Better Medicine with Dr. Var: Reset Your Health, Reclaim Your Life

Varsha Nagarsenker MD, DiABFM, DiABOM, DiABLM, IFMCP, MSCP
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED DAILY

Better Medicine with Dr. Var is a science-grounded health podcast that brings together conventional, functional, integrative, lifestyle, and obesity medicine to help you understand why your body feels off — and what actually helps. Hosted by Dr. Var, a triple board-certified physician(Family, Obesity, Lifestyle Medicine) with advanced training in functional and integrative medicine, this podcast is for people who are tired of being told “your labs are normal” while they still feel exhausted, inflamed, foggy, or stuck. Each episode breaks down complex health topics — hormones, metabolism, gut health, inflammation, brain health, weight resistance, and longevity — into clear, practical insights you can use to have better conversations with your healthcare provider and make informed choices about your health. This is not about rejecting medicine. It’s about doing medicine better — by addressing root causes, honoring individual biology, and treating the whole person instead of just managing symptoms. Educational only. Always work with your healthcare provider.

  1. 4D AGO

    The Hidden Gut Destroyers in Your Daily Diet

    Struggling with gut issues despite “doing all the right things”? In this episode, I break down the hidden dietary mistakes that silently damage your gut and prevent healing — even if you’re taking probiotics and eating clean. These foods are common, overlooked, and often labeled healthy. Listen before making your next “gut-friendly” choice. 🎁 Download my FREE Gut Health Restoration Guide: https://varsha-nagarsenker.mykajabi.com/5r-gut-freebie 🎁 Download my FREE Cortisol Reset Habit Tracker: https://varsha-nagarsenker.mykajabi.com/cortisol-reset-habit-tracker 🎁 Download your FREE Symptom Tracker here https://varsha-nagarsenker.mykajabi.com/symptom-tracker Medical Disclaimer This is not medical advice, and I am not your doctor. Watching my videos does not create a doctor–patient relationship with me. All content on this channel is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment, and it should not be used to self-diagnose or replace guidance from your healthcare provider. Do not make changes to your diet, lifestyle, medications, or supplements without first consulting your physician or another qualified health professional. Always seek the advice of a licensed provider with any questions about your health, and never ignore or delay professional medical advice because of something you’ve seen here.

    8 min

  2. FEB 12

    What Are the Most Common Reasons Gut Health Treatments Fail?

    Why does gut health advice fail so many people? In this episode, Dr. Var explains why probiotics, clean eating, and supplements often don’t resolve bloating, IBS, fatigue, or inflammation—and what’s actually missing from most gut health strategies. You’ll learn the five most common reasons gut healing stalls, including overlooked digestive dysfunction, food sensitivities, chronic stress, and environmental toxin exposure. This episode is part of the Better Medicine approach—blending conventional medicine with integrative and lifestyle strategies to help you reclaim your health. 🎧 Subscribe for weekly episodes on gut health, hormones, inflammation, metabolism, and whole-person healing. 🎁 Download my FREE Gut Health Restoration Guide: https://varsha-nagarsenker.mykajabi.com/5r-gut-freebie 🎁 Download my FREE Cortisol Reset Habit Tracker: https://varsha-nagarsenker.mykajabi.com/cortisol-reset-habit-tracker 🎁 Download your FREE Symptom Tracker here https://varsha-nagarsenker.mykajabi.com/symptom-tracker Medical Disclaimer This is not medical advice, and I am not your doctor. Watching my videos does not create a doctor–patient relationship with me. All content on this channel is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment, and it should not be used to self-diagnose or replace guidance from your healthcare provider. Do not make changes to your diet, lifestyle, medications, or supplements without first consulting your physician or another qualified health professional. Always seek the advice of a licensed provider with any questions about your health, and never ignore or delay professional medical advice because of something you’ve seen here.

    11 min

  3. JAN 17

    Thyroid Medications Explained: Which One Is Right for You?

    If you’re taking levothyroxine and still feel tired, foggy, or stuck with weight gain, you’re not alone. Thyroid treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all — and in this video, I break down all thyroid medication options so you can understand what may work best for your body. 🎁 Download my FREE Gut Health Restoration Guide: https://varsha-nagarsenker.mykajabi.com/5r-gut-freebie 🎁 Download my FREE Cortisol Reset Habit Tracker: https://varsha-nagarsenker.mykajabi.com/cortisol-reset-habit-tracker 🎁 Download your FREE Symptom Tracker here https://varsha-nagarsenker.mykajabi.com/symptom-tracker Medical Disclaimer This is not medical advice, and I am not your doctor. Watching my videos does not create a doctor–patient relationship with me. All content on this channel is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment, and it should not be used to self-diagnose or replace guidance from your healthcare provider. Do not make changes to your diet, lifestyle, medications, or supplements without first consulting your physician or another qualified health professional. Always seek the advice of a licensed provider with any questions about your health, and never ignore or delay professional medical advice because of something you’ve seen here.

