The Health Upgrade Podcast

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, intuiti...

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...

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 ins...

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 helpfu...

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 artific...

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 s...

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 g...

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 peop...

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...

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 intersection...

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 g...

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...

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 tradition...

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 mult...

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...

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 s...

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 applic...

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, undersc...

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 conver...

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...

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 comprehe...

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 im...

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, th...

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, s...

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, pote...