Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

In this episode of Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor , Miles Hassell MD explains why optimal health starts in your own kitchen. While many people search for health shortcuts through supplements, special testing, weight-loss medications, and wellness trends, the evidence points to a much simpler solution: cooking more of your own meals using real, minimally processed foods. Dr. Hassell discusses how ho...

Can sunlight really improve your health, mood, sleep, heart health, and even lifespan? In this episode of  Walk Don't Run to the Doctor , Dr. Miles Hassell breaks down the science behind sunlight exposure, vitamin D, nitric oxide, and why avoiding the sun entirely may actually carry serious health risks. You'll learn the difference between safe sunlight exposure and dangerous sunburn, why sunscree...

Is olive oil really the healthiest cooking oil — or is that just marketing? In this episode of Walk Don't Run to the Doctor , Miles Hassel breaks down the science behind extra virgin olive oil, why traditional foods matter, and what research says about olive oil's effects on heart disease, cancer risk, mental health, diabetes, and longevity. You'll also learn why many modern seed oils and refined...

The Sourdough Impostors In Your Grocery Aisle 🥖 Is your favorite sourdough actually a fake? In this episode of Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor, Miles Hassell MD exposes "sour-faux" bread and reveals why most store-bought loaves are missing the health benefits of true fermentation. Dr. Hassell examines the metabolic and physiological differences between true fermentation and modern commercial baking...

In this episode of Walk Don't Run to the Doctor , Dr. Miles Hassell discusses the growing problem of polypharmacy — taking too many medications at once — and why it can create serious health risks, especially for older adults. Dr. Hassell explains how medication "cascades" happen, why many drug combinations are never actually studied for safety, and how lifestyle changes can often reduce the need...

In this episode of Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor , Miles Hassell MD talks with Dr. Belinda Beck about bone health. They explore how bone is made of dynamic, living tissue that adapts to the forces placed on it—and why the right kind of exercise is one of the most powerful tools for preventing and treating osteoporosis. Dr. Beck shares her journey from athlete to leading bone researcher, explaining...

What if the key to protecting your brain—and avoiding dementia—wasn't found in a prescription, but in your daily habits? In this episode of Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor , Dr. Miles Hassell dives into the powerful connection between exercise, leisure activities, and long-term brain health. Backed by decades of research, including a 40-year study showing up to a 90% reduction in dementia risk , thi...

In this episode of Walk Don't Run to the Doctor , Miles Hassell MD breaks down one of the most debated topics in nutrition:  saturated fat . For decades, saturated fat has been blamed as a major cause of heart disease—but what if the evidence isn't as clear as we've been told? This episode explores the history behind dietary guidelines, the evolving food pyramid, and why current research is challe...

The new 2026 USDA dietary guidelines are here — and they represent one of the most dramatic shifts in nutrition advice in decades. Some say the food pyramid has been turned upside down. Others argue it's finally been turned right-side up. In this episode, we break down what actually changed, why it matters, and how the new recommendations move closer to an evidence-based, whole-food approach to he...

Strong bones aren't built with a single supplement or prescription — they're the result of a beautifully choreographed "bone ballet" involving an omnivorous whole food diet, movement, and load-bearing activity. In this episode, we explore the complexity of bone health and why simplistic solutions often miss the bigger picture. If you've been told you have osteopenia, osteoporosis, or are at risk f...

Calcium supplements are everywhere—but do they actually help your bones? In this episode, we unpack the "calcium conundrum" and challenge the common belief that more supplements automatically mean stronger bones. You'll learn why food-based calcium behaves very differently in the body than pharmaceutical calcium supplements, why most studies show little to no benefit of supplements for adult bone...

In this episode of Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor , Miles Hassell MD challenges a deeply ingrained assumption: that you should fully trust your doctor without question. While physicians often care deeply about their patients, they are also human—limited by time, bias, systems, and expertise. This conversation is about reclaiming agency in your healthcare, learning how to ask better questions, and b...

What does health, purpose, faith, and play all have in common? In this episode of Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor , we dive into why movement, community, and purpose are essential to lifelong health—especially for kids and families. Miles Hassell MD sits down with Tyler LaRoche, pastor and founder of Legacy Sports, to talk about reclaiming play as a tool for discipleship, physical health, and commun...

