Dive Into Health MD

Dr. Akshita Mehta

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.

Episodes

  1. 1d ago

    Design Your Life Through Resilience and Intention

    Dr. Olga Deengar is a hospitalist, certified life coach, and founder of Coach Olga MD. She helps high-achieving women physicians and professionals gain energy, clarity, and purpose using her signature DAMA framework. She's also a mom of three boys, host of the Coffee Playdate Podcast, and weekly newsletter writer. Timestamps: 00:51 – Welcome & intro to Dr. Olga Deengar 01:15 – Her background: hospitalist, life coach, DAMA framework, Coffee Plated Podcast 03:28 – Daily habits that would surprise you: 5 AM power hour + exercise 5x/week 06:57 – From full-time hospitalist to stay-at-home mom: the identity shift no one talks about 09:30 – A serious postpartum infection that reframed her entire life and led her to coaching 14:04 – What she sees as a locum hospitalist: why small gestures transform patient recovery 16:15 – How to stay out of the hospital: movement, nutrition, and sleep 18:11 – The DAMA Framework explained: Driven, Aligned, Building Momentum, Taking Action 21:20 – "I don't have enough time" — the #1 coaching challenge and how to reframe it 26:38 – Walk through her day: sleep with a 1-year-old and the magic power hour 28:55 – Parenting habits she swears by: breakfast guessing games, whiteboard check-ins, gratitude candle, journaling with kids 35:25 – Cognitive health: nightly meditation, Tony Robbins breathwork, and weekly journaling 40:10 – Financial health: multiple income streams, real estate, and growing a business 41:41 – Her #1 self-investment: consistency with physical health Connect with Dr. Olga Deengar Website & free discovery call: coacholgamd.com Instagram: @CoachOlgaMD Facebook: Coach Olga MD LinkedIn: Olga Deengar Podcast: Coffee Play Date 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.

    44 min

  2. Jun 18

    Why Wheat May Not Be The Problem And How To Find Wheat That Doesn't Make You Sick with James Brown

    The wheat itself may not be the issue making people sick. It may be all of the other things that are either added to flour products or the way that the wheat has been stripped of nutrients. Finding whole wheat products including wheat berries give us an option to enjoy the bread and other foods that we love. Getting to know the baker and mill is the best way to know what's in your bread, but also what's not in your bread. If you've ever stood in the bread aisle wondering why two loaves that look identical can sit so differently with your body, this episode is the answer you've been looking for. Dr. Akshita Mehta sits down with James Brown, founder of Barton Springs Mill, to trace a wheat berry from the field to your kitchen — and to hand you the specific questions that separate flour worth eating from flour that's mostly starch. James has spent eight years stone-milling grain in the Texas Hill Country, and he opens with a myth worth retiring: GMO wheat doesn't exist on the U.S. market — it's not legally grown here. His point is bigger than that one fact. The wheat berry itself has changed remarkably little in what matters nutritionally. What's changed is everything that happens to it: seed coatings, field sprays, storage pesticides, the milling method, fortification, dough conditioners, and how long it sits before you eat it. Why this matters: Chronic disease is multifactorial — food quality is one thread, not the whole tapestry. But it's a thread you can actually pull on. When you can tell the difference between fresh stone-milled whole wheat and 18-month-old commodity flour, you're not eating perfectly — you're eating informed. That shift, repeated over years, may be where some of the real prevention lives. About the guest: James Brown is the founder of Barton Springs Mill in Dripping Springs, Texas, which stone-mills organic and heritage grains and publishes lab analysis on every grain it sells. The mill runs an education center and home-milling classes. Timestamps: 00:00 — Is your wheat GMO? (and why that's the wrong worry)03:51 — Gluten sensitivity, explained05:08 — How wheat actually changed: Borlaug, the dwarfing gene, ancient grains11:33 — The dozen things added between field and loaf15:41 — Stone milling vs. roller milling20:20 — Fermentation and the amylase enzymes30:00 — "Know Your Miller" and how to read a label37:18 — Shelf life, whole berries, and home milling56:56 — Red, white, and the new purple wheat1:16:19 — Why quality flour costs more Want to try Barton Springs Mill? CODE: LIFESTYLE 10 https://amyhalloran.net/mills/ Email: hello@diveintohealthmd.com YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | LinkedIn This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

