In this episode, host Dr. Natasha Mehta, a physical medicine & rehabilitation physician switches things up by interviewing a business owner. Aryan Rashed is not your average fitness instructor. She started her career in law before finding her passion, and ultimately success, in pilates. She has developed a highly sought after technique which can be found at her Tremble studios currently expanding throughout the country. 

In this episode we discuss:
- Aryan's story.
- The history and development of high intensity pilates.
- The reformer.
- Benefits to pilates, and ways to use it in your own program.
- Words of caution to keep it safe and lower the risk of injury.

This episode wraps season 4! And gives you a taste of a direction you will see in season 5. 

The podcast episodes drop weekly on Monday's in seasonal chunks. Subscribe to stay up to date, and tune in when you can! Be sure to rate, review, and follow on your favorite podcast app and let me know what other brain & body things you'd like to hear about. 

For more information about me, check out my website.

Follow me on Instagram or Tik Tok @drnatashamehta.

Follow Aryan on Instagram, and be sure to check out Tremble.

This episode is not sponsored.

In this episode, host Dr. Natasha Mehta, a physical medicine & rehabilitation physician delves into the intricacies of maintaining a fitness program during pregnancy. Expert OB/GYN Dr. Linbee Sayat covers key topics such as cardiovascular changes, hormonal impacts, and exercise modifications for expecting mothers. The discussion provides actionable tips for safe fitness practices and highlights the benefits of staying active during pregnancy, aiming to empower expectant mothers with knowledge and practical advice. Tune in to learn about the best ways to balance fitness with the physical demands of pregnancy.

00:00 Introduction to the Brain and Body Things Podcast
00:39 Navigating Pregnancy: Mental and Physical Health 
01:36 Meet Dr. Linbee Sayat: Expert Insights on Pregnancy
06:22 Fitness and Pregnancy: Cardiovascular Changes
13:06 Hormonal Changes and Physical Activity
20:13 Exercise Guidelines for Pregnant Women
26:29 Precautions and Special Considerations
30:43 Dr. Sayat’s Personal Fitness Routine
31:56 Conclusion and Podcast Wrap-Up


The podcast episodes drop weekly on Monday's in seasonal chunks. Subscribe to stay up to date, and tune in when you can! Be sure to rate, review, and follow on your favorite podcast app and let me know what other brain & body things you'd like to hear about. 

For more information about me, check out my website.

Follow me on Instagram or Tik Tok @drnatashamehta.

This episode is not sponsored.

When a person or individual becomes a patient, their life changes forever. Sometimes it's a one time event, and things go back to what they once were. Other times, a new diagnosis or impairment alters the course of history. 

Meet Lorena. 

We discuss:

- Lorena as an individual and person.
- Her diagnosis.
- Her experience with treatment.
- Her decision to go beyond the treatment she received from her medical doctors in the United States and add in advice from Eastern practices.
- Emotional health & coping.
- How this experience has informed her own care as a clinician.


The podcast episodes drop weekly on Monday's in seasonal chunks. Subscribe to stay up to date, and tune in when you can! Be sure to rate, review, and follow on your favorite podcast app and let me know what other brain & body things you'd like to hear about. 

For more information about me, check out my website.

Follow me on Instagram or Tik Tok @drnatashamehta.

This episode is not sponsored.

In this engaging episode of the Brain and Body Things podcast, the host delves into the intricacies of brain mapping with QEEG with return guest Dr. Andrew Hill. The episode explores a personal brain mapping session using Qualitative EEG (QEEG) with Dr. Hill, providing detailed insights into attention, executive function, and cognitive health. The host, Dr. Natasha Mehta, underscores the importance of understanding the complex nature of brain functions alongside stress, sleep and overall well-being.

The Neurofeedback interview with Dr. Hill from Season 3 can be found here.

00:00 Introduction
01:01 Receiving the QEEG Equipment
02:06 Brain Mapping Process
03:05 Performance Testing Insights
04:13 Understanding Brain Waves
07:09 Analyzing Attention and Response Control
08:30 Exploring Executive Function
11:58 Interpreting Brain Map Data
29:00 Meditation and Brain Activity
30:48 Obsessive-Compulsive Tendencies
35:46 Exploring Possible Causes: Migraines and Vestibular Issues
36:11 Brain Wave Speeds and Alpha Synchronization
36:58 Speed of Processing and Memory Recall
38:02 Delta Waves and Sleep Patterns
39:28 Chronic Fatigue and Brain Fog
39:44 Understanding Brain Maps and EEG
48:06 Meditation and Neurofeedback Benefits
51:07 Frontal Lobes and Emotional Balance
57:56 Real-Life Examples and Neurofeedback Success
01:02:19 Final Thoughts and Podcast Conclusion

The podcast episodes drop weekly on Mondays in seasonal chunks. 

