In this episode, we have the pleasure to sit down with special guest Dr. Felice Gersh for an insightful discussion on the intimate connections between fertility hormones, the autonomic nervous system, and optimal health. Dr. Gersh shares her pioneering perspective on how estradiol and the balance of hormones influence everything from energy production to fertility, pregnancy, and beyond. Together, we explore how these interconnected systems shape a woman's experience through every stage of life,...
Aug 20, 2025•1 hr 29 min•Season 4Ep. 59
In this episode of, we take a thoughtful look at mast cell activation syndrome and why it can be such a persistent challenge for so many people. We unpack what mast cells are, how they function in the body, and why they sometimes become hypervigilant, causing everything from allergic reactions and food sensitivities to skin issues and even emotional stress responses. We also explore how the autonomic nervous system, trauma, and gut health all play a big role in shaping these immune responses. We...
Aug 13, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 57
In this enlightening episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, we sit down with Dr. Deanna Minich to take a deep dive into the misunderstood world of melatonin. Known by most as the “sleep hormone,” melatonin is revealed as so much more an essential, multifunctional molecule supporting mitochondrial health, immune balance, and even spiritual well-being. Dr. Minich shares her journey from traditional nutrition to the frontiers of functional medicine, uncovering melatonin’s roles in plants and humans...
Aug 06, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 4Ep. 58
In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, we welcome Cathy Eason, Chief Science Officer at Berkeley Life, for a deep dive into the crucial role of blood flow and nitric oxide in overall health. Cathy shares her journey from bodywork and exercise physiology to functional nutrition, emphasizing how optimal blood flow supports everything from digestion and metabolic health to cardiovascular function. We discuss the science behind nitric oxide production, the impact of dietary nitrates from lea...
Jul 30, 2025•1 hr 12 min•Season 4Ep. 56
On this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, we have the pleasure to welcome Dr. Rollin McCraty from HeartMath to explore the fascinating science of heart coherence, heart rate variability, and the energetic connections that shape our well-being. Dr. McCraty shares his journey from engineering to consciousness studies, highlighting how the rhythms of the heart influence emotional states, intuition, and even the ways we connect to others. The conversation touches on groundbreaking research show...
Jul 23, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Season 4Ep. 55
In this episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast, we take a close look at skin health and explore the connections between the skin, gut, and airway microbiomes. We discuss how common conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis are not just isolated to the skin, but often reflect deeper imbalances occurring inside the body. We share insights into how stress, immune function, and hormonal rhythms play a significant role in affecting your skin’s appearance and overall health. We talk about ways our en...
Jul 16, 2025•58 min•Season 4Ep. 54
In this episode, we have the pleasure to sit down with Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, an interventional cardiologist turned functional medicine advocate, to explore the world of optimal health for high performers. Dr. Bhojraj shares his compelling journey from the front lines of cardiac emergencies to a holistic approach focused on diet, lifestyle, and root-cause healing. The conversation is packed with insights into how small changes, like improving sleep, managing stress, and tuning into the body’s auton...
Jul 09, 2025•1 hr 20 min•Season 4Ep. 53
In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, we dive deep into the fascinating connection between GLP-1 receptor agonist medications (like Ozempic and Wegovy) and the vagus nerve. We break down how our bodies naturally release GLP-1, the key role of protein intake, and why slow, mindful eating matters for satiety. Throughout the conversation, we also explore how these medications can be a helpful tool, while spotlighting the importance of not becoming dependent on them for long-term metabolic ...
Jul 02, 2025•45 min•Season 4Ep. 51
On this episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast, we are joined by Mira Dessy, known as the Ingredient Guru. Mira shares her profound personal health journey, overcoming multiple autoimmune diagnoses by radically changing her approach to food, lifestyle, and self-advocacy. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding not only what we eat, but also what’s hiding in our food—from artificial colors and MSG to ultra-processed ingredients and seed oils. Together, we break down how our mod...
Jun 25, 2025•53 min•Season 4Ep. 52
In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, we are joined by Leah Elson, a dynamic science communicator and researcher. Together, we dive deep into making scientific discovery accessible and relatable, sharing Leah’s journey from chaotic at-home experiments to her current cutting-edge research in neuroimmunology and peripheral nerve repair. We discuss why bringing science to the mainstream is so critical, and how curiosity fuels discovery. In this interview, we also explore the fascinating li...