    1h 21m

  3. Jun 11

    Is Your Nervous System Making You Sick? How To Reset with Dr. Nancy Waiganjo

    How do you build resilience when life keeps delivering things you cannot control? The answer, according to Dr. Nancy Waiganjo, starts not with thinking your way through stress — but with learning to work with your body. In this episode, Dr. Waiganjo — internal medicine physician with 20 years in practice and creator of the Mind is Medicine app — walks through the neuroscience of stress, why chronic stress affects every organ system, and the simple bodybased practices that can reset the nervous system anywhere, at any time. Timestamps 00:00 — Opening montage: key quotes • 01:50 — Introduction • 02:05 — Dr. Nancy's background and what shifted her practice • 03:14 — Origin story: her own unexplained health symptoms • 05:51 — Patients presenting with symptoms after life events: the correlation • 09:43 — The nervous system as command center: the biology of stress • 15:29 — What to do about it: body-based practices explained • 17:42 — Live breathing exercise: the physiological sigh • 21:29 — Why talk therapy alone is not enough: the amygdala explained • 27:15 — Brain structural changes from meditation • 30:52 — Every organ system affected: Takotsubo, gut, immunity, chronic pain • 37:17 — Reversal of symptoms and the 42-day neural pathway timeline • 43:55 — Walk through Dr. Nancy's day: morning routine, gratitude, real-time regulation • 48:45 — Sleep, movement, and mindful eating as nervous system regulation • 57:44 — Social connection and financial health as pillars of wellbeing • 1:01:59 — Mind is Medicine app Mind is Medicine app: App Store Google Play Email: hello@diveintohealthmd.com YouTube Instagram TikTok LinkedIn This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

    1h 4m

  4. May 20

    Is Organic Worth It? Organic vs Conventional Farming & Its Role In Human Health - Dr. Andrew Smith

    Understanding Organic Agriculture: Soil, Nutrition, and Human Health with Dr. Andrew Smith. This episode dives into the history, science, and future of organic farming, emphasizing its role in soil health, nutrition, and climate impacts. Dr. Andrew Smith shares insights from decades of research at the Rodale Institute and explores how organic practices can nourish both the planet and human health. Main Topics: The founding and mission of the Rodale Institute and origins of organic farming.How soil health directly impacts food quality and human health, including long-term soil and crop trials.The decline in nutrient density in conventional crops.Organic vs conventional farming practices, including the use of pesticides and tillage.The importance of regenerative organic practices and their potential to sustain global food needs.The role of microbiology, soil microbes, and phytochemicals in enhancing nutrient profiles and health benefits. Timestamps: 00:29 - Introduction to the Rodale Institute 01:09 - J.I. Rodale's journey and the origins of organic farming 02:51 - History of organic movement 03:51 - Current research on organic soil health 04:16 - How soil impacts human health via the food system 06:00 - The Farming Systems Trial: soil and crop outcomes over decades 07:46 - Soil carbon sequestration and environmental benefits of organic farming 09:17 - Impact of agricultural practices on ecological health and waterways 10:46 - Why physicians and health professionals should care about soil health 11:16 - Nutrient decline in crops since the Green Revolution 12:51 - Extent of nutrient declines in minerals and proteins (1950s-2000s) 15:33 - Scientific evidence of nutritional differences between organic and conventional crops 19:50 - Soil microbial ecology and nutrition and phytochemicals 21:05 - Role of seed selection, varieties, and growing practices on crop nutrients 22:40 - The Vegetable Systems Trial: comparing organic and conventional vegetables 25:49 - Early findings: nutrient increases in organic systems after years of management 26:28 - Comparing regenerative organic with conventional systems 27:52 - Challenges and definitions around regenerative agriculture practices 33:26 - Organic versus conventional pesticides and pest management strategies 36:45 - The significance of pesticide residues, systemic pesticides, and their environmental persistence 41:01 - Safety of seed coatings and pesticide residues in organic seeds 44:47 - Tillage, cover crops, and soil conservation practices 49:50 - Soil microbiome diversity, function, and impact on plant and human health 51:23 - The role of fungi, ergothioneine, and bioactive compounds in soil and plants 55:09 - Microbial interactions, biofortification, and human health implications 58:00 - The broader economic and healthcare impacts of food quality and farming practices 62:01 - Can organic farming feed the world? Yield gaps and future prospects 66:53 - Success stories of higher yields with organic systems 68:50 - Final thoughts on a sustainable, healthy food future Reach out: hello@diveintohealthmd.com Find me on LinkedIn/ Instagram/ YouTube/ TikTok

