Beyond Biology: The Emotional and Spiritual Roots of Disease

Welcome to another edition of Doctor’s Note where we talk about what’s on our minds when it comes to your health.

In this week’s episode I had the pleasure of welcoming back one of my favorite guests, Dr. Ben Edwards, for a powerful conversation that goes well beyond traditional biology. We began with an update on the measles outbreak in Lubbock, Texas, which thankfully is calming down thanks to practical, nutrition-forward strategies like increased vitamin A intake from real food sources. But the main message was much bigger. Dr. Edwards shared why he believes that the “fourth pillar” of health—faith, mindset, and the emotional and spiritual dimensions—might be the most important of all. 

Our conversation explored why so many chronic illnesses persist, even for those who follow all the right diets, supplements, and protocols. Dr. Edwards described how unresolved emotional trauma and false beliefs can set the stage for illness, often overriding all the lifestyle changes in the world. We discussed how limited the standard healthcare system is when it comes to addressing the root causes of disease, particularly because of time constraints and an overemphasis on symptom management. In conclusion, he reminds us that true healing involves caring for both the body and the soul, and having the courage to confront—and rewrite—the stories we tell ourselves.

PODCAST NOTES 

• The measles outbreak in Lubbock, Texas has settled down, which Dr. Edwards attributes in large part to the proactive education and nutritional support within the affected communities, especially the use of vitamin A-rich foods like cod liver oil, egg yolks, and real dairy. He points out that fear spread by the media can be more dangerous than the disease itself, and managing our internal response is critical to maintaining health.

• While nutrition, hydration, and movement—the “three pillars”—are foundational for health, Dr. Edwards underscores the necessity of his “fourth pillar”, addressing the emotional-spiritual dimension. Without healing on this level, even the best lifestyle choices can only take someone so far, especially with chronic and autoimmune conditions.

• The modern epidemic of chronic disease, particularly in children, reflects a much deeper imbalance than what lab tests or medications can fix. Dr. Edwards notes that a staggering one-third of children now suffer from chronic illness, a problem that demands we look at the environmental, relational, and emotional toxins affecting kids—not just their physical inputs.

• Even the most well-researched protocols and integrative or functional medicine strategies are often hit-or-miss, succeeding for some patients but not for others. Dr. Edwards realized through experience and conferences that the deeper, unaddressed emotional stresses, traumas, and beliefs often determine who gets better—not just the clinical treatments.

• Shocking outcomes in disease reversal often follow moments when patients break through old emotional wounds or patterns. Dr. Edwards recounted powerful mentorship and patient stories demonstrating how unresolved grief, loss, or bitterness can trigger or sustain serious diseases. Addressing these through honest conversation, prayer, or therapeutic work can sometimes produce results no supplement ever could.

• The human nervous system—specifically the autonomic, or “autopilot,” system—is wired to respond to deeply held beliefs and past experiences. When we hold onto fear, strive to people-please, or live out false identities, we keep our bodies stuck in fight-or-flight mode. This blocks healing and can cause or worsen hormonal, immune, and gut issues, no matter how perfect our lifestyle.

• Dr. Edwards and I highlighted that the prevailing “quick fix” culture in American healthcare, with its focus on pills, metrics, and symptom suppression, simply doesn’t have the tools or the time to do the deep, relational work these changes require. That’s why so many patients and doctors end up frustrated or burned out. The real magic happens when there’s space to truly listen and dig deeper into someone’s story.

• Ultimately, the most profound healing seems tied to reclaiming our true identity—not as broken or defeated, but as loved, whole, and connected. Dr. Edwards calls on patients and practitioners alike to move towards a mindset grounded in love, faith, gratitude, and service to others—often the very elements that help people thrive into their 100s, far beyond what any lab value can explain.

Your health journey is about so much more than what you eat, drink, or even what your doctor prescribes. It’s believing the truth about who you are, renewing your mind, and tending to your heart just as much as your body. If something here struck a chord, share it with a friend or family member, and remember - lasting change doesn’t come from the outside in, it comes from inside out transformation at every level. 

Stay curious, stay hopeful, and never stop seeking a deeper, truer path to health.

Till next week.