#73: Do You Trust Big Pharma with Your Heart Health? Holistic Doctor Melanie Icard Speaks on Big Pharma and how it compares to Holistic Medicine

#76: Burnout Isn’t Your Fault: Julie Merriman on People Pleasing & Living Past Capacity

🧠Start healing today with our #sponsor BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month by going to: ⁠https://www.betterhelp.com/ichoosehealth [⁠https://www.betterhelp.com/ichoosehealth] Are you really falling apart, or are you operating past capacity?In this episode of the I Choose Health Podcast, Stefan Lessie speaks with Dr. Julie Merriman about women’s burnout, people pleasing, nervous system dysregulation, compassion fatigue, resentment, midlife identity shifts, somatic therapy, and why rest alone often does not fix burnout. Dr. Merriman explains how many women are rewarded for overfunctioning until their bodies finally say, “enough.” She also shares practical tools for reconnecting with the body, recognizing emotional signals, and rebuilding a life that no longer requires living past capacity. Julie Merriman’s Website: https://www.juliemerrimanphd.com/ [https://www.juliemerrimanphd.com/] Books Mentioned: In Pursuit of Soul Joy by Dr. Julie Merriman: https://tinyurl.com/23durwy3 Are We Gonna Have Sex Or What?: https://tinyurl.com/mumz3zwt Podcasts: Sexy After 50: https://www.juliemerrimanphd.com/sexy-after-50 Compassion Fatigue Cure: https://www.juliemerrimanphd.com/compassion-fatigue-cure-1 Chapters: 00:00 People pleasing and living past capacity 02:31 Welcome Dr. Julie Merriman 04:11 What burnout feels like in the body 06:36 Numbness, exhaustion, and compassion fatigue 07:26 Burnout in New York City vs slower cultures 13:05 Somatic therapy, chakras, and nervous system healing 16:34 Movement as emotional release 19:30 Therapy, trauma, and the body 22:27 Burnout, autoimmune issues, and women’s health 26:38 Midlife divorce, resentment, and relationship burnout 31:14 Soul joy, identity, and women after 50 38:31 Novelty, adventure, and staying open to life 42:11 Men’s mental health and emotional language 44:52 How to identify emotions in the body 50:08 Why women miss the signs of overcapacity 56:35 Dr. Julie Merriman’s books and final encouragement #BurnoutRecovery #WomensHealth #PeoplePleasing #SomaticHealing #MentalHealth #CompassionFatigue #IChooseHealth #JulieMerriman #NervousSystemHealing #SelfCare 🔔 Subscribe & Connect with I Choose Health:🎥 YouTube Podcast Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@IChooseHealthPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@IChooseHealthPodcast ]💪 Fitness Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mindcorefitness1 [https://www.youtube.com/@mindcorefitness1 ]📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ichoose [https://www.instagram.com/ichoosehealthpodcast/]healthpodcast/⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/ichoosehealthpodcast/]🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ichoosehealthpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@ichoosehealthpodcast]🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://anchor.fm/mindcore-fitness [https://anchor.fm/mindcore-fitness]🛍️ Shop Merch: https://linkly.link/2ii1x [https://linkly.link/2ii1x] #BurnoutRecovery #WomensHealth #PeoplePleasing #SomaticHealing #MentalHealth #CompassionFatigue #IChooseHealth #JulieMerriman #NervousSystemHealing #SelfCare

#75: ER Nurse Exposes Why the Healthcare Industry Is Keeping You Sick | Melissa Ficarra