    6 min

  4. JAN 7

    6 Essential Nutrients Your Thyroid Needs to Function Properly

    Many people with thyroid symptoms are told their labs are “normal,” yet they continue to struggle with fatigue, brain fog, weight gain or weight resistance, hair loss, anxiety, or cold intolerance. In this episode, we focus on one commonly overlooked reason thyroid symptoms persist: nutrient deficiencies that interfere with thyroid hormone function. In this episode, Dr. Var breaks down six essential nutrients your thyroid needs to properly produce thyroid hormone, convert inactive T4 into active T3, and support thyroid hormone signaling at the cellular level. You’ll learn why a normal TSH alone does not always reflect optimal thyroid function, especially when key nutrients are low. We also discuss why some people continue to have symptoms despite being on thyroid medication, and how underlying nutrient deficiencies can limit how well treatment works. This episode is designed to help you understand the foundational nutrient requirements your thyroid depends on — without replacing medical care or promoting unnecessary supplementation. If you’ve been told “your labs look fine” but you don’t feel fine, this episode will help you better understand what may be missing and how to have a more informed conversation with your healthcare provider. 🎁 Download my FREE Reframe Your Thoughts Chart: https://varsha-nagarsenker.mykajabi.com/reframe-opt-in 🎁 Download my FREE Gut Health Restoration Guide: https://varsha-nagarsenker.mykajabi.com/5r-gut-freebie 🎁 Download my FREE Cortisol Reset Habit Tracker: https://varsha-nagarsenker.mykajabi.com/cortisol-reset-habit-tracker 🎁 Download your FREE Symptom Tracker here https://varsha-nagarsenker.mykajabi.com/symptom-tracker Medical Disclaimer This is not medical advice, and I am not your doctor. Watching my videos does not create a doctor–patient relationship with me. All content on this channel is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment, and it should not be used to self-diagnose or replace guidance from your healthcare provider. Do not make changes to your diet, lifestyle, medications, or supplements without first consulting your physician or another qualified health professional. Always seek the advice of a licensed provider with any questions about your health, and never ignore or delay professional medical advice because of something you’ve seen here.

    11 min

  5. JAN 2

    How to Reprogram Your Brain for Calm & Focus Using the Reticular Activating System

    If you feel scattered, overwhelmed, or mentally overstimulated, it’s not a personal failure—it’s neuroscience. In this episode, I explain how a part of your brain called the Reticular Activating System (RAS) acts as a filter for your entire experience of reality. Every second, your brain is flooded with millions of bits of information, but only a tiny fraction reaches conscious awareness. Your RAS decides what gets through. Here’s the key: your RAS is programmable. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why your brain feels overstimulated and unfocused What the Reticular Activating System actually does How stress, distraction, and emotional reactivity get reinforced A simple 2-minute daily habit to help your brain filter for calm, focus, and grounding How one intentional word can recalibrate your nervous system throughout the day This isn’t manifestation or positive thinking. It’s applied neuroscience—working with your brain’s natural filtering system instead of letting it run on autopilot. If you’re navigating chronic stress, burnout, hormone changes, or mental fatigue, this habit can help you feel more regulated and resilient—starting today. This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Please work with your healthcare provider to determine what’s appropriate for you.

