Master Your Health Podcast

Latest Episodes:

12: The Truth About CBD & Cannabis with Dr. Jess Peatross Nov 21, 2019

Show notes

After working in the hospital for 6 years, Dr. Jess Peatross decided to leave her job and pursue further education in Functional Medicine. Her passion for preventive care and her search to find more tools to help heal her patients drove her down this path of self improvement and furthering her education. Now, she has the power to give her patients the best of both worlds with her training in both western medicine as an MD as well as Functional Medicine.

During her Functional Medicine training, she really began to understand and research the medicinal power of CBD and cannabis. Today, we're picking her brain on CBD, cannabis and how sift through the BS on the market.

In this episode you'll learn:

How Dr. Jess' experience in internal medicine and as a hospitalist led her to dig deeper into finding the root causes of chronic disease
About the process that prescription drugs and medical devices go through to get "approved"
Why it's important to question the motive behind medical studies
What exactly CBD is
About the many uses and benefits of using CBD as medicine
How to find high quality CBD and pinpoint the right dose for you
What "full spectrum" CBD means
How to spot a good CBD
Why topical CBD balms work to help decrease inflammation
About the difference between CBD and cannabis
The difference between CBD from hemp and from cannabis
How THC with CBD can help to fight cancer
How THC can affect developing brains in young adults
How CBD can affect pregnant women/new mothers
How medical marijuana has been linked to lower narcotic use and death in some studies
What the endocannabinoid system is
How micro-dosing psilocybin has been shown to help some with addiction

@dr.jess.peatross | Nourish Medical Center San Diego | Online Education with Dr. Jessica Peatross

Resources / Links:

Bayer sold HIV-risky meds - Factor VIII concentrate - https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bayer-sold-hiv-risky-meds/
Caught selling a blood-clotting product that stopped potentially fatal bleeding in hemophiliacs but was linked to the risk of HIV infection. New York Times reported that it sold millions of dollars worth of an older version of the medication in Latin America and Asia while marketing a newer, safer product in the United States and Europe: https://www.nytimes.com/2003/05/22/business/2-paths-of-bayer-drug-in-80-s-riskier-one-steered-overseas.html

11: Tips for Preventing Breast Cancer with Dr. Christian Gonzalez Nov 15, 2019

Show notes

Doctor Christian Gonzalez, better known as Doctor G., is a Naturopathic and Functional Medicine Doctor who specializes in Oncology, Environmental Medicine and helping breast cancer patients in particular. He has worked with thousands of patients teaching them the fundamentals to living a better life. Understanding nutrition is one of the pillars of health, Doctor. G is constantly preaching the importance of diet in healing and performance.

In today's episode, we take a deep dive into his research and tips on breast cancer and breast cancer prevention.

In this episode you'll learn about:

How Dr. G got started in the medical field and more specifically into naturopathic medicine
Why breast cancer is one of his main focuses and how increasingly common it is among women
Why it's important for women to take measures that can help prevent breast cancer
How diet and physical activity play a role in the development of all cancers, including breast cancer
Why a mix of vigorous aerobic and anaerobic activity and overall muscle to fat balance in the body are important to prevent breast cancer specifically
How insulin sensitivity plays a role in cancer development
Why it's imprint to include different colored fruits, veggies and sources of fiber into your diet
How alcohol consumption affects the hormones in your body and in heavy amounts has been linked to breast cancer
The role green tea as medicine can play in the prevention of breast cancer
Why it's important to understand that our hormones are intimately tied with the driving of major cancers
How estrogen is broken down in the body and how it's metabolized can indicate problems
Foods you can eat (like broccoli sprouts, mushrooms, artichokes, beets, citrus fruits etc.) to prevent breast cancer if it runs in your family
Supplements like magnesium and epsom salt baths that can help your body better process estrogen
Why a healthy gut and regular trips to the bathroom are crucial to breast cancer prevention
How pesticides like glyphosate negatively affect gut microbiome
The role that genes play in breast cancer
Short term fasting and how spacing out meals can help lower inflammation in the body
How blue light in your room at night affects your levels of melatonin, which is anti-cancer
Why sleep quality in general is crucial to protecting yourself from developing cancer and overall health
How plastic use, perfumes, and dairy consumption affect hormones
How to find the best doctor for you if have breast cancer
How losing his mother to breast cancer has led Dr. G to help educate others on cancer prevention
What aromatase blockers do and when they become necessary
How stress plays a role in the prevention of cancer

