The School of Doza Podcast

Dopamine controls your motivation, focus, mood, and reward system — and most people are running low without realizing it. In this episode, Nurse Doza breaks down what dopamine actually does in the body, why deficiency is far more common than most people think, how your gut produces 50% of it, and the natural steps you can take to restore healthy levels. FEATURED PRODUCT: BLISS Bliss by MSW Nutrition is a lemon-flavored sublingual powder built around SAMe and TMG — two powerful methyl donors that directly support your body’s natural dopamine and serotonin production through the methylation pathway. If you’re feeling flat, foggy, or low-mood, methylation may be the missing link. One powder stick dissolved on your tongue — no water needed — and you may feel the difference within seconds to minutes. Bliss also supports glutathione production, liver health, and MTHFR function, making it one of the most targeted neurotransmitter support supplements available. 👉 Get Bliss here: https://mswnutrition.com/products/bliss 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS Your lifestyle drives dopamine production — morning sunlight, exercise, quality sleep, music, and meditation are all proven natural dopamine boosters your body responds to every single day. Most people are dopamine deficient — driven by overstimulation, poor sleep, gut dysfunction, and modern demands that drain the system faster than it can replenish. 50% of your dopamine is made in your gut — digestive issues like bloating, SIBO, leaky gut, or dysbiosis can directly tank your mood, focus, and motivation. Dopamine is the engine behind addiction — when levels are chronically low or the reward system is dysregulated, the brain compulsively seeks dopamine hits from food, substances, screens, risky behavior, or work. Key nutrients support natural dopamine synthesis — Vitamin B6, B9 (folate), iron, Vitamin C, and SAMe are essential cofactors in the dopamine production pathway and can be supported through targeted supplementation. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 START – Welcome and episode overview 02:00 – What dopamine is and why so many people are running low 04:00 – School of Doza: MTHFR course announcement 05:00 – The 5 things you need to know about dopamine 05:30 – #1: Healthy ways to naturally produce dopamine 07:00 – Morning sunlight, exercise, sleep, music, and meditation 08:00 – #2: Why most people are dopamine deficient 09:30 – #3: How the gut produces 50% of your dopamine 12:00 – Dopamine receptors found throughout the entire body 13:30 – Dopamine’s conversion pathway to norepinephrine and adrenaline 15:00 – #4: How dopamine drives addiction and compulsive behavior 18:30 – The neuroscience of hugs and emotional connection 20:00 – Opioid addiction through the lens of dopamine deficiency 21:00 – #5: Natural nutrients that support dopamine production 24:00 – Bliss by MSW Nutrition, action steps, and closing thoughts JOIN THE SCHOOL OF DOZA If today’s episode on dopamine left you with questions about your own focus, mood, or motivation — the School of Doza is where you go to get real answers. Inside, you’ll find a community of people actively working on the same things you are: gut health, neurotransmitter support, energy, mental clarity, and sustainable lifestyle habits. Every Wednesday, Nurse Doza hosts a live AMA session that functions as a group consult — the kind of access that typically takes months to book privately. You bring your questions, he brings the clinical insight. Whether you’re navigating dopamine deficiency, gut issues, or just want a clear and personalized plan — this is your room. 👉 Start your free trial: https://community.schoolofdoza.com/c/start-here RESOURCES 1. SAMe and Neurotransmitter Synthesis — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11435340/ 2. How to Increase Dopamine Naturally — https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-to-increase-dopamine#fa-qs 3. Dopamine Metabolism and the Gut-Brain Axis —  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11469830/ 4. Gut Microbiome and Dopaminergic Pathways — https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5354/13/1/55 5. B Vitamins and Neurotransmitter Production — Examines how B6 and folate serve as rate-limiting cofactors in dopamine and serotonin synthesis. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4772032/ 6. Good Poops Protocol by MSW Nutrition — Gut health supplement bundle to support the microbiome and neurotransmitter production. https://goodpoops.org 7. Bliss by MSW Nutrition — Sublingual SAMe and TMG powder supporting methylation, dopamine, and serotonin production. https://mswnutrition.com/products/bliss CONNECT 🔗 Connect with Nurse Doza: JOIN MY SCHOOL for FREE: https://community.schoolofdoza.com/c/start-here YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwcKyagDi468WscAOWM5VHA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nursedoza/ Website: http://www.nursedoza.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mendoza-dc-aprn-np-c-0609a038/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursedoza Twitter: https://twitter.com/nursedoza

What if a single gene is quietly affecting your mood, energy, sleep, and focus — and most doctors never test for it? In this episode of the Longevity Series, Nurse Doza breaks down MTHFR gene support: what methylation is, why this gene matters, and how BLISS by MSW Nutrition delivers targeted sublingual support — sometimes with noticeable results the same day. BLISS by MSW Nutrition is a sublingual powder formulated with two active ingredients specifically designed to support the MTHFR gene and the methylation cycle. For people with MTHFR variants — who may struggle with mood regulation, low energy, brain fog, and disrupted sleep — BLISS bypasses the digestive process entirely, delivering its active compounds directly into the bloodstream under the tongue for fast, efficient absorption. Nurse Doza and co-founder Baldo both have confirmed MTHFR issues and take BLISS daily — this is a supplement built from personal need, not theory. One box contains 30 packets, making it a full 30-day protocol. 👉 Try BLISS with code BLISSMAY at: https://bliss.mswnutrition.com 5 Key Takeaways MTHFR gene variants are far more common than most people realize. Approximately 30–40% of people carry a variant of the MTHFR gene that reduces enzyme efficiency — sometimes by as much as 70%. If you’ve ever been dismissed with “normal” labs while still feeling off, this gene may be the missing piece. Methylation controls more of your health than you think. The methylation cycle governs neurotransmitter production, detoxification, hormone regulation, and DNA repair. When MTHFR impairs this pathway, mood, energy, digestion, and long-term health can all be affected. Low serotonin from poor methylation can wreck your sleep. Because serotonin is the precursor to melatonin, impaired methylation can directly disrupt your sleep-wake cycle. Supporting the MTHFR pathway can help restore the serotonin–melatonin conversion your body needs for deep, restorative sleep. Sublingual delivery changes the absorption game. Traditional capsules and powders can lose significant potency through first-pass digestion. BLISS is a sublingual powder that bypasses the GI tract entirely, entering the bloodstream directly through the oral mucosa for faster, more efficient delivery. You can override poor genetics with the right support. Having an MTHFR variant is not a life sentence. Targeted methylation support through active-form nutrients can help compensate for reduced enzyme activity, improving neurotransmitter output and overall cellular function. Resources “Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase and Psychiatric Diseases” — PMC, NCBI Peer-reviewed research examining how MTHFR gene mutations affect one-carbon metabolism and their established link to psychiatric disorders, mood regulation, and neurotransmitter synthesis including serotonin and dopamine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6218441/ “Discovery of MTHFR Deficiency in Individuals With Common Psychiatric Comorbidities” — PMC, NCBI Retrospective case review from PMC establishing the connection between MTHFR deficiency and common psychiatric presentations, with focus on neurotransmitter pathways including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11088868/ “Chronic Insomnia in the Setting of MTHFR Polymorphism” — Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, PMC Published case study documenting treatment-resistant chronic insomnia successfully resolved by targeting MTHFR polymorphism, demonstrating the serotonin–melatonin–sleep connection and the role of methylation support in restoring sleep quality. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8974368/ “Sublingual and Buccal Delivery: A Historical and Scientific Prescriptive” — PMC, NCBI Comprehensive review of sublingual and buccal delivery mechanisms, demonstrating how this route bypasses first-pass hepatic metabolism and leverages the oral mucosa’s rich vascular network for faster, more efficient systemic absorption versus standard oral supplementation. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12389210/ “The MTHFR Gene Mutation and Its Connection to Mental Health” — Genomind Evidence-based overview of how MTHFR gene variants reduce the body’s ability to convert vitamin B9 into active methylfolate, directly impacting neurotransmitter synthesis and predisposing individuals to low mood, low energy, and cognitive difficulties. https://genomind.com/patients/mthfr-and-the-role-it-plays-in-your-mental-health/ Connect with Nurse Doza 🔗 JOIN MY SCHOOL for FREE: https://community.schoolofdoza.com/c/start-here • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwcKyagDi468WscAOWM5VHA • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nursedoza/ • Website: http://www.nursedoza.com/ • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mendoza-dc-aprn-np-c-0609a038/ • TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursedoza • Twitter: https://twitter.com/nursedoza

