Social-Ize Your Health Podcast (™)

Dr. Shelly Ann

I just love a health and wellness story! I hope you do too. The whole idea of changing one’s life, healthily, truly resonates with me.  As such, good health is to be shared, and if you are not there yet, it won’t be long before, as you join us on ‘Social-Ize Your Health.  Social-Ize Your Health is a monthly podcast where we discuss topics related to health, fitness, skincare, and overall well-being. We will also provide you with the opportunity to share your health and wellness stories and a whole lot more! So, you can go healthy like you mean it!  Join me, Dr. Shelly Ann (not medically), a Researcher, Educator, Certified Nutrition Coach, and most importantly, a Health and Wellness Nut, as I explore the mentioned topics with you and have other candid conversations surrounding health and overall well-being. Just like that!Join me nuh! Update:   🌿 Exciting news! The podcast episodes are now coming to you weekly, while still keeping the seasonal theme you love. I hope you’ll enjoy these bite-sized,  healthful insights as we continue to Social-Ize our health together.Catch you on the next episode  — and as always, stay blessed!

  1. Wellness Trends that Seem Healthy but Often Aren't

    EPISODE 1

    Wellness Trends that Seem Healthy but Often Aren't

    Wellness trends are everywhere—but not all of them are backed by science.  In this episode, we take a closer look at popular wellness trends that sound healthy but may be misleading, ineffective, or even harmful when followed without proper context. From detox teas and extreme elimination diets to the belief that “natural” always means safe, this episode breaks down the science behind these trends.  It explains why balance, evidence, and sustainability matter more than hype. You’ll learn how to spot red flags in wellness advice and make informed decisions that truly support long-term health and well-being. Main Discussion Points: Why detox teas and juice cleanses aren’t necessaryThe risks of extreme elimination dietsThe truth about “natural” products and supplementsOver-exercising and the dangers of wellness extremes.How to critically evaluate health trends before trying themKey Takeaway: True wellness isn’t about quick fixes or fear-based advice—it’s about informed, sustainable habits that support your body over time. ***You can find the full list of researched references and further readings below. Stay in the Know: *** Subscribe to the blog's newsletter to stay informed and enjoy additional health and wellness topics. Things you can do right now to improve your health  Resources/Freebies: 1.     Helpful Blog Posts/Videos:  Exercise, it is more than just for weight lossVitamins OverviewWhy Minerals?Video: Let’s Talk Olive OilVideo: Top Metabolism-Boosting Foods 2.   Almonds and Olivez Wellness Blog References and Further Readings World Health Organization (WHO). Healthy Diet Factsheet.National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Your Digestive System & How it works - The dubious practice of detox – health.harvard.eduWhat’s being cleansed in a detox cleanse - health.harvard.eduNIH Office of Dietary Supplements. Dietary supplements fact sheets.Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Elimination diets and nutrition balance.Recovery that keeps you in the game – American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).For more Health and Wellness tips, subscribe to the ‘Social-Ize Your Health’ Podcast on Spotify and Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.  Thanks for listening! Have a great day!

    20 min
  2. Is Everything Inflammation? What Science Says!

    EPISODE 2

    Is Everything Inflammation? What Science Says!

    Inflammation is one of the most overused words in modern health conversations. From fatigue to anxiety, many people are now told that inflammation is the root cause of everything. But is that actually true? In this episode, we break down the science behind inflammation—what it really is, why it matters, and when it becomes dangerous. You’ll learn the difference between acute inflammation and chronic inflammation. We’ll also explore foods that triggers it and those that can help to keep it at bay and of course, lifestyle factors that can both aid and hinders chronic inflammation. This is a science-based, balanced conversation designed to help you understand inflammation without fear. If you’ve ever wondered whether inflammation is truly behind your symptoms—or if it’s just the latest buzzword—this episode is for you. ***You can find the full list of researched references and further readings below. Main Discussion Points What is inflammation.Acute vs Chronic inflammation.Lifestyle factors and inflammation.Stay in the Know: *** Subscribe to the blog's newsletter to stay informed and enjoy additional health and wellness topics. Things you can do right now to improve your health Resources/Freebies: 1.     Helpful Blog Posts/Videos:  The Mediterranean DietVideo: Let’s Talk Olive Oil2.    Almonds and Olivez Wellness Blog References and Further Readings Abbas, A., Lichtman, A., & Pillai, S. (2021). Cellular and Molecular Immunology E-Book (10th ed.). Elsevier. Calder PC,  et al. (2011). Dietary factors and low-grade inflammation in relation to overweight and obesity. Br J Nutr. 2011 Dec;106 Suppl 3:S5-78. doi: 10.1017/S0007114511005460. PMID: 22133051.Furman D, Campisi J, Verdin E, Carrera-Bastos P, Targ S, Franceschi C, Ferrucci L, Gilroy DW, Fasano A, Miller GW, Miller AH, Mantovani A, Weyand CM, Barzilai N, Goronzy JJ, Rando TA, Effros RB, Lucia A, Kleinstreuer N, Slavich GM. Chronic inflammation in the etiology of disease across the life span. Nat Med. 2019 Dec;25(12):1822-1832. doi: 10.1038/s41591-019-0675-0. Epub 2019 Dec 5. PMID: 31806905; PMCID: PMC7147972.Tsigalou C, Konstantinidis T, Paraschaki A, Stavropoulou E, Voidarou C, Bezirtzoglou E. Mediterranean Diet as a Tool to Combat Inflammation and Chronic Diseases. An Overview. Biomedicines. 2020 Jul 8;8(7):201. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines8070201. PMID: 32650619; PMCID: PMC7400632.Tristan Asensi M, Napoletano A, Sofi F, Dinu M. Low-Grade Inflammation and Ultra-Processed Foods Consumption: A Review. Nutrients. 2023 Mar 22;15(6):1546. doi: 10.3390/nu15061546. PMID: 36986276; PMCID: PMC10058108.Zhang, J. (2007) Yin and Yang Interplay of IFN-γ in Inflammation and Autoimmune Disease. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 117, 871-873.https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI31860For more Health and Wellness tips, subscribe to the ‘Social-Ize Your Health’ Podcast on Spotify and Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.  Thanks for listening! Have a great day!

