Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring

sits down with Dr. Nicholas Verhoeven, a molecular medicine researcher and creator of the popular Physionic platform, to explore how to make sense of conflicting health research and make smarter decisions about our well-being.

Together, they examine the evidence behind some of today's biggest health and longevity trends, including mitochondrial health, omega-3s, creatine, collagen, protein, and emerging supplements. Discover which interventions show real promise, which claims deserve skepticism, and why the fundamentals of exercise, sleep, and nutrition remain so important for long-term health.

https://youtu.be/TChQyhnkjOY

01:08 Meet Dr. Nicholas Verhoeven

02:49 Making Complex Health Research Accessible

03:28 How to Identify Studies That Matter

05:01 Evaluating Scientific Evidence

08:15 Four Questions to Ask About Health Research

11:25 Fact-Checking Health Influencers

12:59 Mitochondrial Health and Aging

15:43 Do Mitochondrial Supplements Actually Work?

18:14 Omega-3s and Conflicting Research

21:07 Personalizing Supplement Decisions

22:32 Creatine: Benefits for Muscle and Brain Health

28:23 Can Creatine Help With Sleep Deprivation?

29:07 Creatine for Women in Midlife

30:00 Whey Protein and Exercise Performance

31:00 How Much Protein Do You Really Need?

32:44 Dr. Verhoeven's Personal Supplement Routine

35:27 GlyNAC and Emerging Longevity Research

37:50 Why Less Social Media May Mean Better Health Advice

What if some of the most powerful medicines are things we already have access to every day? Dr. Geeta Maker-Clark, integrative medicine physician and author of Medicine for All People, joins Dr. Melinda Ring to explore how movement, play and connection can become powerful forms of medicine. From the brain benefits of dance to the healing effects of nature, community and joy, discover simple ways to reconnect with practices that can support a healthier, happier life.

Our bones do far more than hold us up. They can influence metabolism, brain health and how independently we live as we age.

In this episode of Next Level Health, orthopedic surgeon and Unbreakable author Dr. Vonda Wright joins Dr. Melinda Ring to rethink the role of bone and muscle in women's health and longevity and explain why midlife is such a critical window for protecting both.

Dr. Wright breaks down what happens to bone, muscle, joints and connective tissue during perimenopause and menopause, including the cluster of symptoms she has termed the "musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause." She also shares practical strategies for staying strong and capable for decades to come, from lifting heavier weights and incorporating impact and balance training to prioritizing protein and getting proactive about bone health.

Plus, Dr. Wright discusses why aging doesn't have to mean inevitable decline, the major gaps that remain in research on women over 40, and the ambitious 79-mile mountain challenge she is using to help fund new women's health research.

https://youtu.be/B-A_XQd6z-4

In this episode:

00:00 Your Bones Tell Your Life Story

00:54 Why Aging Doesn't Have to Mean Decline

06:15 Strength, Independence and the Freedom to Age Well

07:11 Why Bone and Muscle Are Longevity Organs

10:45 When Should Women Get a Bone Density Test?

12:04 What Perimenopause Does to Muscle and Bone

16:02 The Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause

20:26 The Building Blocks of Stronger Bones

23:00 Strength, Impact, Balance and Nutrition

27:16 Do You Need a Calcium Supplement?

28:21 How Much Protein Do Women Need?

31:40 Closing the Gap in Women's Health Research

36:56 Dr. Wright's Advice for Aging With Power

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Unbreakable: A Woman's Guide to Aging With Power by Dr. Vonda Wright is available now.

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Find out more about Dr. Wright's work.

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Check out "Moving the Mountain: 79 Miles. $79 Million. The future of women's health research one step at a time."

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Subscribe to Next Level Health for science-backed, practical conversations about integrative health, longevity and well-being.

