Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring

The Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University
  • 5.0 (6)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Next Level Health bridges the gap between traditional and integrative health through research-backed integrative approaches. Each episode comprehensively explores the latest scientific studies and expert opinions, offering practical insights and actionable advice for optimizing health and well-being. Hosted by Dr. Melinda Ring and featuring leading professionals in the field of integrative medicine, our podcast explores a wide range of topics ranging from nutrition to acupuncture to the latest mind-body therapies and herbal medicine. Whether you're a healthcare provider, a student, a wellness enthusiast, or someone seeking a deeper understanding of integrative practices, Next Level Health provides the knowledge and tools to help you make informed decisions. Join us as we uncover the synergy between conventional treatments and holistic therapies, empowering you to take a comprehensive approach to your wellness journey.

  1. FEB 2

    The Biology of Trauma by with Dr. Aimie Apigian

    Trauma is one of the most overlooked drivers of chronic illness and stalled healing, and it's not just psychological, new research is suggesting it is biological, too. In this episode, Dr. Melinda Ring talks to Dr. Aimie Apigian about how trauma reshapes the body and nervous system, drawing from Apigian's bestselling book, The Biology of Trauma. Together, they explore why creating safety in the body is essential to healing and how understanding trauma's biology can unlock a new path forward.  https://youtu.be/WhAfbdEJccY 00:00 – Why Trauma Healing Requires Mind, Body, and Biology 00:00:14 – Welcome to Next Level Health 00:00:45 – Could Trauma Be the Root Cause of Chronic Illness? 00:01:54 – Trauma Isn't Just Big Events—It's Chronic Overwhelm 00:03:04 – Nothing Is Wrong With Your Body: Removing Shame From Trauma 00:04:11 – When Love Feels Unsafe: How Trauma Shapes Relationships 00:07:09 – Burnout Isn't a Failure—It's a Trauma Pattern 00:08:02 – When the Body Finally Says No: Trauma and Autoimmune Disease 00:10:53 – Trauma Is a Biological Survival Response 00:14:53 – Do All Bodies React the Same Way to Trauma? 00:18:00 – The Five Stages of the Trauma Response 00:22:42 – Freeze and Shutdown Are Not Weakness 00:23:52 – How Trauma Gets Stored as Chronic Inflammation and Pain 00:27:38 – Trauma: The Missing Root Cause in Functional Medicine 00:28:31 – Trauma or Gut Health: Which One Comes First? 00:29:30 – Why Pushing Through Trauma Can Make You Sicker 00:31:23 – Healing Begins With Nervous System Safety 00:34:53 – Your Nervous System Is Always Listening 00:36:57 – How Trauma Patterns Get Passed Down (And How to Stop It) 00:41:14 – Simple Somatic Practices That Help the Body Feel Safe Again 00:43:30 – How to Gently Shift Out of Survival Mode 00:43:50 – A Hopeful Path Forward in Trauma and Chronic Illness Healing Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@OCIHNorthwestern Follow the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmoshercenter/ Website: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocih/index.html Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocih/about-us/newsletter.html

    45 min

  2. 12/22/2025

    The Science of Healing Faster with Dr. Victoria Maizes

    There are science-backed strategies for accelerating recovery from illness and injury by tapping into our body's innate healing intelligence. In this episode, Dr. Melinda Rings talks with Integrative Medicine pioneer Dr. Victoria Maizes about practical advice, actionable steps and integrative approaches for various health conditions, including sleep issues and immune support during illness.   00:00 Introduction to Next Level Health 01:02 Meet Dr. Victoria Maizes 02:32 Maizes' Journey into Integrative Medicine 06:33 Integrative Medicine vs. Lifestyle Medicine 08:07 The Power of Supplements 12:38 Unlocking the Rapid Recovery Reflex 27:32 The Importance of Sleep 33:05 Cold and Flu Season Remedies 37:40 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Subscribe to the channel here:  https://www.youtube.com/@OCIHNorthwestern Follow the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmoshercenter/ Website: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocih/index.html Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocih/about-us/newsletter.html

    41 min

  3. 12/01/2025

    Supporting Someone Through Cancer? Start Here | Dr. Lorenzo Cohen

    Over half of cancer cases and deaths are considered preventable by making healthy lifestyle changes. In this episode, Dr. Lorenzo Cohen, a leading expert in integrative oncology and Director of the Integrative Medicine Program at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Dr. Melinda Ring, discuss six key areas of health and wellness people can use to reduce risk for developing cancer or to support healing and the reduce the risk of recurrence after a cancer diagnosis and treatment. They also delve into the controversial topic of biofield therapies and their potential impact on cancer treatment. The episode offers science-backed insights and personal anecdotes, providing actionable steps for optimizing health and well-being both before and after a cancer diagnosis. https://youtu.be/HX0rCCZzrAk   00:00 Introduction to Next Level Health 00:49 Personal Story and Cancer Prevention 01:17 Meet Dr. Lorenzo Cohen 02:26 Understanding Integrative Oncology 04:26 Stress and Its Impact on Cancer 05:29 Integrative Medicine at MD Anderson 08:46 Biofield Therapies and Energy Medicine 18:18 The Mix of Six for Anti-Cancer Living 22:46 Final Thoughts and Personal Wisdom 25:10 Conclusion and Resources

