Take Back Your Health

Do deep, vulnerable conversations overwhelm you? According to Donna Jackson Nakazawa, sharing your story is essential to healing. This week, I'm joined by the award-winning science journalist and author of The Adverse Childhood Experiences Guided Journal. We sat down to discuss how your childhood shapes your present, why revisiting key moments from your past is imperative to healing, and how writing through it all can leave a lasting impact on your mental and physical health.

In this episode, you'll discover:

03:37 Donna's Journey into Science Journalism

04:58 Exploring Autoimmunity and Childhood Trauma

09:09 The Adverse Childhood Experiences Study

14:58 Neural Re-Narrating: Healing Through Writing

28:36 Family Struggles and Reconnection

30:23 Healing Through Vulnerability

35:33 The Power of Writing to Heal

37:07 Creating a Supportive Community

39:40 Success Stories and Personal Growth

47:59 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

50:10 Practical Tips for Healing

Connect with Dr. Myers:

Website: https://www.amymyersmd.com/

Newsletter: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymyersmd/

Episode with Dr. Sara Gottfried mentioned.

Connect with Donna Jackson Nakazawa:

Website: https://donnajacksonnakazawa.com/

Substack: https://donnajacksonnakazawa.substack.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/donnajacksonnakazawaauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donnajacksonnakazawa/

Donna's books: https://donnajacksonnakazawa.com/books/

Donna's courses: https://donna-jackson-nakazawa.mykajabi.com/store

Ever wondered why the gut is referred to as your second brain? Let’s talk about it. This week, I’m joined by Dr. Navaz Habib, the bestselling author of Activate Your Vagus Nerve, and the newly released Upgrade Your Vagus Nerve. We sat down to discuss the importance of the vagus nerve—the only cranial nerve that connects to every organ within your body—the role it plays in your gut, brain, and immune health, the significance of heart rate variability, and why you should be more intentional with your breathing. 

In this episode, you'll discover:

01:59 Dr. Habib's Journey to Functional Medicine

08:17 Understanding the Vagus Nerve

18:46 The Role of the Vagus Nerve in Inflammation

34:04 Understanding HRV and Its Importance

34:39 Accuracy of Different HRV Measurement Devices

36:34 Using HRV Data for Trends, Not Diagnostics

37:07 Personal Experiences and HRV Improvement

40:15 Breathing Techniques to Improve HRV

42:35 The Role of the Diaphragm in Effective Breathing

46:47 Testing and Improving Your BOLT Score

50:27 Altitude Training and HRV

54:38 Vagus Nerve Dysfunction and Long COVID

57:21 Vagus Nerve Stimulation Devices

Connect with Dr. Myers:

Website: https://www.amymyersmd.com/

Newsletter: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymyersmd/

Connect with Dr. Habib:

Website: https://drnavazhabib.kartra.com/page/HUhome

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib

Podcast: The Health Upgrade podcast

Book: Upgrade Your Vagus Nerve

Book: Activate Your Vagus Nerve

The Oxygen Advantage by Patrick McKeown

Truvaga Vagus Nerve Stimulator.

Colorful foods make for colorful moods—and so much more. This week, I’m joined by Dr. Deanna Minich, a nutrition scientist with over 20 years of experience. We sat down to discuss the importance of eating seasonal and locally sourced foods, how vibrant hues in fruits and vegetables can dictate overall health, the pineal gland's role in circadian rhythm, and the crucial role of melatonin. 

In this episode, you'll discover:

07:02 The Concept of Eating the Rainbow

08:27 Understanding Phytonutrients and Their Benefits

12:38 Practical Tips for Maximizing Phytonutrient Intake

22:33 Exploring the Colors and Their Health Benefits

31:04 The Healing Power of Green Foods

31:58 Exploring Blue-Green Foods and Sea Plants

33:09 The Benefits of Blue and Purple Foods

35:34 Incorporating the Rainbow into Your Diet

40:22 Understanding the Pineal Gland and Melatonin

47:14 Melatonin: Dosage, Benefits, and Sources

58:55 Three Key Tips for Better Health

Connect with Dr. Myers:

Website: https://www.amymyersmd.com/

Newsletter: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymyersmd/

Podcast episode with Dr. Jeffrey Bland

Connect with Dr. Minich:

Website: https://deannaminich.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/deanna.minich/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannaminich/

Find all of Dr. Minich free downloadable resources here.

