The Health Upgrade Podcast

In this episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast, Dr. Cindy Howard shares what it's like to experience healthcare from both sides, as a doctor and as a patient. She opens up about her journey of recognizing the signs of Hodgkin's lymphoma in herself and navigating treatment while drawing on her years of experience in functional medicine. Together, we discuss the emotions that come with receiving a li...

In this episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast, I talk with Waldi Hoon, the founder of yōjō, about her journey into the world of vagus nerve health. She shares how her background in content creation, along with her family's experience with chronic pain, inspired her to help others improve their health using science-based solutions. We also discuss how modern life, from constant stress to informatio...

In this episode, I explore the connection between your light environment, the vagus nerve, and heart rate variability (HRV). Drawing on a 2025 systematic review of 25 studies, I explain how both the timing and quality of light exposure can influence nervous system function and overall recovery. I discuss how morning exposure to bright, blue-enriched light helps regulate your circadian rhythm and s...

Welcome to another episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast! Today I am joined by Dr. David Rabin to dive deep into the science of stress, healing, and the power of the vagus nerve. Dr. Rabin unpacks decades of research, explaining how chronic stress impacts our cells, the crucial role of safety in the healing process, and how modern medicine often misses the importance of looking at the whole person...

In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, returning guest Don Moxley joins us to talk about heart rate variability (HRV) and why it matters for your health, recovery, performance, and healthy aging. Drawing on his experience working with elite athletes, Don explains how HRV can help you understand how well your body is adapting to stress and recovering from daily challenges. He also discusses...

In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, I explore the essential nutrients that power up your vagus nerve for optimal health, higher HRV, less stress, and more energy. You’ll learn why the vagus nerve is crucial for stress resilience, mood, and overall recovery, as well as how heart rate variability (HRV) acts as its report card. I break down the science behind five key nutrients: B vitamins...

In this episode, I talk with Maggie Awad, a functional sports medicine nurse practitioner, about how gut health affects performance, energy, and recovery. We explore the connection between the gut and the brain, why good digestion matters, and how issues like inflammation or poor nutrient absorption can impact focus, sleep, and overall health. We also break down topics like amino acids, the gut mi...

In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, I sit down with Ashok Gupta to explore the groundbreaking science of neuroplasticity and how retraining the brain may hold the key to healing chronic illness. Ashok shares his personal journey with chronic fatigue syndrome and how that experience inspired him to create the Gupta Program, a brain retraining method that has helped thousands of people ar...

In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, I dive into a fascinating research article from March 2026 exploring how chaotic fluctuations in heart rate variability (HRV) signal mental activity during task-based work. I unpack the science behind HRV, highlighting the dynamic interaction between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, and explain how healthy levels of chaos in HRV re...

In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, we talk with Dr. Amie Hornamen about thyroid health and how it affects the body. We get into the challenges people face with thyroid issues, including misdiagnoses, and how these problems can impact both high performers and everyday life. We also break down how thyroid hormones work, why proper testing matters, and why there’s no one-size-fits-all sol...

In this episode, I welcome Andrea Donsky back to discuss her new book, "Nourishing Menopause." Together, we explore how menopause is more than just hot flashes and night sweats, revealing that there are over 100 symptoms, many of which often go unrecognized. Andrea shares her personal journey, surprising research findings, and the importance of acknowledging these symptoms to help women feel valid...

In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast we welcome Dr. Cynthia Thurlow, author of The Menopause Gut, to dive deep into the connections between gut health, hormones, and the aging process, especially for women navigating perimenopause and menopause. Together, we unravel how hormonal changes impact the microbiome, immunity, and even mitochondrial function, emphasizing the crucial role the gut...

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with functional medicine expert Dr. Sam Shay to explore how decoding your DNA can revolutionize your approach to health. Dr. Shay shares his unique personal story, connects genetics to chronic illness, and breaks down the difference between traditional Western medicine and functional, personalized healthcare. The conversation dives deep into key drivers of...

In this episode, we explore how to stay healthy with Dr. Adam Perlman, Chief Medical Officer at Pendulum Therapeutics. We focus on Akkermansia muciniphila, an important probiotic that helps protect your gut and supports overall health. From controlling blood sugar to balancing your immune system, this microbe could be a key part of your health. We also talk about how the gut microbiome, especially...

In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, I dive into the power of breath and its essential role in regulating our nervous system, especially for high performers. We explore why most of us aren’t breathing optimally and how proper techniques can shift our bodies from survival mode into recovery and healing. I break down the science behind vagal tone, heart rate variability (HRV), and the cruc...

In this episode, I dive deep into the often-overlooked biochemical condition known as pyrrole disorder. You'll learn how pyrroles, nutrient depletion, and vagus nerve dysfunction can impact emotional regulation, stress resilience, and overall well-being. I break down the science behind heme and hemoglobin, then connect the dots between emotional symptoms and key nutrients like vitamin B6 and zinc....

In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, Dr. Chris Magryta brings his expertise in pediatrics and integrative medicine to the forefront, exploring the critical factors influencing children's health today. We dive into the pediatric health paradox, epigenetics, and the impact of environmental factors, nutrition, stress, and the microbiome on the development of chronic conditions in kids. The...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Marcos De Andrade, founder of Biohax. He shares his journey from medical school to building a functional medicine practice focused on high performers. Dr. Marcos talks about growing up in a US “blue zone,” questioning traditional medical approaches, and the burnout that pushed him to rethink health and performance. That experience led him to functional medicine...

In this episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast, I sit down with Cathy Eason to explore how women can upgrade their perimenopause experience. The conversation dives into the biology and physiology of perimenopause, spotlighting early-onset symptoms, hormonal fluctuations, and how stress, nutrition, and lifestyle play a critical role. The speakers break down the impact of blood flow, nitric oxide, an...

In this episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast, I dive into the world of vagus nerve stimulators, breaking down the three main types: cervical, auricular, and biofeedback/stress management devices. I share my personal experiences, explain how each device works, and discuss its benefits, drawbacks, and research backing. Whether you're seeking improved wellness or relief from specific health conditio...

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Ana Sierra, an expert in neuropelveology and endometriosis surgery, to dive into the complexities of pelvic floor health. Together, we explore the misunderstood connections between nerves, pain perception, trauma, and pelvic floor dysfunction, emphasizing that pain is more than just a physical sensation and has deep roots in our experiences and nervous system....

In this episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast, we dive into the fascinating world of mitochondria and their essential role in cardiovascular health and longevity. We break down what makes mitochondria so pivotal, exploring how different “mitotypes” exist across the body and why supporting these tiny energy powerhouses is the real key to long-term health. By connecting the dots between lifestyle, d...

In this insightful episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast, I welcome Angela Pifer, a functional nutritionist, to dive deep into SIBO (Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth) and the holistic approach needed to tackle it. Angela shares her unique journey from psychology to nutrition, emphasizing the powerful mind-gut connection and how stress, lifestyle, and the vagus nerve play crucial roles in chro...

In this inspiring episode, we welcome Dr. Shivani Gupta to dive into the world of inflammation and holistic health. Drawing from her decades of Ayurvedic expertise and her upcoming book, "The Inflammation Code," Dr. Shivani shares how ancient eastern practices can offer solutions to modern wellness challenges. The conversation explores Ayurveda’s unique approach to inflammation, covering doshas, d...

In this episode, I dive deep into the often-overlooked connection between concussion, whiplash, and vagus nerve dysfunction. Drawing from my experience as a chiropractor and functional medicine practitioner, I break down what actually happens in our nervous system during head and neck injuries, and why imaging often looks normal, even when troubling symptoms like dizziness, heart palpitations, and...