Doctor Anna, MD

Anna Esparham

Doctor Anna, MD is your go-to podcast for learning pediatric and adult integrative and functional medicine, with an emphasis on the management of headaches, pain, and chronic health conditions. Hosted by Dr. Anna Esparham, a quadruple board-certified physician in Pediatrics, Integrative Medicine, Medical Acupuncture, and Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine, this podcast leverages her extensive clinical and research expertise. Dr. Anna's approach integrates evidence-based practices with innovative therapies, offering tools to enhance patient care for chronic health conditions. We'll discuss clinical hypnosis, nutrition, aromatherapy, supplements, intravenous therapies, ozone, acupuncture, osteopathic manipulative medicine, and more... Featured in The New York Times, Healthy Children, Shape Magazine, and other major outlets, Dr. Anna brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to help you elevate your practice. Whether you're a healthcare professional or an enthusiast of integrative approaches, this podcast is your key to unlocking new dimensions in patient care. Check her out at https://healthispowher.com with her pediatric and adult integrative headache courses soon to be out!

  1. 125. Food as Medicine: The Migraine Nutrition Revolution 🧠🥑

    08/03/2025

    125. Food as Medicine: The Migraine Nutrition Revolution 🧠🥑

    👉 Migraine nutrition isn't as simple as "avoid chocolate" or "ditch the cheese." 📚 In this episode, we dive into a powerful scientific review revealing: 🧠 Why food cravings during the migraine prodrome may be misleading 🥑 The one dietary pattern with the strongest clinical results 🦠 How the gut microbiome might be influencing migraine attacks 💊 And why we must do better than old-school food trigger lists 💡 Perfect for physicians, RDs, nurses, neurologists, pain physicians, PTs & headache specialists looking to personalize care. Here's a link to the abstract of the review article by Dr. Slavin and her team: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31603554/ If you liked this episode or learned at least one thing, please leave a comment/review to help spread the love to healthcare providers/learners Also, there may be some minor glitches due to my new video editing software :( that I'm learning! ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Website: https://doctorannamd.com/ Pediatric Headache Course Information: https://doctorannamd.com/pedhacourse Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/doctorannamd/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6VgD4fdnkUvy1D2n1FZ1cw   DISCLAIMER Anna Esparham, M.D.is a medical doctor, but she is not your doctor, and she is not offering medical advice on this podcast: "Doctor Anna, MD". If you are in need of professional advice or medical care, you must seek out the services of your own doctor or health care professional. This podcast provides information only, and does not provide any financial, legal, medical or psychological services or advice. None of the content on this podcast prevents, cures or treats any mental or medical condition. You are responsible for your own physical, mental and emotional well-being, decisions, choices, actions and results. "Doctor Anna, MD" owned by Health Is PowHer, LLC disclaims any liability for your reliance on any opinions or advice contained in this podcast.

    21 min
  2. 124. Cracking the Code: How to Treat One of the Most Resistant Headaches in Medicine