🧠Start healing today with our #sponsor BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month by going to:⁠https://www.betterhelp.com/ichoosehealth⁠ [ https://www.betterhelp.com/ichoosehealth⁠]What happens when an ER nurse watches open-heart surgeries, sees clogged arteries firsthand, and realizes that almost nobody is talking about the role food plays in chronic disease?In this powerful conversation, Melissa Ficarra shares how working in healthcare led her to question everything she thought she knew about nutrition. From witnessing coronary bypass surgeries to becoming a professional vegan bodybuilder and Strongwoman competitor, Melissa explains why she believes nutrition is one of the most overlooked tools in modern healthcare.We discuss:• What Melissa saw working in emergency medicine• Why nutrition education is largely missing from medical training• The relationship between food and chronic disease• How a vegan lifestyle transformed her health and athletic performance• Plant-based nutrition for strength, recovery, and longevity• The biggest myths about protein and muscle building• Why more athletes are embracing plant-based eating• The future of healthcare and preventative medicineWhether you're curious about plant-based nutrition, healthcare, fitness, or simply living a healthier life, this episode offers a unique perspective from someone who has seen both disease and recovery up close.Chapters00:00 The Open Heart Surgery That Changed Everything01:56 Melissa's Health Journey Begins03:11 Why Healthcare Workers Eat Unhealthy Food05:35 The Missing Nutrition Education in Healthcare07:31 Growing Up Healthy in Colorado08:47 Becoming Vegan10:34 Building Muscle Without Meat12:49 Dealing With Critics and Vegan Myths14:27 The Road to Olympia17:15 Why Doctors Ignore Nutrition20:11 Celebrity Influence vs Science22:32 Plant-Based Athletes and Recovery24:39 Does Food Affect Mood and Energy?26:23 Competing at 39 Years Old27:00 The Problem With Performance Enhancing Drugs31:14 Finding Love Through a Vegan Lifestyle34:51 Life as an ER Nurse and Professional Athlete36:07 Can Healthcare Workers Influence Patients?38:31 Common Nutrition Myths in Healthcare40:58 Why Most People Struggle to Change42:00 Choosing Health, Purpose and Possibilitycd 🔗Connect with Melissa Ficarra:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fit_by_ficarra/ [ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fit_by_ficarra/ ]Subscribe for more conversations about health, fitness, nutrition, mental wellness, and living with purpose.#IChooseHealth #MelissaFicarra #PlantBased #VeganAthlete #Healthcare #Nutrition #PreventiveHealth #HealthyLiving #Strongwoman #bodybuilding 🔔 Subscribe & Connect with I Choose Health:🎥 YouTube Podcast Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@IChooseHealthPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@IChooseHealthPodcast ]💪 Fitness Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mindcorefitness1 [https://www.youtube.com/@mindcorefitness1 ]📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ichoosehealthpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/ichoosehealthpodcast/]🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ichoosehealthpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@ichoosehealthpodcast]🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0rxOkqBlAQBZVfznoUpNvP?si=1322c21652c74cf4 [https://open.spotify.com/show/0rxOkqBlAQBZVfznoUpNvP?si=1322c21652c74cf4]🛍️ Shop Merch: https://linkly.link/2ii1x [https://linkly.link/2ii1x]

