166: Foundational Health for Elite Performers f. Maggie Awad

In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, returning guest Don Moxley joins us to talk about heart rate variability (HRV) and why it matters for your health, recovery, performance, and healthy aging.Drawing on his experience working with elite athletes, Don explains how HRV can help you understand how well your body is adapting to stress and recovering from daily challenges. He also discusses the factors that influence HRV, including sleep, exercise, nutrition, past trauma, and your environment.The conversation highlights the connection between HRV and aging, showing how simple habits like regular movement, healthy food, quality sleep, and strong social relationships can help improve HRV and support long-term health. Don also introduces HRV Plus, a supplement designed to help manage inflammation and improve resilience to everyday stress.If you want to learn how to better understand your body's signals and discover practical ways to improve your health and age well, this episode is for you.Dr. Navaz HabibEmail: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabibJP ErricoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevnsguy/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-errico-097629aa Don MoxleyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/donmoxley/

In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, I explore the essential nutrients that power up your vagus nerve for optimal health, higher HRV, less stress, and more energy. You’ll learn why the vagus nerve is crucial for stress resilience, mood, and overall recovery, as well as how heart rate variability (HRV) acts as its report card. I break down the science behind five key nutrients: B vitamins, choline, magnesium, omega-3s, and vitamin D, explaining what each does, why they matter, and the best food and supplement sources to easily support your nervous system.I also highlight the common deficiencies in these nutrients and how that may be contributing to symptoms like low energy, brain fog, and poor stress recovery. With practical tips and some personal supplement recommendations, you'll understand exactly how to start upgrading your health through nutrition.Ready to take action? If you’re looking to boost your resilience and energy by supporting your vagus nerve, tune in and try implementing at least one tip from this episode. Start nourishing your way to better health today!Dr. Navaz HabibEmail: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabib

In this episode, I talk with Maggie Awad, a functional sports medicine nurse practitioner, about how gut health affects performance, energy, and recovery. We explore the connection between the gut and the brain, why good digestion matters, and how issues like inflammation or poor nutrient absorption can impact focus, sleep, and overall health.We also break down topics like amino acids, the gut microbiome, and lab testing in a simple and practical way. Maggie shares easy habits that can support recovery and lower stress, including eating seasonal foods, using breathwork, reducing blue light exposure, and creating more time for rest and healing.Ready to upgrade your health and resilience? Listen now to learn actionable strategies that can help you recover better, improve energy, and build a stronger foundation for peak performance. Don’t forget to share this episode with someone who needs a health upgrade! Dr. Navaz HabibEmail: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabibMaggie AwadWebsite: https://www.maggieawad.com/

In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, I sit down with Ashok Gupta to explore the groundbreaking science of neuroplasticity and how retraining the brain may hold the key to healing chronic illness. Ashok shares his personal journey with chronic fatigue syndrome and how that experience inspired him to create the Gupta Program, a brain retraining method that has helped thousands of people around the world transform their health by calming deeply ingrained survival responses.We dive into how childhood experiences, trauma, chronic stress, and even generational patterns can shape the brain’s threat response system, contributing to symptoms such as fatigue, chronic pain, food sensitivities, anxiety, and inflammation. Ashok explains how the nervous system can become stuck in a cycle of hypervigilance, and more importantly, how we can begin to rewire those patterns through neuroplasticity.Throughout the conversation, we discuss practical tools for healing, including somatic retraining, meditation, emotional regulation, and lifestyle changes, as well as the growing body of scientific research supporting these approaches. This episode offers hope and a fresh perspective for anyone struggling with chronic symptoms or searching for a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection. If you believe in the body’s incredible ability to heal, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.Dr. Navaz HabibEmail: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabib

In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, I dive into a fascinating research article from March 2026 exploring how chaotic fluctuations in heart rate variability (HRV) signal mental activity during task-based work. I unpack the science behind HRV, highlighting the dynamic interaction between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, and explain how healthy levels of chaos in HRV reflect our brain’s ability to shift seamlessly between productivity, creativity, and focus.I also break down the study’s findings, emphasizing that true productivity and creativity aren’t about pushing harder, but about cultivating an adaptable, well-regulated nervous system, particularly through vagus nerve activation. I offer actionable steps, like resonance breathing, sleep optimization, cold exposure, and environmental tweaks, to boost vagal tone and foster that ideal, “chaotic” heart signature associated with our best cognitive work.Ready to level up your performance? Try my top tip this week: practice 10 minutes of resonance breathing before your work sessions and see how your focus and creativity improve. Curious to learn more? Access the free 10-day Vagus Nerve Jumpstart and join the Health Upgraded community for more science-backed tips!Dr. Navaz HabibEmail: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabib

In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast, we talk with Dr. Amie Hornamen about thyroid health and how it affects the body.We get into the challenges people face with thyroid issues, including misdiagnoses, and how these problems can impact both high performers and everyday life. We also break down how thyroid hormones work, why proper testing matters, and why there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.Dr. Hornamen explains how lifestyle and environmental factors can affect the thyroid, shares a functional medicine perspective, and gives simple first steps for anyone wondering if their symptoms might be related.If you or someone you know is struggling with unexplained fatigue, weight gain, or brain fog, make sure to listen and share! Don’t forget to check out Dr. Amy Horneman’s new book, "The Thyroid Fix," and join the live launch party for more learning opportunities and helpful resources. Start your journey to upgraded health today! Dr. Navaz HabibEmail: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabibJP ErricoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevnsguy/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-errico-097629aaDr. Amie HornamenWebsite: https://dramie.com/

In this episode, I welcome Andrea Donsky back to discuss her new book, "Nourishing Menopause." Together, we explore how menopause is more than just hot flashes and night sweats, revealing that there are over 100 symptoms, many of which often go unrecognized. Andrea shares her personal journey, surprising research findings, and the importance of acknowledging these symptoms to help women feel validated and empowered.The conversation dives deep into nutrition, gut health, movement, and the power of mindset. She emphasizes how simple dietary and lifestyle changes, along with proactive stress management, can make a significant impact on women's experiences during perimenopause and menopause. Both speakers highlight the need for women to advocate for themselves, seek supportive healthcare, and use both data and self-awareness to navigate this life phase.If you or someone you love is going through menopause, this episode is packed with practical tips, reassurance, and motivation to thrive during this transition. Share the episode with friends and family, and don’t forget to check out Andrea’s "Nourishing Menopause" for further resources and strategies to help you feel your best!Dr. Navaz HabibEmail: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabibAndrea DonskyWebsite: https://andreadonsky.com/

In this episode of the Health Upgrade podcast we welcome Dr. Cynthia Thurlow, author of The Menopause Gut, to dive deep into the connections between gut health, hormones, and the aging process, especially for women navigating perimenopause and menopause. Together, we unravel how hormonal changes impact the microbiome, immunity, and even mitochondrial function, emphasizing the crucial role the gut plays in overall health.Dr. Thurlow shares her personal journey from ER medicine to specializing in women’s health, highlighting the importance of lifestyle changes over medication for chronic conditions. The conversation touches on actionable topics such as intermittent fasting, stress management, mitochondrial health, and the value of personalized testing and care. she breaks down complex science into practical advice for enhancing well-being at any age.If you or someone you love is looking to optimize health during hormonal transitions, or simply wants to understand the powerful link between the gut, brain, and aging, this episode is for you. Don’t forget to share the episode with friends and explore Dr. Cynthia Thurlow's latest book for even more insights to help you upgrade your health!Dr. Navaz HabibEmail: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabibJP ErricoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevnsguy/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-errico-097629aaDr. Cynthia ThurlowWebsite: https://www.cynthiathurlow.com/

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with functional medicine expert Dr. Sam Shay to explore how decoding your DNA can revolutionize your approach to health. Dr. Shay shares his unique personal story, connects genetics to chronic illness, and breaks down the difference between traditional Western medicine and functional, personalized healthcare.The conversation dives deep into key drivers of disease, the importance of understanding your genetic blueprint, and how tailored interventions, like optimizing nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle, can transform your health outcomes. He explains practical strategies for using genetic testing to discover your carb tolerance, food sensitivities, and recovery needs, all while debunking common myths about genetic determinism.Ready to take control of your health with actionable insights? Don’t miss this episode’s masterclass in personalized wellness! Share it with friends and family who want to unlock their optimal health. Upgrade your health by learning how your DNA can be the foundation for a thriving, preventative lifestyle. Dr. Navaz HabibEmail: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabibJP ErricoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevnsguy/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-errico-097629aaDr. Sam ShayInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsamshay/Website: https://drsamshay.com/

In this episode, we explore how to stay healthy with Dr. Adam Perlman, Chief Medical Officer at Pendulum Therapeutics. We focus on Akkermansia muciniphila, an important probiotic that helps protect your gut and supports overall health. From controlling blood sugar to balancing your immune system, this microbe could be a key part of your health.We also talk about how the gut microbiome, especially Akkermansia, affects metabolism, chronic illnesses, mood, sleep, and even recent studies on cancer and heart health. You will learn practical tips on improving your gut, and how gut health can boost your brain. If you know someone dealing with gut problems, blood sugar issues, or chronic conditions, share this episode, as they might benefit from supporting their microbiome. For more on the latest microbiome research and probiotics, visit Pendulum Therapeutics and tune in next time for more health tips.20% OFF PENDULUM LIFE PRODUCTSGet 20% off your first order at pendulumlife.com with the code UPGRADE20 Dr. Navaz HabibEmail: [email protected]: https://www.facebook.com/DrNavazHabib/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drnavazhabib/LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/drnavazhabibJP ErricoInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thevnsguy/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jp-errico-097629aaDr. Adam PerlmanWebsite: https://dradamperlman.com/