Chronic stress belly fat is more than a feeling — it changes your hormones, metabolism, and cravings. Nurse Doza breaks down 5 specific mechanisms — cortisol, insulin resistance, leptin dysfunction, fatty liver, and late-night eating — explaining exactly why belly fat won't budge and what to do about it. FEATURED PRODUCT:  The Metabolic Pack from MSW Nutrition is the complete protocol for everything covered in this episode. Liver Boost combines turmeric (curcumin), green tea extract (EGCG), NAC, and alpha-lipoic acid to reduce inflammation, support liver detoxification, and combat insulin resistance at the cellular level. Mitochondriac delivers resveratrol and key mitochondrial support to activate AMPK, improve cellular energy, and lower inflammatory markers linked to chronic stress and weight gain. Zen contains an adaptogenic blend with Rhodiola, Ginseng, Eleuthero, Schisandra, and bovine adrenal glandular support — specifically designed to regulate cortisol and protect adrenal health. Together, these three supplements form a 60–90 day metabolic reset built to address the root causes of chronic stress belly fat. 👉 Get the Metabolic Pack here: https://mswnutrition.com/collections/bundles/products/metabolic-pack JOIN THE SCHOOL OF DOZA Still trying to figure out why the belly fat won't budge despite doing everything right? You're not alone — and generic advice isn't enough. Inside the School of Doza, you'll find a community of people working through the same hormonal, metabolic, and stress-related challenges covered in this episode. Every Wednesday, Nurse Doza hosts a live Ask Me Anything that works exactly like a group consult — bring your cortisol questions, your labs, your weight loss frustrations, and get real answers. Your first 7 days are completely free. 👉 Start your free trial: https://community.schoolofdoza.com/c/start-here 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS Cortisol is not the villain — it's essential.  Insulin resistance is the engine behind belly fat  You may be eating when you are not actually hungry.  Fatty liver and belly fat are directly connected.  When you eat matters as much as what you eat.  TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – START  01:03 – The connection between chronic stress, cortisol, and belly fat 03:30 – Why cortisol is not the villain  05:00 – Cortisol — how chronic elevation drives fat storage 06:00 – Insulin resistance — the real driver of weight gain 07:25 – Ozempic, GLP-1 agonists, and why they don't fix the root cause 09:53 – Natural compounds for insulin resistance: berberine, curcumin, EGCG, resveratrol 16:43 – Leptin resistance — eating when you are not actually hungry 21:00 – Fasting as the most sustainable tool for lowering leptin and insulin 23:51 –Fatty liver — the overlooked driver of belly fat 26:42 – The global obesity crisis and the limits of pharmaceutical solutions 28:50 – Eating late at night disrupts melatonin and glucose tolerance RESOURCES 1. Cortisol and Weight Gain (HPA Axis and Obesity Review) —  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9285588/ 2. Visceral Adipose Tissue, 11β-HSD1, and Metabolic Syndrome https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4517681/ 3. Natural Polyphenols and Obesity-Induced Insulin Resistance https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12872655/ 4. Leptin, Leptin Resistance, and Obesity  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8167040/ 5. Fatty Liver (NAFLD) and Obesity https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3575093/ 6. Nighttime Eating and Weight Gain https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6322536/ 7. Nighttime Macronutrient Intake and Insulin Resistance https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4425165/ 8. Meal Timing, Late Dinner, and Weight Loss Difficulty https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6893547/ 9. Hume Health BodyPod — At-Home Body Composition Measurement (use code NURSEDOZA) https://humehealth.com CONNECT 🔗 Connect with Nurse Doza: JOIN MY SCHOOL for FREE: https://community.schoolofdoza.com/c/start-here YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwcKyagDi468WscAOWM5VHA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nursedoza/ Website: http://www.nursedoza.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mendoza-dc-aprn-np-c-0609a038/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursedoza Twitter: https://twitter.com/nursedoza

Chronic stress belly fat is more than a feeling — it changes your hormones, metabolism, and cravings. Nurse Doza breaks down 5 specific mechanisms — cortisol, insulin resistance, leptin dysfunction, fatty liver, and late-night eating — explaining exactly why belly fat won't budge and what to do about it. FEATURED PRODUCT:  The Metabolic Pack from MSW Nutrition is the complete protocol for everything covered in this episode. Liver Boost combines turmeric (curcumin), green tea extract (EGCG), NAC, and alpha-lipoic acid to reduce inflammation, support liver detoxification, and combat insulin resistance at the cellular level. Mitochondriac delivers resveratrol and key mitochondrial support to activate AMPK, improve cellular energy, and lower inflammatory markers linked to chronic stress and weight gain. Zen contains an adaptogenic blend with Rhodiola, Ginseng, Eleuthero, Schisandra, and bovine adrenal glandular support — specifically designed to regulate cortisol and protect adrenal health. Together, these three supplements form a 60–90 day metabolic reset built to address the root causes of chronic stress belly fat. 👉 Get the Metabolic Pack here: https://mswnutrition.com/collections/bundles/products/metabolic-pack JOIN THE SCHOOL OF DOZA Still trying to figure out why the belly fat won't budge despite doing everything right? You're not alone — and generic advice isn't enough. Inside the School of Doza, you'll find a community of people working through the same hormonal, metabolic, and stress-related challenges covered in this episode. Every Wednesday, Nurse Doza hosts a live Ask Me Anything that works exactly like a group consult — bring your cortisol questions, your labs, your weight loss frustrations, and get real answers. Your first 7 days are completely free. 👉 Start your free trial: https://community.schoolofdoza.com/c/start-here 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS Cortisol is not the villain — it's essential.  Insulin resistance is the engine behind belly fat  You may be eating when you are not actually hungry.  Fatty liver and belly fat are directly connected.  When you eat matters as much as what you eat.  TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – START  01:03 – The connection between chronic stress, cortisol, and belly fat 03:30 – Why cortisol is not the villain  05:00 – Cortisol — how chronic elevation drives fat storage 06:00 – Insulin resistance — the real driver of weight gain 07:25 – Ozempic, GLP-1 agonists, and why they don't fix the root cause 09:53 – Natural compounds for insulin resistance: berberine, curcumin, EGCG, resveratrol 16:43 – Leptin resistance — eating when you are not actually hungry 21:00 – Fasting as the most sustainable tool for lowering leptin and insulin 23:51 –Fatty liver — the overlooked driver of belly fat 26:42 – The global obesity crisis and the limits of pharmaceutical solutions 28:50 – Eating late at night disrupts melatonin and glucose tolerance RESOURCES 1. Cortisol and Weight Gain (HPA Axis and Obesity Review) —  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9285588/ 2. Visceral Adipose Tissue, 11β-HSD1, and Metabolic Syndrome https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4517681/ 3. Natural Polyphenols and Obesity-Induced Insulin Resistance https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12872655/ 4. Leptin, Leptin Resistance, and Obesity  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8167040/ 5. Fatty Liver (NAFLD) and Obesity https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3575093/ 6. Nighttime Eating and Weight Gain https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6322536/ 7. Nighttime Macronutrient Intake and Insulin Resistance https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4425165/ 8. Meal Timing, Late Dinner, and Weight Loss Difficulty https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6893547/ 9. Hume Health BodyPod — At-Home Body Composition Measurement (use code NURSEDOZA) https://humehealth.com CONNECT 🔗 Connect with Nurse Doza: JOIN MY SCHOOL for FREE: https://community.schoolofdoza.com/c/start-here YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwcKyagDi468WscAOWM5VHA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nursedoza/ Website: http://www.nursedoza.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mendoza-dc-aprn-np-c-0609a038/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursedoza Twitter: https://twitter.com/nursedoza

Sleep and weight gain are directly connected. Poor sleep disrupts hormones, raises blood sugar, tanks testosterone and estrogen, causes fatty liver, and wrecks your gut. If you've been doing everything right and the scale won't move, your sleep could be the missing link. FEATURED PRODUCT Chill by MSW Nutrition is a powdered drink mix formulated to support your body's natural calming chemistry — exactly what's needed when chronic stress and cortisol overload are stealing your sleep. Featuring GABA, L-Theanine, myo-Inositol, Taurine, and Magnesium, Chill helps balance neurotransmitters, quiet the nervous system, and promote the deep, restorative sleep your hormones, metabolism, and weight depend on — all five mechanisms discussed in this episode. 👉 Get Chill here: https://mswnutrition.com/products/chill   5 KEY TAKEAWAYS Sleep deprivation activates the HPA axis, raising cortisol and suppressing melatonin  Poor sleep spikes blood sugar and insulin even without eating.  Lack of REM sleep directly lowers testosterone in men and disrupts estrogen in women.  Poor sleep causes fatty liver (MASLD/NAFLD) by disrupting insulin sensitivity, lipid metabolism, and inflammation markers like TNF-alpha, IL-6, and CRP. Melatonin — made during quality sleep — has been shown to actually prevent and reverse fatty liver progression. Sleep deprivation damages the gut microbiome by reducing beneficial bacteria like Akkermansia and Bacteroides, breaking down the intestinal barrier, and triggering gut-brain neuroinflammation — all of which contribute to weight gain and metabolic dysfunction. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 START – Welcome and episode overview 00:30 – Opening hook: why sleep is the missing weight loss variable 01:45 – How sleep deprivation disrupts hormones, metabolism, and fat storage 03:30 – School of Doza: Wednesday AMAs and free 7-day trial 06:40 – Way 1: Poor sleep increases inflammation via cortisol and HPA axis activation 10:30 – The cortisol-melatonin connection and why melatonin matters for weight 13:00 – Melatonin in the gut: 10–100x more than the brain, and what that means 15:30 – Way 2: Poor sleep causes high blood sugar and insulin resistance 17:40 – Late-night eating, sugar crashes, and the 3 a.m. wake-up pattern 21:00 – Leptin disruption, nighttime hunger, and the diabetes–sleep link 25:30 – Amyloid, insulin, and the Alzheimer's connection to sleep deprivation 29:30 – Way 3: Poor sleep lowers testosterone and estrogen 31:30 – Estrogen's role in initiating sleep; menopause, CPAP, and beer belly 32:00 – Way 4: Poor sleep causes fatty liver (MASLD/NAFLD) 35:30 – Way 5: Poor sleep destroys gut health and microbiome diversity 37:00 – Chill by MSW Nutrition: the sleep and cortisol support product 38:30 – Closing thoughts and call to join the School of Doza RESOURCES Sleep Disorders and Metabolic-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) – Covers HPA axis activation, melatonin's role in fatty liver, estrogen/testosterone disruption, and insulin sensitivity. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12315459/ Sleep Duration, Type 2 Diabetes, and Glucose Metabolism – Documents the relationship between short sleep duration and elevated T2DM risk, and the role of NF-kB inflammatory markers. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6893547/ Sleep Deprivation, Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis, and Metabolic Disease – Covers leptin/ghrelin shifts, serum amyloid A, Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio changes, and intestinal barrier disruption. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10253795/ Chill by MSW Nutrition – GABA, L-Theanine, Magnesium, myo-Inositol, and Taurine sleep and cortisol support blend. https://mswnutrition.com/products/chill School of Doza Community – Join for free sleep classes, Wednesday AMAs, and group coaching. https://community.schoolofdoza.com/c/start-here 🔗 Connect with Nurse Doza: JOIN MY SCHOOL for FREE: https://community.schoolofdoza.com/c/start-here YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwcKyagDi468WscAOWM5VHA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nursedoza/ Website: http://www.nursedoza.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mendoza-dc-aprn-np-c-0609a038/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursedoza Twitter: https://twitter.com/nursedoza

