The Health Upgrade Podcast

In this special "Ask Us Anything" episode of the Health Upgrade Podcast, I am joined by Valerie Driscoll and Sara Tate to answer questions from our Health Upgraded community. The panel dives into a question about anxiety medication and its impact on heart rate and HRV, providing insights on the physiological and biochemical effects of tricyclic antidepressants.Throughout the episode, Sara shares valuable nutrition strategies, emphasizing the importance of a plant-forward, fiber-rich diet and how the gut-brain connection influences mental health. Valerie offers practical mindfulness tools and highlights the importance of bringing awareness to the present moment as a means of managing anxiety and depression.If you found this discussion helpful or know someone who could benefit from it, don’t forget to share this episode! To get your questions answered in future episodes, join the Health Upgraded community at healthupgraded.com and be part of the conversation. Upgrade your health journey with us—one question at a time!Learn about the community at www.healthupgraded.com Dr. Navaz HabibEmail: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabib

In this episode, we welcome Dr. Efrat Lemandre, a nurse practitioner and medical disruptor, to explore the challenges and myths surrounding the medical system. Together, we discuss why medical gaslighting persists, the impact of professional indoctrination, and how even well-intentioned doctors may not always have all the answers. Dr. Lamandre shares her personal journey from conventional medicine to functional and integrative practices, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and humility in healthcare.We debate the roles and responsibilities of both patients and practitioners, tackling big questions like when to trust medical advice and how to advocate for your health. Our conversation touches on the limits of the current system, the need for patients to assemble their own healthcare teams, and the importance of education and self-advocacy more than ever. If you enjoyed our spirited exchange on medical gaslighting and how to play a proactive role in your health journey, please share this episode with friends and colleagues, especially anyone ready to challenge the status quo or advocate for change in healthcare. Your voice and curiosity matter! Dr. Navaz HabibEmail: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabibJP ErricoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevnsguy/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-errico-097629aaDr. Efrat LemandreWebsite: https://www.drefratlamandre.com/

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 support healthy biological rhythms, even if it may cause a temporary reduction in HRV. In contrast, warmer, dimmer light in the evening can help promote relaxation and prepare the body for restful sleep.I also share practical strategies for optimizing your daily light exposure, particularly for individuals who experience anxiety, stress, or heightened sensitivity to environmental factors.As a simple challenge, I invite you to pay closer attention to your light habits for one week. Aim to get natural light in the morning and use warmer, lower-intensity lighting in the evening. Observe how your HRV responds over time, rather than focusing on moment-to-moment changes. If you find this episode valuable, share it with someone who may benefit from it. Small changes in daily habits can have a meaningful impact on long-term health and well-being.Dr. Navaz HabibEmail: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabib

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 rather than isolated symptoms. Together, we reveal how ancient practices align with the latest neuroscience, showing that mindful breathing, touch, and familiar, calming experiences directly influence our health.The conversation also explores cutting-edge topics like MDMA-assisted therapy, epigenetics, and the power to reverse trauma at both psychological and genetic levels. Dr. Rabin discusses how trauma can be inherited, and more importantly, how healing is absolutely possible, with evidence-backed tools and practices ranging from technology like Apollo Neuro to traditional approaches such as yoga, meditation, and breathwork.If you’re looking to upgrade your health and feel empowered in your healing journey, this episode is for you. Share it with friends who could benefit, and discover practical steps you can take today to reconnect your mind and body for a healthier, happier life!Dr. Navaz HabibEmail: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabibDr. David RabinWebsite: https://www.drdave.io/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdavidrabin/

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 the factors that influence HRV, including sleep, exercise, nutrition, past trauma, and your environment.The conversation highlights the connection between HRV and aging, showing how simple habits like regular movement, healthy food, quality sleep, and strong social relationships can help improve HRV and support long-term health. Don also introduces HRV Plus, a supplement designed to help manage inflammation and improve resilience to everyday stress.If you want to learn how to better understand your body's signals and discover practical ways to improve your health and age well, this episode is for you.Dr. Navaz HabibEmail: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabibJP ErricoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevnsguy/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-errico-097629aa Don MoxleyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/donmoxley/