Take Back Your Health – Details, episodes & analysis

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: The Importance of Being Your Own Health Advocate: Learn to trust your feelings and push back if you want additional testing done or clarity on a proposed treatment.  How Elimination Diets Can Bring Relief: For Walker, eliminating high-inflammatory foods like dairy, grains, and legumes served as an effective way to manage her symptoms of ulcerative colitis. How to Cook for Your Family When You Have Dietary Restrictions: Walker swears by making crowd-pleasing recipes that are better-for-you versions of classic comfort foods. How to Build a Healthy Foundation for Kids: Show your children how delicious healthy eating can be, without villainizing their favorite foods. 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: What Is Biological Dentistry: Deep-dive into how this integrative modality differs from conventional dentistry. How to Support the Oral Microbiome: Understand how your approach to oral hygiene can make or break your holistic health in the long term.  The “Most Important” Prevention Tips: Learn what you need—and don’t need—to combat future health issues. (Hint: A water flosser is a great idea, says Dr. Freeman.) Why Root Canals Are Risky: Consider Dr. Nunnally’s warning: “If you have a blatant root canal failure, the data shows that you have a 530% increased risk of a cardiovascular event.” 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/

Dr. Aviva Romm, MD, shares her expertise on preconception, fertility, and childbirth on my podcast this week. With 20 years of experience as a midwife and herbalist before becoming a physician specializing in functional and integrative medicine, Dr. Romm offers a one-of-a-kind, holistic perspective on every stage of the journey to parenthood. We cover: Dr. Romm’s specific recommendations on vitamins and diet for optimizing your fertility. How environmental toxins impact everything from fertility, pregnancy to birth and the practical steps you can take to reduce your toxic exposure. How underlying health conditions such as, PCOS, thyroid issues, stress and nutritional deficiencies can impact fertility. Dr. Romm’s expert advice on exactly what to do and not do immediately post delivery as well as what I personally did for Elle after she was born by c- section. 02:36 The Journey to Functional Medicine with Dr. Aviva Ram 10:56 Exploring Fertility: Definitions, Challenges, and Integrative Approaches 14:21 The Impact of Lifestyle and Environmental Factors on Fertility 24:17 Navigating the Complexities of Egg Freezing and Embryo Ethics 26:38 Preparing for Pregnancy: The Importance of Preconception Health 29:15 Optimizing Diet for Preconception Health 30:29 The Importance of Detox Before Pregnancy 32:25 Enhancing Detoxification Through Diet and Lifestyle 34:08 Choosing Organic and Reducing Environmental Toxins 37:31 Supplements and Nutrition for Preconception and Pregnancy 42:26 Innovative Approaches to Newborn Care and Feeding 53:24 Empowering Health Choices Postpartum and Beyond Ewg.org for dirty dozen & clean 15 & skin deep Dr Romm Podcast episode: Restoring Baby's Microbiome afer Cesarean with Dr. Maria Gloria Dominguez 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 Aviva Romm, MD Website: https://avivaromm.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.avivaromm/

Do you want to know the secret to aging powerfully?  Muscles!  This week I spoke with JJ Virgin, the renowned celebrity nutrition expert, who shares her approach to aging with strength. JJ doesn't just tell us to age gracefully; she arms us with the tools to age powerfully. We delve into the importance of not only maintaining muscle but more importantly gaining muscle as you age. In this episode you will learn: How to gain muscle and lose fat Why everyone should be taking creatine and how much to take Exact exercises to keep you strong and flexible as you age 00:19 Meet JJ Virgin: Nutrition Expert and Fitness Icon 01:46 The Power of Aging: A New Perspective 07:15 The Three Pillars of Powerful Aging 07:28 The Essential Role of Protein and Creatine in Aging 10:06 Mastering Movement: Steps, Resistance, and Functional Training 17:37 Navigating Nutrition: Protein, Fasting, and Amino Acids 27:19 Adapting Workouts for Aging: Strategies for Every Stage 28:48 Understanding Body Composition and Aging 29:57 The Role of Exercise in Managing Hormonal Changes 30:09 Embracing Hormone Replacement and Exercise for Better Aging 33:47 Optimizing Fitness Post-Menopause: Realities and Inspirations 35:51 Strategies for Building Muscle and Enhancing Fitness in Later Life 45:29 Finding the Right Trainer and Utilizing DEXA Scans for Optimal Aging Resources Mentioned: Resistance Training Cheat Sheet link:http://jjvirgin.com/resistance & her Resistance Training YouTube video link: https://jjvirgin.com/rt 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 Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmyMyersMD Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amymyersmd/ Connect with JJ Virgin Website https://jjvirgin.com/ Instagram: @jj.virgin