Subscribe to stay up to date, and tune in when you can! Be sure to rate, review, and follow on your favorite podcast app and let me know what other brain & body things you'd like to hear about.

For more information about me, check out my website, www.natashamehtamd.com.

Follow me on Instagram or Tik Tok @drnatashamehta.

Follow Dr. Hill on Twitter and Instagram. Here is the Peak Brain website.

In this episode of the Brain and Body Things Podcast, host Dr. Natasha Mehta interviews Dr. Molly Bachman, a doctor of physical therapy specializing in pelvic health. They discuss the importance and nuances of pelvic rehabilitation, debunk common misconceptions, and explore how pelvic health therapy can address issues such as incontinence, pelvic pain, and post-surgical recovery. Dr. Bachman shares her journey into this niche field and highlights the significant impact pelvic therapists can have on improving patients' quality of life. The conversation also delves into how stress and trauma can influence pelvic health and the importance of comprehensive care.

00:41 Meet Dr. Molly Bachman
01:35 Journey to Pelvic Health
05:55 Understanding Pelvic Floor Therapy
09:06 Muscle Fiber Types in Pelvic Floor
12:23 Common Symptoms of Pelvic Floor Dysfunction
18:00 Gaps in Pelvic Health Care
24:49 Impact of Abdominal Surgeries on Pelvic Health
33:05 Post-Cesarean Care: When to Seek Pelvic Therapy
34:29 The Importance of Early Physical Therapy
37:59 Outpatient Care and Scar Tissue Management
40:13 Pelvic Therapy for Sexual and Mental Health
41:47 Understanding Pelvic Floor Muscle Dysfunction
47:55 Debunking Myths About Pelvic Rehabilitation
56:35 Encouragement for Seeking Pelvic Therapy
58:43 Self-Care and Community Support
01:00:08 Podcast Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The podcast episodes drop weekly on Monday's in seasonal chunks. Subscribe to stay up to date, and tune in when you can! Be sure to rate, review, and follow on your favorite podcast app and let me know what other brain & body things you'd like to hear about. 

For more information about me, check out my website.

Follow me on Instagram or Tik Tok @drnatashamehta.

Molly worked with Pelvic Health & Rehabilitation Center , @pelvichealth on Instagram, before moving on to start her PhD. Bravo, Molly!

This episode is not sponsored.

In this episode of the Brain and Body Things podcast, host Dr. Natasha Mehta is joined by Dr. Veda Giri and Dr. Nancy Borstelmann from Yale Cancer Center to discuss early onset cancer. Dr. Giri, a medical oncologist specializing in clinical cancer genetics, and Dr. Borstelmann, an expert in chronic disease epidemiology and social work, both co-lead Yale's Early Onset Cancer Program. They delve into the unique needs and challenges faced by young cancer patients, insights into genetic testing, the importance of tailored cancer screening, and the multifactorial nature of rising cancer rates in younger populations. The episode also highlights novel approaches in patient care, support systems, and the roles of lifestyle and mental health in managing cancer.

00:00 Introduction to the Brain and Body Things Podcast
00:41 Season Four Kickoff: Early Onset Cancer
01:18 Meet the Experts: Dr. Giri and Dr. Borstmann
02:51 Understanding Early Onset Cancer
09:07 Genetic Testing and Cancer Screening
18:27 Rising Rates of Early Onset Cancer
22:16 Holistic Care for Cancer Patients
29:18 Yale's Early Onset Cancer Program
33:26 Patient Engagement and Awareness
34:14 Personalized Patient Navigation
35:48 Addressing Clinical Trials and Support Needs
37:29 Psychosocial Focus in Healthcare
38:50 Cancer Screening and Risk Assessment
41:15 Healthy Lifestyle and Mental Health
47:49 Rising Cancer Rates and Prevention
49:13 Self-Care Practices of Healthcare Professionals
58:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The podcast episodes drop weekly on Monday's in seasonal chunks. Subscribe to stay up to date, and tune in when you can! Be sure to rate, review, and follow on your favorite podcast app and let me know what other brain & body things you'd like to hear about. 

