The Curious Cardiologist

What if some of nature’s most interesting healing potential could be found in the earliest stages of a plant’s growth?

In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with Jennifer Payeur, CEO and founder of Nature Provides, to explore gemmotherapy—a practice that uses extracts from the buds and young growth of plants.

Jennifer explains what plant stem cells are, how they differ from conventional human stem cells, and why she became passionate about this approach after a deeply personal health journey. She also shares the history of gemmotherapy, the traditional use of medicinal plants, and how Nature Provides sources its plant material from the Italian Alps.

The conversation explores the relationship between plants and human health, including the lymphatic system, fascia, inflammation, cardiovascular health, nervous system regulation, and the body's natural balance.

Jennifer also discusses several plants featured in the company's formulations, including blackcurrant, linden, sweet chestnut, hawthorn, and rosemary.

In this episode, you'll hear about:

• What plant stem cells are and how gemmotherapy works
• The history and origins of gemmotherapy
• Jennifer's personal journey into natural and integrative health
• Why plant buds are used instead of mature plant material
• The role of the lymphatic system and extracellular matrix
• The connection between fascia, stress, and the body's healing journey
• Plants traditionally associated with cardiovascular and nervous system support
• Nature Provides' sourcing and harvesting process in the Italian Alps
• The importance of researching traditional plant-based approaches

About Jennifer Payeur

Jennifer Payeur is the CEO and founder of Nature Provides, a company specializing in gemmotherapy and plant-based formulations. Her work brings together her background in the healing arts, her interest in plant medicine, and her commitment to making the subject more accessible to practitioners and the public.

Explore Nature Provides:

• Consumer website: https://health.nature-provides.com/
• Practitioner website: https://nature-provides.com/

Perimenopause is about more than hot flashes and changes in your menstrual cycle. It can also be an important time to pay closer attention to cardiovascular and metabolic health.

On this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with Dr. Mariza Snyder, author of The Perimenopause Revolution, to explore the connections between hormones, heart health, blood sugar, sleep, movement, and stress.

They discuss why women’s cardiovascular health has historically received less attention, how hormonal changes during midlife can coincide with shifts in metabolic and cardiovascular markers, and why a broader approach to women’s health matters.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why cardiovascular disease deserves more attention in conversations about women’s health
• How perimenopause can affect sleep, energy, and metabolic health
• Why everyday movement may matter more than a perfect workout routine
• What “exercise snacks” are and how to incorporate short bursts of movement into your day
• The relationship between sleep consistency and cardiometabolic health
• How community, connection, and nervous system regulation fit into a healthy lifestyle
• Why tracking glucose trends can offer useful information—and why individual readings need context
• Protein, fiber, healthy fats, and the role of minimally processed foods
• Meal timing, circadian rhythms, and late-night eating
• How changing hormones can coincide with shifts in lipids, inflammation, and blood pressure
• The role of symptoms, health history, and laboratory trends in conversations about perimenopause
• Dr. Snyder’s perspective on hormone therapy and the importance of looking at the bigger health picture

Dr. Snyder’s central message is that women’s health should be about more than managing individual symptoms. Movement, sleep, nutrition, connection, and stress management all deserve a place in the conversation about long-term health.

About Dr. Mariza Snyder

Dr. Mariza Snyder is a women’s health educator and author of The Perimenopause Revolution. In this conversation, she shares her approach to supporting women through midlife and connecting hormone health with broader lifestyle and metabolic considerations.

About The Curious Cardiologist

Hosted by Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, The Curious Cardiologist explores health and longevity through new perspectives on familiar medical questions.

Subscribe for more conversations about cardiovascular health, prevention, and whole-person approaches to wellness.

Connect with Dr. Mariza Snyder:

• Website: https://drmariza.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmariza/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drmarizasnyder/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/drmarizasnyder/
• Book, The Perimenopause Revolution: https://peri-revolution.com/

Can Alzheimer’s disease be reversed—or is cognitive decline simply an inevitable part of aging?

On this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with Dr. Josh Helman, an emergency medicine and lifestyle medicine physician focused on brain health and cognitive disease, to explore how sleep, metabolism, genetics, environmental exposures, and lifestyle may influence cognitive function.

Dr. Helman shares how his grandmother’s experience with Alzheimer’s first shaped his interest in the disease, and how his clinical work led him to investigate the many factors that may contribute to cognitive decline. He describes his individualized approach to patients and explains why he believes there is reason to focus on brain health long before memory problems appear.

In this episode, we discuss:

Why Alzheimer’s risk may begin decades before symptoms appear

The role of deep N3 sleep and why Dr. Helman emphasizes formal sleep evaluations

Genetics, including APOE variants, and individual differences in risk

Metabolic health, insulin resistance, and the brain’s use of energy

Environmental exposures, including mold, heavy metals, and microplastics

How exercise, strength, balance, social connection, and stress management support overall health

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the relationship between exercise and brain function

Dr. Helman’s perspective on therapeutic plasma exchange and other interventions used in his practice

Cognitive assessments and the importance of tracking objective changes over time

The ongoing debate surrounding cholesterol, LDL, statins, and brain health

Why hope, early action, and individualized medical care matter

A key takeaway: Brain health is multifactorial. Genetics are only one part of the picture, and everyday habits—including sleep, physical activity, nutrition, and social connection—are important areas to discuss with your healthcare professional.

About Dr. Josh Helman

Dr. Josh Helman is a physician board-certified in emergency medicine and lifestyle medicine who focuses on cognitive health and Alzheimer’s disease. His work combines detailed assessment with individualized treatment strategies.