Click here to Connect with Dr. G: On Instagram

References from the episode:

Resources to help to find the best doctor for you if you have breast cancer: https://oncanp.org | americanassoctaionofnaturopathicphysicians.org
Amanda's Episode with Doctor G on Heal Thy Self Podcast: Episode 35

10: Taking Health into Your Own Hands & Finding a Diet that Works for You with Mary Shenouda Oct 31, 2019

Show notes

Ever struggle with health issues and wonder if the root cause could be tied to the food you're eating? After struggling with her own health issues and finding no answers from the modern medicine route, Mary decided to turn inward and start focusing on the food she ate. After tons of research and running some blood/stool tests, Mary confirmed she had celiac disease (an intolerance to gluten) and after a few months of changing her diet, things that bothered her since 2nd grade no longer gave her pain anymore.

In this powerful episode, we'll go on to talk about the power of the food you eat and the importance of customizing your diet to you. In addition, we'll cover some trendy diets like paleo and keto. Lastly, don't forget to checkout her healthy version of the modern gel packs, Phat Fudge.

In this episode you'll learn:

The power of food to heal your body
Paleo and PaleoYOU - customizing your diet for you
Why keto may not be best for athletic performance
What keto is good for
Eating for your period cycle
Why everyone should be eating liver
What CBD full spectrum can help with
The diet inflammation connection

References from the episode:

Checkout Phat Fudge Here
Ojai Energetics CBD Full Spectrum
Get to know Mary more: Instagram | Twitter

9: Natural Skincare Tips for Clear, Healthy & Youthful Skin with Celeste Thomas Oct 23, 2019

Show notes

In this episode you'll hear tips from Celeste Thomas (aka @thetruespoon), a registered nurse, skincare junkie, and green beauty fanatic who has a unique perspective as both a registered nurse specializing in skincare and tremendous success with healing her own skin and acne. She also has a wellness lifestyle blog chronicling recipes that support healthy skin, green beauty, skincare practices, recommended products, and fitness routines that support this healthy lifestyle. This combination gives Celeste a unique opportunity to share trustworthy tips on holistic skincare and help empower others to love their skin through healthy lifestyle swaps.

In this episode you'll learn:

How Celeste's past struggles with acne led her to specialize in skincare
About natural ways to heal acne
The problem with using medications for acne treatment
The importance of a healthy gut and how it relates to skin health
Ways to start healing your gut naturally
Why "quick fixes" don't work
What fermented foods can do for your skin & gut
About which foods & drinks can commonly lead to breakouts
About caffeine's relation to skin problems
About how acne can affect anxiety & mental health
Why it's important to have self-compassion throughout your skin journey
How ice rolling can prevent breakouts and improve skin
How bacteria from the gym can cause breakouts & how to prevent it
How exfoliating can help with breakouts & bacne
The difference between physical exfoliating and chemical exfoliating
About some non comedogenic products that can help
About how taking internal collagen can be more helpful than topical collagen
Which toxic ingredients to look out for and resources that can help you spot them

References:

Connect with Celeste: Website | Instagram
Celeste's Fermentation Book | Celeste's Acne Skincare Guide

8: Developing Strength and Cutting through Fitness B.S. with Coach Justin Jarel Oct 17, 2019

Show notes

At 18, Justin began working at his local YMCA where he got certified to teach children as well as his water safety certificate. After getting certified, he started coaching Westside Special Olympics and later coached the Junior Olympic swim team as well as a high school strength conditioning for water polo and swim. That is where Justin really fell in love with strength training.

Now, Justin really focuses his efforts on helping athletes take it to the next level when it comes to strength training. His no B.S. attitude and deeper understanding of strength performance really provides an environment where his clients can flourish and accelerate their functional fitness growth. In this episode, we take a deep dive into all things workout and fitness.