Environmental toxins may be part of modern life, but reducing your exposure doesn't have to be overwhelming. On this episode of "Next Level Health," Dr. Melinda Ring sits down with board-certified rheumatologist and environmental health expert Dr. Aly Cohen to explore how everyday chemicals in our food, water, personal care products, and homes may influence our health. Dr. Cohen shares her practical "Four A's" framework for reducing toxic exposures, explains why detox isn't about cleanses or expensive supplements, and offers realistic, science-backed strategies that fit into everyday life. Learn where to focus your efforts, which changes offer the greatest impact, and why small, consistent habits matter more than perfection.

https://youtu.be/04a_OP8lNVw

Can you really slow the aging process? In this episode of Next Level Health, Dr. Melinda Ring talks with functional medicine physician and researcher Dr. Kara Fitzgerald about the science of biological aging and what actually influences it. They unpack DNA methylation in simple terms, discuss why it's never too late to improve your health, explore the evidence behind biological age testing, and explain how a diet rich in polyphenols, protein, and key nutrients may support healthier gene expression. Dr. Fitzgerald also shares practical strategies for healthy aging, women's health, and building habits that promote vitality for years to come.

00:00 Why it's never too late to improve how you age 00:00:25 Welcome to Next Level Health 00:00:54 Healthy aging: separating science from hype 00:02:10 How much control do we really have over aging? 00:03:37 Why exercise becomes even more powerful as we get older 00:05:28 Biological age vs. chronological age explained 00:06:21 What is DNA methylation? (In plain English) 00:09:40 Should you test your biological age? 00:10:55 The pros and cons of longevity testing 00:13:09 Inside the Younger You protocol 00:14:00 The foods that support healthy gene expression 00:15:45 Why eggs, liver, and protein matter for methylation 00:20:44 Healthy aging for women and ovarian health 00:22:44 Can diet support menopause and hormonal health? 00:23:52 One daily habit to slow biological aging 00:25:35 Final takeaways: Your biology is listening

https://youtu.be/KpVsySPtBeY

Despite our efforts, many of us stay stuck in the same emotional patterns, old stories, and unhelpful habits. In this episode of Next Level Health, Dr. Melinda Ring sits down with retired clinical psychologist, Jungian analyst, shamanic practitioner, philanthropist, and bestselling author Carl Greer to explore the inner work that can unlock lasting transformation. Drawing from Jungian psychology, shamanic traditions, and decades of clinical experience, Greer explains how our unconscious beliefs, patterns, and personal stories can influence everything from our relationships and life choices to our physical health.

https://youtu.be/9wVQQpMtuZ0

00:00 Why inner work matters for lasting change 00:00:52 Meet Carl Greer and the concept of hidden wisdom 00:02:48 Why we struggle to change even when we want to 00:04:12 What it really means to "go within" 00:05:42 Fear, resistance, and avoiding self-discovery 00:07:31 How health, relationships, purpose, and spirituality connect 00:10:40 Dialoguing with emotions, symptoms, and inner parts 00:12:33 Practical exercises for accessing inner wisdom 00:15:01 When to seek professional support for inner work 00:16:03 The role of the inner guardian in healing work 00:17:52 Shamanic journeys and accessing deeper insight 00:19:17 Changing the past to transform present choices 00:21:56 Archetypes, symbols, dreams, and personal meaning 00:24:50 Breaking free from limiting roles and identities 00:26:28 Rewriting your health story 00:29:41 Using illness as a catalyst for reflection and growth 00:32:06 Carl Greer's advice for a healthier, more meaningful life 00:33:46 Final thoughts and resources for going deeper

Longevity medicine is having a moment—but what actually works? In this episode of "Next Level Health," Dr. Melinda Ring sits down with Dr. Myles Spar to cut through the hype around peptides, wearables, and "biohacking," and focus on what truly improves healthspan. From personalized data to foundational habits, this conversation brings clarity to a rapidly evolving space.

https://youtu.be/c_q601V1whc

00:00 – The Problem with Longevity Influencers TikTok trends, unverified "experts," and the dangers of self-experimentation

00:00:57 – What Is Longevity Medicine, Really? Why the field is booming—and what's driving the hype

00:02:29 – Why This Moment Feels Different From integrative medicine to mainstream understanding

00:05:29 – Longevity vs. Anti-Aging vs. Biohacking Why language—and intention—matters

00:08:36 – Why Health Advice Feels So Confusing Zone 2 vs. HIIT, keto vs. balance—what actually works?

00:11:20 – Wearables, Data & Health Anxiety When tracking helps—and when it backfires

00:15:55 – Are Advanced Tests Worth It? Biomarkers, personalization, and the need for interpretation

00:20:13 – The "Big Five" That Actually Drive Longevity Why sleep, nutrition, movement, brain health, and purpose still win

00:23:33 – Real Patient Transformations How personalized care moves the needle—even for high performers

00:25:24 – Men, Women & Longevity Trends Who's engaging—and why the landscape is shifting

00:29:54 – Peptides, NAD, Stem Cells: What's Legit? Separating promising science from expensive hype

00:33:54 – How Peptides Actually Work Supporting the body vs. replacing its systems

00:35:12 – Can Longevity Medicine Be Accessible? The future of scalable, equitable health optimization

00:37:41 – One Simple Habit for Better Healthspan A practical takeaway anyone can start today

Catch full episodes of Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring here on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFVGSVhURlcwZVY2QXZwODZPUFduSTM1T1hzZ3xBQ3Jtc0trejFOUzVGaVpjeXBpMU02aXNPZkk5bS1JVnU1WFZTdGl1MWhrSl9YSXVHTlRsSE9DSFdybDdhaGZHMzdrRTNfMXRiY0VOcTZfYlZqcXhPRWVRNmt2d3lla1QyemxJX3oyVlRUTVpMZ3dCeUpEX0FWQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2Ftmrp_playlist&v=zOGJ85J7gsAhttps://www.youtube.com/@OCIHNorthwestern/podcasts 📺

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Medical cannabis is more widely available than ever before, but most clinicians are not trained to guide patients on how to use it safely or effectively. In this episode of "Next Level Health," Dr. Melinda Ring sits down with Dr. Mikhai Kogan to unpack the science, misconceptions and clinical realities of cannabis in modern medicine. They also discuss the recent article published in JAMA Network Open: "Developing Medical Cannabis Competencies: A Consensus Statement," in which Kogan was a senior author and Ring was a co-author.

https://youtu.be/cY96j3aBhTw

00:00 – Can cannabis be a tool for health? A nuanced perspective on using cannabis with intention and respect.

00:00:21 – Show intro: What is Next Level Health? Dr. Melinda Ring introduces the mission of the podcast.

00:00:50 – Why clinicians aren't trained in medical cannabis The gap between legalization and medical education.

00:02:10 – Cannabis through history: From ancient medicine to prohibition How cannabis went from a standard treatment to a Schedule I substance.

00:05:11 – What Schedule I really means for research and doctors Why cannabis research is limited—and what that means for patient care.

00:07:22 – The push for cannabis education in medical schools Inside the JAMA Network Open competencies initiative.

00:10:12 – Patients are learning—but are they learning the right things? The rise of public awareness (and misinformation).

00:11:13 – The endocannabinoid system explained How your body naturally regulates pain, sleep, and stress.

00:12:40 – Why cannabis may be more foundational than opioids Rethinking pain management and the opioid crisis.

00:14:53 – THC vs. CBD: What's the difference? Breaking down the most common cannabinoids.

00:19:34 – Beyond CBD: Emerging cannabinoids (CBG, CBN, and more) What's hype vs. what's clinically useful.

00:20:13 – The "entourage effect" and whole-plant medicine Why full-spectrum cannabis may work differently than isolates.

00:21:43 – Navigating dispensaries and product choices Why patients are often left figuring it out on their own.

00:24:57 – Cannabis coaches and the future of guidance Who can help patients when doctors can't prescribe?

00:27:36 – Is cannabis safe? Side effects, risks, and withdrawal What patients need to realistically understand.

00:30:16 – Long-term use and dependency: What's the truth? Distinguishing between physical and psychological effects.

