Dive Into Health MD

Dr. Akshita Mehta
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Education

Dive Into Health MD is where physical, cognitive, and financial wellness collide. Your everyday habits are shaping who you are—and there’s so much worth exploring. On this podcast, we dive into the nuances of all three pillars, with a special passion for food. From uncovering how to find high-quality ingredients to navigating the modern food landscape, we break down the knowledge you need to make choices you can genuinely feel confident about. No pressure. Just curiosity. And a whole lot of discovery. Hosted by Dr. Akshita Mehta, with frequent appearances by Dr. Divya Kurian.

  1. 6d ago

    Why Seed Oils Aren't the Enemy: Omega-6, Dairy, and Protein with Dr. Walter Willett

    Dr. Walter Willett is a leading physician and nutrition researcher whose work has shaped our understanding of diet, chronic disease, cardiovascular health, diabetes, cancer, and long-term wellness. In this episode, Walter Willett joins Akshita to discuss the most debated topics in nutrition, including dairy, seed oils, omega-6 fatty acids, protein, calcium, regenerative agriculture, and ultra-processed foods.Akshita shares her background as a neuroradiologist and explains why she began exploring food as a potential upstream driver of disease. She also discusses her docuseries and CME course on food systems, food quality, and helping physicians guide patients toward healthier choices. Key takeaways Omega-6 fatty acids are essential and are not inherently inflammatory.The omega-6 : omega-3 ratio may be less useful than looking at overall intake and context.Dairy is not essential for a healthy diet, although ~ one serving per day may fit into a balanced eating pattern.Dairy’s main nutritional concern is saturated fat, especially when larger amounts displace healthier fats.A vegan diet can be healthy, but vitamin B12 and other nutrients must be addressed.Physical activity and resistance training are more important for bone health and insulin sensitivity than simply adding more protein.Modern seed oils are generally healthy; the historical concern was largely related to partial hydrogenation and trans fats.“Ultra-processed food” is a broad category that does not reveal enough about sugar, salt, refined grains, fiber, or overall nutritional quality.Eating fruits and vegetables remains a priority, even when organic options are unavailable.Walter describes his Mediterranean-style, plant-forward eating pattern and the importance of regular movement. Timestamps 00:00 - Akshita’s background and interest in food systems 03:45 - Omega ratios and nutrition lab testing 04:28 - Why omega-6 fats are misunderstood 07:50 - Dairy, saturated fat, and essential fatty acids 10:41 - Why dairy is optional, not essential 15:02 - Vitamin B12 and plant-based diets 18:10 - Calcium and fracture risk 25:41 - Grass-fed dairy and environmental impact 31:51 - Milk hormones and IGF-1 43:57 - CLA and dairy health claims 49:19 - Are seed oils healthy? 53:53 - Why “ultra-processed” is too broad 61:25 - High-protein diets and what most people need 65:05 - Resistance training and insulin sensitivity 66:44 - Meat, antibiotics, and sustainability 68:08 - Pesticides and the importance of produce 74:34 - Walter Willett’s daily eating pattern 75:45 - Exercise, sleep, and long-term healthNotable quotes Connect with Dive Into Health MD Book a discovery call: Email: hello@diveintohealthmd.com YouTube: youtube.com/@diveintoHealthMD Instagram: instagram.com/diveintohealthmd LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/diveintohealthmd This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet, supplements, exercise routine, or medical care.

  2. Sep 8

    How to Overcome Insomnia: Micronutrient Deficiency, Nervous System and CBTI+ACT - Dr. Nishi Bhopal

