Nourished with Dr. Anikó

Did you know that 80% of Black women and 70% of white women will develop fibroids by age 50 and that hysterectomy is not the only treatment option? 

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Anikó sits down with Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell, OBGYN, fibroid specialist, and one of the country's leading voices on maternal mortality to break down everything you've never been told about fibroid care, the U.S. maternal health crisis, and what the post-Dobbs landscape means for the future of women's healthcare.

Dr. Gillispie-Bell shares the full menu of fibroid treatment options that most patients (and many physicians) don't know exist, including newly FDA-approved medications, uterine artery embolization, radio frequency ablation, and uterus-preserving myomectomy. She also discusses why the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate of any high-income country.

Whether you're navigating fibroids yourself, planning a pregnancy, supporting someone who is, or simply trying to understand what's happening to women's healthcare in America right now this episode will leave you informed, empowered, and ready to take action.

In This Episode:

01:04 What fibroids are, how they form, and who they affect 

01:34 The most common fibroid symptoms and when treatment becomes necessary.

02:45 Medication options for fibroids, including newer FDA-approved treatments that significantly reduce heavy bleeding.

05:03 Minimally invasive fibroid procedures that avoid major surgery and offer shorter recovery times.

06:17 Surgical treatment options, including myomectomy and hysterectomy, depending on fertility goals and symptom severity.

09:53 A patient story showing how a missed fibroid diagnosis was actually causing infertility.

12:18 — Why MRI can detect fibroid complications that ultrasounds sometimes miss.

14:09 The alarming reality of maternal mortality disparities, especially among Black women in the U.S.

23:06 How post-Dobbs legislation is affecting physician shortages 

29:47 Practical ways patients can improve maternal health outcomes through advocacy, support, and preconception care.

Learn more about Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell:

Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell is a board-certified OBGYN and one of the country's leading experts on uterine fibroids and maternal health equity. She leads the Louisiana Perinatal Quality Collaborative (LAPQC) and the state's Maternal Mortality Review Committee, where she works with birthing facilities across Louisiana to implement evidence-based practices that improve outcomes for mothers and babies. Her work has contributed to dramatic reductions in severe maternal morbidity from hemorrhage and hypertension in Louisiana.

Website: https://www.drveronicamedicalmedia.com/

Connect with Dr. Anikó:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.aniko/

Website: https://www.draniko.com/

Thank you for listening to Nourished with Dr. Anikó! 

It would mean the world if you would take one minute to follow, leave a 5 star review and share with those you love! 

Your presence is truly felt and deeply appreciated.

Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views expressed are those of the host and guests and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

In this episode of Nourished with Dr. Anikó, Anikó Gréger sits down with nationally recognized OB-GYN, women’s health expert, and public health leader Veronica Gillispie-Bell for an honest and deeply important conversation about menstrual health, fibroids, medical mistrust, and the ways women’s pain continues to be overlooked in healthcare.

Together, they explore why menstrual cycles should be considered a vital sign, how heavy periods and pain are often normalized instead of investigated, and why so many women are still being told hysterectomy is their only option for fibroid treatment. Dr. Gillispie-Bell shares how her mother’s experience with fibroids shaped her career and why she has dedicated her work to helping women understand they deserve options and individualized care.

This conversation also dives into the humanity of medicine itself — the emotional toll on physicians, the industrialization of healthcare, and how rebuilding trust between patients and providers starts with listening, transparency, and compassionate conversations.

Dr. Anikó and Dr. Gillispie-Bell also reflect on the shame and stigma surrounding menstruation, why we need to normalize conversations about periods and women’s bodies, and how reframing menstruation as something worthy of respect, celebration, and understanding can change the next generation’s relationship with their health.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 – Introducing Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell and her work in women’s health

04:00 – Why so many women are still told hysterectomy is their only option

07:00 – Defensive medicine, medical mistrust, and patient-centered care

12:00 – Physician burnout, trauma, and the emotional toll of modern healthcare

16:00 – Why your menstrual cycle should be considered a vital sign

18:00 – What is considered a “normal” menstrual cycle and when to seek help

20:00 – Period pain: what’s normal and what shouldn’t be ignored

22:00 – Shame, stigma, and changing how we talk about menstruation

26:00 – Why conversations about women’s bodies still make people uncomfortable

28:00 – Reclaiming menstruation as something sacred, human, and worthy of celebration

Learn more about Dr. Veronica Gillispie-Bell:

Website: https://www.drveronicamedicalmedia.com/

Connect with Dr. Anikó:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.aniko/

Website: https://www.draniko.com/

Thank you for listening to Nourished with Dr. Anikó! 

