Show notes
I'm joined by board-certified general surgeon Dr. Lee Howard, who walked away from traditional medicine. Why he feels traditional medicine doesn't really help its patients plus we cover what supplements are good for everyone to take, how to navigate allergy season with kids, what the heck the MTHFR gene is, how we should be approaching our kids' health, why were gonna start to hear more and more about creatine, ways we can help the aging process, plus perimenopause and menopause- how to minimize symptoms and recognize when we start to enter that stage. And we cover once and for all what those silly eye twitches are from. Clip 3: Low Testosterone and Alzheimer’s RiskMost people think of testosterone as a hormone that just affects sex drive or muscle mass. But the brain is actually one of its biggest targets. A massive 2023 study from the University of Sydney looked at older men and found something shocking: men with low testosterone had a 26% higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. And we’re not talking about late-stage life—these patterns start decades earlier. Testosterone helps regulate inflammation in the brain, supports memory circuits, and even promotes the growth of new neural connections. When levels drop too low, especially without being noticed, the brain becomes more vulnerable to decline. Here’s the kicker: most men never get their levels checked. And if they do, the 'normal range' is often outdated or way too broad. What’s normal for a 75-year-old is not what you want at 45. I’ve had women come in concerned about their partner’s mood, irritability, even motivation—and it turns out his testosterone was tanked. If you’re in a long-term relationship and your partner is acting like a different person, you’re not imagining it. And getting his hormones evaluated might be the missing link to helping him feel like himself again—and preventing cognitive decline down the line.Study source: University of Sydney & Neuroscience Research Australia (2023)https://alz-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/alz.1252Clip 5: Gut Health and MoodThere’s a direct, two-way communication line between your gut and your brain—and researchers now believe that the gut may play just as much of a role in mental health as the brain itself. A major review from 2024 showed that people with poor gut diversity were significantly more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety, even when diet and lifestyle were controlled. Why? Because 90% of your serotonin is actually made in your gut. If your microbiome is inflamed or out of balance, your body literally has fewer raw materials to make feel-good brain chemicals. On top of that, gut inflammation sends stress signals to your brain—keeping you in a low-level “fight or flight” state, even when nothing’s wrong. And if you’ve ever felt brain fog, irritability, or sadness after a weekend of sugar and alcohol… this is why. What’s exciting is how quickly you can make a shift. Just increasing your fiber, adding fermented foods, or taking the right probiotic can make a measurable difference in just a few weeks. This isn’t woo. This is the future of psychiatry. And if you’ve done therapy, made lifestyle changes, but still don’t feel right—check your gut. It might be where your healing needs to start.Study source: Review from the Polish Society of Gastroenterology (2024)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11811453Clip 8: Hormone Imbalances and MarriageYou’d be shocked how many couples come into my office thinking they have a communication problem—when what they really have is a hormone problem. He’s irritable, unmotivated, maybe withdrawing. She’s exhausted, anxious, snapping at small things. They think they’ve grown apart. They think the spark is gone. But when we test their hormones—testosterone, cortisol, DHEA, thyroid—what we find is that their biochemistry is off. And once we start restoring balance, everything shifts. The mood improves. The intimacy returns. The little things don’t feel so overwhelming. We now have solid evidence that hormonal health directly impacts emotional regulation, sexual desire, and even empathy. And if both partners are dysregulated, it can feel like the marriage is falling apart—when really, it’s just that their physiology is out of sync. This isn’t a relationship failure. It’s a hormone crisis. And once you name it, you can fix it. I’ve seen couples on the brink of divorce completely turn things around—because we stopped blaming each other and started healing their bodies.Study source: APA + American Journal of Men’s Health (2023–24)https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/15579883231166518Clip 11: Whole Milk in Schools Might Actually Be SmarterFor decades, schools have pushed low-fat or skim milk, based on outdated beliefs about fat and weight. But new evidence is flipping that script. A growing body of research now shows that children who drink whole milk are actually less likely to be overweight than those drinking low-fat milk. Why? Because fat makes food more satisfying. It helps with blood sugar regulation and keeps kids fuller longer—so they’re less likely to snack on junk later. In 2025, there’s increasing pushback from pediatricians and nutrition researchers against the one-size-fits-all low-fat approach. Some school districts are already