What if the lingering fatigue, brain fog, and unexplained health struggles you’ve been battling weren’t random at all—but the result of chronic inflammation?
In this episode, we are joined by Mark Volmer to unpack the complexities of Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), a condition triggered by mold and other biotoxins that often goes undiagnosed.
Mark brings clarity to the science, sharing how mold impacts the body on a cellular level, why conventional approaches miss the mark, and what steps you can take to begin reclaiming your health. We dive into the connection between environment and inflammation, the importance of testing, and how hope and healing are possible even in the face of chronic illness.
Absolutely! Here's an accurate and up-to-date bio for Mark Volmer, D.Ac., R.Ac., FMP, Clinic Director at Flourish Clinic, tailored for your podcast episode:
Mark Volmer is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Functional Medicine Practitioner specializing in Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS) and mold-related illnesses. He is the Clinic Director at Flourish Clinic in Cochrane, Alberta. Mark is a Certified Shoemaker Protocol Practitioner and has completed advanced training in CIRS under Dr. Ritchie Shoemaker and Dr. Andrew Heyman. He studied acupuncture at MacEwan University and functional medicine at the Kresser Institute in Berkeley, California.
Mark's journey into CIRS treatment began with personal experience; two family members faced complex, multi-system illnesses that were unresponsive to conventional treatments. After discovering CIRS testing and successfully treating his family members, Mark shifted his practice to focus solely on CIRS. He has since helped numerous patients regain their health and vitality through a personalized, evidence-based approach.
At Flourish Clinic, Mark leads a dedicated team in providing comprehensive care for those suffering from chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, and CIRS. His mission is to uncover the root causes of fatigue and empower patients to reclaim their energy and well-being.
If you’ve wondered whether mold could be behind your symptoms—or if you’re looking for answers after years of feeling unwell—this episode is for you.
Dr. Donald Dennis MD, FACS, has dedicated his life to uncovering the root causes of chronic illness and guiding people back to vibrant health.
As a board-certified Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) surgeon with over 45 years of experience in the medical field, he is extremely knowledgeable and has treated over 36,000 patients.
In addition to his clinical practice, he is the founder of Micro Balance Health Products, a company dedicated to developing natural solutions for mold-related health issues.
With a unique blend of medical expertise, practical strategies, and innovation, he empowers individuals to take control of their health rather than just manage symptoms.
In this episode, Dr. Dennis breaks down the ways mold can colonize in your body, and how he helps people heal.
Where the conversation went:
2:10 - People weren't getting better
4:55 - How Dr. Dennis helps the 20%
6:45 - Candida & mold connection
9:15 - Sinus colonization
14:00 - Resistance in the medical world
15:00 - Mold testing for indoor air
16:35 - "You can't get better when you're in it"
19:52 - Is your brain worth it?
20:40 - Microbalance Test Plates
21:00 - TODAY'S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY MICRO BALANCE HEALTH PRODUCTS!! Fight spores in your life with their all-natural cleaning products! AND use my code ROOTSANDFRUITS at checkout to save!
23:55 - Optimal humidity levels
24:45 - Fiberglass in ductwork
30:00 - Move over, bleach!
32:00 - Fogging with EC3
35:45 - Consider your moldy car!
37:03 - Finding more with a mold dog
39:24 - Optimal ranges for air quality tests
41:04 - Testimonials from Dr. Dennis
45:00 - Is your stuff worth your brain?
46:01 - EC3 laundry additive
Fight spores in your life with their all-natural cleaning products! use code ROOTSANDFRUITS to save!
After seeing how mold is affecting people's homes and health over and over, Andrew Melrose has become passionate about educating the public on how to inspect their home for mold and save thousands of dollars.
His resourceful and no non-sense approach to remediation paired with his faith-filled approach to coaching people through the decisions that need to be made in a moldy situation are needed in this world!
Tune in and glean from Andrew's wisdom on the topic.