    Dr. Nishi Bhopal is a board-certified integrative psychiatrist and sleep medicine physician and founder of Pacific Integrative Psychiatry in California. She combines functional medicine with evidence-based psychiatry to treat insomnia and mental health at the root level. She educates clinicians through her YouTube channel IntraBalance and offers a patient-facing sleep coaching program called Effortless Sleep. In this episode, you'll learn: – Why hyperarousal — not sleep hygiene — is the real driver of chronic insomnia – How the two-process model (sleep drive + circadian rhythm) governs all sleep – Why sleep regularity beats duration, per a 60,000-person UK Biobank study – What orthosomnia is and how wearables can silently worsen insomnia – Why melatonin is a phase-shifter, not a sleep aid — and how to use it correctly – Which deficiencies in ferritin, magnesium, vitamin D, and B12 disrupt your sleep – How CBTI+ACT outperforms sleep medication for long-term insomnia treatment – Why 30% of chronic insomnia patients have undiagnosed sleep apnea – How blue light's role in sleep disruption has been vastly overstated [00:00] Introduction to Dr. Nishi Bhopal [09:59] Wearables, orthosomnia, and the Oura Ring [16:51] The two-process model: sleep drive and circadian rhythm [25:51] Melatonin: dose, timing, quality, and the JAMA 2023 study [34:52] The blue light myth — and what actually matters at night [37:12] The CSH framework: Circadian rhythm + Sleep Drive + Hyperarousal [40:17] CBTI + ACT: why behavioral therapy beats medication long-term [43:43] What actually causes insomnia: the hyperarousal connection [45:06] Sleep apnea hiding inside insomnia: the 30% physicians miss [52:41] Micronutrients for sleep: ferritin, magnesium, vitamin D, B12 [1:01:53] Walk me through your day with Dr. Nishi Bhopal Connect with Dr. Nishi Bhopal: Website: intrabalance.com Instagram: instagram.com/intrabalance YouTube: youtube.com/c/IntraBalance Practice: pacificintegrativepsych.com Sleep coaching: effortlesssleep.co (Effortless Sleep program) Connect with Dive Into Health MD Book a discovery call: Email: hello@diveintohealthmd.com YouTube: youtube.com/@diveintoHealthMD Instagram: instagram.com/diveintohealthmd TikTok: tiktok.com/@diveintohealthmd LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/diveintohealthmd This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

  3. Sep 4

    Financial Vital Signs: The Link Between Financial and Personal Health with Coach Jose Nadela

    Coach Jose Nadela is a financial coach who specializes in helping doctors and medical professionals build clarity, confidence, and calm around their personal finances. With over 20 years in international corporate finance across 13 countries, he now helps physicians reach what he calls "financial tranquility" — through education and personalized coaching. He does not manage investments or sell products. In this episode, you'll learn: – Why financial health is a core pillar of overall well-being — and how it affects your sleep, relationships, and focus – How to assess your financial vital signs with zero judgment – What net worth, cash flow, and emergency funds reveal about where you actually stand – Why high income doesn't automatically mean financial health for physicians – How your childhood relationship with money still shapes your decisions today – What "financial tranquility" means — and why it's a better goal than financial freedom – How to build a financial plan that starts with your life goals, not your investments [00:00] Coach Nadela's background: 20+ years in international corporate finance, 13 countries, now coaching physicians [03:52] Why financial stress doesn't stay in your bank account — and how it spills into health, relationships, and career decisions [08:06] The financial health checkup: using the medical vital signs framework to assess your personal finances [10:41] The 7 financial vital signs: income, cash flow, debt, emergency fund, insurance, retirement, and investments [14:23] Why your financial plan should start with your life — not your money, not your investments, and not what other doctors are doing [21:44] Redefining retirement: stop treating it as a distant event and start building future flexibility now [26:07] Investment fundamentals: diversification, low cost, and understanding the purpose behind each investment [29:48] What financial tranquility actually looks like — and why peace of mind is the real metric [32:17] The ROI of investing in yourself: skills, health, relationships, and the quality of your decisions [40:55] Making financial reviews a habit — and why pairing them with something you enjoy works Connect with Coach Nadela: Website & Free Financial Clarity Call Free Financial Literacy Course for Doctors A short course to help doctors do their own Financial Health Checkup: Instagram: @coach_nadela4doctors LinkedIn: Jose Nadela YouTube: @coachnadela Connect with Dive Into Health MD Book a discovery call Email: hello@diveintohealthmd.com YouTube: youtube.com/@diveintoHealthMD, Instagram: instagram.com/diveintohealthmd, LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/diveintohealthmd This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

  4. Sep 1

    All Things Beans: How To Tolerate Them If You Can't, Cooking & The Organic Label with Lisa Riznikove