Two supplements. One morning stack. Nurse Doza breaks down why Liver Boost and Berberine Plus work better together — and how the Good Poops Protocol combines them with a gut-repair formula to support liver, gallbladder, blood sugar, and weight.  Today is the last day to save an extra 10% automatically on the full protocol. The Good Poops Protocol is a three-supplement system designed by Nurse Doza, DC, RN, FNP-C — combining Liver Boost (16-ingredient Phase I + II liver detox support), Berberine Plus (5x more bioavailable dihydroberberine for blood sugar and digestion), and Gut (L-Glutamine formula for intestinal lining and gut flora) — into one 60-day protocol. As discussed in this episode, when you support liver function and blood sugar management simultaneously, the downstream effects on digestion, weight, and overall health can be profound — and noticeable within days. 👉  Get the Good Poops Protocol  Extra 10% Off Today: https://good-poops.mswnutrition.com/ (Discount is automatic — no code needed — April only, last day) 5 Key Takeaways Liver Boost and Berberine work better together. Taking them separately misses the synergy. Stacked together first thing in the morning on an empty stomach, they hit liver detoxification and blood sugar management simultaneously — two systems that are deeply interconnected. Your blood sugar ends up in your liver. Every glucose spike you take in gets processed by the liver. If liver function is compromised, blood sugar regulation suffers. Supporting both at once is the smarter approach. Timing and dosing matter. Start with one to two Liver Boost capsules in the morning on an empty stomach. Add Berberine Plus at the same time, or experiment with a dose before your largest meal. Most people notice digestive changes within days, and broader improvements within a few weeks. The Good Poops Protocol adds the gut layer. Liver Boost and Berberine address upstream function, but the Gut formula — an L-Glutamine-based powder — repairs the intestinal lining and supports gut flora. All three systems depend on each other. Play around with it. There's no single rigid protocol. Nurse Doza encourages listeners to experiment with meal timing, split dosing, and combinations to find what works for their specific body and goals. Resources "Biochemical Changes Associated with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Response to Berberine Treatment" — Systematic review and meta-analysis from Frontiers in Pharmacology demonstrating that berberine significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels and improved liver enzyme markers (ALT, AST) across both clinical and preclinical studies. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12433188/ "Efficacy and Safety of Berberine Alone for Several Metabolic Disorders" — PMC systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials examining berberine's effects on NAFLD, type 2 diabetes, blood sugar, and lipid profiles. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8107691/ "Berberine Influences Multiple Diseases by Modifying Gut Microbiota" — Frontiers in Nutrition 2023 review covering how berberine's interaction with gut microbiota produces downstream effects on metabolic disease, liver disease, and intestinal health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10435753/ "Impact of Silymarin Supplements on Liver Enzyme Levels: A Systematic Review" — PMC review of 29 randomized controlled trials (3,846 participants) evaluating silymarin's hepatoprotective effects and impact on liver enzyme levels across diverse clinical conditions. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10667129/ "Regulation of Hepatic Glucose Metabolism in Health and Disease" — Nature Reviews Endocrinology / PMC explaining the liver's central role in glucose homeostasis, including how hepatic dysfunction contributes to hyperglycemia in type 1 and type 2 diabetes. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5777172/ Connect with Nurse Doza 🔗  JOIN MY SCHOOL for FREE: https://community.schoolofdoza.com/c/start-here YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwcKyagDi468WscAOWM5VHA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nursedoza/ Website: http://www.nursedoza.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mendoza-dc-aprn-np-c-0609a038/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursedoza Twitter: https://twitter.com/nursedoza

In this Supplement Ingredient Series episode, Nurse Doza breaks down glutathione — the master antioxidant your liver makes to fight inflammation, detox your body, and protect your brain. With roughly 1 in 4 people worldwide carrying a fatty liver, most are running on low reserves. Learn why glutathione is non-negotiable for energy, performance, and recovery — plus how to get your own vial to use at home. Featured Partner: SHED SHED delivers practitioner-grade glutathione in a vial you can use at home — the same master antioxidant Nurse Doza has administered through thousands of injections and IVs in clinical practice. Because the liver's ability to produce glutathione drops when it's fatty, inflamed, or overworked, supplementing directly is often the fastest way to restore energy, mental clarity, and detoxification pathways — exactly the mechanism discussed in this episode. 👉 Get your SHED glutathione vial here: https://tryshed.com 👉 Use code DOZA30 at: https://tryshed.com 5 Key Takeaways Glutathione is your body's master antioxidant. It's a tripeptide made in the liver that neutralizes free radicals, recycles other antioxidants like vitamin C and E, and powers detoxification pathways throughout the body. Your liver is the glutathione factory. Peer-reviewed research confirms the liver is the central hub for glutathione production and systemic distribution — when hepatic function drops, so does your antioxidant defense system. Fatty liver compromises antioxidant production. Global NAFLD prevalence estimates range from roughly 25–32% of adults, meaning a significant portion of the population has reduced capacity to make glutathione — which is exactly when fatigue, brain fog, and chronic inflammation start showing up. Oral glutathione has poor bioavailability. Because glutathione is broken down by enzymes in the digestive tract, injections and IVs bypass digestion and deliver the molecule directly into circulation — which is why Nurse Doza and many functional practitioners prefer this route. Glutathione isn't just a detox tool — it's a performance tool. Higher glutathione levels are clinically linked to better energy, sharper cognition, faster recovery, and lower systemic inflammation. That's why it's a cornerstone ingredient in Nurse Doza's practice. Resources "Changes in Glutathione Content in Liver Diseases: An Update" — Peer-reviewed review (Antioxidants, 2021) confirming that glutathione is particularly concentrated in the liver and is central to redox balance, detoxification, and the pathogenesis of liver disease. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7997318/ "Glutathione Synthesis in the Mouse Liver Supports Lipid Abundance Through NRF2 Repression" — Nature Communications (2024) research showing glutathione levels are highest in liver tissue and that hepatic GSH synthesis is essential to systemic redox buffering. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-50454-2 "Global Incidence and Prevalence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease" — PMC systematic review estimating global adult NAFLD prevalence at 32%, with rates exceeding 40% in the Americas — directly relevant to the episode's discussion of compromised glutathione production. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10029957/ "Glutathione in the Treatment of Liver Diseases: Insights from Clinical Practice" — PubMed-indexed clinical review (Free Radical Biology and Medicine) on how GSH administration supports recovery from oxidative stress-induced liver damage in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic liver disease. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27603810/ "Alterations in Glutathione Redox Homeostasis in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease" — Systematic review (Antioxidants, 2024) confirming that the liver is central for glutathione production and that redox imbalances drive multi-organ damage. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/12/1461 Connect with Nurse Doza 🔗 JOIN MY SCHOOL for FREE: https://community.schoolofdoza.com/c/start-here YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwcKyagDi468WscAOWM5VHA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nursedoza/ Website: http://www.nursedoza.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mendoza-dc-aprn-np-c-0609a038/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursedoza Twitter: https://twitter.com/nursedoza