Where the conversation went:
2:15 Andrew's story
4:55 Gaps in conventional restoration work
6:30 Liabilities in the building world
7:34 The microbiology of mold
9:07 Bridging gaps in the mold industry
11:56 How much is too much?
18:29 Use your eyes first!
20:20 ERMI testing for identifying mold
21:04 Why air samples can waste your money
23:07 The body is the best test
24:57 TODAY'S EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY MICRO BALANCE HEALTH PRODUCTS
Click here to shop non-toxic cleaning products to help fight the spores in your life
Use my code ROOTSANDFRUITS at checkout to save!
26:42 Alive or dead - does it matter?
30:44 Prioritizing action points
35:00 Tossing contaminated belongings
39:28 The emotional toll of mold journeys
41:11 Applying faith to the hardships of mold
45:15 Final words of wisdom & first steps
Our dehumidifier: https://amzn.to/3TMk3mV
Budget friendly air purifier: https://amzn.to/3UlaFH2
COMING UP IN AUGUST!!!
Episode 3 (August 2025) When Mold Lives in Your Sinuses with Dr. Donald Dennis
Episode 4 (August 2025) All about Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome with Mark Volmer R.Ac, FMP
Everyone knows that mold is toxic, but did you know how prevalent it is in our homes? This hidden culprit is making people sick, and the lack of education around how to prevent it, how to deal with it, and how to heal your body is a gap we are trying to fill in this 4 part mini-series brought to you by Micro Balance Health Products.
In today's episode, Josee shares her family's real and raw story of how this past year has held an isolating and heavy journey of mold sickness, fleeing a toxic home, and rebuilding a healthy home.
SHOP MICRO BALANCE HEALTH PRODUCTS HERE:
https://microbalancehealthproducts.com/?rfsn=8654748.8f50823 - use code ROOTSANDFRUITS to save :)
Stay tuned for part 2 in just a couple weeks 👀
Toxins are everywhere, and while we've really emphasized environmental issues, we cannot forget the environment that starts in the mind.
In today's episode, Registered Psychologist Leanna Santangelo reminds us to care for our hearts and minds, and watch the physical benefits flow.
We cover nervous system, negativity, stored trauma, social media, and more!
To book with Leanna, please visit: https://leannasantangelocounselling.janeapp.com/
One of our season two sponsors, Holistic Goddess, was founded by Steph Coulson after her own journey to a low-lox lifestyle. In today's episode, we dive into her personal experience transitioning to natural products, and why she thinks castor oil, clean menstrual products, and clean water are 3 MUST HAVES for anyone moving toward a toxin-aware lifestyle.
To shop Holistic Goddess, use my code ROOTSANDFRUITS at checkout to save. SO helpful on their Castor Oil products & Sante Via water filters!
You can follow Holistic Goddess here & Steph's personal IG here.
Today we’re pleased to have Nutritional Consultant and part-owner of Purple Carrot Health Foods & Wellness inc. Cris Robinson - ON HER BIRTHDAY!
Cris has been practicing for 17 years and has seen sooo many people heal by supporting the liver.
The liver is the HEAVIEST organ in the body, and as we learn today, it performs 500-600 functions PER SECOND! Take a listen to our introductory episode on how and why to support your liver and why it may be at the root of your health concerns.
WHERE THE CONVO WENT:
1:40 - Cris’ passion!
4:35 - the gut microbiome and liver connection
6:00 - it’s not just alcohol!!!!
7:47 - hormone imbalance and the liver
10:33 - stress and liver toxicity
12:49 - bile flow 101
16:22 - do you need a liver cleanse?
18:50 - easy ways to support the liver
21:30 - fasting for liver rejuvenation
25:11 - waking up between 1-3 AM? your liver needs help!
27:10 - blood sugar and the liver
Follow Cris & Purple Carrot @purplecarrotlethbridge on Instagram!
What's up Roots & Fruits Community!
I'm so grateful you're here.
Today I wanted to share why being attuned to our bodies FOR TODAY is the most important key to sustaining long-term, whole person health.