Becoming your fiercest advocate is your most vital tool when faced with serious health concerns. This week, I’m joined by Danielle Walker, a New York Times bestselling author whose newest cookbook, Make It Easy, is set to release on Sept. 10. We sat down to discuss her nearly 20-year journey with ulcerative colitis, how following a paleo, gluten-free, and grain-free diet has helped cushion symptoms, and her relatable advice for parents struggling to introduce their kids to healthy eating.

In this episode, you'll discover:

02:27 Danielle's Health Journey: From Diagnosis to Advocacy

09:32 The Role of Diet in Managing Autoimmune Diseases

18:04 Navigating Dietary Changes and Family Support

29:45 Parenting and Healthy Eating Foundations

30:19 Navigating Food Choices and Sensitivities

31:00 The Importance of Early Dietary Decisions

32:42 Personal Experiences with Paleo Diet

36:57 Favorite Family Recipes

38:44 New Cookbook: Make It Easy

45:53 Tips for Parents on Healthy Eating

Connect with Dr. Myers:

Website: https://www.amymyersmd.com/

Newsletter: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymyersmd/

Connect with Danielle Walker:

Website: https://daniellewalker.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daniellewalker/

Substack: https://daniellewalker.substack.com/

New cookbook: Make It Easy

Do you know what's actually going on in your mouth? It’s more vital than you might think. This week, I’m joined by two guests, Dr. Stuart Nunnally and Dr. Lane Freeman, biological dentists as well as my own personal dentists, who shed a much-needed spotlight on the link between oral health and your overall well-being, plus the questions you should be asking at your next dentist appointment.

In this episode, you'll discover:

00:00 The Dangers of Mercury in Dentistry

02:24 Dr. Nunnally's Personal Journey with Mercury Toxicity

05:31 Understanding Biological Dentistry

08:05 The Controversy of Mercury Fillings

10:13 Safe Mercury Removal Practices

19:56 Biocompatibility Testing in Dentistry

23:35 The Importance of Oral Microbiome

26:12 Preventative Oral Care Tips

31:54 The Hidden Dangers of Root Canals

35:05 Leaky Teeth and Root Canal Toxins

36:08 Causes and Consequences of Root Canals

41:12 Cavitations: Hidden Dental Dangers

45:42 Nutritional Deficiencies and Dental Health

51:55 Success Stories and Patient Experiences

01:00:08 Finding a Holistic Dentist

Connect with Dr. Myers:

Website: https://www.amymyersmd.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramymyers

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmyMyersMD/featured

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD

Connect with Dr. Nunnally and Dr. Freeman:

Website: https://www.healthysmilesforlife.com/

IAOMT website: https://iaomt.org/

Eating real foods that are easily absorbed in the body can leave a lasting impact on your health. This week, I’m joined by Chris Kresser, a co-founder of the California Center for Functional Medicine and founder of the Kresser Institute, who provides insight on the importance of incorporating nutrient-dense, diverse foods into every meal, from organ meat to leafy greens!

In this episode, you'll discover:

03:07 The Rise of Functional Medicine

04:26 Understanding Ancestral Health

05:36 Diet and Modern Challenges

12:14 Nutrient Density Explained

17:27 Bioavailability and Nutrient Absorption

23:33 Incorporating Nutrient-Dense Foods

29:17 Raising Healthy Children

34:12 Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits in Kids

37:26 Managing Screen Time and Sleep for Kids

42:39 The Importance of Outdoor Activities

45:49 Challenges and Strategies in Supplementation

49:42 Nutrient Deficiencies and Bioavailability

Connect with Dr. Myers:

Website: https://www.amymyersmd.com/

Newsletter: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmyMyersMD

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amymyersmd/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymyersmd/

Connect with Chris Kresser:

Website: https://chriskresser.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chriskresser

Adapt Naturals: https://adaptnaturals.com/

Nutrient density guide: https://chriskresser.com/what-is-nutrient-density-and-why-is-it-important/

Imagine discovering that the lingering effects of COVID-19 could be the culprit disrupting your hormonal health. This week, I’m joined by Dr. Margaret Christensen, an experienced OB-GYN turned functional medicine expert, who sheds light on how COVID-19 and hormonal imbalances are connected, especially in women.