A look into a School of Doza — Lunch & Learn Session 🍽️ What Is a Lunch & Learn? Lunch & Learns are live health education sessions hosted by Nurse Doza, held twice a month on YouTube and Facebook. Each session dives deep into a real health topic — no fluff, just practical, research-backed information you can use the same day. Sessions are announced by scheduling them on YouTube. Subscribe and hit the notification bell so you never miss a live session — that's the only way to get notified when the next one drops. 👉 Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwcKyagDi468WscAOWM5VHA Fatty liver affects 1 in 4 adults worldwide, yet most people don't know they have it. In this Lunch & Learn session, Nurse Doza breaks down what fatty liver is, what's causing it—from fast food and sodas to medications and food additives—and 5 practical steps you can take to start improving your fatty liver today. Liver Boost by MSW Nutrition Liver Boost is a 16-ingredient formula specifically chosen to support liver detoxification, reduce inflammation, and help reverse the damage caused by the everyday foods and habits discussed in this session. 👉 Get Liver Boost here: https://mswnutrition.com/products/liver-boost 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS Fatty liver is more common than you think. One in four adults worldwide has fatty liver—caused not just by alcohol, but by fast food, sodas, medications, food dyes, and processed ingredients. Fatty liver comes before weight gain. Most people assume being overweight causes fatty liver, but it's the other way around—fatty liver develops first, setting the stage for insulin resistance, obesity, and metabolic disease. Diet sodas are not a safe alternative. Aspartame and other artificial sweeteners can't be processed by the body for energy, so they get stored in the liver as plaque—the same advanced glycated end products (AGEs) linked to Alzheimer's and dementia. The liver stores everything you eat. Food is processed through the gut, metabolized, and deposited in the liver first—before muscles and fat cells. Every cheeseburger, tortilla, creamer, and soda makes a deposit. The liver is like a refrigerator that never gets cleaned. You can support and reverse fatty liver. Real food, movement after meals, and targeted supplements like Liver Boost (containing milk thistle, NAC, turmeric, broccoli extract, and more) can help reduce liver inflammation and support detoxification. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – START  02:00 – What makes the liver unique and why it's so vulnerable 03:30 – How medications, alcohol, and food cause liver damage 05:00 – Fast food and fatty liver 08:00 – How the liver processes hormones 10:30 – The liver as a refrigerator 12:30 – Diet sodas, aspartame, and the link to fatty liver and dementia 17:00 – AGEs and Alzheimer's disease 20:00 – What fatty liver looks like at breakfast 23:00 – The first symptom of fatty liver and the chicken-or-egg question 25:00 – How food is stored 28:00 – Insulin resistance, fat cells, and visceral fat explained 31:00 – Food industry failures 34:00 – 5 steps to improve fatty liver and why diet change must come first 39:00 – Final thoughts and closing RESOURCES Fatty liver disease prevalence and global statistics — https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/hepatitis Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) overview — https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/nonalcoholic-fatty-liver-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20354567 Acetaminophen and liver damage — https://www.fda.gov/drugs/medication-health-fraud/acetaminophen-information Statins and liver toxicity — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3716701/ Oral contraceptives and gallbladder/gallstone risk — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1976518/ High fructose corn syrup and fatty liver — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4443598/ Aspartame, neurological effects, and metabolic impact — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5450819/ Advanced glycated end products (AGEs) and Alzheimer's disease — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4712798/ Diet soda consumption and dementia risk — https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/STROKEAHA.116.016027 Black coffee and fatty liver reversal — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4862107/ Walking after meals and blood sugar regulation — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9240991/ Gut microbiome disruption and fatty liver disease — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6140150/ Milk thistle (silymarin) and liver protection — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7408678/ NAC and alpha-lipoic acid in liver support — https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4533395/ CONNECT YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwcKyagDi468WscAOWM5VHA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nursedoza/ Website: http://www.nursedoza.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mendoza-dc-aprn-np-c-0609a038/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursedoza Twitter: https://twitter.com/nursedoza

On this Wellness Tech Series episode, Nurse Doza breaks down why red light therapy has become his go-to biohacking tool for mitochondrial health. He reviews the handheld LightpathLED panel he travels with — a dual-mode device combining red and blue light to regenerate cells, support skin health, and combat the effects of low solar exposure. Easy to use, easy to charge, and powerful enough to deliver results in just 10 minutes a day. Featured Partner: LightpathLED LightpathLED builds professional-grade red light therapy panels engineered for at-home and travel use — including compact handheld combo devices that deliver red (670 nm) and blue (450 nm) wavelengths in a single unit. That dual-mode technology directly addresses the two benefits Nurse Doza highlights in this episode: mitochondrial regeneration through red light and skin clarity through blue light. With the industry's densest LED count per square inch and a 5-year warranty, it's the red light panel built for people who are serious about their mitochondrial health. 👉 Get your LightpathLED red light panel here: https://lightpathled.com/ 👉 Use code NURSEDOZA at  5 Key Takeaways Red light regenerates your mitochondria. Red and near-infrared light in the 600–1000 nm range is absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, increasing ATP production and cellular energy. This is the foundational mechanism that makes red light therapy powerful for whole-body recovery. Most of us are solar-starved. Indoor living, screens, and chronic stress leave most people deficient in the red-spectrum light their cells need to function. A handheld red light panel isn't a replacement for sunlight — but it's the next best thing for daily cellular maintenance. There's serious mitochondrial density in your eyes and brain. Red and near-infrared wavelengths in the 600–1000 nm range can penetrate bone to reach brain tissue, supporting cognitive function and visual health — two areas where mitochondrial support matters most as we age. Blue light mode handles skin and acne. The LightpathLED combo panel pairs red light with ~450 nm blue light, which targets oil production and acne-causing bacteria. Around 10 minutes a day can deliver measurable skin improvements in weeks. 10 minutes a day is the game-changer. You don't need a full biohacking clinic. A handheld panel used once daily — morning is ideal — compounds into significant cellular, skin, and mood benefits over a few months. Consistency beats intensity. Resources "Mechanisms and Mitochondrial Redox Signaling in Photobiomodulation" — PMC review detailing how red and near-infrared light is absorbed by cytochrome c oxidase in mitochondria, increasing ATP production and triggering beneficial redox signaling. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5844808/ "Light stimulation of mitochondria reduces blood glucose levels" — Journal of Biophotonics 2024 study showing a 15-minute exposure to 670 nm red light reduced post-meal blood glucose elevation by 27.7% — direct evidence that photobiomodulation improves metabolic function. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38378043/ "From Light to Healing: Photobiomodulation Therapy in Medical Disciplines" — 2024 systematic review in PMC covering PBM's evolution from an adjunctive therapy to an evidence-based modality influencing mitochondrial bioenergetics, neuroplasticity, and tissue regeneration across dermatology, musculoskeletal, and neurological applications. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12751248/ "Visible Light in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris" — 2024 systematic review of 35 studies and 1,185 acne cases finding 92% of patients achieved partial remission of acne lesions using visible light therapy, with blue light being the most effective modality. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11585190/ "Effect of Red Light on Epidermal Proliferation and Mitochondrial Activity" — PMC study demonstrating that 630 nm red light increases both epidermal cell proliferation and mitochondrial activity in human skin, supporting red light's role in skin health and regeneration. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10462800/

Fatty liver and insulin resistance form a dangerous loop driving diabetes, dementia, and colon cancer. Learn what causes this cycle, what happens when it keeps running, and how diet, fasting, the Mediterranean diet, and targeted supplements can break it for good. FEATURED PRODUCT The Good Poops Protocol — combining Liver Boost, Gut Powder, and Berberine Plus — directly targets both sides of the fatty liver and insulin resistance loop discussed in this episode. Liver Boost supports your liver's ability to process fats and manage detoxification, Berberine Plus has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and lower pro-inflammatory cytokines, and Gut Powder addresses the digestive consequences — bloating, constipation, and gut dysfunction — that compound when this loop goes unchecked. Together, these three work on the liver, the blood sugar, and the gut simultaneously, which is exactly what this episode makes clear you need. 👉 Get the Good Poops Protocol here: https://goodpoops.org JOIN THE SCHOOL If this episode hit home — if you recognized yourself in the fatty liver, high insulin, or gut dysfunction piece — the School of Doza is exactly where you need to be. Every Wednesday we host a live one-hour Ask Me Anything that functions like a group consult. Bring your labs, your diet questions, your supplement stack, your specific symptoms — and get direct guidance in real time. You're not doing this alone. There's an entire community of people working through the same metabolic challenges, and you can be part of it starting today. Your first seven days are completely free. 👉 Start your free trial: https://community.schoolofdoza.com/c/start-here 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS Fatty liver and insulin resistance are a two-way loop. The liver helps regulate insulin, and insulin helps regulate the liver — meaning if one is dysfunctional, the other follows. You can't fix one without addressing the other. Diet is both the cause and the cure. Bread, rice, pasta, processed foods, and excess sugar drive fatty liver and high insulin. Fasting and the Mediterranean diet are backed by research to reverse both conditions — no medication required. The consequences go far beyond the liver. This loop is directly linked to colon cancer, dementia (type 3 diabetes), chronic fatigue, and severe digestive dysfunction. Ignoring it doesn't keep it contained — it spreads. Adiponectin and leptin are the hormones most doctors aren't checking. Low adiponectin and high leptin are associated with fatty liver, insulin resistance, colorectal cancer, and dementia. Along with insulin and GGT, these are the four labs you need to be tracking. Berberine is one of the most research-supported supplements for breaking this loop. It lowers insulin, reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6), and has been shown to increase adiponectin — directly targeting the metabolic dysfunction driving this cycle. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – START – Welcome and episode overview 01:20 – The fatty liver and insulin resistance connection explained 03:00 – School of Doza AMA and free trial offer 04:10 – What's causing the loop: diet, bread, rice, and pasta 06:30 – How the liver processes insulin and why fatty liver means liver-based insulin resistance 08:00 – Generational diet trauma and the 15-year slow burn to fatty liver 10:20 – Advanced glycation end products, plaque, and the brain connection 12:30 – The inflammation loop: how a fatty liver loses its ability to make antioxidants 14:50 – Digestive consequences: bloating, constipation, SIBO, and gut dysfunction 16:30 – Colon cancer, colorectal risk, and the fatty liver link 18:50 – Adiponectin: the anti-inflammatory hormone no one is testing 21:30 – Leptin, carcinogenesis, and how fat cells regulate inflammation 24:00 – Labs to order: insulin, adiponectin, leptin, and GGT 27:00 – Solutions: fasting, Mediterranean diet, and resistance training 29:00 – Supplements: Berberine Plus, Liver Boost, and the Good Poops Protocol 31:00 – Closing: take action, share the episode, and join the School RESOURCES Pathophysiology of NAFLD — insulin resistance, obesity, and steatosis as precursor stages. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10638269/ The liver's role in glucose homeostasis and insulin degradation via insulinase and IDE. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11850106/ Peripheral insulin resistance, IDE activation, and advanced glycation end product accumulation. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8472298/ Adiponectin, NAFLD, and colorectal cancer risk — adiponectin deficiency, leptin-driven carcinogenesis, and HbA1c above 7% increasing colorectal cancer risk by 33% per 1% increase. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3523590/ NAFLD, dementia, and cognitive impairment — insulin resistance, hyperammonemia, gut microbiota disruption, and inflammation as neurological drivers. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35831178/ Alternate-day fasting and fatty liver disease — improved insulin sensitivity, reduced liver fat, and lower ALT markers over three months. https://today.uic.edu/alternate-day-fasting-a-good-option-for-patients-with-fatty-liver-disease/ Mediterranean diet, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes — antioxidants, fiber, MUFA, and omega-3 balance. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5960814/ Mediterranean diet reducing liver steatosis and improving insulin sensitivity in NAFLD without weight loss. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168827813001347 Resistance training and liver lipid reduction — 13% relative reduction in liver lipid, improved glucose control and insulin resistance. https://gut.bmj.com/content/60/9/1278 Berberine's role in treating NAFLD, obesity, and diabetes — LDLR, AMPK, and PPAR molecular targets. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12833932/ CONNECT 🔗 Connect with Nurse Doza: JOIN MY SCHOOL for FREE: https://community.schoolofdoza.com/c/start-here YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwcKyagDi468WscAOWM5VHA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nursedoza/ Website: http://www.nursedoza.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mendoza-dc-aprn-np-c-0609a038/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursedoza Twitter: https://twitter.com/nursedoza  