Tune in to hear more.
Christmas Recipes: https://ca.pinterest.com/rootsandfruitswellness/christmas-food/
In today's episode we are joined by Josee and alllll your questions from Instagram!
Hear about Josee's experience on the Cellcore protocol and learn more about the popular topic of parasites.
CELLCORE PRODUCTS (Josee's code is: xY5w4VIm )
We're thrilled to welcome Dr. Hillary Dinning, a naturopathic doctor specializing in children's care and expert in neurodivergence.
Dr. Hillary brings passion, presence and peace into whole-person wellness. With a compassionate approach and a deep understanding of root-cause healing, Dr. Hillary has empowered countless individuals and families to live into the fullness of life... including our family!
We are so grateful for her care, her voice, and her willingness to share that with you all.
Where the Conversation Went:
1:50 Dr. Hillary’s journey
4:40 Focusing in on the neurodivergence puzzle
7:04 How toxicity is contributing to neuroinflammation
9:58 Increasing numbers in the world of neurodivergence
13:42 Heavy metals, elimination issues & genetic factors
17:25 Glyphosate & the gut-brain connection
19:22 Clinical observations
24:00 Building community for the journey
26:12 Stress can be toxic
The next generation's health starts in our homes! If you're wanting to raise healthy kids, this episode is for you!
Holistic nutritionist, culinary expert and vegan cook turned Paleo-ish mama, Marni Wasserman is a passionate voice for raising healthy babies.
Today, we are grateful to share space with Marni as she shares her personal and professional wisdom for mom's looking to reduce toxins in the home.
The Ultimate Health Podcast
Where the conversation went:
1:59 Marni's journey
5:22 Reducing toxins pre-conception
7:43 Pre-conception nutrition
9:30 Avoiding toxic interventions in pregnancy
14:58 Marni's Natural Birthing Experiences
18:36 Planning a natural hospital birth
23:47 SHOP LITTLE OAK (ROOTSANDFRUITS15)
24:41 Your baby wants your B.O & boobies
25:34 Postpartum nutrition - don't touch the hospital food!
29:26 Beware of green-washing in the baby industry
31:48 Building a natural nursery
33:14 Avoiding plastics in the beginning
38:18 Finding balance in the land of the crunchy
Check out our favourite LOW EMF baby monitor for your natural nursery! Shop Bebcare with my code: JOSEE15 and save on your purchase.
Reducing and avoiding toxins in our daily lives is one of the most impactful choices you can make for your skin! While toxic skincare products can lead to problems, inhaling and consuming toxins can also affect your skin’s health.
Today, we’re excited to welcome Joy McCarthy, a renowned holistic nutritionist, health and wellness expert, best-selling author, and entrepreneur. Joy's passion for radiant skin is truly inspiring, and her holistic approach—focusing on both internal and external well-being—offers valuable insights for all of us.
In this episode, we delve into the significance of a healthy skin microbiome and explore effective ways to promote bacterial diversity and balance.
WHERE THE CONVERSATION WENT:
2:37 Joy's story
6:30 We can get hyper-focused on gut health and forget the importance of skincare
8:46 Choosing the right skin products & what to avoid
13:26 SHOP HOLISTIC GODDESS use code: ROOTSANDFRUITS
14:41 What is the skin microbiome & some signs it may be imbalanced or lack diversity
17:22 The importance of skin pH
22:06 Beware of "paraben free" greenwashed products
23:56 What to do in chlorinated pools
26:35 It's not EVERYTHING but the inside is important - eating for skin health
32:18 Supplements for skin health (VIEW COLLECTION HERE)
34:52 THE ROOTS & FRUITS COLLECTIVE (VIEW VIRTUAL CLINIC)
38:51 Joy's approach to detoxing
Don’t forget to check out HELLO JOYOUS through our affiliate link: https://hellojoyous.com/joseebosgra!
Out of 8000 products in the US, Natural Calm ranks as #1. And there's no doubt about why!