    1h 10m

  5. May 19

    A Dive Into Back Pain with Dr. Neil Batta: Prevention, PRP and Personal Injury Care

    Learn what a pain management doctor does and how they help patients navigate personal injury claims. Discover insights from Dr. Neil Batta on effective pain management strategies. In the world of healthcare, pain management plays a crucial role, particularly for individuals recovering from personal injuries. In this post, we dive into the experiences and insights of Dr. Neil Batta, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist with expertise in pain management. He shares his journey and discusses how pain management intersects with personal injury claims. In this episode: - Neil Batta's background in pain management and physical medicine - The shift from insurance-dependent to freedom in procedure justification - How PRP is used in musculoskeletal and spine conditions - Differences between intra-articular, periarticular, and nerve injections - The importance of clinical examination correlating with MRI findings - The role of diagnostic injections in identifying pain generators - The evolving landscape of spine treatments and procedural choices - Preventive strategies including exercise, diet, and mental health - The impact of healthcare system changes on practice and decision-making - Neil’s daily routine, lifestyle, and balance of work and family Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Neil Batta and episode overview 02:02 - Neil’s practice focus: personal injury, injections, and pain management 04:08 - Patient variety and practice environment 08:19 - Navigating insurance versus procedural freedom 12:06 - Introduction to PRP: safety, preparation, and various uses 18:40 - Variability in PRP quality and technique dependency 23:00 - Evidence and evolution of PRP efficacy in joint and spine care 27:32 - PRP outcomes in acute versus chronic cases 36:20 - Injection techniques: periarticular vs intra-articular 39:42 - Managing back pain with injections, exercise, and biopsychosocial approach 44:44 - Future directions: PRP in epidurals, safety considerations 50:43 - MRI findings: correlation with symptoms and imaging nuances 55:55 - Optimizing MRI reporting and clinical interpretation 61:13 - Case examples: disc herniations, facet joints, and procedural decision-making 66:10 - Collaboration between clinicians and radiologists for precise diagnosis 70:36 - Neil’s daily routine: work schedule, family life, and lifestyle 80:39 - Wrap-up and final thoughts on patient care and practice evolution Resources & Links: - The Back Pain Book by Mike Hage Reach out: hello@diveintohealthmd.com Find me on LinkedIn/ Instagram/ YouTube/ TikTok

    1h 16m

  6. May 13

    The Food System Wasn't Designed for Health- What We Can Do About It with Dr. Domenica Melinda Urzi

    In this insightful interview, Dr. Domenica Melinda Urzi shares her journey from sociology research to uncovering the hidden truths about our food system. Discover how pesticides, seed monopolies, and ultra-processed foods impact our health and what practical steps you can take to eat more mindfully and support the long term health of yourself, your family and your community. KEY TOPICS:   Impact of pesticides on farm workers and consumers Seed monopolies and their effect on biodiversity Nutrient loss in processed foods and food quality Practical tips for reducing pesticide exposure. The importance of seasonality and local food Guest Name: Dr. Domenica Melinda Urzi Chapters   00:00 Introduction to Food and Health 10:07 The Impact of Pesticides on Health 20:01 Understanding Organic Food and Its Limitations 24:08 The Seed Monopoly and Nutritional Implications 34:14 The Importance of Local and Seasonal Eating 47:50 Processing and Nutritional Depletion of Food 51:12 Understanding Ultra-Processed Foods 58:19 The Nutritional Impact of Processing 01:00:25 The Cycle of Snacking and Addiction 01:07:00 Navigating Food Choices for Families 01:11:15 Practical Steps for Healthier Eating 01:18:29 Empowering Children with Food Literacy 01:24:58 Marketing and Its Impact on Kids 01:31:49 The Importance of Food Literacy Check out Dr. Urzi's Book : https://amzn.to/4twXVfE

    1h 20m

  7. Apr 9

    Why wild vs farmed fish is not the whole story with Seatopia CEO James Arthur Smith: Dive Into Food

    Clean, Nutrient-Dense Seafood: Smell, Sourcing, Lab Testing, and Regenerative Aquaculture (with Seatopia’s James Arthur Smith) Dr. Akshita Mehta interviews James Arthur Smith, founder and CEO of Seatopia, about sourcing clean, sustainable seafood using measurable nutrient and contaminant data. They explain that truly fresh fish should not smell fishy (fishiness signals oxidation), should have firm texture (mushiness suggests mishandling and poor freezing/defrosting), and that buying frozen and thawing at home can be safer than “fresh” market fish that may have been previously frozen. Wild versus farmed is framed as context-dependent, emphasizing what the fish ate and its environment, with concerns about biomagnified toxins like mercury and microplastics. Smith describes industrial fishing limits, aquaculture’s growth, species-appropriate feeds (microalgae/insect protein) to boost EPA/DHA, and regenerative multi-trophic aquaculture using shellfish and kelp to improve ecosystems. Seatopia’s approach includes third-party lab testing, publishing certificates of analysis, and standards for low mercury and no microplastics.   Affiliate Code: DIVEINTOHEALTH Instagram YouTube    00:00 Fresh Fish Baseline 00:52 Podcast Intro And Takeaways 02:41 Why Lab Testing Matters 05:14 Healthy Food Practicality 07:59 Seafood Risks And Omegas 09:34 Docuseries From Source To Plate 13:18 Food System Trust Issues 18:02 Shrimp Additives And Value 19:42 Market Freshness Smell Texture 23:13 Wild Capture Limits 27:38 Aquaculture Feed And Omegas 30:09 Microalgae DHA Benefits 33:55 Super Freezing And Safety 36:01 Taste And Satiety 36:41 Wild vs Farmed Fish 40:04 Regenerative Aquaculture Basics 43:40 Questions to Ask Seafood 44:30 Seatopia Testing Standards 49:44 Why Mercury Builds Up 52:55 Salmon Nutrition and Safety 59:25 Farmed Salmon Color Feed 01:01:41 Mindful Eating and Water 01:04:07 Can Regenerative Scale 01:10:35 Closing Thanks and Outro

    1h 12m

  8. Apr 6

    Introducing Dr. Akshita Mehta + Dr. Divya Kurian

    Meet your host, Dr. Akshita Mehta, and her good friend and frequent co-host, Dr. Divya Kurian—two double board-certified physicians on a mission to redefine how we think about health. In this kickoff episode, they dive into their personal journeys, what drew them to Lifestyle Medicine, and why focusing on daily habits is the key to long-term wellness. This is your starting point for understanding the “why” behind everything we’ll explore on this podcast.

    27 min

  9. Apr 2

    Dive Into Health MD Trailer

    Dr. Akshita Mehta is a neuroradiologist and lifestyle medicine physician exploring how we can mitigate disease that we see daily in practice through daily life choices. Interviews include farmers, health experts, physicians, scientists and food producers to break down how to find healthy food ingredients and other daily habits that shape the health we experience.

    1 min
  • 9 Episodes

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
    2K
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dr. Akshita Mehta