Jun 18, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Season 4Ep. 50
In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, we sit down with nutrition and genomics expert Amanda Archibald to explore the fascinating intersection of genetics, nutrition, and optimal vagus nerve function. Amanda shares her journey from growing up around European food culture to becoming a leader in nutrigenomics, highlighting how our genes interact with nutrients to influence everything from gut motility to brain health. The conversation dives deep into the science of methylation, the role o...
Jun 11, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 4Ep. 49
In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, we tackle the much-debated role of salt in our health. We explore why salt is often misunderstood and dig into its essential functions in the body, from maintaining hydration and supporting nerve activity to aiding healthy digestion and muscle performance. Drawing on both personal experiences and science-backed insights, we shed light on why some people need to be cautious with salt, while others (like athletes and those who sweat heavily) may benef...
Jun 04, 2025•54 min•Season 4Ep. 48
In this episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast, we talk with Dr. Stephen Hussey, who shares his powerful story of healing from chronic illness and surviving a serious heart attack known as a "widowmaker." Dr. Hussey talks openly about his early health problems, including inflammation and type 1 diabetes, and how these challenges led him to explore alternative treatments when regular medicine didn’t have all the answers. We take a closer look at what really causes heart attacks, question common be...
May 28, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 4Ep. 47
In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, we sit down with Dr. Maya Shetreat for an eye-opening exploration of master plants, psychedelic therapy, and how ancient traditions can inform the future of medicine. Dr. Maya shares her unconventional journey from neurology to integrative and psychedelic medicine, detailing how personal experiences with her own son led her to embrace the intersections of science, spirituality, and ancestral knowledge. We dive deep into the concept of "master plants...
May 21, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 43
In this episode, we explore the fascinating connection between migraines, inflammation, and the vagus nerve. We break down the science behind different types of headaches, highlighting how migraines especially impact women and often relate to hormonal and inflammatory changes in the body. By digging into the root causes of migraines, including common triggers like stress, food sensitivities, and gut health, we explain why addressing underlying inflammation is key to long-term relief. We also div...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Season 4Ep. 46
In this episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast , we talk with Dr. Sarah Ballantyne about her work on Nutrivore, an easy and science-based way of thinking about healthy eating. She shares her own health story, including what she learned losing over 100lbs 3 separate times, why strict diets don’t work for most people, and how focusing on foods full of nutrients is more helpful than just avoiding “bad” foods. We explain what nutrient-dense foods are and give simple tips for improving your diet—no ma...
May 07, 2025•53 min•Season 4Ep. 45
In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, we dive into the world of immune-disrupting chemicals and practical detox strategies with Dr. Aly Cohen, author of Detoxify. We explore the staggering number of everyday toxins we're exposed to, how they impact our immune and endocrine systems, and why understanding their effects is more important than ever. Dr. Cohen shares her journey from traditional rheumatology to integrative medicine, inspired by personal experiences and a drive to address hea...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 42
In this episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Jenny Tufenkian, a renowned naturopath and expert in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), myalgic encephalitis (ME), and long COVID. Jenny openly shares her personal journey through health setbacks, exploring how physical, emotional, and energetic challenges shaped her approach to healing and patient care. Together, we discuss the multifaceted nature of chronic fatigue and unravel its complex root causes. We dive deep into Dr. Tufenk...
Apr 23, 2025•51 min•Season 4Ep. 44
In this eye-opening episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast, we chat with special guest Kiran Krishnan about the amazing world of microbiomes and how they play a big role in our health. Kiran talks about how he got into microbiology because he wanted to discover new things and understand how tiny organisms affect how we feel. His work with spores in probiotics shows how these tiny microbes can help our bodies work better and stay healthy in a natural way. We also talk about how our surroundings, d...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Season 4Ep. 41
In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, we dive into the world of wearable health devices and their potential to revolutionize personal wellness. We explore critical metrics like heart rate variability (HRV) and continuous glucose monitoring, highlighting how these tools help us better understand the autonomic nervous system and metabolic health. We also discuss the importance of tracking sleep quality and blood pressure, and how these insights can paint a more complete picture of our ove...