Feeling drained, foggy, and inflamed — and can't figure out why? In this episode of the supplement ingredient series, Nurse Doza breaks down glutathione, the body's master antioxidant. Produced in the liver and essential for fighting oxidative stress, glutathione levels are depleted in 1 in 4 people with fatty liver — making supplementation a game-changer for energy, brain clarity, digestion, and overall detox capacity.    Featured Partner: SHED   SHED delivers glutathione in a direct-to-bloodstream vial format — bypassing the gut degradation that makes most oral supplements ineffective. For anyone battling fatty liver, brain fog, low energy, or chronic inflammation (exactly the conditions discussed in this episode), SHED's bioavailable glutathione offers what diet alone can't replicate: fast, measurable antioxidant replenishment at the cellular level. 👉  Get SHED Glutathione — Use Code DOZA30 Use code DOZA30 at: https://tryshed.com   Join the School of Doza   If this episode hit home — if you're running low on energy, dealing with stubborn brain fog, or wondering why your body can't seem to keep up — the School of Doza was built for you. Inside, you'll join a community of people asking the same hard questions and finally getting real answers from a functional practitioner who connects the dots.   Every Wednesday at 1 PM Central, Nurse Doza hosts a live ask me anything group consult. Bring your labs, your supplement questions, your inflammation frustrations. Topics like glutathione depletion, liver health, gut-brain connection, hormones, and autoimmune dysfunction are all fair game. Some students ask questions, some just listen and learn — either way, you leave with clarity.   Not sure yet? Try it completely FREE for one week. Get inside, attend a Wednesday class, and see if this is the missing piece.   👉  Start your free trial: https://community.schoolofdoza.com/c/start-here   5 Key Takeaways   Glutathione is the body's master antioxidant — and most people are running low. Your liver produces it, but chronic stress, poor diet, and fatty liver disease rapidly deplete it. Low glutathione means your cells can't neutralize oxidative damage fast enough — and you feel it. 1 in 4 people worldwide have fatty liver — and fatty liver tanks glutathione. When liver function is compromised, your body's capacity to produce and recycle glutathione drops significantly, creating a cascade of systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. Supplementing glutathione can produce noticeable results fast. Patients commonly report better energy, reduced brain fog, improved digestion, and better gut motility within a short period of starting glutathione supplementation — because it addresses the root cause rather than just the symptoms. Brain fog isn't just mental — it's biochemical. Research links glutathione depletion in the brain to reduced memory, cognitive decline, and neuroinflammation. Restoring glutathione levels can improve mental clarity and neuroprotection. Delivery method matters. Standard oral glutathione is broken down in the gut before it reaches your cells. Bioavailable formats — like SHED's vial delivery — are designed to improve absorption and maximize the antioxidant benefit where it counts.   Resources   "Glutathione Therapy in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease" — 2025 literature review from PMC/PubMed examining glutathione supplementation in NAFLD patients across RCTs from 2014–2024, demonstrating promising potential for reducing oxidative stress, maintaining redox balance, and improving liver function. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11940638/ "Efficacy of Glutathione for the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease" — Open-label multicenter pilot study from PMC/NIH demonstrating that oral glutathione supplementation significantly reduced ALT levels in NAFLD patients, with measurable improvements in liver fat and oxidative stress markers. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5549431/ "Glutathione: Pharmacological Aspects and Implications for Clinical Use in NAFLD" — Frontiers in Medicine (2023) comprehensive review of glutathione's role in cellular detoxification, phase I and II liver metabolism, immune modulation, and its therapeutic potential in fatty liver disease. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2023.1124275/full "Glutathione in the Brain — NIH/PMC" — NIH review examining glutathione's central role in neuroprotection, brain antioxidant defense, and how GSH depletion is a common finding in cognitive decline, neurodegeneration, and brain fog conditions. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8125908/ "Alterations in Glutathione Redox Homeostasis in Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease" — 2024 systematic review (Antioxidants) analyzing 165 eligible studies on the relationship between low-molecular-weight thiols — especially glutathione — and the severity of fatty liver disease in humans. https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/12/1461

Early-onset dementia is rising, and the warning signs show up decades before age 65. In this episode, Nurse Doza breaks down 5 dementia warning signs most people overlook — from poor sleep and gut dysfunction to blood sugar, oral health, and omega-3 deficiency — and what you can do right now to protect your brain. FEATURED PRODUCT Brainesium by MSW Nutrition Most magnesium supplements never reach the brain — but magnesium L-threonate does. Brainesium is the only magnesium formula shown to cross the blood-brain barrier, directly supporting synapse function, cognitive health, stress management, and sleep quality. Since sleep disruption and magnesium deficiency are both directly linked to dementia risk, Brainesium is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your brain long-term. 👉 Get Brainesium here: https://mswnutrition.com/products/brainesium JOIN THE SCHOOL This episode connects directly to what we teach inside the School of Doza. Sleep, gut health, blood sugar, and brain function aren't isolated topics — they're a system. And understanding that system is exactly what the School helps you do. Inside the community, you'll find others who are actively working on the same things you heard about today — improving sleep, cleaning up their diet, supporting their liver, and taking their brain health seriously before it's too late. Every Wednesday, Nurse Doza hosts a live AMA session that functions like a group consult — where you can ask questions specific to your situation and get real answers. If this episode hit home, the School is the next step. And right now, you can try it for free. 👉 Start your free trial: https://community.schoolofdoza.com/c/start-here 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS Your sleep quality is a direct predictor of dementia risk. Poor sleep prevents the brain from clearing amyloid beta plaques —  Your gut and liver are connected to your brain. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) shares key biological risk factors with dementia, including the APOE gene and adiponectin. Choline deficiency — common in people with fatty liver — is also linked to increased Alzheimer's risk. Oral infections aren't just a dental problem. Periodontal pathogens like Porphyromonas gingivalis have been found in the brains of Alzheimer's patients. Gum disease, cavities, and poor oral hygiene are legitimate neurological risk factors. Omega-3 deficiency is a dementia risk factor. DHA — found primarily in fatty fish — is a structural component of the brain. Studies show omega-3 intake can reduce the risk of cognitive decline by approximately 20%. Most Americans are chronically deficient. High blood sugar is one of the most direct paths to Alzheimer's. Insulin resistance in the brain disrupts synaptic function, promotes amyloid plaque accumulation, and accelerates neurodegeneration. Type 3 diabetes is now another name for Alzheimer's — and it starts with diet. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – START – Welcome and episode overview 02:15 – Why dementia doesn't only happen to the elderly 04:30 – The Sleep With Me class inside the School of Doza 06:45 – Warning sign #1: Your sleep is off 12:00 – How the brain cleans itself during sleep and what happens when it doesn't 15:30 – Warning sign #2: Your digestion is off 20:00 – The fatty liver and dementia connection (APOE, adiponectin) 25:00 – Choline deficiency, fatty liver, and brain health 29:30 – Warning sign #3: You've had mouth infections 33:00 – How periodontal bacteria reach the brain 36:00 – Warning sign #4: You don't eat enough fish 40:30 – Why omega-3 DHA is the structural fat of your brain 44:00 – Warning sign #5: Your blood sugar is too high 49:30 – Insulin resistance, AGEs, and Type 3 diabetes explained 56:00 – Closing thoughts and call to action RESOURCES Sleep disturbances and cognitive impairment — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11348879/ The gut-brain axis and neurological disease —  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10497313/ Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cognitive impairment — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9530447/ Choline intake and dementia risk —  https://ajcn.nutrition.org/article/S0002-9165(24)00869-4/fulltext Choline, fatty liver, and liver damage —  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3729018/ Oral dysbiosis and Alzheimer's disease —  https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.71011 Omega-3 fatty acids and dementia risk reduction —  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10447496/ Insulin resistance and Alzheimer's disease —  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8472298/ CONNECT 🔗 Connect with Nurse Doza: JOIN MY SCHOOL for FREE: https://community.schoolofdoza.com/c/start-here YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwcKyagDi468WscAOWM5VHA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nursedoza/ Website: http://www.nursedoza.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mendoza-dc-aprn-np-c-0609a038/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursedoza Twitter: https://twitter.com/nursedoza

