The Habit Healers

Laurie Marbas, MD, MBA
  • 4.7 (204)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to The Habit Healers Podcast—where transformation starts with a single habit. Hosted by Dr. Laurie Marbas, this podcast is for anyone ready to break free from chronic health struggles, rewire their habits, and create lasting healing. Through powerful stories, science-backed strategies, and real-world tools, we dive deep into the micro shifts that lead to massive health transformations. You’ll learn how to heal beyond prescriptions—how to nourish your body, reprogram your mind, and build the habits that make vibrant health effortless. Whether you’re looking to reverse disease, boost energy, or finally make health a way of life, this podcast will show you how. Because true healing isn’t about willpower—it’s about design. And you’re always just one healing habit away. drlauriemarbas.substack.com

  1. Why Is Pickleball Sending So Many People to the Emergency Room?

    15H AGO

    Why Is Pickleball Sending So Many People to the Emergency Room?

    In this episode, I’m digging into a question that sounds almost absurd until you look at the data: why is pickleball—arguably the “sweetest, safest-looking” sport in the park—sending so many people to the emergency room? Pickleball looks harmless. The court is small. The serve is underhand. The ball is basically a wiffle ball. And yet, ER records tell a different story: fractures (especially wrists), sprains, strains, and a pattern that’s hard to ignore—older adults showing up for pickleball injuries at rates that started to rival tennis. I walk through what’s really happening, and why the sport’s design quietly creates the perfect setup for falls, tendon overload, and sudden-stop injuries. I explain how two rules—the double bounce and the kitchen—shape the way your body has to move: quick lunges, short sprints, abrupt decelerations, and reactive steps at the net. It doesn’t look like sprinting, but it often acts like sprinting in bursts. And that mismatch—between what the game demands and what many bodies are prepared for—is where trouble starts. But I’m not here to villainize pickleball. In fact, I make the case for why it’s one of the most powerful “stealth health” activities out there: it’s fun enough that people actually show up, it can hit moderate intensity, and studies suggest benefits for lower-body power, cognition, and even chronic pain when it’s introduced with a smart ramp-up. The problem isn’t pickleball—it’s the gap between enthusiasm and preparation. We also get specific about the injuries that worry clinicians: the Achilles rupture story (tendons adapt slowly, even when you feel “fit”), the rare-but-serious eye injuries that can threaten vision, and the overuse problems the ER doesn’t capture—things like tennis elbow and shoulder tendinopathy that creep in when you play back-to-back without recovery. And then I give you the practical fix: how to make pickleball safer without ruining the fun. I walk through a simple warm-up framework (RAMP), the strength and balance basics that reduce fall risk, and the small decisions that matter more than people realize—court shoes, gradual play-time build, rest days, and yes, eye protection if you’re living at the net. This isn’t about playing harder. It’s about playing longer.Dr. Marbas Substack: https://drlauriemarbas.substack.com/ A Big Thank You To Our Sponsors: If you want the best supplement to help you on your plant-based journey, you have to try Complement: https://lovecomplement.com/?aff=62 Get full access to The Habit Healers at drlauriemarbas.substack.com/subscribe

