The Dr. Miiko Rowley Show | Functional Medicine Unlocked

Why Stress and Shame Keep You Stuck in Emotional Eating | Aalia Barwani, MD

Why do so many high-achieving people struggle with emotional eating even when they know exactly what to do? In this episode, Dr. Miiko Rowley speaks with Dr. Aalia Barwani, a double board-certified physician in Family Medicine and Obesity Medicine, to explore the deeper connection between emotional eating, stress, shame, and nervous system regulation. They break down why emotional eating is often not a willpower issue but a response to chronic stress, stored emotions, and subconscious patterns. Dr. Barwani explains how shame and self-criticism can reinforce a cycle that keeps people stuck and why real change requires understanding what is happening in the brain and body instead of only following more rules. You will learn: - Why emotional eating is usually an internal, not external, issue - How stress and shame reinforce the cycle of cravings and overeating - The role of the nervous system in emotional regulation and behavior - Why high-performing individuals are especially prone to this pattern - How awareness can be the first step toward breaking the cycle If you have ever felt frustrated trying to fix your eating habits with discipline alone, this conversation offers a deeper, more compassionate explanation of what is really going on and how change actually happens. - - - Aalia Barwani, MD | Medical Director, Albidaya Wellness Website: https://albidayawellness.com [https://albidayawellness.com] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/albidaya_wellness/ [https://www.instagram.com/albidaya_wellness/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaliaalbarwanimd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaliaalbarwanimd/] - - - Miiko Rowley, MD | Medical Director, KaleMD Website: https://kalemd.com [https://kalemd.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miiko-richardson-rowley-md-abfm-ifmcp-357278a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/miiko-richardson-rowley-md-abfm-ifmcp-357278a/] The Menopause Mentor: https://kalemd.com/master-your-menopause-journey/ [https://kalemd.com/master-your-menopause-journey/] Shop Supplements: https://shop.kalemd.com [https://shop.kalemd.com] Shop Labs: kale.wellproz.com/patient/home - - - Disclaimer: The information shared on The Dr. Miiko Rowley Show: Functional Medicine Unlocked is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Miiko Rowley and her guests and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns, conditions, or treatment decisions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something discussed on this show.

Pharmacist Explains The Benefits and Risks of Hormone Replacement | Tiffany Ruder, Pharm.D.

In this episode, Dr. Miiko Rowley sits down with Dr. Tiffany Ruder, Pharm.D. a Functional Medicine Pharmacist who specializes in supporting women through perimenopause and menopause. Tiffany helps unpack the often misunderstood world of hormone replacement therapy and explains why this topic has generated both curiosity and concern over the years. Together, they explore the history of hormone replacement therapy, including its former black box warning, why it was originally placed there, and what led to it being lifted. Dr. Ruder breaks down the science behind hormones, explains what each one does, and shares a balanced look at the potential risks and benefits. This thoughtful conversation gives women the information they need to understand their options, ask the right questions, and make empowered decisions about their hormonal health during the perimenopausal and menopausal transition. - - - Dr. Tiffany Ruder, Pharm.D. | Functional Medicine Pharmacist Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimizeherpharmacist/ [https://www.instagram.com/optimizeherpharmacist/] - - - Miiko Rowley, MD | Functional Medicine Physician Website: https://kalemd.com [https://kalemd.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miiko-richardson-rowley-md-abfm-ifmcp-357278a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/miiko-richardson-rowley-md-abfm-ifmcp-357278a/] The Menopause Mentor: https://kalemd.com/master-your-menopause-journey/ [https://kalemd.com/master-your-menopause-journey/] Shop Supplements: https://shop.kalemd.com [https://shop.kalemd.com] Shop Labs: kale.wellproz.com/patient/home [http://kale.wellproz.com/patient/home] - - - Disclaimer: The information shared on The Dr. Miiko Rowley Show: Functional Medicine Unlocked is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Miiko Rowley and her guests and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns, conditions, or treatment decisions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something discussed on this show.