_____

In this episode you'll learn:

How having a "student" mentality improves workout experience and progress
Justin's go-to assessment for those back in the gym after a hiatus
About the benefits of box squatting
About the Conjugate Method of Powerlifting
Why you shouldn't worry about "getting strong but not looking bulky"
Why diet is imperative to your workout progress
About the benefits of strength training for weight loss
Justin's advice for those training for marathons
Recommendations for those working out after a long sedentary period
Advice for those strength training with limited funds
The difference between class instructors and trainers/coaches
Why strength training is a good option for those with little time
About the Linear Progression Method and the Strength Hypertrophic Power-building Method
About CNS Adaptivity
What a deload week is and when to do them
The difference between strength and hypertrophy
How to best develop a big butt
The tie between aesthetic and functionality; Sickness Fitness Wellness Continuum (Death vs. Wellness vs. Fitness)
How fitness/lifting improves brain functionality
The lowdown on Crossfit
The importance of having good form
What to look for in regards to bad programming/coaching:
Why it's crucial to check your ego at the door and not be intimidated in the gym

________________________

References from the episode:

Connect with Justin: @jjarel | justinjarel.com

The gym where he instructs: @Deuce_gym in Venice, CA

7: Teaching (picky) kids to love healthy eating with Jennifer Anderson, MSPH, RDN Oct 09, 2019

Show notes

In this episode you'll hear tips from Jennifer (aka @Kids.Eat.In.Color), a mom, wife, and registered dietitian who has a masters of science in public health, in international health and human nutrition from Johns Hopkins School of Public Health. When she was a new mom, Jennifer learned that feeding kids is sometimes tricky. Her first child fell off the growth chart and she learned how much effort can go into feeding a child and has spent a lot of time studying and working in the world of food, culture, and family.

Jennifer completed dietetics coursework through the University of Northern Colorado, and organized her own dietetic internship focusing in policy and organizational management in the Washington DC metro area. She also has a bachelors of science in Cultural Anthropology & a minor in Economics from Wheaton College. Additionally, she spent 6 months living in India studying poverty and development and coordinated the Youth Nutrition Program for a food bank for several years. That's where she learned how much kids need veggies and decided to go back to school for nutrition and public health.

In this episode you'll learn:

How Jennifer got into child-focused nutrition
Why pressuring kids to eat can have negative effects
How your approach can help avoid "food battles" with children
How parenting strategies can affect the foods that kids want and like
Why it's helpful to have structure when it comes to meals and snacks
How to start changing your approach to food as a parent
Why parents should decide what to serve, and allow their kids to decide what to eat and how much
How to work with their changing taste buds and adjust accordingly
About setting goals to shoot for when it comes to protein, fat, veggies & fruit intake
Some things to be aware of when it comes to feeding certain age groups
How teaching that there aren't good or bad foods can help prevent kids from associating foods with certain feelings
Tips for eating in social situations
That sugar intake actually has not been shown to cause hyperactivity in children
Why it's important to balance setting boundaries and allowing kids to learn about food on their own
Why listening to your body is key when it comes to eating
How to approach family dynamics in relation to what your kids eat
Why kids under 2 don't need juice
How to approach fast food with children
About breastfeeding and formula
Jennifer's advice on supplementing vitamins for children

References from the episode:

Connect with Jennifer aka Kids.Eat.In.Color: Instagram | kidseatincolor.com

6: Discovering Wild Foods & Integrating Ethical Business Practices with Darin Olien Oct 03, 2019

Show notes

Darin Olien is a "Superfood Hunter", exotic superfood expert, and the author of the book, SuperLife. He uses his hands on experience and knowledge to help formulate supplements and has a passion for traveling the planet to discover new and underutilized medicinal plants and healthy foods.

