Ep. 314 Optimizing Eye Health: Migraines, Hormones, and Beyond with Dr. Rudrani Banik

I am privileged to connect with Dr. Rani Banik today, America’s integrative eye doctor. Dr. Banik is a board-certified ophthalmologist and a fellowship-trained neuro-ophthalmologist with additional certifications in functional integrative medicine.
In our discussion today, we dive into the evolution of migraines, exploring whether genetics and epigenetics have a role to play in the development of neurological headaches. We delve into the role of nutrition in maintaining optimal eye health, highlighting the specific nutrients essential for our eyes throughout the various stages of our lives. Our conversation touches on how hormone replacement therapy affects eye health, particularly in people with dry eyes, and we look at the effects of sunlight and ways to modulate the impact of blue light exposure. We also get into chronobiology and share strategies for safeguarding our vision as we age.
Dr. Rani shares a wealth of helpful information today that many women in the everyday wellness community have asked for. You are bound to be enlightened by her insights and wisdom!

Ep. 313 Unlocking Teen Resilience with Dr. Roseann: Tackling Modern Mental Health

I am thrilled to reconnect with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge today!  Dr. Roseann is a much-loved guest with our listeners who appeared previously in episodes 174 and 273. Known for her incredible expertise in pediatric mental health, she mixes traditional and non-traditional methods to care for her young patients.  In this episode, we focus on the … Read more

Ep. 312 Optimizing Health and Metabolism with Dr. Molly Maloof

I am honored to have Dr. Molly Maloof joining me on the podcast today. She provides health optimization and personalized medicine for high-achieving entrepreneurs, investors, and technology executives. She used to teach at Stanford University and has served as an advisor or consultant to over fifty companies within the digital health, consumer health, and biotech sectors.

In our conversation today, we dive into metabolic health and explain how mitochondrial health impacts our immune system, particularly in COVID, Long Haul COVID, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Our discussion also encompasses the significance of hormesis, gender-based variations, the influence of physical exercise, measuring VO2 Max, and why sedentary lifestyles can be more dangerous than being overweight. Additionally, we explore the latest trends in modern medicine and nutrition, the benefits of continuous glucose monitors, and how healing from trauma happens through spiritual growth.

Dr. Molly is adept at helping people talk about things that make them feel uncomfortable. I am sure you will enjoy learning from her invaluable insights!

Ep. 311 Addiction and the Impact of Lifestyle on Mental and Emotional Health with Dr. Joseph Yi

I am honored to have Dr. Joseph Yi joining me on the podcast today. He is a board-certified addiction psychiatrist specializing in holistic psychiatry and detoxification who embraces a lifestyle medicine approach to mental and behavioral well-being.

Dr. Yi caught my attention when he appeared on the Model Health Show with Sean Stephenson. I was instantly captivated by his bright and inquiring mind and knew I had to share his wisdom on Everyday Wellness.

In our conversation, we dive into the effects of the pandemic on screen time and addiction behaviors in children. Dr. Yi shares his expertise on the role of Fentanyl and drug overdose fatalities, challenges the notion that marijuana is entirely benign, and highlights the lack of education among traditionally trained medical professionals regarding lifestyle medicine. We also explore the transformative potential of psychedelics, including ketamine therapy, and the societal acceptance of addictive substances like alcohol and nicotine. Our conversation also journeys through the realm of low vibrational frequencies and spirituality, concluding with a discussion on the role of supplements in enhancing our mental and emotional well-being.

I have no doubt you will find today’s conversation enlightening and thought-provoking. Stay tuned for more!

Ep. 310 Protein, Lifestyle, and Fasting Tips with Cynthia Thurlow, NP

Hello, everyone! It’s that time again, and today, I am delighted to bring you AMA number six.
In this edition of our AMA series, I dive into an eclectic mix of questions, all related to intermittent fasting, pregnancy supplements, working out, and what breaks a fast.

As I have mentioned before, I thoroughly enjoy this format. Your wealth of inquiries offers me valuable insight into your areas of interest and curiosity. So please keep those questions flowing!