Apr 09, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 4Ep. 40
In this fascinating episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast, we explore the often-overlooked glymphatic system, revealing its crucial role in maintaining brain health. We break down how this system functions like a personal detox mechanism for the brain, focusing on how it works mainly during the deep, slow-wave sleep stages to clear out metabolic waste and toxins. We also dive into real-life applications, sharing practical tips on optimizing this system through activities like getting quality sle...
Apr 03, 2025•1 hr 15 min•Season 4Ep. 39
In this episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast we dive deep into understanding chronic pain with our special guest Dr. Asare Christian. The episode explores foundational pillars necessary for good health, emphasizing the role of the central nervous system and the biopsychosocial model in interpreting and managing pain. We discuss how emotions, trauma, and stress can augment pain perception, underscoring the interconnectedness of mind and body. You will gain insights into neuroplasticity and its p...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 4Ep. 38
In this episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast, our guest, Nayan Patel, dives into the world of glutathione, a master antioxidant crucial for our health. Nayan shares his journey from being a pharmacist to becoming an expert in glutathione, highlighting the challenges and breakthroughs he faced in developing a new delivery method that effectively maintains glutathione levels in the body. The conversation covers the importance of glutathione in managing oxidative stress, detoxification, and suppor...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 36
In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, we delve into the fascinating intersection of psychology and physiology through the lens of polyvagal theory. We explore how the vagus nerve influences our emotional and physical well-being, highlighting its crucial role in mitigating chronic diseases. By discussing the four types of stress—daily, psychological, physical, and biochemical—we emphasize the importance of understanding these stressors and their impact on health. We also break down the p...
Mar 12, 2025•43 min•Season 4Ep. 37
In this enlightening episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast , we explore cutting-edge strategies for optimizing health and longevity with Dr. Darshan Shah. He shares his journey from a traditional surgeon to a leader in functional and preventative medicine, inspired by his own health challenges. This led him to establish Next Health , where he developed a wellness philosophy built around a comprehensive health wheel—integrating lifestyle, preventative, and functional medicine with wearable tech a...
Mar 05, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 4Ep. 35
In this episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast, we chat with Dr. Scott Sherr about how to improve your health by taking care of your mitochondria—the tiny powerhouses of your cells. Dr. Sherr shares his journey from growing up with a chiropractor father to becoming a medical doctor focused on integrative medicine. They dive into hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) and why mitochondrial health is so important for energy, healing, and overall wellness. They also talk about methylene blue—a powerful to...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 4Ep. 34
In this milestone 100th episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, we take a reflective journey through the origins and evolution of the show. We answer insightful ChatGPT-generated prompts, recalling personal motivations and memorable conversations that sparked their our passion for health and wellness. From the foundational idea of exploring the vagus nerve to the s partnership between me and JP, the episode revisits our shared mission of helping people upgrade their health. We dive into standout ...
Feb 20, 2025•1 hr 31 min•Season 4Ep. 32
In this episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast, we talk with nutritionist Mona Sharma about her inspiring journey from the corporate world to holistic health. She opens up about her personal health struggles in her twenties, including heart palpitations and surgeries, which led her to explore Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation, some of the most revered ancient healing tools known to us. Through this, she learned how mental and physical health are deeply connected and how nutrition and lifestyle choic...
Feb 12, 2025•1 hr 26 min•Season 4Ep. 30
In this enlightening episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, we dive deep into the fascinating world of neuroanatomy and brain signaling. We kick off with a comprehensive explanation of neurons, neurotransmitters, and the intricate dance between excitation and inhibition in the brain. We explore how inflammation impacts brain function, leading to an upsurge in glutamate and a decrease in GABA, potentially triggering conditions like migraines and chronic pain. During our conversation we share the ...
Feb 05, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 4Ep. 33
In this exciting episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast, I sit down with my good friend, Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, a functional eye doctor and expert in vision therapy. We dive deep into the fascinating world of vision and its impact on our overall health. Dr. Bryce shares his personal journey with vision therapy and how it transformed his life, leading him to advocate for this powerful tool that can unlock a person’s potential. We discuss the difference between eyesight and vision, and Dr. Bryce expl...
Jan 29, 2025•1 hr 5 min•Season 4Ep. 31