It would mean the world if you would take one minute to follow, leave a 5 star review and share with those you love! 

Your presence is truly felt and deeply appreciated.

Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views expressed are those of the host and guests and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

In this episode of Nourished with Dr. Anikó, Dr. Anikó continues her conversation with postpartum psychosis awareness advocate, writer, and author Aaisha Alvi together, they explore why postpartum psychosis is missed so often because of the  widely repeated idea that "if you're disturbed by your thoughts, you're not psychotic".

This is dangerous misinformation that has cost lives.

This conversation also share the power of this knowledge and how anyone can spot postpartum psychosis. 

Aaisha shares the lifesaving work of Postpartum Support International and Action on Postpartum Psychosis, and the clear, calm steps to take if a loved one in the postpartum period begins behaving in ways that feel "off."

00:00 – Content warning and crisis resources 

02:30 – Why inpatient care can be the safest

04:00 – The dangerous myth that "frightened by your thoughts" rules out psychosis 

06:00 – What providers should actually be listening for: hallucinations and delusions 

09:00 – Why this myth is implicated in Lindsay Clancy's story

12:00 – Audrie Sanchez: turned away from the ER despite documented hallucinations 

16:00 – Recovery, antipsychotics, CBT, and exposure therapy for trauma-related phobias 

21:00 – Aaisha's mom spots postpartum psychosis in a former neighbor 

24:00 – Tracking infanticide rates and why awareness is moving the numbers 

27:00 – Aaisha's volunteer work with PSI and a new advanced training in postpartum psychosis 

28:00 – Delusion of influence: a symptom we don't talk about enough 

29:00 – What to do if a postpartum loved one starts behaving bizarrely 

33:00 – Postpartum psychosis is not a death sentence, and yes, you can safely have more children

Important Resources Mentioned:
If you or someone you love is in a mental health crisis, call or text 988 (U.S.).

For maternal mental health support, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is available 24/7: 📞 1-833-TLC-MAMA

postpartum.net Postpartum Support International (PSI) — provider directory, provider-to-provider consultation line, helplines, and support groups for individuals and families

app-network.org - Action on Postpartum Psychosis — stories of recovery and educational resources for families and providers: app-network.org

A Mom Like That: A Memoir of Postpartum Psychosis by Aaisha Alvi — Aaisha's full account of both episodes of postpartum psychosis, with a foreword by Dr. Wendy Davis.

Follow Aaisha on Instagram for ongoing education and advocacy: @AaishaAlviWrites

Content note: This episode discusses postpartum psychosis in honest and sometimes graphic detail, including hallucinations, delusions, and homicidal and suicidal thoughts. Please listen thoughtfully and skip if it is not the right time.

Connect with Dr. Anikó:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.aniko/

Website: https://www.draniko.com/

Thank you for listening to Nourished with Dr. Anikó! 

It would mean the world if you would take one minute to follow, leave a 5 star review and share with those you love! 

Your presence is truly felt and deeply appreciated.

Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views expressed are those of the host and guests and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

A Terrifying Lived Experience with Aaisha Alvi 

In this episode of Nourished with Dr. Anikó, Dr. Anikó sits down with postpartum psychosis awareness advocate, writer, and author Aaisha Alvi for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about lived experience, advocacy, and the gaps in maternal mental health care that nearly cost Aaisha her life and her daughter's life.

Together, they explore what postpartum psychosis actually looks like from the inside, why it is so often missed by healthcare providers, and how a culture of misinformation and fear has caused this temporary and fully treatable condition to claim lives it never needed to.

This conversation also dives into the difference between intrusive thoughts and delusions, the bizarre behaviors that signal something is seriously wrong, and why "rare" is the wrong word for an illness that occurs at the same rate as Down syndrome and cerebral palsy.

