Alternative Food Network Archives

Is there a better way to prevent and treat chronic diseases? The concept of lifestyle medicine is explored in this episode with renowned lifestyle medicine expert Dexter Shurney, MD, MBA, MPH, FACLM. We discuss how lifestyle medicine approaches can improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, and create sustainable healthy habits.

In this episode you’ll hear:
1:30 - What is lifestyle medicine?
4:20 – The pillars of lifestyle medicine.
6:15 – Does the general public currently have access to lifestyle medicine?
7:00 – Fee for service medicine vs other reimbursement mechanisms.
11:00 – Lifestyle medicine, health equity and chronic stress.
15:50 – What does ‘food as medicine’ really mean?
19:30 – What are the Blue Zones?
21:15 – The Blue Zones Wellbeing Institute.
24:15 – Easy-to-remember tip to lower cholesterol.
26:10 – What does a lifestyle medicine practice look like?
30:45 – Dr. Shurney’s professional journey.
36:30 – Is lifestyle medicine the future?
38:30 – Dr. Shurney’s favorite meals.

As Referenced in episode:
https://www.adventisthealth.org/about-us/well-being/
https://www.bluezones.com/dan-buettner/

Credits:
Host - Dr. Sabrina Falquier, MD, CCMS
Sound and Editing - Will Crann
Executive Producer - Esther Garfin
©2023 Alternative Food Network Inc.

Dr. Falquier has the privilege of interviewing Dr. Sheila Patel, a board certified family physician and an expert in Ayurveda who has served as Chief Medical Officer for Chopra Global. Dr. Patel shares her insights into Ayurveda, how it promotes well-being and balance, and delves into the concept of the “six tastes of life”. Discover the unique qualities and benefits associated with each taste, and how to incorporate them into your diet for optimal health.

In this episode you’ll hear:
1:00 - What is Ayurveda?
10:30 - Dr. Patel’s professional journey that led to integrating Ayurveda in her medical practice and working at the Chopra Center.
15:45 - How do other physicians respond to Dr. Patel’s work?
17:25 - What is the rationale for Ayurveda from a science perspective?
19:45 - Ayurveda for digestion, sleep, stress management.
25:45 - The six tastes of life in Ayurveda.
39:30 - Dr. Patel’s work with Chopra Global & Civana Wellness Resort & Spa.
46:10 - How you can learn more about Ayurveda.

Credits:
Host - Dr. Sabrina Falquier, MD, CCMS, DipABLM
Sound and Editing - Will Crann
Executive Producer - Esther Garfin
©2023 Alternative Food Network Inc.

Referenced in the episode: https://chopra.com/

In this episode, dermatologist Phillip Lee, MD, chats with Dr. Falquier how the foods we put into our bodies can affect our skin. They discuss the different foods that can help promote better skin health, as well as lifestyle changes you can make to prevent skin problems from occurring. Topics include anti-aging, collagen, acne, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. Tune in to learn how nutrition can be the key to unlocking beautiful, glowing skin.

In this episode you’ll hear:
1:45 – What food choices are helpful to treat acne?
9:40 – Tips to lower inflammation and flares for eczema/atopic dermatitis & psoriasis.
19:40 – Microbiome/gut-skin axis.
20:30 – What is rosacea and what foods exacerbate it?
27:30 – UV light and sun protection; What SPF is recommended?
35:40 – Anti-aging – can diet affect wrinkles?
42:50 – Other lifestyle choice that can affect skin aging.
46:00 – Probiotics and prebiotics for skin health
52:20 – Is collagen all hype or can topical and oral collagen be effective?

Guest link: https://www.dermartsla.com/

Credits:
Host - Dr. Sabrina Falquier, MD, CCMS, DipABLM
Sound and Editing - Will Crann
Executive Producer - Esther Garfin
©2023 Alternative Food Network Inc.

Pulmonologist and integrative medicine practitioner, Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang, discusses various lung issues such as asthma, COPD, lung cancer, and what to eat & drink to improve respiratory function, including for Covid and flu. She explains current medical literature about integrative lung care, and also shares her personal cancer journey and how she found mindfulness to be a powerful tool in her healing process. Dr. Liang leads a guided mindfulness practice and 4-7-8 breathing exercise for listeners towards the end of the episode.

In this episode you’ll hear:
2:00 - What is a pulmonologist?
2:30 - Difference between complementary v. integrative medicine
3:45 - Integrative medicine for the lungs.
7:45 - Medical literature about integrative lung care.
9:00 - Mindfulness, yoga, breath work, acupressure.
14:10 - Food as medicine for lung conditions.
17:45 - What to eat & drink to improve respiratory function, including for Covid and flu.
24:10 - Dairy and the lungs.
26:15 - Gut-lung microbiome.
29:00 - Group visits in pulmonary care.
31:00 - Impact of Dr. Liang’s personal cancer experience on her present day practice.
34:50 - Benefits of mindfulness practice for lung cancer.
36:20 – Short mindfulness practice with 4-7-8 breathing.
42:10 - Vaping, joints and e-cigarettes - is there one that’s safer for lungs?