    26 min

  4. 11/10/2025

    The Hidden Crisis in Children's Health | Dr. Elisa Song

    For the first time in history, today's children are expected to have shorter lifespans than their parents — largely due to diet and lifestyle-related diseases. But there are things parents can do to help reverse this trend. In this episode, Dr. Melinda Ring talks with integrative pediatrician Dr. Elisa Song, author of Healthy Kids, Happy Kids, to explore how families can nurture true resilience — from the gut to the brain and beyond.   https://youtu.be/hilJIFyIfGw 00:00 – Kids' lifespans are shortening: why this matters 00:20 – Welcome to Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring 00:51 – Introducing Dr. Elisa Song: integrative pediatrician and mom 03:11 – The alarming rise of chronic illness in children 05:35 – The microbiome at the root of modern childhood diseases 06:59 – How gut health shapes immune and mental health 12:17 – The role of birth and breastfeeding in microbiome development 13:26 – Why today's babies have fewer beneficial gut bacteria 18:03 – Antibiotics and long-term health: what parents need to know 23:34 – Restoring gut health through food and fermented recipes 26:23 – The vagus nerve: the bridge between the gut and brain 32:20 – Tools and devices that build calm and resilience 36:11 – Final advice for parents: small steps, big impact 37:23 – Closing thoughts from Dr. Ring   TazirzFacz5auq5FTvE0

    39 min

  5. 10/20/2025

    Optimizing Brain Health in a Modern World with Dr. Austin Perlmutter

    Protecting our brain and body in a world that's not always built for it can be a challenge.  In this episode, Dr. Austin Perlmutter, a board-certified internal medicine physician unpacks the forces that inflame and impair our brains and offers tools to protect, nourish, and even rewire them.  00:00 Introduction to Brain Health 00:59 Meet Dr. Austin Perlmutter 01:36 Modern Challenges to Brain Health 04:06 Environmental Impacts on Brain Health 05:18 Diet and Brain Health 17:22 Inflammation and Brain Health 19:42 Practical Steps for Brain Health 19:50 Polyphenols and Brain Health 30:04 Muscle Health and Brain Health 32:53 Supplements and Brain Health 40:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Subscribe to the channel here:  https://www.youtube.com/@OCIHNorthwestern Follow the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmoshercenter/ Website: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocih/index.html Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocih/about-us/newsletter.html

    42 min

  6. 09/29/2025

    Eat, Move, Think Better! with Dr. David Eisenberg

    Food is finally being recognized as an essential part of medicine in institutions and kitchens across the United States. In this episode of Next Level Health, Dr. Melinda Ring welcomes Dr. David Eisenberg, a Harvard-trained physician, pioneer of culinary medicine, and founder of the Teaching Kitchen Collaborative—for an in-depth conversation on the Food is Medicine movement. Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/zATxfxaBbE0 Topics include:   Dr. Eisenberg's journey from baker's son to physician and integrative medicine leader The creation of Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Lives and the Teaching Kitchen Collaborative How teaching kitchens are being scaled across hospitals, schools, and workplaces The research proving their impact on patient outcomes and lifestyle change National policy advances and nutrition competencies for medical education   00:00 – Introduction: Eat, Move, Think Better 00:30 – Welcome to Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring 02:00 – Dr. Eisenberg's personal story: From bakers' son to doctor 09:00 – Early experiences in China: Acupuncture, tai chi, and culinary lessons 13:30 – Founding Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Lives 15:40 – The birth of the Teaching Kitchen Collaborative 19:55 – Pilot studies: Teaching kitchens as laboratories for health 25:00 – The COVID pivot: From in-person kitchens to virtual learning 29:20 – Scaling impact: Teaching kitchens as broadcast studios 30:30 – Food is Medicine movement and national policy advances 36:40 – Nutrition competencies for medical education 41:50 – Challenges and future of implementation in medical schools 45:37 – Dr. Eisenberg's personal wisdom: Teach children to cook 47:41 – Closing reflections and gratitude

    49 min

  7. 09/08/2025

    Brain Food 101: Fueling Your Mental Health and Building Your Mental Fitness with Dr. Drew Ramsey

    In this episode of Next Level Health  @DrMelindaRing  talks with  @DrewRamseyMD  about  how to build better mental health through our daily choices. Dr. Ramsey is a board-certified psychiatrist and pioneer in nutritional psychiatry. They cover the significance of essentials like sleep, nutrition, movement, and social connections for optimal mental health. Dr. Ramsey explains the concept of mental fitness and its scientific foundations like neuroplasticity and the role of inflammation and the microbiome. Practical tips on dietary choices, particularly the benefits of seafood, greens, nuts, and beans are shared. The conversation also touches on the importance of self-awareness, movement, and connection in mental health, and addresses the stigma around mental health, especially among men. Dr. Ramsey emphasizes simple, actionable steps for improving mental health through everyday choices.

    43 min

  8. 05/26/2025

    Cancer Hacks Revealed: Dr. William Li's Grocery & Supplement List for a Longer, Healthier Life

    Can the food you eat be as powerful as cancer-fighting drugs? In this episode, Dr. William Li reveals to Dr. Melinda Ring which everyday foods can boost your health, energy, and even fight diseases such as cancer. He is a world-renowned physician-scientist, speaker, author and leader of the Angiogenesis Foundation. Dr. Li shares his groundbreaking research on how food can be a powerful tool for healing, energizing, and thriving. He discusses his grocery and supplement list for better health, the science behind food as medicine, and the critical role of gut health and inflammation in our overall health and well-being.   https://youtu.be/sGWd8wCtRzY   00:00 – Introduction to Dr. William Li Dr. Li's background as a physician and scientist. Overview of his books Eat to Beat Disease and Eat to Beat Your Diet. The importance of food as medicine. 02:15 – Dr. Li's Go-To Grocery List Recommended foods for better health. How food impacts energy, gut health, and metabolism. 07:16 – The Power of Dietary Fiber and Polyphenols Foods rich in dietary fiber in the produce aisle such as avocado, mushrooms and raspberries. The role of fiber in gut health and inflammation reduction. 08:36 – Overcoming Food Addiction How processed foods can create addiction. Tips for incorporating healthy foods into your diet without feeling deprived. 09:03 – The Negative Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods How ultra-processed foods increase inflammation and damage gut bacteria. The long-term health risks associated with processed food consumption. 13:44 – Discovering New Foods and Sharing Recipes Dr. Li's personal journey of discovering new foods. Example of fiddleheads, forged and sold at a farmers' market and found to be rich in omega 3 fatty acids. This highlights the importance of curiosity in food exploration. 17:25 – How Food Rewires Our Biology The science behind how food activates the body's defense systems. How these systems protect us from diseases like cancer. 22:37 – The Role of Supplements: Resveratrol, EGCG, and Probiotics When and why certain supplements may be beneficial and which ones Dr. Li takes. Dr. Li's advice on balancing food and supplements for optimal health. 25:51 – Probiotics: Lactobacillus and Akkermansia The health benefits of specific gut bacteria. How Akkermansia affects immune response and cancer treatment. 30:23 – Surprising Food Combos for Maximum Health Benefits How to enhance the health benefits of coffee by skipping dairy in coffee. The power of tomatoes and how to absorb more lycopene by cooking them in olive oil. 38:15 – The Importance of Sourcing Quality Food Organic vs. conventional food choices. How to choose the best quality food within your budget.   44:01 – Practical Tips for Healthy Eating at Home Cleaning produce properly. Choosing healthier oils and cooking methods. Dr. Li's advice on making better food choices in daily life. 49:16 – The Holy Trinity of Healthy Beverages Water, tea, and coffee are essential health-promoting drinks – the holy tinity. How to maximize the benefits of each and avoid common pitfalls.   Subscribe to the channel here:  https://www.youtube.com/@OCIHNorthwestern   Follow the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmoshercenter/   Website: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocih/index.html   Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocih/about-us/newsletter.html

    50 min
See All (20)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Next Level Health bridges the gap between traditional and integrative health through research-backed integrative approaches. Each episode comprehensively explores the latest scientific studies and expert opinions, offering practical insights and actionable advice for optimizing health and well-being. Hosted by Dr. Melinda Ring and featuring leading professionals in the field of integrative medicine, our podcast explores a wide range of topics ranging from nutrition to acupuncture to the latest mind-body therapies and herbal medicine. Whether you're a healthcare provider, a student, a wellness enthusiast, or someone seeking a deeper understanding of integrative practices, Next Level Health provides the knowledge and tools to help you make informed decisions. Join us as we uncover the synergy between conventional treatments and holistic therapies, empowering you to take a comprehensive approach to your wellness journey.

Information

You Might Also Like