00:00 – Content warning and crisis resources 

02:00 – Welcome and introducing Aaisha Alvi 

03:00 – Why Aaisha's book is a rare and detailed account of psychosis 

06:00 – Recovery and meeting Aaisha at her baseline 

09:00 – Why full recovery is possible even after delayed treatment 

12:00 – Why providers are sometimes afraid to name psychosis 

14:00 – Why PMADs are the #1 complication of pregnancy

24:00 – Psychosis as a progression, not a snap - where intervention is possible

 28:00 – Intrusive thoughts vs. delusions: how to tell them apart 

34:00 – Bizarre behavior as the most reliable outward sign of psychosis 

39:00 – When loved ones see something off and providers say it's fine

44:00 – A look ahead at Part 2

Important Resources Mentioned:
If you or someone you love is in a mental health crisis, call or text 988 (U.S.).

For maternal mental health support, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is available 24/7: 📞 1-833-TLC-MAMA

postpartum.net Postpartum Support International (PSI) — provider directory, provider-to-provider consultation line, helplines, and support groups for individuals and families

app-network.org - Action on Postpartum Psychosis — stories of recovery and educational resources for families and providers: app-network.org

A Mom Like That: A Memoir of Postpartum Psychosis by Aaisha Alvi — Aaisha's full account of both episodes of postpartum psychosis, with a foreword by Dr. Wendy Davis.

Follow Aaisha on Instagram for ongoing education and advocacy: @AaishaAlviWrites

Content note: This episode discusses postpartum psychosis in honest and sometimes graphic detail, including hallucinations, delusions, and homicidal and suicidal thoughts. Please listen thoughtfully and skip if it is not the right time.

Connect with Dr. Anikó:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.aniko/

Website: https://www.draniko.com/

Thank you for listening to Nourished with Dr. Anikó! 

It would mean the world if you would take one minute to follow, leave a 5 star review and share with those you love! 

Your presence is truly felt and deeply appreciated.

Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views expressed are those of the host and guests and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

In this episode of Nourished with Dr. Anikó, Dr. Anikó  sits down with full-spectrum doula, nurse, and reproductive justice advocate Latona Giwa for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about birth, advocacy, and the maternal health crisis in the United States.

Together, they explore what doulas actually do, why their role is more important than ever, and how systemic failures in healthcare are impacting birthing parents, especially Black and marginalized communities.

This conversation also dives into the realities of maternal mortality, the gaps in postpartum care, and why culturally congruent, community-based support is essential for safer, more empowered birth experiences.

Timestamps:

01:00 – Introducing Latton GWA and her work in reproductive justice
04:00 – What a doula is and how they support birthing parents
14:00 – The emotional and mental health needs during pregnancy and birth
29:00 – What doulas do during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum
40:00 – The maternal health crisis in the U.S. and racial disparities
49:00 – What a maternal care desert means for families
56:00 – How doulas improve outcomes and support mental health
01:04:00 – Reproductive healthcare gaps and provider training

Important Resources Mentioned:

If you or someone you love is in a mental health crisis, call or text 988 (U.S.).

For maternal mental health support, the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is available 24/7: 📞 1-833-TLC-MAMA

This episode is part of our Perinatal Health & Mental Health Series

About Latona Giwa, RN, BSN, IBCLC (she/they):

Latona is a Full-Spectrum Doula, Registered Nurse, Internationally Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and reproductive justice advocate. In 2011, she co-founded Birthmark Doula Collective, Louisiana's first only worker-owned birthworker cooperative. In 2017, she co-founded the New Orleans Breastfeeding Center, Louisiana's first freestanding breastfeeding clinic. Latona has elevated Louisiana Black birth worker and parent advocacy to channel regional and national media and policy action on the Black maternal mortality crisis. In 2023, she became the Executive Director of Repro TLC (formerly known as Midwest Access Project), which fills gaps nationwide in comprehensive sexual and reproductive healthcare provider training, education, and movement building. Latona has served on the Louisiana Pregnancy Associated Mortality Review, the New Orleans Maternal Child Health Coalition, and reproductive health legislative commissions. Her reproductive justice impact has been featured in the New York Times Magazine, CBS’s 60 Minutes, and Yes! Magazine. Her writing has been published in The Nation, Rewire News Group, and Huffington Post. Her forthcoming chapter on cooperative birth worker organizing in “Reproductive Health, Information, and Power” was published by Library Juice Press in 2025.