Referenced in the episode:

• https://awakenbreath.org/
• https://www.mindfulhealthcarecollective.com/
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28569578/
• https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/mindfulness.pdf
• https://www.mindful.org/a-12-minute-4-7-8-breathing-meditation/
• https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/integrative-medicine.pdf

Credits:
Host - Dr. Sabrina Falquier, MD, CCMS, DipABLM
Sound and Editing - Will Crann
Executive Producer - Esther Garfin
©2023 Alternative Food Network Inc.

Diabetes is a serious condition that can have a major impact on a person’s health and quality of life. But it’s not all bad news. In this episode, Dr. Falquier discusses with Catherine Chan, PhD, lifestyle changes and patterns of eating that have been shown to lower risk and benefit people with diabetes. Whether you’re looking to reduce your risk of diabetes or better manage an existing diagnosis, this episode is for you.

In this episode you’ll hear:

1:30 – Difference between type 1 & type 2 diabetes
4:30 – What is prediabetes?
5:10 – Diabetes prevention programs
8:30 – Diabetes statistics
10:15 – Health consequences of diabetes
13:00 – Is diabetes risk genetic?
14:00 – Nutrition transition – Diabetes increase in immigrant and indigenous communities.
18:45 – Patterns of eating that benefit people with diabetes.
30:30 – Concerns over low carb and keto diet
35:00 – What is insulin resistance?
38:30 – The good news
40:30 – Can you just take a pill and eat whatever you want?
44:15 – What is culinary medicine?
46:00 – Sugar substitutes
50:00 – How to change eating behaviors for the better?

Credits:
Host - Dr. Sabrina Falquier, MD, CCMS, DipABLM
Sound and Editing - Will Crann
Executive Producer - Esther Garfin
©2023 Alternative Food Network Inc.

Dr. Nishi Bhopal, a board certified expert in Psychiatry, Sleep Medicine, and Integrative Holistic Medicine, explains what integrative psychiatry is and how it can be used to treat mental health issues such as depression. She provides insights on how to integrate different treatment approaches including both conventional and evidence-based complementary and alternative treatments such as nutrition and lifestyle modifications to optimize outcomes and improve quality of life.

In this episode you’ll hear:
1:40 – What is integrated vs. integrative psychiatry?
3:25 – How Dr. Bhopal got into integrative psychiatry.
4:40 – The gut-brain axis.
7:40 – Recent study about the serotonin theory of depression and the role of SSRIs.
10:15 – Dr. Bhopal’s approach with her patients.
14:10 – Dr. Bhopal’s food suggestions – what, when & how to eat.
20:55 – Dr. Bhopal’s advice when a patient is overwhelmed.
22:50 – SMART goals.
24:00 – Tools in the integrative psychiatry tool box.
26:25 – The use of supplements in depression treatment plans.
29:15 – Suggested resources.

As Referenced in episode:

• Pacific Integrative Psych: https://pacificintegrativepsych.com/
• https://www.youtube.com/@IntraBalance
• SMART Goals: https://positivepsychology.com/goal-setting-psychology/
• Memorial Sloan Kettering – About Herbs: https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/diagnosis-treatment/symptom-management/integrative-medicine/herbs/search

Credits:
Host - Dr. Sabrina Falquier, MD, CCMS, DipABLM
Sound and Editing - Will Crann
Executive Producer - Esther Garfin
©2023 Alternative Food Network Inc.

This episode delves into the fascinating world of fasting for health and longevity. Fasting has been practiced for centuries across various cultures and religions but recent scientific research has shed light on its potential for longevity and increasing healthspan. Dr. Joseph Antoun, CEO of L-Nutra, shares the latest scientific findings that highlight how the fasting mimicking diet can promote cellular rejuvenation, enhance metabolic function, and potentially extend lifespan.

In this episode you’ll hear:
1:00 – Difference between intermittent fasting and prolonged/periodic fasting.
5:00 – Autophagy & cellular rejuvenation.
6:30 – Fasting mimicking diet.
13:30 – Health benefits of a fasting mimicking diet.
21:20 – Therapeutic fasting nutrition for diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s and auto-immune diseases. 25:20 – Why fasting mimicking is not a fad diet.
30:10 – What happens after the fast?
34:20 – Who should not do the fasting mimicking approach?
35:15 – Any insurance coverage?
37:15 –12 hour circadian fasting.

References:

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Credits:
Host - Dr. Sabrina Falquier, MD, CCMS, DipABLM
Sound and Editing - Will Crann
Executive Producer - Esther Garfin
©2023 Alternative Food Network Inc.

