The Whole Health Cure

Latest Episodes:

"Yoga: a Work-in, not a Work-out" with Carla Haack, MD Aug 23, 2018

Show notes

Dr. Haack received her MD at the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine in 2006, and completed a General Surgery Residency at Emory University School of Medicine from 2006-2011. During her chief residency at Emory University School of Medicine, Dr. Haack was named a Grady Memorial Hospital Healthcare Hero by the Grady Health Foundation and received the David V. Feliciano Teaching Award. Upon completion of her training in June 2011, she joined Emory University.

Her primary clinical location is the Acute and Critical Care Surgery Service of Emory University Hospital. In 2013, she participated in the creation of the content for Emory's patient education app "Come Clean: Stop Surgical Infections Before They Start," which educates patients on wound care and how to reduce their risks for surgical site infections.

Since 2014, Dr. Haack has participated in the Emory Haiti Alliance's Summer trips to Haiti, which offer medical attention and surgery to patients in Haiti's Central Plateau.

Dr. Haack became a certified yoga instructor in 2015 and has been active in studying, teaching and sharing yoga and mindfulness with the community at Emory University Hospital since that time. Through the generosity of the Rollins Foundation, Dr. Haack sponsors free yoga classes for faculty, students and staff every weekday at Emory University Hospital .

In this conversation Dr. Haack shares her personal path to discovering yoga and how she incorporates in in the operating rooms, she talks about the history of yoga, its different styles, and various benefits of incorporating it in your practice.

"Integrative Medicine and Cancer" with Omer Kucuk, MD Aug 16, 2018

Show notes

Dr. Omer Kucuk is a medical oncologist and professor at Emory Universtity with a major interest in nutrition and cancer prevention, Dr. Kucuk mainly treats patients with prostate, bladder and kidney cancer. Dr. Kucuk has conducted the first clinical trial to show the benefits of soy isoflavones and lycopene in prostate cancer treatment.

Nutrition and cancer therapy are Dr. Kucuk's primary research focus. He has published extensively on various nutrients and botanicals alone and in combination with chemotherapy and radiation. Dr. Kucuk has been conducting preclinical and clinical studies with soy isoflavones, lycopene and other nutritional and botanical compounds since 1996. He is investigating the effects of micronutrients and phytochemicals on biomarkers of cell growth, differentiation, metastasis, inflammation, oxidative stress, DNA methylation and gene expression in a variety of cancers. His research also includes clinical studies on the epigenetic effects of botanicals, physical activity and relaxation techniques such as meditation and yoga.

In this conversation Dr. Bergquist and Dr. Kucuk discuss:

Integrative Medicine, its definition and history
The role of antioxidants, vitamins and phytonutrients
Why emphasize whole foods
Effects of soy on patients with cancer
Effects of lycopene
The effects of diet, exercise and stress management on gene expression
Effects of acupuncture, yoga and meditation
Survivorship and recovery post-cancer

Overall conclusion is that complementary treatments, like nutrition, exercise and stress management, reduce the risk of cancer, improve the chances of survivorship and response to treament for patients diagnosed with cancer, reduce the likelihood of recurrence of cancer and improve the quality of life long-term.

Dr. Kucuk's selected publications and high impact papers from over 200 peer reviewed papers:

• Zhang S, Wang Y, Chen Z, Kim S, Chi A, Ritenour C, Wang YA, Kucuk O, Wu D. Genistein Enhances The Efficacy of Cabazitaxel Chemotherapy In Human Prostate Cancer Cells. Prostate 73:1681-1689, 2013.

• Wang Y, Zhang S, Iqbal S, Chen Z, Wang YA, Ritenour C, Kucuk O, Wu D. Pomegranate extract inhibits the bone metastatic growth of human prostate cancer. Prostate . 2013 Dec 23. doi: 10.1002/pros.22769

• Sahin K, Orhan C, Tuzcu M, Sahin N, Ali S, Bahcecioglu IH, Guler O, Ozercan IH, Ilhan N, Kucuk O. Lycopene Attenuates Diethylnitrosamine-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Rats by Modulating Nrf-2/HO-1 and Akt/mTOR Pathways. Nutr Cancer, March 2014. PMID:24660901 (epub ahead of print)

• Souza L, Silva E, Calloway E, Kucuk O, Rossi M, McLemore ML. Genistein Protects Hematopoietic Stem Cells Against GCSF-induced DNA Damage. Cancer Prev Res. March 2014. PMID 24614013 (epublished ahead of print)

• Kucuk O, Sarkar F, Sakr W, Djuric Z, Khachik F, Pollak M, Bertram J, Grignon D,
Banerjee M, Crissman J, Pontes E, Wood DP Jr. Phase II randomized clinical trial of lycopene supplementation before radical prostatectomy. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 10:861-868, 2001.

