When people hear “lifestyle medicine,” they often picture rejecting traditional care in favor of kale and meditation. But as Dr. Rachele Pojednic explains, lifestyle medicine isn’t about replacing contemporary medicine—it’s about strengthening it with the right daily health choices.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Pojednic and Dr. Huff explore the powerful role of food, movement, sleep, and social connection in shaping resilience, alongside the realities of clinical care. They also wade into the murky waters of supplements, misinformation, and the future of science communication.

Highlights include:

• The roots of lifestyle medicine — why it exists, how it differs from “lifestyle only,” and how clinicians can use it responsibly.
• The clinician’s role — not to be the expert in everything, but to recognize the importance of a team approach and willingness to connect patients with appropriate resources.
• Supplements and evidence — from vitamin D and omega-3s to creatine, magnesium, and NAD+, what research really supports (and what it doesn’t).
• The airport test — An analogy for real-world vitality and why functional strength matters more than six-pack abs.
• The boring basics — how consistent movement, whole foods, rest, and social connection outperform the flashiest biohacks.
• The communication gap — why clinicians and scientists must step into social media if they want to reclaim trust and accuracy in public health.

This isn’t a conversation about chasing perfection. It’s about aligning your health practices with evidence, sustainability, and the things that make life worth living.

Top 3 Takeaways

1. Lifestyle medicine works best when combined with contemporary medicine. It’s about integration, not replacement.
2. Supplements aren’t shortcuts. A handful have evidence, but most benefits come from food, movement, and rest.
3. Health is functional. Can you carry your bag, climb your stairs, and enjoy your life? That’s the real test of longevity.

Episode Mentions

• Premier Cardiovascular Health & Performance Podcast, Episode 23: Building the Ultimate Hybrid Athlete: Strength, Endurance, and Tactical Performance with Drew Hammond
• The Science of Human Performance: Part 1 — MOPs & MOE
• The Science of Human Performance: Part 2 — MOPs & MOEs
• The Science of Human Performance: Part 3 — MOPs & MOEs

Resources 

• American College of Lifestyle Medicine – Professional organization advancing the field of evidence-based lifestyle interventions for clinicians and health teams.
• Examine.com – Independent database breaking down peer-reviewed nutrition and supplement studies with unbiased summaries.
• Vitamin D Research – Widely studied for roles in bone health, immune support, and chronic disease prevention, particularly in deficient populations.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids (EPA/DHA) – Evidence supports benefits for cardiovascular health, cognition, and inflammation control.
• Creatine – Backed by strong data for muscle performance and recovery, with emerging evidence for neuroprotection.
• Magnesium – Shown to improve sleep quality, recovery, and cardiovascular support.
• NAD Derivatives (NMN, NR) – Promising early data on mitochondrial and cellular aging, but still in early research stages for humans.
• Stanford Lifestyle Medicine – Academic center driving research, clinician training, and public education on the role of behavior in health.
• Restore Hyper Wellness – National wellness clinics providing recovery and longevity services, where Dr. Pojednic serves as Director of Scientific Research.

Guest Bio: Dr. Rachele Pojednic

Dr. Rachele Pojednic, PhD, EdM, FACSM, is a leading voice in nutrition, exercise science, and lifestyle medicine. She is the Founder of Strong Process, Chief Scientific Officer at Restore Hyper Wellness, and Director of Education at Stanford Lifestyle Medicine. Dr. Pojednic also holds a faculty appointment at Stanford University and has been a research associate at Harvard Medical School.

She is a sought-after global speaker and educator known for making science practical and inspiring. Her work spans academia, wellness, and clinical care, with a mission to empower people to live stronger, healthier, and more vibrant lives.

Connect with Dr. Pojednic:

• Website: rachelepojednic.com 
• Strong Process: strongprocess.com 
• Stanford Lifestyle Medicine: longevity.stanford.edu/lifestyle/lifestyle-team/bio-pojednic/ 
• Restore Hyper Wellness: restore.com/restore-medical-team/dr-rachele-pojednic 
• Instagram: @rachelepojednic
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/rachelepojednic

Let’s Connect:

Work with me: Premier Cardiovascular Health

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.huff.9480

Instagram: @hufcm

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or medical treatment.