#74: Oral Health and Your Overall Health Dr. Eugene Antenucci

🧠Start healing today with our #sponsor BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month by going to:⁠https://www.betterhelp.com/ichoosehealth⁠ [ https://www.betterhelp.com/ichoosehealth⁠]What if the real cause of your heart disease, cognitive decline, and chronic inflammation has been hiding in your mouth this whole time? In this eye-opening episode, Stefan sits down with Dr. Eugene Antenucci who is a dentist, professor, Air Force veteran, nutritionist, and author to reveal the shocking connection between oral health and whole-body health.From the 20 billion bacteria living in your mouth right now, to how gum disease can trigger heart attacks and dementia, Dr. Antenucci breaks down what most doctors and dentists will never tell you and exactly what you can do about it.Choosing health is choosing power, possibility, and purpose.Chapters:00:00 – The Mouth-Body Connection Nobody Talks About01:18 – 20 Billion Bacteria Are Living in Your Mouth Right Now02:56 – BetterHelp Sponsor Message05:23 – How Gum Disease Leads to Heart Attacks and Dementia07:14 – Does Intermittent Fasting Improve Oral Health?08:56 – Why the American Diet Is Destroying Your Teeth and Body12:45 – What Does It Really Mean to Be Healthy?16:29 – Oral Health in the U.S. Air Force19:29 – How Dr. Antenucci Coaches Patients on Nutrition21:06 – The Oral Health Mistakes You're Probably Making24:51 – Oil Pulling, Tongue Scrapers & Other Overlooked Techniques27:27 – The Right Way to Brush (Most People Get This Wrong)29:25 – The Mediterranean Diet vs. The American Diet33:15 – Blue Zones, Barbados & Raising Healthy Kids35:07 – Why Dentists and Doctors Need to Work Together36:30 – Dr. Antenucci's New Book: The Hidden Inflammation You Can't See39:33 – The Longevity Series & What's Coming Next🔗 Connect with Dr. Eugene Antenucci🌐 Website: https://www.dreugeneantenucci.com [https://www.dreugeneantenucci.com]📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eugene_antenucci [https://www.instagram.com/eugene_antenucci]📖 View All Books by Dr. Eugene Antenuccihttps://www.amazon.com/Dr-Eugene-Antenucci/e/B0C99HCBPV [https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Eugene-Antenucci/e/B0C99HCBPV]📚 Read Dr. Eugene Antenucci's Latest BookThe Hidden Inflammation You Can't See: How Oral Health Affects Your Whole BodyInflammation often develops silently long before symptoms appear. In this book, Dr. Eugene Antenucci explores the connection between oral inflammation, the immune system, and overall health, helping readers understand how hidden inflammation may influence long-term wellness.📖 Get the book on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Inflammation-You-Cant-See-ebook/dp/B0GH6BD5M2 [https://www.amazon.com/Hidden-Inflammation-You-Cant-See-ebook/dp/B0GH6BD5M2]🔔 Subscribe for new episodes every week.🔔 Subscribe & Connect with I Choose Health:🎥 YouTube Podcast Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@IChooseHealthPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@IChooseHealthPodcast ]💪 Fitness Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mindcorefitness1 [https://www.youtube.com/@mindcorefitness1] 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ichoosehealthpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/ichoosehealthpodcast/]🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ichoosehealthpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@ichoosehealthpodcast]🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0rxOkqBlAQBZVfznoUpNvP?si=1322c21652c74cf4 [https://open.spotify.com/show/0rxOkqBlAQBZVfznoUpNvP?si=1322c21652c74cf4] 🛍️ Shop Merch: https://linkly.link/2ii1x [https://linkly.link/2ii1x]#DrEugeneAntenucci#OralHealth#DentalHealth#OralMicrobiome#Longevity#HealthyAging#HealthPodcast#Wellness#PreventDisease#HealthyLiving#FunctionalMedicine#HolisticHealth#Inflammation#HealthTips#IChooseHealth

#73: Do You Trust Big Pharma with Your Heart Health? Holistic Doctor Melanie Icard Speaks on Big Pharma and how it compares to Holistic Medicine

🧠Start healing today with our #sponsor BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month by going to:https://www.betterhelp.com/ichoosehealth [ https://www.betterhelp.com/ichoosehealth] 🩺 About Dr. Melanie Icard, NMDDr. Melanie Icard is a licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor specializing in holistic cardiovascular health and metabolic wellness. She helps patients reverse heart disease, balance insulin, and achieve true longevity without relying solely on prescriptions or surgery. Dr. Mel works with clients on root-cause protocols including intermittent fasting, continuous glucose monitoring, IV therapies, and nervous system reset. 🌐 Website: www.drmelanieicard.com [www.drmelanieicard.com] 💻 Free Cardio Health Webinar: cardiohealth.drmelanieicard.com/replay-webinar [cardiohealth.drmelanieicard.com/replay-webinar] ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@Itsdrmel/videos [youtube.com/@Itsdrmel/videos] 📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/drmelholistic/ [https://www.instagram.com/drmelholistic/] 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drmel_holistic [https://www.tiktok.com/@drmel_holistic] 👍 Facebook: facebook.com/drmelholistic [ facebook.com/drmelholistic] 00:00 - Introduction & Welcome Back: Dr. Melanie Icard 01:12 - Why Conventional Medicine Dominates — And How to Think Beyond It 04:39 - The Danger of Too Much Health Information Online 06:45 - The Root Cause Most Doctors Miss: Insulin Resistance 10:31 - Intermittent Fasting & Moving After Meals for Heart Health 13:28 - The Continuous Glucose Sensor: A Game-Changer for Everyone 16:33 - Why Eating 6 Times a Day Is Fueling the Insulin Epidemic 19:18 - Eating Windows, Circadian Rhythm & Meal Timing 21:34 - Is the Pharmaceutical Industry Profiting from Keeping You Sick? 27:02 - Can Lifestyle Alone Reverse Heart Disease? 28:26 - Back to Basics: What Actually Creates Longevity 32:09 - The Truth About Statins — and Why Dr. Mel Avoids Them 33:01 - CLEERLY AI Imaging: The Future of Cardiac Diagnostics 37:49 - Is the American Heart Association Diet Outdated? 39:42 - Final Thoughts & How to Find Dr. Melanie Icard 🔔 Subscribe & Connect with I Choose Health: 🎥 YouTube Podcast Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@IChooseHealthPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@IChooseHealthPodcast ] https://www.youtube.com/@IChooseHealthPodcast 💪 Fitness Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mindcorefitness1 [https://www.youtube.com/@mindcorefitness1] 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ichoosehealthpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/ichoosehealthpodcast/] 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ichoosehealthpodcast [https://www.tiktok.com/@ichoosehealthpodcast]🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0rxOkqBlAQBZVfznoUpNvP?si=1322c21652c74cf4 [https://open.spotify.com/show/0rxOkqBlAQBZVfznoUpNvP?si=1322c21652c74cf4] 🛍️ Shop Merch: https://bit.ly/45Xd3r0#HeartHealth [https://bit.ly/45Xd3r0#HeartHealth ] #HolisticCardiology #InsulinResistance #IntermittentFasting #DrMelanieIcard #NaturopathicMedicine #ReverseHeartDisease #MetabolicHealth #ContinuousGlucoseMonitor #StopStatins #FunctionalMedicine #IChooseHealth #PreventativeHealth #BloodPressure #SickCareSystem #HolisticHealing #HeartDiseasePrevention #NaturalHealth #CardiovascularHealth #LongevityMedicine

