Healing Together

Ayurvedic doctor Chelynn Tetreault discusses stress, anxiety, and mental health from the holistic lens of Ayurvedic medicine. We talk about why the fall season of 'change' can worsen feelings of anxiety, connected as we are to all rhythms, whether daily, monthly, or seasonal. Chelynn also shares examples from her work with clients to explain why it's hard to modify our habits and how connected the body and mind are. We discuss what it’s really like to work with her patients to treat mental health conditions, and Chelynn offers some specific ideas for supporting our bodies through anxiety and stress (think teas, herbs, bedtimes, etc.)Chelynn's website: Lotus AyurvedaOther resources mentioned in this episode:- The Center for Spiritual Awareness

Borderline Personality Disorder is stigmatized in our culture, so much so that MamaJay asked to be anonymous for this episode. In this moving conversation, we talk about the difficulties of parenting a child with emotional dysregulation, when the regular moments of life can lead to explosive anger and lasting emotional extremes.  Our conversation addresses the stigma around this condition, how friends can make you feel as if you’re doing something wrong, the experience of parenting both before and after an official diagnosis, dialectic behavioral therapy, and how MamaJay learned to better handle her own emotions and show up as skillfully as possible as a mother. We also touch on the poignant challenge of loving a child whose mental health condition puts him at high risk of suicide. Finally, MamaJay also shares some of the critical resources that have helped her and her son navigate this difficult mental health journey. MamaJay is a Healthangel on Health Together, where she welcomes questions and conversation from anyone who might need a little comfort or advice.MamaJay recommends the following resource for families living with Borderline Personality Disorder: NEA BPD Family Connections Program 

Sandi Mauro is a Human Resources director, mother, wife, dog owner and also a patient who has struggled with multiple illnesses and injuries. Her health journey begins with a long decline over years of overworking, where she neglected her own well-being and started to rely on unhelpful fixes. We discuss how she "woke up" from her decline and some of the key actions she took to get back on feet and lead a healthier, more connected life. Our conversation reminded me to keep paying attention to my own well-being and to keep my eye on unhealthy habits that feel good in the moment, but hurt over the long term. Sandi is a Healthangel on Health Together.

Karen Cadenhead was thrown into the world of cancer when she was diagnosed with anal cancer. We discuss the many challenges of cancer treatment, how to enlist help, how to build a community, ways to connect and reconnect to sources of happiness, how to take small steps, friends groups, handing the information flow for family and friends, and how to manage some of the hardest aspects of being on chemotherapy and many other drugs. Karen Cadenhead is an artist and sculptor who lives on a houseboat in Sausalito. She spent her professional career as Director of Art Therapy at a Children’s Psychiatric and Pediatric Medical Center. She went on to teach at the Graduate Institute of Expressive Therapy in Cambridge, MA. She met her husband while serving on the Board of the American Art Therapy Association. (He was their outside counsel.) Karen spent most of her life suffering from severe and frequent Migraine headaches and spent almost 50 years searching for cures and learning how to not only advocate for herself but to try to make lemonade out of a horrible disease. She found a creative way to make the suffering have meaning: Her dissertation was written about the Alchemy of turning Migraines into gold, and becoming a “wounded healer.”  This experience prepared her for the cancer diagnosis she got at age 70. She has found several art forms to express this journey, and has much to share about self advocacy. As of June 2021, Karen continues monthly treatment of immunotherapy. She was told by her doctor that the every 2 month scans can be reduced to every six months! Her cancer has not progressed since she began her latest treatment 20 months ago. The lesions in her lungs, liver, and lymph nodes have reduced by over 60% and her liver lesion continues to shrink.  She continues to treat her side effects using acupuncture, massage and supplements. She is very interested in the gut biome and studies related to positive outcomes when certain bacteria are present.  She notes that the book, Radical Remission, given to her the first month of treatment almost three years ago, explains 9 most common factors that cancer "thrivers" have in common. When she last checked on the list, Karen was pleased to see she has incorporated all 9 of those factors into her life.  She reports feeling happier and enjoying life more than she did before cancer. She recognizes that she has also been very lucky, and likes to give back by helping others as they go through these life-altering journeys with serious diseases.Karen continues to live on the houseboat with her husband and occasional visits from their two grown boys. You can find Karen on Instagram @karensculptor.