• Hussain M, Banerjee M, Sarkar FH, Djuric Z, Pollak MN, Doerge D, Fontana J, Chinni S, Davis J, Forman J, Wood DP, and Kucuk O. Soy isoflavones in the treatment of prostate cancer. Nutrition & Cancer 47:111-117, 2003.

Current Research Support

NIH- R21 CA164612-01A1 (PI: Daqing Wu). Omer Kucuk, Co-Investigator (5% effort): “EPLIN as a Molecular Target of Genistein (Soy isoflavone) in Preventing Prostate Cancer Metastasis”. 7/1/2012 – 6/30/2014.

NIH R01 CA129356-0. David Schuster (PI), Omer Kucuk (Co-investigator): 18F-FACBC PET-CT for the Detection and Staging of Recurrent Prostate Carcinoma.

Pending Research Support

Small Business Technology Transfer Research grant (STTR) application NIH (PI): A dietary supplement as adjunct therapy in castration-resistant prostate cancer. (Daqing Wu, MetCure, Metaclipse Therapeutic LLC)

Small Business Research grant (SBIR) application NIH (PI): A dietary supplement as adjunct therapy in castration resistant prostate cancer. (Subcontract to Daqing Wu, MetCure, LLC)

"Fierce Compassion and Veganism: A Story of Transformation" with Dominick Thompson Aug 09, 2018

Show notes

Dominick Thompson is a leader in the vegan community and founder of Crazies and Weirdos®, a successful New York based start-up company that produces hip, sustainable clothing made in New York from recycled and organic materials. He is also the founder of The RUNNING HERD, a sports and fitness brand, dedicated to the working professional, with plans to open training facilities in 2019.

Prior to his current role as a social entrepreneur and activist, he was a healthcare executive responsible for the business development and management of critical relationships with hospital systems and other provider types responsible for delivering services to both small and large communities throughout the eastern region of the United States.

Despite this rigorous schedule, at the core, he is still an activist as well as an athlete. Not just any athlete, but a working athlete whose weekly training schedule includes cycling, swimming, running, calisthenics, boxing, cross-fit, cross-training, weight and power-lifting. He also competes year round in 10-12 endurance races per year, including marathons, triathlons, and ultra-races.

Because of this and his assertive activism, Dominick has received global recognition and has been featured in NPR News, ABC News,Men’s Health Magazine, Men’s Muscle and Fitness Magazine, Esquire, Veg News Magazine,bodybuilding.com, PETA and more. His social media platform is strong and continues to grow while producing some of the most inspiring, impactful content to over 180,000 followers.

Dominick shares his incredibly inspiring story of rough childhood, facing the consequences of his actions, embracing adversity and re-inventing himself as a successful vegan athlete entrepreneur. If you are still concerned about your protein intake on a plant-based diet, one look at Dominick might just put those fears to rest.

To learn more and connect with Dominick follow the links below:

https://www.instagram.com/domzthompson/

https://www.facebook.com/domzthompso

http://www.craziesandweirdos.com

"Compassion and Biology of Interconnectedness" with Jennifer Mascaro, PhD Aug 02, 2018

Show notes

Jennifer Mascaro, PhD is a biological anthropologist with research interests that center on (1) the variation in, and plasticity of, human social cognition, and (2) the biology of interconnectedness. To this end, she uses structural and functional neuroimaging to explore how behavioral, cultural, hormonal, and genetic factors affect prosocial emotions and behaviors, and how these in turn impact health. Her work is ever collaborative and falls at the interface of medicine, neuroscience, evolutionary biology, religion, and social, clinical, and cognitive psychology.

In this conversation we discuss:

Social cognition;
Biology of interconnectedness;
Understanding compassion, its meaning, where it comes from, and how it affects our health on physical and emotional levels;
Gender differences and social norms around expressing compassion; masculinity and "fierce compassion";
Compassion and parenting;
Developing the skills of compassion and emotional intelligence.