    16 min
  2. Anti-inflammatory foods for your brain with Chef Martin Oswald

    6D AGO

    Anti-inflammatory foods for your brain with Chef Martin Oswald

    Thank you Marg KJ, Afsi, Sherrie McGraw, Eve Franco, Tony, and many others for tuning into my live video with Chef Martin Oswald! Brain Food That Actually Tastes Good: A Feast for Your Neurons (and Tastebuds) We went live today from Las Vegas to Vienna, and if you missed it, you missed a masterclass on how to turn “medical advice” into a culinary masterpiece. We are gearing up for the Brain Summit (Feb 23rd–28th), where we’ll be interviewing experts like Annie Fenn, MD , Jud Brewer MD PhD , Chris Miller MD, Julie Fratantoni, PhD, and Dr. Dominic Ng. But today wasn’t just about talking science; it was about putting Dr. Chris Miller’s anti-inflammatory protocols directly onto a plate. The goal? Decreasing stroke risk, fighting atherosclerosis, and keeping those blood vessels wide open to feed your brain. Here is the breakdown of the “strategic dishes” Chef Martin whipped up. The Strategy: Avoiding “Flavor Fatigue” Chef Martin Oswald introduced a fascinating concept today: Flavor Fatigue. When you eat a dish that tastes exactly the same from the first bite to the last, your palate gets bored. To keep healthy eating exciting, you need layers. You need a mix of hot and cold, cooked and raw, spicy and tart. Here is how he built the ultimate Anti-Inflammatory Bowl. 1. The Roasted Base Martin didn’t just throw veggies on a pan; he layered the antioxidants: * The Power Move: He started with cauliflower (cruciferous) and dusted it with turmeric. * The Fiber: Chickpeas went in for their soluble fiber to help grab cholesterol and feed gut bacteria. * The Spice: He used Garam Masala. It’s Martin’s favorite spice blend because it is loaded with high-polyphenol spices like clove. Chef’s Tip: Watch your oil. Instead of free-pouring olive oil, Martin suggests using a teaspoon or even a splash of water to keep the calorie density low, which is crucial for stroke prevention. 2. The “Raw” element (Vital for Vitamin C) Here is something we often forget: Vitamin C is heat-sensitive. If you cook your peppers or fruits, you lose a significant amount of that nutrient. To solve this, Martin created a raw Purple Coleslaw right in the middle of the bowl: * The Crunch: Red cabbage (the cheapest, most effective antioxidant bang for your buck). * The Surprise: He added blueberries directly into the slaw instead of raisins. * The Dressing: A mix of tahini, lemon juice, and a touch of date syrup to break down the cabbage fibers. 3. The Endothelial Boosters To finish the bowl, he added cooked beets and raw arugula. Why? Nitrates. These are essential for the endothelial lining of your blood vessels, ensuring good blood flow to the brain. Get the Full Anti-Inflammatory Bowl Recipe Here. Dessert: “Carolyn’s Clafoutis” (The Healthy Remake) We can’t talk brain health without talking about berries. Dr. Jud Brewer loves them, and so do we. Martin’s wife, Carolyn, makes a healthy version of the classic French Clafoutis, that usually loaded with heavy cream, butter, and sugar. Martin is sharing her recipe and how she turned it into a brain-healthy powerhouse without sacrificing that custard-like texture. The 5-Ingredient Fix: * Frozen Blueberries: He used frozen because they are picked at peak ripeness and retain their nutrients. * The Liquid: Almond milk (or oat milk) mixed with a little yogurt for acidity. * The Binder: Tapioca flour (or arrowroot) mixed with almond flour. * The Omega-3s: Soaked ground flaxseeds. * The Sweetener: A touch of date sugar or maple syrup. The result? A purple, custard-like treat that melts in your mouth, minus the saturated fat. Eat the Rainbow By the time Martin finished plating, we counted nearly 15 different plants in just one meal. From the shiitake mushrooms to the fresh parsley garnish, this is what gut diversity looks like. Read my article on “The Rainbow Plate: A System So Simple It Will Change the Way You Eat Forever” Coming Up Next We are back next Wednesday for another live cooking session. We’ve covered veggies and berries; next week, we are diving into healthy fats. Martin will be demonstrating the smart way to cook Salmon (for those who eat fish) so you don’t destroy the delicate Omega-3s with high heat. See you then! Get full access to The Habit Healers at drlauriemarbas.substack.com/subscribe

    52 min
  3. What Happens When You Try to Walk Like This?

    FEB 11

    What Happens When You Try to Walk Like This?

