Episodes

  • 36. Learn How to Breathe and Align Your Body to Build Strength with Aaron Alexander, CR, LMT

    36. Learn How to Breathe and Align Your Body to Build Strength with Aaron Alexander, CR, LMT
    Oct 28 2024
    Did you know how you move and breathe is tied to your strength and longevity? This week, I'm joined by Aaron Alexander, a pioneering movement coach, author, and creator of The Align Method. We sat down to discuss the importance of proper breathing, functional movement, the best ways to align your body, and why everyone should "redevelop a relationship to the ground." In this episode, you'll discover: Why You Should Pay Attention to Your Breathing: Compared to breathing in through your mouth, breathing in through your nose reigns supreme. Doing the latter helps you take advantage of filtration, additional nitric oxide (allowing for oxygen to flow to vital organs), and humidification. "Your nose is preparing the air for your lungs and the rest of your body every time you breathe," says Alexander. "It's like passing through the processing plant." Spending Time on the Floor Has Its Health Benefits: Challenge yourself to sit on the floor for 30 minutes each day, whether that means watching TV on your living room floor or eating dinner at your coffee table. Why? This simple act benefits your mobility, setting you up for healthier aging in the long run, and your digestion. "It's like a shotgun of health and vitality for your hips, for your knees, for your ankles, for your pelvic floor," says Alexander. Everything in Life Is Fitness: Think outside the gym, shares The Align Method creator. "Fitness is not a thing that you do, but fitness is who you are as a person," he says, adding that using your visual, breathing, and postural muscles all count as fitness. "You're always in a place of training yourself," shares Alexander. "Every moment throughout your day is an opportunity to heal your body a little bit more." 02:11 Aaron's Journey into Bodybuilding 05:54 Understanding Functional Movement 14:39 The Importance of Breathing 18:23 Incorporating Ground Sitting 27:11 Integrating Movement into Daily Life 27:44 Setting Up a Movement-Friendly Home 28:35 Lymphatic System and Movement 30:07 Core Principles of the Aligned Method 30:20 Fitness as a Lifestyle 32:58 Mind-Body Connection 36:35 Polyvagal Theory and Cooperative Play 38:28 Getting Started with the Aligned Method 40:51 Diet and Nutrition Insights 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 Aaron Alexander: Website: https://www.alignpodcast.com/ Free trial of the Align Method: https://join.alignpodcast.com/products/align-method-program-join/ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AlignPodcast Align Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/align-podcast/id988576741 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronalexander/
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    58 mins
  • 35. Harnessing Medicinal Fungi: The Key to Reducing Inflammation and Boosting Immunity with Dr. Robert Rountree

    35. Harnessing Medicinal Fungi: The Key to Reducing Inflammation and Boosting Immunity with Dr. Robert Rountree
    Oct 21 2024
    What you eat and drink determines how you feel—and can inform your ability to develop or ward off chronic disease. This week, I'm joined by Dr. Robert Rountree, a leading expert in integrative and personalized medicine. We sat down to discuss how an inflammatory diet is linked to chronic disease, the health benefits of medicinal fungi, and which types you should start incorporating into your daily wellness routine. In this episode, you'll discover: The Role of Inflammation in Chronic Diseases: If you regularly consume inflammatory foods and beverages (think: high-sugar, high-carb, and overly processed), you run the risk of setting inflammation in the body in motion, says Dr. Rountree, adding, "The problem is, it doesn't always turn off." And inflammation is the precursor to virtually all chronic diseases. The Power of Medicinal Fungi: Training your immune system is possible, according to Dr. Rountree, and medicinal fungi can help strengthen it to combat a wide range of infections. "The first rule is to eat as many of the ones you like as you can," he shares, citing lion's mane, shiitake, oyster, and king trumpet as the best mushrooms to cook with. Mushroom Varieties and Their Benefits: Different mushrooms have different benefits. Cordyceps can help with adrenal and kidney support, reishi is known as "the elixir of immortality" can help support stamina, while coriolus (also known as turkey tail) can help combat cancer. Go ahead and have your pick of the harvest—you can't go wrong with any of them. 09:55 The Role of Inflammation in Chronic Diseases 13:51 Understanding Inflammation and Diet 24:47 Solutions: Mushrooms and Medicinal Fungi 30:51 Understanding Trained Immunity 31:06 Clinical Insights on S. Boulardii 32:17 Medicinal Mushrooms and Beta Glucans 33:53 Mushroom Varieties and Their Benefits 38:16 Cordyceps: The Ancient Remedy 39:55 Reishi and Other Medicinal Mushrooms 49:35 Immune Plasticity and Nutritional Support Episode mentioned with Dr. Jeffrey Bland: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3KXcZpmbCf8srG1J6ZK1To?si=ede8ce173ebd41a0 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. Rountree: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-rountree-md-2802198/ Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM): https://www.ifm.org/ You may also find Dr. Rountree at his Boulder Wellcare clinic in Colorado (USA).
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    58 mins
  • 34. The Power of EMDR therapy: Overcoming Trauma and Anxiety with Ginger Poag