    Lisa Riznikove is the Chief Bean Officer at Foodocracy and Primary Beans, an online marketplace connecting home cooks directly with small farmers and independent food makers. She took over Primary Beans to keep a fair, direct marketplace alive for small organic and heirloom bean growers — and her kids' sports team has been known to request her black bean brownies. In this episode, you'll learn: – Why the organic label is valuable: real proof, not just a marketing claim – Why bean bloat is usually a fiber problem, not an intolerance – How kombu (kelp) cuts the gas-producing carbs in beans — and adds flavor – Why cannellini and kidney beans need a hard 10-minute boil before cooking – What the USDA's new organic rules require, and what they cost farmers – Why some small organic farms are giving up their certification – What a bean's "best buy" date really means (it's not a safety date) – Why heirloom beans taste different but aren't necessarily more nutritious – Whether you need to soak beans before cooking (usually not) [00:00] – Why the USDA organic label exists and what it proves [05:19] – There's no such thing as "chemical-free" — what organic inputs really are [09:47] – What happens when small farms can't afford organic certification [16:06] – Why your farmers market beats any label for nutrient density [18:58] – The life cycle of a bean: seed to harvest [28:15] – GMO vs. hybrid: the difference nobody explains [39:57] – How to store beans (skip the pretty pantry jar in direct sunlight) [44:41] – What "best buy" dates really mean [49:29] – How to prep beans: rinsing, picking through, and what "splits" are [51:41] – Do you need to soak beans? Usually not — here's when you do [54:19] – The pressure cooker method, plus the kombu (kelp) trick for less gas [57:25] – Why "I can't tolerate beans" is usually a fiber-ramp-up problem [1:04:49] – The one cooking rule that prevents most bean-related stomach issues [1:06:37] – About Lisa, Foodocracy, and Primary Beans Connect with Lisa Riznikove Shop: shopfoodocracy.com Connect with Dive Into Health MD Book a discovery call: Email: hello@diveintohealthmd.com YouTube: youtube.com/@diveintoHealthMD Instagram: instagram.com/diveintohealthmd TikTok: tiktok.com/@diveintohealthmd LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/diveintohealthmd This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

  5. Aug 24

    Unproven Peptides, GLP1s, and Reversing America's Obesity Rate — Dr. Krishna Vedala

    Dr. Krishna Vedala is a board-certified internal medicine and obesity medicine physician based in Oklahoma City, with a Master of Public Health and an MBA. He is the host of the Connected by Health podcast and a passionate advocate for prevention, physician leadership, and making obesity medicine accessible to all patients. In this episode, you'll learn: – What peptides are and why only one is truly FDA approved – How GLP-1s reversed the US obesity rate for the first time ever – How dual and triple agonists differ — and which one best preserves muscle – What labs to monitor if your patients utilize unproven peptides – How GLP-1s are getting patients off blood pressure meds, insulin, and diabetic drugs – Where oral formulations, pediatric prevention, and new indications are headed Timestamp: [00:00] Dr. Vedala's background in internal medicine, obesity medicine, public health, and why he ended up in primary care [09:17] Peptides 101: what they are, which are FDA approved, and the difference between GLP-1s and unproven compounds like TB500, NAD+, and ipamorelin [13:18] The US obesity rate dropped from 39% to 36% — the first reversal ever — with 11% of Americans now on a GLP-1 [16:47] Compounded GLP-3 from China, patient overdoses, and what clinicians can actually say or do [22:19] Tapering off GLP-1s: why weight comes back without lifestyle change, and how to find the right maintenance dose [28:18] From semaglutide to tirzepatide to retatrutide: why the glucagon receptor changes the muscle-wasting equation [41:19] Emerging indications: autoimmune disease, alcoholism, Alzheimer's dementia, and the type 3 diabetes theory [44:03] Getting patients off blood pressure medication, insulin, and cholesterol drugs — and why that's the actual goal [53:34] Obesity medicine in 10 years: oral GLP-1s, pediatric prevention strategies, and the decline of injectable reliance [58:51] How to evaluate a compounding pharmacy: ingredient sourcing, sterility protocols, and pricing red flags Connect with Dr. Krishna Vedala: Podcast: Connected by Health Connect with Akshita: Instagram: @diveintohealthmd | Website: diveintohealthmd.com This episode is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your physician before making changes to your medications or health regimen.