    23 min
  3. How to Move Pain-Free and Age with Strength

    EPISODE 3

    How to Move Pain-Free and Age with Strength

    Pain is often accepted as an unavoidable part of aging—but what if that belief is wrong? In this episode, I’m joined by an international best-selling author of Pain Culprits and Aging Culprits, a movement and nutrition expert with over 30 years of experience across hospital care, rehabilitation, homecare, and nursing homes. Together, we explore why pain is not a normal consequence of getting older, how movement and nutrition influence the body as a connected system, and why restoring function—not just managing symptoms—is key to long-term health, independence and confidence in your body—at any age. Whether you’re navigating chronic pain, supporting a loved one, or simply want to age well, this episode offers empowering truths you don’t want to miss. Main Discussion Points Why pain is often mistaken as ‘normal aging.’The biggest myths that keep people stuck in discomfort and limitation.The role of functional movement in healthy aging.How nutrition can quietly influence pain, inflammation and mobility.Simple, realistic steps to support strength and independence over time.Featured Guest - Eileen Kopsaftis BS, PT, FAFS, CMI, NE  Ms. Kopsaftis is an international best-selling author of the books Pain Culprits and Aging Culprits. She has spent over 30 years guiding individuals through real solutions to pain and debunking common myths about aging. With hands-on experience in acute hospital care, outpatient rehab, homecare, and nursing homes, she understands the full spectrum of challenges people face as they try to maintain vitality and independence. She is passionate about empowering people to understand why everything in the body is connected, and how restoring function can set us free from pain and limitation. You can also learn more about Eileen Kopsaftis via the links below: ➡️ Eileen's Home Page, Classes, Consultations➡️ YouTube Channel➡️ Pain Culprits! Book➡️ Aging Culprits! Book➡️ Move Without Pain Private ClubStay in the Know: *** Subscribe to the blog's newsletter to stay informed and enjoy additional health and wellness topics. Things you can do right now to improve your health Related Episodes: Candid Interview - Aging Well at 70+Aging like a BossResources/Freebies: 1.      Helpful Blog Posts/Videos:  Exercise, it is more than just for weight lossVideo – Let’s Talk Key Nutrients for a Healthy Diet2.   Almonds and Olivez Wellness Blog For more Health and Wellness tips, subscribe to the ‘Social-Ize Your Health’ Podcast on Spotify and Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts. Thanks for listening! Have a great day!

