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Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring

Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring

By: The Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University
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 Next Level Health bridges the gap between traditional and integrative health through research-backed integrative approaches. Each episode comprehensively explores the latest scientific studies and expert opinions, offering practical insights and actionable advice for optimizing health and well-being. Hosted by Dr. Melinda Ring and featuring leading professionals in the field of integrative medicine, our podcast explores a wide range of topics ranging from nutrition to acupuncture to the latest mind-body therapies and herbal medicine. Whether you're a healthcare provider, a student, a wellness enthusiast, or someone seeking a deeper understanding of integrative practices, Next Level Health provides the knowledge and tools to help you make informed decisions. Join us as we uncover the synergy between conventional treatments and holistic therapies, empowering you to take a comprehensive approach to your wellness journey.2024 Alternative & Complementary Medicine Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • Cancer Hacks Revealed: Dr. William Li's Grocery & Supplement List for a Longer, Healthier Life

    Cancer Hacks Revealed: Dr. William Li's Grocery & Supplement List for a Longer, Healthier Life
    May 26 2025
    Can the food you eat be as powerful as cancer-fighting drugs? In this episode, Dr. William Li reveals to Dr. Melinda Ring which everyday foods can boost your health, energy, and even fight diseases such as cancer. He is a world-renowned physician-scientist, speaker, author and leader of the Angiogenesis Foundation. Dr. Li shares his groundbreaking research on how food can be a powerful tool for healing, energizing, and thriving. He discusses his grocery and supplement list for better health, the science behind food as medicine, and the critical role of gut health and inflammation in our overall health and well-being. https://youtu.be/sGWd8wCtRzY 00:00 – Introduction to Dr. William Li Dr. Li’s background as a physician and scientist. Overview of his books Eat to Beat Disease and Eat to Beat Your Diet. The importance of food as medicine. 02:15 – Dr. Li's Go-To Grocery List Recommended foods for better health. How food impacts energy, gut health, and metabolism. 07:16 – The Power of Dietary Fiber and Polyphenols Foods rich in dietary fiber in the produce aisle such as avocado, mushrooms and raspberries. The role of fiber in gut health and inflammation reduction. 08:36 – Overcoming Food Addiction How processed foods can create addiction. Tips for incorporating healthy foods into your diet without feeling deprived. 09:03 – The Negative Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods How ultra-processed foods increase inflammation and damage gut bacteria. The long-term health risks associated with processed food consumption. 13:44 – Discovering New Foods and Sharing Recipes Dr. Li’s personal journey of discovering new foods. Example of fiddleheads, forged and sold at a farmers’ market and found to be rich in omega 3 fatty acids. This highlights the importance of curiosity in food exploration. 17:25 – How Food Rewires Our Biology The science behind how food activates the body’s defense systems. How these systems protect us from diseases like cancer. 22:37 – The Role of Supplements: Resveratrol, EGCG, and Probiotics When and why certain supplements may be beneficial and which ones Dr. Li takes. Dr. Li’s advice on balancing food and supplements for optimal health. 25:51 – Probiotics: Lactobacillus and Akkermansia The health benefits of specific gut bacteria. How Akkermansia affects immune response and cancer treatment. 30:23 – Surprising Food Combos for Maximum Health Benefits How to enhance the health benefits of coffee by skipping dairy in coffee. The power of tomatoes and how to absorb more lycopene by cooking them in olive oil. 38:15 – The Importance of Sourcing Quality Food Organic vs. conventional food choices. How to choose the best quality food within your budget. 44:01 – Practical Tips for Healthy Eating at Home Cleaning produce properly. Choosing healthier oils and cooking methods. Dr. Li’s advice on making better food choices in daily life. 49:16 – The Holy Trinity of Healthy Beverages Water, tea, and coffee are essential health-promoting drinks – the holy tinity. How to maximize the benefits of each and avoid common pitfalls. Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@OCIHNorthwestern Follow the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmoshercenter/ Website: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocih/index.html Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocih/about-us/newsletter.html
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    50 mins
  • The Medical Term You Need to Know: Understanding Salutogenesis with Dr. David Rakel