Is Alzheimer’s genetic? Dr. Annie Fenn, founder of the Brain Health Kitchen, joins Dr. Falquier to discuss the role genetics plays in Alzheimer’s disease, as well as strategies and lifestyle changes that can help reduce the risk of developing this devastating brain disease. Tune in to learn how to take care of your brain while still enjoying delicious food.

In this episode you’ll hear:
1:40 - From OB/GYN physician to studying culinary arts.
9:00 - The MIND Diet.
12:15 - Dr. Fenn’s mother’s diagnosis with mild cognitive impairment, an early stage of Alzheimer’s.
14:20 - What is Dementia and what is Alzheimer’s?
17:30 - Cognitive changes at menopause.
18:15 - Ultra-processed foods and cognitive decline study.
20:30 - How to get into a brain health mindset.
24:50 - Is Alzheimer’s genetic? Early v. late onset Alzheimer’s.
28:00 - Even if you have the APOE4 gene, can one’s lifestyle help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s? 30:10 - What can people do to improve their brain health?
40:00 - At what age should people be mindful of lifestyle choices for their brain health?
41:15 - How quickly do people notice changes on a brain healthy diet?
42:30 - Can we learn to crave healthier foods?
46:00 - Recommended food groups.
54:15 - Research on alcohol and brain health.
59:00 - At what age is alcohol most neurotoxic?
1:00:30 - What can we learn from Canada’s Guidance on Alcohol and Health?
1:04:00 - Dr. Fenn’s cookbook The Brain Health Kitchen: Preventing Alzheimer’s Through Food 1:06:30 - Mindset for aging successfully

As Referenced in episode:

• MIND Diet
• Association Between Consumption of Ultraprocessed Foods and Cognitive Decline

Credits:
Host - Dr. Sabrina Falquier, MD, CCMS, DipABLM
Sound and Editing - Will Crann
Executive Producer - Esther Garfin
©2023 Alternative Food Network Inc.

“As someone who has tried every diet there is to be tried, I can attest to the fact that diets do not work. Diets do not uncover the psychology behind every individual’s eating experience, and do not consider each person’s unique genetic makeup.” - Dr. Ashley White

Whether you’re struggling with your weight or you’re a healthcare professional who wants to learn more about appetite literacy, here’s a must-listen episode with guest Ashley White, M.D., who is an Appetite Coach and has specialties in family, emergency and obesity medicine. Dr. White chats with Dr. Falquier about how appetite literacy can help people liberate themselves from diet culture and transform their lives.

In this episode you’ll hear:
2:00 – Dr. White’s personal struggles with weight
8:10 – How Dr. White used her personal transformation and incorporated it into her medical practice
13:45 – Why is Dr. White’s approach to weight optimization different?
17:35 – Treatment for 2 groups of people: i) Large-bodied for most of one’s life v. ii) Heavier later in life 22:30 – How to create intentional eating experiences with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy & Mindfulness
34:00 – Learn your appetite

Credits:
Host - Dr. Sabrina Falquier, MD, CCMS
Sound and Editing - Will Crann
Executive Producer - Esther Garfin
©2022 Alternative Food Network Inc.

Dr. Maria R. Mascarenhas is back to discuss: 1. The difference between Irritable Bowel Syndrome & Inflammatory Bowel Disease 2. The difference between Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance 3. Drugs v. dietary changes to treat gastro issues.

In this episode you'll hear:
1:30 – What are common patient issues in Dr. Mascarenhas’ practice?
2:45 – Difference between Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) & Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
4:30 – Artificial sweeteners, the gut-brain connection and your microbiome
5:50 – How Dr. Mascarenhas diagnoses gastro issues
7:00 – Irritable Bowel Syndrome treatment options: drugs v. dietary changes
11:35 – Difference between Celiac Disease & Gluten Intolerance
16:15 – Examples of gluten-free grains
19:00 – Reasons for constipation
20:00 – Fiber
21:55 – Hydration and homemade popsicles
24:50 – Dr. Mascarenhas’ opinion on sports drinks for young athletes
25:45 – Dr. Mascarenhas’ opinion on low carb & low fat diets for kids
27:40 – What is a plant based diet?
31:00 – The power of spices
36:15 – Bringing integrative and culinary medicine into mainstream pediatrics

As referenced in the episode:

• The Anti-Inflammatory Family Cookbook: The Kid-Friendly, Pediatrician-Approved Way to Transform Your Family’s Health
• The Healthy Eating Plate: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/healthy-eating-plate

Credits:
Host - Dr. Sabrina Falquier, MD, CCMS
Sound and Editing - Will Crann
Executive Producer - Esther Garfin
©2022 Alternative Food Network Inc.