Registered Dietitian Reveals What Foods Support Hormone Balance | Nathalie Sessions, RD

In this episode Dr. Miiko Rowley Show chats with Nathalie Sessions, Registered Dietitian who supports women in perimenopause and menopause using nutrition to support hormone balance and healing. Together, they explore the confusion many women face in today’s online world where social media is filled with advice that often contradicts itself. Nathalie explains what a registered dietitian really is, what kind of education and training it takes to earn that title, and how that background allows her to create personalized nutrition plans that fit each woman’s unique needs. This episode focuses on using food as a tool for healing, not just maintenance, and understanding how the right meal structure can help women feel stronger, more balanced, and more in control of their health. - - - Nathalie Sessions, RD | Registered Dietician https://www.nutritionsessions.com [https://www.nutritionsessions.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathalie-sessions/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathalie-sessions/] - - - Miiko Rowley, MD | Functional Medicine Physician Website: https://kalemd.com [https://kalemd.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miiko-richardson-rowley-md-abfm-ifmcp-357278a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/miiko-richardson-rowley-md-abfm-ifmcp-357278a/] The Menopause Mentor: https://kalemd.com/master-your-menopause-journey/ [https://kalemd.com/master-your-menopause-journey/] Shop Supplements: https://shop.kalemd.com [https://shop.kalemd.com] Shop Labs: kale.wellproz.com/patient/home [http://kale.wellproz.com/patient/home] - - - Disclaimer: The information shared on The Dr. Miiko Rowley Show: Functional Medicine Unlocked is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Miiko Rowley and her guests and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns, conditions, or treatment decisions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something discussed on this show.

How to Prevent Heart Disease | Asif Ali, MD

In this episode of The Dr. Miiko Rowley Show, you’ll sit in on a powerful conversation between Functional Medicine Physician Dr. Miiko Rowley and Cardiologist Dr. Asif Ali as they unpack why heart disease is still the leading cause of death in the United States and what you can actually do to prevent it. You’ll hear them break down the real root causes behind America’s heart disease epidemic, including lifestyle, metabolic health, and familiar risk factors like blood pressure, cholesterol, and inflammation, in a way that is clear and actionable for you. Together, they translate the science into practical, prevention-focused steps you can start using right away, covering nutrition, movement, stress management, and how to catch silent warning signs early. Dr. Rowley and Dr. Ali also show you what is possible when functional medicine and cardiology work hand in hand, moving beyond a model that centers only on procedures and prescriptions toward a more holistic approach that supports true, long-term heart health. - - - Asif Ali, MD | Cardiologist Website: https://hccheart.com [https://hccheart.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/asif-ali-md/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/asif-ali-md/] - - - Miiko Rowley, MD | Functional Medicine Physician Website: https://kalemd.com [https://kalemd.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miiko-richardson-rowley-md-abfm-ifmcp-357278a/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/miiko-richardson-rowley-md-abfm-ifmcp-357278a/] The Menopause Mentor: https://kalemd.com/master-your-menopause-journey/ [https://kalemd.com/master-your-menopause-journey/] Shop Supplements: https://shop.kalemd.com [https://shop.kalemd.com] Shop Labs: kale.wellproz.com/patient/home [http://kale.wellproz.com/patient/home] - - - Disclaimer: The information shared on The Dr. Miiko Rowley Show: Functional Medicine Unlocked is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Miiko Rowley and her guests and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns, conditions, or treatment decisions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something discussed on this show.

The Science of Healing Your Brain | Ronald Swatzyna, PhD

In this episode of Functional Medicine Unlocked, Dr. Miiko Rowley, Functional Medicine Physician, sits down with Brain Scientist Ronald Swatzyna, PhD to explore how understanding the brain can unlock real healing when conventional approaches fall short. Together, they dive into how advanced brain mapping tools like EEGs help uncover why psychiatric medications may not work for some individuals and why symptoms often persist when the root cause is missed. Dr. Swatzyna shares his experience helping patients identify hidden patterns in brain function, while Dr. Rowley brings the body into the conversation, highlighting the critical connection between brain health, physiology, and whole-body healing. This powerful discussion bridges the gap between neuroscience and functional medicine, showing how collaboration between brain and body specialists creates more personalized, effective paths to healing. Disclaimer: The information shared on The Dr. Miiko Rowley Show: Functional Medicine Unlocked is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content reflects the opinions and experiences of Dr. Miiko Rowley and her guests and does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your physician or a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns, conditions, or treatment decisions. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking care because of something discussed on this show.