considering bringing whole milk back, and they’re seeing better nutrition outcomes. Whole milk also contains essential nutrients like vitamin D and calcium in more bioavailable forms, especially when paired with fat. It’s time we stop fearing fat—especially when the data shows that cutting it hasn’t actually reduced childhood obesity. In fact, we may have made things worse. So if your kid likes whole milk, don’t feel guilty. It might just be the more nourishing option after all.Study source: Associated Press report (2025)https://apnews.com/article/e4868fdc2dc4e85aeb9375edcd27da49Clip 13: Hormone Fluctuations and Depression in WomenOne of the biggest blind spots in women’s health is how powerful hormone fluctuations are—especially on mood. A 2025 study published in Biomedical Reports found that estrogen and progesterone shifts during puberty, pregnancy, postpartum, and perimenopause play a massive role in rates of depression. This isn’t just anecdotal. These hormonal changes alter brain chemistry, sensitivity to stress, and even how the body processes trauma. In puberty, many girls who were previously confident begin to struggle with mood and self-esteem—but instead of checking hormones, we tell them to tough it out. In postpartum, we’re finally starting to talk about depression more—but the hormonal crash that happens after birth still catches most women off guard. And in perimenopause, where mood swings and anxiety often resurface, women are still too often told it’s “just part of aging.” It’s not. It’s biology. And the good news is, once you understand that hormones are a major player, you can treat the root cause instead of just masking symptoms. Whether it’s bioidentical therapy, lifestyle shifts, or targeted nutrients, women deserve to know that their brains and their hormones are on the same team—and that relief is possible.Study source: Biomedical Reports (2025)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40083602Clip 14: Social Media Changes Teen Brain WiringWe now have MRI data showing that the more often a teen checks social media, the more their brain becomes wired for external validation. In a study from UNC Chapel Hill, researchers found that teens who compulsively checked platforms like Instagram or Snapchat showed measurable changes in the brain's reward centers. These areas lit up more intensely over time, meaning their brains were becoming increasingly sensitive to likes, comments, and digital attention. This isn’t just about being distracted. It’s about a neurological shift in what they find rewarding—and that shift can impact everything from self-worth to emotional regulation. The researchers even found that this pattern predicts increased anxiety and depression, especially in girls. And it makes sense—when your self-esteem is tied to a number on a screen, even a small drop in engagement feels like social rejection. So what can parents do? First, understand that this isn’t just 'teen stuff.' This is brain development. Second, set tech boundaries that prioritize boredom, creativity, and real-life interaction. Even a two-week break can reset the system. Social media isn’t going away—but we have to teach kids how to use it without letting it rewire them.Study source: UNC-Chapel Hill (2023)https://www.unc.edu/posts/2023/01/03/study-shows-habitual-checking-of-social-media-may-impact-young-adolescents-brain-developmenClip 16: Screen Time and Toddlers’ SleepSleep is how toddlers consolidate memory, regulate mood, and grow both physically and neurologically. But more and more research is showing that screen exposure—even if it’s 'educational'—can seriously disrupt toddler sleep. A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children ages 2 to 5 who used screens within an hour of bedtime had shorter total sleep and more fragmented rest. Blue light delays melatonin production. Fast-paced content overstimulates the nervous system. And passive consumption before bed blunts their natural wind-down process. We think of it as relaxing—but their brains don’t. What’s worse is that these disruptions don’t just affect nighttime. They carry over into the next day—affecting focus, mood, and even immune function. That’s why experts now recommend at least 60 minutes of screen-free time before lights out—especially for young kids. Replace it with a bath, a book, a calm routine. These rituals help their circadian rhythm sync naturally. Sleep isn’t just a health pillar—it’s a developmental requirement. And screens may be the single biggest obstacle we’re overlooking.Study source: JAMA Pediatrics (2024)https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapediatrics/fullarticle/282519Clip 18: Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals = Global Health RiskA sweeping review by the Endocrine Society in 2024 called endocrine-disrupting chemicals a 'global health threat.' These are substances—often found in plastics, pesticides, cosmetics, and even receipts—that can mimic, block, or interfere with your body’s hormones. They’ve been linked to everything from infertility to obesity to neurological conditions and cancer. And they’re everywhere. Prenatal exposure can affect fetal brain development. Chronic exposure is associated with thyroid dysfunction and metabolic syndrome. And it’s not about one product—it’s about cumulative load. What’s scary is how underregulated