Master Mingtong Gu leads The Chi Center in Galisteo, New Mexico, where he teaches Wisdom Healing Qi Gong. In this conversation we discuss the meaning of “Haola,” or “all is well.” We explore how it’s possible to recognize that all is well even when things don’t feel well at all; how the labels we apply to our world and ourselves can limit our perception, blinding us to the bigger context in which we function; how we can apply an “all is well” mentality to the trials of our daily lives; the different layers of perception; and how once we understand the bigger context of Haola, we have a responsibility to reach for our highest purpose as we “dance with life.” Early in our conversation we refer to Dr. Cynthia Li’s extraordinary journey of recovery from chronic illnesses. For more on her journey, which incorporates Qi Gong and some of Master Mingtong Gu’s teachings, visit her web site.Click here to view this episode on YouTube (slightly longer).You can find Master Mingtong Gu at The Chi Center or visit his popular YouTube channel. 

This conversation with Sarah Grossman and Tamara Green of Living Kitchen Wellness covers the benefits of managing blood sugar through food, the way that our diets may change throughout our lives because of our ever-evolving bodies, the false decision of buying either expensive organics or buying no produce at all, and a tip that Sarah and Tamara call “the plate check.”Diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome as a kid, Tamara Green was in chronic pain for 9 years until she turned to food to heal herself. After being completely symptom free since 2008, it’s her passion to assist people to eliminate pain, find health and eat nourishing food. She received her BA from McGill University and attended the Institute of Holistic Nutrition to become a Certified Nutritionist. Tamara is a chef who combines her knowledge of nutrition and passion for cooking to help clients create lasting changes in their lives.Sarah Grossman struggled with hormonal balance and endometriosis for most of her adult life and spent years figuring out that there really is no one size fits all approach to what you should eat. While getting her BA from Hampshire College, she fell in love with nutrition and developed her cooking skills working in restaurants. Sarah became a Certified Nutritional Practitioner at the Institute of Holistic Nutrition and loves assisting and empowering others to feel healthier and manage chronic health conditions through eating healthy food.Resources:Living Kitchen Wellness' website: https://livingkitchenwellness.com/Sarah and Tamara’s Cookbook “The Living Kitchen: Healing Recipes to Support Your Body During Cancer Treatment and Recovery” on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Living-Kitchen-Healing-Treatment-Recovery/dp/0147530636The Living Kitchen Chocolate Tahini Cookie Recipe: https://thechalkboardmag.com/chocolate-tahini-cookies-the-living-kitchen

This conversation with Dr. David Hass and Carrie Armour preceded the first annual Medical Cannabis Research and Advocacy Alliance conference, to be held in March 2021 (virtually). Dave and Carrie are deeply involved in the world of medical cannabis but come to it from very different perspectives. Dave is a medical doctor who understands the science and has seen first-hand what medical cannabis can do for some patients. Carrie is an attorney who has devoted her professional life to working on medical cannabis policy and regulations. Our conversation helps put context around why it’s been so hard for many people -- doctors and patients alike -- to get a straight story on medical cannabis, and how a very mixed bag of regulations makes it hard to conduct good scientific research. We even address the commercial explosion of adult-use recreational cannabis and CBD, which seems to only add more confusion to this complicated landscape.  Dr. Hass attended medical school at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University, followed by residency training at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, and Gastroenterology and Hepatology fellowship training at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, NY. He currently serves on the clinical faculty at the Yale University School of Medicine and has a unique hybrid of private practice and academics. He is the Medical Director of PACT Gastroenterology Centerin the New Haven CT area, as well as  the Director of Endoscopy at Yale New Haven Hospital – Saint Raphael Campus, where he is  actively involved in the fellowship training program at Yale. Dr. Hass is passionate about both patient and physician advocacy and has served as President of the New Haven County Medical Association and is currently Vice President of the Connecticut State Medical Society State Council. He is a certified clinical hypnotherapist, a modality implemented to treat functional abdominal pain. His clinical interests include small bowel disease, inflammatory bowel disease and complementary and alternative therapies in the treatment of gastrointestinal and hepatic disease including medical cannabis use. Carrie Armour has over fifteen years of experience representing physicians, patients and the cannabis industry as a government affairs attorney and advocacy consultant. As a consultant, Carrie focuses on improving pain management and influencing policies to create highly regulated, compliance focused cannabis programs as well as expanding opportunities for cannabis education and cannabis research. Prior to opening up her consulting firm, Armour Advocacy, Carrie worked for over a decade at the American Medical Association in its state government affairs division. At the AMA, Carrie developed and managed advocacy campaigns to help shape and inform state laws, regulations and policies in support of patients and physicians focusing on public health improvement and protecting the physician-patient relationship.Carrie began her legal career as a prosecutor at the Cook County State’s Attorney. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University and a Juris Doctorate from Loyola University School of Law. She is on the Board of the Medical Cannabis Research Advocacy Alliance, a Director on the Board of Illinois Women in Cannabis and a member of the International Cannabis Bar Association and the Illinois Cannabis Bar Association. Please connect with Carrie at https://www.linkedin.com/in/carrie-armour-27a2083a/