Latona Giwa, RN, BSN, IBCLC (she/they)

www.LatonaGiwa.com

Instagram: @latona-giwa and @reprotlc

Executive Director, ReproTLC

Cofounder, Birthmark Doula Collective

Cofounder, New Orleans Breastfeeding Center

Connect with Dr. Anikó:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.aniko/

Website: https://www.draniko.com/

Thank you for listening to Nourished with Dr. Anikó! 

It would mean the world if you would take one minute to follow, leave a 5 star review and share with those you love! 

Your presence is truly felt and deeply appreciated.

Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views expressed are those of the host and guests and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

In this episode of Nourished with Dr. Anikó, Dr. Anikó continues her perinatal and postpartum series with an in-depth, empowering conversation on reproductive psychiatry, birth trauma, and perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs).

Joined by reproductive psychiatrist Dr. Kara Brown, this episode brings clarity to one of the most under-discussed areas of maternal health: the intersection of hormones, mental health, and pregnancy and postpartum care.

Together, they explore what reproductive psychiatry really means, why birth trauma is more common than we think, and how experiences during pregnancy and childbirth can have lasting emotional and psychological impacts.

They also break down the spectrum of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, why they are often misdiagnosed or overlooked, and the critical importance of individualized, nuanced care, especially when it comes to medication, diagnosis, and support systems.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

03:00 What “perinatal” and “reproductive psychiatry” really mean

08:30 What birth trauma is and why it’s more common than we think

12:00 Risk factors for birth trauma and how it impacts long-term mental health

16:00 Healing from birth trauma, support options, and why grief matters

17:00 Understanding PMADs (perinatal mood and anxiety disorders)

20:00 Risk factors, hormonal sensitivity, and why support systems matter

30:00 Why PMADs are often misdiagnosed and the importance of accurate care

36:00 Where to seek help, resources, and support systems available

43:00 Warning signs vs. urgent mental health red flags

46:00 Debunking common myths about pregnancy, bonding, and “baby blues”

51:00 Medications during pregnancy, risks, and outdated medical guidance

56:00 What current research actually says about psychiatric medications

This episode is part of an ongoing series on perinatal and postpartum health, where we explore the care, support, and conversations every birthing parent deserves.

Be sure to follow Nourished with Dr. Anikó so you don’t miss upcoming episodes in this important series.

Dr. Kara Brown:

Dr. Kara Brown is a reproductive psychiatrist and founder of NOLA Reproductive Psychiatry, specializing in perinatal mental health care. She is an instructor with Postpartum Support International and has extensive training in women’s mental health, including fellowship experience at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and faculty work with Harvard Medical School.

Learn more at:
 Website: https://www.nolarepropsych.com

Psychology Today: Kara M Brown

Resources Mentioned:

Postpartum Support International (PSI): https://www.postpartum.net

PSI Helpline: 1-800-944-4773

Maternal Mental Health Hotline (24/7):
 1-833-TLC-MAMA

Mental Health Emergency: Call or text 988

Connect with Dr. Anikó:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.aniko/

Website: https://www.draniko.com/

Thank you for listening to Nourished with Dr. Anikó! 

It would mean the world if you would take one minute to follow, leave a 5 star review and share with those you love! 

Your presence is truly felt and deeply appreciated.

Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views expressed are those of the host and guests and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

In this episode of Nourished with Dr. Anikó, Dr. Anikó continues her special perinatal and postpartum series with a deeply honest and compassionate conversation on the realities of the fourth trimester, maternal mental health, and what true support actually looks like.

Joined by Dr. Michelle Haggerty, a physician specializing in family, integrative, and lactation medicine, this episode explores the often unspoken emotional and physical challenges of postpartum life, including pregnancy loss, identity shifts, and the profound transformation into motherhood.

This conversation also acknowledges the weight of navigating motherhood in a complex and often overwhelming world, while offering a powerful reminder that caring for yourself and your baby is meaningful, necessary work.

