The Optimal Body

Tired of reading all the contradictory perspectives on health and diet? Are you or do you know someone struggling to figure out their diet with a diagnosis, like epilepsy? This podcast is for you! This is your one-stop shop to your questions regarding diet and optimizing your health for top performance. Scott Sommer provides you with simple answers to holistic health, using your diet, which we’ve complicated with the products and by-products of the industrial revolution. Through his unique approach that merges western and eastern science and understanding about the body, Scott uses the analogy of a battery to describe the body and how his expertise in 30 different treatment modalities provides a synergistic and personalized approach to his clients’ needs. Foundationally, he expresses the importance of consuming organic and nutrient-dense food through his upbringing and comparisons between modern-era life to life nowadays. Scott reveals the epidemiology surrounding nutritional deficiencies and common health risks, promoting the Nutritarian diet as a holistic approach to optimizing longevity and performance. Tune in to discover more! PaleoValley Discount: We also mention PaleoValley throughout the episode. Get your next 100% grass-fed beef stick for a discount using code“OPTIMAL” at checkout. Free Week of the Jen Health Membership: Looking for a movement community that gives you the plan specific to your body? Need accountability and a plan that is specific to your restrictions?! Come grab a free week of our Jen Health Membership! You'll have access to 12 plans that were all curated by Doc Jen, Dr of Physical Therapy. We make sure you get set up with the plan that will be best for your goals and the rest is laid out for you to follow! Come check it out today! You can even get a discount on your first month using code OPTIMAL at checkout! What You Will Learn In This Interview with Scott Sommer: 4:21 – What “fuels” Scott to do what he does. 5:07 – Scott’s story. 14:53 – Role-models and behavior change. 16:49 – Gardening for Longevity. 18:36 – The importance of eating organic. 20:47 – The electricity of the body. 24:18 – How Scott approaches Chronic Pain. 28:10 – Common Nutritional Deficiencies. 36:28 – The Nutritarian Diet. 39:47 – Learn more with Scott. Items mentioned in this episode include: Scott’s Website: https://www.sommersholistichealth.com/ Scott’s Podcast “Life Changing Health Tips”: https://podcasts.apple.com Scott’s App “Sommer’s Holistic Health”: https://apps.apple.com Scott’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com To learn more about Scott and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://jen.health/podcast/77 Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

“It’s natural and normal for the head to follow your gaze and your gaze to follow attention,” says Dr. Jen. But, do you find yourself staring down at your screen for hours at a time? As we progress further into the digital age, especially in times of a pandemic where everyone is working from home, we are almost all subject to being glued to our devices. However, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom describe how we can create small changes to optimize our posture and overall productivity. We are all victims of “text neck.” Instead of being self-critical, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom speak about getting comfortable, changing up the monitor environment, and ways in which we can enhance neck stability to sustain and endure the positions we put ourselves in. Ultimately, with no one “optimal” position, tune in to uncover the most optimal prescription to prevent the onset of tightness, pain, and stagnant discomfort in the body. Coba Board Discount: We also mention the Coba Board in this episode. To get your next at-home resistance set-up for a discount using code“DOCJENFIT” at checkout. Free Week of the Jen Health Membership: Looking for a movement community that gives you the plan specific to your body? Need accountability and a plan that is specific to your restrictions?! Come grab a free week of our Jen Health Membership! You'll have access to 12 plans that were all curated by Doc Jen, Dr of Physical Therapy. We make sure you get set up with the plan that will be best for your goals and the rest is laid out for you to follow! Come check it out today! You can even get a discount on your first month using code OPTIMAL at checkout! What You Will Learn in this PT Pearl: 1:47 – Addressing the “text-neck” and pains that come with it. 2:57 –  The influence of your gaze in relation to posture. 4:46 – Creating environments to optimize your central nervous system responses. 7:53 – Modifying what you have control over. 11:34 – Monitoring your environment to make it more optimal. 13:37 – Getting comfortable. 14:51 – Exploring mobility that is specific to you. 15:50 - Exercises to put your neck in a different position! 17:28 - Temporary Relief Neck Stretches. To Watch the PT Pearl on YouTube, click here: https://youtube.com/watch/ For research and full show notes, visit the full website at: https://jen.health/podcast/76 Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to and leave a quick rating and review of the show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Want to boost your brain health?! Looking for ways or reasons to spice up your physical activity? Listen in as Ryan Glatt explains why aerobic activity may not be the BEST exercise for brain health. He will guide you through what a “3 Macronutrients” approach is, a metaphor describing a holistic approach to exercise, which uses all the benefits of physical movement to maximize brain health. With exercise being an under-utilized prescription to prolonging or offsetting symptoms to brain-related and cognitive disorders, Ryan explains how modulating exercise can complement and ameliorate the quality of your life. Throughout this episode, Ryan breaks down the micro and macro-level effects and purposes of different types of exercise on the brain, in relation to neuroplasticity, brain metabolism, and cognitive enhancement. Kill two birds with one stone as you immerse yourself into game-changing exercise science that will add purpose and intention to your movement, and ultimately optimize productivity and your ability to maintain functional independence and identity in all aspects of your life through optimal brain health! Willy California Discount: Willy California! From date nights to workouts, to lounging at home, Dr. Dom’s swears by Willy California athleisure! Get 30% off using code ‘DRDOM30’ at checkout. Free Week of the Jen Health Membership: Looking for a movement community that gives you the plan specific to your body? Need accountability and a plan that is specific to your restrictions?! Come grab a free week of our Jen Health Membership! You'll have access to 12 plans that were all curated by Doc Jen, Dr of Physical Therapy. We make sure you get set up with the plan that will be best for your goals and the rest is laid out for you to follow! Come check it out today! You can even get a discount on your first month using code OPTIMAL at checkout! What You Will Learn Interview with Ryan Glatt: 2:50 – What drove Ryan to his work today. 9:40 – Exercise as an under-utilized intervention to optimizing brain health. 18:55 – Prescribing exercise to improve quality of life. 19:52 –  Exercise macronutrients for brain health. 29:30 – How our current exercise regime carries over to old age. 32:13 – Copenhagen city heart study. 38:12  – “You use your brain to change your behavior”. 43:48 – Neuroplasticity. 47:58 – The “Jennifer Aniston” Neuron. 53:02 – Using exercise for brain health to manage pain. 58:46 – Where can we find out more about Ryan? About Ryan Glatt: Ryan Glatt is a psychometrist and Brain Health Coach at the Brain Health Center in the Pacific Neuroscience Institute. Ryan has an experienced background in exercise science and human health and uses his knowledge to create programs for individuals with dementia and Parkinson’s disease to name a few. Along with creating for the health and fitness industry, Ryan consults for brain-based tech companies such as SMARTFit. Ryan pursues continued education in exercise programs and works with subject matter experts in fields such as neurorehabilitation, neurorestoration, and cognitive enhancement. He continues to dedicate his time and energy towards coming up with solutions associated with neurodegeneration and its effects on health and wellness. Items mentioned in this episode include: Brain Health Trainer Course: https://www.brainhealthtrainer.com/pages/about Ryan Glatt’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glatt.brainhealth/ To learn more about Ryan and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://jen.health/podcast/75 Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ever wonder why you feel your pinky tingling when you hit your funny bone? Feeling radiating pins and needles? We’ve all felt pins and needles in our feet and hands, but neurotension is a little different. Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom break down the knits and grits of different types of pain and how they may associate with neural tension, through the concept of neurodynamics. They describe possible reasons for your bouts of neural tension and how movement can prevent the onset of neural tension. By diving into the specifics of neurodynamics, both in the upper and lower extremities, Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom direct attention towards neural gliding as a means of testing for neural tension and optimizing nerve functionality. Listen up as you gain insight into getting your nerves functional and not so static. 15% Vivobarefoot Discount code: We also mention Vivo Barefoot in this episode. To get your next wide and highly flexible footwear for a discount using code ‘TOB’  at checkout. Free Week of the Jen Health Membership: Looking for a movement community that gives you the plan specific to your body? Need accountability and a plan that is specific to your restrictions?! Come grab a free week of our Jen Health Membership! You'll have access to 12 plans that were all curated by Doc Jen, Dr of Physical Therapy. We make sure you get set up with the plan that will be best for your goals and the rest is laid out for you to follow! Come check it out today! You can even get a discount on your first month using code OPTIMAL at checkout! What You Will Learn in this PT Pearl: 0:40 – What are nerves? 2:39 –  Why does neural tension occur? 3:33 – Symptoms of Neural Tension. 6:02 – The concept of Neurodynamics. 8:40 – Movement to avoid neural sensation. 12:09 – Testing neural glides. 14:45 – The nerves of the arm. 15:18 – Perpetuating different nerve tensions. 18:25 – Specifics of Neurodynamics. 22:42 - Getting the nerves functional and not so static. 23:19 - Exploring Neurodynamics in the lower extremities. To Watch the PT Pearl on YouTube, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch For research and full show notes, visit the full website at: https://jen.health/podcast/74 Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Need some reassurance that you’re not “crazy”? That what you feel is REAL and there could actually be solutions? Confused as to why your complications are persisting or might be driving your mind or mood down? Interested in the concept of  “disease reversal?” Perhaps you are or know of someone struggling with autoimmune disease. Hear Dr. Brooke Goldner, MD, as she walks us through her story with Lupus, an autoimmune disease, and how she reversed her symptoms, ultimately producing several Lupus-negative test results. As a “why-forward” and humane doctor who recognized her purpose early on, Dr. Goldner provides us with a story you can vicariously learn from. She mentions life-changing tools that can help you dig deeper and investigate your reasons and changes that will enable you to live a more fulfilling, joyous, and optimal life. Let’s dive in! Willy California Discount: Willy California! From date nights to workouts, to lounging at home, Dr. Dom’s swears by Willy California athleisure! Get 30% off using code ‘DRDOM30’ at checkout. Free Week of the Jen Health Membership: Looking for a movement community that gives you the plan specific to your body? Need accountability and a plan that is specific to your restrictions?! Come grab a free week of our Jen Health Membership! You'll have access to 12 plans that were all curated by Doc Jen, Dr of Physical Therapy. We make sure you get set up with the plan that will be best for your goals and the rest is laid out for you to follow! Come check it out today! You can even get a discount on your first month using code OPTIMAL at checkout! What You Will Learn Interview with Dr. Brooke Goldner: 4:36 – What drives Dr. Goldner. 12:14 – Tips to managing inflammation. 16:48 – How Dr. Goldner managed her complications. 22:38 – Dr. Goldner’s Diet Shift. 33:53 – Dr. Goldner’s Negative Test for Lupus. 42:27 – Tools: How to get from intention to action. 45:17– Dr. Goldner still practices everything she did to get healthy 16 years later. About Dr. Brooke Goldner: Dr. Goldner is a board certified medical doctor and the author of 3 best-selling books, Goodbye Lupus, Goodbye Autoimmune Disease, and Green Smoothie Recipes to Kick-Start Your Health & Healing. She has been featured in multiple documentaries such as Eating You Alive, Whitewashed, and The Conspiracy Against Your Health. They have been featured on tv news and the Home & Family Show, along with many radio shows and podcasts. Dr. Goldner is a highly sought after keynote speaker, who shares the stage regularly with Dr. Ornish, Esselstyn, Bernard Greger and T. Colin Campbell, to name a few. Items mentioned in this episode include: Dr. Goldner Good-Bye Lupus Website: https://goodbyelupus.com Dr. Goldner Good-Bye Lupus Online Courses: https://goodbyelupus.com Dr. Goldner Instagram: Brooke Goldner, MD (@goodbyelupus) • Instagram photos and videos To learn more about Dr. Goldner and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://jen.health/podcast/73 Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Seen or been told your shoulder blade is in a funky position during exercise? Perhaps popping out a little bit? Heard that scapular winging will cause pain inadvertently? Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom have your back as they explore all things scapular and debunk the common myths surrounding scapular winging. Tune into how scapular winging occurs, how you can begin to explore scapular range of motion, and how your scapular moves in coordination with its neighbors. Through this podcast, you’ll develop an appreciation for your scapulae and feel empowered to explore gaining control, awareness, and free expression through your scapulae! Free Week of the Jen Health Membership: Looking for a movement community that gives you the plan specific to your body? Need accountability and a plan that is specific to your restrictions?! Come grab a free week of our Jen Health Membership! You'll have access to 12 plans that were all curated by Doc Jen, Dr of Physical Therapy. We make sure you get set up with the plan that will be best for your goals and the rest is laid out for you to follow! Come check it out today! You can even get a discount on your first month using code OPTIMAL at checkout! What You Will Learn in this PT Pearl: 1:24 – What is Scapular Winging? 2:14 – Scapular Anatomy 4:05 – Does scapular winging cause pain? 5:50 – Are you aware of your scapular winging? 9:24 – It’s not only about the scapulae 13:50 – Scapular range of motion 16:53 – Videotape how your scapula moves... It’s pretty cool! 17:32 - How to test your scapular range of motion 19:45 - Funny movement does not mean pain or injury To Watch the PT Pearl on YouTube, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch For research and full show notes, visit the full website at: https://jen.health/podcast/72 Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stuck in a mind rut? Ever felt ashamed to have body-appearance related goals? Trying to figure out your gut issues but don’t know where to start? You’re not alone. Jacquelyn Umof, former dancer and current fitness instructor, opens up about her story and struggles through anxiety, finding mind-body connection through movement, body image and identity, empowerment and gut issues and more! As Jacquelyn walks us through her path, she provides insight into the pivotal moments in her life that allowed her to understand what she was going through and how she needed to manage it. Furthermore, Jacquelyn speaks to her journey with gut issues of bloating, skin ulcers, and more. Ultimately, this podcast will help you find the empowerment you need to accomplish the goals you desire and have the tools to follow through with them. Jacquelyn will provide reassurance through her bursts of mindset boosters that will help you find the mindset that’s optimal for you. Free Week of the Jen Health Membership: Looking for a movement community that gives you the plan specific to your body? Need accountability and a plan that is specific to your restrictions?! Come grab a free week of our Jen Health Membership! You'll have access to 12 plans that were all curated by Doc Jen, Dr of Physical Therapy. We make sure you get set up with the plan that will be best for your goals and the rest is laid out for you to follow! Come check it out today! You can even get a discount on your first month using code OPTIMAL at checkout! What You Will Learn In This Interview with Jacquelyn Umof: 2:57 – Jacquelyn’s drive and purpose 4:13 – Jacquelyn’s movement story and how it became her passion 7:13 – How Jacquelyn came to understand anxiety and how it was manifesting in herself 16:26 - Jacqueline's mindset shift from body to mind 21:00 - Insights into positively brainwashing our minds 28:03 Changing stigmas around physical goals and identity 32:39 - Jacquelyn’s gut journey Items mentioned in this episode include: Action Jacquelyn Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/actionjacquelyn/?hl=en Action Jacquelyn Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCezEzIGp34wPBrmvIshdj5A Heal My Gut Program: https://my.actionjacquelyn.com/healmygut Stretchy Fit App: https://my.actionjacquelyn.com/stretchy-fit-mobile Free Body Love Challenge: https://my.actionjacquelyn.com/body-love To learn more about Jacquelyn and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://jen.health/podcast/71 Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to and leave a quick rating and review of the show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ever wonder why your hamstrings are always tight? Do you find yourself constantly stretching, only to feel tight again in a few hours? Are you a runner but feel discomfort in the back of your thighs? Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom dive into the hamstrings, culprits to hamstring strains and overuse injuries, and what you can do to help your hamstrings. They hone in on the importance of building hamstring awareness, the significance of progressive overload, and what you can do to help your hamstrings meet the demands of your day to day lives and your training. You’ll find the tools to help you understand the sensations you’re feeling and how you can navigate those sensations to feel optimal and functional again. Free Week of the Jen Health Membership: Looking for a movement community that gives you the plan specific to your body? Need accountability and a plan that is specific to your restrictions?! Come grab a free week of our Jen Health Membership! You'll have access to 12 plans that were all curated by Doc Jen, Dr of Physical Therapy. We make sure you get set up with the plan that will be best for your goals and the rest is laid out for you to follow! Come check it out today! You can even get a discount on your first month using code OPTIMAL at checkout! What You Will Learn in this PT Pearl: 0:55 – Muscles of the Hamstring. 2:00 –  Breaking down chronic hamstring tightness. 2:23 – The importance of eccentric training on the hamstrings. 3:28 – Your muscles have sensory receptors. 4:23 – Why do we get overuse hamstring injuries or strains? 5:30 – Hamstring Strains and Running 7:37 – Exploring hamstring awareness 10:30 - Prehabilitation for hamstring strains 12:50 - Hamstring exercises you can try out. 14:40: Statistics on Hamstring injuries. 15:15 - It all comes back to the core. 15:30 - Additional Hamstring exercises. 17:40 - Continuing to explore your body. 18:35 - Benefits of doing eccentric exercises. 19:55 - Why you should start with isometric exercises. 20:20 - Progressively loading your Hamstrings. 20:55 - Importance of strength training. To Watch the PT Pearl on YouTube, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch For research and full show notes, visit the full website at: https://jen.health/podcast/70 We think you’ll love: FREE Week of the Jen Health Membership FREE Low Back Pain Course! FREE Tight Hip Flexor Course! Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feel like you can’t meditate? Perhaps fighting yourself while meditating? Catch yourself spending time worrying? Or even feel like emotions are a waste of time? In a fast-paced, ever-going, and dynamic world, we’re taught to submerge ourselves in a culture that distances ourselves from our emotions, promotes instant gratification, and always looks to achieve more. Listen in as Justin speaks to staying “woke” by establishing a deeper connection with our inner selves to unveil who we are and our true purposes. Through a combined scientific and spiritual approach, Justin uncovers his method to a simple meditation practice that allows us to forgive ourselves, inspire courage, and help us re-discover our paths to life as we re-ground and unlock our potentials to live a fully alive life. Let’s expand our windows of tolerance and our ability to feel the full breath in the present as we explore the gifts of meditation. Free Week of the Jen Health Membership: Looking for a movement community that gives you the plan specific to your body? Need accountability and a plan that is specific to your restrictions?! Come grab a free week of our Jen Health Membership! You'll have access to 12 plans that were all curated by Doc Jen, Dr of Physical Therapy. We make sure you get set up with the plan that will be best for your goals and the rest is laid out for you to follow! Come check it out today! You can even get a discount on your first month using code OPTIMAL at checkout! What You Will Learn in this interview with Justin Michael Williams: 2:15 –  Justin’s Story to Meditation 7:53 – What it means to “Stay Woke” 11:50 – How Justin teaches what meditation is 16:30 – Justin approach to a simple meditation practice 17:19 –  What it means to “fully be alive” 24:42 - How to build your window of tolerance? 27:22 - Why you may not be able to stick to guided meditations? 29:20 - Misconceptions about meditation: Mindfulness vs Meditation Items mentioned in this episode include: Justin's Website: www.justinmichaelwilliams.com Justin’s Music: https://www.justinmichaelwilliams.com/music Justin’s Book: https://www.justinmichaelwilliams.com/stay-woke-give-back Justin’s Programs: https://www.justinmichaelwilliams.com/courses Stay Woke Workshop Scholarships: https://www.justinmichaelwilliams.com/stay-work-workshop-scholarships Justin’s Free Content: https://www.justinmichaelwilliams.com/meditationmondays To learn more about Justin and view full show notes, please visit the full website here: https://jen.health/podcast/69 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you someone who deals with pain and tingling sensations that run down your leg? Have you heard the term Sciatica but aren’t fully aware of what it is? Then you are definitely going to want to tune into this episode as Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom dive into what Sciatica is and how to correctly identify it. In addition, you will learn about common misconceptions associated with Sciatica along with simple lifestyle changes you can make in order to help you live your most optimal life! Free Week of the Jen Health Membership: Looking for a movement community that gives you the plan specific to your body? Need accountability and a plan that is specific to your restrictions?! Come grab a free week of our Jen Health Membership! You'll have access to 12 plans that were all curated by Doc Jen, Dr of Physical Therapy. We make sure you get set up with the plan that will be best for your goals and the rest is laid out for you to follow! Come check it out today! You can even get a discount on your first month using code OPTIMAL at checkout! What you will learn in this PT Pearl: 1:45 - What is Sciatica? 4:05 - Radiculopathy. What is it? 7:05 - When should I take Sciatica more seriously? 10:40 - What’s going on with my nerves? 11:20 - Possible causes of Sciatica. 13:30 - Contributing factors of Sciatica. 15:10 - One size does not fit all. 17:15 - Progressing your body through your triggers. 18:00 - Don’t be afraid to workout. 20:40 - Progress may be slow and learning patience. 22:36 - Learning to change your environment. To Watch the PT Pearl on YouTube, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch Other Items mentioned in this episode to check out: Podcast Episode on Disc Herniation: https://jen.health/podcast/3 Instagram Sciatica Post: https://www.instagram.com/p/CE8OGWWD9Tc/ For links to research and full show notes, visit the full website here: https://jen.health/podcast/68 Thank you so much for checking out this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast. If you haven’t done so already, please take a minute to subscribe and leave a quick rating and review of the show! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.