202. Inflammation, Energy, and Learning: A Functional Medicine Lens with Dr. Kendall Stewart

Dr. Vaish Sarathy speaks with Dr. Kendall Stewart (former surgeon turned functional medicine + genomics clinician) about the biochemistry of learning: how inflammation, metabolic factors, neurotransmitter balance, and genetics can influence regulation, sensory stability, and why some kids respond to interventions while others don't.

What we cover:

Why progress can look like "good days/bad days" when inflammation fluctuates

Nutrigenomics vs exome sequencing vs pharmacogenetics (and why personalization matters)

A parent-friendly clinical framework: inflammation → autophagy/insulin tendencies → neurotrophic factors → glutamate/GABA → methylation

Sensory stability (vestibular/visual) and why eye contact can reduce listening for some learners

Microbiome basics: inflammation load, butyrate, absorption/biofilms

Resources

Dr. Kendall Stewart: www.drkendalstewart.com

Non Linear Education (NLE): https://www.drvaishsarathy.com/nonlineareducation

Medical disclaimer (important):

This episode is for educational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your qualified clinician for medical decisions—especially for children and complex conditions.