  6. Aug 17

    All Things Milk: A2, Grass-Fed Labels, Lab Results & What to Look For with Alexandre Family Farms

    Stephanie Alexandre is a fourth-generation dairy farmer and co-founder of Alexandre Family Farm — a certified organic, regenerative, A2A2 dairy on the Northern California coast. Alongside husband Blake and three of their five adult children, she runs one of the most rigorously tested small dairies in the country, plus a pastured egg operation that started as a kids' project and ended up in Whole Foods. In this episode, you'll learn: – What A2 milk is, why the protein mutation matters, and why most dairy is A1 – Why 98% of people who think they're lactose intolerant can digest A2 dairy – Why "grass-fed" on a milk label is legally meaningless — and what to look for instead – How 18 pasture seed varieties and regenerative farming affect milk nutrition – What lab testing 1,200 milk samples revealed about omega-3s, calcium, zinc, and heavy metals – How vat pasteurization differs from UHT and what it means for nutrients and shelf life – How to store milk properly and what breaks the cold chain before it reaches your fridge [00:00] – Stephanie's background: four generations of dairy, grass-based farming, going organic in 1999 [05:07] – What sets Alexandre apart: organic, regenerative, A2A2 [06:25] – What regenerative farming actually means: soil health, rotational grazing, compost, 18 seed varieties [09:52] – A2 milk explained: the protein mutation, digestibility, and why conventional dairy is A1 [13:31] – Why 100% grass-fed isn't right for every breed — and the genetics bred for it [16:06] – Why "grass-fed" labels are legally unreliable and what certifications actually matter [20:11] – What organic certification guarantees: rBST, antibiotics, and CCOF inspections [26:14] – Dairy products demystified: whole milk, half-and-half, kefir, yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese [32:03] – Cream-top and non-homogenized explained [34:36] – Pasteurization: raw milk risks, vat (145°F/30 min), and UHT (280°F/2–5 sec) [37:50] – Cold chain: how milk goes from 37°F at the farm to your fridge — and where it breaks [42:25] – Lab results: #1 out of 1,200 samples for omega-6:omega-3 ratio, protein, calcium, B2, zinc; non-detectable heavy metals [53:05] – Pastured eggs: twice-weekly coop rotation and why dark yolks can be faked [56:40] – Dairy alternatives: what's actually in oat milk Connect with Alexandre Family Farm Website: alexandrefamilyfarm.com (product locator by zip code) Available at Whole Foods, Sprouts, Natural Grocers, and independent co-ops Connect with Dive Into Health MD Book a discovery call: Email: hello@diveintohealthmd.com YouTube: youtube.com/@diveintoHealthMD Instagram: instagram.com/diveintohealthmd TikTok: tiktok.com/@diveintohealthmd LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/diveintohealthmd This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

  7. Aug 10

    Reversing Insulin Resistance, Optimizing Health in Midlife and Joyful Medicine - Dr. Jennifer Davis

    Dr. Jennifer Davis is a pediatric ICU-trained physician and certified lifestyle medicine specialist who helps women in midlife reverse pre-diabetes and diabetes through what she calls "joyful medicine" — the intersection of healthy lifestyle habits and genuine enjoyment. She believes sustainable change has to feel good, and that joy itself is medicine. In this episode, you'll learn: – What "joyful medicine" means and why enjoyment is essential to lasting health change – How insulin resistance develops in midlife and what's driving it hormonally – Why fiber — not protein restriction — is the key lever for metabolic health – How gut microbiome, GLP-1, and short-chain fatty acids all connect – What labs to ask for beyond a standard A1C – Simple stress regulation practices anyone can start today – Why midlife is the crossroads — and why the body needs more nourishment, not less – How a plant shift (not going fully plant-based) can change how you feel within a week TIMESTAMP: [00:00] – Opening: why changing your diet can prevent recurrence and reverse disease [01:00] – Dr. Davis's background: pediatrician, lifestyle medicine specialist, joyful medicine [02:16] – Her journey: going plant-based, lifestyle medicine certification, and coaching friends through disease recovery [04:27] – Stress and metabolic health: why it's hard to measure and how to approach it [06:11] – Micro joy practices: meditation apps, walking in nature, and the power of just being present [09:41] – The plant shift: why she doesn't require patients to go fully plant-based [12:24] – Food quality: regenerative farms, farmer's markets, and why a farm carrot tastes nothing like a grocery store carrot [15:53] – Metabolic health explained: insulin resistance, GLP-1, hormones, and gut health [17:05] – Labs that give the full metabolic picture: A1C, fasting insulin, ApoB, LPA, hsCRP [19:26] – The six pillars of lifestyle medicine and how she uses them to reverse insulin resistance [21:00] – Fiber's role in metabolic health [22:37] – How fiber works: feeding the microbiome, producing short-chain fatty acids, and stimulating GLP-1 [24:45] – What happens hormonally in midlife: estrogen, cortisol, and why metabolic risk rises [27:32] – Sleep: blue light, wind-down routines, and keeping a consistent sleep-wake time [32:06] – Movement: the most important exercise is the one you'll actually do [33:39] – How quickly people feel a difference when they start making lifestyle changes [34:10] – Joy, purpose, and the Blue Zones connection Connect with Dr. Jennifer Davis https://nourishandthrivemedicine.com/ Connect with Dive Into Health MD Book a discovery call: Email: hello@diveintohealthmd.com YouTube: youtube.com/@diveintoHealthMD Instagram: instagram.com/diveintohealthmd TikTok: tiktok.com/@diveintohealthmd LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/diveintohealthmd This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