Lynne Paterson is an expert in nutrition, Yoga,  and other energy healing modalities. She’s a holistic health coach and has trained as a professional chef and taught numerous people and organizations about better eating and lifestyle modification. Lynne passionately educates men and women to improve their health by expanding self-awareness, self-knowledge and self-care through her two businesses: her yoga and wellness business, Prakasa Yoga & Wellness, and health coaching, which she calls Younger As You Age.Our conversation delves into dealing with chronic pain, especially back pain. We talk about knowing when to rest and when to push yourself, chronic versus acute pain, and even how to think about pain and frame it in your own mind. Lynne explains the concept of energy bodies, which range from physical to spiritual, and we finish our conversation with practical exercises and tips for de-stressing and better connecting to your body.Lynne Ann Paterson, is a maverick thinker and engaging speaker. Her lifelong interest in natural health and healing has been a guiding thread in her studies of hatha yoga, meditation, food as medicine, and simply being human. She holds certifications in Hatha Yoga, Therapeutic Yoga, Reiki, The Emotion Code and other energy healing tools, and Holistic Health Coaching. She also trained as a professional chef and served as a founding member and Executive Chef for The Change of Heart Lifestyle Modification program and Noble & Baystate Hospitals. Lynne passionately educates men and women to improve their health by expanding self-awareness, self-knowledge and self-care through her two businesses: Prakasa Yoga & Wellness and Younger As You Age Health Coaching.Author of the forthcoming book: “Back to Bliss: End Chronic Back Pain Without Pills, Shots, Surgery”, Lynne believes that every ‘body’ has the innate wisdom and capacity to heal his/her/their selves, and that sometimes we just need a little guidance to do so. You may contact Lynne to book a speaking engagement for your group or podcast, or schedule a complimentary consultation for yourself, at the links below:Therapeutic Yoga: www.prakasayoga.comHolistic Health Coaching: www.youngerasyouage.com

Kendra Wilde describes Wild Peace as "the practice of cultivating inner calm, strength, and positive growth in the midst of challenging times."Our conversation covers a range of ways in which parents can succumb to stress, particularly with children who have behavioral challenges. Kendra has spent over a decade researching ways to counteract the effects of chronic stress, and offers a vast array of resources and ideas that are science-based and easily incorporated into a busy life. Her passion and work come from her own experience as a mother who became nearly incapacitated by stress while raising her three children.Wild Peace is the support Kendra wishes she had during her most challenging times. Visit wildpeace.org to find her interviews with parents who have lived through extraordinary parenting experiences, and her curated library of self-care "micro actions" you can use any time to regulate stress and enhance wellbeing. Kendra has a MBA from Harvard Business School (but she's not too serious).  