I had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Jeffrey Bland, MD, the Founding Father of Functional Medicine. Listen in as we discuss how he came to start the functional medicine movement and became a leader in personalized medicine.  We also explore the dynamic nature of our immune systems and discuss revolutionary ways to rejuvenate it, a process Dr. Bland refers to as “immuno-rejuvenation.” Plus, you won’t want to miss the fascinating story of how Dr. Bland rediscovered Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat, an ancient, immune-boosting superfood, now being reintroduced through his company, Big Bold Health. Dr. Jeffrey Bland is a personable and highly respected thought leader who has spent more than five decades focused on the improvement of human health. He is known worldwide as the founder of the Functional Medicine movement. His pioneering work has created the Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute, as well as the Institute for Functional Medicine, the global leader in Functional Medicine education. Dr. Bland’s latest project is Big Bold Health, where he’s on a mission to transform the way people think about one of nature’s greatest innovations—the immune system. 00:50 Introducing Dr. Jeff Bland: The Pioneer of Functional Medicine 02:35 The Genesis of Functional Medicine: Dr. Bland's Journey 09:26 The Evolution and Impact of Functional Medicine 23:41 Immuno-rejuvenation: A New Frontier in Health and Longevity 30:57 The Immune-Boosting Superfood: Himalayan Tartary Buckwheat 41:44 Understanding Immunologic Age and Its Measurement 45:25 The Future of Personalized Medicine and Lifestyle Changes 50:30 Big Bold Health: A Venture into Immuno-rejuvenation 53:40 Agricultural Innovations and Sustainable Practices at Big Bold Health 01:09:12 The 3 things you can do to Take Back Your Health and how to connect with Big Bold 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 Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmyMyersMD Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amymyersmd/ Connect with Dr. Jeffrey Bland PhD Website: https://bigboldhealth.com/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigboldhealth/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigboldhealth/

Exposure to toxic mold can be devastating and can affect not only your health but your relationships too. I sat down with Jill Carnahan, MD, to discuss mold toxicity; what it is, its impact and the step-by-step guide to heal. She also shares how to be your own health advocate and the importance of intuition when facing a diagnosis.  You’ll hear how we’ve both been impacted by medical issues, and how our experiences have underscored our passion for helping others when conventional medicine fails them. Dr. Carnahan highlights the rise in breast cancer among women under 40, the impact of environmental toxins, and shares practical and thoughtful strategies for recovering from mold illness.  The top takeaways are: The impact of toxic load on the immune system The benefits of glutathione in helping remove mold toxins from the body The importance of family support and community to understand and help you through the upheaval of mold exposure and any healing journey Dr. Jill Carnahan is Your Functional Medicine Expert®. She is dually board certified and is the founder and Medical Director of Flatiron Functional Medicine. As a survivor of breast cancer, Crohn’s disease, and toxic mold illness, she brings a unique perspective to treating patients. She specializes in searching for the underlying causes of illness through cutting-edge lab testing and personalized medicine protocols. Dr. Carnahan's story is also detailed in her bestselling book, Unexpected: Finding Resilience Through Functional Medicine, Science, and Faith, meant to inspire and impart valuable health insights. 01:03 Meet Dr. Jill Carnahan: A Journey from Patient to Functional Medicine Expert 02:17 The Holistic Roots of a Medical Journey: From Breast Cancer to Functional Medicine 04:26 Navigating Breast Cancer with Holistic and Conventional Approaches 10:17 The Aftermath of Cancer Treatment: Facing Crohn's Disease 13:20 The Power of Intuition and Advocacy in Medical Journeys 17:39 Exploring the Rise in Breast Cancer and Environmental Factors 20:56 Post-COVID Challenges and Functional Medicine Solutions 24:53 Exploring Natural and Antiviral Treatments 25:33 Navigating the Challenges of Mold Illness 30:19 Strategies for Dealing with Mold in Your Environment 35:39 The Impact of Mold on Relationships and Mental Health 38:36 Comprehensive Approach to Recovering from Mold Illness 46:46 Practical Steps to Take Back 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 Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmyMyersMD Connect with Jill Carnahan, MD Website: https://www.jillcarnahan.com  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlatironFunctionalMedicine/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjillcarnahan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillcarnahan/

