• Episode 21 - Dr. Mark Ratner, Chief Science Officer of Theralogix
    Aug 9 2022

    Dr. Ratner is the Chief Science Officer of Theralogix, a Washington, DC based company which markets micronutrient supplements that are recommended by healthcare providers in multiple clinical specialties. Dr. Ratner did his undergraduate and Master’s degree studies in nutrition at Cornell University. He received his M.D. from Tulane University Medical School.

    In this episode, Dr. Ratner joins Dr. Ken Kaufman and Heather Hackett-Kaufman on Optamiz Your Health! We take a deep dive in how Dr. Ratner founded Theralogix and how he incorporated nutritional strategies in his mens health clinic. After reviewing the growing body of research on the connection between nutritional deficiencies and many of the medical conditions his patients were suffering from, he began introducing supplementation into his practice.

    He then, with the assistance of his science advisory board, began creating formulation to help his patients. Not satisfied with just making nutritional supplements, he dedicated enormous resources into making sure the products they were creating were of the very best quality. Going so far as to ensuring the Theralogix products are NSF certified, the very pinnacle of quality assurance.

    Over the past two years, Theralogix has created a formulation specifically designed for individuals that adopt a plant-based diet. With the understanding that plant-based eaters run the risk of developing specific micronutrient deficiencies, the PhytoLife product by Theralogix provides these essential micronutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin D3, K2, Iron, Iodine, Magnesium, Calcium, and Zinc. In addition, the PhytoLife product contains Essential Fatty Acids in the most utilized form of EPA and DHA.

    You can purchase PhytoLife at the Theralogix or Optamiz web sites. Make sure to use the PRC code: 234232 to save nearly 10% on your order.

    Theralogix
    Theralogix vitamins & supplements are high-quality, research-based & NSF certified.

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show
    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • Episode 20 - Increasing longevity and health through lifestyle medicine with Melissa Sundermann, DO.
    May 18 2022

    In this episode, Heather and Dr. Kaufman interview Melissa Sundermann about the 6 pillars of health and how they impact health and longevity. Dr. Sundermann is a Lifestyle/Internal Medicine Physician and Endurance Athlete who is passionate about spreading health and wellness. She is a 10x Boston Marathon Finisher, 3x Full Ironman Finisher, and practices a Whole Food/Plant-Based lifestyle. 


    Support the show
    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • Episode 19 - Food Sensitivities, Heart Burn, and Digestive Enzymes
    Mar 29 2022

    In this episode, Scott Sensenbrenner from Enzymedica to guide us on a deep dive into the way we digest food and absorb nutrients. Scott Sensenbrenner is a natural products industry veteran with a career spanning more than 20 years. He has been the driving force behind Enzymedica as President & CEO since 2009, where he expanded the Florida-based natural digestive health brand to be in more than 30,000 retail locations worldwide. Previously, he was the Vice President of Thorne Research, a leading professional market natural medicines manufacturer servicing over 20,000 health care practitioners. Prior to Thorne, he was the Group Director of Perrigo Nutrition (PRGO – NASDAQ), the largest generic pharmaceutical, OTC and nutritional company in the United States. Scott started his career in the natural products industry with Enzymatic Therapy in the 1990s where he led their strategic planning and marketing when the firm introduced many of the leading products sold in the natural products industry including; Glucosamine, CoQ10, St. John’s Wort, 7 Keto, Policosanol, Red Yeast Rice, Standardized Herbs, IP-6, KAVA, and Black Cohosh. In each of these roles, Scott designed and orchestrated business strategies and executed category-changing product introductions.  In addition to his experience in the natural products industry, Scott is well-known for his philanthropic work. He is a passionate supporter of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, Safe Place and Rape Crisis Center (SPARCC), Vitamin Angels, and is a Board Member for the Economic Development Corporation for Sarasota County. Most recently, he was elected to join the Strategic Advisory Board of the American Nutrition Association® (ANA) – a nonprofit that is the professional association for the science and practice of personalized nutrition.

