Optimal Health Weekly Podcast

optimalhealthweekly
Optimal Health Weekly Podcast Podcast

If you're looking for a podcast on health and fitness that offers short and actionable advice the Optimal Health Weekly Podcast is just for you! Healthcare is not just all about eating right and exercising. Our weekly health podcast covers a good deal about new breakthroughs in biotech &nutrition and bioscience related content. Other topics will also include the safety of junk food products, chemicals in cosmetic products and the effectiveness regenerative therapies in healthcare and mental wellness.

  1. 18/04/2023

    Arthritis breakthrough: New Research may have found a way to treat and even reverse osteoarthritis

    In this episode of Optimal Health Weekly we peek under the microscope and dives deep into the latest research, innovations, and treatment options for osteoarthritis. In this captivating, conversational, and very descriptive audio journey, we'll keep you on the cutting edge of osteoarthritis care and inspire hope for a future where chronic joint pain is a thing of the past. With millions of people worldwide affected by osteoarthritis, it's no wonder that researchers are working around the clock to crack the code on this debilitating condition. Our podcast will be your one-stop-shop for all the latest discoveries, from groundbreaking laboratory experiments to real-world clinical trials that could change the game for those suffering from joint pain. As we explore the world of osteoarthritis research, we'll delve into topics such as: The Genetics of Osteoarthritis: A deep dive into the genetic factors that contribute to the onset and progression of this condition. We'll explore the latest findings on specific genes and how they interact with environmental factors to increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis. Novel Pain Management Techniques: A comprehensive look at alternative pain management strategies for osteoarthritis, including cutting-edge treatments like regenerative medicine, shockwave therapy, and neuromodulation. Learn how these innovative approaches can provide relief without the need for traditional painkillers. The Power of Nutrition: An exploration of the role of diet in the prevention and management of osteoarthritis. We'll debunk common myths and provide practical tips on how to eat your way to healthier joints. Exercise and Osteoarthritis: A discussion on the best types of exercise for those suffering from osteoarthritis, as well as strategies for safely staying active without exacerbating symptoms. We'll also examine the role of physical therapy in helping patients improve mobility and function. The Future of Osteoarthritis Treatment: A glimpse into the exciting developments on the horizon, such as stem cell therapy, tissue engineering, and personalized medicine. We'll chat with leading experts in the field to explore the potential of these innovative therapies to revolutionize osteoarthritis care. After this episode you'll emerge with a newfound understanding of osteoarthritis and its underlying mechanisms, as well as practical strategies to manage and potentially even reverse this debilitating condition. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, healthcare professional, or just someone with a keen interest in the topic, our podcast will provide you with the information, insights, and inspiration you need to stay ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving world of osteoarthritis research. So, join us on this incredible, bone-tastic journey as we uncover the secrets of osteoarthritis and explore the latest and greatest treatment options available. Let's pave the way towards a future where joint pain is no longer a barrier to living our lives to the fullest. Subscribe to Optimal Health Weekly today and get ready to be enlightened, entertained, and empowered! Resources mentioned in show: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7199286/ https://www.mayo.edu/research/clinical-trials/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/ https://stemcellthailand.org/therapies/joint-inflammation-arthritis-osteoarthritis-gout/ https://rheumatology.org/patients/osteoarthritis https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/osteoarthritis Links to Previous shows: 1- Weekly Wellness Talk Ep 1 2 - Risks and Benefits of Intermittent Fasting  3- Confronting Alzheimer's   4 - Prevent and treat heart disease 5 - Chronic Liver Disease  6 - Lung Injuries Associated with Vaping 7 - Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis 8 - Kidney Failure & IgA Nephropathy  9 - Brain Injuries 10 - Stroke 11 - Spinal Injury 12 - Lyme Disease 13 - Autoimmune Disease 14 - Diabetes 15 - Parkinsons 16 - ALS 17 - MS 1

    53 min
  2. 30/03/2023

    Don't Let COPD Take Your Breath Away: Prevention and New Regenerative Treatment Options with Stem Cells