    In this episode, I’m sharing a movement that looks a little ridiculous… but tells you a lot about your body in seconds: the duck walk—walking forward while staying in a deep squat. I take you back to where it actually came from: not fitness, but medicine. In the 1950s, orthopedic surgeons used the duck walk as a quick stress test for knee problems—especially the meniscus—because deep bending under body weight can reveal issues fast. And that’s exactly why it’s so interesting: it’s not just an exercise, it’s a snapshot of your mobility, strength, balance, and joint tolerance all at once. I break down what the duck walk really is (deep squat + tiny controlled steps), why it feels brutally hard almost immediately, and what’s happening under the hood—your quads and glutes staying “on” the whole time, the higher energy cost, and the balance/proprioception challenge that makes most people wobble at first. Then I share my own story: after breaking my left ankle and spending weeks in a boot, I struggled to fully get my mobility back—even when I stretched. The duck walk surprised me. It helped restore ankle dorsiflexion, made my deep squat steadier, and the improvement was noticeable enough that I kept it as a long-term practice. But I’m also very clear about the fine print. This movement asks a lot from your knees. I walk through the key structures it stresses (patellofemoral joint, tibiofemoral joint, meniscus), the warning signs that mean you should stop (sharp pain, swelling later, catching/locking, giving way), and who should skip it or only do it with guidance. Finally, I give you the practical “how”: treat it like a skill, start supported, keep steps small, modify the depth, and progress through simple phases over a few weeks instead of turning it into a knee lottery. If you want a fast way to assess where your weak link is—ankles, knees, balance, or strength—this episode will help you figure it out and build it safely.Dr. Marbas Substack: https://drlauriemarbas.substack.com/ A Big Thank You To Our Sponsors: If you want the best supplement to help you on your plant-based journey, you have to try Complement: https://lovecomplement.com/?aff=62 Get full access to The Habit Healers at drlauriemarbas.substack.com/subscribe

    6 min
  4. I bet your doctor never mentioned this with Dr. Chris Miller

    FEB 7

    I bet your doctor never mentioned this with Dr. Chris Miller

    Thank you Rod Miller, Afsi, Diane J Jacobs, Ann Therriault, and many others for tuning into my live video with Chris Miller MD! You Are Only as Old as Your Endothelium We often ask, “How is your blood pressure?” or “How is your cholesterol?” But when was the last time anyone asked you, “How are your blood vessels?” In this chat, Chris Miller MD and I stop looking at the heart as just a pump and start looking at the pipes. We specifically look at the endothelium. This is a layer one cell thick that lines your entire vascular system. It is your lifeline to every organ in your body. If it ages faster than you do, you are in trouble. The Damage Dealers: Oxidative Stress Your endothelium is sensitive. It is actually an endocrine system, not just a wall. What makes it stiff and rigid? * The Usual Suspects: Spiking blood sugar, high salt intake, and ultra-processed foods damage the lining. * The Silent Killer: Oxidative stress. Think of this as biological rust from pollution, smoke, or just the metabolic waste of living. * The Lifestyle Hit: Lack of exercise makes vessels stiff while chronic stress clamps them down and makes them rigid. The Healing Habits Protocol You do not need a complete life overhaul overnight. Dr. Chris suggests small habits that compound. 1. The Exercise Prescription * Just Walk: It is arguably the best thing for vascular relaxation. * Add Resistance: Even two days a week makes a difference. * The Secret Weapon: Yoga and stretching improve vagal tone. This helps relax stiff vessels even further. 2. The Menu * Nitric Oxide Boosters: Beets, arugula, and leafy greens help the endothelium produce nitric oxide to dilate naturally. * The Protector: Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the endothelial lining. 3. The Sleep Non-Negotiable * If you only do one thing, go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. Even if your sleep quality isn’t perfect yet, the rhythm helps reset your biology. The Audit, Acceptance, Action Mindset We got a little philosophical at the end. We realized that health is not about shaming yourself for the genetics you were dealt. * Audit: Know your numbers. Get a baseline. Look at your lipids, your CRP (inflammation), and your fasting insulin. * Acceptance: Stop fighting your history. Dr. Chris had to accept her Lupus journey. I had to accept my difficult menopause. Radical acceptance stops the “shame train”. * Action: Once you know where you are and accept it, take one small step. I shared a story about a patient of mine who reversed Type 2 diabetes. She started by simply walking to the end of her driveway. Coming Up We also teased our upcoming Brain Health Mini Substack Summit at the end of the month. We will dive into neuroinflammation and how to clear the fog. Watch the full replay above to hear Dr. Chris’s take on “Flow” states and why leaving the ER was the best thing for her health Get full access to The Habit Healers at drlauriemarbas.substack.com/subscribe