Learn more:

Website: https://drjosh.com

Programs and supplement information: https://drjosh.com/program

Social media: Green Brains MD

If you found this conversation valuable, please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments. What would you like us to explore in a future episode?

What if aging didn't have to mean an inevitable decline in energy, strength, cognition, and performance?

In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Gladden, an interventional cardiologist who transitioned into functional, integrative, and longevity medicine after experiencing his own health challenges.

After approximately 25 years practicing interventional cardiology, Dr. Gladden began experiencing persistent fatigue, weight gain, loss of strength, brain fog, anxiety, and depression. When his initial medical evaluation suggested that his results were normal for his age, he decided to investigate further.

That personal journey changed his approach to medicine and led him to explore a more individualized model of health—one that considers multiple biological systems, personal risk factors, physical performance, psychological well-being, and the environments that shape our habits.

Together, Sanjay and Dr. Gladden discuss why treating disease is different from optimizing health, why one test cannot tell the whole story, and how emerging technologies could transform the future of personalized longevity care.

In this episode, you'll learn about:

• Dr. Gladden's transition from interventional cardiology to longevity medicine
• His personal health journey and the search for answers beyond “normal for your age”
• Why personalized medicine looks beyond population averages
• The role of genetic differences and individual responses in health decisions
• The relationship between stress, trauma, mental health, and physical health
• The five areas Dr. Gladden uses to organize his approach to longevity
• Why physical fitness involves the nervous system, coordination, and balance—not just muscle
• Resilience, robustness, and the idea of becoming stronger after challenges
• Hormesis: the concept of beneficial adaptation to certain forms of stress
• Why biological aging is more complex than a single number
• How AI, quantum computing, and digital twins might support personalized health optimization
• The emerging role of technology in understanding individual biology
• Why purpose, relationships, and psychological well-being belong in the longevity conversation

The five areas of Dr. Gladden's longevity framework

During the conversation, Dr. Gladden describes five interconnected areas:

• Life energy: Psychological and spiritual well-being.
• Longevity: The biological processes associated with aging.
• Health: Understanding and addressing health issues.
• Performance: Strength, speed, agility, balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular capacity.
• Environments: Designing surroundings and routines that make healthy behaviors easier to maintain.

The broader goal is to understand the individual more completely instead of relying on a single metric or a one-size-fits-all approach.

About Dr. Jeffrey Gladden

Dr. Jeffrey Gladden is a physician focused on longevity and personalized health. His work explores biological aging, health optimization, physical performance, and the relationship between psychological well-being and biology.

He is the author of 100 Is the New 30 and host of the Gladden Longevity Podcast.

Website: https://gladdenlongevity.com/

Book: 100 Is the New 30

Podcast: Gladden Longevity Podcast

Join the conversation

What do you think matters most for healthy aging: physical fitness, personalized testing, mental and emotional well-being, or the environment in which we live? Share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe to The Curious Cardiologist for more conversations about health, longevity, and the future of medicine.

What happens when the healthcare system isn't designed for the kind of health problems we're facing today?

In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with Dr. Efrat LaMandre, a nurse practitioner with a PhD and a voice in the conversation around healthcare disruption, functional medicine, patient advocacy, and medical gaslighting.

Together, they explore the tension between conventional medicine and emerging approaches to chronic disease—and why the goal shouldn't necessarily be to reject conventional medicine, but to understand where different approaches may be useful.

They discuss what medical gaslighting can look like, why patients sometimes stop questioning their healthcare providers, and how patients can become more informed advocates for themselves and their families.

Dr. Efrat also shares personal and professional experiences that shaped the way she thinks about diagnosis, chronic illness, nutrition, and the doctor-patient relationship, while Dr. Sanjay reflects on a patient experience that fundamentally changed how he approached symptoms in women.

The conversation also moves beyond the exam room into the economics of healthcare, including insurance, prior authorization, and the financial pressures that can influence how care is delivered.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How medical training has shaped modern healthcare
• Where conventional medicine works—and where patients may experience gaps
• Acute care vs. chronic disease management
• What medical gaslighting can look like in practice
• Why patients sometimes struggle to advocate for themselves
• The importance of asking questions and seeking second opinions
• The difference between information and wisdom
• Why clinicians need to keep learning and evolving
• Dr. Efrat's personal experiences with diagnosis and nutrition
• The patient stories that changed how both doctors practice
• How healthcare hierarchy can affect patient behavior
• Why trusting your instincts can matter when something doesn't feel right
• How insurance and financial incentives can influence patient care
• The importance of finding a healthcare professional you trust

About Dr. Efrat LaMandre

Dr. Efrat LaMandre is a nurse practitioner with a PhD who works at the intersection of healthcare, education, patient advocacy, and medical disruption. She is also the author of It's Not In Your Head, which she discusses during the episode.

Learn more about Dr. Efrat LaMandre:
https://www.drefratlamandre.com/

In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with professional chef and Pluck founder James Barry to explore the relationship between food, nutrition, and health.

James shares how his journey from professional chef to nutrition entrepreneur began with a personal health experience and a growing curiosity about how food affects the body.

The conversation explores what “real food” actually means, whether modern food is as nutrient-dense as it once was, the limitations of labels such as “organic” and “free range,” seasonal eating, food storage and preparation, and why cooking methods can matter.

They also dive deep into organ meats, including why they disappeared from the modern American diet, their historical role in traditional diets, and why James believes they can be an accessible source of nutrients.

James explains how he created Pluck, a seasoning made with powdered organ meats, designed to make incorporating organ meats into everyday meals easier.