  8. Aug 3

    Why the Upstream Fix for Human Health Starts with Soil Health - Evan Harrison, CEO Kiss the Ground

    Evan Harrison is CEO of Kiss the Ground, a nonprofit advancing regenerative agriculture through storytelling and consumer education. He spent 25+ years in the music and digital media industries — leading digital at iHeartRadio and AOL Music — before turning his platform toward soil health and food systems. His daughter introduced him to the Kiss the Ground film in 2020, and he never looked back. In this episode, you'll learn: – What regenerative agriculture actually is and why it matters for human health – How soil health connects directly to the nutrients in your food – Why food transported thousands of miles is less nutritious before it reaches you – How to read food labels and find regenerative products at the store – Where organic, hydroponic, and GMO fit on the spectrum – Why farmers can't just switch to regenerative overnight — and what's changing that – How consumer awareness of regenerative farming grew from 4% to 13% in three years – What physicians can do to start talking about food sourcing as root cause [00:00] – Why physicians moving upstream — toward prevention — is what the food system needs [00:25] – Akshita on going from diagnosing disease to trying to prevent it [03:44] – Evan's journey: music industry, iHeartRadio, and how his daughter led him to soil [11:14] – How Kiss the Ground uses storytelling to shift consumer demand at scale [16:46] – What regenerative agriculture actually is: soil, carbon, water, and human health [19:27] – Consumer awareness of regenerative farming: from 4% to 13% in three years [21:18] – The tipping point theory: why 25% changes everything [23:26] – How to shop regenerative: certifications, labels, and the Kiss the Ground farm map [25:41] – Why food transported thousands of miles loses nutrient density before it reaches you [27:27] – Where hydroponics, vertical farming, and GMO fit in the bigger picture [32:29] – What the transition to regenerative looks like for farmers — and why it's not overnight [37:31] – What farms look and feel like two to five years after making the switch [39:01] – How to get regenerative products delivered to your door on subscription [41:50] – Why aren't all farmers switching? The financial hurdles and subsidy problem [45:36] – What Evan wants physicians to start telling patients about food and root cause Connect with Kiss the Ground Website: kisstheground.com Regenerative Farm Map: kisstheground.com/farm-map Connect with Dive Into Health MD Book a discovery call: Email: hello@diveintohealthmd.com YouTube: youtube.com/@diveintoHealthMD Instagram: instagram.com/diveintohealthmd TikTok: tiktok.com/@diveintohealthmd LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/diveintohealthmd This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

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out of 5
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About

Dive Into Health MD is where physical, cognitive, and financial wellness collide. Your everyday habits are shaping who you are—and there’s so much worth exploring. On this podcast, we dive into the nuances of all three pillars, with a special passion for food. From uncovering how to find high-quality ingredients to navigating the modern food landscape, we break down the knowledge you need to make choices you can genuinely feel confident about. No pressure. Just curiosity. And a whole lot of discovery. Hosted by Dr. Akshita Mehta, with frequent appearances by Dr. Divya Kurian.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Akshita Mehta
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dr. Akshita Mehta