    The episode of Optimal Health Weekly we discuss Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, a lung disease that can cause breathing difficulties. It is a progressive disease that worsens over time, and it can be caused by factors such as smoking or exposure to air pollution. The podcast covers the symptoms, diagnosis, and new treatment options for COPD, using stem cells, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation. It also highlights the importance of early detection and smoking cessation in managing COPD. There is a new hope on the horizon. Stem cell therapy is a new alternative treatment for COPD that has shown promising results in clinical trials. Stem cells have unique ability to transform into different types of cells in the body. They have the potential to repair damaged lung tissue and promote pulmonary healing. In stem cell therapy for COPD, stem cells are harvested from the patient's bone marrow or blood or taken from cord tissue then cultured and purified before being injected into the patient's system. Once the cells home to the lungs, the stem cells can differentiate into healthy lung tissue, reducing inflammation and promoting healing. One of the main advantages of stem cell therapy is that it is a minimally invasive procedure. Patients typically experience little to no discomfort during the procedure and can return to their normal activities shortly afterward. Another advantage of stem cell therapy is that it has few side effects. In clinical trials, patients who received stem cell therapy reported few adverse events, and those that did occur were mild and transient. This is in contrast to traditional treatments for COPD, such as steroids and bronchodilators, which can cause significant side effects. Stem cell therapy is not yet widely available for COPD patients, but several clinics around the world are offering the treatment on a limited basis. The cost of the treatment can vary depending on the clinic and the country where it is performed, but it is generally not covered by insurance. Resources mentioned in show: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-(copd) https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/lungs-and-airways/copd/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease https://stemcellthailand.org/therapies/copd-chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease/ https://www.copdfoundation.org/ https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/c/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd.html   Links to Previous shows: 1- Weekly Wellness Talk Ep 1 2 - Risks and Benefits of Intermittent Fasting  3- Confronting Alzheimer's   4 - Prevent and treat heart disease 5 - Chronic Liver Disease  6 - Lung Injuries Associated with Vaping 7 - Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis 8 - Kidney Failure & IgA Nephropathy  9 - Brain Injuries 10 - Stroke 11 - Spinal Injury 12 - Lyme Disease 13 - Autoimmune Disease 14 - Diabetes 15 - Parkinsons 16 - ALS 17 - MS 18 - Heart Disease

    44 min
  3. 24/02/2023

    Heart disease prevention and new treatment options for coronary artery atherosclerosis

    In this episode of Optimal Health Weekly we discuss Heart disease prevention and new treatment options for coronary artery atherosclerosis. Heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, and coronary artery disease is one of its most common forms. Coronary artery disease occurs when the blood vessels that supply the heart with oxygen and nutrients become narrow or blocked due to the buildup of plaque, leading to reduced blood flow to the heart. This can cause chest pain, shortness of breath, heart attack, and even death. Therefore, preventing and treating coronary artery disease is crucial for maintaining heart health and reducing the risk of heart-related complications. Understanding these risk factors can help individuals make lifestyle changes and take preventive measures to reduce their risk of developing coronary artery disease. Lifestyle changes are often the first line of defense against heart disease. Several changes can help improve heart health and for some patients stem cells therapy can help reduce the risk of CHF.  In addition to lifestyle changes, medications can also be used to prevent heart disease and manage risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Links mentioned in show: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353118 https://medlineplus.gov/heartdiseases.html https://www.bhf.org.uk/what-we-do/our-research/heart-conditions-research https://stemcellthailand.org/therapies/heart-disease-myocardial-ischemia-chd/ https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/research/coronary-heart-disease Previous shows: 1- Weekly Wellness Talk Ep 1 2 - Risks and Benefits of Intermittent Fasting  3- Confronting Alzheimer's   4 - Prevent and treat heart disease 5 - Chronic Liver Disease  6 - Lung Injuries Associated with Vaping 7 - Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis 8 - Kidney Failure & IgA Nephropathy  9 - Brain Injuries 10 - Stroke 11 - Spinal Injury 12 - Lyme Disease 13 - Autoimmune Disease 14 - Diabetes 15 - Parkinsons 16 - ALS 17 - MS

    21 min
  4. 17/01/2023

    Introducing Astrocytes Cells to combat the symptoms of Multiple sclerosis

    Welcome to the first show of 2023. In this episode of Optimal Health Weekly we discuss the the latest advancements in multiple sclerosis research. Using a novel strategy, scientists have isolated signalling molecules that control the activation of specific subsets of astrocytes, which are implicated as the primary inflammatory drivers in multiple sclerosis (MS). FIND-seq is a new technique that allows for the isolation and comprehensive gene expression analysis of single cells within a sample based on their expression of a specific gene or set of genes. Using cells from a mouse model of multiple sclerosis, scientists discovered that the proteins NR3C2 and NCOR2 can suppress the activity of disease-promoting astrocytes by inhibiting the movement of the XBP1 protein. Neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in the brain may be mitigated through the manipulation of these molecules. Researchers looked at brain tissue from people with MS to back up their findings. A decrease in NR3C2 levels and indicators of decreased NR3C2-NCOR2 signalling was found in astrocytes compared to healthy tissue. Together, these results indicate that disease-promoting astrocyte activities that contribute to CNS pathology are under the control of the equilibrium between XBP1 and NR3C2-NCOR2 signalling. To combat neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration, inhibiting NR3C2 and NCOR2 may be a promising new treatment option for MS and related disorders. Links mentioned in show: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/multiple-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350269 https://www.nationalmssociety.org/What-is-MS https://stemcellthailand.org/therapies/multiple-sclerosis-ms/ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/neurology_neurosurgery/centers_clinics/multiple_sclerosis/conditions/ https://www.msaustralia.org.au/what-is-multiple-sclerosis-ms/ Previous shows: 1- Weekly Wellness Talk Ep 1 2 - Risks and Benefits of Intermittent Fasting  3- Confronting Alzheimer's   4 - Prevent and treat heart disease 5 - Chronic Liver Disease  6 - Lung Injuries Associated with Vaping 7 - Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis 8 - Kidney Failure & IgA Nephropathy  9 - Brain Injuries 10 - Stroke 11 - Spinal Injury 12 - Lyme Disease 13 - Autoimmune Disease 14 - Diabetes 15 - Parkinsons 16 - ALS