For more information about me, check out my website.

Follow me on Instagram or Tik Tok @drnatashamehta.

This episode is not sponsored.

In this episode of the Brain and Body Things podcast, host Dr. Natasha Mehta welcomes back neurosurgeon Dr. Ali Mesiwala for an in-depth discussion on brain health, particularly focusing on injuries and their management. Dr. Mesiwala shares his rich experience from his practice and fellowship training, highlighting the intricacies of different brain injuries, from concussions in athletes to traumatic injuries from accidents. They explore diagnostic approaches, including advanced MRI techniques and the evolution of treatments like cognitive rehabilitation, medications, light therapy, and emerging stem cell and exosome therapies. The episode offers actionable insights for individuals looking to optimize brain health through both advanced medical interventions and fundamental lifestyle changes.

01:42 Guest Introduction and Background
02:18 Neurosurgery Training and Experience
05:06 Specialization in Skull Base and Vascular Surgery
06:49 Cedars Sinai and Complex Cases
08:59 Understanding Brain Injuries
14:59 Concussions in Sports
24:37 Mechanisms of Brain Injury
29:53 Emergency Room Protocols and Initial Assessments
35:30 Understanding Primary and Secondary Brain Injuries
36:00 The Importance of Rest and Re-engagement
36:29 Temperature Control and Sleep Post-Injury
37:00 Re-engaging with Life and Specialist Consultations
37:33 Advanced Imaging Options for Brain Injuries
38:09 Comparing MRI and CAT Scans
39:32 The Role of Neuropsychology Testing
44:13 Broad Therapies for Brain Injury Symptoms
45:09 Insurance vs. Cash-Based Therapies
46:21 Medications and Advanced Therapies
47:43 Exploring Stem Cells and Exosomes
54:28 Ethical Considerations and Sources of Stem Cells
58:07 Lifestyle Choices for Brain Health
01:03:11 Concluding Thoughts on Brain Health

The podcast episodes drop weekly on Monday's in seasonal chunks. Subscribe to stay up to date, and tune in when you can! Be sure to rate, review, and follow on your favorite podcast app and let me know what other brain & body things you'd like to hear about. 

For more information about me, check out my website.

Follow me on Instagram or Tik Tok @drnatashamehta.

Follow Dr. Ali Mesiwala on Instagram. Here is his practice website.

This episode is not sponsored.

In this episode of the 'Brain and Body Things' podcast, host Dr. Natasha Mehta, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, sits down with Dr. Sandeep Palakodetti to explore the concept of longevity. Dr. Palakodetti, an internal medicine physician and co-founder of Rebel Health Alliance, shares his journey from traditional healthcare to focusing on longevity and wellness. They discuss the seven pillars of longevity: getting lean, getting strong, moving more, sleeping well, eating right, building community, and having purpose. The episode dives deep into each pillar, providing actionable insights and data-driven advice to enhance overall health and optimize lifespan.

00:00 Introduction to the Brain and Body Things Podcast
00:47 Meet Dr. Sandeep Palakodetti: A Journey in Medicine and Innovation
08:16 Understanding Longevity and Healthspan
11:21 The Seven Pillars of Longevity
12:26 Pillar 1: Get Lean
22:21 Pillar 2: Get Strong
28:13 Pillar 3: Move More
34:30 Setting Long-Term Fitness Goals
35:16 Effective VO2 Max Training Methods
36:12 Balancing High-Intensity and Base Training
37:23 Genetic Factors and Long-Term Improvements
39:53 The Importance of Balance and Proprioception
42:20 The Critical Role of Sleep
43:50 Sleep Hygiene and Tracking
52:02 Nutritional Challenges and Approaches
55:48 Personalized Nutrition and Tracking
59:44 Building Community and Finding Purpose
01:05:06 Living the Pillars: A Personal Journey
01:07:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The podcast episodes drop weekly on Monday's in seasonal chunks. Subscribe to stay up to date, and tune in when you can! Be sure to rate, review, and follow on your favorite podcast app and let me know what other brain & body things you'd like to hear about. 

For more information about me, check out my website.

Follow me on Instagram or Tik Tok @drnatashamehta.

