Dhru Purohit Show

This episode is brought to you by Birch Living, LMNT, and Thesis.One in five people is impacted by chronic pain. Many believe that chronic pain is simply a byproduct of aging, with little that can be done beyond managing it. Today’s guest offers a unique approach to chronic pain, sharing her mind-body practice for effectively addressing and alleviating it.Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, Dhru sits down with Dr. Andrea Furlan to explore chronic pain, its top drivers, and common myths about treatment. Dr. Furlan discusses the dangers of a sedentary lifestyle in exacerbating chronic pain and reveals her unique approach to treating it. She also covers how diet, sleep, and alcohol can impact chronic pain and shares the most successful interventions for addressing it.Dr. Andrea Furlan is a scientist at the Institute for Work & Health (IWH) and physician and senior scientist at the KITE Research Institute, Toronto Rehab, University Health Network(UHN). She is a Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation professor at the University of Toronto. She is chair of ECHO Ontario Chronic Pain and Opioid Stewardship at UHN and co-chair of ECHO Occupational and Environmental Medicine and ECHO for Return to Work of Public Safety Personnel at IWH. She is a physician in the pain clinic at Toronto Rehab and the author of the book 8 STEPS to Conquer Chronic Pain. A Doctor's Guide to Lifelong Relief. In this episode, Dhru and Dr. Furlan dive into (audio version / Apple Subscriber version): Chronic vs. Acute Pain (00:00:30 / 00:00:30) Top Drivers of Chronic Pain (04:07 / 04:07) Myths About Treating Chronic Pain (08:22 / 11:35) The Dangers of a Sedentary Lifestyle (11:20 / 14:30) How to Address Chronic Lower Back Pain (21:00 / 26:17) 8 Food Rules (27:40 / 32:57) Alcohol Use and Environmental Factors (39:18 / 44:35) Supplements to Support Chronic Pain (43:30 / 48:47) Fear of Chronic Pain (53:11 / 58:28) The Most Successful Interventions (57:15 / 1:02:32) Avoiding a Sedentary Life by Activating Joy (1:00:45 / 1:06:02) Mindset Matters (1:04:30 / 1:09:47) Also mentioned in this episode:8 Steps to Conquer Chronic Pain: A Doctor’s Guide to Lifelong Relief To learn more about Dr. Furlan, follow her on Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, X/Twitter, or her website. This episode is brought to you by Birch Living, LMNT, and Thesis.To get 25% off your Birch Living mattress plus two free eco-rest pillows, head over to birchliving.com/dhru today.Right now, LMNT is offering my listeners a free sample pack with any purchase. Head over to DrinkLMNT.com/dhru today.Right now, Thesis is offering my community $60 off your first subscription. Just head to takethesis.com/dhru and use the code DHRU to enhance your cognitive health today.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Carrie Jones, a renowned hormone expert and educator, dives into the hormonal changes women face after 40. She explains how fluctuating hormones can affect body composition, mood, and sleep quality. Dr. Jones discusses the importance of protein for muscle maintenance and the role of mitochondria in hormone health. She emphasizes the significance of boundary-setting and self-care during this transformative phase. Listeners will gain insights into hormone replacement therapy, sleep strategies, and the need for a proactive approach to well-being.

Mike Mutzel, a clinical nutrition expert with a focus on functional medicine, discusses the transformative power of walking 8,000 steps a day. He explains how this daily goal can enhance fat burning, boost cognitive health, and reduce disease risk. The conversation highlights the concept of 'exercise snacks' as quick activity bursts to combat sedentary lifestyles. Mike also shares insights on the importance of natural light, diet interplay with exercise, and unique health markers for longevity, providing actionable tips for better health.

Shane O'Mara, a renowned neuroscientist and professor at Trinity College Dublin, reveals the amazing benefits of walking for brain health and longevity. He discusses how walking over 7,500 steps daily can reduce mortality risk and combat depression. O'Mara emphasizes walking as a remedy for cognitive decline and social disconnection, and he shares practical tips to integrate more movement into daily life. He even highlights the surprising advantages of backward walking for mental clarity and knee strength, encouraging listeners to embrace the power of this simple activity.

Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned expert on chronic illness and addiction, discusses the alarming rise of mental health issues and chronic diseases in our toxic society. He critiques the misguided notion of 'normal' and highlights the deep connections between trauma, societal pressures, and health. The conversation addresses the destructive impact of profit-driven industries on addiction and suggests pathways toward healing through community connections and self-awareness. With insights on the role of technology in parenting, Maté offers a hopeful vision for reclaiming emotional well-being.

Dr. Dominik Nischwitz, a leading biological dentist and ceramic implant specialist, delves into the crucial link between oral health and chronic disease. He highlights the potential dangers of root canals, emphasizing their role in bacterial buildup and chronic inflammation. The discussion reveals how dental health directly affects gut wellness and overall health. Dr. Dome also advocates for a holistic approach in dentistry, encouraging better diagnostic methods and patient education to bridge gaps in traditional practices.

Wendy Suzuki, a neuroscientist and professor at NYU, explores how daily habits can prevent cognitive decline and enhance brain health. She discusses the transformative power of exercise, emphasizing its role in both short-term and long-term brain function. Wendy also highlights the importance of a Mediterranean diet, quality sleep, and healthy morning routines. She shares her personal journey and insights into why movement and social connections are vital for mental well-being, challenging common beliefs regarding alcohol's effects on the brain.

Dr. Deanna Minich, a nutrition researcher and functional medicine expert, shares her insights on melatonin, the powerhouse hormone that promotes longevity and gut health. She explains how melatonin acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, and discusses the warning signs of low levels. The conversation dives into dietary impacts on melatonin production, debunking myths about supplements. Minich also highlights its neuroprotective role in brain health and offers practical tips to enhance melatonin through lifestyle changes.

Max Lugavere, a health and science journalist dedicated to Alzheimer’s prevention, joins to discuss critical lifestyle choices. He emphasizes the power of diet in midlife, highlighting brain-boosting foods like omega-3s, leafy greens, and avocados. Lugavere warns against ultra-processed foods that threaten cognitive health and shares personal stories to illustrate the impact of dietary habits. He also explores how exercise and sustainable eating can significantly reduce Alzheimer's risk, encouraging listeners to adopt proactive health strategies.

Explore the transformative journey through perimenopause and menopause with expert insights on hormone replacement therapy. Discover how managing insulin resistance can enhance health in mid-life. Learn about the critical link between hormone therapy and brain health, especially regarding Alzheimer's risk. The importance of holistic approaches to hormonal changes and misconceptions about aging are discussed. Plus, uncover the antioxidant benefits of Manukora honey for overall vitality. It's a vital conversation for women seeking empowerment and informed healthcare.