This conversation with integrative OB-GYN Dr. Felice L. Gersh, MD, of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, in California, covers an expansive definition of "women's health issues" from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to environmental toxins! We talk about how to be your own health detective, what to look for when finding an integrative or functional medicine practitioner, the history and prevalence of PCOS, and why Dr. Gersh thinks of PCOS as the “poster child” condition for the link between reproductive and metabolic health. We also discuss what endocrine disruptors are and how they work, the perils of physician burnout, and the importance of a good doctor-patient relationship.Dr. Gersh is a globally-recognized expert on women’s hormones, gut microbiome, and circadian rhythm. She frequently collaborates with numerous research organizations and lectures internationally on women’s health topics. As Medical Director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, she focuses on understanding women’s innate physical and emotional make-up. Through her research and practical experience, she has come to understand that women have internal, natural rhythms that are absolutely essential to female health. These rhythms are controlled by hormones, particularly estrogen, and may be kept in balance through both conventional and holistic treatments.After receiving her medical degree from the USC School of Medicine, Dr. Gersh studied Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Kaiser Hospital in Los Angeles, where she was honored with the CREOG top resident award every year. After graduating, she launched her private practice, founded on a passionate belief in holistic women’s healthcare. From its earliest years, way back before alternative medicine was popular, Felice's practice included acupuncture, massage, and Chinese medicine. Over a decade ago, Dr. Gersh pursued her interest in holistic healing and graduated from the Fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona to become one of the first dual board-certified Integrative Gynecologists in the United States.Felice has been awarded the Orange County Medical Association’s ‘Physician of the Year’ Award for the last 16 years consecutively and Southern California’s ‘SuperDoctor’ Award for the last several years. In her role as a physician teacher, she served as Assistant Clinical Professor of OB/GYN at Keck USC School of Medicine for 12 years, for which she was awarded the Outstanding Volunteer Clinical Faculty Award. Dr. Gersh has also served on the Legislative Committee at the Orange County Medical Association and as a delegate to the California Medical Association numerous times.You can learn more about Dr. Felice Gersh on her website: integrativemgi.com--This episode is sponsored by Layer Origin. Just go to amazon.com/layerorigin and type in the discount code 15HEALING to save 15% off your order of PureHMO and get ready to reboot your gut!This episode is also sponsored by HempVita. You can receive 20% off any order of HempVita products with the discount code HEALING at hempvita.com.

This episode features a doctor (Aaron Friedman) and a kidney transplant patient (Elizabeth Schumacher) who have developed their relationship ever since Elizabeth needed a kidney transplant as a young teenager. The evolution of their relationship over more than 35 years demonstrates how doctors and patients can experience bi-directional benefits as they get to know each other beyond the immediate healthcare situations. We discuss what it’s like to be a pediatric patient in an acute care situation, the difficulty of “graduating” from pediatrics to adult care, ways to deepen the doctor-patient relationship and the benefits of doing so, and what it’s like to live in a pandemic while taking the kind of immune-suppressants required of a transplant patient in a state of chronic organ rejection. Dr. Aaron Friedman completed his internship and residency in pediatrics and his pediatric nephrology at the University of Wisconsin, then joined the Department as a faculty member for 23 years, the last 10 as Chair of Pediatrics, before moving on to Brown University. His last position before retiring in January 2014 was Dean of the Medical School at the University of Minnesota.Elizabeth Schumacher has been living with chronic kidney disease for 35 years. A three time kidney transplant recipient, Liz turned her personal passion for advocacy into a lifelong career supporting patients and medicine. Liz founded Affinity Strategies, a medical specialty association management company in Chicago in 2014. Prior to founding Affinity she served a CEO of LUGPA, a national urology subspecialty association with over 2,400 members. Liz is former Senior Attorney for the American Medical Association, and Director of Advocacy for Pfizer.. Liz began her career at age 26 at the University of Wisconsin, where she was responsible for regulatory oversight of one of the largest academic medical research budgets in the United States. A lifelong patient advocate,  Liz has testified before Congress on health policy issues and has served on many nonprofit health care boards.  Liz is a third generation University of Wisconsin Madison Badger, where she received her Bachelors, Law and LLM in Bioethics degrees.  Liz enjoys spending time with her husband Shawn, bulldog Brit, family and friends and is an avid cook and world traveler. 