To learn more please follow the links below:

https://www.mascarolab.org/

http://www.fpm.emory.edu/

"Food Sex Connection – Aphrodisiacs?" with Dr. Joe Esposito Jul 26, 2018

Show notes

Dr. Joseph Esposito, known as “Dr. Joe” to his colleagues, patients and friends, has been called one of the most dynamic and authoritative international nutritional experts of our time. Dr. Joe, because of his knowledge, expertise, and legendary sense of humor, is a highly sought-after speaker by corporations, educational institutions and international sports events. He is also a nationally recognized radio and television consultant and a pioneer in the field of nutrition, health and longevity. His leading-edge research in the field of food and how it affects all aspects of health and disease has helped thousands of people. Dr. Joe is a resident of Marietta, Georgia. He is the president of Health Plus Wellness Center, a multidisciplinary health care center specializing in prevention health care and life extension.

In this episode, we are welcoming Dr. Joe for another conversation on the topic of Food Sex Connection - what is the connection between nutrition and sex life, and how to prepare a romantic dinner that enhances our love life instead suppressing it?

Topics discussed in this episode:

How Dr. Esposito got started on his path of Chiropractor and where he finds his passion today
What is the Food - Sex connection?
How food effects hormone levels
How simple sugars, oils, fatty foods, meats, dairy products , and alcohol effect our love life
How to prepare a “romantic dinner” that enhances your love life instead of suppressing it
Foods that enhance blood circulation, brain function and consequently improve your love life
Effects of raw foods and nitrates on body functions
Changes in sex life that come with age and what we can do to help it

For more information follow the links below:

https://www.drjoeesposito.com

https://www.facebook.com/drjoeesposito/

https://www.instagram.com/drjoeesposito/

https://www.youtube.com/user/DrJoeEsposito (Videos of lectures and radio shows)

https://soundcloud.com/dr-joe-esposito (archived radio shows)

"Beautiful Skin at Every Age — An Inside-Out and Outside-In Approach" with Gabriele Miotto, MD, MEd Jul 19, 2018

Show notes

Gabriele C. Miotto, M.D., is an Assistant Professor of Surgery in the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Emory University School of Medicine, and the Associate Program Director of the Emory Aesthetic Center Fellowship program. She is fellowship trained in aesthetic and oculoplastic surgery and certified by the Georgia Composite Medical Board as well as the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery. Dr. Miotto is also certified by the National Board of Medical Examiners.

Working in the field of aesthetic plastic surgery for more than a decade, Dr. Miotto’s greatest achievement is a happy patient. Dr. Miotto brings a woman’s perspective and an international view that is unique to someone that trained in the two largest countries for plastic surgery: Brazil and the USA. She is proud of her focus on excellence and attention to detail to all cosmetic procedures, from breast augmentation and liposculpture, to face, eye and nose surgery. She also excels in facial fillers and nonsurgical facial rejuvenation.

Topics discussed during the interview:

Understanding patient as a whole and artistic approach to aesthetics
Self-esteem and self-perception
Spectrum of cosmetics, self-improvement versus vanity
Perception and appreciation of beauty
Internal and external approaches to skin care
Effect of sugar and gluten on skin health and appearance
Basic products for healthy skin: importance of sunscreen and how to choose a good one; moisturizers; Retinol and Vitamin C; choosing the right cleanser
At what age should you start caring for your skin?
The effect of stress and lack of sleep on skin and overall appearance
Importance of drinking water
Men and skin care

For more information about Dr. Miotto and her work follow the links below:

http://www.emoryhealthcare.org/centers-programs/aesthetic-center/index.html

https://www.emoryhealthcare.org/physicians/m/miotto-gabriele-c.html

https://www.realself.com/find/Georgia/Atlanta/Plastic-Surgeon/Gabriele-Miotto

"From Family Medicine to Plant-Based Doctor" with Laurie Marbas, MD Jul 12, 2018

Show notes

Laurie Marbas, MD, MBA is a board certified family medicine physician and board certified in lifestyle medicine. She utilized a whole foods plant based diet with her patients for the past 6 years in rural Colorado and as the former medical director for Dr. Fuhrman’s Health Oasis in Boca Raton, Florida. There they combined the power of nutrient dense foods and intensive clinical psychological therapy to treat not only food addiction but the chronic diseases plaguing America. Now she is working for Doctor on Demand as telemedicine physician, licensed in 11 states. Telemedicine gives her the flexibility to work with individuals across the country.

She is the host of the How to Health podcast and website, howtohealth.org, that has online self guided classes for individuals who want to transition to a whole foods plant based diet and many resources for parents to help their kids eat healthier too! She also working the managing editor of a new medical journal, The International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention highlighting of plant based research and lifestyle interventions to combat chronic disease plaguing America and the world.