    The Medical Term You Need to Know: Understanding Salutogenesis with Dr. David Rakel
    May 5 2025
    What if healthcare focused less on disease and more on creating health? In this episode, Dr. Melinda Ring talks with Dr. David Rakel, a trailblazer in integrative medicine and professor and chair of the University of Wisconsin Department of Family Medicine and Community, to explore Salutogenesis — a transformative approach that shifts the focus from illness to well-being. Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/XN1jPxzWCoE [00:00:00] – Introduction to the Podcast and Guest Dr. Melinda Ring introduces Dr. David Rakel, a pioneer in integrative medicine. Overview of today's discussion on Salutogenesis and its impact on healthcare. [00:02:06] – Dr. Rakel's Journey to Integrative Medicine Dr. Rakel shares his path from rural Idaho to becoming a leader in integrative health. Key moments that sparked his interest in shifting the focus from disease to health. [00:06:00] – The Need for a More Holistic Healthcare Approach Discussion about the frustration with the current healthcare system's focus on specialists. Dr. Rakel advocates for a more comprehensive, generalist approach to healthcare. [00:09:09] – What is Salutogenesis? Dr. Rakel defines Salutogenesis, the science of health creation. The story behind the term and how it applies to healthcare today. [00:13:19] – The Shift from Disease Care to Health Creation Dr. Rakel highlights the need for a new healthcare model that focuses on health and wellbeing. The importance of looking at what’s right with a person instead of focusing on disease. [00:17:18] – The Value-Based Care Model vs. Traditional Healthcare Dr. Rakel explains the value-based care model, focusing on patient outcomes, cost-efficiency, and improved experiences. How the traditional RVU model leads to unnecessary tests and treatments. [00:20:10] – The Challenge of Reducing Polypharmacy Dr. Rakel discusses the dangers of polypharmacy, where patients are prescribed multiple drugs. How a Salutogenic approach can reduce the need for excessive medications. [00:23:06] – Integrative Medicine and Functional Medicine: A Double-Edged Sword? Dr. Rakel and Dr. Ring discuss the use of functional medicine tests and supplements, comparing them to traditional medical practices. The importance of using a Salutogenic approach without falling back into old patterns. [00:27:00] – The Role of Primary Care in Health Dr. Rakel emphasizes the value of primary care and how increasing investment can improve overall healthcare outcomes. How primary care can reduce emergency visits and improve health equity. [00:29:47] – Addressing Healthcare Disparities and Primary Care Challenges Dr. Rakel discusses how the current healthcare system creates disparities, especially when access to primary care is limited. The need to make primary care more equitable to improve patient outcomes. [00:32:55] – The Need for a Comprehensive, Team-Based Approach Dr. Rakel advocates for interprofessional teams that include mental health professionals, physical therapists, and health coaches in primary care. [00:34:34] – Final Thoughts on Taking Your Health to the Next Level Dr. Rakel shares a personal message about the power of perception and how it affects our health. The importance of seeing things through a positive lens and fostering compassion for better health outcomes. Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@OCIHNorthwestern Follow the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmoshercenter/ Website: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocih/index.html Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocih/about-us/newsletter.html
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    39 mins
  • Decoding Menopause: Eat the Rainbow for a Healthier, Balanced Transition with Dr. Deanna Minich

    Decoding Menopause: Eat the Rainbow for a Healthier, Balanced Transition with Dr. Deanna Minich
    Apr 14 2025

    Whether you're navigating menopause or simply striving for more vitality, this episode of Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring offers valuable insights that could help you live a more vibrant and balanced life. Dr. Deanna Minich, a renowned nutrition scientist and author of The Rainbow Diet, joins Dr. Ring to discuss how phytonutrients from colorful plants can support everything from hormone balance to brain health and beyond.

    [00:02:00] Dr. Minich explains the role of colorful foods in fertility, perimenopause and menopause and how different colors in food correspond to specific body functions, such as inflammation and hormone balance. She highlights the benefits of orange foods, like tangerines and mangoes, which help support ovarian health and reduce decline during perimenopause.

    [00:05:53] She says there are protective effects in carotenoids, found in colorful foods, on fat tissues, particularly for skin health, especially during menopause. She also emphasizes the role of purple foods like blueberries and purple sweet potatoes in protecting against oxidative stress.

    [00:10:27] Aging men should focus on red and green foods that support prostate and heart health, Minich says. She highlights the role of lycopene and green leafy vegetables in preventing inflammation and promoting cardiovascular health.

    [00:13:21 Dr. Ring asks the importance of detoxification, particularly during weight loss or with medications like GLP-1. Minic advocates for incorporating omega-3s into the diet to support detoxification and cellular health.

    [00:28:25] Melatonin is a favorite topic of Minich and she says it is not just important for sleep, but for immune health, brain function, and detoxification. She explains how melatonin helps with circadian rhythm synchronization and the removal of brain toxins, especially during sleep.

    [00:36:35] Through her research, Minich has found that eating colorful foods nourishes the body and soul. She encourages listeners to make meals enjoyable and artistic, emphasizing the importance of colorful plant-based foods in daily life.

    Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@OCIHNorthwestern

    Follow the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University here:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmoshercenter/

    Website: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocih/index.html

    Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocih/about-us/newsletter.html
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    38 mins

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