    27 min
  5. 31/10/2022

    The Viral Social Media 'Ice Bucket Challenge' help fund a new ALS treatment, but experts have varying opinions about its approval

    In this episode of Optimal Health Weekly we discuss the Ice Bucket Challenge funding research for ALS. ALS or or Lou Gehrig’s disease is a nervous system disease that impacts nerve cells that control our voluntary muscle movement.  For most patients, symptoms do get worse over time, resulting in respiratory failure. Remember the “Ice Bucket Challenge” in 2015? People around the world were dropping buckets full of ice water on their heads and donating money to support the good cause. The IceBucket challenge was started by people with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis disease to help raise awareness for the condition. The viral social media trend also raised $215 million dollars in donations. The ALS association invested some of the donation money into developing and trialling a new therapy for ALS. This year, the Food and Drug Administration approved stem cell therapy clinical trials to treat ALS. Stem cells along with Biologic ALS treatments, can add nearly eighteen months onto patients’ lives. Risk for the first hospitalization was measured at a 54% decrease in those receiving the therapy. These were very significant markers of disease progression. While people living with ALS are excited about the approval, some experts believe it was green lit too soon and without scrutiny.  Links mentioned in show: https://www.als.org/stories-news/ice-bucket-challenge-dramatically-accelerated-fight-against-als https://www.hss.edu/condition-list_amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis.asp https://stemcellthailand.org/therapies/als-amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis/ https://www.ninds.nih.gov/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-als-fact-sheet https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20354022 Previous shows: 1- Weekly Wellness Talk Ep 1 2 - Risks and Benefits of Intermittent Fasting  3- Confronting Alzheimer's   4 - Prevent and treat heart disease 5 - Chronic Liver Disease  6 - Lung Injuries Associated with Vaping 7 - Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis 8 - Kidney Failure & IgA Nephropathy  9 - Brain Injuries 10 - Stroke 11 - Spinal Injury 12 - Lyme Disease 13 - Autoimmune Disease 14 - Diabetes 15 - Parkinsons

    21 min
  6. 17/10/2022

    A Stong Nose Detected the Scent of Parkinson’s, Leading to an Experimental Therapy for the Illness

    In this episode of Optimal Health Weekly we discuss the latest advancements in Parkinsons disease. Parkinson's disease or "PD" is a progressive disease that affects the nervous system and the parts controlled by the nerves. Symptoms often start slowly. The first symptom may be a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are also common, but the disorder may also cause stiffness or slowing of movement The mainstay surgical treatment for movement disorders like Parkinson's is deep brain stimulation, or DBS. This involves surgically implanting two leads into the brain, targeting specific basal ganglia structures. A neurostimulator, much like a cardiac pacemaker, is attached to these leads. New Research at UC San Diego is examining the disease. The scientists are studying handwriting movements, cognition, and the disease's causes, as well as conducting clinical trials of stem cell therapy for treating Parkinsons. Patients with the symptoms of Parkinson's disease have gradually diminished motor function, increasing postural instability, and gait freezing. Fortunately, dopamine replacement therapy can treat these symptoms for years, allowing patients to lead almost normal lives. It is important to note that the prevalence of Parkinson's disease continues to rise, with one to two percent of individuals over the age of 65 infected. The first signs of the disease are tremors and difficulty getting out of a chair. The symptoms also tend to decrease the amount of swinging of the arms and can be more noticeable on one side than the other. They may lose their facial expressions and animation, and they will have difficulty maintaining eye contact or speaking clearly. Links mentioned in show: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons-disease https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/parkinsons-disease/ https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/parkinsons-disease https://stemcellthailand.org/therapies/parkinsons-disease/ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/parkinsons-disease Previous shows: 1- Weekly Wellness Talk Ep 1 2 - Risks and Benefits of Intermittent Fasting  3- Confronting Alzheimer's   4 - Prevent and treat heart disease 5 - Chronic Liver Disease  6 - Lung Injuries Associated with Vaping 7 - Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis 8 - Kidney Failure & IgA Nephropathy  9 - Brain Injuries 10 - Stroke 11 - Spinal Injury 12 - Lyme Disease 13 - Autoimmune Disease 14 - Diabetes

