In this episode of, we take a thoughtful look at mast cell activation syndrome and why it can be such a persistent challenge for so many people. We unpack what mast cells are, how they function in the body, and why they sometimes become hypervigilant, causing everything from allergic reactions and food sensitivities to skin issues and even emotional stress responses. We also explore how the autonomic nervous system, trauma, and gut health all play a big role in shaping these immune responses.

We focus on practical ways to recognize the signs of mast cell activation and give real examples, including personal stories and professional insights. The episode highlights actionable strategies such as vagus nerve stimulation, developing healthier routines, and adding small self-care habits that can make regulation and recovery possible.

If you or someone you know is dealing with chronic inflammation, allergies, or stress-related health concerns, we encourage you to listen and share this episode. Just a few mindful changes can make a big difference. 

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Dr. Navaz Habib

Email: [email protected]
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LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabib

JP Errico
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevnsguy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-errico-097629aa

In this enlightening episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, we sit down with Dr. Deanna Minich to take a deep dive into the misunderstood world of melatonin. Known by most as the “sleep hormone,” melatonin is revealed as so much more an essential, multifunctional molecule supporting mitochondrial health, immune balance, and even spiritual well-being. Dr. Minich shares her journey from traditional nutrition to the frontiers of functional medicine, uncovering melatonin’s roles in plants and humans alike.

Together we talk about melatonin’s production in the body (and not just the pineal gland!) and its unique presence in plants, its antioxidant superpowers, and its intricate relationship with circadian rhythms. We also explore practical tips for enhancing melatonin naturally, including dietary habits, lifestyle changes, and environmental cues, while busting common myths about supplementation and sleep.

If you’re curious about optimizing your health, aging well, and understanding how science and spirituality intersect inside your body, this episode is a must-listen. Share it with a friend, and don’t forget to subscribe for more eye-opening conversations like this one!

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Dr. Navaz Habib

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LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabib

JP Errico
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevnsguy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-errico-097629aa

 
Deanna Minich MD
Website: https://deannaminich.com/

In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, we welcome Cathy Eason, Chief Science Officer at Berkeley Life, for a deep dive into the crucial role of blood flow and nitric oxide in overall health. Cathy shares her journey from bodywork and exercise physiology to functional nutrition, emphasizing how optimal blood flow supports everything from digestion and metabolic health to cardiovascular function. We discuss the science behind nitric oxide production, the impact of dietary nitrates from leafy greens, and the importance of the oral microbiome for maximizing these benefits.

The conversation explores practical tools, such as salivary test strips for monitoring nitric oxide levels, strategies for enhancing vascular health, and the relationship between diet, breathing, movement, and blood flow. Additionally, we analyze real-life scenarios, ranging from menopause and migraines to post-exercise recovery, and highlight small lifestyle adjustments that can make a significant difference.

If you or someone you know could benefit from better blood flow, improved energy, or reduced reliance on supplements, don’t miss this episode!

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Contact info:

Dr. Navaz Habib

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabib

JP Errico
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevnsguy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-errico-097629aa

Cathy Eason
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathy-eason-7934882/

On this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, we have the pleasure to welcome Dr. Rollin McCraty from HeartMath to explore the fascinating science of heart coherence, heart rate variability, and the energetic connections that shape our well-being. Dr. McCraty shares his journey from engineering to consciousness studies, highlighting how the rhythms of the heart influence emotional states, intuition, and even the ways we connect to others. The conversation touches on groundbreaking research showing how heart coherence impacts brain function, stress resilience, and long-term health, with real stories and practical insights woven throughout.

You will hear about the heart’s powerful network of neurons, its role in communicating with the brain and immune system, and how our emotional states can affect our physiological patterns. The episode unpacks the benefits of heart coherence practices, offering tips on how simple daily routines and biofeedback devices can help retrain our systems for greater clarity and adaptability. We also discuss how heart-brain communication may be at the core of intuition and personal transformation, blending science with personal growth.

Ready to try this for yourself? Share this episode with a friend who tracks their health data or is interested in wellness technology. Explore the HeartMath app or similar tools mentioned to see how your own heart rhythms can support your journey to feeling calmer and thinking clearly.

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Dr. Navaz Habib

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabib

JP Errico
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevnsguy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-errico-097629aa

Dr. Rolln McCraty
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/rollinmccraty/ 

In this episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast, we take a close look at skin health and explore the connections between the skin, gut, and airway microbiomes. We discuss how common conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis are not just isolated to the skin, but often reflect deeper imbalances occurring inside the body. We share insights into how stress, immune function, and hormonal rhythms play a significant role in affecting your skin’s appearance and overall health.

We talk about ways our environment, cleaning habits, and even the products we use can impact the delicate balance of bacteria that support healthy skin. We also discuss the effects of toxins, diet, and birth methods on microbiome development, and how practices like mindful stress reduction and proper skin-to-skin contact can improve both current and future health.

Take a moment to look at your daily routines and think about how small changes could support your microbiome and upgrade your health. If you found this episode helpful, share it with friends or family who might benefit from learning about the connections between the skin and whole-body wellness.