Nurse Doza doesn’t always eat lunch — but he never skips protein and animal fat. In this episode, he breaks down why he reaches for clean, 100% grass-fed beef jerky as his go-to midday snack, how the ingredients in Lineage Provisions meat sticks — grass-fed beef, organic apple cider vinegar, and salt — actively support blood sugar, reduce inflammation, and help with weight management. Because what you snack on matters more than you think. Featured Partner: Lineage Provisions Lineage Provisions delivers exactly what Nurse Doza looks for in a snack: 100% grass-fed beef made with just three clean ingredients — grass-fed beef, organic apple cider vinegar, and salt. No fillers, no seed oils, no inflammatory junk that undoes the work you’re already putting into your health. Their grass-fed beef jerky and liver meat sticks are the snack Nurse Doza trusts when he skips lunch and still needs to keep his blood sugar stable, energy up, and inflammation down. If you vote with your dollar, vote for ingredients that actually work for your body. 👉 Get your bag here — use code NURSEDOZA at: lineageprovisions.com   5 Key Takeaways Your snack is either working for you or against you. Most processed snacks — even the ones marketed as “protein” options — are loaded with inflammatory seed oils, fillers, and additives that spike blood sugar and undermine your health goals. Ingredients matter more than marketing. Grass-fed beef is fundamentally different from conventional beef. 100% grass-fed beef contains a significantly more favorable omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, higher levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and greater antioxidant content than grain-fed alternatives — all of which support reduced inflammation in the body. Protein and animal fat stabilize blood sugar. Skipping carbohydrate-heavy snacks and replacing them with high-protein, animal-fat-rich foods helps blunt postprandial glucose spikes, increases satiety, and supports healthy weight management — all without the energy crash. Apple cider vinegar is a legitimate blood sugar tool. Organic apple cider vinegar has been shown in clinical research to significantly reduce fasting blood sugar and improve glycemic control — which is one reason it’s a key ingredient in Lineage Provisions grass-fed beef jerky. You vote with your dollar. Choosing clean, simple-ingredient foods like Lineage Provisions — just beef, organic ACV, and salt — is a direct investment in your long-term health. Better energy, better skin, better digestion. That’s what happens when your snack actually earns its place in your diet. Resources 1. Fatty Acid Composition of Grass-Fed and Grain-Fed Beef — PMC Peer-reviewed review published in PMC examining how grass-fed beef contains higher levels of long-chain omega-3 PUFAs, including EPA, DPA, and DHA, a more favorable n-6:n-3 ratio, and greater concentrations of conjugated linoleic acid compared to grain-fed beef — all of which offer protective effects against inflammation and cardiovascular disease. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8728510/ 2. Effects of Apple Cider Vinegar on Glycemic Control — Frontiers in Nutrition / PMC (2025) 2025 GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of 7 controlled clinical trials (463 participants) demonstrating that apple cider vinegar significantly reduced fasting blood sugar and HbA1c levels in patients with type 2 diabetes, supporting its role as a functional food for blood sugar management. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11821484/ 3. Clinical Evidence and Mechanisms of High-Protein Diet-Induced Weight Loss — PMC PMC review examining how high-protein diets promote weight loss through elevated satiety hormones (GLP-1, CCK, PYY), increased diet-induced thermogenesis, and preservation of fat-free mass — directly supporting why protein-forward snacking supports healthy body composition and blood sugar stability. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7539343/ 4. Apple Cider Vinegar as a Functional Food on Blood Glucose — Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes & Healthcare / PMC (2023) Randomized controlled clinical trial published in PMC evaluating the effects of prolonged ACV consumption on blood glucose indices and lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes, finding significant improvements in glycemic control and supporting ACV as a functional food tool. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10679383/ 5. Grass-Fed Beef Fatty Acid Profiles and Antioxidant Content — https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2846864/ Connect with Nurse Doza 🔗 JOIN MY SCHOOL for FREE: https://community.schoolofdoza.com/c/start-here YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwcKyagDi468WscAOWM5VHA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nursedoza/ Website: http://www.nursedoza.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mendoza-dc-aprn-np-c-0609a038/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursedoza Twitter: https://twitter.com/nursedoza

Learn how to increase testosterone naturally with five proven strategies that actually work. This episode covers liver detoxification, fasting, brown fat activation, omega-3 fish oil, and targeted supplements like vitamin D, carnitine, and ashwagandha. Discover the connection between fatty liver, metabolic syndrome, and low testosterone—and why supporting your body naturally may be the key before considering TRT injections. (478 characters) FEATURED PRODUCT Zen – Adrenal Support by MSW Nutrition One of the most overlooked influences on testosterone is chronic stress. When cortisol stays elevated, testosterone production declines. Zen is designed to support nervous system balance and stress resilience with bovine adrenal gland extract, helping manage the cortisol-testosterone connection discussed throughout this episode. If you're working on increasing testosterone naturally, supporting your stress response is a foundational step—and Zen was built for exactly that. 👉 Get Zen here: https://mswnutrition.com/products/zen JOIN THE SCHOOL 👉 Start your free trial: https://community.schoolofdoza.com/c/start-here 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS Liver health is the foundation of testosterone production.  Fasting can significantly increase testosterone in men.  Brown fat activation supports metabolic and hormonal health.  Omega-3 fish oil is a seriously underrated testosterone booster.  A targeted supplement stack can support natural testosterone production at multiple levels.  TIMESTAMPS 00:00 START – Welcome and episode introduction 02:05 – Detoxify the liver: the connection between fatty liver and low testosterone 03:53 – Real-world examples: testosterone levels in men who prioritize health 06:15 – How excess estrogen from fat cells suppresses testosterone 08:00 – Liver Boost supplement and estrogen regulation for men 08:36 – Fasting and testosterone: study breakdown and personal results 10:50 – Support brown fat: metabolic syndrome, white fat, and cold exposure 13:05 – Why most men's low testosterone is tied to pre-diabetes and lifestyle 15:25 – The natural vs. injection conversation with clients 17:47 – Cold exposure, browning fat, and practical tips for busy men 19:00 – Eat more fish: omega-3 DHA and testosterone studies 21:55 – Supplement stack for testosterone: vitamin D, carnitine, quercetin, NAC, and more 26:00 – Cortisol, Zen, and the stress-testosterone connection 28:30 – Recap: the five strategies and final thoughts RESOURCES "Testosterone and the Liver" – Overview of testosterone metabolism and liver function. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/andr.12452 "Testosterone and Cirrhosis" – Serum testosterone reduction in men with advancing liver disease. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25087838/ "Low Testosterone and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease" – Independent association between low testosterone and NAFLD, including inflammation markers. https://bmcgastroenterol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1471-230X-12-69 "Caloric Restriction and Testosterone in Obese Men" – How fasting improves testicular function and reduces testosterone-to-estrogen conversion. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34613412/ "Endocrinology of Steroid Hormones" – How all human steroid hormones derive from cholesterol, including testosterone production pathways. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278929/ "Estrogen, Adipose Tissue, and Testosterone" – The role of aromatase in fat tissue converting testosterone to estrogen. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8078866/ "DHA-Enriched Fish Oil Increases Testosterone" –  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33221700/ "Fish Intake and Serum Testosterone in Older Males" – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10997911/ "Vitamin D Supplementation and Testosterone" – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22731648/ "L-Carnitine and Testosterone/LH Improvement" – https://www.mdpi.com/2077-0383/12/18/5796 "Silymarin (Milk Thistle) and Male Reproductive Health" – https://www.academia.edu/83268660/Ameliorative_Impact_of_Silymarin_on_the_Male_Reproductive_System_An_Updated_Systematic_Review "NAC and Hormonal Profile Improvement" – https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12958-019-0468-9 "Flavonoids, Quercetin, and Testosterone Production" – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7139932/ "Fenugreek and Ashwagandha for Testosterone" –  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8166567/ "Stress Hormone Blocks Testosterone's Effects" –  https://news.utexas.edu/2010/09/27/stress-hormone-blocks-testosterones-effects-study-shows/ 🔗 Connect with Nurse Doza: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwcKyagDi468WscAOWM5VHA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nursedoza/ Website: http://www.nursedoza.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mendoza-dc-aprn-np-c-0609a038/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursedoza Twitter: https://twitter.com/nursedoza

Masa Chips are organic corn tortilla chips fried in 100% grass-fed beef tallow — not the refined seed oils hiding in most "better-for-you" snacks. That single ingredient swap matters enormously for anyone dealing with inflammation, gut sensitivity, or autoimmune conditions, which is exactly what this episode covers. Nurse Doza personally reaches for Masa Chips as his go-to healthy chips, and reports zero bloating, zero inflammation, and happy digestion every single time. Flavors available: Original, Churro, Spicy Habanero, Lime, Blue Chip, Hatch Chili, and more. 👉 Get Masa Chips here: https://masachips.com 👉 Use code DOZA at checkout for a discount on your first order 5 Key Takeaways The fat you fry in matters — a lot.     Most commercial chips are cooked in refined seed oils high in omega-6 linoleic acid. Research shows excessive omega-6 intake creates a pro-inflammatory, pro-allergic state that can worsen autoimmune conditions. Grass-fed beef tallow flips that script entirely. Grass-fed tallow is not the enemy.     Beef tallow from grass-fed cows contains fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K2, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), and a favorable omega-6 to omega-3 ratio — nutrients that support immune function, hormone health, and metabolic balance. Organic corn isn't just a marketing label.     Organic corn means no synthetic pesticides, no GMOs, and when processed via nixtamalization (the traditional lime-soaking method used in masa), it delivers enhanced nutrient bioavailability and improved digestibility — especially meaningful for those with gut sensitivity. Autoimmune conditions demand cleaner ingredient standards.     People managing autoimmune disorders can't afford inflammatory ingredients in their everyday snacks. Masa Chips repeatedly passes Nurse Doza's personal test: no bloating, no inflammation, no digestive disruption — even with an autoimmune condition. Healthy chips are possible.     You don't have to give up the crunch. You just have to choose your snacks more intentionally. Real ingredients, real fat, real salt — that's the Masa Chips formula, and it proves that "healthy chips" doesn't have to be an oxymoron.