    06/22/2025

    124. Cracking the Code: How to Treat One of the Most Resistant Headaches in Medicine

    🧠 Are your patients coming back again and again with chronic headaches that don't respond to anything you prescribe? You're not alone—and neither are they. Over 50% of patients presenting with headaches suffer from this refractory, misunderstood condition that can feel impossible to treat. In this episode, I'll walk you through how to confidently diagnose, manage, and finally treat medication overuse headache (MOH)—one of the most common but overlooked contributors to chronic headache and migraine presentations. As a quadruple board-certified physician and academic headache specialist, I've seen hundreds of patients who were stuck in the endless loop of rebound headaches. But once you know how to spot it—and more importantly, how to guide your patient through detox and recovery—you can completely change the trajectory of their health and quality of life. 🎯 In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ How to diagnose MOH—including key patterns, red flags, and how to differentiate it from chronic migraine, tension-type headache, or post-traumatic headache. ✅ What to avoid—the well-meaning mistakes even seasoned clinicians make that can keep patients in the MOH cycle. ✅ The Best Method I've Found That Works—discover which medication and supplements can ease the frequency and intensity of headaches during and after the withdrawal phase. 👩‍⚕️ Whether you're a primary care doc, neurologist, pediatrician, nurse practitioner, physical therapist, or integrative provider, you need to know how to treat MOH. It's not rare. It's not niche. And it's definitely not hopeless. 🎙️ Listen in and take the first step toward becoming the clinician who finally helps your toughest headache patients feel better—and stay better. 💡 If you're ready to master this skill and elevate your headache treatment game, this episode is your essential clinical playbook. 🔔 Subscribe, like, and share this episode with a colleague who's ready to stop chasing symptoms and start transforming outcomes. DISCLAIMER: Anna Esparham, M.D.is a medical doctor, but she is not your doctor, and she is not offering medical advice on this podcast: "Doctor Anna, MD". If you are in need of professional advice or medical care, you must seek out the services of your own doctor or health care professional. This podcast provides information only, and does not provide any financial, legal, medical or psychological services or advice. None of the content on this podcast prevents, cures or treats any mental or medical condition. You are responsible for your own physical, mental and emotional well-being, decisions, choices, actions and results. "Doctor Anna, MD" owned by Health Is PowHer, LLC disclaims any liability for your reliance on any opinions or advice contained in this podcast.

    12 min
  3. 02/16/2025

    123. Top 3 Migraine Headache Preventive Supplements to Treat Children, Adolescents, and Adults

    Want to learn more how to manage headaches in your practice or at home? This podcast will go over the top 3 supplements prescribed in practice from a headache and pain physician. Magnesium, Riboflavin or Vitamin B2, and CoQ10.   I'll describe how to select the correct formulation, when to take, what side effects to watch out for, how your patients should take it, the different doses for children, teens, and adults, and WHY THEY WORK! And why they work so well together versus one nutraceutical alone. If you want to learn more and take the full course on headaches, head over to doctorannamd.com Social Links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorannamd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/annaesparham/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DoctorAnnaMD DISCLAIMER (By listening to this podcast you agree to this disclaimer): Anna Esparham, M.D.is a medical doctor, but she is not your doctor, and she is not offering medical advice on this podcast. If you are in need of professional advice or medical care, you must seek out the services of your own doctor or health care professional. This podcast provides information only, and does not provide any financial, legal, medical or psychological services or advice. None of the content on this podcast prevents, cures or treats any mental or medical condition. You are responsible for your own physical, mental and emotional well-being, decisions, choices, actions and results. Health Is PowHer, LLC disclaims any liability for your reliance on any opinions or advice contained in this podcast.

    13 min
  4. 120. Transforming Lives Through Fitness: Anna Woods and the She Strength Journey

    09/18/2023

    120. Transforming Lives Through Fitness: Anna Woods and the She Strength Journey

    Join us for a journey back in time as Anna Woods and Anna Esparham dive into the nostalgia of their childhood, and get ready to be inspired by Anna Woods' incredible journey in the world of fitness. 🏋️‍♀️ Anna Woods is the powerhouse behind 'She Strength,' a fitness empire with two thriving locations in the heart of Central Kansas. With two decades of experience under her belt, she's not just shaping bodies; she's transforming lives! 💪 Listen in as Anna Woods spills the beans on her secret sauce for success. From working with people with special needs to elite athletes, she's got it all covered. But that's not all! Anna's game-changing fitness app boasts thousands of videos tailored to meet your unique needs. 📱 But it's not all about the reps and sets; Anna's philosophy is all about celebrating the small wins and finding your fitness tribe. Teamwork makes the dream work! 🎉 Discover the magic of shifting your mindset from 'all or nothing' to bite-sized doses of activity, all thanks to Anna's revolutionary app with its handy checklist and a community that's there to cheer you on. 🌟 But that's not the end of the wisdom Anna drops. Tune in as they explore the art of intuitive athleticism and the power of reconnecting with your true self. Through techniques like neuro-linguistic programming, cognitive behavioral techniques, and spirituality, Anna is helping people manifest their growth. 🧠 And don't forget to take a deep breath – Anna's insights on diaphragmatic breathing will leave you feeling more connected to your body than ever before! 💨 Anna's journey doesn't stop there. She dives into the world of Dynamic Neuro Muscular Stability, sharing how it's transformed her coaching and teaching. Her virtual app, Adoptive Fitness Program, athlete programs, and school initiatives are just the tip of the iceberg. Plus, hear how she expertly balances her thriving career with her family life. 🏡 Get ready to be inspired, motivated, and empowered as you embark on this captivating fitness adventure with Anna Woods and Anna Esparham. 🎙️💥 You can find Anna Woods here. Her fitness program and app are phenomenal!  She's my role model! https://shestrength.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shestrength/ Shownotes/Transcript:  https://healthispowher.com/podcast/ep-120