Joined today by Linda Bolton, we dive into the wonderful world of internal magnesium citrate, and topical magnesium.
We discuss why they provide excellent support for detoxification and how they can support many common ailments in return.
Linda Bolton is a renowned advocate for natural health and wellness, serving as the leader of Natural Calm Canada and founder of Bolton's Naturals. With a focus on magnesium's health benefits, she has been instrumental in promoting high-quality supplements that support relaxation and overall well-being.
Linda's contributions to the field have earned her numerous accolades, including the Canadian Health Food Association’s Excellence Award. She is also a sought-after speaker, sharing her expertise through workshops and seminars. Passionate about sustainability and holistic living, Linda continues to inspire others to embrace natural solutions for better health.
THRIVE FOR GOOD is a non-profit that Linda & her husband Dale started from the proceeds of Natural Calm & Bolton's Naturals. Donate here!
PURCHASE NATURAL CALM HERE
PURCHASE BOLTON'S NATURALS HERE
OUR CONVERSATION:
2:52 How Linda began Natural Calm Canada
5:10 what is Thrive for Good?
6:26 why is magnesium so important for detoxification?
7:52 magnesium deficiency
9:00 magnesium for pregnancy & labour
9:41 magnesium citrate draws water into the bowels and helps you increase colon emptying
11:38 how to take Natural Calm
14:51 topical magnesium is like getting it in an IV
18:55 North American diet vs that in Africa
19:55 how you can support food security around the world by purchasing Natural Calm
Toxicity is such a huge underlaying factor in all chronic diseases. It's no wonder things like autoimmunity, infertility, cancer, ADHD and other life-long health struggles are on the rise in step with the dramatic increase of toxins.
Our bodies were designed to eliminate them, but not at the rate at which they are coming in.
This season is ALL ABOUT TOXICITY!
Here's what's coming down the pipeline:
Many of us have challenges eliminating toxins. We refer to this clinically as drainage issues.
The more you can reduce the burden on your body, the quicker your body will clear it out.
The lack of nutrients in our standard north American diet causes many problems with our natural detoxification system. Processes within require nutrients from the foods that we eat that are dramatically decreasing in quantity thanks to soil depletion, genetic modification and other agricultural advancements that focus only on yield and profit, not health of the planet and it's people.
Water filtration systems:
1. Santevia Pitcher (Amazon affiliate link)
2. Santevia Plastic Countertop (Amazon affiliate link)
3. Glass Water System (not affiliated)
4. Aquatru R.O System (not affiliated... yet)
Follow along for the fullness of Roots & Fruits has to offer!
Ever wondered if your probiotic is just going to be a waste of money? You're going to want to check out this episode!
In the last episode of season one, Josee is joined by CEO of Injoy Gut Health, to talk all things microbiome testing, probiotic supplements, and the gut brain connection!
To view Injoy's microbiome testing kits, click here and use the code ROOTSFRUITS10 to save 10% AND receive feedback from Josee.
To view a SAMPLE report of Injoy's Comprehensive Microbiome report, click here.
Show Breakdown:
1:21 - Luca's Journey
2:35 - Where Injoy is heading
5:00 - The microbiome affects everything
6:32 - What is IBS?
9:10 - The Gut Brain Connection
12:45 - Dysbiosis (too much bad bacteria)
15:41 - Testing your microbiome
18:00 - Should I take a probiotic?
22:47 - Latest research on medical treatments
25:22 - Sample Collection with Injoy
27:40 - the THREE SAMPLE way!
28:25 - Using artificial intelligence to heal the gut
32:48 - The future of medical care
35:01 - SEASON ONE FINALE!
It's been a while since getting a fresh episode up!
Though it wasn't the plan for episode 8, we wanted to share vulnerably about why we have been MIA. This week's episode is not an easy one to share.
After sharing why we decided to shut down Roots & Fruits Market, despite it's amazing success, trigger warning we get into pregnancy loss & miscarriage.
Do not listen if this is something you don't want to hear about.