00:30:52 – Final takeaway: A smarter approach to health Cannabis as one tool in a lifelong wellness strategy.

00:32:42 – Closing reflections and next steps Why education, nuance, and open conversation matter.

Catch full episodes of Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring here on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFVGSVhURlcwZVY2QXZwODZPUFduSTM1T1hzZ3xBQ3Jtc0trejFOUzVGaVpjeXBpMU02aXNPZkk5bS1JVnU1WFZTdGl1MWhrSl9YSXVHTlRsSE9DSFdybDdhaGZHMzdrRTNfMXRiY0VOcTZfYlZqcXhPRWVRNmt2d3lla1QyemxJX3oyVlRUTVpMZ3dCeUpEX0FWQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2Ftmrp_playlist&v=zOGJ85J7gsAhttps://www.youtube.com/@OCIHNorthwestern/podcasts 📺

Listen to Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-health-with-dr-melinda-ring/id1769262080 or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

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In this episode of Next Level Health, Dr. Melinda Ring sits down with Shirzad Chamine, New York Times bestselling author of Positive Intelligence, to explore why insight alone isn't enough to break bad habits that sabotage our health and well-being and what needs to happen to rewire your brain for lasting change. If you've ever struggled with consistency, motivation, or that critical inner voice holding you back, this conversation breaks down the science behind it, and gives you practical tools you can use right away. Take the quiz to assess your saboteurs: https://positiveintelligence.com/saboteurs/

https://youtu.be/4CEV4URghPY

Your metabolism affects everything from energy levels and cravings to long-term health. But, metabolic health is far more complex than calories in and calories out. In this episode of Next Level Health, Dr. Melinda Ring talks with integrative pharmacist and nutrition expert Dr. Lara Zakaria about new tools and technologies are changing the way we understand metabolism. They discuss:

• What metabolic flexibility really means • Signs your metabolism may not be functioning optimally • How continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) reveal blood sugar patterns • The pros and cons of health wearables like Oura Ring, Apple Watch, Whoop, and Fitbit • What we're learning about GLP-1 medications and metabolic health • Why body composition matters more than weight or BMI

You'll also hear practical strategies you can start using today to improve metabolic health, including strength training, nutrition, sleep, and stress management. If you've ever wondered why your energy crashes, why weight loss can be difficult, or how wearable health technology fits into the future of medicine, this conversation offers an evidence-based look at the science behind metabolism.

00:00 – Why Better Health Data Helps People Make Better Decisions A powerful insight into how the right information can drive lasting behavior change.

00:00:27 – Podcast Introduction: Tools to Improve Metabolic Health Dr. Melinda Ring introduces integrative pharmacist and nutrition expert Dr. Lara Zakaria.

00:00:58 – What Is a Healthy Metabolism? Moving beyond calories and BMI to understand metabolism and energy production.

00:02:48 – Metabolic Flexibility: The Key to Burning Fat and Glucose How your body switches between fuel sources and why this matters for health.

00:05:14 – Signs of Poor Metabolic Health (Prediabetes, Fatty Liver, "Hangry") Common warning signs that your metabolism may not be functioning optimally.

00:06:58 – Lara Zakaria's Personal Health Journey and Career Path How her own metabolic challenges led her into nutrition, functional medicine, and lifestyle medicine.

00:10:27 – The Explosion of Health Tech and Wearables How modern tools are helping people understand their bodies in real time.

00:13:05 – Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs): What They Teach Us About Blood Sugar How CGMs reveal patterns between food, stress, sleep, and glucose spikes.

00:17:25 – Making Sense of Health Data Without Overwhelm Why clinicians, nutritionists, and health coaches are essential for interpreting wearable data.

00:18:45 – The Lumen Device: Measuring Metabolic Flexibility at Home A breath test that estimates whether your body is burning carbs or fat.

00:20:47 – The Lifestyle Foundations of Metabolic Health Protein intake, strength training, sleep, stress, and gut health.