Anna Penenberg's book, Dancing in the Narrows, chronicles her descent into the underworld of Lyme disease treatment and her multiyear struggle to save her daughter Dana’s life. We discuss how Anna and Dana first recognized the illness, how they realized that Dana’s doctors did not know how to help her, the difficulties of putting your life on hold to care for a loved one, the relationship dynamics between a chronically-ill dependent and her caregiver, how caregivers need to care for themselves in any way possible, and some of the extraordinary treatments and regimens Anna and Dana explored as they nursed Dana back to health during over a decade of struggle and experimentation. Anna Penenberg is an author, healer and mother. She works with individuals affected by trauma integrating neurobiology, psychotherapy, and wisdom traditions.  Anna holds an MA from UCLA, and certifications in Family Therapy, somatic therapy, Infant Developmental Movement, and Kundalini Yoga. Anna lives in Topanga, California. Amazon Best Seller, Dancing in the Narrows is an inspiring memoir of a mother-daughter health odyssey.You can learn more about Anna at https://annapenenberg.com/

This conversation with Palmer Kippola, a functional health coach who underwent her own battle with a debilitating autoimmune condition -- multiple sclerosis -- but came out on top of it, with no active disease present in her body today. We talk about the question that sparked her journey of experimentation, trial and error, and ultimately of learning and healing. Palmer shares her perspective on how the medical system’s approach to autoimmune conditions is changing led by patients themselves, explains in layman’s terms why autoimmune diseases occur in the body in the first place and the various aspects that contribute to development of such a condition, and highlights that now is one of the best times in history to beat an autoimmune condition. She invites and encourages the listener continuously throughout this episode, through her positive, open-dialogue approach. We hope you enjoy listening to this conversation as much as we enjoyed having it!Palmer Kippola is a #1 Amazon best-selling author, speaker, autoimmune reversal and prevention advocate, and Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach (FMCHC). Palmer developed a system called F.I.G.H.T.S.™ to help others beat autoimmune conditions based on her 26-year battle to overcome multiple sclerosis.You can check out Palmer Kippola’s website here, and read more about her “Beat Autoimmune” book here.

This conversation with Dr. Rachel Broudy covers how caring for elders can be reciprocal, the illusionary notion of independence in our old age (and younger years too), the difference between health and well-being, the dignity of risk, single-payer health coverage, how to keep a meaningful life even when life changes, hospice care and preparing for aging. Dr. Broudy has spent her career in Geriatrics and currently is leading a research project at Ariadne Labs aimed at improving the delivery of care in nursing homes, with a focus on the wellbeing of older adults. She is also the current Medical Director of Pioneer Valley Hospice and Palliative Care in Greenfield, MA.Previously, Dr. Broudy was the Medical Director of two PACE programs: the Elder Service Plan at Cambridge Health Alliance and Mercy LIFE with Trinity Health in Western Massachusetts. As a PACE Medical Director she has gained extensive experience in program development, quality improvement and team-building. She also served as the Medical Director of the Senior Care Program at Cambridge Health Alliance, a post-acute and long-term care program. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and is boarded in Internal Medicine and Hospice and Palliative Care. She completed the Faculty Scholars Program at the Geriatric Center of Excellence at Boston University and the American Association for Physician Leadership Institute.Rachel is passionate about building a future where healthcare for frail elders is based on well-being; where our interventions integrate older people more fully into our communities; and our systems of care prioritize and encourage agency, social connection and sense of purpose.

This conversation with Mary Van Doorn covers her  journey from her initial type 2 diabetes diagnosis to becoming a leader among type 2 diabetes patients, a fitness instructor, and an inspiration for thousands of diabetic women who find support in her social media and fitness groups. We discuss taking control of your care, overcoming obstacles, managing friends and family who aren’t ready for the change you want to make, and living a richer life with healthier habits. We also talk about falling down and getting back up, and the non-linear journey to a healthier lifestyle. Mary discusses how diabetes affects every part of a patient’s life, how to partner with your doctor, and how she still faces daily challenges even in her experienced leadership position. Mary Van Doorn is a fitness instructor, type 2 diabetic, and the founder of Sugar Mama Strong, an online diabetes support community for women. She lives in the Atlanta area with her husband and children. Visit her website at SugarMamaStrong.com.(This episode is sponsored by Healthenly.org, a free community for conversation and collaboration on health issues -- where you can find help or help others -- with ad music by Hallelujah the Hills.)

This conversation with Dr. Cynthia Li covers her struggle and healing journey with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, an autoimmune thyroid condition, and its many offshoot effects on her health. We discuss her search for healing and normalcy over a decade-long illness, which led her from acupuncture to qi gong and exploration of all aspects of her life, including her most important relationships. We talk about what happens in the body during Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, how we can actually influence gene expression, the culture of medical school, and what it actually feels like to get acupuncture.Cynthia Li, MD, is a doctor and author whose personal healing journey through a disabling autoimmune condition took her from public health in under-served populations to integrative and functional medicine. After graduating from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, she practiced internal medicine in settings as diverse as Kaiser Permanente Medical Center, San Francisco General Hospital, St. Anthony’s Medical Clinic for the homeless, and Doctors Without Borders in rural China.Since 2005–when her personal health challenges began–she has studied and practiced with functional medicine experts, environmental health scientists, acupuncturists, and qigong masters, weaving together cutting-edge science and the ancient healing arts. Currently, she has a private practice in integrative and functional medicine, and serves as faculty for the Healer’s Art program at the University of California San Francisco Medical School.She is a member of the American Board of Internal Medicine, the Institute for Functional Medicine, and Integrative Medicine for the Underserved. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, Thrive Global, and Psychology Today. She is the author of Brave New Medicine: A Doctor’s Unconventional Path to Healing Her Autoimmune Illness and a free e-booklet How to Shield Yourself Against Covid-19: Science-Based, Integrative Strategies for a Once-in-a-Century Pandemic.Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, urban farming, traditional cooking, playing the piano and ukulele, reading, hiking, and camping. She lives in Berkeley, CA, with her husband, 2 daughters, their dog, a hamster, and 50,000 honeybees. To stay grounded, balanced, and continually growing, she practices Wisdom Healing Qigong twice a day, every day.You can learn more about Dr. Cynthia Li on her website: https://cynthialimd.com/(This episode is sponsored by LetsGetChecked. Go to www.letsgetchecked.com and use promo code: TOGETHER30 to receive 30% off an at-home health test!)

Cindy Tenner was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma at age 19, and later in life battled cancer which came as a result of her earlier treatments. She continues to manage chronic health issues today as a Diastolic Heart Failure patient, even as she pursues a rich life as a professional, wife, mother and grandmother. Our conversation explores her journey, what it’s like to live in a pandemic given very high vulnerability and how she keeps herself as safe as possible from COVID-19. We address managing expectations for health and life, and Cindy’s approach to maintaining a rich social and family life.Cindy Tenner graduated Middlebury College in 1981 and has held a variety of professional roles from banking to technology. She currently works in marketing and community outreach with the non-profit Springwell, Inc, which offers a range of services to seniors, people with disabilities, and caregivers.(This episode is sponsored by LetsGetChecked. Go to www.letsgetchecked.com and use promo code: TOGETHER30 to receive 30% off an at-home health test!)

This conversation with BJ Miller covers his ideas on  de-pathologizing death, the difference between necessary and unnecessary suffering, our neurotic relationship to experiencing pain and how best to be present for others when they are suffering. We address the distinction between curing and healing and discuss how caregiving, at its best, is a reciprocal relationship. BJ’s perspective on end of life is important because our culture puts so much emphasis on avoiding something that we can’t avoid, instead of integrating it into our lives.Dr. Bruce (BJ) Miller Jr. is a hospice and palliative care specialist who treats hospitalized patients with terminal or life-altering illnesses. His expertise includes symptom management for patients with cancer. In his work in end-of-life care, he seeks to connect art, spirituality and medicine.A native of Chicago, Miller studied art history as an undergraduate at Princeton University. He worked at nonprofit organizations for the arts and disability rights for several years before coming to UCSF to earn his medical degree. He completed an internal medicine residency at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, where he was chief resident. He completed a fellowship in hospice and palliative medicine at Harvard Medical School, working at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.Click to see Dr. Miller's TED Talk, What really matters at the end of life.Click to read about or purchase Dr. Miller's book, A Beginner's Guide to the End: Pactical Advice for Living Life and Facing Death.(This episode is sponsored by LetsGetChecked. Go to www.letsgetchecked.com and use promo code: TOGETHER30 to receive 30% off an at-home health test!)

