The foundation of health starts in the gut—something ancient wisdom and modern science both can agree on. In this week’s episode of Health Is A Skill, Dr. Bob Rakowski unpacks the critical role gut health plays in overall wellness and why functional medicine is the key to addressing the root causes of disease.  Together Todd and Dr. Rakowski highlight the dangers of xenoestrogens and microplastics, explaining their link to declining testosterone, metabolic disorders, and early puberty. The conversation then shifts to hormones, where Dr. Rakowski reveals why muscle is the real driver of longevity and explains that conventional hormone replacement therapies may not be the best first step. With decades of experience in functional medicine, Dr. Rakowski shares inspiring case studies of patients reversing chronic diseases, overcoming stage four cancer, and regaining their health through natural interventions. His insights on diet, movement, stress management, and environmental awareness offer a powerful roap for anyone looking to optimize their health. Learn more about Dr. Rakowski and his practice on his website: https://www.drbobrakowski.com/.  Get access to Todd's free health resource: https://podtodd.com    Learn more about Stark at: https://www.stark.health  CHAPTERS: 00:00 Suppression of Natural Medicine and Its Comeback 03:26 Todd’s Health Transformation and the Role of Functional Medicine 06:20 Gut Health: The Foundation of Wellness 07:34 What is Functional Medicine? Common Misconceptions 12:55 Understanding Hormones and Endocrine Disruptors 16:57 Xenoestrogens and Their Impact on Male and Female Health 18:39 Microplastics and Environmental Toxins in the Body 25:53 The Shift Towards Health Consciousness in Younger Generations 27:53 Diagnostic Tools in Functional Medicine 33:59 The War on Health and Political Shifts in Medicine 35:17 Generational Differences in Healthcare Trust 37:49 How to Begin Your Health Journey 40:09 Success Stories: Overcoming Chronic Illness with Functional Medicine 42:17 Where to Find Dr. Bob Rakowski Connect with Stark Personalized inside‑out health programs at stark.health Enjoying the show? Follow, rate, and review to help more listeners master the skill of health. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🤔 ABOUT Todd Vande Hei 🤔 Welcome to Todd Vande Hei's channel, where health mastery meets real-life transformation. Todd as he shares invaluable insights and practical tips to help you unlock your full health potential. Whether you're struggling with chronic pain, seeking sustainable weight loss, or simply striving to live your best life, Todd's journey and expertise will inspire and empower you to take control of your health and well-being. our community of health enthusiasts committed to making positive changes and thriving at every stage of life. Let's embark on this journey to vibrant health together! DISCLOSURE We focus on optimizing every aspect of your well-being. At Stark, our team of expert trainers, doctors, nutritionists and a complete medical team, led by CEO Todd Vande Hei, is dedicated to helping you become the BEST version of yourself. We specialize in coaching executives, athletes, pop stars, astronauts and other noteworthy individuals in all forms of exercise, diet, lifestyle, stress management and personalized supplement protocols. Our methodology is designed to tackle each facet of well-being comprehensively. We believe that optimal health encomes ten key aspects, which... 5y2o2p