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Contact info:

Dr. Navaz Habib

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabib

JP Errico
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevnsguy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-errico-097629aa

In this episode,  we have the pleasure to sit down with Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, an interventional cardiologist turned functional medicine advocate, to explore the world of optimal health for high performers. Dr. Bhojraj shares his compelling journey from the front lines of cardiac emergencies to a holistic approach focused on diet, lifestyle, and root-cause healing. The conversation is packed with insights into how small changes, like improving sleep, managing stress, and tuning into the body’s autonomic nervous system, can have a profound impact on cardiovascular and overall health.

Together, we dive into the myths still being taught in medical schools, discuss emerging biomarkers like Clotho for longevity, and highlight the underestimated power of nutrition, mindset, and even innovative tech like bioelectric suits and vagus nerve stimulation. Real-world examples show how ancient wisdom and modern science can blend to heal, rather than just treat, chronic conditions.

If you’re curious about the difference between treating and truly healing, this episode is a must-listen! 

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Contact info:

Dr. Navaz Habib

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib/
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LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabib

JP Errico
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevnsguy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-errico-097629aa

Sanjay Bhojraj MD
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-sanjay-bhojraj/

In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, we dive deep into the fascinating connection between GLP-1 receptor agonist medications (like Ozempic and Wegovy) and the vagus nerve. We break down how our bodies naturally release GLP-1, the key role of protein intake, and why slow, mindful eating matters for satiety. Throughout the conversation, we also explore how these medications can be a helpful tool, while spotlighting the importance of not becoming dependent on them for long-term metabolic health.

We also address side effects and the broader impact of diet, emphasizing high-protein, nutrient-dense foods, quality sleep, stress management, and regular exercise (especially resistance training) as essential habits, whether or not you’re on medication. Plus, we share valuable insights on how lifestyle and even vagus nerve stimulation devices can optimize metabolism and support healthier weight management.

If you or someone you know is using GLP-1 agonists or simply wants to understand how to optimize health and satiety, this episode is packed with actionable wisdom. Share this episode with a friend or family member who could benefit, and start the journey toward truly sustainable, empowered health today!

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Contact info:

Dr. Navaz Habib

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabib

JP Errico
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevnsguy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-errico-097629aa

On this episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast, we are joined by Mira Dessy, known as the Ingredient Guru. Mira shares her profound personal health journey, overcoming multiple autoimmune diagnoses by radically changing her approach to food, lifestyle, and self-advocacy. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding not only what we eat, but also what’s hiding in our food—from artificial colors and MSG to ultra-processed ingredients and seed oils.

Together, we break down how our modern diet, saturated with additives, sugars, and industrialized products, is a far cry from what our bodies truly need. They demystify food labels, explain the dangers of certain "health" foods and sweeteners, and stress the importance of reading ingredients and choosing nutrient-dense meals. We also touch on lifestyle factors like sleep, mindfulness, nature, and self-care, painting a holistic picture of true wellness.

If you’re looking to upgrade your health, start by taking a closer look at what’s on your plate and in your pantry! Share this eye-opening conversation with friends and family, and take that first step towards a healthier, happier you by becoming more ingredient-aware.

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Contact info:

Dr. Navaz Habib

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabib

JP Errico
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevnsguy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-errico-097629aa

Mira Dessy
Website: https://theingredientguru.com/

In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, we are joined by Leah Elson, a dynamic science communicator and researcher. Together, we dive deep into making scientific discovery accessible and relatable, sharing Leah’s journey from chaotic at-home experiments to her current cutting-edge research in neuroimmunology and peripheral nerve repair. We discuss why bringing science to the mainstream is so critical, and how curiosity fuels discovery.

In this interview, we also explore the fascinating links between the nervous system, immune responses, gut health, and even the effects of space travel on the body. Leah explains the concept of metabolic endotoxemia, the gut-brain axis, chronic inflammation, and the role lifestyle and diet play in overall well-being. The conversation is filled with real stories, from exploding shower curtains to space missions, all while breaking down complex health science into approachable, actionable ideas.

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend who is curious about health, science, or embarking on their own discovery journey. Stay tuned for more fascinating conversations that empower you to upgrade your health and spark your curiosity!

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Contact info:

Dr. Navaz Habib

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabib

JP Errico
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevnsguy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-errico-097629aa

Leah Elson
Website: https://www.leahelson.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gnarlybygnature/

In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, we sit down with nutrition and genomics expert Amanda Archibald to explore the fascinating intersection of genetics, nutrition, and optimal vagus nerve function. Amanda shares her journey from growing up around European food culture to becoming a leader in nutrigenomics, highlighting how our genes interact with nutrients to influence everything from gut motility to brain health.

The conversation dives deep into the science of methylation, the role of neurotransmitters like acetylcholine and nitric oxide, and how lifestyle factors, not just what we eat, but also what we experience, shape our health at the molecular level. The episode is packed with practical insights on dietary choices, genetic testing, and why true healing hinges on balancing our autonomic nervous system.

If you’re curious about how your genes, nutrition, and daily habits work together to upgrade your health, this episode is for you. Share it with someone who wants to take their wellness to the next level, and don’t forget to check out Amanda’s resources at the Genomic Kitchen for more guidance on personalized nutrition!

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Contact info:

Dr. Navaz Habib

Email: [email protected]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/
LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabib

JP Errico
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevnsguy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-errico-097629aa

Amanda Archibald
Website: https://www.genomickitchen.com/ 
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genomickitchen/