Follow Dr. Sandeep Palakodetti on LinkedIn or X, . Here is the Rebel Health Alliance website.

This episode is not sponsored.

In this episode of the 'Brain and Body Things' podcast, hosted by physiatrist Dr. Natasha Mehta, guests Dr. Ali Mesiwala, a neurosurgeon, and Dr. Leia Rispoli, a pain medicine specialist, join for an enriching roundtable discussion. They delve into the collaborative nature of their fields, share personal experiences and challenges in balancing professional and personal lives, and discuss the impact of their work on patient care. The conversation covers a wide range of topics including the stereotypes and misconceptions of their professions, the importance of lifestyle modifications in patient care, and the complexities of making difficult medical decisions. They also touch upon the emotional aspects of dealing with life-threatening conditions, the necessity of a collaborative approach in healthcare, and the personal coping mechanisms they've developed through their experiences in the medical field. This podcast provides valuable insights into the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, the dedication of healthcare professionals, and the unpredictable nature of life and health.

00:37 Introducing the Experts: A Roundtable Discussion
00:50 Exploring the Intersections of Physiatry, Pain Medicine, and Neurosurgery
03:28 The Power of Collaboration in Healthcare
07:08 Navigating Life and Death Decisions in Medicine
12:10 Quality of Life and Returning to Normal Activities
15:43 The Aging Athlete: Balancing Activity and Health
21:00 Reflections on Retirement and Continuing to Make a Difference
23:01 Exploring the Future of Medicine and Personal Fulfillment
24:07 Navigating the Uncertainties of Medical Practice
28:37 The Realities of Maintaining Personal Health as a Doctor
34:12 Balancing Career and Family: A Modern Woman's Challenge
37:05 Addressing Common Health Concerns and Myths
39:25 Coping with the Emotional Toll of Medicine
44:40 Reflecting on Personal and Professional Growth

The podcast episodes drop weekly on Monday's in seasonal chunks. Subscribe to stay up to date, and tune in when you can! Be sure to rate, review, and follow on your favorite podcast app and let me know what other brain & body things you'd like to hear about. 

For more information about me, check out my website.

Follow me on Instagram or Tik Tok @drnatashamehta.

Follow Dr. Ali Mesiwala on Instagram. Here is his practice website.

Follow Dr. Leia Rispoli on Instagram. Here is her practice website.

This episode is not sponsored.

Invited lecture at Kessler Grand Rounds (October 6, 2023).

Youtube link for slides: https://youtu.be/grl_6vn0e6c

In this episode of the Brain and Body Things podcast, host Natasha Mehta, a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor, delves into the concept of neuroplasticity and its implications for treating brain and body injuries. She discusses the various evidence-based and exploratory interventions, from rehabilitation exercises to brain stimulation, and the promising, yet still research-focused, avenues of supplementation and stem cell therapy. The episode aims to clarify myths surrounding neuroplasticity and offers actionable insights for patients and healthcare professionals alike. Recording during the middle of June 2024, Natasha shares recent experiences, professional journeys, and underscores the importance of critical periods for neuroplastic changes.

00:00 Introduction to the Brain and Body Things Podcast
00:43 Host's Personal Update and Podcast Plans
03:29 Understanding Neuroplasticity
04:27 Exploring Biohacking and Wellness Trends
20:41 The Role of Rehabilitation in Neuroplasticity
22:16 Neurotrophic Factors and Strength Training
22:39 Neuro Rehabilitation and Constraint Induced Movement Therapy
24:00 Cognitive Training and Brain Workouts
26:32 Brain Stimulation Techniques
28:31 Neuropharmacology: Prescription and Exploratory Approaches
31:37 Stem Cells and Neuroplasticity
34:12 Neurofeedback and Video Games
36:09 Virtual Reality and Neuroplasticity
37:47 Mind-Body Practices: Meditation and Yoga
38:49 Conclusions and Future Directions
40:13 Q&A Session
46:34 Podcast Outro and Disclaimer


The podcast episodes drop weekly on Mondays in seasonal chunks. Subscribe to stay up to date, and tune in when you can! Be sure to rate, review, and follow on your favorite podcast app and let me know what other brain & body things you'd like to hear about. 

For more information about me, check out my website.

Follow me on Instagram or Tik Tok @drnatashamehta. 

This episode is not sponsored.