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:

1. Why progress can look like “good days/bad days” when inflammation fluctuates

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

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

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

5. Microbiome basics: inflammation load, butyrate, absorption/biofilms

Resources

1. Dr. Kendall Stewart: https://www.drkendalstewart.com/

2. 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.

Listen On

Disclaimer: The information in this Podcast is for educational purposes only. Vaishnavi Sarathy, Ph.D. is an educator, not a doctor, specifically not your child’s doctor. Please consult your physician before implementing any supplement or diet recommendations.