    For more information, please visit www.enzymedica.com

    Support the show
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Episode 18 - The Power of The Plant-Based Athlete
    Mar 15 2022

    In this episode, we interview world class powerlifter, Ryan Stills. He has been vegan since 2019 and has competed both as an omnivore and as a vegan. After a bit of trial and error, he found the formula to compete at peak levels as a plant-based powerlifter. In 2021 he took the category win at the World Championships in Sweden along with the Best Lifter award. In 2022 he won his category at the US nationals and qualified for the World Championships again.  

    Recently, he won the 120 kg category in the Virgin Islands with amazing lifts. Squat 310 kg (683lb), bench 200 kg (441 lb), and a modest 300 kg (661 lb) deadlift. All on two broken toes!

    He told us his philosophy to be vegan was simple, "I don't want another sentient being to suffer or die for me to exist". "Once I came to the determination that I could not allow myself to have excuses as to why I couldn't do this, I vowed to find a way to do it. And, I have."

    You can contact Ryan at:

    https://www.instagram.com/ryanstills_powerlifter/?hl=en

    https://www.oddbarbell.com/


    Optamiz on The App Store
    Download the FREE Optamiz App Now!

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show
    Show More Show Less
    40 mins
  • Episode 17 - Building a physique on plants with WNBF Natural Pro Bodybuilder Zachary Belknap
    Mar 2 2022

    Zachary shreds the thought that you need to have animal protein to build muscle. Vegan since 2016, he has built a tremendous physique and has excelled in his craft. Many of his competitors can't believe he is able to consume the foods he does and build muscle and be able to lean out for his competitions. 

    Currently, Zachary is enhancing his wealth of knowledge of what it takes to excel in any endeavor. By exploring the limiting beliefs, unresolved traumas, and mental stressors that hold us back, Zachary helps his clients reach new levels of performance and success. 

    BODY, MIND, SPIRIT - In all things, be Bold
    Owner Bold Body Fitness LLC
    WNBF Pro Natural Bodybuilder
    VEGAN since 2016
    Mental Health Enthusiast

    manamade.life/boldbodyfitness
    Use the discount code: boldbodyfit

    Optamiz on The App Store
    Download the FREE Optamiz App Now!

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Episode 16 - Dr. Deb Harrell - Living and THRIVING in today's world. Take your health in your own hands.
    Feb 23 2022

    Dr. Deb Harrell is a passionate wellness warrior and vessel of truth to a world in desperate need of healing. Deb has over 20 years experience teaching people how to reclaim their health – body, soul & spirit. Her inspirational workshops, retreats & coaching have equipped people to live lives of vitality, passion & purpose.

    Dr. Deb's new book, HEAL: Your Path to Thriving, is now available at Amazon & Barnes & Noble.

    Tired of nagging health challenges that will not go away "no matter what?" Had enough of the extra baggage around your middle despite trying many diets, supplements, and programs? You're not alone! We've been told that "everything in moderation" will give you optimal weight and good health, when the fact is that moderation can kill. People often look to the medical profession to get answers to their health concerns. Unfortunately, doctors are largely ill-equipped to provide guidance on the optimal fuel for the human body. Our failed system leaves us with less-than-optimal results. The reality is that 74% of American adults are overweight or obese, with a whopping 43% obese! Sadly, children don't fare so well either as over 35% of them are overweight or obese. Extra weight leads to chronic health conditions that require more and more children and adults to take prescription drugs daily. We must stop the insanity and reverse this tide before it is too late. Confusion is often the problem as it is hard for people to sift through the abundance of health advice available at the touch of a button. There are many foods that simply do not provide optimal fuel for the human body, no matter how moderately you eat them. HEAL: Your Path to Thriving by Dr. Deb Harrell is a compelling book which explores nutrition and wellness to help you prevent and heal disease and live a more vibrant life. HEAL empowers you from a practical standpoint and includes valuable resources and recipes to make your journey easier. Dr. Deb understands the difficulties facing you because she battled her own issues with self-sabotage when changing her lifestyle to get healthy. If you are ready to draw a line in the sand and reclaim your vitality, then HEAL is for you!

