Better Medicine

In this Episode, Lynae Wood shares the concepts of Biophilic design and how that can improve our mental health. Health requires a truly holistic approach and this is a great example of how using approaches alternative to pharmaceuticals can be incredibly effective.Discussion points:1. What Biophilic Design is and how it's used in Architecture and commercial design for health and wellness.2. Some of the positive mental and even physical effects of this type of design and why it's becoming an important topic within the design community.3. How Biophilic design can specifically improve our mental health.4. How the listeners can affect small changes in their own home with some of these biophilic principles.Some literature regarding Biophilic design:- Roger Ulrich, 1984 - Nature View from Hospital Room- Enhancing Cognitive Performance and Physiological Benefit in Workspaces Through Patterns of Biophilic Design: A Restorative Approach- A Review of Psychological Literature on the Health and Wellbeing Benefits of Biophilic Design- Human-centred health-care environments: a new framework for biophilic design Guest Intro:Lynae Wood is an multi-award winning interior designer who draws on her background in environmental science to incorporate colors and textures found in nature to bring a sense of balance to a room. That perspective, combined with her unique style and personality creates a little magic, leaving you with a home you love to live in. Lynae believes that our homes can tell the story of who we are and that a thoughtfully designed space can bring a sense of wellness to those that reside there.Lynae Wood, Redefine Designs Co.www.RedefineDesignsCo.com

In this episode of the better medicine podcast, I speak with Dr. Jill Carnahan on mold toxicity and complex chronic illness. Dr. Jill shares her valuable insights both as a healer and as a patient who suffered with chronic illness. Mold toxicity is a very challenging subject with most practitioners not being aware or well versed in treating these patients. In situations like this, it's important to seek the expertise of a specialist like Dr. Jill who has vast knowledge about the topic as well as years of experience dealing with these chronic complex patients.We discuss:1.  Her background and story as a patient and physician treating chronic disease while suffering from it herself.2. What is mold toxicity and what are some common sources people can get them through?3. What are some common symptoms that mold toxicity presents with?4. What are the main tests you look to do for someone suspected of having mold toxicity?5. Top tips for treatment approaches, environmental as well as supplemental/medication.6. Why is mold toxicity and environmental toxicity as a whole so poorly understood in the conventional medical space?7. How to navigate a difficult case of a patient who just isn't getting better.Guest Bio:Dr. Jill Carnahan is Your Functional Medicine Expert® dually board certified in Family Medicine for 10 years and in Integrative Holistic Medicine. She is the Medical Director of Flatiron Functional Medicine, a widely sought-after practice with a broad range of clinical services including functional medical consultations, nutritional consultations, chiropractic therapy, physical therapy, naturopathic medicine, acupuncture, and therapeutic massage. As a survivor of breast cancer, Crohn’s disease, and toxic mold illness she brings a unique perspective to treating patients with complex illness. She specializes in searching for the underlying triggers that contribute to illness through cutting-edge lab testing and practicing personalized medicine. Featured in People magazine, Shape, Parade, Forbes, MindBodyGreen, First for Women, Townsend Newsletter, and The Huffington Post as well as seen on NBC News and Health segments with Joan Lunden, Dr. Jill is media savvy and full of wisdom. Her YouTube channel and podcast features live interviews with many of healthcare’s most respected clinicians. She co-authored the Personalized and Precision Integrative Cardiovascular Medicine Textbook with Dr. Mark Houston. Her new book, Unexpected: Finding Resilience though Functional Medicine, Science, and Faith is now available for purchase anywhere books are sold. She is executive producer, film writer and is featured in a new documentary about her journey overcoming illness called Doctor/Patient set to be distributed this year. A popular inspirational speaker and prolific writer, she shares her knowledge of hope, health and healing live on stage and through newsletters, blog articles, books, and social media posts! Her patients and fans alike are encouraged by her science-back medical knowledge delivered with authenticity, love, and humor. She is known for inspiring her audience to thrive even in the midst of difficulties. Please give her Instagram a follow @drjillcarnahan.Connect with Dr. AkhterWebsite: www.madinamedicine.comEmail: [email protected]: www.instagram.com/dromarakhterLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dromarakhter/Connect with Dr. CarnahanWebsite: jillcarnahan.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjillcarnahan/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FlatironFunctionalMedicine