    32 min
  4. The Blood Sugar Conversation Everyone Should Be Having

    EPISODE 4

    The Blood Sugar Conversation Everyone Should Be Having

    Blood sugar is not only a “diabetes issue.” It’s a wellness issue that affects energy levels, mood, cravings, weight management, inflammation, and long-term health. In this episode, I explore why blood sugar regulation matters for everyone—not just those diagnosed with diabetes. I break down what blood sugar really is, what causes blood sugar spikes and crashes, and how everyday lifestyle habits like stress, sleep, etc. impact glucose control. If you’ve ever experienced energy crashes after meals, constant cravings, or difficulty staying energized throughout the day, this episode is for you. ***You can find the full list of researched references and further readings below. Main Discussion Points What blood sugar is and how insulin worksWhy blood sugar stability matters even if you’re not diabeticWhy blood sugar health is also linked to longevity and inflammationUseful Episodes: Is Everything Inflammation? What Science SaysSleepmaxxing - Optimizing Sleep Like a HackerStay in the Know: *** Subscribe to the blog's newsletter to stay informed and enjoy additional health and wellness topics. Things you can do right now to improve your health Resources/Freebies: 1.     Helpful Blog Posts/Videos: The Mediterranean Diet - Benefits, Foods and How to Follow ItThe Ketogenic Diet - Benefits and Some Cautionary Tales     2.   Almonds and Olivez Wellness Blog References and Further Readings American Diabetes Association. Standards of Medical Care in Diabeteshttps://professional.diabetes.org/standards-of-careHashimoto, K., Dora, K., Murakami, Y. et al. Positive impact of a 10-min walk immediately after glucose intake on postprandial glucose levels. Sci Rep 15, 22662 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-07312-yLudwig DS. The glycemic index: physiological mechanisms relating to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. JAMA. 2002 May 8;287(18):2414-23. doi: 10.1001/jama.287.18.2414. PMID: 11988062.Shukla AP, Iliescu RG, Thomas CE, Aronne LJ. Food Order Has a Significant Impact on Postprandial Glucose and Insulin Levels. Diabetes Care. 2015 Jul;38(7): e98-9. doi: 10.2337/dc15-0429. PMID: 26106234; PMCID: PMC4876745. Spiegel K, Leproult R, Van Cauter E. Impact of sleep debt on metabolic and endocrine function. Lancet. 1999 Oct 23;354(9188):1435-9. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(99)01376-8. PMID: 10543671.WHO. Global report on diabetes https://iris.who.int/bitstream/handle/10665/204871/9789241565257_eng.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=yFor more Health and Wellness tips, subscribe to the ‘Social-Ize Your Health’ Podcast on Spotify and Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.  Thanks for listening! Have a great day!

    24 min
  5. Ultra-Processed Foods: How Much is Too Much?

    EPISODE 5

    Ultra-Processed Foods: How Much is Too Much?

    Walk into any supermarket today, and more than half of what you see is industrially formulated food. In this episode, I break down what ultra-processed foods really are, why researchers are concerned, and how much is too much for long-term health.  You will learn about the NOVA classification system and some conditions that may arise from excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods, including the impact on mental health. This episode is evidence-based, balanced, and designed to help you make informed, not fearful, decisions. ***You can find the full list of researched references and further readings below. Main Discussion Points o   What does the NOVA classification system mean? o   How ultra-processed foods affect appetite and some chronic diseases. o   Practical ways to reduce ultra-processed foods without extreme dieting Helpful Episodes: Is Everything Inflammation? What Science Says!Wellness Trends that Seem Healthy but Often Aren'tStay in the Know: *** Subscribe to the blog's newsletter to stay informed and enjoy additional health and wellness topics. Things you can do right now to improve your health Resources/Freebies: 1.     Helpful Blog Posts/Videos: The Mediterranean Diet – Benefits, Foods and How to Follow It!Video: Why Red Dye No.3 Was Banned?Video: Are Seed Oils Toxic?     2.   Almonds and Olivez Wellness Blog References and Further Readings Baraldi LG, et al. (2018). BMJ Open 8, e020574. Beslay M, Srour B, Me´jean C, Allès B, Fiolet T, Debras C, et al. (2020).  https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. pmed.1003256. Hall, K. D., et al. (2019). Ultra-Processed Diets Cause Excess Calorie Intake and Weight Gain. Cell Metabolism, 30(1), 67-77.e3. Monteiro CA, Cannon G, Moubarac JC, Levy RB, Louzada MLC, Jaime PC. The UN Decade of Nutrition, the NOVA food classification and the trouble with ultra-processing. Public Health Nutr. 2018 Jan;21(1):5-17. doi: 10.1017/S1368980017000234. Epub 2017 Mar 21. PMID: 28322183; PMCID: PMC10261019. Moubarac et al. (2017). Appetite 108, 512–520. Samuthpongtorn C, Nguyen LH, Okereke OI, et al. Consumption of Ultraprocessed Food and Risk of Depression. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(9):e2334770. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.34770 The BMJ Journal - Research: Ultra-processed food exposure and adverse health outcomes: umbrella review of epidemiological meta-analyses doi: 10.1136/ bmj-2023-077310  For more Health and Wellness tips, subscribe to the ‘Social-Ize Your Health’ Podcast on Spotify and Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.  Thanks for listening! Have a great day!

    22 min

About

I just love a health and wellness story! I hope you do too. The whole idea of changing one’s life, healthily, truly resonates with me.  As such, good health is to be shared, and if you are not there yet, it won’t be long before, as you join us on ‘Social-Ize Your Health.  Social-Ize Your Health is a monthly podcast where we discuss topics related to health, fitness, skincare, and overall well-being. We will also provide you with the opportunity to share your health and wellness stories and a whole lot more! So, you can go healthy like you mean it!  Join me, Dr. Shelly Ann (not medically), a Researcher, Educator, Certified Nutrition Coach, and most importantly, a Health and Wellness Nut, as I explore the mentioned topics with you and have other candid conversations surrounding health and overall well-being. Just like that!Join me nuh! Update:   🌿 Exciting news! The podcast episodes are now coming to you weekly, while still keeping the seasonal theme you love. I hope you’ll enjoy these bite-sized,  healthful insights as we continue to Social-Ize our health together.Catch you on the next episode  — and as always, stay blessed!