In Colorado, she convinced a large hospital to create a lifestyle medicine program centered around the whole foods plant based diet with resounding success. She also conducted a study of 26 employees at another hospital for one month on a plant based, all fed from the hospital’s kitchen (working with Chef Martin Oswald), each individual had improvement of their health. She has spoken at the the Plantrician Project, Et Cultura, Golden VegFest in Colorado and other venues teaching about the value of the WFPB diet.

She wrote 7 books while in medical school, six of which were in a series called “Visual Mnemonics”, using cartoons to memorize vast amounts of information because she was also a mom as a medical student. She is a USAF veteran having served in the Middle East and South America. She is wife, mom of three grown children, and an avid runner.

In this conversation, Dr. Marbas shares her story of discovering the healing power of plant-based diet through one of her patients' experiences and making it a "norm" for herself, her family and her patients. Since then, Dr. Marbas has witnessed many cases of disease reversal. She talks about her approach to helping patients adopt healthy diet, strategies to get families, including children, to eat more veggies, and tips on how not get give into cravings.

Dr. Marbas is a managing editor for a new medical journal launching in the fall called the International Journal of Disease Reversal and Prevention. The past president of the American College of Cardiology, Dr. Kim Williams, is the Editor in Chief. The website is http://ijdrp.org .

Podcast: How To Health, found on youtube and iTunes, SoundCloud, and stitcher.
https://soundcloud.com/stream

Website: https://www.howtohealth.org

"Home Cooking 101" with Jenny Bilko, RD Jul 05, 2018

Show notes

Jenny Bilko, MS, RDN, LD has Master of Science in Nutrition Sciences and Dietetic Internship certification from University of Alabama at Birmingham and works as a Registered Dietitian for Emory’s Paul W. Seavey Comprehensive Internal Medicine Clinic.
She has a passion for healthy eating and shares simple and effective tools for how to make cooking at home easy, affordable and fun!

Some of the topics discussed are:

Meal planning and preparation
Reading labels and what to look for
Convenience shortcuts without shortchanging yourself
What to keep in your pantry for an easy quick meal?
Benefits of choosing whole foods
Why cook your own meals?
What to look for in food delivery service ?
How to get started?

For more tips and helpful information follow Jenny on Instagram @jbilko .

"Microbiome and the Effect of Dietary Choices on Gut Health" with Will Bulsiewicz, MD Jun 28, 2018

Show notes

Will Bulsiewicz, MD MSCI ("Dr. B") is a graduate of Georgetown University School of Medicine. He trained in internal medicine at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and gastroenterology at The University of North Carolina Hospitals. He also earned a Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) from Northwestern University and a certificate in nutrition from Cornell University. Dr. Bulsiewicz is board-certified in both internal medicine and gastroenterology.

Dr. B. is a respected clinician and the recipient of numerous awards. At Northwestern, he received the prestigious Rambach Award, was elected into the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society, and was Chief Medical Resident. At UNC, he once again received the highest clinical award given by the program and was Chief Gastroenterology Fellow.

Dr. B also has an accomplished background in research, with more than 20 articles published in peer reviewed scientific journals including repeatedly publishing in the top American gastroenterology journals: Gastroenterology, The American Journal of Gastroenterology, Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, and Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. He has given more than 40 presentations at national meetings. He also did an epidemiology fellowship at the world renowned UNC - Gillings School of Global Public Health and received a prestigious grant from the National Institutes of Health.

Dr B started his @theguthealthmd Instagram page in 2016 and it has quickly become the Internet’s most trusted source for gut health guidance. He has been featured in numerous national magazines, including Men’s Health, Women's Health and Reader’s Digest, has been profiled by The Post & Courier and Vanderbilt Magazine, and he regularly gives sold out lectures on gut health.

He is in clinical practice at Lowcountry Gastroenterology in Charleston, SC.

Topics discussed in this conversation are:

what is gut health, most recent research;
how diet effects microbiome;
effectiveness of probiotics and prebiotics, who should use them and when;
importance of fiber, different kinds of fiber;
effects of antibiotics on gut health.

Instagram @theguthealthmd

Facebook: @theguthealthmd

"The Whole Body Approach to Obtaining and Maintaining Good Health" with Dr. Joe Esposito Jun 21, 2018

Show notes

In this episode, Dr. Joe speaks about the whole health approach and 3 things we need for obtaining and maintaining good health: a well-functioning nerve system, well-functioning digestive system and good nutrition.

Dr. Joe describes what he calls "Seven Deadly Sins" - foods you should avoid.

7 Deadly Sins:
Alcohol
Coffee
Meat
Sugar
Dairy
Artificial sweeteners
Soda

Dr. Joe then goes on to describe the foods you can, and should eat, like fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.

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