Take Back Your Health – Details, episodes & analysis

Season 2 is here and I am starting it with the episode I have needed to record for a long time.

The last few years have been the hardest of my life. My sister died of triple negative breast cancer at 31, I faced my own cancer scares, I went through toxic mold exposure and PTSD, and somewhere in the middle of all of it, I found my way back to faith.

In this solo episode, I walk you through all of it honestly: the mammogram callback that started a two-year testing spiral, why I stopped circulating tumor cell screening, what EMDR did for my nervous system that nothing else could, and how Dr. Joe Dispenza meditations and clarigenic medicine gave me back a relationship with something greater than myself.

I also talk about my daughter Elle and the bullying that quietly dismantled her confidence, and the school change that gave her back to me in less than a week.

And I share what is coming: a revised The Autoimmune Solution™ with new sections on trauma, COVID, and long COVID; a new website; and the Dr. Myers Inner Circle.

I have missed you. I am back. And I have a lot left to do.

Resources and People Mentioned

• Episode # 22: The Devastating Effects of Toxic Mold Exposure with Ann Shippy, MD 
• Episode #34: The Power of EMDR therapy: Overcoming Trauma and Anxiety with Ginger Poag
• Episode #13: The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer with Jenn Simmons, MD
• Episode #39: The Terrain Approach to Cancer: Dr. Nasha Winters on Revolutionizing Integrative Oncology
• Dr. Joe Dispenza meditations
• Prenuvo full-body MRI (no contrast). Use this link for $300 off.
• The Autoimmune Solution™ 
• My Instagram video on alternatives to mammograms.
• AMMD™️products: Estroprotect, Methylation Support, Detox Bundle (including Acetyl-Glutathione, Liver Support, Charcoal Binder Complete).

[Originally published on April 1st, 2014] Dr. Hays has practiced obstetrics and gynecology, and now Functional Medicine, over a career lasting 32 years. In describing the focus of her career at present – she said: “I went into medicine to help people be healthier, but what I found in medicine was a system that was as sick as the people it was treating. Ultimately I realized that my calling was to heal the system as well as the patients. I have three areas that I feel are important enough to put my time, energy and monetary resources into. They are:

• creating a model for integrative care that treats illness upstream before it requires drugs and surgery
• finding better ways to train physicians
• providing better end of life care, essentially, learning to die better

Her practice includes: comprehensive women’s health care, Functional Medicine, non-surgical gynecology and mine-body medicine. Dr. Hays is a founding member of True North.  

1. Can you explain perimenopause and menopause for us?
2. Neither of us is an advocate of synthetic hormones, but what are your thoughts about using biodentical progesterone and testosterone during the perimenopausal phase?
3. What’s the best delivery system for progesterone – oral, cream, sublingual troche? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each one?
4. What’s the best way to test for hormone levels? Saliva, blood, urine? What are some of the disadvantages and advantages of each test?
5. Let’s talk about 2/16 ratio. Can you explain this for us?
6. What are symptoms of too much estrogen?
7. Many people, myself included, have a problem with their methylation pathways. Can you tell us a little bit more about what we can do to improve our metabolism of estrogen? Are there those of us who need supplementation, even when we are eating a nutritious diet?
8. Which tests should someone start with to determine how well they are methylating?
9. Do you typically perform a urine test on every patient before you adjust their hormones?
10. What are some of your go-to methods when it comes to treating the adrenals?
11. Do you use adaptogenic herbs?
12. Do you use a compounding pharmacy for the bio-identical hormone gels you use for your patients?
13. Do you continue women on hormones after menopause when they are no longer having hot flash symptoms?
14. Do you use bio-identical hormone replacement therapy for women with a history of cancer?
15. Any recommendations for PCOS?
16. Lab testing we talk about on the podcast can be found on Youtube here. 

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. Hays:

Website: https://www.truenorthhealthcenter.org/

I am excited to say that I have wrapped up season 1 of my Take Back Your Health™ podcast. For the last episode of the season, I have finally recorded my first solo cast. This is not just any solo cast. This is so personal and vulnerable for me—I literally bared it all in this episode. I share what ups and downs I have been through over the last three years and, most importantly, a big health scare. I hold back tears (for the most part) as I describe almost being diagnosed with cancer and all of the very outside-the-box treatments I tried to finally get the all clear.