The episode also covers parenting, picky eaters, nutrient density, food cravings, consistency, and the four foundational lifestyle pillars James believes people can't escape: real food, movement, stress management, and sleep.

Timestamps

• 06:30 — Why “Real Food” Beats Diet Trends
• 08:20 — What Does “Organic” Really Mean?
• 18:18 — Does Stress Change How We Digest Food?
• 25:28 — How to Cook Vegetables Without Overcooking Them
• 32:55 — Why Beef Liver Is So Nutrient Dense
• 35:36 — Why Did We Stop Eating Organ Meats?
• 42:16 — How to Start Eating Organ Meats
• 46:12 — Nutrient Density, Satiety & Food Cravings
• 48:39 — The 4 Lifestyle Pillars You Can't Escape
• 49:46 — What Is Pluck?

Connect with James Barry:
🌐 Eat Pluck: eatpluck.com
📱 Social: @ChefJamesBarry

High blood pressure is one of the most common cardiovascular problems in the world—but what if the number on the blood pressure cuff is only part of the story?

In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with Mark Young, a functional medicine practitioner, entrepreneur, and CEO of Zona Health, to explore a different way of thinking about cardiovascular wellness.

Mark shares his journey from academia and health marketing into functional medicine and explains why he became interested in the relationship between endothelial function, circulation, nitric oxide, and blood pressure.

The conversation dives into the concept of isometric exercise—static muscle contractions such as planks, wall sits, and grip exercises—and how Zona Health has developed a guided hand-grip device around this type of exercise.

Dr. Sanjay and Mark also discuss the importance of lifestyle interventions, patient ownership, cardiovascular conditioning, medication conversations, and the challenge of separating evidence-based health information from online wellness noise.

The episode ultimately asks listeners to remain curious, question assumptions, and understand cardiovascular health as a system rather than simply a number on a blood pressure monitor.

The conversation explores:

• Why blood pressure may be viewed as part of a larger cardiovascular picture
• What the endothelium is and why it matters
• The relationship between vascular function and blood pressure
• How nitric oxide contributes to vasodilation
• What isometric exercise actually does
• How grip-based isometric training works
• Why Zona Health developed a guided isometric device
• Cardiovascular conditioning and lifestyle interventions
• The importance of patient education and health ownership
• How to evaluate health information online
• Why Mark believes people need to remain curious rather than blindly accepting health claims

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 — Meet Mark Young: Functional Medicine & Cardiovascular Health

07:37 — Taking Ownership of Your Health

14:30 — The Problem With Treating High Blood Pressure as Just a Number

19:00 — “Question Everything”: Rethinking the Standard of Care

25:09 — What Is the Endothelium?

29:50 — What Is Isometric Exercise?

32:41 — How the Zona Hand-Grip Device Works

40:54 — Sanjay Tests the Zona Device Live

43:02 — What Does the Research Say About Zona?

53:10 — Why a 12-Minute Lifestyle Change Can Feel So Difficult

Connect with Mark Young:
🌐 Website: https://themarkyoung.com/
📸 Instagram: @themarkyoung
💼 LinkedIn: Mark Young

Learn more about Zona Health:
🌐 zona.com
📸 @zonahealth

What if hormone health is about far more than fertility and menopause symptoms?

In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with double-boarded OB-GYN and integrative medicine physician Dr. Jennifer Roelands to explore the connection between hormones, metabolism, fertility, cardiovascular health and longevity.

Dr. Jen shares her own experience discovering PCOS and thyroid disease after struggling to conceive her second child—and how being told she couldn't have PCOS because she was “skinny” ultimately changed the direction of her medical career.

The conversation explores why PCOS should be viewed as more than a gynecological condition, why menstrual cycles can provide important clues about overall health, and how insulin resistance, inflammation and thyroid health fit into the picture.

They then dive into perimenopause and menopause, including estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, and discuss hormone replacement therapy, healthspan, bone health, muscle, cardiovascular health and brain health.

The conversation also covers testosterone and men's health, environmental endocrine disruptors, fertility, lifestyle, nutrition and why earlier intervention may matter when it comes to chronic disease prevention.

In this episode, they explore:

• Why PCOS is more than a gynecological condition
• The connection between PCOS and metabolic health
• Why menstrual cycles may provide important health information
• Insulin resistance and inflammation
• Fertility and mitochondrial health
• Why women's health can be missed in conventional medicine
• What happens during perimenopause
• Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone
• Symptoms associated with hormonal changes
• Hormone replacement therapy and healthspan
• Early menopause and long-term health considerations
• Testosterone and men's health
• TRT, fertility and endogenous testosterone production
• Lifestyle factors that influence testosterone
• Endocrine-disrupting chemicals
• Consumer products and environmental exposures
• Why prevention should begin earlier in life

Dr. Jen also shares practical ways patients can become more informed about environmental exposures, including resources such as the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database.

Where to find Dr. Jen:
Pivot Book: https://drjenniferroelands.com/pivotbook/
Drs Guide: https://drjenniferroelands.com/guide/
YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@drjenniferroelandsmd
Website: https://drjenniferroelands.com/

Timestamps

00:00 — Introduction: Hormones and the Missing Piece of Women's Health

02:20 — Why Dr. Jen Left Conventional Medicine

02:48 — Her Personal PCOS and Fertility Story

04:08 — Discovering PCOS and Thyroid Disease

05:08 — “My Labs Look Normal, But I Don't Feel Normal”

06:30 — Treating PCOS Beyond Medication

08:26 — Why PCOS Is a Metabolic Problem

09:52 — Should Your Period Be a Vital Sign?