Multiple Sclerosis is a complex autoimmune condition that is often poorly understood and requires a great deal of expertise to treat it effectively. My guest today, Dr. Erica Rivas does exactly that in her private practice focusing on a more holistic approach to Multiple Sclerosis. We also touch on other Neurological Autoimmune conditions that can affect the brain including Hashimoto's which is often not thought of as a brain condition but rather thyroid condition. Hashimoto's can have direct effects on the nervous system and often causes symptoms in these patients. We discuss:– Her medical background and why she went into Neurology.– What is Multiple Sclerosis and how does she treat it differently from other practitioners?– What are other autoimmune conditions that can affect the brain?– Is there potential for more holistic treatment options for autoimmune brain diseases?– How Hashimoto's affects the brain.– The Biggest challenges she faces with her patient population– Some success stories of patients with her approach.Guest Intro:Dr. Erica Rivas is the medical director of the Multiple Sclerosis and Neurology Institute of Austin. She is an expert in immunological disorders that affect the central nervous system, spinal cord and brain. She completed her fellowship in Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroimmunology at the University of Southern California. She is board-certified in Neurology. She is also the recipient of an educational grant award for the Americas Committee for Treatment and Research in Multiple Sclerosis. She has been named a top doctor in Austin. Connect with Dr. Akhter:Website: www.madinamedicine.comEmail: [email protected]: www.youtube.com/@dromarakhterFacebook: www.facebook.com/madinamedicineaustinInstagram: www.instagram.com/dromarakhterLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dromarakhter/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/dromarakhter Connect with Dr. RivasWebsite: https://www.msnia.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/multiplesclerosisandneurologyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_ericarivas

Nutrition can be one of the most complex topics in modern medicine with so much misinformation available on the Internet. In that type of climate, getting accurate and balanced information is very important. In this Episode, I discuss the foundations of good nutrition, building strong muscle mass, and losing body fat with Lauren Embree who can speak with excellent expertise given that she is not only a Functional Nutritionist but also a former Professional Tennis player having been through various health challenges and still reaching the peak of her fitness goals. We discuss: – Her background in professional sports and journey into the world of Nutrition. – The best overarching nutrition principles we can apply. – Discussing a bit of the nuance with nutritional research. – The best nutritional strategies to lose weight. – Best tips for building healthy muscle mass. – Best nutritional tips for an athlete. Guest Intro: Lauren Embree is the founder of Embree Wellness. She is a Functional Medicine Nutritionist and holds a B.S. in Sports Management. She is a graduate of The Academy of Functional Medicine and is board-certified through the Nutritional Therapy Association. As a former 2x National Champion and 5x All-American on the University of Florida Women’s Tennis Team, she finished her collegiate career ranked number 1 in the nation and went on to compete professionally on the WTA tour. In 2023, she was inducted into the Florida Hall of Fame. Her experience as a collegiate and professional athlete has greatly influenced her passion for helping others optimize their bodies to feel their best every day. Her own health journey, having battled autoimmune flareups, chronic fatigue, inflammation, and poor skin and gut health, inspired her passion for holistic nutrition. Through this experience, she developed a deep understanding of how simple dietary and lifestyle changes can transform your health. Connect with Dr. Akhter Website: www.madinamedicine.com Email: [email protected] YouTube: www.youtube.com/@dromarakhter Facebook: www.facebook.com/madinamedicineaustin Instagram: www.instagram.com/dromarakhter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dromarakhter/ TikTok: www.tiktok.com/dromarakhter Connect with Lauren Embree Website: https://www.embreewellness.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lembree888/