    39 min
  5. The Secret to Brain Health: Elevating Flavor to Replace Sodium

    FEB 4

    The Secret to Brain Health: Elevating Flavor to Replace Sodium

    Thank you Cindy Chance, Marg KJ, Afsi, Cathy Moffitt Boyd, Denise Tarasuk, and many others for tuning into my live video with Chef Martin Oswald! We have a massive announcement! We are thrilled to officially announce the upcoming Brain Health Mini Substack Summit, a mini Substack summit taking place the last week of February (Feb 23rd - 28th). I think this will be the first of its kind! (Please share this with your friends and family who would enjoy this amazing event!) I will be interviewing five incredible experts, including Annie Fenn, MD , Dr. Dominic Ng , Julie Fratantoni, PhD , Chris Miller MD , and Jud Brewer MD PhD, live for 30 minutes each day. But here is the best part: Chef Martin Oswald is creating a specific brain-health recipe for each interview based on the ingredients provided by those experts. Then on the last day of the summit, February 28th, Martin and I will go live to talk about the recipes and answer any and all of your questions. Don’t miss out on this unique event where medicine meets culinary art. Subscribe now so you don’t miss a single interview or recipe. Want to go deeper with us? Join Martin and me in our Culinary Healing Group for exclusive community support and deeper dives into food as medicine and weekly private group meetings with me. Join the Culinary Healing Group here. The Silent Enemy: Why Sodium Matters for Your Brain Today, we are diving deep into sodium and brain health. You hear about “low sodium” all the time, but why is it actually important? High blood pressure is a leading cause of death worldwide, and often, it’s undetectable unless you are actively measuring it. Excess sodium is a major driver of high blood pressure, especially for those with metabolic disease or insulin resistance. Think of it this way: “Where the sodium goes, the water flows”. When you consume excess sodium, fluid retention increases blood pressure within your vessels. But beyond that, sodium actually stiffens the blood vessels. This forces your heart to work harder and can starve the brain of nutrients, leading to fatigue, forgetfulness, and even cognitive decline. But here is the challenge: Everything tastes better with salt. It’s the default setting for flavor. So, how do we protect our brains without resigning ourselves to bland food? Martin has the answers. The Chef’s Toolkit: How to Engineer Flavor Without Salt Chef Martin Oswald walked us through a fascinating “Flavor Wheel” designed to replace the sensation of salt with other potent characteristics. It’s not just about removing sodium; it’s about building layers of flavor that outshine the need for it. 1. The Herb Layer Don’t just look for “salt substitutes.” Look to herbs that mimic the profile of sodium. * Celery Leaves: This is Martin’s top recommendation. The leaves have a flavor profile very close to sodium. * Lovage: Known in Europe as the “Maggi herb,” it has a complex, herbaceous flavor that crosses parsley, celery, and basil. * Rosemary & Thyme: Use the whole sprig in soups and stews to let the leaves cook off and impart deep flavor. 2. The “Sting” (Acid & Spice) Salt gives a little “prickle” on the tongue. To replace that, we need ingredients that offer a similar sensation. * Sichuan Peppercorns: These provide a unique numbing or prickly sensation that distracts the palate from the lack of salt. * Sumac: A spice with a sour, prickly characteristic. It’s fantastic in hummus or sprinkled over risotto. * Citric Acid: The secret ingredient in many salt-free blends. It provides that sharp sourness and “sting” found in candy and processed foods, but can be used as a cooking tool. 3. Umami: The Fullness Factor Umami provides the roundness and satisfaction we usually get from salt. * Mushrooms: While Porcini is the gold standard, dried Shiitake mushrooms are a budget-friendly way to get massive umami flavor. You can even grind them into a powder to use as a spice. * Nutritional Yeast & Tahini: Great for adding savory depth. * Seaweeds (Kelp/Nori): These provide that “ocean” flavor and are a critical source of Iodine. Note: If you cut iodized salt, ensure you are getting iodine from other sources for thyroid health. 4. The Fermentation Game-Changer Fermented foods are perhaps the most powerful tool for replacing sodium because their “funkiness” and tanginess mimic the sensation of salt. * Fermented Cashew Butter: Martin revealed a new “Flavor Bomb”, cashew butter fermented with miso and lemon zest. It eats like sour cream and adds incredible richness. * Miso: While it contains sodium, the high potassium content can help negate blood pressure effects, and you can dilute it with other ingredients. * Almond Milk Kefir: A great way to add thickness and tang to dressings. 5. Sweet & Sour Reductions We also discussed using glazes to fool the palate. * Blueberry Balsamic Coulis: Instead of sugary store-bought glazes, reduce vinegar by 75%, then cook it down with fresh blueberries (skin on for pectin) to make a thick, tart sauce. * Pomegranate Molasses: A thick, tart, and deeply flavorful drizzle that works beautifully on roasted vegetables. * Preserved Lemon: By cooking whole lemons (blanched to remove bitterness) and preserving them, you get a product that adds brightness to risottos and salads without the mountain of salt traditionally used in Moroccan curing. What’s Next? This was just a preview! Next week, we will continue this conversation focusing on weight control and plaque prevention for the heart and brain. We will see you then! Please subscribe so you won’t miss the Brain Health Substack Summit.Comment below if you are looking forward to this and tag anyone who might be interested in attending. Get full access to The Habit Healers at drlauriemarbas.substack.com/subscribe

    58 min
  6. Are Animals the Most Powerful Medicine We Have?

    FEB 4

    Are Animals the Most Powerful Medicine We Have?

    In this episode, I’m asking a question that sounds a little wild until you start looking at the evidence: are animals the most powerful medicine we have? And I’m not talking about magic—I’m talking about biology, behavior, and the quiet ways other species seem to “read” us better than we read ourselves. I start with Oscar, the hospice cat who stunned a nursing home staff by repeatedly curling up beside residents just hours before they died. From there, I zoom out into the bigger pattern: the silent, constant conversation between human bodies and animal senses—smell, breath, posture, rhythm, routine. I explore how we communicate across species without words, from the way dogs (and even cats) follow our pointing and gaze, to the oxytocin loop that kicks in when a dog holds eye contact, shifting both of us toward calm and connection. Then I go deeper into the long history of partnership—wolves at ancient campfires turning into dogs, cats showing up where grain attracted mice, and how co-evolution didn’t just change them… it shaped us. I talk about attachment, why a dog can feel like a “secure base” the way a parent does for a child, and what research suggests about stress, cortisol, blood pressure, loneliness, and even immune training in kids raised around pets. We also get practical: what happens when animals become part of the treatment plan—therapy dogs on hospital floors, service dogs helping veterans with PTSD, animals acting as bridges for kids with autism, and horses used in rehab. And yes, I go to the edge of the map: sea lions that may keep someone afloat, elephants that appear to mourn, a pig that saved a woman’s life, and dogs that can sometimes detect seizures, low blood sugar, or even cancer. But I don’t skip the fine print. I talk about zoonotic risks, bites, hospital infection control, and the ethical line between partnership and exploitation—because if animals are part of health, their wellbeing has to be part of the equation too. By the end, I’m left with the real question: if animals already function like quiet, unpaid members of the healthcare team… what would it look like to treat that bond as something we plan for—on purpose? Dr. Marbas Substack: https://drlauriemarbas.substack.com/ A Big Thank You To Our Sponsors: If you want the best supplement to help you on your plant-based journey, you have to try Complement: https://lovecomplement.com/?aff=62 Get full access to The Habit Healers at drlauriemarbas.substack.com/subscribe

