The United States spends more on healthcare than any other country, yet our citizens are sicker than ever. There’s clearly a disconnect between what’s happening inside the healthcare system and the treatment that patients receive. While most healthcare practitioners set out on a career path to help folks, they too are caught in a system of standards of care that prohibit true change, health, and vibrancy. 

There’s no one better suited to speak on this issue than Dr. John Abramson. He is a former family physician, a Harvard Medical School faculty member, and an expert in pharmaceutical litigation. Dr. Abramson is also the author of Sickening, a book written from his experience behind the scenes of the medical industry. Sickening exposes the far-reaching deception and greed of the American healthcare system. 

This episode contains conversations on lawsuits in the pharmaceutical industry, how insulin costs have skyrocketed in recent decades, and how big pharma prevents well-meaning physicians from actually helping patients. While most of this information is saddening, Dr. Abramson’s underlying message provides solutions for American healthcare reform and true healing through personal responsibility. So listen in and enjoy this episode with the one and only, Dr. John Abramson. 

In this episode you’ll discover:

• How much money the United States spends on healthcare. 
• Dr. Abramson’s career path from family doctor to expert in pharmaceutical litigation. 
• What happened in the Vioxx lawsuits. 
• Why doctors don’t have access to important medical data about drug efficacy. 
• The history of insulin and its rising costs. 
• What percentage of insulin is used by type 2 diabetics. 
• The sad history of how insulin guidelines changed to accommodate economic hardships.
• What you should know about the FDA’s role in approving drugs. 
• How diabetes rates have risen over the past few decades. 
• The socioeconomics of type 2 diabetes. 
• How we can improve diabetes rates through prevention and lifestyle.
• The role of the pharmaceutical industry in the opioid crisis. 
• A comparison of American healthcare to other countries. 
• Three constituents who suffer from our broken healthcare system. 
• How we can create change and take responsibility for our health. 

Items mentioned in this episode include:

• Beekeepersnaturals.com/model -- Save 25% on raw honey & other natural remedies!
• Foursigmatic.com/model -- Get an exclusive discount on your daily health elixirs!
• The Truth About the FDA – Episode 512
• Sickening: How Big Pharma Broke American Healthcare by Dr. John Abramson
• Overdosed America by Dr. John Abramson 
• Dopesick on Hulu
• The Crime of the Century on HBO

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The human body wasn’t designed to commute an hour to work, spend the day hunched over a computer, and then sit on the couch for the rest of the evening. Our bodies crave basic, fundamental movements that our modern lifestyle leaves so many of us lacking. Luckily, there are simple ways we can integrate movement into our day-to-day lives and improve our physical health without spending hours at the gym. 

On this episode of The Model Health Show, movement coach and podcaster Aaron Alexander is back to share key insights from his new book, The Align Method. You’re going to hear about realistic, foundational principles you can use to gain strength, flexibility, and overall vitality. Aaron’s tips include everything from changing your posture and environment to practicing gratitude and getting sunlight. 

If you’ve ever wanted a stronger and more functional body, this episode will resonate with you. And no matter what your current physical state is, you can certainly integrate more movement into your life with Aaron’s principles. So listen in and enjoy this episode with Aaron Alexander! 

In this episode you’ll discover:

• What island feet are.
• The electrical properties of the human body.
• What percentage of our communication that comes from our body language. 
• Why you should audit your environment.
• Ways to create an environment that is conducive to movement. 
• What neuroception is. 
• The types of messages we send with our posture.
• How to integrate fitness into your everyday life. 
• What the facial-feedback hypothesis is. 
• Why we should think of our bodies as whole, integrated units.
• The way that your posture can affect your mindset. 
• How our diet can impact the way we move. 
• The first thing you should do in the morning. 
• What it means to create a healthy relationship with the sun.
• How practicing gratitude impacts your physiology. 
• The importance of connecting with nature. 
• Why enjoyment is the key to longevity. 

Items mentioned in this episode include:

• DrinkLMNT.com/model -- Get a FREE sample pack—just pay shipping! 
• Organifi.com/Model -- Use the coupon code MODEL for 20% off!
• Sound Medicine with Dr. Kulreet Chaudhary – Episode 404
• Vitamin D Masterclass – Episode 476
• TED Talk: Your Body Language May Shape Who You Are by Amy Cuddy
• The Align Method Book by Aaron Alexander  
• Connect with Aaron Alexander Website / Podcast / Instagram 

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Low energy, lethargy, and fatigue are common complaints among the general public. In most cities, you can find coffee shops open around the clock, and convenience store shelves are filled with a multitude of energy drinks and shots. But these products are in no way a sustainable solution to chronic low energy levels. Our bodies require energy in the form of sleep, as well as food. Think about it: we literally measure our food in a form of energy, or calories. For our energy levels and our overall health, the quality of those calories matters. 

One of the most energetic, vibrant people I can think of is Dr. Jonny Bowden. He is a board-certified nutritionist, the author of multiple best-selling books, and a nationally recognized expert in the realm of nutrition. On today’s show, Dr. Bowden is back on The Model Health to share simple changes you can implement in your diet and lifestyle for more energy. 

This interview contains key insights on insulin and metabolic health, specific foods you can eat for better energy levels, and how tracking your sleep can improve your overall health. You’ll hear about how metabolic health and energy levels are connected, how learning (and unlearning) can help you make better food choices, and a whole lot more. So listen in, take good notes, and enjoy this episode with Dr. Jonny Bowden! 

In this episode you’ll discover:

• Which lifestyle habits contribute to your energy levels. 
• How sleep deprivation can lead to insulin resistance. 
• Simple sleep hygiene habits you can implement tonight. 
• Why most nutrition guidelines from the 1980s and 1990s were wrong. 
• How intermittent fasting can help you control your insulin levels. 
• The key to metabolic health and energy. 
• Two detrimental things that happen when you eat every few hours.
• Which health marker is a better predictor of heart disease than cholesterol.
• Why now is the time to focus on your metabolic health. 
• The power of optimizing your vitamin D levels.
• How going on a walk after dinner affects your metabolic health.
• The one purpose of pharmaceutical companies. 
• How our diet impacts our hormone function. 
• What to look for in a cooking oil. 
• The two most prominent inflammatory foods in our culture.
• Which foods are best for energy production. 
• How to get more selenium in your diet.
• The impact that human connection has on your immune function & overall health. 

Items mentioned in this episode include:

• PaleoValley.com/model -- Use code MODEL for 15% off!
• PiqueTea.com/model -- Use code MODEL at checkout for 10% off!
• Living Low Carb by Dr. Jonny Bowden
• The Great Cholesterol Myth by Dr. Jonny Bowden 
• Smart Fat by Dr. Jonny Bowden 
• The Most Effective Way to Live Longer by Dr. Jonny Bowden 
• The 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth by Dr. Jonny Bowden
• The 150 Most Effective Ways to Boost Your Energy by Dr. Jonny Bowden
• The Carbohydrate Addict’s Diet by Drs. Rachael F. Heller & Richard F. Heller 
• Levels.link/model 
• Sickening: How Big Pharma Broke American Healthcare by Dr. John Abramson
• Dopesick on Hulu
• The New Leading Cause of Death in America – Episode 549
• Skittles Highway Spill - HuffPost
• EWG’s Dirty Dozen 
• 5-Day Intro to Intermittent Fasting 
• Connect with Dr. Jonny Bowden Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram 

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There’s a public health crisis that’s destroying lives and killing our citizens—but it’s probably not the one you’re hearing about in the news. The CDC recently announced that the new leading cause of death for our citizens is fentanyl overdose. On today’s show, we’re going to dig into this topic and uncover what led us to this dire situation. 

You’re going to learn about the rising rates of drug use, including the role that the FDA and pharmaceutical companies have played. You’ll hear how synthetic opioids are created and distributed, and how COVID-19 has impacted drug usage rates. We’re going to dive into some of the unethical aspects of our healthcare system at large, and how manipulation and greed within the pharmaceutical industry is hurting our citizens. 

Most importantly, we’re going to walk through real solutions we can implement to create a culture of health for our families and how we can uplift our communities. This is a heavy and heartbreaking issue that is near and dear to my heart, and I invite you will listen with an open mind. Changing any aspect of our health starts with empowerment, and I hope you will find that in this episode of The Model Health Show. 

In this episode you’ll discover:

• What the new leading cause of death is in the US.
• How the number of deaths from overdoses changed in 2021.
• The difference between opioids and synthetic opioids. 
• How opiate receptors work in the body.
• The complex and systematic way that opioids affect the human body.
• How rates of substance abuse have changed during the pandemic. 
• The role the FDA and pharmaceutical companies play in the distribution of drugs.
• How rates of overdose in the US compares to other countries.
• The history of oxycontin. 
• How many people die from pharmaceutical drugs every year. 
• The history of terms like pseudo-addiction and breakthrough pain.
• Which company is the number one producer of the plant that is used to make opioids.
• How fentanyl typically enters the United States.
• What polypharmacy is, and why it matters in the context of COVID-19.
• The percentage of US citizens that take prescription drugs. 
• Three commonly prescribed drugs that are linked with poor COVID-19 outcomes. 
• The problem with a drug-centered healthcare system. 
• Why pharmaceutical marketing in the US is unethical. 
• The importance of aligning yourself with a purpose. 

Items mentioned in this episode include:

• Foursigmatic.com/model -- Get an exclusive discount on your daily health elixirs!
• Beekeepersnaturals.com/model -- Get 15% off raw honey & other natural remedies!
• The Truth About the FDA – Episode 512
• 5 Ways to Create a New Culture of Health & Success – Episode 544
• The Surprising Connection Between Your Purpose, Health, & Success – Episode 380 
• Dopesick on Hulu
• The Crime of the Century on HBO
• Kill the Messenger on Prime Video 

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For most of human history, folks didn’t put much thought into what was going on with their blood sugar unless they had a diagnosis of diabetes or prediabetes. But that’s changing—more and more people are becoming aware of the impact that blood glucose has on metabolic health and overall health. One of the leading experts in this area is our guest today, Dr. Casey Means. 

Dr. Means is a Stanford-trained physician and the co-founder of the revolutionary metabolic health company, Levels. Her mission is centered around optimizing health through blood glucose levels, disease prevention and reversal, and empowering patients in their food and lifestyle choices. On today’s show, we’re taking a deep dive into the world of blood glucose levels.

You’re going to learn about the multitude of factors that can impact your blood sugar levels, and how this biomarker affects other important processes in the body. We’re going to talk about specific foods that can make your blood sugar rise, and what you can do to reduce the spike. You’ll also hear an important and timely conversation about how gaining access to our biomarkers can empower us and transform our health and our society. You’re going to be blown away by the brilliance and expertise of Dr. Means; enjoy! 

In this episode you’ll discover:

• The multitude of biomarkers that are related to blood sugar. 
• How many Americans have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes.
• The way that exercise can impact blood glucose levels.
• Which illnesses are related to dysregulated blood sugar.
• The role that the liver plays in metabolic health.
• How fatty liver disease occurs. 
• The number one thing you can do to improve your cell function and overall health.
• How triglycerides are related to heart disease. 
• What glycemic variability is. 
• Five processes that contribute to heart disease. 
• The reactive nature of the US healthcare system and how we can change it.
• How Levels continuous glucose monitor works.
• The power of having personalized health data about what’s happening in your body.
• Why the future of nutrition is built on data, not food marketing. 
• Surprising foods that might be spiking your glucose levels (& how to balance them).
• The best and worst breakfast foods for stable glucose. 
• How monitoring your blood glucose can help you make informed choices.
• The impact that stress and sleep can have on blood sugar. 
• How high blood sugar can cause immune cell dysfunction.

Items mentioned in this episode include:

• PiqueTea.com/model -- Use code MODEL at checkout for 10% off!
• Levels.link/MODEL -- Join Levels with my exclusive link!
• Levels Website / Blog / Newsletter / Instagram / Twitter / Facebook
• Connect with Dr. Casey Means Instagram / Twitter

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Inflammatory diseases are on the rise in the US and across the world. Most Western illnesses, including autoimmune disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular disease are linked to chronic inflammation. While the statistics regarding inflammatory diseases are staggering, the good news is that one key factor in bringing down our rates of inflammation is in our control: the health of our microbiome. 