If you are in the postpartum period, supporting someone who is, or seeking a deeper understanding of maternal health, this episode offers both validation and hope.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

03:00 Honoring “angel babies” and how personal loss shapes postpartum care

06:00 Holding grief, motherhood, and real-world challenges at the same time

16:00 The postpartum care gap, why most maternal deaths happen after birth

19:00 The limitations of the standard six-week postpartum visit

23:00 Why postpartum is a lifelong transformation, not a “bounce back” moment

32:00 What the fourth trimester really is and why it matters for long-term health

41:00 Intrusive thoughts in postpartum, what’s normal and how to find support

46:00 The connection between breastfeeding, mental health, and societal support

52:00 What true postpartum care can look like, in-home, relationship-centered support

This episode is part of an ongoing series on perinatal and postpartum health, where we explore the support, care, and conversations every birthing parent deserves. Be sure to follow Nourished with Dr. Anikó so you don’t miss the upcoming episodes in this series.

Dr. Michelle Haggerty: Dr. Michelle Haggerty, DO, MPH, ABOIM, NABBLM-C, IBCLC, PMH-C, RYT-200 Founder & CEO, Board Certified Integrative Family Physician, Breastfeeding & Lactation Medicine Specialist, and Perinatal Mental Health Specialist

Learn more at:
Website: https://www.fourthtrimesterdoc.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fourthtrimesterdoc

Center for Fourth Trimester Care:
https://www.c4tc.co

Resources Mentioned:

Maternal Mental Health Hotline (24/7):
1-833-TLC-MAMA

988 Mental Health Crisis Line

Postpartum Support International:
https://www.postpartum.net

Dr. Michelle Haggerty:
Website: https://www.fourthtrimesterdoc.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fourthtrimesterdoc

Center for Fourth Trimester Care:
https://www.c4tc.co

Connect with Dr. Anikó:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.aniko/

Website: https://www.draniko.com/

Thank you for listening to Nourished with Dr. Anikó! 

It would mean the world if you would take one minute to follow, leave a 5 star review and share with those you love! 

Your presence is truly felt and deeply appreciated.

Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views expressed are those of the host and guests and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

In this episode of Nourished with Dr. Anikó, Dr. Anikó Gréger opens a deeply important conversation as she begins a special series on perinatal and postpartum health.

Drawing from both her professional expertise and personal experience, she explores the emotional, physical, and logistical realities of the postpartum period, often called the “fourth trimester.”

If you are preparing for motherhood, supporting someone who is, or reflecting on your own experience, this episode offers a grounded and compassionate look at what true postpartum support really looks like.

Dr. Anikó shares why this time is meant to be supported, not experienced in isolation, and how thoughtful preparation during pregnancy can transform your postpartum experience.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

02:00 Why postpartum is often experienced in isolation
05:00 The role of a postpartum consultant and why support matters
12:00 The 5 universal postpartum needs, rest, nourishment, touch, support, nature
14:00 Planning for food, rest, and real-life logistics before baby arrives
18:00 How relationships shift after baby and why preparation matters
22:00 Building your postpartum support team
25:00 Redefining intimacy and connection after childbirth
29:00 Why outside support helps you see what you can’t

This episode is just the beginning of a powerful series on perinatal and postpartum health, where you’ll hear from experts and explore the support, care, and conversations every birthing parent deserves.

Be sure to follow Nourished with Dr. Anikó so you don’t miss the upcoming episodes in this series.

Article Mentioned:

Hello Postpartum - Here's What You Should Eat After Birth (and Why) - https://hellopostpartum.com/blogs/postpartum-journal/the-best-food-to-eat-after-giving-birth

Connect with Dr. Anikó:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.aniko/

Website: https://www.draniko.com/

Thank you for listening to Nourished with Dr. Anikó! 

It would mean the world if you would take one minute to follow, leave a 5 star review and share with those you love! 

Your presence is truly felt and deeply appreciated.

Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views expressed are those of the host and guests and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

In this episode of Nourished with Dr. Anikó, Dr. Anikó Gréger sits down with integrative allergist and pediatric specialist Dr. Gary Soffer to break down one of the most confusing topics in wellness today: food allergies, sensitivities, and elimination diets.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your symptoms are caused by food or if eliminating certain foods is actually helping or harming your health, this conversation brings clarity.

