Ep. 15 - Leaky Gut, Leaky Brain: Dr. Andrea Cole-Raub on the Hormones, Hidden Infections & Immune Triggers Nobody's Testing For

After 43 years in medicine — starting as a military medical officer and evolving into one of San Diego's most sought-after anti-aging and functional medicine physicians — Dr. Andrea Cole-Raub has seen nearly every pattern the body can throw at her. On this episode of Triggered, host Whitney Kell sits down with her longtime doctor for a wide-ranging, detective-style conversation about what standard medicine misses.They dig into why testosterone therapy transformed Whitney's health and relationships in her 30s, how gluten sensitivity hides behind "negative" celiac panels, and why H. pylori and leaky gut quietly wreck absorption, immunity, and even brain health years before symptoms show up. Dr. Cole-Raub explains the gut-brain connection behind "leaky brain," why reactivated Epstein-Barr virus becomes a hidden driver of fatigue and inflammation after 50, and how pharmacogenomic testing can end the guesswork around antidepressants and anxiety meds. They also talk candidly about AI's growing (and limited) role in modern diagnostics, and share a sobering story about why patients must advocate for themselves — even after a "normal" test result.Part detective story, part masterclass in functional medicine, this conversation is a reminder that your body is always talking. The question is whether anyone's listening.In This Episode: Testosterone therapy and hormone shifts across a woman's life stages The gluten-autoimmune connection standard celiac tests miss H. pylori, leaky gut, and nutrient malabsorption (B12, iron/ferritin) Leaky gut → leaky brain: biomarkers for early neurodegenerative risk Epstein-Barr reactivation as a hidden driver of fatigue and inflammation Pharmacogenomic testing for antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds Where AI helps (and where it still gets it wrong) in diagnostics Self-advocacy: a cautionary story about a "normal" colonoscopy Connect with Dr. Andrea Cole-Raub: Oceanside, CA (telemedicine available) — reach out via email for consultation inquiries. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.