00:23:11 – GLP-1 Medications Explained: Metabolism, Muscle Loss, and Inflammation What we're learning about drugs like Ozempic and their metabolic effects.

00:25:41 – Best Fitness Wearables for Tracking Health and Recovery Oura Ring, Whoop, Fitbit, and how they measure stress, sleep, and heart rate variability.

00:28:59 – Why You Should Stop Focusing on the Scale The importance of body composition over weight and BMI.

00:31:31 – DEXA Scans vs At-Home Body Composition Scales How to measure muscle mass and visceral fat for better metabolic tracking.

00:35:11 – One Simple Habit to Boost Your Metabolism This Week Lift something heavier: the power of strength training for metabolic health.

00:36:19 – Final Thoughts: Building a Stronger, More Resilient Metabolism

Produced by the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University.

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When heart disease, cancer or diabetes runs in your family, it can feel like your health story is already written — but it doesn't have to be. In this episode of Next Level Health, Dr. Melinda Ring talks with integrative and culinary medicine physician Dr. Shad Marvasti, author of Longevity Made Simple, about how everyday habits can shape long-term health. Dr. Marvasti explains his DRESS Code framework — Diet, Relationships, Exercise, Stress, and Sleep — and how these five lifestyle factors influence how our genes behave and how we age.

https://youtu.be/VtlfKtfpq0o

00:00 Lifestyle vs genetics: What really determines health

00:56 The DRESS Code for longevity

02:07 Epigenetics explained simply

05:34 Can lifestyle increase longevity?

09:11 The role of diet in aging well

10:17 Real food vs processed food

16:44 Resetting your taste buds in 28 days

20:29 Easy cooking strategies for better health

22:23 Why relationships affect longevity

26:35 Exercise, stress, and sleep explained

27:34 Healthy stress vs chronic stress

32:31 The future of whole health medicine

36:49 Final advice for living longer

Trauma is one of the most overlooked drivers of chronic illness and stalled healing, and it's not just psychological, new research is suggesting it is biological, too. In this episode, Dr. Melinda Ring talks to Dr. Aimie Apigian about how trauma reshapes the body and nervous system, drawing from Apigian's bestselling book, The Biology of Trauma. Together, they explore why creating safety in the body is essential to healing and how understanding trauma's biology can unlock a new path forward.

https://youtu.be/WhAfbdEJccY

00:00 – Why Trauma Healing Requires Mind, Body, and Biology

00:00:14 – Welcome to Next Level Health

00:00:45 – Could Trauma Be the Root Cause of Chronic Illness?

00:01:54 – Trauma Isn't Just Big Events—It's Chronic Overwhelm

00:03:04 – Nothing Is Wrong With Your Body: Removing Shame From Trauma

00:04:11 – When Love Feels Unsafe: How Trauma Shapes Relationships

00:07:09 – Burnout Isn't a Failure—It's a Trauma Pattern

00:08:02 – When the Body Finally Says No: Trauma and Autoimmune Disease

00:10:53 – Trauma Is a Biological Survival Response

00:14:53 – Do All Bodies React the Same Way to Trauma?

00:18:00 – The Five Stages of the Trauma Response

00:22:42 – Freeze and Shutdown Are Not Weakness

00:23:52 – How Trauma Gets Stored as Chronic Inflammation and Pain

00:27:38 – Trauma: The Missing Root Cause in Functional Medicine

00:28:31 – Trauma or Gut Health: Which One Comes First?

00:29:30 – Why Pushing Through Trauma Can Make You Sicker

00:31:23 – Healing Begins With Nervous System Safety

00:34:53 – Your Nervous System Is Always Listening

00:36:57 – How Trauma Patterns Get Passed Down (And How to Stop It)

00:41:14 – Simple Somatic Practices That Help the Body Feel Safe Again

00:43:30 – How to Gently Shift Out of Survival Mode

00:43:50 – A Hopeful Path Forward in Trauma and Chronic Illness Healing

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There are science-backed strategies for accelerating recovery from illness and injury by tapping into our body's innate healing intelligence. In this episode, Dr. Melinda Rings talks with Integrative Medicine pioneer Dr. Victoria Maizes about practical advice, actionable steps and integrative approaches for various health conditions, including sleep issues and immune support during illness.