Ep. 309 Psychological Distress and Food Addiction: Finding Solutions with Dr. Tro Kalayjian

I am delighted to have my friend and colleague, Dr. Tro Kalayjian, back on the podcast today! He was with me once before for episode 54.
Dr. Tro has a background in internal and obesity medicine and is a founding member of the Society for Metabolic Health Practitioners. He managed to lose more than 150 pounds by challenging conventional medical advice.
In our discussion today, we dive into the impact of food addiction and how our current medical framework has compounded the difficulties of so many patients. We explore the limitations of the calories in calories out model and explain why the term binge eating does not adequately describe food addiction. We go into the role of macronutrients and discuss surgical interventions and medications for food addictions, highlighting the need for patient autonomy and shared decision-making. We also scrutinize the influence of institutions like the CDC, FDA, and insurance companies on how physicians and other healthcare practitioners practice medicine and help their patients manage hunger cravings, social interactions, emotions, and more.
Dr. Tro’s dedication to empowering practitioners to become strong patient advocates and oppose the conventional medical paradigm shines through in this impactful and thought-provoking episode. I truly admire him for his commitment to challenging traditional medical protocols!

Ep. 308 Dr. Mary Claire Haver: Weight Gain in Middle Age, Perimenopause and Inflammation

Today, I am honored to connect with Dr. Mary Claire Haver, a board-certified OBGYN who has dedicated her entire adult life to championing women’s health.

Dr. Haver is the visionary creator of the Galveston Diet, the first and only nutrition program ever designed by a female OBGYN to cater to menopausal women.
In our conversation today, Dr. Haver shares her background, and we discuss her new book, The Galveston Diet. We examine the glaring systemic gap where the health of middle-aged women remains undervalued and underfunded in research, and our discussion touches on various facets of women’s health, including perimenopausal symptoms, the distinction between chronological and endocrine aging, the scientific misconceptions surrounding weight gain and hormones, the advantages of intermittent fasting, inflammation, macros. We also get into the supplements Dr. Haver finds beneficial for women in middle age, in addition to dissecting the impact of non-nutritive sweeteners and the role of continuous glucose monitors.

Ep. 307 Metabolic Health, Muscle, and Strength with JJ Virgin

I am delighted to have my friend, colleague, and mentor, JJ Virgin, joining me on the podcast again today! She last appeared in Episode 112, back in August 2020.
JJ is a thriving and influential health and wellness expert. She is a multiple New York Times best-selling author and triple board-certified nutrition expert who earned a place in the Fitness Hall of Fame.
In our conversation today, we debunk some common misconceptions around weight loss, discussing the role of muscle and examining the importance of macro management- particularly in the context of perimenopause and menopause. We explore the art of aging powerfully and share some great hacks for navigating middle age, including our favorite supplements, like creatine monohydrate. We also look into the value of doing flexibility work like Pilates and yoga, the latest research on grip strength and its implications for overall strength, and the impact of chronic stress, and we share some effective strategies for tackling cellulite.
Stay tuned for more!

Ep. 306 Q&A: Best Supplements for Women and Creatine Benefits with Cynthia Thurlow, NP & Intermittent Fasting Expert

I am delighted to welcome all my listeners to AMA number five! You have flooded me with a myriad of questions once again, and as promised, we will be focusing on supplements today.

I aim to keep the AMAs between 35 and 40 minutes long to make them a quick listen that is easy to digest. However, looking ahead into 2024, we might consider extending the sessions if your questions lead us in that direction.

I have tried to paraphrase your questions wherever I could and will do my best to answer as many as possible in this episode.
Stay tuned for more!

Ep. 305 Dispelling Myths About Breast Cancer with Dr. Jenn Simmons

I am honored to have Dr. Jenn Simmons joining me on the podcast today! She is a top breast cancer surgeon who made a pivotal shift in her practice after developing an illness that led her into the functional medicine world. She has since become a beacon of hope as the doctor with the answer to breast cancer in helping her patients reclaim their health.

In our discussion, Dr. Jenn shares her background, and we dive into breast physiology and the role of hormones, dispelling the myth that estrogen causes breast cancer. We explore the latest advancements in breast cancer screening, including some new screening tools Dr. Jenn employs in her practice. Our conversation also encompasses risk factors, diagnostic approaches for women, and lifestyle-related choices that can play a role in either preventing breast cancer or helping women heal from it. I have incorporated many of your questions into our discussion, including information about alcohol consumption, whether or not breast implant illness is a real issue, and how Dr. Jenn helps her patients heal from it.

Dr. Jenn possesses deep wisdom, and her insights are bound to enhance your understanding of breast cancer.