    34. The Power of EMDR therapy: Overcoming Trauma and Anxiety with Ginger Poag
    Oct 14 2024
    When it comes to experiencing a traumatic event, overcoming its rippling effects can feel overwhelming—like there's no end in sight. EMDR is here to change that. This week, I'm joined by Ginger Poag, a clinical psychotherapist and trauma counselor specializing in EMDR therapy. We sat down to discuss how EMDR works, the effects this modality has on the brain, and why those with anxiety, trauma, and PTSD may benefit the most from it. In this episode, you'll discover: What Is EMDR: An acronym for eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, EMDR therapy "allows us to get into the limbic system of the brain where traumas are stored,” shares Poag. "So we're able to access it there, desensitize it, and then move it to a different part of the brain where the brain can now realize, okay, that happened in the past. It's no longer an active threat." How EMDR Works: EMDR helps you reprocess traumatic events through bilateral movements using eye movements, hand tappers, or sound. This is important because "on a subconscious level, what we do today is being affected by the trauma still stored and unprocessed," says Poag. Introducing a positive belief ("I can overcome anything") can also be done during your session. EMDR vs Talk Therapy: While talk therapy is always an option, Poag says it can feel limiting to someone with a history of trauma. "I feel like there's a form of narrative therapy where you keep telling your story over and over again, and it can be more traumatizing to the client," she shares, adding, "What I like about EMDR so much is that I don’t need to know every little detail. All of the work is happening in your brain." Ketamine Can Help Access Emotions: Reserved for people who are having a hard time accessing certain memories or those hitting a plateau, using a small dose of ketamine—administered by a clinician—can prove helpful during EMDR sessions. "It's been so effective, and we're able to process through so much at an even quicker rate with the ketamine," says Poag. 02:17 Understanding Trauma and EMDR 04:08 Types of Trauma and Their Impact 09:50 Mechanisms Behind EMDR 11:35 EMDR in Practice: Methods and Effectiveness 13:02 Personal Testimony: Overcoming PTSD 20:00 Comparing EMDR with Traditional Talk Therapy 25:06 EMDR for Couples and Recent Traumatic Events 26:21 Exploring Ketamine in EMDR Therapy 28:43 EMDR Session Timelines and Effectiveness 34:26 EMDR for Children and Young Patients 42:08 Intensive EMDR Sessions and Retreats 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 mentioned with Dr. Ann Shippy (The Devastating Effects of Toxic Mold Exposure) Connect with Ginger Poag: Website: https://www.columbiaemdr.com/ To find an EMDR practitioner - Emdria website: https://www.emdria.org/find-an-emdr-therapist/ EMDR Therapy Intensives: https://www.columbiaemdr.com/emdr-therapy-intensives EMDR Intensive Retreat Costa Rica: https://www.columbiaemdr.com/costarica
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    48 mins
  • 33. Rewire Your Brain for Happiness: Mindfulness & Self-Compassion with Dr. Shauna Shapiro

    33. Rewire Your Brain for Happiness: Mindfulness & Self-Compassion with Dr. Shauna Shapiro
    Oct 7 2024
    Being kind and self-compassionate may be the key to a more fulfilling life. So, how can you make it a constant in your life? This week, I'm joined by Dr. Shauna Shapiro, a clinical psychologist and internationally recognized expert in mindfulness and self-compassion. We sat down to discuss the true meaning of mindfulness, what being kind does to your brain, and how to successfully introduce meditation to your daily routine. In this episode, you'll discover: Kindness Shifts Your Neurochemistry: Practicing self-compassion and kindness greatly benefits your mental fitness. According to Dr. Shapiro, being kind to yourself "literally turns on the learning centers of the brain." This signals the brain to release oxytocin, which helps to settle the nervous system, and dopamine, which "is this neuromodulator of motivation and learning." Mindfulness vs Meditation: While sometimes used interchangeably, mindfulness and meditation are not the same. "Mindfulness is a way of being," says Dr. Shapiro, adding that to be mindful is to be present in the moment and with yourself. "Meditation is the exercise." Why Progress Matters More Than Perfection: In short, perfection is not attainable, sustainable, or something to strive for. "Perfection is the antithesis of evolution. Perfection means I'm done. That's not the goal," shares Dr. Shapiro. "And so when I make a mistake, instead of beating myself up, it's like, how can I learn? How can I grow? And you're cheering for yourself instead of kicking yourself when you're already down." How to Start Your Meditation Journey: Instead of setting a lofty goal, start with meditating five minutes a day for five days, morning or night. It may feel difficult in the beginning, but the benefits are worth it, says Dr. Shapiro: "It shifts our relationship with ourselves, our relationship with the world, how we perceive things." 04:40 Defining Mindfulness 06:55 Mindfulness vs. Meditation 10:18 Shauna's Monastery Experience 14:06 The Science Behind Kindness 23:42 Practical Tips for Mindfulness 26:11 Basic Mindfulness Practices and Resources 28:11 The Impact of Mindfulness on Daily Life 29:11 Mindfulness in Parenting 30:20 The Role of Intentions in Mindfulness 37:11 Empathy vs. Compassion 41:12 Success Stories and Transformations 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. Shapiro: Website: https://drshaunashapiro.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drshaunashapiro/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrShaunaShapiro/ YouTube: https://bit.ly/4gUC8cX Good Morning. I Love You. (book)
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    52 mins
  • 32. The Trauma-Mitochondria Connection: Reversing Chronic Illness at the Cellular Level with Dr. Susan Blum

    32. The Trauma-Mitochondria Connection: Reversing Chronic Illness at the Cellular Level with Dr. Susan Blum
    Sep 30 2024
    Stress and trauma will always hold power over you and your overall health—unless you face the problem at the cellular level. This week, I'm joined by Dr. Susan Blum, a board-certified physician specializing in preventative medicine, functional medicine, and integrative medicine. We sat down to discuss the critical role of mitochondria on your health, the impact of environmental toxins, infections, and trauma on these cellular powerhouses, and integrative approaches to healing. In this episode, you'll discover: What Exactly Are Mitochondria: As vital organelles found in cells—most notably in the brain, muscles, and heart—mitochondria are "the little furnace inside every cell that makes your energy called ATP," describes Dr. Blum. The Link Between Trauma and Mitochondrial Health: Stress and trauma can cause the cell to enter the cell danger response, says Dr. Blum. This, in turn, damages the mitochondria by blocking their ability to function properly. This can result in brain fog, fatigue, and even chronic illness. How to Treat the Root Cause: Dr. Blum stresses the importance of “cleaning up your environment“ as your first step, which can include testing your home for health-disrupting mold or figuring out what triggers you physically and emotionally. Next steps may include going to therapy, filtering your water, and prioritizing deep, restorative sleep since "your mitochondria repair at night," says Dr. Blum. The Healing Power of Ketamine: Under the supervision of a trained professional, IV ketamine can safely take the healing process to the next level when paired with therapy. "Most people's experience is there's this deep meditation space of quiet behind their thoughts without needing to meditate almost," shares Dr. Blum. 02:13 Dr. Blum's Journey into Functional Medicine 04:06 The Impact of Trauma and Stress 17:38 The Role of Mitochondria in Health 21:26 Cell Danger Response and Healing 31:18 Introduction to Mitochondrial Damage and Testing 31:25 Understanding the MitoSwab Test 33:11 Targeted Mitochondrial Therapies 42:37 Emotional Wellness and Ketamine Therapy 56:15 Preventative Measures for Mitochondrial 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/ Connect with Dr. Blum: Website: https://blumcenterforhealth.com Emotional Wellness Program: https://blumcenterforhealth.com/emotional-wellness-program/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsusanblum/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/blumcenterforhealth YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/drsusanblum
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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • 31. Neuroscience-Based Writing Practices to Rewire Your Brain from Trauma with Donna Jackson Nakazawa

    31. Neuroscience-Based Writing Practices to Rewire Your Brain from Trauma with Donna Jackson Nakazawa
    Sep 23 2024
    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: Childhood Trauma Can Lead to Illness Down the Road: Nakazawa cites a study that found women who've experienced three or more adverse childhood experiences were not only 60% more likely to have an autoimmune disease, but to also be hospitalized with one in adulthood. The Power of Writing: 30 years of research support the power writing has on well-being. "Writing is a very powerful way to get old beliefs out of the brain to discharge trauma and to begin to rewire and refire the brain," says Nakazawa. Why Daily Journaling Is the Goal: For a sustainable, safe approach to answering the thought-provoking prompts in Nakazawa's guided journal, the author recommends starting with 20 minutes daily, four days per week. According to a study, doing so "is linked to fewer doctor’s visits and greater immune function," she says. Faster Is Not Always Better: Take baby steps when starting out. Be gentle with yourself as you tap into your most vulnerable self. Be expressive with your writing—don't overthink!—and keep your pencil moving quickly. 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
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    57 mins
  • 30. The Vagus Nerve Connection: How It Shapes Your Gut, Brain, and Immune Health with Dr. Navaz Habib

    30. The Vagus Nerve Connection: How It Shapes Your Gut, Brain, and Immune Health with Dr. Navaz Habib
    Sep 16 2024
    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: What the Vagus Nerve Does: Learn more about how the vagus nerve relays status information about your organ functions to the brain. The Four Areas of Stressors: Working in harmony with the immune system, the vagus nerve can influence inflammation. Triggers include daily, psychological, physical, and biochemical stressors, says Dr. Habib. How Heart Rate Variability Informs the Vagus Nerve Function: Dr. Habib shares that when your HRV is in a good zone (this varies by individual), your body is better able to send signals to the brain through the vagus nerve. Why Breathing Properly Is Key: Improve your sympathetic-parasympathetic balance—resulting in an increased HRV—by breathing through your nose, not your mouth. 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.
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • 29. Eating the Rainbow: The Secret to Vibrant Health and Longevity with Dr. Deanna Minich

    29. Eating the Rainbow: The Secret to Vibrant Health and Longevity with Dr. Deanna Minich
    Sep 9 2024
    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: What “Eating the Rainbow” Means: Discover the health benefits of adding a variety of vibrant, colorful fruits and vegetables to your daily diet. How to Use Color As a Guide: “Every color in nature confers a functional benefit,” says Dr. Minich: Red for immune health, orange for reproductive health, yellow for digestion, green for heart health, and blue/purple for brain health. How to Maximize Your Phytochemical Intake: Dr. Minich shares how properly prepping, cooking, and thoroughly chewing food can boost phytochemicals, the biologically active compounds found in plants. The Myriad Benefits of Melatonin: Learn why this “circadian nutrient” is pivotal for aging and cellular health, from its antioxidant properties to its impact on mitochondria. 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.
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    1 hr and 4 mins