Health Discovered

Ayurveda [https://www.webmd.com/balance/ayurvedic-treatments] goes beyond herbs—it's a 5,000-year-old medical system that means “science of life.” How can it support chronic conditions and enhance daily wellness? We spoke with Siva Mohan, MD, MPH [https://members.ayurvedabysiva.com/], an Ayurvedic practitioner, about the roots and philosophy of Ayurveda, how she integrates it into clinical care, and its potential to complement Western medicine. She also clears up common myths and shares how newcomers can begin exploring this holistic approach. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) [https://www.webmd.com/women/pms/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder] affects an estimated 31 million people worldwide, yet remains widely misunderstood. How is it different from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) [https://www.webmd.com/women/pms/what-is-pms]? Why can it magnify symptoms like irritability, brain fog, and emotional distress—and how does that ripple into work, relationships, and identity? In this episode, we talk to Heather Hirsch, MD, MS, NCMP [https://heatherhirschmd.com/], author of Unlock Your Menopause Type, about what defines PMDD, how it's diagnosed, how to tell it apart from other mood disorders, and the latest in treatment options, risk factors, and lifestyle changes that can help. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Stillbirth [https://www.webmd.com/baby/understanding-stillbirth-basics] affects thousands of families each year, yet misinformation persists. What are the risk factors, and how do disparities in care contribute? Heather Florescue, MD, FACOG [https://www.wgcaobgyn.com/providers/heather-florescue-md-facog/], OBGYN at the University of Rochester Medical Center, sheds light on the psychological toll of stillbirth, the often-overlooked postpartum period, and steps to reduce risk during pregnancy and conception. We then spoke to Samantha Banerjee, Executive Director of PUSH for Empowered Pregnancy [https://www.pushpregnancy.org/], shares her personal journey and the advocacy efforts supporting families and driving change. Join us as we explore how to navigate pregnancy concerns, advocate for better care, and break the silence surrounding stillbirth.   See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Feeling down from time to time is normal, but how can you tell when sadness is something more – like major depressive disorder [https://www.webmd.com/depression/major-depression]? We spoke with Jessi Gold, MD, MS [https://drjessigold.com/], the first chief wellness officer of the University of Tennessee system and bestselling author of How Do You Feel?, to unpack the complexities of depression. She breaks down the differences between temporary low mood and clinical depression, the role of genetics and medical conditions, and how daily stressors can contribute. We also dive into treatment options -- from therapy to medication -- and the importance of recognizing when it’s time to seek help. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Stress [https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-symptoms-effects_of-stress-on-the-body] often gets a bad rap, but did you know some stress is not just helpful—it’s essential for a longer, healthier life? We spoke with Sharon Bergquist, MD [https://drsharonbergquist.com/], physician, research scientist, and author of The Stress Paradox: Why You Need Stress to Live Longer, Healthier, and Happier, about the science behind beneficial stress. She explains how short bursts of the right kind of stress can strengthen the body, sharpen the mind, and even boost longevity. Tune in to discover how to harness stress as a powerful tool for better health. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.