10:54 — Fertility, Mitochondria and Long-Term Health

12:47 — What Conventional Medicine Gets Wrong About Lifestyle

16:07 — Why PCOS Research Is Still Limited

16:39 — The Underfunding of Women's Health Research

17:35 — Birth Control vs. Hormone Replacement

18:29 — PCOS Meets Perimenopause

20:07 — Why Prevention Should Start Earlier

21:17 — Risk Stratifying Women for Long-Term Health

22:38 — Genetics, Epigenetics and PCOS

23:53 — Pregnancy as a Window Into Future Health

25:10 — Why OB-GYNs Often Become Primary Care

26:45 — What Does Longevity Medicine Really Mean?

27:36 — Menopause as Healthspan Therapy

28:17 — When Does Perimenopause Actually Start?

29:35 — The Symptoms of Perimenopause

31:10 — Palpitations, Progesterone and Hormonal Changes

32:25 — Estrogen, Memory, Skin, Bladder and More

33:14 — Why Testosterone Is the Undervalued Hormone

34:21 — Early Menopause and Cardiovascular Risk

35:26 — The Legacy of the Women's Health Initiative

36:29 — When Should Women Consider HRT?

37:33 — Why Timing May Matter

39:25 — Andropause and Testosterone in Men

40:29 — Insulin, SHBG and Testosterone

42:12 — Who Actually Needs Testosterone Therapy?

44:18 — Why HRT and TRT Can't Replace Lifestyle

45:30 — Testosterone, Fertility and Endogenous Production

46:44 — The Amazon Analogy for Free Testosterone

47:11 — Testosterone and Cardiovascular Health

48:41 — Testosterone Therapy in Younger Men

50:03 — Medical Optimization vs. Bodybuilding

50:32 — Testosterone Risks and Side Effects

51:30 — Endocrine Disruptors Are Everywhere

52:30 — Reducing Everyday Toxin Exposure

53:54 — Why “Natural” Doesn't Always Mean Safe

55:06 — Teaching the Next Generation to Be Savvy Consumers

55:59 — Menstrual Products and Environmental Exposures

56:53 — Endocrine Disruptors and Pregnancy

58:28 — Finding Hope in Prevention

59:34 — “Eat More Plants, Not What's Made in a Plant”

59:49 — Rapid Fire: Dr. Jen's Favorite Things

What if the heart could do more than pump blood?

In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with entrepreneur, author and heart-centered leadership expert Mindie Kniss to explore the fascinating intersection of heart intelligence, heart coherence, intuition, spirituality, leadership and personal transformation.

Mindie shares the remarkable story behind her work—from leaving a successful pharmaceutical career and moving into entrepreneurship, to experiencing bankruptcy, foreclosure and $100,000 of credit-card debt, and ultimately rebuilding her life and business. She also opens up about the devastating loss of her husband and how the practices she had spent years teaching helped her navigate grief and find a path forward.

The conversation explores why we often live from the “head” instead of the heart, how stress can affect our ability to communicate clearly within ourselves, why gratitude may be more powerful when it is physically felt rather than simply thought, and how heart coherence can influence the people around us.

They also discuss authentic leadership, radical ownership, intuition, purpose, Ikigai, and the importance of trusting yourself when life doesn't go according to plan.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• What “heart intelligence” means
• Why the heart isn't simply a pump
• The relationship between the heart and brain
• What heart coherence is
• How stress can affect internal communication
• Why intuition may be more than pattern recognition
• How gratitude can become a physiological experience
• The difference between thinking gratitude and actually feeling it
• How presence can help interrupt anxiety and overthinking
• Why authentic leaders create stronger connections
• What radical ownership looks like
• How adversity can become part of your development
• How Ikigai can help clarify purpose
• Why trusting yourself is essential to meaningful leadership

Mindie also discusses her books Heart of Consciousness and The Collective Heart, her Heart Path work, and her upcoming Heart Path book scheduled for publication through Hay House in March 2027.

Timestamps

00:00 — Introduction: What Does It Mean to Lead With Your Heart?

00:58 — Meet Mindie Kniss

03:16 — From Traditional Career to Entrepreneurship

05:27 — The Golden Handcuffs of Corporate Success

06:55 — The “Slow Suicide to My Soul”

07:24 — A Life-Changing Fellowship in Kenya

10:53 — When the Universe Opened a Door

13:02 — The Entrepreneurial Crash

14:45 — $100,000 in Debt, Foreclosure and Rock Bottom

16:10 — Meeting Her Future Husband

18:08 — Rebuilding Her Business and Money Mindset

19:40 — The Tragedy That Changed Everything

20:05 — Grief, the Heart and Finding a Path Forward

21:50 — What Is Neurocardiology?

23:33 — Sedona, Nature and the Birth of Heart Path

25:57 — Why Personal Experience Makes a Better Coach

26:43 — Finding the Lesson in Your Worst Experiences

29:59 — The Science Behind Heart Intelligence

31:53 — The Heart-Brain Connection and Coherence

34:01 — Can One Person's Coherence Affect Another?

36:22 — Heart Coherence in Real Life

37:34 — How Calm People Change a Room

40:24 — The First Heart Key: Gratitude

42:14 — Why Thinking Gratitude Isn't Enough

44:04 — The Story of the Gifted Duck

45:59 — Emotional Resilience as a Muscle

49:41 — Moving Beyond the “Woo-Woo”

50:11 — Anxiety, Depression and Getting Out of Your Head

51:09 — The Fascinating Question of Heart Cancer

52:48 — Trust, Authenticity and Leadership

55:54 — Radical Ownership

57:10 — Why the Present Moment Matters

59:05 — The Only Way Through Is Through

1:00:18 — What Is Ikigai?