As the season comes to a close I want to thank you all for listening and let you know how very much I appreciate all of your support. I love what I do, and if I’m being honest, so much has transpired in my personal life. I’m finding it challenging to envision a season 2. It can be tough to publish a podcast episode every week. Lately, I’ve been reflecting on the effort it takes to work on my podcast, and weighing whether to keep going. So, I want to hear from you! If my podcast has helped you in any way and you would like to hear a season 2, please let me know. Regardless of what the future holds, I cannot thank you enough for joining me on this journey to Take Back Your Health™.

02:54 Challenges and Personal Struggles

03:15 Mold Issues and PTSD

07:09 Legal Battles and Separation

09:00 Health Scares and Family Support

12:57 Exploring Alternative Medicine 18:07 Spiritual Journeys and Healing

28:57 Reflections and Future Plans

36:06 Practical Health Advice

42:00 Cancer Recommendations

Episodes , books, & resources mentioned:

The Devastating Effects of Toxic Mold Exposure with Ann Shippy, MD: https://amymd.io/5

The Power of EMDR therapy: Overcoming Trauma and Anxiety with Ginger Poag: https://amymd.io/6

The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer (with Jenn Simmons, MD): https://amymd.io/7

From Prevention to Treatment: Inside Dr. Connealy’s Integrative Cancer Solutions: https://amymd.io/c

Autoimmune Diseases, Trauma, and Psychedelic Therapies with Dr. Sara Gottfried: https://amymd.io/8

The Terrain Approach to Cancer: Dr. Nasha Winters on Revolutionizing Integrative Oncology: https://amymd.io/9

The Cancer Revolution: A Groundbreaking Program to Reverse and Prevent Cancer by Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy: https://amymd.io/a

The Metabolic Approach to Cancer: Integrating Deep Nutrition, the Ketogenic Diet, and Nontoxic Bio-Individualized Therapies by Dr. Nasha Winters: https://amymd.io/b

Prenuvo: https://prenuvo.com/

While cleaning up your closet can clear your mind, cleaning up your cellular habitat can change your life. This week, I'm joined by Dr. David Haase, who specializes in integrative holistic medicine and is the founder of the Maxwell Clinic in Tennessee. We sat down to discuss neurofeedback, diagnosing head injuries, and how plasma exchange (aka "an oil change" for cells) can help optimize your brain health and enhance your well-being in the long run.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• The Science of Brain Injuries: "When the brain gets injured, the blood vessels get damaged… You no longer have the amount of vascular supply to the neurons," says Dr. Haase, adding that around 80% of people suffer from a "meaningful head injury." Fortunately, an isolated injury doesn't necessarily mean your entire brain is hurt.
• What Is Neurofeedback: "Neurofeedback is a way of retraining the brain to be more electrically efficient," says Dr. Haase. This brain training, which involves measuring the electricity coming off your scalp, shows how your brain reacts to certain stimuli. This feedback can help train the brain to adjust its learning pattern naturally, thus improving focus, mood, migraines, and seizures.
• Why Habitat-Optimizing Plasma Exchange Is a Game Changer: Dr. Haase is a pioneer of Habitat-Optimizing Plasma Exchange (HOPE), an intravenous treatment that cleans and replaces your plasma to improve your cellular habitat. "This process of 'oil change' for the blood decreases the rate at which Alzheimer's proceeds by over 60%," he says of the highly individualized method.

05:46 The Role of Brain Function in Health

15:44 Understanding Neurofeedback

24:06 Diagnosing Brain Injuries and Their Impact

28:25 The HOPE Program and Cellular Health

30:23 Understanding Toxins and Nutrient Deficiencies 30:35 Aphoresis: The Oil Change for the Body

32:12 Mechanism of Action: Optimizing the Habitat

33:55 Clinical Applications and Success Stories

36:16 Procedure Details and Safety Measures

37:33 Plasma Exchange for Various Conditions

50:39 Insurance and Cost Considerations

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. Haase:

Website: https://maxwellclinic.com/

Phone number of the Maxwell Clinic: (615) 3700091

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

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQq0FWvHt95ItFuVvpfMvbA

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhaasemd/

[Originally published on September 9, 2013]