    4 min

  6. JAN 2

    Why a Normal TSH Doesn’t Mean Your Thyroid Is Healthy

    Many people are told their thyroid labs are “normal” — yet they still feel exhausted, foggy, gain weight easily, or struggle with mood and energy. In this episode, Dr. Var breaks down why a normal TSH does not always mean your thyroid is functioning optimally and what may be getting missed in standard testing. Using a Better Medicine approach that integrates conventional, functional, integrative, and lifestyle medicine, this episode explains how thyroid hormones actually work in the body — and why symptoms matter just as much as lab ranges. In this episode, you’ll learn: What TSH actually measures — and its limitations The difference between T4, T3, and reverse T3 Why T4 is inactive and must be converted to T3 How stress and cortisol can impair thyroid hormone conversion The role of nutrients like zinc and selenium in thyroid function Why reverse T3 may rise during chronic stress or illness When an expanded thyroid panel may be appropriate Why thyroid antibodies matter, even before labs look abnormal What to consider if you’re on thyroid medication but still symptomatic This episode is especially helpful if: Your thyroid labs are “normal” but you don’t feel well You’re on levothyroxine and still struggling with symptoms You’ve been told nothing is wrong — but your body says otherwise You want a clearer understanding of how thyroid hormones actually work This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always work with your healthcare provider to determine which labs or treatments are appropriate for you. If you found this episode helpful, please follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s been told their thyroid is “fine” — but doesn’t feel that way.

    14 min

  7. 11/06/2025

    Daily Tip #38: Self-Compassion for Stress Reduction

    That harsh voice in your head isn’t motivating you — it’s increasing your cortisol, weakening your immune system, and keeping you stuck in survival mode. In this episode, Dr. Var explains the neuroscience of self-compassion and how simply changing your inner dialogue can lower stress hormones, calm your nervous system, and boost emotional resilience. 🎁 Download my FREE Reframe Your Thoughts Chart: https://varsha-nagarsenker.mykajabi.com/reframe-opt-in 🎁 Download my FREE Gut Health Restoration Guide: https://varsha-nagarsenker.mykajabi.com/5r-gut-freebie 🎁 Download my FREE Cortisol Reset Habit Tracker: https://varsha-nagarsenker.mykajabi.com/cortisol-reset-habit-tracker 🎁 Download your FREE Symptom Tracker here https://varsha-nagarsenker.mykajabi.com/symptom-tracker Medical Disclaimer This is not medical advice, and I am not your doctor. Watching my videos does not create a doctor–patient relationship with me. All content on this channel is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment, and it should not be used to self-diagnose or replace guidance from your healthcare provider. Do not make changes to your diet, lifestyle, medications, or supplements without first consulting your physician or another qualified health professional. Always seek the advice of a licensed provider with any questions about your health, and never ignore or delay professional medical advice because of something you’ve seen here.

    5 min

  8. 11/03/2025

    Don't Dismiss Fatty Liver!

    In today’s episode of Functional Medicine with Dr Var, we uncover the silent epidemic that’s now the leading cause of liver transplants—and it’s not alcohol or hepatitis. Dr Var explains how metabolic associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) develops, why it’s often missed even with “normal” lab results, and what steps you can take today to reverse fatty liver naturally. You’ll learn: The 4 stages of fatty liver and which are reversible Functional medicine approaches to insulin resistance & liver health The latest research on GLP-1 medications and new FDA-approved therapies Practical lifestyle shifts that protect your liver and boost metabolism 🎧 Listen and discover how to take control of your metabolic health before it takes control of you. 🎁 Download my FREE Gut Health Restoration Guide: https://varsha-nagarsenker.mykajabi.com/5r-gut-freebie 🎁 Download my FREE Cortisol Reset Habit Tracker: https://varsha-nagarsenker.mykajabi.com/cortisol-reset-habit-tracker 🎁 Download your FREE Symptom Tracker here https://varsha-nagarsenker.mykajabi.com/symptom-tracker Medical Disclaimer This is not medical advice, and I am not your doctor. Watching my videos does not create a doctor–patient relationship with me. All content on this channel is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment, and it should not be used to self-diagnose or replace guidance from your healthcare provider. Do not make changes to your diet, lifestyle, medications, or supplements without first consulting your physician or another qualified health professional. Always seek the advice of a licensed provider with any questions about your health, and never ignore or delay professional medical advice because of something you’ve seen here.

    23 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Better Medicine with Dr. Var is a science-grounded health podcast that brings together conventional, functional, integrative, lifestyle, and obesity medicine to help you understand why your body feels off — and what actually helps. Hosted by Dr. Var, a triple board-certified physician(Family, Obesity, Lifestyle Medicine) with advanced training in functional and integrative medicine, this podcast is for people who are tired of being told “your labs are normal” while they still feel exhausted, inflamed, foggy, or stuck. Each episode breaks down complex health topics — hormones, metabolism, gut health, inflammation, brain health, weight resistance, and longevity — into clear, practical insights you can use to have better conversations with your healthcare provider and make informed choices about your health. This is not about rejecting medicine. It’s about doing medicine better — by addressing root causes, honoring individual biology, and treating the whole person instead of just managing symptoms. Educational only. Always work with your healthcare provider.

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