In this episode, Miles Hassell MD breaks down the no-gimmick fundamentals of living free of preventable disease and feeling better. No expensive tests. No complicated biohacking. Just simple habits that actually work. You'll learn why home-cooked whole foods beat anything factory-made, why getting short of breath during exercise daily is essential, how waistline control reverses chronic disease, a...

The holidays don't have to mean weight gain, regret, or a health reset in January. In this Christmas special, Miles Hassell MD breaks down how to fully enjoy the season while protecting your long-term health. Learn why ultra-processed foods, excess sugar, and alcohol hit harder than you think—and how simple planning can help you celebrate without self-sabotage. You can enjoy treats, stay active, a...

Most people take vitamin D pills because their doctor, a commercial, or a supplement aisle told them to.  But do vitamin D supplements actually improve your health? In this episode, Miles Hassell MD breaks down what the evidence really shows — and why vitamin D sources found in nature may be far more powerful. We dive into the massive gap between blood levels of vitamin D and whether supplements a...

In this episode of Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor, we take a deep dive into statins, their true benefits, their real risks, and the massive role lifestyle plays in shaping heart disease outcomes. Rather than accepting oversimplified medical advice, this episode empowers you to think critically, understand uncertainty in medicine, and make fully informed decisions about your own health. You'll learn...

In this special Walk Don't Run to the Doctor episode, Miles Hassell MD tackles one of the most important, yet misunderstood health topics: osteoporosis and fracture prevention . Rather than focusing on numbers from a Dexa scan or quick prescriptions, this episode empowers you with real, actionable steps to build stronger bones and improve your long-term health with evidence-based lifestyle tools....

This week we are featuring a recent podcast recorded at George Fox University, called George Fox Talks. Erika Barber, MD talks with Miles Hassell MD about taking ownership of your own health. Through thoughtful eating and by giving your palate a chance to develop an appreciation for the richness of available food, you can have a transformative impact on the quality of your life and your body's abi...

Are blood pressure medications saving lives—or quietly making things worse? In this episode of Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor , Miles Hassell MD takes a hard look at the role of blood pressure drugs. While medications can protect against stroke and heart damage, they also carry serious side effects—from fatigue and dizziness to diabetes and falls in older adults. The bigger issue? Medications can d...

In this episode of Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor, Miles Hassell MD sits down with author Mac Lake to explore the connection between faith, health, and personal responsibility. Mac Lake is a highly respected leader, author, and founder of Multiply Group, where he helps leaders and organizations develop strategies to multiply their leadership impact. An inspirational trainer and leadership coach, Ma...

In this episode of Walk Don't Run to the Doctor , Miles Hassell MD unpacks the common health "distractions" that steal attention, money, and energy from what really matters for your well-being. From the sugar wars (high fructose corn syrup vs. cane sugar), to food dyes, celebrity health fads, and fancy but questionable medical tests, we explore how to separate hype from evidence. Key Takeaways: Hi...

In this episode, Miles Hassell, MD answers heartfelt listener letters about gallbladder disease and knee pain—sharing real-life stories of patients who successfully avoided major surgeries through lifestyle medicine. From tackling gallstones with diet and exercise to managing osteoarthritis without knee replacement, Dr. Hassell highlights how small, consistent changes—like removing sugar, eating a...

In this episode, Miles Hassell MD, an internal medicine physician from Portland, Oregon, dives deep into one of the most important responsibilities of parenthood—feeding your kids well. He tackles the real-life challenges families face in a world dominated by ultra-processed foods, marketing traps, and busy schedules. Learn how simple, home-cooked meals can drastically improve your child's mental...

In this episode, Miles Hassell MD breaks down the often misunderstood world of cooking oils. From olive oil to avocado oil, he explains which fats support long-term health—and which ones belong in the trash. Key Takeaways: Extra virgin olive oil is the only widely available oil with strong evidence supporting real health benefits. Avocado, canola, and other industrial oils are ultra-processed, tas...