    1h 9m
  7. 29/09/2022

    Research shows that Night owls might be more prone to diabetes & heart disease

    In this episode of Optimal Health Weekly we discuss diabetes. Diabetes is a major cause of blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, stroke and lower limb amputation. Night owls may be more prone to heart disease and diabetes than early birds because their bodies are less able to burn fat for energy. The findings may help explain why night owls are at greater risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and may help doctors to identify patients early on who are more likely to develop the conditions. People who rise early rely more on fat as an energy source, and are often more active in the day, than those who stay up later, meaning fat may build up more easily in night owls, the scientists found. The team divided 54 obese middle-aged adults into early birds and night owls, depending on their answers to a questionnaire on sleeping and activity habits. They monitored the volunteers’ activity patterns for a week and tested their bodies’ fuel preferences at rest and while performing moderate or high-intensity exercise on a treadmill. Researchers describe how early birds were more sensitive to blood levels of the hormone insulin and burned more fat than night owls while at rest and during exercise. The night owls were less sensitive to insulin and their bodies favored carbohydrates over fat as an energy source. Night owls are reported to have a higher risk of obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease when compared with early birds. A potential explanation is they become misaligned with their circadian rhythm for various reasons, but most notably among adults would be work. The findings could affect discussions around the health risks of night-shift work and even changing the clocks to suit daylight hours. If we promote a timing pattern that is out of sync with nature, it could exacerbate health risks, Whether dietary patterns or activity can help attenuate these is an area we hope becomes clear in time. Links mentioned in show: https://diabetes.org/ https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/ https://stemcellthailand.org/therapies/diabetes-mellitus-type-1-2/ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes/ Previous shows: 1- Weekly Wellness Talk Ep 1 2 - Risks and Benefits of Intermittent Fasting  3- Confronting Alzheimer's   4 - Prevent and treat heart disease 5 - Chronic Liver Disease  6 - Lung Injuries Associated with Vaping 7 - Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis 8 - Kidney Failure & IgA Nephropathy  9 - Brain Injuries 10 - Stroke 11 - Spinal Injury 12 - Lyme Disease 13 - Autoimmune Disease

    53 min
  8. 24/08/2022

    Autoimmune Diseases: Types, Symptoms, Causes and New Treatment options

    In this episode of Optimal Health Weekly we discuss common Autoimmune diseases that can produce a wide range of symptoms, depending on the stage. Depending on the kind of immune system dysfunction, either abnormally low activity or high activity may occur. Overactive immune systems cause tissue damage and destruction by attacking healthy cells (autoimmune diseases). Diseases that weaken the immune system leave patients more susceptible to infection. Autoimmune disease get diagnosed when the body's natural defense system can't tell the difference between your own cells and foreign cells, causing our own body to mistakenly attack otherwise normal cells. There are more than 82 types of autoimmune diseases that affect a wide range of body parts. Antibodies may be produced by the immune system in response to an unidentified trigger, but instead of targeting infections, they may begin attacking healthy human tissue. In most cases, medications prescribed for autoimmune illnesses aim to dampen the body's immunological response. Links from Show Notes https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/autoimmune-disorders https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/diseases-conditions/autoimmune-disorders https://stemcellthailand.org/10-autoimmune-disease-risks-treatment-options/ https://www.autoimmuneinstitute.org/resources/autoimmune-disease-list/ Previous shows 1- Weekly Wellness Talk Ep 1 2 - Risks and Benefits of Intermittent Fasting  3- Confronting Alzheimer's   4 - Prevent and treat heart disease 5 - Chronic Liver Disease  6 - Lung Injuries Associated with Vaping 7 - Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis 8 - Kidney Failure & IgA Nephropathy  9 - Brain Injuries 10 - Stroke 11 - Spinal Injury 12 - Lyme Disease

    29 min

About

If you're looking for a podcast on health and fitness that offers short and actionable advice the Optimal Health Weekly Podcast is just for you! Healthcare is not just all about eating right and exercising. Our weekly health podcast covers a good deal about new breakthroughs in biotech &nutrition and bioscience related content. Other topics will also include the safety of junk food products, chemicals in cosmetic products and the effectiveness regenerative therapies in healthcare and mental wellness.

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada