Take Back Your Health

When it comes to cancer care—from the specific diet you follow to the type of treatment you subject your body to—quality intervention is key. This week, I'm joined by Dr. Nasha Winters, an integrative oncologist and cancer "thriver" (she was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer at age 19), who is pioneering the future of cancer care. We sat down to discuss the root cause of the illness, the importance of doing a self-audit of your home and habits, and why there is a time and a place for conventional cancer care. In this episode, you'll discover: * Cancer Goes Beyond Genetics: Cancer was originally believed to be genetic, but recent research demonstrates that it's a metabolic disease. A common denominator among cancer cells is that they all have very damaged mitochondria (known as the powerhouse of the cell), shares Dr. Winters. "We were just looking at the wrong organelle all these years when the real organelle of interest was the mitochondria and the environment in which the mitochondria is swimming in and being exposed to," she adds. * Why a Self-Audit Is a Non-Negotiable: An easy first step to change your terrain is knowing what you’re putting on, in, and around your body. This can be anything from skincare products and kitchen utensils to water filtration systems and air fresheners. "The more we're exposed to at a younger age, the more our nervous systems, our immune systems, and our metabolic systems are wired differently to make us more vulnerable to disease in general and cancer in particular," says Dr. Winters. Making small lifestyle changes can lead to a big, sustainable impact. * Blending Two Types of Care Is Vital: Despite her lifelong mission to educate patients and practitioners on the transformative benefits of integrative medicine, Dr. Winters isn't here to villainize conventional cancer treatments. She does, however, stress the importance of marrying the two—based on your individual needs and diagnosis. It's important to ask yourself, says Dr. Winters: "How can I make the standard of care effective with as few toxins as possible while simultaneously protecting the healthy cells and strengthening the environment, the terrain in which cancer happens?" 00:49 Dr. Nasha's Cancer Journey 08:23 Accidental Discoveries and Fasting Benefits 16:02 Nutritional Changes and Health Improvements 22:35 Exploring Metabolic and Mitochondrial Theories of Cancer 27:42 Debunking the Genetic Mutation Theory of Cancer 28:33 The Role of Mitochondria in Cancer 29:30 Changing the Environment to Combat Cancer 30:13 Self-Audit: Evaluating Your Surroundings 33:43 The Impact of Conventional Treatments on Cancer 35:43 A New Approach to Cancer Treatment 44:54 The Vision for a New Cancer Hospital Connect with Dr. Myers: Website: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ [https://www.amymyersmd.com/] Newsletter: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut [https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD [https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymyersmd/ [https://www.instagram.com/amymyersmd/] Connect with Dr. Winters: Website: https://www.drnasha.com/ [https://www.drnasha.com/] Podcast - Metabolic Matters: https://www.drnasha.com/metabolic-matters [https://www.drnasha.com/metabolic-matters] Metabolic Terrain Institute of Health (non-profit & training): https://www.mtih.org/ [https://www.mtih.org/] Books: https://www.drnasha.com/books-and-education [https://www.drnasha.com/books-and-education] Mitovida: https://mitovida.com/ [https://mitovida.com/]

Looking inward is the first step to enhancing your overall health, from putting gluten sensitivities at bay to keeping autoimmune flare-ups dormant. This week, I'm joined by Dr. Will Cole, a leading functional medicine expert and dear friend. We sat down to discuss why some people are more sensitive to inflammatory foods and environmental toxins, the role of trauma in autoimmunity, and the importance of spending time in nature. In this episode, you'll discover: * Why Every Body Is Different: Have you noticed how certain people can eat inflammatory foods or live among mold with no side effects? Turns out, this resilience comes down to genes. "The more gene variants you have makes your body slower at detoxing, slower at methylating, more prone to being sensitive to an environmental toxin, a virus or a mold, chronic stress, or trauma," says Dr. Cole.  * What Contributes to Inflammation: The way food is grown and processed has an effect on well-being. "We're seeing food reactions that 15 years ago we weren't having," says Dr. Cole. "And I think every few years, we're seeing people with more sensitive systems. So it's not the food's fault per se. It's what we've done to the food supply and what we've done to the human microbiome."  * Find the Right Diet for You: "Don't focus on all the things you 'can't have,' but you can have whatever you want," says Dr. Cole, who recommends making hearty, easy-to-digest stews and soups if you're looking for soothing, gut-friendly recipes. " I want to shift someone's mindset away from this sort of dieting culture to 'I love my body enough to nourish it with things that love me back.'" * The Link between Trauma and Autoimmunity: While environmental toxins and microbiome health can result in autoimmune issues, so can psychological trauma. "The higher one's ACE (Adverse Childhood Events or Experiences) score, the more likely that that's a component to things like autoimmune conditions and metabolic issues," says Dr. Cole. 02:19 Discussing Food Dyes and Health Activism 06:17 The Impact of COVID-19 Vaccines 10:48 Understanding Inflammation and Autoimmunity 11:22 Genetics, Epigenetics, and Health 18:45 Empowering Health Choices 24:13 Parenting and Healthy Eating 30:31 Personal Diet Journeys: From Vegan to Paleo 42:45 The Role of Trauma in Autoimmunity 48:21 Practical Tips for Better Health Connect with Dr. Myers: Website: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ [https://www.amymyersmd.com/] Newsletter: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut [https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD [https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymyersmd/ [https://www.instagram.com/amymyersmd/] Connect with Dr. Cole: Website: https://drwillcole.com/ [https://drwillcole.com/] Podcast (The Art of Being Well): https://drwillcole.com/podcast [https://drwillcole.com/podcast] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drwillcole [https://www.instagram.com/drwillcole] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/doctorwillcole/ [https://www.facebook.com/doctorwillcole/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DrWillCole [https://www.youtube.com/user/DrWillCole]

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. "One area of the brain getting injured may not come out as a deficit, but you have decreased your brain ability to be maximally resilient and maximally efficient." This is where neurofeedback comes in. * 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. "If the brain gets more efficient, everything else can start to improve," he adds. * 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. "It is the single most powerful single therapy, especially for moderate Alzheimer's disease that exists." 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/ [https://www.amymyersmd.com/] Newsletter: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut [https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD [https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymyersmd/ [https://www.instagram.com/amymyersmd/] Connect with Dr. Haase: Website: https://maxwellclinic.com/ [https://maxwellclinic.com/] Phone number of the Maxwell Clinic: (615) 3700091 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxwellclinic/ [https://www.instagram.com/maxwellclinic/] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maxwellclinic [https://www.facebook.com/maxwellclinic] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQq0FWvHt95ItFuVvpfMvbA [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQq0FWvHt95ItFuVvpfMvbA] X (formerly Twitter): https://twitter.com/maxwellclinic [https://twitter.com/maxwellclinic] Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhaasemd/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidhaasemd/]

Did you know how you move and breathe is tied to your strength and longevity? This week, I'm joined by Aaron Alexander, a pioneering movement coach, author, and creator of The Align Method. We sat down to discuss the importance of proper breathing, functional movement, the best ways to align your body, and why everyone should "redevelop a relationship to the ground." In this episode, you'll discover: * Why You Should Pay Attention to Your Breathing: Compared to breathing in through your mouth, breathing in through your nose reigns supreme. Doing the latter helps you take advantage of filtration, additional nitric oxide (allowing for oxygen to flow to vital organs), and humidification. "Your nose is preparing the air for your lungs and the rest of your body every time you breathe," says Alexander. "It's like passing through the processing plant." * Spending Time on the Floor Has Its Health Benefits: Challenge yourself to sit on the floor for 30 minutes each day, whether that means watching TV on your living room floor or eating dinner at your coffee table. Why? This simple act benefits your mobility, setting you up for healthier aging in the long run, and your digestion. "It's like a shotgun of health and vitality for your hips, for your knees, for your ankles, for your pelvic floor," says Alexander.  * Everything in Life Is Fitness: Think outside the gym, shares The Align Method creator. "Fitness is not a thing that you do, but fitness is who you are as a person," he says, adding that using your visual, breathing, and postural muscles all count as fitness. "You're always in a place of training yourself," shares Alexander. "Every moment throughout your day is an opportunity to heal your body a little bit more." 02:11 Aaron's Journey into Bodybuilding 05:54 Understanding Functional Movement 14:39 The Importance of Breathing 18:23 Incorporating Ground Sitting 27:11 Integrating Movement into Daily Life 27:44 Setting Up a Movement-Friendly Home 28:35 Lymphatic System and Movement 30:07 Core Principles of the Aligned Method 30:20 Fitness as a Lifestyle 32:58 Mind-Body Connection 36:35 Polyvagal Theory and Cooperative Play 38:28 Getting Started with the Aligned Method 40:51 Diet and Nutrition Insights Connect with Dr. Myers: Website: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ [https://www.amymyersmd.com/] Newsletter: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut [https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD [https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymyersmd/ [https://www.instagram.com/amymyersmd/] Connect with Aaron Alexander: Website: https://www.alignpodcast.com/ [https://www.alignpodcast.com/] Free trial of the Align Method: https://join.alignpodcast.com/products/align-method-program-join/ [https://join.alignpodcast.com/products/align-method-program-join/] YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@AlignPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@AlignPodcast] Align Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/align-podcast/id988576741 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/align-podcast/id988576741] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aaronalexander/ [https://www.instagram.com/aaronalexander/]

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 Episode mentioned with Dr. Jeffrey Bland: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3KXcZpmbCf8srG1J6ZK1To?si=ede8ce173ebd41a0 Connect with Dr. Myers: Website: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ [https://www.amymyersmd.com/] Newsletter: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut [https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut] Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD [https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD] Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amymyersmd/ [https://www.instagram.com/amymyersmd/] Connect with Dr. Rountree: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-rountree-md-2802198/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-rountree-md-2802198/] Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM): https://www.ifm.org/ [https://www.ifm.org/] You may also find Dr. Rountree at his Boulder Wellcare clinic in Colorado (USA).