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:

Save 15% on prolon® with discount code AFN15 here. If you use the link, Alternative Food Network may receive a small commission from your purchase.

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.

If you’ve got kids, this is a must listen! Do you know how many calories your child needs each day, and from where they should be getting them? In this interview with pediatric gastroenterologist Dr. Maria Mascarenhas, you will learn: 1. The importance of quality and quantity when it comes to child nutrition 2. The potential for malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies in children who consume a processed food diet 3. How the Harvard Healthy Eating Plate can help guide parents in choosing nutrient dense foods for their children.

In this episode you'll hear:
3:45 – How should children get their calories.
5:40 – Consequences of ultra-processed foods.
7:30 – School lunch ideas.
10:00 – What nutrients are necessary and in what amounts.
12:35 – Harvard Healthy Eating Plate.
14:25 – Long term health issues if a child does get proper calories & nutrients.
17:50 – Macronutrients vs micronutrients.
19:05 – Impact of ultra-processed foods on microbiome.
19:45 – The impact of diet during pregnancy on the fetus.
21:30 – Cultural influences on food choices.
23:15 – Food tips to turn things around.
32:40 – Do medical students learn about nutrition in medical school?
37:30 –The Anti-Inflammatory Family Cookbook
42:40 – Contact information for Dr. Mascarenhas.

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.

“The role of nutrition is really important in maintaining good health and maintaining the immune system. It’s part of the holistic part of treatment of the cancer.” Ben Chue, M.D.

If you or someone you know is undergoing chemotherapy, don’t miss Dr. Falquier’s interview about the role of diet during and after chemotherapy to reduce harsh side effects and maximize treatment outcomes. Her guests are medical oncologist Dr. Ben Chue and naturopath & functional medicine doctor Easter Ho. In addition, you’ll hear how a medical oncologist and functional medicine and naturopathic doctor work together to provide an integrated approach to cancer treatment. Find the recipe that goes with this episode in the Doctors+ Premium subscription on Apple Podcasts. Link below.

In this episode you’ll hear:
4:00 – How Dr. Chue and Dr. Ho work together to provide an integrated approach to cancer treatment. 5:30 – Collaborative visits for cancer patients.
7:45 – Can complementary treatments be combined with traditional chemotherapy to lessen side effects of chemotherapy?
9:00 – Examples of complementary treatments for chemotherapy.
11:00 – Is there a role for alternative treatments without chemotherapy in the early cancer stages? 12:10 – Curcumin and intravenous vitamin C to enhance the benefits of chemotherapy.
15:30 – The role of nutrition during cancer treatment.
17:10 – Food suggestions during and after chemo treatment.
21:50 – Blood tests to determine what’s going on nutritionally.
25:20 – Iron absorption for a plant-based eater.
28:00 – Preventing recurrence of a cancer.
29:00 – Prevent cancer altogether.
30:30 – Exercise for cancer prevention.
32:00 - Exercise when undergoing chemotherapy.
33:40 – Pillars of wellness.
36:00 – The future of cancer treatment.
36:40 – Supporting the body during chemo through diet and lifestyle.

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

Guest Links:

• www.dreasterho.com
• https://www.lifespringcancercenter.com/

Recipe for Iron Absorption: https://apple.co/3rTthD5

Wildfires are increasing in frequency. Help protect your health with valuable insights, practical tips and expert guidance in this episode. Pulmonologist Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang discusses the various health risks associated with wildfires and shares practical strategies to mitigate their impact on our well-being.

In this episode you’ll hear:
1:20 – What people can do to protect themselves from breathing wildfire smoke.
3:15 – Are masks effective to decrease soot and particulate matter?
4:00 – Symptoms of exposure to wildfire smoke.
4:40 – Can the lungs be detoxed upon exposure to wildfire smoke?
5:40 – Should you exercise during a wildfire even indoors?
6:15 – Thyme, honey and oregano to ease chest congestion.
7:10 – Who is most at risk from exposure to wildfire smoke?
7:45 – When should someone seek medical attention?

Referenced in episode:

• https://www.lung.org/getmedia/695663e2-bdb8-4a61-9322-02657f530b99/Protect-Your-Health-During-Wildfires-5-29-2020-(1).pdf
• https://www.thoracic.org/patients/patient-resources/resources/wildfires.pdf
• Integrative Strategies for Lung Care: A Conversation with Dr. Ni-Cheng Liang: https://apple.co/40o4pjU