00:00 Introduction to Next Level Health

01:02 Meet Dr. Victoria Maizes

02:32 Maizes' Journey into Integrative Medicine

06:33 Integrative Medicine vs. Lifestyle Medicine

08:07 The Power of Supplements

12:38 Unlocking the Rapid Recovery Reflex

27:32 The Importance of Sleep

33:05 Cold and Flu Season Remedies

37:40 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

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Over half of cancer cases and deaths are considered preventable by making healthy lifestyle changes. In this episode, Dr. Lorenzo Cohen, a leading expert in integrative oncology and Director of the Integrative Medicine Program at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Dr. Melinda Ring, discuss six key areas of health and wellness people can use to reduce risk for developing cancer or to support healing and the reduce the risk of recurrence after a cancer diagnosis and treatment. They also delve into the controversial topic of biofield therapies and their potential impact on cancer treatment. The episode offers science-backed insights and personal anecdotes, providing actionable steps for optimizing health and well-being both before and after a cancer diagnosis.

https://youtu.be/HX0rCCZzrAk

00:00 Introduction to Next Level Health

00:49 Personal Story and Cancer Prevention

01:17 Meet Dr. Lorenzo Cohen

02:26 Understanding Integrative Oncology

04:26 Stress and Its Impact on Cancer

05:29 Integrative Medicine at MD Anderson

08:46 Biofield Therapies and Energy Medicine

18:18 The Mix of Six for Anti-Cancer Living

22:46 Final Thoughts and Personal Wisdom

25:10 Conclusion and Resources

For the first time in history, today's children are expected to have shorter lifespans than their parents — largely due to diet and lifestyle-related diseases. But there are things parents can do to help reverse this trend. In this episode, Dr. Melinda Ring talks with integrative pediatrician Dr. Elisa Song, author of Healthy Kids, Happy Kids, to explore how families can nurture true resilience — from the gut to the brain and beyond.

https://youtu.be/hilJIFyIfGw

00:00 – Kids' lifespans are shortening: why this matters 00:20 – Welcome to Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring 00:51 – Introducing Dr. Elisa Song: integrative pediatrician and mom 03:11 – The alarming rise of chronic illness in children 05:35 – The microbiome at the root of modern childhood diseases 06:59 – How gut health shapes immune and mental health 12:17 – The role of birth and breastfeeding in microbiome development 13:26 – Why today's babies have fewer beneficial gut bacteria 18:03 – Antibiotics and long-term health: what parents need to know 23:34 – Restoring gut health through food and fermented recipes 26:23 – The vagus nerve: the bridge between the gut and brain 32:20 – Tools and devices that build calm and resilience 36:11 – Final advice for parents: small steps, big impact 37:23 – Closing thoughts from Dr. Ring

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Protecting our brain and body in a world that's not always built for it can be a challenge. In this episode, Dr. Austin Perlmutter, a board-certified internal medicine physician unpacks the forces that inflame and impair our brains and offers tools to protect, nourish, and even rewire them.

00:00 Introduction to Brain Health

00:59 Meet Dr. Austin Perlmutter

01:36 Modern Challenges to Brain Health

04:06 Environmental Impacts on Brain Health

05:18 Diet and Brain Health

17:22 Inflammation and Brain Health

19:42 Practical Steps for Brain Health

19:50 Polyphenols and Brain Health

30:04 Muscle Health and Brain Health

32:53 Supplements and Brain Health

40:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Food is finally being recognized as an essential part of medicine in institutions and kitchens across the United States. In this episode of Next Level Health, Dr. Melinda Ring welcomes Dr. David Eisenberg, a Harvard-trained physician, pioneer of culinary medicine, and founder of the Teaching Kitchen Collaborative—for an in-depth conversation on the Food is Medicine movement.