Liver Boost from MSW Nutrition is designed to support phase 1 and phase 2 detoxification pathways — the exact processes your liver uses to metabolize and clear estrogen. During perimenopause, when hormone levels fluctuate and detox pathways can become sluggish, supporting liver function is foundational. Liver Boost helps your body process hormones more efficiently, which can ease bloating, mood swings, skin changes, and stubborn weight fluctuations discussed throughout this episode. 👉 Get Liver Boost here: https://mswnutrition.com/products/liver-boost Perimenopause can feel confusing and overwhelming as hormones shift, sleep gets disrupted, and weight starts behaving differently. In this episode, we break down 5 practical ways to support your body during perimenopause — from liver detoxification and gut repair to adrenal support, insulin management, and the lab work you should be asking for. Learn how estrogen metabolism actually works and what you can do today to feel better through the transition. JOIN THE SCHOOL If perimenopause has you feeling confused about what's happening with your hormones, your gut, your weight, or your energy — you don't have to figure it out alone. Inside the School of Doza, you'll join a community of people navigating the same hormonal shifts, with access to live classes that go deeper into metabolism, digestion, and real-world strategies you can apply immediately.  👉 Start your free trial: https://community.schoolofdoza.com/c/start-here 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS Your liver is the gatekeeper of estrogen balance. Estrogen is metabolized primarily in the liver through a two-stage detoxification process — hydroxylation followed by methylation and sulfation. If these pathways are sluggish, excess estrogen can recirculate and amplify perimenopause symptoms. Gut health directly impacts estrogen levels. The estrobolome — a collection of gut bacteria genes — produces enzymes that deconjugate estrogen in the intestine. When gut health is compromised, the balance between estrogen reabsorption and excretion gets disrupted, potentially contributing to estrogen-driven conditions including breast cancer risk. Your adrenal glands become a key estrogen source. As ovarian function declines during perimenopause, the adrenal glands and adipose tissue continue producing estrogen locally. Supporting adrenal health helps maintain more stable hormone output during the transition. Insulin and estrogen are deeply connected. Research suggests that estrogen helps regulate plasma glucose and insulin levels.  Lab work removes the guesswork. Testing E2, progesterone, LH, FSH, DHEA-s, total and free testosterone, along with liver and inflammation markers like GGT, hsCRP, fasting insulin, and homocysteine gives you a clear picture of where your body actually stands — not just where you think it is based on symptoms. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 START – Welcome and episode overview 02:15 – What perimenopause actually is and why it feels so unpredictable 05:30 – Way #1: Detox the liver and how estrogen metabolism works in two phases 09:45 – The link between menopause and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) 13:00 – Xenoestrogens, BPA, DDT, and environmental hormone disruptors 17:20 – Phytoestrogens and pterostilbene as protective agents 20:00 – Phase 2 detoxification: sulfation, methylation, and COMT 24:10 – Way #2: Repair the gut and how the estrobolome regulates estrogen 28:30 – How gut microbial beta-glucuronidase connects to breast cancer risk 32:00 – Way #3: Support the adrenals as a secondary estrogen source 35:15 – Way #4: Lower insulin and the estrogen-glucose connection 38:40 – Way #5: Get your labs done — the complete panel you should request 42:00 – How Liver Boost supports perimenopause and closing thoughts RESOURCES "Menopause and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease": https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5763482/ "Estrogen Sulfotransferase and Steroid Sulfatase in Cancer"  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3586502/ "Gut Microbial Beta-Glucuronidase: A Vital Regulator in Female Estrogen Metabolism"  https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10416750/ "Xenoestrogens and Phytoestrogens:  https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34445499/ "Pterostilbene: Anticancer Effects Through Autophagy Induction": https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1323377/full "Estrogen Circulation Pathways"  https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Estrogen-circulation-pathways-Estrogens-are-locally-produced-in-several-tissues-mainly_fig1_349967427 CONNECT 🔗 Connect with Nurse Doza: JOIN MY SCHOOL for FREE: https://community.schoolofdoza.com/c/start-here YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwcKyagDi468WscAOWM5VHA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nursedoza/ Website: http://www.nursedoza.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mendoza-dc-aprn-np-c-0609a038/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursedoza Twitter: https://twitter.com/nursedoza

Nandaka by Pique - the Rolls-Royce of coffee alternative, and Nurse Doza personally drinks it every morning. This functional mushroom blend combines lion's mane for cognitive support, reishi for stress resilience and immune strength, fermented green and black tea extract for calm, focused energy, and cacao for gut health — delivering everything coffee promises without the downsides. It's the kind of morning ritual upgrade discussed in depth in this episode. 👉 Use my link for 20% off for life + free gifts: https://piquelife.com/nursedozanandaka Tired of the jitters, crashes, and anxiety that come with coffee? In this episode, Nurse Doza breaks down why he made the switch to Nandaka by Pique — the ultimate coffee alternative packed with lion's mane, reishi, fermented green tea, and cacao for clean focus, immune strength, and gut support. No crash. No jitters. Just calm, sustained energy.   5 Key Takeaways Coffee isn't your only option for energy. Functional mushroom blends like Nandaka deliver calm, sustained energy through fermented green tea, lion's mane, and reishi — without the jitters, anxiety, or afternoon crashes that come with high-caffeine coffee. Lion's mane supports long-term brain health. Research shows lion's mane contains bioactive compounds — hericenones and erinacines — that promote nerve growth factor (NGF) synthesis, supporting healthy brain cells, cognitive function, and memory over time. Reishi is nature's stress shield. Known for centuries as the "mushroom of immortality," reishi contains beta-glucans and triterpenoids that modulate the immune system, reduce fatigue, and help calibrate the body's stress response — making you more resilient, not just more stimulated. Fermented green tea = calm focus without the spike. L-theanine in green tea works synergistically with its natural caffeine to sharpen attention, reduce mental noise, and promote a relaxed-yet-alert state — what researchers describe as a "relaxed, capable state of mind." Fermenting enhances bioavailability of these compounds. Cacao adds gut support to your morning ritual. Nandaka's cacao component supports gut health through its prebiotic fiber content and polyphenols — meaning your morning coffee alternative is also working for your microbiome. One drink, multiple systems supported. Resources "The Acute and Chronic Effects of Lion's Mane Mushroom Supplementation on Cognitive Function, Stress and Mood in Young Adults" — Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study from PMC/Northumbria University showing lion's mane may improve cognitive performance speed and reduce subjective stress in healthy young adults. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10675414/ "Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane Mushroom): A Neuroprotective Fungus" — 2025 narrative review from PMC documenting lion's mane's bioactive compounds (hericenones, erinacines) and their role in promoting nerve growth factor synthesis, neuroprotection, and cognitive support. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12030463/ "Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi)" — NIH/NCBI — Comprehensive NIH overview of reishi mushroom's documented health benefits, including immune modulation, blood glucose regulation, hepatoprotection, and stress response support. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/ "Effect of Green Tea Phytochemicals on Mood and Cognition" — Review of 49 human intervention studies from PubMed demonstrating that L-theanine and caffeine in green tea provide reliable improvements in sustained attention, memory, and relaxation — producing a calm, focused mental state. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28056735/ "Immune Modulation From Five Major Mushrooms" — PMC — PMC review examining how medicinal mushrooms including reishi modulate immune function through NK cell activation, cytokine regulation, and beta-glucan activity — supporting both immune strength and inflammatory balance. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4684115/ Connect with Nurse Doza 👉 JOIN MY SCHOOL for FREE: https://community.schoolofdoza.com/c/start-here YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwcKyagDi468WscAOWM5VHA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nursedoza/ Website: http://www.nursedoza.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mendoza-dc-aprn-np-c-0609a038/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursedoza Twitter: https://twitter.com/nursedoza