This conversation with Ayurvedic Doctor Chelynn Tetreault focuses on gut health, specifically looking at what bowel movements can tell you about how our bodies are doing and whether we should make dietary changes or seek help. We get into frequency, consistency, odor, the effect of certain diets and stress, and more (with some unpreventable laughter). Chelynn is a NAMA certified Ayurvedic Doctor, Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist, and Board Certified Licensed Massage Therapist. She Specializes in female health, reproductive health, fertility, pre- and post-natal care, infant, child care and Pancha Karma. Her practice includes Lotus Ayurveda online and  in Williamsburg, MA and Ayurvedic Retreat & Pancha Karma Center in the foothills of Western MA. Chelynn began her private practice in 2005. She supports clients to maintain vitality and optimal health so that they can heal themselves from a variety of imbalances. Chelynn teaches locally, and internationally. She has a unique ability to blend both practical and authentic traditional approaches to female health and spirituality, and offers Ayurvedic and Spiritual counseling, as well as classes and seminars, online or in person. We recorded our conversation on June 17, 2020. You can find more information about Chelynn at her web site: www.chelynnt.com. (This episode is sponsored by LetsGetChecked. Go to www.letsgetchecked.com and use promo code: TOGETHER30 to receive 30% off an at-home health test!)

Overview: Dr. Kat Toups, a functional medicine psychiatrist at Bay Area Wellness, was just 50 years old when she found herself struggling with full-fledged dementia symptoms. Through functional medicine, she was able to reverse her disease and return to work as a doctor and researcher. In this conversation, we discuss what functional medicine and functional medicine psychiatry are, how food itself can be medicine, the good and bad sides of inflammation, new research on COVID-19 and, of course, Kat’s own story with disease and healing. Resources from the podcast:“The UltraMind Solution: Fix Your Broken Brain By Healing Your Body First” by Dr. Mark Hyman (https://store.drhyman.com/collections/books)“The Autoimmune Solution: Prevent and Reverse the Full Spectrum of Inflammatory Symptoms and Diseases“ by Amy Myers (https://www.amymyersmd.com/autoimmunesolution/)Kat Toups MD Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/BayAreaWellness.net/)“After Alzheimer’s Diagnosis, Man Regains His Memory -- and His Driver’s License” article (https://rebuildingmyhealth.com/alzheimers-diagnosis/)Bio: Kat Toups, M.D., DFAPA, IFMCP is a Functional Medicine Psychiatrist at Bay Area Wellness in Walnut Creek, CA, and is the organizer/administrator for Bay Area Functional Medicine group since 2012. Dr. Toups is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (the highest honor bestowed by the APA), Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and previously boarded in Geriatric Psychiatry.She has been active in local Psychiatric organizations, including Northern CA Psychiatric Society where she was on the Board of Trustees from 2008 – 2012 and served as Councilor-at-Large, as well as a co-founder and member of the NCPS Integrative Psychiatry Steering Committee, in addition to their Nominating Committee for several years. Dr. Toups was also very active in the East Bay Psychiatric Association for many years, serving on their Board of Trustees from 2006-2012, and as President from 2009–2012.Dr. Toups practices Functional Medicine Psychiatry, which seeks to discover the underlying causes of inflammation (like diet/nutrition, lifestyle, genetics including MTHF/Methylation/Sulfation/Detoxigenomic genetic polymorphisms, GI health including food allergies and dysbiosis, toxin exposure, chronic infections, and biochemical abnormalities) that can all be contributors to problems with Psychiatric symptoms and/or cognition difficulties. Detection and correction of these problems can result in the resolution of the Psychiatric symptoms, rather than just providing a band-aid by only prescribing Psychiatric medications without addressing the underlying causes of the Psychiatric problem. Dr. Toups also works with people having health challenges who are not experiencing Psychiatric problems.