many of these substances are in the U.S. compared to Europe. But what’s hopeful is that you *can* reduce your exposure. Swap plastic for glass. Say no to fragrance. Wash produce well. Choose organic when you can. Each swap reduces total burden. This isn’t alarmist. This is modern environmental medicine. And it affects every system in your body.Study source: Endocrine Society Global Consensus Statement (2024)https://www.endocrine.org/news-and-advocacy/news-room/2024/latest-science-shows-endocrine-disrupting-chemicals-in-pose-health-threats-globallyClip 19: Gut-Brain Axis and Mental HealthWe used to think the brain controlled everything. Now we know the gut plays just as big a role—especially in mental health. The gut-brain axis is a communication superhighway that links your microbiome to your nervous system. And studies show that disruptions in gut health are strongly linked to anxiety, depression, and even neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD. Certain gut bacteria help produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA. Others regulate inflammation, which directly impacts mood. A 2025 review of over 50 studies found that targeted probiotics improved symptoms of depression in many patients—sometimes as effectively as medication. What you eat, how you digest, and what lives in your gut may affect your mind more than your therapist knows. That doesn’t mean meds aren’t useful—but it means we have to zoom out. If your gut is inflamed, your brain is inflamed. And no amount of mindset work can override a body that’s chemically out of balance. Heal the gut. Watch what changes.Study source: PubMed Meta-Review on Gut-Brain Axis (2025)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3963000Perimenopause: Recognizing and Addressing Early SymptomsDid you know that up to 90% of women experience symptoms of perimenopause years before menopause actually begins? Despite that, most women are either dismissed by doctors or told they're too young to be entering that phase. Perimenopause can start as early as your mid-30s, and it’s not just hot flashes—it’s insomnia, anxiety, irritability, brain fog, and cycle irregularities. A study from Stanford’s Center for Lifestyle Medicine in 2025 emphasized that when women are supported with hormone therapy earlier—during perimenopause, not just postmenopause—they report significantly better mental clarity, energy, and quality of life. But here’s the problem: most conventional providers aren’t trained to spot this transition, and women are left thinking it’s just stress, parenting, or age catching up with them. When really, it’s hormones shifting. Estradiol begins to fluctuate, progesterone declines, and the nervous system takes the hit. Women deserve to know what’s happening inside their bodies—and what they can do about it. Simple steps like tracking symptoms, checking hormone levels through saliva or urine testing, and considering targeted bioidentical support can change everything. This isn’t about vanity—it’s about function, clarity, and reclaiming your life before things spiral. If you’ve ever thought, 'I just don’t feel like myself anymore,' and your labs came back 'normal,' this is your sign to dig deeper. You’re not crazy. You’re not weak. You’re likely perimenopausal. And you deserve care that actually sees you.Study source: Stanford Lifestyle Medicine (2025)https://longevity.stanford.edu/lifestyle/2025/03/06/menopause-hormone-therapy-is-making-a-comeback-is-it-safe-and-right-for-you/Menopause and Muscle Mass: The Critical Role of Resistance TrainingMuscle loss during and after menopause is one of the most overlooked drivers of weight gain, fatigue, and metabolic decline in women. In fact, women can lose up to 10% of their muscle mass in the first five years post-menopause. That’s not just a cosmetic issue—it’s a health crisis. Loss of muscle means decreased insulin sensitivity, weaker bones, and lower resting metabolic rate. But the good news? It’s reversible. A landmark 2025 study from the University of Exeter showed that menopausal women who engaged in just 12 weeks of resistance training experienced a 21% improvement in lower body flexibility and significant increases in strength and mobility. What’s even more promising is that these improvements came from just two to three sessions a week using basic strength exercises. Muscle is your metabolic engine. And during menopause, when estrogen drops, protecting that muscle becomes your superpower. This isn’t about getting shredded or spending hours at the gym—it’s about lifting enough weight to send your body the message that it’s still needed. Because when your body doesn’t get that message, it starts letting muscle go. This leads to increased fat gain, inflammation, and risk of chronic disease. If you’re entering menopause or already postmenopausal and you’re not lifting weights, you’re missing one of the most effective, protective tools for your long-term health.Study source: University of Exeter (2025)https://news.exeter.ac.uk/faculty-of-health-and-life-sciences/first-of-its-kind-study-shows-resistance-training-can-improve-physical-function-during-menopause/The Importance of Sexual Activity as We AgeHere’s something most people don’t expect: research shows that sexual satisfaction actually improves with age. A 2025…
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