In this episode, you'll discover:

07:41 Understanding the Spike Protein

14:04 Hormonal Disruptions and COVID

15:01 Vaccine Controversies and Health Implications

24:13 Understanding Vaccine Adjuvants and Immune Response

26:00 The Interplay of Hormones and Health

26:29 Gut Health and Hormonal Balance

27:06 Addressing Stress and Adrenal Health

27:29 Advanced Healing Protocols

28:05 Compassion and Mental Health in Healing

29:28 Gut Healing and Detoxification Strategies

30:42 Hormone Replacement Therapy

33:02 Advanced Treatments for Severe Cases

35:05 Chronic Infections and Immune System Support

42:15 Diagnosing and Treating Post-COVID Hormonal Dysfunction

Connect with Dr. Myers:

Website: https://www.amymyersmd.com/

Newsletter: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymyersmd/

Connect with Dr. Christensen:

Website: carpathiahealth.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/carpathiahealth

https://Childrenshealthdefense.org

https://molddetoxdiet.com

Imagine a world where brain injuries, cognitive decline, and even age-related impairments are not just managed but significantly reversed. This week, I delve into the fascinating world of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) with Dr. Shai Efrati, a pioneer in leveraging environmental changes to trigger the body's own regenerative processes.

Listen in and find out:

02:26 Dr. Efrati's Journey into Hyperbaric Medicine

04:04 Discovering the Brain's Regenerative Potential

08:25 Mechanisms of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy

33:23 High Performers Seeking Cognitive Enhancement

34:52 Severe Cases and Treatment Goals

37:00 Treatment Duration and Global Reach

39:21 Insurance and Financial Considerations

40:21 Success Stories and Personal Insights

43:34 Writing 'Beyond Normal'

44:51 Principles of Enhanced Medicine

47:11 Dietary Recommendations

51:19 Comprehensive Treatment Programs

53:06 Three Steps to Take Back Your Health

57:00 Finding the Aviv Clinic

Connect with Dr. Myers:

Website: https://www.amymyersmd.com/

Newsletter: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymyersmd/

Connect with Dr. Efrati:

Aviv Clinic in Florida

Book “Beyond Normal”

Have you ever considered that your gut could be the control center for your overall health, including your brain’s health? This week, I spoke with Dr. Vincent Pedre, MD, a leading expert in gut health, who reveals how the seemingly simple acts of breathing and eating can reshape our wellness landscape. 

From the science behind a deep breath to the transformative power of fermented foods, Dr. Pedre unpacks the critical role our gut plays not just in digestion, but in mental health, stress management, and beyond.

In this episode, you'll gain insights like:

01:57 Dr. Vincent Pedre's Journey to Functional Medicine

04:33 The Power of Breathwork and Meditation

07:22 Medical School and Early Career Challenges

11:16 Discovering Functional Medicine

16:04 The Importance of Gut Health

16:16 The Gut-Brain Connection

22:14 Impact of Diet on Mental Health

29:51 Addressing ADD and ADHD

38:50 Holistic Approaches to Health

48:33 The Role of Play and Humor in Healing

51:35 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Connect with Amy Myers, MD

Website: https://www.amymyersmd.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramymyers

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmyMyersMD/featured

Newsletter: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD

Connect with Vincent Pedre, MD

Website: https://happygutlife.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drpedre

The Gut Smart Protocol

Happy Gut Coffee

This week, I'm doing something a little different on the podcast. I sat down for a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Ann Shippy, MD a fellow survivor and expert on toxic mold exposure. Unlike our typical interviews, this episode feels more like a deep dive into our personal experiences and the lessons we've learned about dealing with this hidden health hazard.

Ann shares her journey from a decade-long career as a chemical engineer to becoming a pioneer in functional medicine, driven by her own struggles with health that no conventional approach could resolve. Together, we explore the insidious nature of mold toxicity, which we’ve both struggled with.

Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode:

Whether you're dealing with mold issues yourself, know someone who is, or just want to prevent future exposure, this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

02:29 Dr. Shippy's Journey to Functional Medicine

08:32 Building a Functional Medicine Practice

11:04 Recognizing Mold Toxicity in Patients

13:19 Symptoms and Diagnosis of Mold Toxicity

21:27 Impact of Mold on Family and Children

37:48 Building a Mold-Free Home

51:59 Shielding from Contamination

52:47 Journey to PTSD Recovery

53:30 EMDR and Trauma Triggers

54:49 Legal Battles and Builder Accountability

57:35 Building a Mold-Resistant Home

21:19 Travel Tips for Mold Sensitivity

01:23:52 Final Thoughts on Mold and Healing

Website: https://www.amymyersmd.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramymyers

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmyMyersMD/featured

Newsletter: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD

Website: https://annshippymd.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annshippymd/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/annshippymd/

Dr. Shippy's mold resource and information hub

Mold Toxicity Workbook