Watch on YouTube

https://youtu.be/zATxfxaBbE0

Topics include:

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Dr. Eisenberg's journey from baker's son to physician and integrative medicine leader

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The creation of Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Lives and the Teaching Kitchen Collaborative

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How teaching kitchens are being scaled across hospitals, schools, and workplaces

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The research proving their impact on patient outcomes and lifestyle change

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National policy advances and nutrition competencies for medical education

00:00 – Introduction: Eat, Move, Think Better

00:30 – Welcome to Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring

02:00 – Dr. Eisenberg's personal story: From bakers' son to doctor

09:00 – Early experiences in China: Acupuncture, tai chi, and culinary lessons

13:30 – Founding Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Lives

15:40 – The birth of the Teaching Kitchen Collaborative

19:55 – Pilot studies: Teaching kitchens as laboratories for health

25:00 – The COVID pivot: From in-person kitchens to virtual learning

29:20 – Scaling impact: Teaching kitchens as broadcast studios

30:30 – Food is Medicine movement and national policy advances

36:40 – Nutrition competencies for medical education

41:50 – Challenges and future of implementation in medical schools

45:37 – Dr. Eisenberg's personal wisdom: Teach children to cook

47:41 – Closing reflections and gratitude

In this episode of Next Level Health @DrMelindaRing talks with @DrewRamseyMD about how to build better mental health through our daily choices. Dr. Ramsey is a board-certified psychiatrist and pioneer in nutritional psychiatry. They cover the significance of essentials like sleep, nutrition, movement, and social connections for optimal mental health. Dr. Ramsey explains the concept of mental fitness and its scientific foundations like neuroplasticity and the role of inflammation and the microbiome. Practical tips on dietary choices, particularly the benefits of seafood, greens, nuts, and beans are shared. The conversation also touches on the importance of self-awareness, movement, and connection in mental health, and addresses the stigma around mental health, especially among men. Dr. Ramsey emphasizes simple, actionable steps for improving mental health through everyday choices.

Can the food you eat be as powerful as cancer-fighting drugs? In this episode, Dr. William Li reveals to Dr. Melinda Ring which everyday foods can boost your health, energy, and even fight diseases such as cancer. He is a world-renowned physician-scientist, speaker, author and leader of the Angiogenesis Foundation. Dr. Li shares his groundbreaking research on how food can be a powerful tool for healing, energizing, and thriving. He discusses his grocery and supplement list for better health, the science behind food as medicine, and the critical role of gut health and inflammation in our overall health and well-being.

https://youtu.be/sGWd8wCtRzY

00:00 – Introduction to Dr. William Li

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Dr. Li's background as a physician and scientist.

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Overview of his books Eat to Beat Disease and Eat to Beat Your Diet.

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The importance of food as medicine.

02:15 – Dr. Li's Go-To Grocery List

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Recommended foods for better health.

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How food impacts energy, gut health, and metabolism.

07:16 – The Power of Dietary Fiber and Polyphenols

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Foods rich in dietary fiber in the produce aisle such as avocado, mushrooms and raspberries.

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The role of fiber in gut health and inflammation reduction.

08:36 – Overcoming Food Addiction

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How processed foods can create addiction.

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Tips for incorporating healthy foods into your diet without feeling deprived.

09:03 – The Negative Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods

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How ultra-processed foods increase inflammation and damage gut bacteria.

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The long-term health risks associated with processed food consumption.

13:44 – Discovering New Foods and Sharing Recipes

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Dr. Li's personal journey of discovering new foods.

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Example of fiddleheads, forged and sold at a farmers' market and found to be rich in omega 3 fatty acids. This highlights the importance of curiosity in food exploration.

17:25 – How Food Rewires Our Biology

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The science behind how food activates the body's defense systems.

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How these systems protect us from diseases like cancer.

22:37 – The Role of Supplements: Resveratrol, EGCG, and Probiotics

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When and why certain supplements may be beneficial and which ones Dr. Li takes.

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Dr. Li's advice on balancing food and supplements for optimal health.

25:51 – Probiotics: Lactobacillus and Akkermansia

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The health benefits of specific gut bacteria.

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How Akkermansia affects immune response and cancer treatment.

30:23 – Surprising Food Combos for Maximum Health Benefits

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How to enhance the health benefits of coffee by skipping dairy in coffee.

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The power of tomatoes and how to absorb more lycopene by cooking them in olive oil.

38:15 – The Importance of Sourcing Quality Food

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Organic vs. conventional food choices.

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How to choose the best quality food within your budget.

44:01 – Practical Tips for Healthy Eating at Home

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Cleaning produce properly.

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Choosing healthier oils and cooking methods.

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Dr. Li's advice on making better food choices in daily life.

49:16 – The Holy Trinity of Healthy Beverages

•

Water, tea, and coffee are essential health-promoting drinks – the holy tinity.

•

How to maximize the benefits of each and avoid common pitfalls.

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What if healthcare focused less on disease and more on creating health? In this episode, Dr. Melinda Ring talks with Dr. David Rakel, a trailblazer in integrative medicine and professor and chair of the University of Wisconsin Department of Family Medicine and Community, to explore Salutogenesis — a transformative approach that shifts the focus from illness to well-being.

Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/XN1jPxzWCoE

[00:00:00] – Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

•

Dr. Melinda Ring introduces Dr. David Rakel, a pioneer in integrative medicine.

•

Overview of today's discussion on Salutogenesis and its impact on healthcare.

[00:02:06] – Dr. Rakel's Journey to Integrative Medicine

•

Dr. Rakel shares his path from rural Idaho to becoming a leader in integrative health.

•

Key moments that sparked his interest in shifting the focus from disease to health.

[00:06:00] – The Need for a More Holistic Healthcare Approach

•

Discussion about the frustration with the current healthcare system's focus on specialists.

•

Dr. Rakel advocates for a more comprehensive, generalist approach to healthcare.

[00:09:09] – What is Salutogenesis?

•

Dr. Rakel defines Salutogenesis, the science of health creation.

•

The story behind the term and how it applies to healthcare today.

[00:13:19] – The Shift from Disease Care to Health Creation

•

Dr. Rakel highlights the need for a new healthcare model that focuses on health and wellbeing.

•

The importance of looking at what's right with a person instead of focusing on disease.

[00:17:18] – The Value-Based Care Model vs. Traditional Healthcare

•

Dr. Rakel explains the value-based care model, focusing on patient outcomes, cost-efficiency, and improved experiences.

•

How the traditional RVU model leads to unnecessary tests and treatments.

[00:20:10] – The Challenge of Reducing Polypharmacy

•

Dr. Rakel discusses the dangers of polypharmacy, where patients are prescribed multiple drugs.

•

How a Salutogenic approach can reduce the need for excessive medications.

[00:23:06] – Integrative Medicine and Functional Medicine: A Double-Edged Sword?

•

Dr. Rakel and Dr. Ring discuss the use of functional medicine tests and supplements, comparing them to traditional medical practices.

•

The importance of using a Salutogenic approach without falling back into old patterns.

[00:27:00] – The Role of Primary Care in Health

•

Dr. Rakel emphasizes the value of primary care and how increasing investment can improve overall healthcare outcomes.

•

How primary care can reduce emergency visits and improve health equity.

[00:29:47] – Addressing Healthcare Disparities and Primary Care Challenges

•

Dr. Rakel discusses how the current healthcare system creates disparities, especially when access to primary care is limited.

•

The need to make primary care more equitable to improve patient outcomes.

[00:32:55] – The Need for a Comprehensive, Team-Based Approach

•

Dr. Rakel advocates for interprofessional teams that include mental health professionals, physical therapists, and health coaches in primary care.

[00:34:34] – Final Thoughts on Taking Your Health to the Next Level

•

Dr. Rakel shares a personal message about the power of perception and how it affects our health.

•

The importance of seeing things through a positive lens and fostering compassion for better health outcomes.

Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@OCIHNorthwestern

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