This week I welcomed Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, PhD on my show to talk about the power of nutrient density through the lens of her new book, Nutrivore: The Radical New Science for Getting the Nutrients You Need from the Food You Eat. Nutrivore is the revolutionary yet simple dietary concept: get all the nutrients our bodies need from the foods we eat. To Dr. Sarah, Nutrivore represents a completely new way to think about foods. Instead of labeling foods as “good” or “bad”, Nutrivore looks at the overall quality of the whole diet. In our conversation, we explore the fascinating Nutrivore scores and how they serve as a compass for optimizing our food choices and meal planning. Dr. Sarah shares insights from her transition from medical research to health advocacy, underlining the importance of nutrient density, debunking dietary myths, and proposing a balanced, informed way of living. Additionally, she unveils a surprising, evidence-based update on mercury levels in tuna and Atlantic salmon. Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, PhD is the founder of Nutrivore.com and New York Times best-selling author of Nutrivore: The Radical New Science for Getting the Nutrients You Need from the Food You Eat, which was released on May 14th. Grounded in scientific rigor and free from rigid dogma, Nutrivore prioritizes nourishment over judgment, making it accessible to all. Tune in as we discuss the foundational principles of nutrient density and share practical insights that will empower you to embrace a nutrient-focused lifestyle tailored to your unique needs. 00:00 The Impact of Processed Foods on Nutrient Intake 00:30 Introducing Dr. Sarah Ballantyne and Nutrivore 02:21 Dr. Sarah's Journey from Autoimmune Challenges to Nutrivore 03:29 The Evolution of Diet Culture and the Birth of Nutrivore 05:36 Gut Microbiome Research and Dietary Expansion 08:11 Nutrivore: A New Approach to Nutritional Sufficiency 11:38 The Science and Philosophy Behind Nutrivore 14:19 Understanding Nutrient Density and the Nutrivore Score 20:31 Addressing Nutrient Deficiency and Insufficiency in Americans 27:41 The Debate on Multivitamins and Emphasis on Food Quality 33:14 Exploring Alternatives to Organ Meats and Addressing Contaminants 37:42 Unlocking the Secrets of Selenium and Mercury in Fish 40:38 Exploring the Nutrover Foundational Foods 46:01 The NutriVore Diet: A Deep Dive into Nutritional Needs 52:55 Personal Insights: Sarah Ballantyne's Daily Diet and Meal Planning 01:02:04 Navigating Food Choices and Online Shopping for Health 01:03:30 Launching NutriVore: A New Approach to Nutrition 01:06:43 Three Key Health Tips from Dr. Sarah Ballantyne 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 Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmyMyersMD Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amymyersmd/ Connect with Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, PhD: Website: https://nutrivore.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drsarahballantyne/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsarahballantyne/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/drsarahballantyne

13. The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer (with Jenn Simmons, MD) 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 Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmyMyersMD Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amymyersmd/ Connect with Jenn Simmons, MD Website: www.realhealthmd.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmons

This week I welcomed Elisa Song, MD on my show to talk about the key to raising resilient kids from the inside out, which is the subject of her new book, Healthy Kids, Happy Kids: An Integrative Pediatrician's Guide to Whole Child Resilience. Dr. Song is a leading expert in pediatric integrative and functional medicine, and through her extensive research and more than 25 years of clinical experience, she highlights the pivotal role of the gut microbiome in shaping lifelong wellness.  Join us as we explore practical steps to optimize your child’s microbiome, educate and empower them to make healthy choices, and address the root causes of chronic health concerns. Dr. Song's approach bridges the gap between conventional and holistic pediatrics, providing parents with a thoughtful and comprehensive roadmap to navigate the complexities of modern parenting. From nurturing gut health to embracing natural therapies, Dr. Song equips parents (and kids!) with the tools they need to raise healthy, happy kids. Dr. Elisa Song, MD is a Stanford-, NYU-, UCSF-trained integrative pediatrician, pediatric functional medicine expert, and mom to 2 thriving children - and she is on a mission to revolutionize the future of children’s health. In her integrative pediatric practice, she’s helped 1000s of kids get to the root causes of their health concerns and empowered parents to help their children thrive. Tune in as Dr. Song shares the power of building microbiome magic in the next generation. Her book, Healthy Kids, Happy Kids: An Integrative Pediatrician's Guide to Whole Child Resilience, will be released tomorrow, May 14th, everywhere books are sold. 00:00 Unlocking Microbiome Magic for Kids 01:07 Meet Dr. Elisa Song: A Pioneer in Pediatric Wellness 02:56 Dr. Song's Journey into Holistic Pediatric Medicine 10:38 Building Whole Child Resilience Through Gut Health 16:46 Navigating the Challenges of Modern Diets and Restoring Gut Health 22:03 Empowering Parents and Kids Against Microbiome Disruptors 32:35 The Hidden Dangers of PFAS in Vegetables 32:54 Boosting Detoxification Through Diet 33:29 The Power of Fiber and the Microbiome 33:59 Vagus Nerve: The Superhighway of Health 35:38 Heart Rate Variability: A Window into Vagal Tone 36:53 Practical Tips for Engaging the Vagus Nerve 37:37 Exploring Technological Aids for Health Monitoring 42:06 The Importance of Early Health Interventions in Children 43:25 Optimizing the Microbiome for Future Health 54:40 Navigating the World of Antibiotics with Awareness 59:17 Three Simple Steps to Take Back Your Health

This week I welcomed Frank Lipman, MD on my show to discuss lasting health and longevity.  Beyond the idea of extending lifespan, Dr. Lipman is passionate about promoting healthspan and emotional wellbeing. Emphasizing the importance of diet, sleep, exercise, and positive relationships, Dr. Lipman shares his journey from traditional to integrative medicine, starting in South Africa and transitioning to the U.S., where he began incorporating holistic practices into his treatment methods.  Together we cover the significance of hormonal balance, the role of peptides and selective medication in longevity, and the paramount importance of lifestyle choices over supplements or advanced medical interventions for aging effectively. Dr. Lipman stresses the undeniable link between gut health and aging, advocating for minimalistic interventions that prioritize the body's natural rhythms and functions. He also shares specific recommendations on types of movement practices that are foundational to leading full and active lives while aging.  For Dr. Lipman, health is more than just the absence of disease: it is a total state of physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social wellbeing. A New York Times best-selling author of seven books, Dr. Lipman has been practicing medicine for more than forty years and is a widely recognized trailblazer and leader in functional and integrative medicine. Over the years, he has supported more than ten thousand patients to discover their personal path to a long and healthy life. Tune in as we explore ways of living vibrantly that are truly accessible to everyone as we encourage listeners to journey inwards to promote your emotional wellbeing and thrive.    00:00 Unlocking the Secrets to Aging Well: The Basics Beyond Biohacking 00:59 Meet Dr. Frank Lipman: A Pioneer in Functional and Integrative Medicine 03:33 A Personal Journey: From South Africa to Integrative Medicine in the USA 11:06 Exploring Longevity Medicine: Beyond Functional Medicine 25:00 The Power of Peptides and Personalized Medicine in Longevity 33:55 Exploring the World of Anti-Aging Drugs and Supplements 34:49 The Fascinating Potential of Viagra for Health Benefits 36:22 Diving Into the Latest in Anti-Aging Research and Education 40:48 The Importance of Exercise in Aging Well 44:10 Unlocking the Secrets of Sleep for Longevity 51:34 Navigating the Complexities of the Microbiome and Longevity 56:01 Practical Advice for Achieving Longevity 59:17 Final Thoughts: Top Recommendations for a Healthier Life 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 Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmyMyersMD Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amymyersmd/ Connect with Dr. Frank Lipman, MD Website: https://www.drfranklipman.com/ https://www.instagram.com/franklipmanmd/ https://www.facebook.com/DrFrankLipman