In this episode you'll learn:

What Darin does as a superfood hunter & how he got started in the field
Why he travels all over the world to visit superfood farms in person and what he's learned
What "wild food" really is
About how and where baruka nuts are harvested
Why Darin believes fair trade is crucial and how he operates business with locals
About the journey to create technology that can successfully crack a baruka rather than having locals do it by hand
What a baruka tastes like and about it's nutritional content
About their program to plant trees in Brazil and fight deforestation
How each food purchase is like "voting with your dollars"
How spending a few extra bucks can really change the nutrient content you receive
About Darin's book SuperLife and his approach to nutrition
Darin's hint as to what his next superfood focus will be
About the benefits of turmeric and other superfoods
How losing his house in Malibu fire has affected his outlook on life
How Darin stays fit while traveling and about his recent favorite pool workout
What Darin's new podcast will include
About Darin's morning routine and how it has helped him know himself better

References from the episodes:

Connect with Darin Olien: @superlifeliving | superlife.com
Baraku Nuts: barukas.com/meowmeix

5: Mastering Breathwork, Cold & Hot Exposure with Kimmy Moss Sep 25, 2019

Show notes

In this episode, we take a deep dive into breathing techniques, cold exposure and heat exposure. While new health and fitness trends are always popping up, we're taking it back to the basics with our guest, Kimmy Moss. Kimmy is a coach and leads the Breath & Exposure program at Deuce Gym. "You can go weeks without eating food, days without drinking water but how many minutes can you go without breathing?" - Kimmy Moss. Kimmy really challenges us to think about something we haven't paid much attention to on the regular: our breathing patterns.

Kimmy is also a huge advocate for cold exposure. From her college soccer years, she had naturally been drawn to the benefits of incorporating cold body dunks into her routine. Now as an XPT Level 3 Certified Coach, she teaches students how to conquer their fears of the ice bath using breath as a tool to get their bodies and minds through the stress of cold exposure.

In this episode you'll learn:

The power of nasal breathing
How to increase your CO2 tolerance
How to downregulate (transition to parasympathetic mode)
How to upregulate / energize yourself with your breath
The importance of breathing into your diaphragm/belly
A primal breathing technique
The benefits of cold exposure
The roots of hold/cold exposure
The benefits of heat exposure
Infrared sauna vs. dry sauna

Resources:

Connect with Kimmy Moss: @Kimmy.Moss

4: The Power of Mobility: Why Listening to Your Body is KEY with Dr. Jen Esquer Sep 18, 2019

Show notes

Dr. Jen Esquer is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT, PT) based in Los Angeles, CA. Her love for movement and the body came from an early age as she competed in gymnastics for 9 years, coached and taught Pilates for 6 years through undergrad and graduate school.

She continued to explore movement through calisthenics and AcroYoga and focused on educating people through social media. With her release of her latest program, The Mobility Method, Jen continues to help more people learn how to relieve pain, prevent injury and optimize their movement.

In this episode you'll learn:

The connection between flexibility & mobility
How athletes can work on mobility without sacrificing performance
- Stimulating fascia, warming up for workouts, foam rolling
Passive vs active stretching
How lack of mobility in one area can affect the whole body
Stress management effects on mobility and health
Daily practice for mobility work
Correlation between mobility and longevity
PNF stretching & FRC (Functional Range Conditioning)
Jen's Programs

References from the episode:

3: Why There's No "One Size Fits All" Diet with Tyler Jean Sep 12, 2019

Show notes

Tyler is an aspiring Naturopathic Doctor and current medical student in Portland, OR. Tyler has always been a firm believer in educating others about their health. While it can be easy to get caught up in the latest fads and dietary trends, Tyler believes that the food we eat creates the foundation for life.

After his sophomore year of competitive collegiate swimming, Tyler traded in his vices, such as sour gummy worms and Goldfish, for a completely vegan agenda inspired by the book, "The China Study." After transitioning to a plant-exclusive diet for a period of 18 months, Tyler realized that a strict vegan diet was not the best fit for his body and shifted his focus to a more balanced approach which incorporated wholesome foods to fuel his daily activities and athletic performance. It was this journey that catalyzed Tyler's passion for naturopathic medicine and embracing the fact that not every "program" is a one-size-fits all solution.

In this episode you'll learn:

The reason behind Tyler's passion for Naturopathic Medicine
Why Tyler believes adopting a non-dogmatic diet can positively impact your health
The benefits of an Anti-inflammatory diet.
Algae Oil + Fish Oil Supplements vs. Eating them Whole -> Where you can reap the benefits most.
The negative impact of vegetable oils + Omega 6's and how they impact the positive benefits of Omega 3s.
Recommendations for the best type of animal meats for your health.