Dr. Dennis Hooper
Episode Description:
Dr. Dennis Hooper, founder of Real Time Laboratories and pioneer in mycotoxin testing, shares his personal journey from growing up in Nevada’s nuclear testing zone to becoming a leading expert in environmental toxicity. After his family and community developed widespread autoimmune diseases from nuclear fallout and mining toxins, Dr. Hooper dedicated his career to understanding and testing for environmental toxins, particularly mycotoxins from mold. He discusses the widespread nature of mold exposure, the importance of proper testing methods, and why treating the whole patient—not just symptoms—is crucial for recovery. Dr. Hooper emphasizes the role of glutathione supplementation and comprehensive environmental testing in helping patients overcome toxin-related illnesses.
Listen to the episode on Spotify here or on your favorite podcast platform and check out the Urban Monk Academy here.
Podcast show notes:
Key Topics Covered
Dr. Hooper’s Background (0:00-7:00)
- Growing up in central Nevada during nuclear testing era
- Family and community exposure to nuclear fallout (“upwinders”)
- Personal health journey including autoimmune diseases and liver transplant
- PhD in Microbiology from UC Davis, MD from University of Nevada
- 26 years in the Navy, Chairman of Pathology at Naval Hospital San Diego
- Founded Real Time Laboratories for mycotoxin testing
The Toxicity Crisis (6:00-9:00)
- Environmental toxins affect populations worldwide, not just those with dramatic exposure stories
- Common symptoms: brain fog, fatigue, autoimmune issues
- Difficulty finding “normal” patients without mold exposure
- Connection between mold exposure and various health conditions
Testing and Diagnosis (9:00-24:00)
- ELISA testing method vs. mass spectrometry
- Why urine testing is preferred over blood testing
- Establishing detection levels and understanding results
- Addressing critics and misconceptions about half-lives of mycotoxins
- Importance of data-driven diagnosis vs. speculation
Treatment Approach (24:00-31:00)
- Glutathione supplementation as foundation (liposomal preferred)
- Treating the whole patient, not just mycotoxins
- Importance of environmental testing (EMMA test)
- Need for comprehensive treatment plans including nutrition
- Warning against “shotgun” treatments and unproven detox programs
Notable Quotes from Dr. Dennis Hooper:
- “I’m a data kind of person. I have to see that data.”
- “You’re not just treating mycotoxin, you’re treating the whole patient.”
- “The glutathione that you have in your normal cells is gonna be used up [by toxin exposure].”
Resources Mentioned:
- Real Time Laboratories (sold to US Bio in 2024)
- EMMA Test (Environmental Mold Mycotoxin Assay)
- Silver Gene (Dr. Hooper’s new venture focusing on nutritional genetics)
- Endorsements from Howie Mandel and Dr. Jill Carnahan
Action Items for Listeners:
- Consider comprehensive toxin testing if experiencing unexplained symptoms
- Look for practitioners who use data-driven approaches
- Focus on supporting detox pathways with glutathione
- Test both personal toxin levels and environmental exposure
- Avoid unproven online detox programs without proper testing
About the Guest: Dr. Dennis Hooper is a dual PhD/MD with expertise in microbiology and pathology. He founded Real Time Laboratories to develop clinical testing for mycotoxins and has been a pioneer in the field of environmental toxicity testing. Despite personal health challenges including a liver transplant in 2022, he continues his work through Silver Gene, focusing on nutritional genetics and personalized supplementation strategies.
Connect with Dr. Hooper:
- Silver Gene (launching with new products and endorsements)
- Available testing through US Bio (current owner of Real Time Labs)
Host: Dr. Pedram Shojai – Documentary filmmaker and wellness advocate
- Creator of “Origins” and other health-focused documentaries
- Expert on natural health approaches and environmental toxicity
- Functional medicine practitioner with 20+ years experience
This episode is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult with qualified healthcare practitioners for personalized guidance.
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