Health Discovered

Antibiotics are life-saving in the right moments, like treating bacterial infections, but knowing when they’re necessary is key. They can also disrupt the delicate balance of gut health. So, how can probiotics help? When should you use them – and when should you not? We spoke with Will Bulsiewicz, MD, a board-certified gastroenterologist and NYT bestselling author, to explore the relationship between antibiotics, probiotics, and gut health. Dr. B shared insights on evidence-based probiotic use, the importance of mindful antibiotic choices, and how a gut-healthy diet can support overall well-being. 

Domestic violence affects millions of people in the United States, regardless of ethnicity or gender, and can take on the form of mental, physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse. Myths like “it’s easy to leave” or “it only happens to certain people” add layers of stigma and make it harder for survivors to speak up, get help, or leave. What are the critical signs we should recognize to better support those affected? And what kind of help can survivors expect from existing resources? In this special episode, we sat down with Lyndsey Dearlove, global director of operations at NO MORE, who highlights the widespread impact of domestic violence and shares essential tools and resources. We then spoke with Denise Murray, senior manager at the National Domestic Violence Hotline, about the critical support that the hotline provides, including what to expect when you call and the trauma-informed approach they take to empowering survivors.

If you suspect you or a loved one is experiencing domestic abuse, call 1.800.799.SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788. 

Other resources available: Bright Sky US

As we enter the peak of cold and flu season, staying updated on recommended vaccinations has never been more critical. This year, flu shots and the latest COVID-19 boosters are top of mind – but what should we know about each? We spoke with Vin Gupta, MD, chief medical officer at Amazon, medical correspondent, and practicing pulmonologist, about the best timing to receive these vaccines, how long to wait if you’ve recently had an infection, common side effects to expect, and realistic insights into what vaccines can and cannot do to protect our health this season. Whether you’re weighing a vaccine for yourself or a loved one, here’s what you need to know about maximizing protection.

Ovarian cancer is often called the “silent killer” for a reason: its early symptoms can be subtle, making it easy to mistake for other conditions. But being proactive about our health starts with awareness. What are the warning signs? Who’s at risk? We spoke with Susanne Menon, NP, a nurse practitioner at Dana Farber Cancer Institute, to answer these essential questions. She shares key insights on how we can recognize the symptoms, discuss our concerns with healthcare providers, and helps us navigate the myths and facts surrounding ovarian cancer.

Type 1 diabetes can develop at any age, making early screening crucial for those at risk. But how do we know who is at risk? When should we screen? And what steps can we take to protect ourselves and our loved ones? In this episode, we spoke with Jeremy Pettus, MD, a board-certified endocrinologist specializing in treating diabetes and host of the Taking Control of Your Diabetes podcast, about diagnostic methods, such as blood sugar and A1C tests, the crucial role of early detection, screening recommendations, advancements in diabetes management, and his hope for the future of stem cell therapies. We also hear a powerful story from Samara, known as theT1Dmama on YouTube, about her daughter Addie’s diagnosis of type 1 diabetes. 

Skincare has become a major trend among tweens and teens, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram full of routines, products, and glowing skin hacks. But are these trends actually beneficial for youthful skin? How is tween skin different from adult skin, and which ingredients are helpful versus harmful? We spoke with Randal Antle, MMSc, PA-C, a dermatology physician assistant in Atlanta, GA, about what parents should know when selecting skincare products for their children, which ingredients to avoid, and how to create a simple, effective skincare routine for tweens.

In last week’s episode, we learned how ultra-processed foods hijack our brains, leaving us with addictive food cravings that don’t always serve us. How can we cut down on our consumption of ultra-processed foods without being overly hard on ourselves or too restrictive? In this two-part series, Barry Smith, PhD, sensory expert, founding director of the Center for the Study of Senses, and a scientist that has worked with food companies and learned how they hijack our food cravings, returned to speak with us about what we should really be looking for on ingredient labels to make better choices and tips for hijacking our brains back to help us reduce our cravings of ultra-processed foods, through strategies like slowing down with mindful eating and bringing back communal meal times.

Have you ever wondered why the foods you crave don’t always leave you feeling your best after eating them? What if you knew these foods are designed to be addictive and play with our dopamine levels? This is what happens in ultra-processed foods. But what do we mean when we say ultra-processed food? How do they impact our health and how we experience eating? In this two-part series, we speak with Barry Smith, PhD, sensory expert, founding director of the Center for the Study of Senses, and a scientist that has worked with food companies and learned how hard they work to hijack our food cravings, about what defines ultra-processed foods, how companies work to make these foods addictive, and what exactly is happening in our brains to crave these unhealthy foods.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is often thought of as a childhood illness, but it poses a significant threat to older adults as well. According to the CDC, RSV infected approximately 65 million people globally last year, leading to an estimated 160,000 hospitalizations among adults aged 60 and older. What does RSV look like in adults, and what symptoms should you be vigilant about? In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett-Helaire, a renowned vaccinologist and assistant professor at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, who breaks down the risks, ongoing vaccine development, and prevention strategies for vulnerable populations, particularly older adults. We also hear from Irene, who, at 69-years of age, experienced severe, unfamiliar, cold-like symptoms that ultimately led to an unexpected RSV diagnosis. 

This podcast episode was recorded on September 4th, 2024. The information presented is subject to change and is for informational purposes only. If you have specific medical concerns or questions, you should contact your personal healthcare provider.

When we think of medicine, we usually picture pills, injections, or other treatments, but what if the most powerful medicine was on our plate? How can the right diet truly transform our health? We spoke with Dariush Mozaffarian, MD, PhD, cardiologist, and Director of the Food is Medicine Institute at Tufts University, about what defines a healthy diet, integrating food into healthcare, and how important policy changes are needed to prioritize food and nutrition in addressing public health.