On this episode of The Model Health Show, award-winning gastroenterologist and bestselling author, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz is sharing the fascinating role our gut health plays in all aspects of our lives. You’re going to hear how our microbiome can impact your weight, your susceptibility to chronic inflammatory diseases, and even your relationships. 

You’re going to hear the latest cutting-edge science on fiber consumption, microbiome health, additives in our food supply, and a whole lot more. Most importantly, Dr. Bulsiewicz is sharing some key dietary changes we can employ to improve the health and diversity of our microbiomes. Enjoy! 

In this episode you’ll discover:

• How our medical system hinders well-meaning doctors from truly helping folks. 
• Why weight loss is much more complex than the model of calories in, calories out.
• The role that our microbiome plays in our metabolism.
• How our microbiome controls the release of satiety hormones. 
• The link between insulin resistance and a damaged microbiome.
• What endotoxemia is.
• The importance of short-chain fatty acids for metabolic health.
• What percentage of the American diet is comprised of refined, ultra-processed foods. 
• Why fiber is critical for the health of our gut microbes.
• The problem with food additives in the US food system.
• What you should know about pesticides and herbicides like glyphosate. 
• The importance of choosing organic foods, when possible. 
• A distinction between Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. 
• Why environmental factors are a large contributor to inflammatory diseases. 
• How trauma and disordered eating can manifest as inflammatory bowel diseases.
• The link between relationship quality and microbiome health. 

Items mentioned in this episode include:

• PaleoValley.com/model -- Use code MODEL for 15% off!
• Organifi.com/Model -- Use the coupon code MODEL for 20% off!
• Preorder The Fiber Fueled Cookbook by Dr. Will Bulsiewicz
• Fiber Fueled by Dr. Will Bulsiewicz
• Our Misguided Battle Against Microbes with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz – Episode 440
• Connect with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz Website / Instagram / Facebook 

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Have you ever considered how what you eat impacts your mood? We’ve all heard jokes about how hunger can leave you irritable, or hangry. But like most cliches, there’s some truth behind the idea that your diet affects the way you operate and react to the world around you. You might already know how blood sugar dips and spikes impact your mood, but emerging science shows a connection between mental health and the way that we eat that is far more intricate than you might think.  

Our guest today, Dr. Uma Naidoo, packs a powerful resume. She is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, a professional chef, a trained nutritional specialist, and a best-selling author. Dr. Naidoo’s niche is Nutritional Psychiatry—a specialty that combines all her expertise and training. In her book, This Is Your Brain on Food, she elaborates on the complex, intertwined relationship between what we eat and our psychological and cognitive outcomes. 

In this interview, we’re diving into the fascinating science of what happens in your brain when you eat sugar, what to eat for improved sleep and mental health, and how diet-related inflammation is contributing to our poor COVID-19 outcomes. Most importantly, Dr. Naidoo is going to be sharing real-life, actionable steps you can take to improve your health and your future. If you’ve ever wondered about how your food can impact the way you feel, I know you’ll find this episode fascinating, informative, and empowering. Enjoy! 

In this episode you’ll discover:

• What the leading cause of death is for American adults.
• The role that our blood sugar can play in our communication skills. 
• How many Americans have prediabetes or diabetes.
• The relationship between food, memories, and mental health. 
• Why comfort food is discomfort for our brains. 
• The problem with sugar measurements on food labels.
• Why we crave sugar. 
• The connection between metabolic health and COVID-19.
• How the gut-brain connection works.
• The link between inflammation, the gut, and mental health. 
• Why gastrointestinal issues are a side effect to many antidepressants.
• The main reason why our current mental health diagnostic system isn’t all-inclusive.
• What happens in the brain when we consume refined sugar.
• The long-term effect that blood sugar disruption has on the human brain.
• Why awareness is a powerful tool to cultivate change. 
• The power of getting your children involved in preparing food.
• How diet can impact ADHD symptoms. 
• The importance of incorporating DHA and EPA into your diet (+ specific sources!)
• Simple switches you can make to improve your sleep quality.
• The connection between diet and libido.

Items mentioned in this episode include:

• Organifi.com/Model -- Use the coupon code MODEL for 20% off!
• DrinkLMNT.com/model -- Get a FREE sample pack for the cost of shipping! 
• This Is Your Brain on Food by Dr. Uma Naidoo
• Connect with Dr. Uma Naidoo Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram  

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High-intensity interval training, or HIIT, makes headlines in the fitness industry for its ability to burn the maximum amount of calories in a short period of time. But HIIT is anything but a trend. In fact, high-intensity exercise is something that our genes expect, and as you’re going to learn today, it plays an important role in fighting inflammation, regulating insulin sensitivity, and fat storage in the body.

On this masterclass episode of The Model Health Show, you’re going to hear the amazing science behind high-intensity interval training. We’re going to discuss the different types of muscle fibers in the body and how they function. You’re also going to learn about how energy is stored in the muscles, and how high-intensity training can help tap into those reserves. 

If you want to add high-intensity exercise into your training routine, I’m going to share multiple accessible, low barrier to entry methods you can incorporate. I hope this information empowers you to become a stronger, more resilient version of yourself. So listen in, take good notes, and apply what resonates with you!  

In this episode you’ll discover:

• How moderate-intensity cardio compares to high-intensity interval training.
• The definition of high-intensity interval training, or HIIT.
• How our muscle fibers work, and how they can impact metabolic health.
• What the different classifications of muscle fibers are. 
• How the sequential activation process works.
• Why sequential activation is the key to metabolic change & body composition shifts.
• The relationship between high-intensity exercise and glycogen.
• What glycogenolysis is. 
• Why high-intensity exercise can impact fast-twitch muscle fibers. 
• The link between obesity and inflammation. 
• How fat loss actually works & the role that hormone-sensitive lipase plays. 
• The amplification cascade that occurs in the cells with HIIT. 
• How glycogen storage works. 
• Why intensity is key, & how to know if you’re activating the fast-twitch muscle fibers.
• What we can learn about exercise from children.
• Specific, high-intensity exercises you can incorporate into your routine. 

Items mentioned in this episode include:

• Onnit.com/model -- Save an exclusive 20% on performance supplements & tools!
• Inflammation Masterclass – Episode 497 

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Poor diet is a major contributor to our skyrocketing rates of chronic illnesses. While the cause of poor diet can be multifactorial, culture is often a major contributing factor. Cultural influences can impact habits, tastes, access, and much more. If you’re like me and you were born into a culture that didn’t value nutrition, you might feel disadvantaged.

The good news is that you hold an infinite potential to create a culture of health for yourself. And when you change your culture, you can begin to influence the culture of your friends, your family, and the world around you. On this episode of The Model Health Show, I’m sharing five tangible tips you can implement to create sustainable change and build a culture of health. 

You’re going to learn about setting clear goals, creating consistency, and cultivating a positive community. I hope you enjoy this episode and feel empowered and inspired by its message. Let’s create a culture of health and wellness, together. Enjoy! 

In this episode you’ll discover:

• How many people die per year from diet-related illnesses. 
• Why turbulent times are the perfect time to create change. 
• What culture is, and the different types of culture you are exposed to.
• How our culture impacts our thoughts, beliefs, and outcomes.
• The importance of having clarity. 
• Why it’s important to get clear about what you don’t want in life. 
• The power of actually writing your goals down.
• How to break a macro goal down into smaller, micro goals. 
• Why consistency is an important component of change. 
• The stages of changing and creating habits.
• How many habits you should aim to change at a time.
• What it means to set up a positive perimeter. 
• How to unplug from negative, disempowering outputs.
• Why being yourself is the greatest influence you have.
• The power of being the model for your community. 

Items mentioned in this episode include:

• Foursigmatic.com/model -- Get an exclusive discount on your daily health elixirs!
• Onnit.com/model -- Get your optimal health supplements at 10% off! 
• The Mind vs. The Brain with Dr. Caroline Leaf – Episode 463
• Eat Smarter

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