    54 min
  5. 119. Unlocking Children's Mental Health and Emotional Well-being with Lynn McLaughlin

    09/04/2023

    119. Unlocking Children's Mental Health and Emotional Well-being with Lynn McLaughlin

    Join us for an inspiring episode of Health Is PowHer as we sit down with the remarkable Lynn McLaughlin. Lynn is not only a seasoned educator with an impressive background, including roles as Superintendent, Principal, Vice-Principal, Teacher, and Educational Consultant, but she's also a best-selling and award-winning author. Lynn, alongside her niece, Amber Raymond, has co-authored a captivating children's book series titled "The Power of Thought." Their passion for proactive children's mental health shines through, as they believe that equipping kids with emotional management skills from a young age sets them up for a lifetime of problem-solving and positive solutions. Lynn has been the host of the enlightening podcast "Taking the Helm" for over three years. Every Wednesday, she introduces us to courageous guests who are change agents in their own right. You can explore Lynn's extensive archive of episodes, all searchable by keyword or topic on her website, making it a valuable resource for personal growth. In addition to her educational and podcasting endeavors, Lynn is a seasoned professional speaker, sharing her wisdom and insights at local, provincial, and international events. Her unwavering dedication to children's emotional well-being underscores her commitment to ensuring that our children possess the skills, mindset, and strategies needed to thrive in today's complex world. Lynn's passion extends beyond her professional life. She is an active member of 100 Women Who Care Windsor/Essex and a devoted Rotarian. As a brain tumor survivor, she tirelessly supports the goals of the Brain Tumor Foundation of Canada. Join us in this episode as Lynn McLaughlin shares her inspiring journey and insights into empowering children's mental health.   You can find more about Lynn McLaughlin Here: https://lynnmclaughlin.com/ She also has a 20% DISCOUNT for Health Is PowHer Listeners!! BUNDLESALEFEB2023 is the discount code to type in for the order.  It includes - a book bundle of three books from the Power of Thought Series, a set of crystals (every character is named after a crystal),  - A Guide - flippable to check the characters and their connection to crystals as we read the books. - Prompting Questions to ask before, during and after reading a book. - Caricature sketch activities that include the four action steps in each book. Children can practice the strategies and apply them to what is happening in their own lives. https://lynnmclaughlin.com/store/the-power-of-thought-book-bundle   Shownotes Here: https://healthispowher.com/podcast/ep-119 --------------------------------------------------------------- MAGIC MIND ELIXIR DEAL for Health Is PowHer Listeners Magic Mind Drink Elixir: Go to https://magicmind.com/powher and get up to 50% off your subscription for the next 10 days with my code: POWHER20 It is an amazing deal to brighten your day.  With love, Dr. Anna DISCLAIMER Anna Esparham, M.D.is a medical doctor, but she is not your doctor, and she is not offering medical advice on this podcast. If you are in need of professional advice or medical care, you must seek out the services of your own doctor or health care professional. This podcast provides information only, and does not provide any financial, legal, medical or psychological services or advice. None of the content on this podcast prevents, cures or treats any mental or medical condition. You are responsible for your own physical, mental and emotional well-being, decisions, choices, actions and results. Health Is PowHer, LLC disclaims any liability for your reliance on any opinions or advice contained in this podcast.

    37 min
  6. 118. Empowering Our Minds for Top Performance with Mary Rensel, MD, FAAN, ABIHM, Founder of Brain Fresh

    08/21/2023

    118. Empowering Our Minds for Top Performance with Mary Rensel, MD, FAAN, ABIHM, Founder of Brain Fresh

    Join us in this enlightening episode as Dr. Anna sits down with Dr. Mary Rensel, a true visionary in the world of medicine and neuroscience. Dr. Mary Rensel is an MD, Neurologist, Integrative Physician and Founder of Brain Fresh.  Discover how Dr. Rensel's journey led her from a thriving medical career to founding her innovative venture, Brain Fresh. Get ready to dive into an inspiring conversation that delves deep into the power of brain priming, cultivating strengths, and the art of building meaningful connections. Episode Highlights: From White Coats to Brain Fresh: Learn about Dr. Rensel's transition from the traditional medical realm to the realm of neuroscience, as she shares her motivating journey of founding Brain Fresh. Explore how she uses neuroscience tools to empower individuals to harness their strengths and live life to the fullest. The Power of a Growth Team: Discover the significance of surrounding yourself with a diverse group of individuals who challenge and support you. Dr. Mary Rensel and Dr. Anna explore how cultivating a growth team can elevate personal and professional development. Brain Priming and Emotional Balance: Delve into the importance of brain priming and the intricate dance between positive and negative emotions. Gain insights on strategies to balance your emotional landscape and set the stage for a day filled with positivity. Unveiling True Desires with Coaching: Explore the impact of coaching on aligning your wants and needs. Discover how a morning routine can serve as a powerful tool for priming a positive mindset. Preventing Burnout through Strengths and Values: Dr. Rensel shares the significance of building authentic relationships and understanding your core values and strengths to ward off burnout. Learn about the concept of "micro moments of love" and the surprising health benefits of synchronization. Tools for Self-Discovery: Get introduced to the Clifton Strengths assessment, a transformative tool to uncover your values and strengths, as recommended by Dr. Rensel. Dive into the process of identifying and embracing what truly empowers you. Building Online Communities and Self-Care: Gain insights into cultivating a positive online community and the paramount importance of self-care.  Tune In: If you're ready to be inspired by the synergy of medicine, neuroscience, and empowerment, don't miss this episode! Join Dr. Anna Esparham and Dr. Mary Rensel as they navigate the pathways to brain priming, strengths, values, and resilience. Find Dr. Mary Rensel Here:  https://linktr.ee/Dr.MaryRensel She has amazing resources and can't wait to get to work with her more!   Shownotes Here: https://healthispowher.com/podcast/ep-118   --------------------------------------------------------------- Magic Mind Drink Elixir: Go to https://magicmind.com/powher and get up to 50% off your subscription for the next 10 days with my code: POWHER20 It is an amazing deal to brighten your day.  With love, Dr. Anna DISCLAIMER Anna Esparham, M.D.is a medical doctor, but she is not your doctor, and she is not offering medical advice on this podcast. If you are in need of professional advice or medical care, you must seek out the services of your own doctor or health care professional. This podcast provides information only, and does not provide any financial, legal, medical or psychological services or advice. None of the content on this podcast prevents, cures or treats any mental or medical condition. You are responsible for your own physical, mental and emotional well-being, decisions, choices, actions and results. Health Is PowHer, LLC disclaims any liability for your reliance on any opinions or advice contained in this podcast.

    40 min
4.9
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Doctor Anna, MD is your go-to podcast for learning pediatric and adult integrative and functional medicine, with an emphasis on the management of headaches, pain, and chronic health conditions. Hosted by Dr. Anna Esparham, a quadruple board-certified physician in Pediatrics, Integrative Medicine, Medical Acupuncture, and Osteopathic Neuromusculoskeletal Medicine, this podcast leverages her extensive clinical and research expertise. Dr. Anna's approach integrates evidence-based practices with innovative therapies, offering tools to enhance patient care for chronic health conditions. We'll discuss clinical hypnosis, nutrition, aromatherapy, supplements, intravenous therapies, ozone, acupuncture, osteopathic manipulative medicine, and more... Featured in The New York Times, Healthy Children, Shape Magazine, and other major outlets, Dr. Anna brings unparalleled knowledge and experience to help you elevate your practice. Whether you're a healthcare professional or an enthusiast of integrative approaches, this podcast is your key to unlocking new dimensions in patient care. Check her out at https://healthispowher.com with her pediatric and adult integrative headache courses soon to be out!