Type 2 Diabetes is one of the most common diseases in the Western world. Much of the emphasis in the medical community is based on medications for ‘treating’ Diabetes and oftentimes the discussion of diet and lifestyle gets left behind. In this episode, I speak with Dr. Janel Gordon about using a plant-based diet to improve and reverse your Type 2 Diabetes. Yes, reversing your Type 2 Diabetes is possible contrary to what we were taught in medical school. I hope you find this discussion beneficial. We discuss: - Her background starting in Lifestyle Medicine and how that translates into practice.  - What is the role of diet in type 2 diabetes? - What she recommends to patients when she talks to them about type 2 diabetes management.  - What aspects of diet do we get wrong when talking about Type 2 Diabetes  - A few case studies of patients with Type 2 Diabetes that have benefited from diet changes.  Guest Bio: Dr. Janel Gordon, M.D., DipABOM, DipABLM, is a Board Certified Family, Obesity & Lifestyle Medicine Physician. Dr. Gordon is certified in Plant-based Nutrition by the T. Colin Campbell Center for Nutrition Studies and Cornell University. She is certified in Culinary Coaching by Harvard Medical School, The Institute of Lifestyle Medicine, and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Dr. Gordon was recently selected as a Leading Physician Well-being Fellow with the American Academy of Family Physicians, through which she is receiving further training in leadership development, program development, and quality improvement. Dr. Gordon has special interests in culinary medicine, food security, community development, and sustainable efforts. She enjoys spending time with loved ones, traveling, and discovering delicious and nutritious foods near and far. Connect with Dr. Gordon https://www.linkedin.com/in/janel-gordon-md-dipabom-dipablm-18ba339b/ https://www.instagram.com/janelgordonmd/ Connect with Dr. Akhter Website: www.madinamedicine.com Email: [email protected] Instagram: www.instagram.com/dromarakhter  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dromarakhter/ 

Millions of Americans suffer from Obstructive Sleep Apnea or another Sleep-related breathing disorder. Risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, Diabetes, smoking, etc. have all led to a higher incidence of sleep apnea. The diagnosis and treatment of this condition are essential to improving health and preventing unwanted complications such as heart failure, worsening high blood pressure, lower androgen levels, strokes, heart attacks, and even a shorter lifespan! Furthermore, those patients who are already getting treated with a CPAP still struggle and the causes of that are often not discussed. In this podcast episode, I speak with Dr. Audrey Wells, a sleep medicine physician, and expert in this area. You won’t want to miss this. We discuss: What are the different stages of sleep and their importance? What is considered good sleep? What are the main things we can do to improve sleep hygiene? What are the different types of sleep-related breathing disorders? What are the best diagnostic tests for Obstructive Sleep Apnea?  What about the Validity of WatchPat, night owl, etc.? What to do if sleep isn't good despite using a CPAP? Efficacy of sleep tracking devices such as Oura Ring etc.  Guest Bio Dr. Audrey Wells is a seasoned sleep medicine physician and professional mindset coach. She is on a mission to help people with sleep apnea get fully treated without sacrificing comfort. She offers a comprehensive library of self-directed courses, a group coaching program, and a private Facebook community. There are free educational resources and more on her website SuperSleepMD.com.  Connect with Dr. Wells Website: www.supersleepmd.com Connect with Dr. Akhter Website: www.madinamedicine.com Email: [email protected] Instagram: www.instagram.com/dromarakhter  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dromarakhter/ 

Chronic pain affects so many people in this country and now those numbers are rising due to symptoms from Long COVID. Pain is extremely common after COVID and many patients suffer continued symptoms without effective relief. My guest today deals with this on a daily basis and aims to help patients overcome their chronic pain. We had a fascinating discussion about all things related to pain and what the best strategies are to tackle these complex issues. We discuss: 1. Pain symptoms after COVID - are they real? 2. The truth about steroids, i.e. cortisone and their use. 3. Back pain - the many causes and what can be done about it? 4. What is an epidural injection? 5. Some common causes of hip pain and how best to manage them. Guest Bio: Ramesh M. Singa, MD, is a board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management physician with the team at Republic Spine and Pain in Georgetown, Leander, and Austin, Texas.  After completing his undergrad and graduate studies at Johns Hopkins University, anesthesiology residency at RWJ Barnabas, and pain medicine fellowship at Rush University Medical Center, Dr. Singa practiced interventional pain management and anesthesiology in California for four years. He and his wife then moved to Texas in 2021. Connect with Dr. Singa Website: https://www.treatpainnow.com/provider/ramesh-singa-md Instagram: www.instagram.com/doc.singa Youtube: www.youtube.com/@docsinga Connect with Dr. Akhter Website: www.madinamedicine.com Email: [email protected] Instagram: www.instagram.com/dromarakhter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dromarakhter/

With our rates of chronic disease rising and particularly affecting our youth, it’s now more important than ever to discuss preconception health. Not only among women but also among MEN too. Men rarely get included in the conversation when it comes to preconception health and it’s really the health of the couple combined that should be looked at. This episode talks about epigenetics - what it is and why it is important, as well as the main tips to improve your preconception health and by extension, the health of your children. You definitely want to hear Abby giving her expertise on this topic! We discuss: Abby’s background in nursing and journey to Preconception health. Why is Preconception health important? What are epigenetics and why is it important for preconception? What are some tips to improve your health before conception? Why is it important for men to consider their health as well before conception? What genetics tests can be done to further evaluate health before conception? Guest Bio: Abby Hand, MSN, RN is a Preconception Health Coach and soon-to-be published author. She specializes in helping women and couples get healthy, before getting pregnant. Abby supports clients using current research, traditional medicine, and natural philosophies. Additionally, she incorporates positive psychology, biometric tracking, epigenetics, and other valuable tools into her complex systems approach to coaching. She also draws on her own autoimmune disease and pregnancy experiences to empower folks and help them navigate the quagmire of perinatal and chronic disease care. Abby believes optimizing the health of both parents prior to conception helps build strong families and communities, creating a healthier, more resilient world. Connect with Dr. Akhter Website: www.madinamedicine.com Email: [email protected] Instagram: www.instagram.com/dromarakhter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dromarakhter/

Medical students don't get taught about breast implant illness. I certainly didn't. The number of women suffering from breast implant illness has really surprised me and came to my attention after I saw a few patients with this illness. It’s something that does not get talked about often and it's difficult for women suffering to bring this up with their physicians because of a lack of knowledge and awareness around this issue. The last few years have seen a large number of studies published around breast implant illness so the awareness is increasing, but more needs to be done. The women going through this illness can find help and healing. I hope this discussion today sheds some more light and education on this issue of breast implant illness. We discuss: Sarah’s journey with Breast Implant Illness (BII). What is Breast Implant Illness and its main mechanisms? How do genetics affect the chances of getting this illness? Is there a way to diagnose BII? Why is there no disclosure of the toxic ingredients in implants? What role does explant have in treatment? What does the journey after the explant look like? What is the emotional impact of this illness Message to those suffering from BII Guest Bio: Sarah has a passion for restoring health that has taken her along a path from RN, to becoming a certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition® Practitioner, Board Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, and Breast Implant Illness and Detox Expert. She believes the solution to Reversing Breast Implant illness is about more than just the explant and that we all need to take personal responsibility for restoring our health by addressing all of the root causes that contribute to chronic illness. It is Sarah’s belief that the body has an innate desire to heal if given what it needs, and she focuses on teaching women how to unlock that innate intelligence and heal themselves. Connect with Sarah Phillipe Website: https://reversingbreastimplantillness.com FB Page: https://www.facebook.com/reversingbreastimplantillness Private FB Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/reversingbreastimplantillness Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reversingbreastimplantillness/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/reversingbreastimplantillness/ Connect with Dr. Akhter Website: www.madinamedicine.com Email: [email protected] Instagram: www.instagram.com/dromarakhter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dromarakhter/

There are two types of tendon dysfunction - tendonitis (reactive inflammation due to overloading) and tendinopathy (chronic tissue deformation due to chronic overload and no remodeling program). Recovery from these are not always straightforward. Generally, people tend to do  “too much too soon after doing too little for too long”. That results in delayed healing time and continued inflammation. The inflammatory phase in a tissue injury is typically 10 days and during that time we can take some steps to improve our recovery. The acronym RICE which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation is no longer applicable and instead, a new acronym called PEACE & LOVE is being applied with greater results. We discuss all that and more today! We discuss: The most common regions of injury including the Achilles, patellar tendon, plantar fascia, rotator cuff (supraspinatus), and wrist extensors (tennis elbow). Generally how people do “too much too soon after doing too little for too long”, and how that can be more harmful than beneficial. Two types of tendon dysfunction – tendonitis (reactive inflammation due to overloading) and tendinopathy (chronic tissue deformation due to chronic overload and no remodeling program) How the acronym PEACE & LOVE has superseded RICE in the preferred way to heal these injuries. What are Isometric, Eccentric, and Concentric contractions, and what are examples of each? Guest Bio: Dr. Courtney Clark has a doctorate in Physical therapy and she is a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist. She is also the clinic director at East riverside results PT. She has a great passion for orthopedic care and in-depth knowledge of the science of pain and pain management. She uses an individualized approach to each patient. She lives in south Austin and enjoys a variety of outdoor activities. Connect with Dr. Clark Website: https://www.resultspt.com/east-riverside-austin-texas LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-courtney-clark-692577a1/ Connect with Dr. Akhter Website: www.madinamedicine.com Email: [email protected] Instagram: www.instagram.com/dromarakhter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dromarakhter/