Together, they explore the critical differences between food allergies and sensitivities, why most at-home food testing falls short, and the real risks of unnecessary elimination diets, especially for children.

This episode is essential listening for anyone navigating food-related symptoms, raising children, or trying to make informed decisions about their health.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

 02:00 The connection between food systems, soil health, and human health
 04:00 Why allergy testing and elimination diets are trending (and misunderstood)
 09:00 Why most allergy testing without clinical history is unreliable
 12:00 The truth about IgG testing and at-home food sensitivity tests
 14:00 Why elimination diets can backfire (especially in children)
 17:00 The hidden risks, food fear, disordered eating, and nutrient loss
 22:00 What an elimination diet actually is (and when it’s appropriate)
 25:00 The surprising link between food exposure and developing allergies
 28:00 Why removing foods too early can increase allergy risk
 31:00 How food sourcing (not just the food itself) impacts symptoms
 37:00 Eczema explained, skin barrier vs inflammation
 46:00 Integrative medicine as a lens, not just a treatment plan

About Dr. Gary Soffer:

Gary Soffer, MD, FAAP specializes in Pediatric Allergy/Immunology and Integrative Medicine. He completed a degree in Human Development at Cornell University and received his medical degree at Tel Aviv University in Israel. Following this he completed training in pediatrics, allergy and immunology at the Children's Hospital at Montefiore at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. He completed a second fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona.

He is nationally recognized for his work on the cross section of Integrative Medicine and Allergy/Immunology. He has interests in food allergies, eczema, asthma, and environmental allergies . He currently sees patients for pediatric allergy/immunology in Norwalk and Greenwich and integrative oncology at Smilow Cancer Hospital.

He has had the privilege of practicing medicine from the Bronx to the Himalayas. In his free time he loves spending time with his wife and children.

Yale School of Medicine: https://medicine.yale.edu/profile/gary-soffer/

Connect with Dr. Anikó:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.aniko/

Website: https://www.draniko.com/

Thank you for listening to Nourished with Dr. Anikó! 

It would mean the world if you would take one minute to follow, leave a 5 star review and share with those you love! 

Your presence is truly felt and deeply appreciated.

Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views expressed are those of the host and guests and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.

In this heartfelt episode of Nourished with Dr. Anikó, Dr. Anikó reflects on a deeply enriching experience at the New Orleans Book Festival and explores a fundamental human need that is often overlooked in modern life, community.

Surrounded by meaningful conversations, shared creativity, and real-life connection, Dr. Anikó highlights how powerful it felt to be fully present with others, without the constant pull of devices or digital distraction. This experience becomes a lens through which she examines how disconnected many of us have become.

Drawing on research and global data, she explains how loneliness is not just an emotional experience, but a serious public health concern. From increased risks of heart disease and depression to its impact across all age groups, loneliness is shown to have profound effects on both physical and mental wellbeing.

Dr. Anikó invites listeners to reconsider how they are spending their time and energy, and to begin prioritizing real-life connection. She shares simple and creative ways to cultivate community, whether by joining existing groups or creating your own opportunities for gathering.

You’ll also hear why in-person connection offers something deeper than virtual interaction, from shared presence and energy to the unseen ways we experience one another as human beings.

If you’ve been feeling disconnected, overwhelmed by screen time, or longing for more meaningful relationships, this episode offers both perspective and inspiration to help you reconnect with others and with yourself.

Episode Highlights

02:00 The inspiration behind this episode and reflections from the New Orleans Book Festival
 04:00 Why community felt so replenishing and necessary in real life
 06:30 The impact of technology and how it has shifted our sense of connection
 09:00 The health risks of loneliness and why it’s a global concern
 11:30 How device use can replace true connection and lead to isolation
 13:30 The difference between virtual connection and in-person presence
 15:30 Simple ways to create or find community in your daily life
 17:00 Why prioritizing community can transform your wellbeing and sense of belonging

Connect with Dr. Anikó:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.aniko/

Website: https://www.draniko.com/

Thank you for listening to Nourished with Dr. Anikó! 

It would mean the world if you would take one minute to follow, leave a 5 star review and share with those you love! 

Your presence is truly felt and deeply appreciated.

Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views expressed are those of the host and guests and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.