditation, deep breathing exercises, and their positive effects on mental clarity and stress reduction.
**18:18 - Bio Cranial Therapy for Emotional Wellbeing**- How bio cranial therapy supports mental clarity and emotional stability.
**19:29 - Sleep Hygiene**- The importance of good sleep hygiene, regular sleep schedules, and supplements to improve sleep quality.
**20:23 - Hydration**- The critical role of hydration in maintaining energy levels and overall health.
**22:07 - Listening to Your Body**- The importance of regular checkups, understanding your body's needs, and addressing them promptly.
**25:03 - Holistic Approach to Self-Care**- Emphasizing a holistic approach to health, integrating nutrition, neurologic care, and other therapies.
**26:05 - Integrative Therapies**- The benefits of integrative therapies like acupuncture, massage, chiropractic, and bio cranial healthcare.
**27:14 - Conclusion**- Encouraging listeners to prioritize their health and give themselves the gift of health this International Self-Care Day.
**27:23 - Social Media and Podcast Platforms**- Dr. Augustine invites listeners to like, subscribe, and follow him on YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram, and to check out the podcast on Apple and Spotify.
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YouTube: youtube.com/c/DrJimCares 
 
**Thank you for tuning in! Your health is your greatest asset. Prioritize it and take care of yourself every day.**

Episode 46: Independence from Sugar: Transform Your Health with the Carnivore Diet this July 4th!

 It's July, the month of celebrations! From my birthday at the start of the month to the fireworks on the 4th, there's so much joy in the air. But amidst all the fun, let's not forget about our health. Today on the Dr. Jim Cares podcast, I'm Dr. Augustine from Head of Wellness, diving into the sweet yet serious issue of sugar. 
Sugar can be a silent saboteur, leading to chronic inflammation and undermining the benefits of a low-carb, carnivore diet. This diet focuses on bioavailable nutrients from animal protein and fat, steering clear of the defense chemicals in fruits and veggies. 
Join us as we explore the dangers of sugar, its impact on metabolic health, and how it contributes to insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Tune in to learn how to break free from sugar, especially during this sugar-heavy holiday month! 

Episode 45: Anti-Aging Strategies

On this episode, we're diving into the fascinating world of anti-aging with a very special guest: Rico Cave Chronological. At 82, his fitness age is an incredible 35! 
Rico is America's Healthy Aging Trainer, creator of the Ageless Living Lifestyle, and host of the Fearless Aging Podcast. With 41 years of experience, 29 books, and multiple Olympic medals, he's a true inspiration.
Tune in to hear his secrets to staying youthful and vibrant! 

Episode 44: Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF)

Are you dealing with health issues like high blood pressure, joint pain, fatigue, or anxiety? You're not alone. Many of us start noticing these problems in our 30s, 40s, and 50s. 😟
Today, we're talking about Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields, or PEMF therapy, a promising approach to help you feel better. 🌟
We'll break down what PEMF is, how it works, and hear stories from people who've benefited from it. Stay tuned to learn more about this exciting health innovation!