1:01:12 — Purpose, Dharma and Trust

1:01:44 — Mindie's Upcoming Hay House Book

1:02:12 — Rapid Fire: Favorite Place, Food and Curiosity

1:04:04 — Mindie's Books and Where to Find Her

1:05:21 — Final Thoughts: The Heart Is More Than a Muscle

Is fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, declining muscle, and loss of motivation simply part of getting older—or are your hormones trying to tell you something?

In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with functional medicine expert Joya Van Der Laan to discuss the science of testosterone, estrogen, menopause, metabolic health, and longevity.

They explore why hormone levels are changing across modern populations, the difference between "normal" and "optimal" lab values, and why muscle may be one of the strongest predictors of healthy aging. The conversation also covers bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, sleep, nutrition, strength training, cardiovascular health, and how functional medicine approaches root causes rather than simply treating symptoms.

Whether you're navigating menopause, low testosterone, or simply looking to improve your health-span, this episode provides practical, evidence-informed insights to help you feel stronger, think clearer, and age with greater vitality.

In this episode you'll learn:

• Why testosterone levels have declined over recent decades
• The difference between "normal" and "optimal" hormone levels
• Menopause, perimenopause, and andropause
• Strength training as the #1 longevity strategy
• Hormones and cardiovascular health
• Functional medicine vs conventional medicine
• Sleep apnea, snoring, and hormone health
• Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)
• Pellets vs creams vs injections
• Practical lifestyle strategies to optimize hormones naturally

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction

01:45 Joya's Journey into Functional Medicine

04:15 Why Root-Cause Medicine Matters

05:30 Understanding Low Testosterone

08:00 Symptoms Most Men Ignore

10:30 Natural Ways to Support Testosterone

15:00 Free vs Total Testosterone

17:00 Exercise, Muscle & Longevity

22:00 "Normal" vs "Optimal" Hormone Levels

24:00 Testosterone & Metabolic Health

26:30 Sleep, Snoring & Hormones

30:00 Testosterone Therapy Options

33:00 Pellets vs Creams vs Injections

35:30 Women's Hormones & Menopause

39:00 Hormone Testing & Functional Medicine Labs

43:00 Hormones After Cancer: What Does the Evidence Say?

49:00 The Future of Functional Medicine

53:00 Final Takeaways

South Asians develop heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction at dramatically higher rates than almost any other population—but why?

In this episode, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj is joined by functional medicine practitioner Shefaly Ravula to unpack the unique biology behind South Asian metabolic health. Together they explore the "thrifty gene" hypothesis, insulin resistance, muscle loss, continuous glucose monitoring (CGMs), gut health, personalized nutrition, cholesterol testing, and why traditional risk factors often miss the bigger picture.

They also discuss practical strategies for improving metabolic health, including building muscle, optimizing protein intake, improving blood sugar regulation, interpreting advanced lipid testing, and adapting traditional Indian foods without abandoning cultural identity.

Whether you're South Asian or simply interested in longevity, prevention, and precision medicine, this conversation offers actionable insights into one of today's biggest health challenges.

Together they discuss:

• Why South Asians have unique metabolic risks
• The truth about insulin resistance
• Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)
• Muscle, longevity, and blood sugar
• Advanced cholesterol testing
• Functional medicine vs conventional medicine
• Gut health and inflammation
• Traditional Indian diets
• Protein myths
• Precision nutrition

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction

01:00 Meet Shefaly Ravula

02:15 From Gastroenterology to Functional Medicine

05:30 Why Lifestyle Medicine Comes First

07:00 Precision Medicine vs Traditional Medicine

08:20 Why South Asians Develop Heart Disease Earlier

10:30 The Thrifty Gene Hypothesis

13:00 Why "Skinny" Doesn't Mean Healthy

15:15 The Muscle Deficit in South Asians

17:00 Continuous Glucose Monitors Explained

21:00 Why HbA1c Isn't Enough

23:30 Should Healthy People Wear CGMs?

26:30 The Functional Medicine Lab Panel

31:00 The Indian Diet Problem

38:00 Protein, Muscle & Longevity

41:00 White Rice vs Brown Rice

45:00 Cooking Oils: Seed Oils, Ghee & Olive Oil

50:00 Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science

Millions of people struggle with fatigue, weight gain, thyroid issues, insulin resistance, menopause symptoms, and hormone imbalance—but are we treating the symptoms instead of the root cause?

In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with functional endocrinologist Dr. Saadia Mian to explore why conventional medicine often overlooks the deeper causes of hormone dysfunction and metabolic disease.

Together they discuss:

• Why insulin resistance starts years before diabetes
• The connection between gut health and hormones
• Hashimoto's disease and thyroid dysfunction
• PCOS and metabolic health
• Menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
• GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy
• Stress, cortisol and the hidden drivers of chronic illness
• Functional medicine versus conventional medicine
• Practical lifestyle changes that can dramatically improve hormone health

Whether you're struggling with fatigue, stubborn weight gain, thyroid disease, menopause symptoms, or simply want to optimize your long-term health, this conversation provides a science-backed roadmap to understanding your body.

Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction
01:15 Why Both Doctors Left Conventional Medicine
04:10 Dr. Saadia's Functional Medicine Journey
05:15 What Is Functional Endocrinology?
07:00 Hashimoto's & Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
09:00 Treating Root Causes Instead of Symptoms
10:45 Insulin Resistance & PCOS
13:15 Gut Health and Hormones
15:10 Functional Hormone Testing
18:25 Menopause & Hormone Replacement Therapy
22:45 Why Endocrinologists Aren't Trained in HRT
25:20 Hormone Therapy Safety
26:00 GLP-1 Medications Explained
30:00 Should Everyone Take Ozempic?
33:00 Trauma, Stress & Weight Gain
37:00 Functional Medicine vs Conventional Medicine
40:15 The Earliest Signs of Insulin Resistance
42:30 Three Lifestyle Changes That Improve Hormones
47:45 Artificial Sweeteners vs Sugar
51:00 Finding a Functional Endocrinologist
53:00 Why Insulin Resistance Is the Root Cause
54:30 Early Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore
57:30 Rapid Fire Questions

Women account for nearly one in three cardiovascular deaths, yet many of the biggest risk factors are still overlooked. In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with functional medicine expert Cynthia Thurlow to discuss why women's cardiovascular health deserves a completely different approach.

Together they explore the relationship between menopause, metabolic health, hormone replacement therapy, intermittent fasting, advanced cholesterol testing, GLP-1 medications, and personalized medicine. They discuss why traditional lipid panels often fail to identify cardiovascular risk, how pregnancy can reveal future metabolic disease, and why markers like ApoB and Lp(a) are transforming preventive cardiology.

You'll also learn how fasting differs between men and women, why muscle preservation becomes increasingly important during menopause, and how physicians can move beyond one-size-fits-all medicine toward truly individualized care.

Whether you're interested in heart health, hormones, longevity, metabolic health, or evidence-based functional medicine, this conversation offers practical insights grounded in both clinical experience and emerging research.

Topics include:

• Why heart disease remains the #1 killer of women

• Menopause and cardiovascular disease

• Hormone replacement therapy (HRT)

• ApoB vs LDL

• Lipoprotein(a) Lp(a)

• Advanced lipid testing

• GLP-1 medications beyond weight loss

• Intermittent fasting for women

• Muscle preservation during menopause

• Personalized preventive cardiology

If you're interested in functional medicine, longevity, metabolic health, women's hormones, or preventive cardiology, this conversation is packed with practical insights.

Can music become medicine? In this fascinating episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj speaks with Grammy-winning producer and author Barry Goldstein about the emerging science of Acousticeuticals™—the intentional use of music to influence brain function, heart health, stress physiology, sleep, and emotional wellbeing.

Barry explains how music affects the autonomic nervous system, heart rate variability, inflammation, cognition, and even our internal chemistry through dopamine, oxytocin, and cortisol. Together they explore ancient practices like chanting OM through the lens of modern neuroscience, discuss research on Alzheimer's disease and PTSD, and explain why certain tempos can literally entrain the heart and brain into healthier rhythms.

The episode concludes with practical strategies anyone can use—including Barry's "Musical Nutrition" framework—to intentionally use music throughout the day for better health.

Chapters / Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction: Can Music Become Medicine?

02:30 What are Acoustaceuticals?

05:20 Ancient Healing Meets Modern Science

09:00 The Neuroscience of Chanting OM

14:00 Alzheimer's Research & Memory Improvement

18:00 Drumming, PTSD & Inflammation

21:30 Heart Coherence Explained

26:00 Music, HRV & The Vagus Nerve

30:30 Why Noise Can Harm the Body

36:30 Ultrasound, Medicine & Future Therapies

41:00 Music's Effect on Hormones & Inflammation

45:00 How to Build a Daily Music Practice

51:00 Musical Nutrition: Morning, Midday & Evening

58:00 The Future of Acoustaceuticals

1:02:00 Rapid Fire Questions

1:07:00 Final Thoughts & Resources

Hair loss is often dismissed as a cosmetic issue—but what if it's actually one of your body's earliest warning signs?

In this episode of the Curious Cardiologist Podcast, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with Johanna Dahlman, founder of Alopecia Angel, to uncover the root causes of alopecia and why conventional medicine often falls short.

After developing autoimmune alopecia in her early 30s, Johanna spent four years researching nutrition, functional medicine, lifestyle interventions, and autoimmune health before naturally restoring her hair. Today, she has helped thousands of people in more than 68 countries navigate hair loss by addressing the underlying drivers—not just the symptoms.

Together, they discuss autoimmune disease, gut health, stress, genetics, medications, supplements, hormones, pregnancy, longevity, and why hair loss is often a sign that something deeper is happening inside the body.

Whether you're experiencing hair loss yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply interested in preventative health, this conversation offers practical insights and a hopeful perspective.

Topics discussed:

✔ What alopecia really is
✔ Autoimmune hair loss
✔ Functional medicine
✔ Gut health and the microbiome
✔ Stress and chronic inflammation
✔ Hormones and women's health
✔ DNA testing and personalized medicine
✔ Hair loss medications
✔ Supplements that may actually worsen hair loss
✔ Why "aging" isn't the whole story
✔ Hair regrowth through lifestyle changes

Johanna also shares her personal journey of overcoming autoimmune alopecia naturally after being told there was no cure, and explains how that experience led her to help thousands of people worldwide.

If you've ever wondered why you're losing your hair—or what your body might be trying to tell you—this episode is for you.