#72: Do We Really Have to Let Go? The Truth About Grief, Healing & Moving Forward | Chaya Lerner

🧠Start healing today with our #sponsor BetterHelp and get 10% off your first month by going to: https://www.betterhelp.com/ichoosehealth [https://www.betterhelp.com/ichoosehealth] Do we ever truly let go of the people we love?After recently losing family members, Stefan Lessie sits down with licensed therapist, chaplain, and trauma expert Chaya Lerner, LCSW for one of the most honest conversations on grief, trauma, suicide, healing, dementia, forgiveness, and finding meaning after loss. In this deeply personal episode, we explore: • The real truth about the stages of grief • Why grief is not linear • How to cope with losing a loved one • Suicide, hopelessness, and finding reasons to hold on • How dementia creates a different kind of grief • Trauma, resilience, and learning to heal • Why gratitude may be more powerful than we realize • How pain can become purpose Stefan also shares personal experiences with family loss, suicidal ideation, fatherhood, and navigating grief in real time, making this one of the most vulnerable and important conversations on I Choose Health.If you are grieving, struggling emotionally, or supporting someone through loss, this episode is for you. Connect with Chaya Lerner: 🌐 Website: https://chayalernerlcsw.com/ [https://chayalernerlcsw.com/] 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clerner1/ [https://www.instagram.com/clerner1/] 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaya-lerner-907753139/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaya-lerner-907753139/] Subscribe to I Choose Health for conversations about health, healing, mental wellness, and living with purpose. 🔔 Subscribe & Connect with I Choose Health: 🎥 YouTube Podcast Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@IChooseHealthPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@IChooseHealthPodcast ] 💪 Fitness Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mindcorefitness1 [https://www.youtube.com/@mindcorefitness1 ] 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ichoosehealthpodcast/ [https://www.instagram.com/ichoosehealthpodcast/] 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ichoosehealthpodcast [ https://www.tiktok.com/@ichoosehealthpodcast] 🎧 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0rxOkqBlAQBZVfznoUpNvP?si=1322c21652c74cf4 [https://open.spotify.com/show/0rxOkqBlAQBZVfznoUpNvP?si=1322c21652c74cf4] 🛍️ Shop Merch: https://linkly.link/2ii1x [https://linkly.link/2ii1x] #Grief #Healing #MentalHealth #TraumaHealing #Forgiveness #SelfGrowth #EmotionalHealing #IChooseHealth #ChayaLerner #PersonalGrowth