Your gallbladder isn't just an optional organ—it plays a critical role in digestion, fat metabolism, and liver support. Learn why you were born with one, what happens when it's removed, and science-backed strategies to keep it healthy through diet and lifestyle changes. FEATURED PRODUCT Liver Boost, featuring 16 targeted ingredients including NAC, alpha lipoic acid, and DIM, supports phase 1 and phase 2 liver detoxification pathways and bile production—essential for optimal gallbladder function and preventing gallstone formation as discussed in this episode. Right now we have a BUY 2 LIVER BOOST BOTTLES GET 1 FREE 👉 Get Liver Boost here: https://mswnutrition.com/products/liver-boost JOIN THE SCHOOL Struggling with digestive issues, gallbladder pain, or wondering if you're at risk for gallstones? You're not alone. Join The School of Doza community where members share their journeys toward better digestive health and learn evidence-based strategies to support liver and gallbladder function. Every Wednesday, participate in live "Ask Me Anything" sessions that function like group consults—get your specific questions answered about gallbladder health, fatty liver reversal, and dietary strategies that actually work. Plus, access our complete 14-day liver detox course and weekly live classes focused on foundational health topics like sleep, digestion, and detoxification. 👉 Start your free trial: https://community.schoolofdoza.com/c/start-here 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS Your gallbladder is a vital digestive organ that stores and releases bile to help digest fats—removing it doesn't solve the underlying metabolic problems that caused gallbladder issues in the first place. After gallbladder removal, bile flows directly from the liver into the small intestine, which can increase digestive issues and potentially raise colon cancer risk due to excess bile acid exposure. A fatty gallbladder indicates a fatty liver—addressing liver health through phase 1 and phase 2 detoxification is essential for preventing gallstone formation and gallbladder attacks. The Mediterranean diet has been shown to reduce gallbladder surgery risk by 13-27% in women, emphasizing healthy fats from fish, olive oil, and avocados rather than inflammatory seed oils and processed foods. Oral birth control and inflammatory dietary patterns (processed grains, seed oils, excess sugar) significantly increase gallstone risk, particularly in women, making dietary intervention crucial for prevention. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – START 01:09 – Upcoming sleep class at School of Doza 03:29 – Why medical websites say you don't need your gallbladder (and why that's wrong) 05:45 – How your diet increases bile production and creates gallstones 08:11 – The connection between fast food, bile production, and gallbladder attacks 10:36 – Where does bile go after gallbladder removal? 12:38 – Diet changes to save your gallbladder or support digestive health post-surgery 14:52 – The fatty liver and fatty gallbladder connection 17:02 – Mediterranean diet reduces gallbladder surgery risk by up to 27% 18:47 – What to take: Liver Boost for phase 1 and phase 2 liver detoxification 20:48 – Why your liver is like a refrigerator storing inflammatory foods 22:50 – Action steps: Diet changes, fasting, and liver support RESOURCES Cleveland Clinic - Gallbladder Overview: Discusses the gallbladder's role in storing and releasing bile for fat digestion https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/21690-gallbladder University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus - Post-Cholecystectomy Bile Flow: Explains what happens to bile after gallbladder surgery https://medschool.cuanschutz.edu/surgery/divisions-centers-affiliates/gites/patient-care/cholecystectomy NIH/PMC - Bile Acids and Colon Carcinogenesis: Research on bile acids' role in digestive health and cancer risk https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6429521/ Catholic Health New York - Gallbladder Diet Guidelines: Comprehensive diet recommendations for gallbladder health https://www.chnnyc.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Gallbladder-Diet.pdf CBC News - Mediterranean Diet and Gallbladder Surgery: Study showing 13-27% lower surgery risk with Mediterranean diet https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/mediterranean-diet-gallbladder-surgery-1.4237986 CONNECT 🔗 Connect with Nurse Doza: JOIN MY SCHOOL for FREE: https://community.schoolofdoza.com/c/start-here YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwcKyagDi468WscAOWM5VHA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nursedoza/ Website: http://www.nursedoza.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mendoza-dc-aprn-np-c-0609a038/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursedoza Twitter: https://twitter.com/nursedoza

One in three women will have a hysterectomy by age 60, but what happens after is rarely discussed. This episode breaks down how a hysterectomy affects hormones, weight, and digestion — from early menopause and insulin resistance to the gut-estrogen connection most doctors miss. Learn why your digestive health is the key to recovery and long-term wellness after a hysterectomy. FEATURED PRODUCT The Good Poops Protocol is designed to support the exact systems most affected after a hysterectomy — your gut, your liver, and your hormone regulation. With Liver Boost to support estrogen metabolism and xenoestrogen clearance, Gut Powder with glutamine to support intestinal lining integrity, and Berberine to help manage blood sugar and promote a healthy microbiome, this protocol addresses the root causes of post-hysterectomy weight gain, bloating, and hormonal imbalance discussed in this episode. 👉 Get the Good Poops Protocol here: https://goodpoops.org JOIN THE SCHOOL If you've had a hysterectomy — or you're heading toward one — and you're not sure what to do about the hormone shifts, weight changes, and digestive issues that follow, you don't have to figure it out alone. Inside the School of Doza, you'll join a community of women navigating these exact challenges. Every Wednesday, the live Ask Me Anything sessions work like group consults where you can ask specific questions about your hormones, digestion, recovery, and get direct guidance. Your first 7 days are completely free — come attend an AMA and see if it's the right fit for you. 👉 Start your free trial: https://community.schoolofdoza.com/c/start-here 5 KEY TAKEAWAYS Early menopause is almost inevitable after a hysterectomy — Studies show that even a partial hysterectomy (ovaries left intact) nearly doubles the risk of early ovarian failure, meaning menopause can arrive years or even decades ahead of schedule. Estrogen regulates insulin, so losing it drives weight gain — Estrogen and insulin work like a teeter-totter. When estrogen drops after a hysterectomy, insulin rises, leading to insulin resistance, pre-diabetic metabolic patterns, and stubborn weight gain that becomes increasingly difficult to reverse. Your gut microbiome directly regulates estrogen — Gut bacteria contain enzymes (beta-glucuronidase) that play a key role in estrogen metabolism. A disrupted microbiome from antibiotics, processed foods, or sugar doesn't just cause bloating — it impairs estrogen regulation throughout the entire body. The liver is where estrogen gets cleared from the body — Estrogen metabolism happens primarily in the liver through methylation and conjugation pathways. A fatty liver — which affects roughly one in three people — compromises the body's ability to break down and eliminate inflammatory estrogen, increasing cancer and metabolic risk. Inflammatory estrogen drives fibroids, cancer risk, and the need for hysterectomies in the first place — Xenoestrogens and poorly metabolized estrogen create a cycle of inflammation that can lead to fibroids, endometriosis, and eventually hysterectomy. Supporting gut and liver health is the foundational strategy to break that cycle before and after surgery. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 START – Welcome and episode introduction 04:31 – What is a hysterectomy and why it matters 09:28 – One in three women will have a hysterectomy by age 60 11:39 – Partial vs. total hysterectomy and early menopause risk 14:04 – Why menopause happens faster after a hysterectomy 16:03 – The weight gain connection: estrogen, insulin, and metabolism 18:23 – Estrogen receptors throughout the body and why estrogen is more than fertility 20:37 – How estrogen and insulin work like a teeter-totter 22:42 – Your digestive tract is a direct reflection of your hormones 25:07 – Estrogen receptors in the gut and the colon cancer connection 27:32 – How diet and inflammation lead to fibroids and hysterectomies 32:19 – Xenoestrogens, inflammatory estrogen, and cancer risk 36:06 – Your fat cells still make estrogen in menopause 38:24 – The liver's role in estrogen methylation and clearance 40:17 – Good poops, good estrogen: the take-home message

If you have liver problems, gut issues, or you're missing a gallbladder, Nurse Doza has a protocol built specifically for you. In this episode, he breaks down the Good Poops Protocol — three targeted supplements from MSW Nutrition that work together to support your gut, liver, and gallbladder function. Because here's the truth: your health starts in your gut, and when things are working the way they should, you'll know it — because you'll finally have good poops. Featured Partner: MSW Nutrition — The Good Poops Protocol The Good Poops Protocol from MSW Nutrition is a three-supplement system designed by Nurse Doza to address the interconnected health of your gut, liver, and gallbladder — even if you've had yours removed. It includes Liver Boost, Berberine Plus, and the Gut powder, each targeting a specific piece of your digestive health puzzle. If you've dealt with bloating, constipation, sluggish digestion, or been told your liver or gut "looks fine" when you know it isn't, this protocol was designed for exactly that. 👉 Get the Good Poops Protocol at goodpoops.org 5 Key Takeaways Your gut, liver, and gallbladder are one system — not three separate problems. When one is off, all three suffer. The Good Poops Protocol addresses all three simultaneously, which is why it works when single-supplement approaches haven't. Missing a gallbladder doesn't mean you're out of options. Millions of Americans have had their gallbladder removed and still suffer from poor fat digestion, bloating, and loose stools. The right supplement protocol can compensate for the bile regulation your gallbladder used to provide. Your poop is your report card. Healthy, consistent, well-formed bowel movements are a direct indicator of how well your liver, gut, and gallbladder are functioning together. If your poops are off, your digestion is off — full stop. Liver health affects everything downstream. The liver's role in filtering toxins, metabolizing hormones, and producing bile means that a sluggish liver creates cascading problems: hormone imbalances, skin issues, poor fat absorption, and chronic fatigue. Berberine is one of the most underrated gut and metabolic compounds available. Berberine Plus uses dihydroberberine — a form up to 5x more bioavailable than standard berberine — to regulate blood sugar, support GLP-1, and improve metabolic function alongside gut healing. Resources 1. "The Gut–Liver–Biliary Axis" — Frontiers in Nutrition, PMC A peer-reviewed study establishing the bidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and the liver and gallbladder, describing what researchers call the "gut–liver–biliary axis" — the scientific foundation behind the Good Poops Protocol approach. 👉 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9940272/ 2. "Insights of Gut-Liver Axis in Hepatic Diseases" — PMC / World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 2024 A 2024 peer-reviewed article covering the mechanisms by which the gut-liver axis contributes to chronic liver disease, metabolic dysfunction, and digestive system breakdown — supporting the clinical rationale for combined gut-liver supplementation. 👉 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11551618/ 3. "Impact of Cholecystectomy on Gut Microbiota" — PMC A case-control study from PMC demonstrating how gallbladder removal alters bile flow and enterohepatic circulation in ways that significantly disrupt gut microbiota composition — directly relevant for the millions living without a gallbladder. 👉 https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6352247/ 4. "What is the Gut-Liver Axis?" — Rupa Health A comprehensive clinical overview of the gut-liver axis, covering bile acid production, fat digestion, and how disruptions in one organ cascade into the other — written for functional medicine practitioners and health-aware consumers. 👉 https://www.rupahealth.com/post/what-is-the-gut-liver-axis 5. Good Poops Protocol — MSW Nutrition Official Product Page The official product page for the Good Poops Protocol, including full ingredient details, protocol directions, and the clinical rationale behind Liver Boost, Berberine Plus, and the Gut powder. 👉 https://www.mswnutrition.com/products/good-poops-protocol Connect with Nurse Doza 👉 JOIN MY SCHOOL for FREE: https://community.schoolofdoza.com/c/start-here 👉 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwcKyagDi468WscAOWM5VHA 👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nursedoza/ 👉 Website: http://www.nursedoza.com/ 👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-mendoza-dc-aprn-np-c-0609a038/ 👉 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nursedoza 👉 Twitter: https://twitter.com/nursedoza