👍 Like, subscribe, and share if you found this conversation helpful.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction
01:20 Meet Johanna Dahlman
02:00 What Is Alopecia?
04:45 Johanna's Personal Hair Loss Story
08:00 Why Conventional Medicine Misses the Root Cause
10:30 The Functional Medicine Approach to Hair Loss
13:00 Healthcare Around the World
16:00 Is It Ever Too Early to Prevent Hair Loss?
18:30 DNA Testing & Personalized Medicine
20:00 Hidden Causes of Hair Loss
22:00 Breast Implants, Botox & Autoimmunity
24:30 Is Hair Loss Just Aging?
26:30 Can Exercise Improve Hair Growth?
28:00 Stress, Cortisol & Hair Loss
31:00 Diet, Nutrition & Protein
34:00 Medications That Cause Hair Loss
36:00 Supplements That May Be Making Things Worse
39:00 Gut Health & Autoimmune Disease
42:00 How Long Does Hair Regrowth Take?
45:00 Why There Isn't One Cure for Alopecia
47:30 Johanna's New Nonprofit Mission
50:00 Final Advice for Anyone Losing Their Hair
52:00 Rapid Fire Questions

What if the reason you feel tired, foggy, inflamed, or depleted isn’t stress, aging, or hormones… but something much more foundational?

In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist Podcast, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with Carol Allen, CEO and co-founder of Beam Minerals, to explore one of the most overlooked topics in modern health: minerals.

Together, they unpack why mineral deficiencies may be contributing to fatigue, poor sleep, muscle cramps, hormone imbalance, brain fog, gut issues, stress resilience, and even mitochondrial dysfunction.

They also dive into the science of humic and fulvic minerals, why delivery matters more than simply taking supplements, and whether modern food systems are leaving us fundamentally depleted.

Topics covered include:

In this episode:

• Why minerals are foundational to human health
• The connection between electrolytes, heart health, and energy
• Brain fog, fatigue, hormones, sleep & mineral depletion
• Why modern soil and food may be less nutrient dense
• The hidden problem with conventional electrolyte drinks
• Humic vs. fulvic minerals explained simply
• How minerals impact mitochondria and cellular energy
• Detoxification, glyphosate, heavy metals & environmental exposures
• Why some supplements don’t actually get into your cells
• What mineral testing can (and can’t) tell you

Key Takeaway:

You can’t build health on depleted foundations. Minerals may be one of the most overlooked pieces of the wellness puzzle.

Chapters / Timestamps

00:00 – Introduction: Why minerals matter
02:45 – Fatigue, brain fog & hidden deficiencies
08:30 – Why food may no longer be enough
14:00 – Soil depletion & modern agriculture
24:30 – What are humic & fulvic minerals?
35:00 – How minerals actually get into cells
42:00 – The truth about electrolyte drinks
48:30 – Mineral testing: blood vs hair vs tissue
55:00 – The future of mineral replenishment
1:00:00 – Rapid fire questions

In this episode, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj explores the decline of genuine doctor-patient connection, systemic issues in healthcare, and how a systems biology approach can transform medical practice. He shares personal experiences and insights on restoring empathy, curiosity, and holistic care in medicine.

Interested in joining my U360 Membeship? Go to doctorsanjay.com to sign up!

"When did doctors stop being doctors?"
"Connection is more important than ever"
"Inflammation drives most chronic diseases"

Chapters

00:00 Welcome to Season Two
00:58 The Shift from Provider to Consumer
02:53 The Disconnection in Doctor-Patient Relationships
09:03 The Challenges of Modern Medicine
12:00 The Fragmentation of Care
17:48 The Importance of Lifestyle in Health
20:51 The Role of Curiosity and Listening in Medicine
27:00 The Future of Medicine: Connecting with Patients

In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with Dr. Shivani Gupta, PhD in Ayurvedic medicine, founder of Fusionary Formulas, and author of The Inflammation Code.

Together, they explore why Ayurveda — a 5,000-year-old system of medicine — may be more relevant than ever in a modern world defined by chronic inflammation, burnout, disrupted circadian rhythms, and one-size-fits-all wellness trends.

This conversation bridges ancient wisdom and modern science, reframing inflammation, gut health, sleep, fasting, and metabolic health through the lens of personalized, lifestyle-based medicine.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re “doing all the right things” but still feel off — this episode is for you.

👇 Watch until the end for practical, simple ways to apply Ayurveda to your daily life.

⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps

00:01 – Welcome & introduction to Dr. Shivani Gupta
01:44 – What Ayurveda really is (and why it aligns with functional medicine)
02:57 – Doshas as the original personalized medicine
04:14 – Elemental Design: air, fire, earth explained
06:15 – Vata (air): anxiety, gut issues, grounding strategies
08:53 – Pitta (fire): inflammation, burnout, cooling the system
10:21 – Kapha (earth): metabolism, weight, mood, movement
12:36 – How seasons & life events shift your constitution
15:06 – Ayurveda vs genomics: two paths to personalization
18:20 – Why intermittent fasting & trends don’t work for everyone
22:44 – Why Ayurveda matters more than ever today
26:14 – Micro-rituals to reset the nervous system
29:17 – Tongue scraping, oil pulling, dry brushing, self-massage
35:34 – Food timing & the Ayurvedic circadian diet
37:41 – Super spices & the science of turmeric
50:46 – Supplement quality & why formulation matters
54:33 – Dr. Gupta’s Top 5 Ayurveda “Start Here” moves
59:01 – Rapid-fire questions (nachos, Italy, race cars)
01:01:54 – Where to find Dr. Gupta + listener discount
01:02:38 – Final thoughts & outro

🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why Ayurveda is the original root-cause & lifestyle medicine
• The three Ayurvedic constitutions (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) explained simply
• How circadian rhythm affects inflammation, digestion, and sleep
• Why some people feel worse with fasting, cold exposure, or extreme wellness trends
• Simple Ayurvedic rituals that support gut health, lymphatic flow, and nervous system regulation
• The real science behind turmeric and Ayurvedic “super spices”
• Why healing starts when you stop fighting your nature

Practical Takeaways

Dr. Gupta shares her Top 5 Ayurveda Moves anyone can start today:

• Learn your Elemental Design (Ayurvedic constitution)
• Use a copper tongue scraper daily
• Align your day with circadian rhythm & sunlight
• Protect sleep — especially the 10pm–2am window
• Use turmeric strategically to lower inflammation (with lifestyle support)

🔗 Guest Links & Resources

• Dr. Shivani Gupta – Website & Elemental Design Quiz
👉 https://shivanigupta.com
• Instagram
👉 https://www.instagram.com/doctor.shivanigupta
• Book: The Inflammation Code
👉 https://theinflammationcode.com
(Also available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble)
• Supplements: Fusionary Formulas
👉 https://fusionaryformulas.com

🎟 Listener Discount Code: CURIOUS15
👉 15% off at checkout (mentioned in the episode)

👍 Support the Show

If you found this episode helpful:

• Like the video
• Subscribe to The Curious Cardiologist
• Comment with topics or guests you’d like to see next

In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with Sandra Scheinbaum, PhD, founder and CEO of the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy (FMCA), to explore why health coaching may be the most underutilized—and most powerful—tool in modern healthcare.

Together, they unpack the growing gap between what doctors say and what patients actually do, why behavior change is so difficult even when people know what’s “right,” and how trained health coaches dramatically improve outcomes for chronic disease, mental health, and lifestyle-related conditions.

Dr. Scheinbaum shares her journey from psychology and mind‑body medicine to founding FMCA, explains the science behind health coaching, and outlines how coaches integrate seamlessly into medical teams without replacing physicians. The conversation also tackles physician burnout, patient non‑adherence, Medicare reimbursement, and the future of collaborative care.

This episode is essential listening for clinicians, health system leaders, coaches, and anyone interested in sustainable health transformation.

Key Topics Covered

• Why the U.S. healthcare system struggles with outcomes despite record spending
• The communication gap between doctors and patients
• What health coaches actually do (and what they don’t)
• Why doctors are not trained to create behavior change
• The psychology of motivation, self‑efficacy, and lifestyle change
• Evidence and randomized trials supporting health coaching
• Health coaching for cardiometabolic disease, autoimmunity, mental health, and GLP‑1 users
• How health coaches reduce physician burnout
• Group coaching, community medicine, and peer support models
• Scope, certification, and avoiding “bad actors” in coaching
• Medicare reimbursement and collaborative care models
• Becoming a health coach: training, certification, and career paths

Episode Show Notes

Guest: Sandra Scheinbaum, PhD
Founder & CEO, Functional Medicine Coaching Academy
Certified through the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM)

What You’ll Learn

• Why knowledge alone doesn’t change behavior
• How health coaches increase adherence, outcomes, and patient satisfaction
• Why patients are often more honest with coaches than doctors
• The role of self‑efficacy in healing and long‑term health
• How lifestyle interventions can improve anxiety, depression, and quality of life
• Why community and accountability matter more than willpower

Memorable Quotes

• “Doctors diagnose. Coaches help people change when change is hard.”
• “Genes are not destiny—daily habits matter more than people realize.”
• “Health coaching doesn’t replace medicine; it completes it.”

Resources Mentioned

• Functional Medicine Coaching Academy: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org
• National Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC)

In this episode, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj speaks with Dr. Jennifer Pfleghaar about her transition from emergency medicine to integrative medicine, focusing on the importance of lifestyle changes, the challenges of conventional medicine, and the need for personalized care, especially in women's health during perimenopause. They discuss the impact of pharmaceuticals, the role of hormones, and the significance of education in health. Dr. Jen also shares insights from her book, 'The Perimenopause Reset,' which aims to help women navigate this critical phase of life.

Takeaways

Dr. Jen transitioned to integrative medicine after seeing chronic disease in the ER.
Conventional medicine often fails to address root causes of health issues.
90% of ER visits are related to chronic diseases.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis can be reversed with lifestyle changes.
Preventive care is lacking in the current healthcare system.
Hormonal imbalances can significantly affect women's health.
Bioidentical hormones are safer than synthetic alternatives.
Education is crucial for patients to understand their health.
Environmental factors can impact hormonal health.
The Perimenopause Reset book provides a holistic approach to women's health.

Chapters

00:00 Transitioning to Integrative Medicine
03:02 The Role of Nutrition in Emergency Medicine
06:11 Chronic Diseases and Conventional Medicine
08:46 The Disconnect in Patient Care
12:04 The Importance of Prevention
15:00 The Impact of Pharmaceuticals on Health
17:58 Motivational Interviewing in Patient Care
21:13 The Challenges of Hormone Replacement Therapy
23:57 Bioidentical Hormones vs. Synthetic Hormones
33:53 Understanding Hormonal Changes in Women
34:51 The Importance of Hormone Replacement Therapy
37:23 Navigating Hormone Testing and Medical Advice
38:03 The Risks of Self-Medication with Hormones
40:14 The Dangers of Hormone Pellets
43:32 The Need for Proper Medical Oversight
45:34 The Role of Continuous Learning in Medicine
51:01 The Holistic Approach to Perimenopause
54:11 The Impact of Environmental Factors on Hormones
56:41 Finding the Right Practitioner for Hormonal Health