    Buy HEAL on Amazon

    Optamiz on The App Store
    Download the FREE Optamiz App Now!

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show
    Show More Show Less
    57 mins
  • Episode 15 - From Cardiovascular Technologist to owning an all plant based cafe.
    Feb 20 2022

    Cary Palmer has spent her career in the medical field. As a cardiovascular tech, she saw the effects of poor dietary choices on vascular health. In her early years Cary actually was unknowingly a part of the famed China Study launched by T. Collin Campbell by studying the cardiovascular health of the Alaska Native people. Following her mom's personal struggles with heart disease and what she observed in the many patients she scanned, she couldn't unsee the devastating effects of a diet heavy on animal products had on heart health. 

    At the start of the pandemic, she and her husband took a huge leap of faith and purchased a local plant-based restaurant. Nutritious You now has three locations in the Sarasota, Florida area. They serve 100% plant-based foods and often introduce new diners to their first plant-based meal. 

    Nutritious You Café - Siesta Key
    Inside The Courtyard, Between Siesta4 Rent & Davidson’s Drugs, 
    6583 Midnight Pass Rd
    Siesta Key, FL 34242

    Palmer's Nutritious You Café
    Crossings At, 
    3501 S Tamiami Trail Suite 305
    Siesta Key, FL 34239

    Nutritious You Cortez
    1005 Cortez Rd W
    Bradenton, FL 34207

    Optamiz on The App Store
    Download the FREE Optamiz App Now!

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • Episode 14 - Reverse aging and prevent disease with Hippocrates Institute co-director Brian Clement, PhD
    Jan 3 2022
    Brian Clement Ph.D., L.N.

    Co-Director
    A typical American growing up in the New Jersey/New York area, Brian likes to joke that he was a pioneer in the field of obesity—he was fat even before many Americans were fat! Raised in an Irish household on the standard American diet of meat, processed foods and sugary sodas, he was unfit and gasping for air every few steps.

    When he was 20 years old, he was dating a girl whose best friend’s boyfriend was 30—and a vegetarian. Despite the fact he had been more or less educated by his family that the body would die without animal-based foods, the lure of an influential peer inspired him to give up meat in one fell swoop. For the first year and a half, he kept his vegetarian diet a secret from his family. Yet after losing 120 pounds and experiencing the difference in his health, he came out of the proverbial closet (much to his family’s dismay!) and became a complete vegan three years later.

    A natural performer, Brian had worked his way through college as a musician. Many friends, including one who shared his interest in nutrition after healing herself from cancer through diet, offered feedback that he was born to teach. With his degree in biochemistry in hand and his interest in nutrition sealed, Brian began doing just that. 

    Brian Clement, Ph.D., L.N.

    Clements experience with food and lifestyle was like that of most.  At an early age of 20 he began his journey to embrace a healthier way of life.  Shedding exceptional weight and leaving behind, cigarettes and grass, he finally felt himself for the first time ever.  Mature colleagues placed him under their wing and slowly led him down the road via conferences, lectures, and seminars held by some of the historic figures in the modern health movement. Brian gained much of his knowledge and experience under the tutelage of the following: 

    · Ann Wigmore

    · Viktoras Kulvinskas

    · Dr. John Cristopher

    · Dr. Bernard Jensen

    · Paul Bragg

    · Elma Nissan Brandal

    Brian Clement contact information

    Hippocrates Institute

    7 Keys to Lifelong Sexual Vitality: The Hippocrates Institute Guide to Sex, Health, and Happiness


    Plant-Based Shakeology
    Plant-Based Shakeology is your daily dose of dense nutrition.

    Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Support the show
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins