The Optimal Body

In this episode of The Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, talk with Dr. Roshini Raj about the gut microbiome and its impact on optimal health, longevity, and health optimization. Dr. Raj explains the importance of a balanced gut microbiome, shares nutrition tips, and discusses the gut-brain connection and rising colon cancer rates in younger people. Get actionable health tips from The Optimal Body podcast to boost your gut microbiome and overall well-being. Black Friday/Cyber Monday Discount!We are having a massive 50% discount on our Annual Membership for the Jen Health Platform. This is the lowest price we EVER offer throughout the year. This membership gets you access to 12 different therapy plans. There are plans for specific body parts or plans that work on Full Body Strength, HIIT Workouts, Full Body Mobility, and Core Stability. This 50% discount only lasts a limited time! No code needed. Come and join HERE! Needed Discount:Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout! Dr Raj's Resources and Links:My Yay Day InstagramMy Yay Day FacebookMy Yay Day WebsiteWork with Dr RajGut Renovation Website We think you’ll love:Get A Free Week on Jen Health!Jen’s InstagramDom’s InstagramYouTube Channel See the full Shownotes and Resources at: https://jen.health/podcast/385 What you'll learn in this episode:5:03 Doctor Raj's Journey into Gastroenterology 12:37 Doctor Raj explains what gut health and microbiome mean, emphasizing their significance for overall health.15:34 Discussion on how the gut affects... Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Curious about QL pain and its link to low back discomfort? In this Optimal Body Podcast episode, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom break down the role of the quadratus lumborum, why QL pain is often blamed for low back issues, and how it relates to hip flexors and fascia. With insights from physical therapy and women’s health, they explain how QL pain can stem from muscle imbalances and poor movement patterns. The hosts highlight the mind-body connection, diaphragmatic breathing, and practical self-care like foam rolling to help manage QL pain. Their holistic approach shows how core stability and hip control support optimal health and functional independence. Needed Discount:Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout! LMNT Discount Code:Stay hydrated and energized with LMNT electrolytes—sodium, potassium, and magnesium for brain and body. It’s our favorite micro nutrition hack to get those essential minerals in! Get a free gift with every purchase and try new flavors! Get your Free Gift now! Free Week of the Jen Health Membership:Get a free week of Jen Health Membership! Access 12 plans crafted by Doc Jen, PT. We’ll match you with the best plan for your goals. Check it out today and use code OPTIMAL for a discount on your first month! We think you’ll love:Get A Free Week on Jen Health!Free Low Back Pain GuideJen’s InstagramDom’s InstagramYouTube Channel For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/384 What you'll learn in this episode:1:52 Understanding the Quadratus Lumborum 5:04 Importance of Breathing Techniques 9:16 Fascial Connections of the... Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Doc Jen and Doctor Dom explore the transformative power of martial arts and meditating practices with guest Jeff Patterson, a martial arts expert with over 36 years of experience. Doc Jen highlights the importance of foot health and barefoot shoes, connecting these concepts to optimal health and the mind-body connection. Jeff shares his journey into martial arts and the benefits of meditating, while the discussion also touches on how meditating can enhance athletic performance, manage stress, and improve overall well-being. Drawing from their backgrounds in physical therapy and women’s health, the hosts and Jeff offer insights into how exercise and meditating together can support a holistic, empowered lifestyle. Jeff also introduces the concept of "yielding" and provides practical tips for integrating meditating into daily life. VivoBarefoot Discount:Support your feet and ankles with VivoBarefoot shoes—with perfect styles for any occasion! Boost foot health through mobility and strength from the ground up. Use code OPTIMAL20 for 20% off. 100-day trial included—return if you’re not satisfied! Free Week of the Jen Health Membership:Get a free week of Jen Health Membership! Access 12 plans crafted by Doc Jen, PT. We’ll match you with the best plan for your goals. Check it out today and use code OPTIMAL for a discount on your first month! Jeff's Resources and Links:Free Book Offer: The Yielding WarriorJeff's InstagramThe Yielding Warrior Youtube ChannelYielding Warrior WebsiteWe think you’ll love:Get A Free Week on Jen Health!Posture RedefinedJen’s InstagramDom’s InstagramYouTube ChannelCheck out the full show notes and resources at: https://jen.health/podcast/383 What you will learn from Jeff Patterson: 4:40 Jeff's Journey into Martial Arts 6:28 How meditative arts enhance athletic performance... Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, dive into the topic of kinesiophobia—an often-overlooked fear of movement that many experience after injury. They explain how kinesiophobia can create psychological barriers to recovery and why addressing kinesiophobia is crucial for regaining confidence in physical activity. The episode explores practical strategies for overcoming kinesiophobia, including adaptive exercises like virtual reality and aquatic therapy, patient education, and cognitive behavioral therapy. Doc Jen and Doctor Dom also discuss celebrating small wins, fostering a supportive environment, and setting realistic goals to help women move past kinesiophobia and enjoy movement again. VivoBarefoot Discount:Winter has arrived! There is nothing more that I love than keeping my feet warm while still gaining the benefit of barefoot shoes with Vivobarefoot's new boot collection! Improve your foot and ankle health and therefore everything up the chain by wearing ⁠VivoBareoot shoes⁠ to improve the mobility and strength in your toes, feet, and ankles. There’s one for every occasion, including weddings, hiking, a grocery walk and casual wear, or shoes for your active lifestyle. Use code "OPTIMAL20" to get 20% off your ⁠VivoBarefoot Shoes⁠! Needed Discount:Although the journey of pregnancy is so personal and individual, Jen's number one question goes back to what she did to help her conceive and maintain the pregnancy. While there were a myriad of factors that contributed, she reliably counted on Needed supplements that supported her journey! Men need support as well via sperm support and men multivitamins. while women are supported by egg quality supplementation, CoQ10, prenatal Omega 3, iron, and choline in tablet or powder form. Used by over 4000 health professionals, Needed is available to support pregnancy, fertility, and postpartum, as well as women's and men's health in general. Check out needed if you know there's a gap in your nutrition via code ⁠⁠OPTIMAL⁠⁠ for 20% off. Posture Redefined:Discover Posture Redefined, the ultimate course designed to help you build strength, alignment, and mobility for a pain-free, confident posture. This comprehensive challenge will guide you through exercises and techniques to transform how you move and feel every day. Don’t miss your chance to redefine your posture—sign up now to cone join us and grab the early-bird discount using code OPTIMAL20at checkout! We think you’ll love:Get A Free Week on Jen Health!Posture RedefinedJen’s InstagramDom’s InstagramYouTube ChannelGet full show notes and resourcesat: https://jen.health/podcast/382 What you'll lern in this podcast: 3:30 Unders... Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, hosts Dr. Jen and Dr. Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, welcome Dr. John Kim, a functional medicine pharmacist. Dr. Kim shares his transformative journey from traditional pharmacology to integrative medicine following a significant health crisis. He discusses the importance of understanding root causes of chronic illnesses and the role of lifestyle changes in health management. The episode emphasizes the interconnectedness of physical, cellular, and spiritual health, offering listeners practical insights into functional medicine and holistic approaches to achieving optimal well-being. Posture Redefined Course Discount: Are you someone who has struggled with poor posture? Find your shoulders rounding forward throughout the day or even notice a hump forming on your neck? You aren't alone! Posture is a very complex and dynamic thing that we should all be focused on. That is why we created the Posture Redefined Course to help you understand the whole body dynamic of posture and how to be aware of your body from head to toe! You can even grab a huge discount on the program using code OPTIMAL20 at checkout! Grab the course HERE! LMNT Discount Code: Fuel every system within the body and the brain with LMNT! Keep yourself hydrated on a cellular level by replenishing the sodium, potassium, and magnesium that our body needs for basic cellular processes like nerve signalling, smooth muscle contractions, unnecessary fatigue, aches and pain, brain fog, and recovery! Get a free gift with every purchase and try some new flavours as you stay hydrated! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Your Free Gift! What you will learn from Dr John Kim  3:48 Dr. Kim's Personal Health Journey 6:36 Dr. Kim reflects on his experiences in the emergency room and the shortcomings of conventional medicine. 7:50 Dr. Kim recounts his unexpected heart attack 12:16 Dr. Kim shares being overmedicated after his heart attack 14:56 Integrating functional medicine as a pharmacist 19:17 Dr. Kim's foundations of health 26:21 How toxins impact our DNA 33:46 Phospholipids and Gut Health  39:32 Addressing Toxin Exposure  40:35 Mold Symptoms and Health Impacts 45:21 Maintaining Cellular Health Learn More from Dr John Kim: Dr Kim's Website Special Consultation Offer! Dr Kim's  Instagram Dr Kim's Youtube Channel We think you’ll love: Get A Free Week on Jen Health! Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel See the full shownotes and resources at: https://jen.health/podcast/381 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Doc Jen and Dr. Dom dive into chronic mid back pain, explaining how mid back pain can be persistent or come and go. Unlike neck or low back pain, mid back pain lacks clear guidelines, but research shows manual therapy and exercise—two pillars of physical therapy—can help. They highlight mid back mobility exercises, discuss long-term relief, and share holistic tips for overcoming mid back pain through movement and lifestyle changes. Whether you’re seeking optimal health, managing pain, or focused on women’s health, this episode of The Optimal Body offers actionable advice rooted in physical therapy and exercise science. Needed Discount:Jen relied on Needed supplements to support her pregnancy journey, from fertility to postpartum. Trusted by over 4,000 health professionals, Needed offers supplements for both men and women, including sperm support, egg quality, prenatal Omega-3, CoQ10, iron, and choline. Use code ⁠OPTIMAL⁠ for 20% off. Intelliroll Discount:IntelliRoll is the ultimate foam roller designed to contour to your body, providing a customized massage experience. Its patented Body Zones target multiple muscles simultaneously, accelerating muscle recovery and enhancing mobility. Made with high-quality EVA foam, IntelliRoll offers medium to firm pressure for effective self-massage. Feel the difference with IntelliRoll’s curved design and maximize your full-body recovery. Use code DOCJEN for a special discount! Posture Redefined:Discover Posture Redefined, the ultimate course designed to help you build strength, alignment, and mobility for a pain-free, confident posture. This comprehensive challenge will guide you through exercises and techniques to transform how you move and feel every day. Don’t miss your chance to redefine your posture—sign up now for the challenge starting on November 3! We think you’ll love:Get A Free Week on Jen Health!Posture RedefinedJen’s InstagramDom’s InstagramYouTube Channel What will you learn from this PT Pearl:00:00 Introduction to the Podcast01:00 Posture Redefined Announcement02:46 Chronic Mid-Back Pain Discussion03:29 Lack of Guidelines for Mid-Back Pain07:15 Importance of Exercise09:10 Common Misconceptions About Manual Therapy10:28 Basic Exercises for Mid-Back Pain12:35 Complexity of Pain Management For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/380 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, dive deep into the topic of back pain during pregnancy—often referred to as pregnancy pain. Doc Jen opens up about her own pregnancy journey, sharing insights on how nutrition and supplements from Needed have supported her along the way. They discuss how pregnancy pain is incredibly common, with many women experiencing discomfort due to physiological and biomechanical changes. The hosts highlight the importance of staying active, referencing updated guidelines that support exercise during pregnancy as a way to help manage pregnancy pain and promote overall well-being. Needed Discount:Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout! LMNT Discount Code:Fuel every system within the body and the brain with LMNT! Keep yourself hydrated on a cellular level by replenishing the sodium, potassium, and magnesium that our body needs for basic cellular processes like nerve signalling, smooth muscle contractions, unnecessary fatigue, aches and pain, brain fog, and recovery! Get a free gift with every purchase and try some new flavours as you stay hydrated! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Your Free Gift! Full Body Low Impact Plan:Join our Full Body Low Impact Plan on Jen Health. Learn how to Improve Mobility, Relieve Consistent Aches & Pains, and Move Smarter with a Doctor of Physical Therapy to Guide You! Jen Health Platform:With 12 different plans, access to over 200 videos on mobility, strength, core and muscle activations plus a monthly recorded educational webinar, Jen Health is your daily app and platform to relieve pain and improve how you feel with movement.  We think you’ll love:Get A Free Week on Jen Health!Full Body Low Impact PlanJen’s InstagramDom’s Instagram Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ancestral living is the spotlight of this Optimal Body Podcast episode as Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, explore the benefits of ancestral living for optimal health with guest Craig McCloskey, a certified health coach and holistic nutrition expert. They discuss how ancestral living, including nutrient-rich organ meats and supplements, supports nutrition, optimal health, and women’s health. Doc Jen shares her experience with beef liver supplements during pregnancy, highlighting positive changes in hair and nails. Doctor Dom connects ancestral living to health optimization and exercise performance, while Craig unpacks the historical roots of dietary guidelines. Tune in for practical health tips on integrating ancestral living for optimal health into your wellness routine. Needed Discount:Jen relied on Needed supplements to support her pregnancy journey, from fertility to postpartum. Trusted by over 4,000 health professionals, Needed offers supplements for both men and women, including sperm support, egg quality, prenatal Omega-3, CoQ10, iron, and choline. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off. Ancestral Discount:Boost your vitality with Ancestral Supplements, featuring nutrient-rich beef liver and organ meats to enhance energy, hair, nails, and overall well-being. Use code DOCJEN for 10% off at checkout. Learn More from Craig:Craig's YouTube ChannelAncestral Supplement Facebook PageAncestral Supplement WebsiteCraig's InstagramCraig's Facebook We think you’ll love:⁠Get A Free Week on Jen Health!⁠⁠Jen’s Instagram⁠⁠Dom’s Instagram⁠⁠YouTube Channel⁠ What You Will Learn in This Interview with Craig McCloskey:01:07 Benefits of Beef Liver03:17 Introduction of Craig McCloskey04:25 Craig's Health Journey08:57 Ancestral Living Explained... To learn more about this episode⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and view full show notes, please visit the full website here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jen.health/podcast/378 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mental health is front and center in this Optimal Body Podcast episode as Doc Jen and Doctor Dom talk with Karena Dawn, co-founder of Tone It Up. Karena opens up about her mental health journey, showing how exercise, the mind-body connection, and community support drive women’s health. She shares health tips from her foundation, The Big Silence, to break mental health stigma and help others achieve the optimal body. VivoBarefoot Discount:Improve your foot and ankle health with VivoBarefoot shoes. Perfect for every occasion—whether hiking, casual wear, or an active lifestyle. Use code "OPTIMAL20" for 20% off! Plus, enjoy a 100-day trial with a full refund guarantee. LMNT Discount Code:Stay hydrated at a cellular level with LMNT! Replenish essential electrolytes and get a free gift with every purchase. ⁠⁠Try some new flavors while you fuel your body. ⁠⁠Get your free gift! Jen Health Platform:Access 12 plans, 200+ videos, and monthly webinars to improve mobility, strength, and pain relief. Join Jen Health to feel better with movement! Learn More from Karena:Karena’s WebsiteThe Big Silence Foundation Listen to The Big Silence PodcastBuy the memoir, The Big SilenceGet Tone It Up hereFollow Karena on Instagram Follow The Big Silence on InstagramFollow Tone It Up on Instagram We think you’ll love:Get A Free Week on Jen Health!Jen’s InstagramDom’s InstagramYouTube Channel What You Will Learn in This Interview with Karena Dawn:03:13 Introduction of Karena Dawn04:17 Karena's Memoir and Journey To view full show notes, please visit the website:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jen.health/podcast/377 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, explore back pain during pregnancy. Doc Jen shares her personal pregnancy journey, emphasizing the importance of nutrition and supplements from Needed. They discuss the prevalence of back pain among pregnant women, highlighting the physiological changes and biomechanical shifts that contribute to discomfort. The hosts stress the benefits of maintaining physical activity, referencing updated guidelines that encourage exercise during pregnancy. They also address psychological and social factors affecting pain perception, advocating for a holistic approach to managing back pain and promoting overall well-being. Needed Discount: Although the journey of pregnancy is so personal and individual, Jen's number one question goes back to what she did to help her conceive and maintain the pregnancy. While there were a myriad of factors that contributed, she reliably counted on Needed supplements that supported her journey! Men need support as well via sperm support and men multivitamins. while women are supported by egg quality supplementation, CoQ10, prenatal Omega 3, iron, and choline in tablet or powder form. Used by over 4000 health professionals, Needed is available to support pregnancy, fertility, and postpartum, as well as women's and men's health in general. Check out needed if you know there's a gap in your nutrition via code ⁠⁠OPTIMAL⁠⁠ for 20% off. LMNT Discount Code: Fuel every system within the body and the brain with LMNT! Keep yourself hydrated on a cellular level by replenishing the sodium, potassium, and magnesium that our body needs for basic cellular processes like nerve signalling, smooth muscle contractions, unnecessary fatigue, aches and pain, brain fog, and recovery! Get a free gift with every purchase and try some new flavours as you stay hydrated! ⁠⁠⁠⁠Get Your Free Gift! Full Body Low Impact Plan: Join our Full Body Low Impact Plan on Jen Health. Learn how to Improve Mobility, Relieve Consistent Aches & Pains, and Move Smarter with a Doctor of Physical Therapy to Guide You! Jen Health Platform: With 12 different plans, access to over 200 videos on mobility, strength, core and muscle activations plus a monthly recorded educational webinar, Jen Health is your daily app and platform to relieve pain and improve how you feel with movement.  We think you’ll love: Get A Free Week on Jen Health! Full Body Low Impact Plan Jen’s Instagram Dom’s Instagram YouTube Channel What will you learn from this PT Pearl: 00:05 - Introduction to the Podcast 00:19 - Nutritional Support During Pregnancy 03:11 - Prevalence of Back Pain in Pregnancy 04:36 - Biomechanical Changes During Pregnancy 05:24 - Importance of Electrolytes 07:20 - Body Mechanics and Pain Perception 09:12 - Pelvic Pain Statistics 10:57 - Reframing Beliefs About Pain 13:05 - Components of Pregnancy-Related Pain 13:55 - Exercise Guidelines During Pregnancy 16:26 - Physiological Benefits of Exercise 18:19 - Importance of Exercise for Back Pain 19:45 - Exercise Guidelines for Pregnancy 20:01 - Impact of Prenatal Exercise on Pain 20:52 - Exercise and Postpartum Functionality 21:51 - Pain Management through Movement 22:10 - Anterior Pelvic Tilt Awareness 24:06 - Core Exercises and Diastasis Recti Myths 25:07 - Balancing Pressure in the Core 26:11 - Genetics and Diastasis Recti Recovery 27:50 - Dynamic Awareness of Pelvic Movements 29:21 - Full Body Low Impact Plan 30:08 - Community Support for Exercise Modifications 31:20 - Choosing the Right Healthcare Provider 32:32 - Setting Up for Successful Recovery To learn more about this episode⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and view full show notes, please visit the full website here:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jen.health/podcast/376 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.