1. Will you treat me via Skype in the UK?
2. Is it okay to have wheat and barley grass in your diet if you’re gluten sensitive or celiac?
3. Would you recommend the iodine radiation procedure for a person with hyperthyroidism?
4. How do I rid my body of Candida?
5. What probiotic do you recommend for kids?
6. How do you convince the rest of the medical establishment of your way of practicing is the only one that addresses health and not disease?
7. What do you think of bio-identical hormones for women?
8. How do I know that my gut is repaired?
9. What everyday supplements do you recommend everyone should be taking, including teens?
10. Does my one cup of organic coffee per day prevent my leaky gut from healing?
11. Do you eat corn chips (organic, non-GMO), or should I stop feeding them to my girls?
12. What treatment would you recommend to prevent dementia and Alzheimer’s?
13. I want to do an elimination diet, but am worried that I won’t be able to stick to it!
14. How can you help ensure success of following through on this, and how long will it take?
15. What are your thoughts on the blood type diet? Is it important to eat a certain diet based on blood type?
16. How do you handle having both diabetes and gluten intolerance without messing one of them up worse?
17. Why is it so hard to find help on mold exposure?
18. How do you recommend treating PCOS naturally?
19. How to stop eating sugar?
20. If I was advised to stay away from milk, does peach keifer count as milk?
21. If I was advised to eat gluten free, does oatmeal count as gluten?  
22. I will be traveling abroad soon (Europe, Middle East, and Southeast Asia). The travel guides are recommending vaccinations. What are your tips and recommendations on vaccinations, staying healthy, and maintaining a gluten free diet?
23. Dr. Myers, I have you heard you say before that the gut is not something that is really addressed in medical school. I found this to be intriguing. Can you please elaborate on this? Why do doctors come out of medical school with little to no training on the gut?
24. Best source of folate, not folic acid…how do I know the difference on the label? Nutritionally, what is the first thing you usually ingest after waking in the mornings?
25. How are you?

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/

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

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

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).

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.
• 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/

Connect with Ginger Poag:

Website: https://www.columbiaemdr.com/

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

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

This week I welcomed Jenn Simmons, MD on my show to talk about breast health. Drawing from her extensive experience as an integrative oncologist, breast surgeon, and founder of PerfeQTion Imaging, Dr. Jenn shares insights from her new book, The Smart Woman’s Guide to Breast Cancer, which was released earlier this month.

Join us as we explore the importance of addressing root causes of cancer, the role of nutrition and lifestyle choices in breast health, and the revolutionary technology behind PerfeQTion Imaging, which promises to redefine breast cancer screening. Dr. Jenn shares empathetic and practical advice for navigating a breast cancer diagnosis, emphasizing the significance of creating a healing environment through diet, lifestyle changes, and toxin avoidance.

Dr. Jenn Simmons started her professional career as Philadelphia's first fellowship-trained breast surgeon and spent 17 years as Philadelphia's top breast surgeon. Her own illness led her to discover functional medicine. So enamored with the concept of creating health rather than killing disease, she left traditional medicine in 2019 and founded Real Health MD to help women along their breast cancer journey truly heal.

Tune in to hear Dr. Jenn share her passion for transforming breast cancer care, honoring the memory of her cousin Linda Creed, and advocating for a holistic approach to breast health. Whether you’re a survivor, a caregiver, or simply seeking to prioritize your well-being, together we share invaluable insights and inspiration for embracing a proactive approach to breast health.

00:00 Understanding Breast Cancer: A New Perspective 00:41 Meet Dr. Jenn Simmons: From Traditional to Functional Medicine

01:47 The Personal Journey of Dr. Simmons

05:29 The Shift to Functional Medicine and Its Impact

08:45 Exploring the Real Causes of Breast Cancer

18:37 The Controversy of Breast Cancer Screening and Diagnosis

21:23 Breaking Down Breast Cancer Types and Misconceptions

31:12 The Debate on Breast Cancer Screening Methods 41:54 Exploring Alternative Breast Cancer Screening Methods

44:20 The Revolutionary QT Imaging for Breast Cancer 46:16 Empowering Self-Examination and Screening Choices 50:56 Navigating Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment Options

51:16 The Role of Diet and Lifestyle in Breast Cancer Recovery

01:01:07 Integrating Conventional and Functional Medicine Approaches

01:11:43 The Future of Cancer Treatment and the Importance of Hormone Replacement

01:16:26 Final Thoughts: Taking Control of Your Health

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 Jenn Simmons, MD

Website: www.realhealthmd.com

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

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