202. Inflammation, Energy, and Learning: A Functional Medicine Lens with Dr. Kendall Stewart
Mon Feb 02 2026
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.
More
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.