669: Constipation Nation with Dr. Carmen Fong

After nearly 700 episodes, this is the final episode of Age Less / Live More. What started as a way to answer yoga students' questions gradually evolved into an international exploration of healthspan and wellness. For over a decade, this podcast has been a key part of the YOGABODY journey—and it's deeply shaped my work as a teacher. Thank you for listening. I hope to continue supporting you through new platforms and projects in the future.

Is it the chicken or the egg? Did your chemical imbalance lead to weight gain, or did weight changes trigger a hormonal shift? Did depression cause neurotransmitter imbalances, or did the imbalance spark depression—or both? This week, we speak with a psychiatrist who specializes in the physiological effects of mental health, and take a deep dive into trauma. Listen and learn: The clinical definition of trauma What really happens when we "get over" past trauma The role of social support in healing Why physical exercise might be the most powerful mental health intervention of all time LINK: https://odonovanlab.ucsf.edu/ ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Aoife O'Donovan is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) and a Research Psychologist at the San Francisco Veterans Affairs Healthcare System. She aims to identify biological and psychological markers of stress-related illnesses. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel

When you search online for ways to live a healthy life, you're bombarded by charismatic speakers, some with medical degrees or PhDs, promising miracle cures. From cancer treatments to fat-burning morning rituals and an endless array of supplements claiming to unlock the fountain of youth, the noise is overwhelming. Some of these claims contain a grain of truth; others are pure fiction. But in nearly every case, they distract from what truly matters—focusing on minor details that won't meaningfully impact your health tomorrow, next year, or even a decade from now. The fundamentals of health, fitness, and longevity may not be flashy, but they are essential. In this week's podcast, we hear from a PhD researcher and educator whose work focuses on healthspan and longevity. Listen and learn: Why the science community often lacks the communication and marketing skills for their ideas How quickly simply-sounding health data can be misinterpreted The real risk of sarcopenia (muscle loss) and what to do about it Why your health in later life is often the compounding of small behaviors over years or decades Links: www.rachelepojednic.com @rachelepojednic About Our Guest: Dr. Rachele Pojednic is a researcher specializing in human performance and healthy aging, serving as the Director of Scientific Research at Restore Hyperwellness and a faculty member in Stanford's Program in Human Biology. She also leads education at Stanford Lifestyle Medicine and is a research affiliate at Harvard Medical School's Institute of Lifestyle Medicine. With a PhD in nutritional biochemistry from Tufts and postdoctoral training at Harvard, her work explores the impact of nutrition, supplementation, and physical activity on muscle physiology and longevity.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel

Have you ever struggled to support a close friend or family member dealing with a mental health condition? How do you know when you're truly helping rather than enabling? When should you push, simply show up, or even step away? If these questions resonate with you, you're not alone—at least 20% and possibly up to 40% of people will face this reality at some point in their lives. On this week's podcast, you'll meet a psychologist who shares her research and clinical experiences. Listen and learn: How to differentiate between supporting and enabling a loved one Key questions to ask yourself if you're in a caregiving role The impact of online support groups and AI on mental health care Strategies for handling difficult or unpleasant caregiving situations How to find affordable mental health resources locally and nationally Common challenges of caring for aging family members and how to cope Links www.SeedsofHopeBooks.com ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Michelle D. Sherman is a licensed clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience, specializing in individual and couples therapy. She was a professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Minnesota Medical School and is a board-certified expert in couples and family psychology. Her work focuses on supporting families dealing with mental illness, PTSD, and trauma. She is the author of Loving Someone with a Mental Illness or History of Trauma: Skills, Hope, and Strength for Your Journey. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel

Chronic pain affects as many as 1 in 5 people worldwide and can lead to a huge reduction in quality of life, drug addiction, and very desperate outcomes. Today's guest helps people use tools like mindfulness and therapy - among others - to manage and even reverse pain naturally. Listen and Learn: Why pain isn't always physical. Chronic pain often comes from the brain, not the body. Non-opioid treatment approaches to chronic pain How mindfulness techniques like pain reprocessing can cut chronic pain by 50%. LINKS https://www.drmelpohl.com https://thepointemalibu.com/ ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Mel Pohl is a family physician specializing in addiction medicine and chronic pain management. He is the Senior Medical Consultant for the Pain Recovery Program at The Pointe Malibu Recovery Center and previously served as Chief Medical Officer at the Las Vegas Recovery Center. He has written books on chronic pain, including The Pain Antidote, and focuses on non-opioid treatment approaches. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel

On any given day, up to one in three people experience GI tract troubles—whether it's gas, bloating, indigestion, or constipation. These issues are not only common but complex to understand. This week, we sit down with a colorectal surgeon to unravel the mysteries of bowel health and provide practical solutions to keep things running smoothly. Listen and Learn: Colonoscopy vs. FIT test: Which one is right for you? Stool 101: What floaters, sinkers, shapes, and sizes reveal about your health Hemorrhoids: Common causes and effective treatments Practical tips to reach your daily fiber goal of 25–35 grams Links https://carmenfong.com ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Carmen Fong is a colorectal surgeon and author. She is double-board certified in general surgery and colorectal surgery and is the author of Constipation Nation: What to Know When You Can't Go. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel

In endurance sports, certain countries consistently dominate the podium. While many theories attempt to explain this, the most overlooked—and perhaps the most relevant—is culture. The influence of your social group and peers plays a huge role in shaping your choices and potential, yet we often assume that health and fitness are driven by gadgets, apps, or elite trainers. In reality, human connection, support, and a sense of adventure may be the biggest performance enhancers. This week's podcast explores high-performance endurance athletics through the lens of anthropology. Listen and learn: How training in Ethiopia differs from the rest of the world The power of fun, play, and variety in training Why community and social support might be the missing ingredient Link durham.ac.uk ABOUT OUR GUEST Dr. Michael Crawley is an anthropologist, writer, and accomplished runner. He is an Assistant Professor of Social Anthropology at Durham University and author of Out of Thin Air (2020) and To the Limit (2024). Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel

Aging is deeply personal—there's no right or wrong way to do it. Some people embrace every new anti-aging intervention, while others prefer to let nature take its course. But what does science say about aging well? In this episode, we explore the choices people make, the science behind longevity, and how cutting-edge technology might shape the future of how aging looks. Listen and learn: Risk vs. reward of various interventions The role of diet, lifestyle, and nutrition in aging gracefully Developments in aesthetic and cosmetic surgeries A.I.'s potential role in anti-aging   Links https://www.corygoldbergmd.com ABOUT OUR GEST   Dr. Cory S. Goldberg is a board-certified plastic and craniofacial surgeon specializing in longevity medicine. He co-founded Healthspan Digital and Beautyspan, leveraging AI-driven precision medicine for both aesthetic and longevity applications. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel

We're navigating a paradox in health and wellness. Developed nations are sicker than ever, yet healthcare systems have reached remarkable levels of advancement. At the same time, access to care, health insurance, and patient agency seem to be at an all-time low. How can we take control of our health without succumbing to cynicism? And what steps can we take to create a healthier future for ourselves and the next generation? This week, we're joined by a doctor and healthcare administrator who dives deep into the complexities of modern healthcare. Together, we'll uncover why the system is broken, explore the differences between Medicare and Medicaid, examine successful healthcare models, and discuss actionable solutions for the future. Listen and learn: Why the healthcare system is failing The truth about Medicare vs. Medicaid Examples of healthcare systems that work Real solutions for meaningful change Link AbrahamNussbaum.com ABOUT OUT GUEST Dr. Abraham M. Nussbaum is a psychiatrist and author dedicated to reimagining healthcare through a more humane and patient-centered approach. He serves as the Chief Education Officer at Denver Health and has written extensively on the intersection of medicine, ethics, and personal connection, including Progress Notes: One Year in the Future of Medicine and The Finest Traditions of My Calling: One Physician's Search for the Renewal of Medicine. Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel

By middle age, most people have at least one joint that causes them problems—maybe a knee, hip, their lower back, or shoulder. How should you handle it? Painkillers? Physical therapy? Surgery? These are tough decisions, especially to face alone. This week on Age Less, Live More, you'll meet a physiotherapist who specializes in helping people stay active and healthy in middle age and beyond. Listen and learn: The importance of full body mobility as well as joint specific mobility Why three months is often a great initial test period for reliability and injury Why it's never too late to build strength and mobility Guest Link www.WillHarlow.com ABOUT OUR GUEST Will Harlow is a physiotherapist and author of Thriving Beyond Fifty, a guide focused on helping people over fifty maintain mobility, avoid surgery, and reduce dependence on pain medication.  Like the Show? Leave us a review Check out our YouTube channel