    33 min
  7. The Generosity Paradox: Understanding the Complexities of Giving and Getting

    FEB 2

    The Generosity Paradox: Understanding the Complexities of Giving and Getting

    In this episode of the Habit Healers podcast, Dr. Laurie welcomes Dr. Jud Brewer to discuss his Substack article, "The Generosity Paradox." Dr. Brewer explores the complexities of generosity, emphasizing that it is not as straightforward as many believe. He delves into the emotional aspects tied to giving, such as guilt and giver's remorse, and highlights that generosity encompasses more than just monetary donations. The conversation introduces three different types of generosity, starting with the "transactional loop," where giving is linked to an expectation of receiving something in return. Join us for a thought-provoking discussion that unpacks the deeper components of generosity and its impact on our lives.Link to Dr. Jud's article: https://judbrewer.substack.com/p/the-generosity-paradox-why-your-brainDr. Marbas Substack: https://drlauriemarbas.substack.com/A Big Thank You To Our Sponsors:If you want the best supplement to help you on your plant-based journey, you have to try Complement: https://lovecomplement.com/?aff=62 Get full access to The Habit Healers at drlauriemarbas.substack.com/subscribe

    31 min
  8. Cardio isn't enough, so run to the iron

    JAN 30

    Cardio isn't enough, so run to the iron

    If you’ve ever felt like you have to choose between running for your heart or lifting for strength, I’m here to tell you that’s the wrong question. In this episode, I walk through the simple truth the research keeps repeating: cardio and resistance training do different jobs, and if you want your workouts to fight aging—not just burn calories—you need both. I’ll explain why cardio is great at supporting your heart and metabolism, but why lifting is the lever that protects the stuff that actually makes aging harder: muscle, bone density, and the ability to keep moving well. We’ll talk about bones in particular—because they don’t respond to wishful thinking. They respond to force. If you want stronger hips and spine over time, you have to put your body under a load that feels heavy. Then I get into the real reason most of us skip strength work: not laziness—friction. The tiny barriers (drive time, waiting for equipment, “I’ll do it later”) quietly kill the habit. So I share the strategy that actually works: habit stacking—bolting lifting onto the cardio you already do, so it becomes automatic instead of optional. I’ll also give you my favorite “zero commute” tools that take up almost no space—a doorstop kettlebell, a weighted vest, a sandbag—and exactly what “heavy” means in real life (hint: 8–12 reps, with the last two feeling brutal). Because the bottom line is this: your heart needs movement… but your bones need battle.Dr. Marbas Substack: https://drlauriemarbas.substack.com/ A Big Thank You To Our Sponsors: If you want the best supplement to help you on your plant-based journey, you have to try Complement: https://lovecomplement.com/?aff=62 Get full access to The Habit Healers at drlauriemarbas.substack.com/subscribe

    4 min
See All (114)

4.7
out of 5
204 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Habit Healers Podcast—where transformation starts with a single habit. Hosted by Dr. Laurie Marbas, this podcast is for anyone ready to break free from chronic health struggles, rewire their habits, and create lasting healing. Through powerful stories, science-backed strategies, and real-world tools, we dive deep into the micro shifts that lead to massive health transformations. You’ll learn how to heal beyond prescriptions—how to nourish your body, reprogram your mind, and build the habits that make vibrant health effortless. Whether you’re looking to reverse disease, boost energy, or finally make health a way of life, this podcast will show you how. Because true healing isn’t about willpower—it’s about design. And you’re always just one healing habit away. drlauriemarbas.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Laurie Marbas, MD, MBA
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    114
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Laurie Marbas, MD, MBA
  • Show Website
    The Habit Healers

You Might Also Like