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. 3d ago

    How to Reduce Toxins in Your Everyday Life (Without Becoming Obsessed) with Dr. Aly Cohen

    Environmental toxins may be part of modern life, but reducing your exposure doesn't have to be overwhelming. On this episode of "Next Level Health," Dr. Melinda Ring sits down with board-certified rheumatologist and environmental health expert Dr. Aly Cohen to explore how everyday chemicals in our food, water, personal care products, and homes may influence our health. Dr. Cohen shares her practical "Four A's" framework for reducing toxic exposures, explains why detox isn't about cleanses or expensive supplements, and offers realistic, science-backed strategies that fit into everyday life. Learn where to focus your efforts, which changes offer the greatest impact, and why small, consistent habits matter more than perfection.  https://youtu.be/04a_OP8lNVw

  2. Jun 29

    DNA Methylation and Longevity: Can You Influence Your Genetic Future?

    Can you really slow the aging process? In this episode of Next Level Health, Dr. Melinda Ring talks with functional medicine physician and researcher Dr. Kara Fitzgerald about the science of biological aging and what actually influences it. They unpack DNA methylation in simple terms, discuss why it's never too late to improve your health, explore the evidence behind biological age testing, and explain how a diet rich in polyphenols, protein, and key nutrients may support healthier gene expression. Dr. Fitzgerald also shares practical strategies for healthy aging, women's health, and building habits that promote vitality for years to come. 00:00 Why it's never too late to improve how you age 00:00:25 Welcome to Next Level Health 00:00:54 Healthy aging: separating science from hype 00:02:10 How much control do we really have over aging? 00:03:37 Why exercise becomes even more powerful as we get older 00:05:28 Biological age vs. chronological age explained 00:06:21 What is DNA methylation? (In plain English) 00:09:40 Should you test your biological age? 00:10:55 The pros and cons of longevity testing 00:13:09 Inside the Younger You protocol 00:14:00 The foods that support healthy gene expression 00:15:45 Why eggs, liver, and protein matter for methylation 00:20:44 Healthy aging for women and ovarian health 00:22:44 Can diet support menopause and hormonal health? 00:23:52 One daily habit to slow biological aging 00:25:35 Final takeaways: Your biology is listening   https://youtu.be/KpVsySPtBeY

  3. Jun 8

    Why We Keep Repeating the Same Mistakes & How to Break the Cycle with Dr. Carl Greer

    Despite our efforts, many of us stay stuck in the same emotional patterns, old stories, and unhelpful habits. In this episode of Next Level Health, Dr. Melinda Ring sits down with retired clinical psychologist, Jungian analyst, shamanic practitioner, philanthropist, and bestselling author Carl Greer to explore the inner work that can unlock lasting transformation. Drawing from Jungian psychology, shamanic traditions, and decades of clinical experience, Greer explains how our unconscious beliefs, patterns, and personal stories can influence everything from our relationships and life choices to our physical health. https://youtu.be/9wVQQpMtuZ0 00:00 Why inner work matters for lasting change 00:00:52 Meet Carl Greer and the concept of hidden wisdom 00:02:48 Why we struggle to change even when we want to 00:04:12 What it really means to "go within" 00:05:42 Fear, resistance, and avoiding self-discovery 00:07:31 How health, relationships, purpose, and spirituality connect 00:10:40 Dialoguing with emotions, symptoms, and inner parts 00:12:33 Practical exercises for accessing inner wisdom 00:15:01 When to seek professional support for inner work 00:16:03 The role of the inner guardian in healing work 00:17:52 Shamanic journeys and accessing deeper insight 00:19:17 Changing the past to transform present choices 00:21:56 Archetypes, symbols, dreams, and personal meaning 00:24:50 Breaking free from limiting roles and identities 00:26:28 Rewriting your health story 00:29:41 Using illness as a catalyst for reflection and growth 00:32:06 Carl Greer's advice for a healthier, more meaningful life 00:33:46 Final thoughts and resources for going deeper

  4. May 18

    Peptides, Performance & Personalized Health: The Future of Longevity Medicine with Myles Spar, MD

    Longevity medicine is having a moment—but what actually works? In this episode of "Next Level Health," Dr. Melinda Ring sits down with Dr. Myles Spar to cut through the hype around peptides, wearables, and "biohacking," and focus on what truly improves healthspan. From personalized data to foundational habits, this conversation brings clarity to a rapidly evolving space. https://youtu.be/c_q601V1whc 00:00 – The Problem with Longevity Influencers TikTok trends, unverified "experts," and the dangers of self-experimentation 00:00:57 – What Is Longevity Medicine, Really? Why the field is booming—and what's driving the hype 00:02:29 – Why This Moment Feels Different From integrative medicine to mainstream understanding 00:05:29 – Longevity vs. Anti-Aging vs. Biohacking Why language—and intention—matters 00:08:36 – Why Health Advice Feels So Confusing Zone 2 vs. HIIT, keto vs. balance—what actually works? 00:11:20 – Wearables, Data & Health Anxiety When tracking helps—and when it backfires 00:15:55 – Are Advanced Tests Worth It? Biomarkers, personalization, and the need for interpretation 00:20:13 – The "Big Five" That Actually Drive Longevity Why sleep, nutrition, movement, brain health, and purpose still win 00:23:33 – Real Patient Transformations How personalized care moves the needle—even for high performers 00:25:24 – Men, Women & Longevity Trends Who's engaging—and why the landscape is shifting 00:29:54 – Peptides, NAD, Stem Cells: What's Legit? Separating promising science from expensive hype 00:33:54 – How Peptides Actually Work Supporting the body vs. replacing its systems 00:35:12 – Can Longevity Medicine Be Accessible? The future of scalable, equitable health optimization 00:37:41 – One Simple Habit for Better Healthspan A practical takeaway anyone can start today Catch full episodes of Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring here on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@OCIHNorthwestern/podcasts 📺   Listen to Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-health-with-dr-melinda-ring/id1769262080 or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.   — Subscribe to the channel here:  https://www.youtube.com/@OCIHNorthwestern?sub_confirmation=1 — 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

  5. Apr 27

    Cannabis & the Body: The Hidden System That Could Change Medicine with Mikhail Kogan, MD

    Medical cannabis is more widely available than ever before, but most clinicians are not trained to guide patients on how to use it safely or effectively. In this episode of "Next Level Health," Dr. Melinda Ring sits down with Dr. Mikhai Kogan to unpack the science, misconceptions and clinical realities of cannabis in modern medicine. They also discuss the recent article published in JAMA Network Open: "Developing Medical Cannabis Competencies: A Consensus Statement," in which Kogan was a senior author and Ring was a co-author. https://youtu.be/cY96j3aBhTw 00:00 – Can cannabis be a tool for health? A nuanced perspective on using cannabis with intention and respect. 00:00:21 – Show intro: What is Next Level Health? Dr. Melinda Ring introduces the mission of the podcast. 00:00:50 – Why clinicians aren't trained in medical cannabis The gap between legalization and medical education. 00:02:10 – Cannabis through history: From ancient medicine to prohibition How cannabis went from a standard treatment to a Schedule I substance. 00:05:11 – What Schedule I really means for research and doctors Why cannabis research is limited—and what that means for patient care. 00:07:22 – The push for cannabis education in medical schools Inside the JAMA Network Open competencies initiative. 00:10:12 – Patients are learning—but are they learning the right things? The rise of public awareness (and misinformation). 00:11:13 – The endocannabinoid system explained How your body naturally regulates pain, sleep, and stress. 00:12:40 – Why cannabis may be more foundational than opioids Rethinking pain management and the opioid crisis. 00:14:53 – THC vs. CBD: What's the difference? Breaking down the most common cannabinoids. 00:19:34 – Beyond CBD: Emerging cannabinoids (CBG, CBN, and more) What's hype vs. what's clinically useful. 00:20:13 – The "entourage effect" and whole-plant medicine Why full-spectrum cannabis may work differently than isolates. 00:21:43 – Navigating dispensaries and product choices Why patients are often left figuring it out on their own. 00:24:57 – Cannabis coaches and the future of guidance Who can help patients when doctors can't prescribe? 00:27:36 – Is cannabis safe? Side effects, risks, and withdrawal What patients need to realistically understand. 00:30:16 – Long-term use and dependency: What's the truth? Distinguishing between physical and psychological effects. 00:30:52 – Final takeaway: A smarter approach to health Cannabis as one tool in a lifelong wellness strategy. 00:32:42 – Closing reflections and next steps Why education, nuance, and open conversation matter. Catch full episodes of Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring here on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@OCIHNorthwestern/podcasts 📺 Listen to Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-health-with-dr-melinda-ring/id1769262080 or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Subscribe to the channel here:  https://www.youtube.com/@OCIHNorthwestern?sub_confirmation=1 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

  6. Apr 6

    Stop Sabotaging Your Health: How to Rewire Your Brain for Success with Shirzad Chamine

    In this episode of Next Level Health, Dr. Melinda Ring sits down with Shirzad Chamine, New York Times bestselling author of Positive Intelligence, to explore why insight alone isn't enough to break bad habits that sabotage our health and well-being and what needs to happen to rewire your brain for lasting change. If you've ever struggled with consistency, motivation, or that critical inner voice holding you back, this conversation breaks down the science behind it, and gives you practical tools you can use right away. Take the quiz to assess your saboteurs:  https://positiveintelligence.com/saboteurs/

  7. Mar 16

    Fix Your Metabolism with Dr. Lara Zakaria

    https://youtu.be/4CEV4URghPY Your metabolism affects everything from energy levels and cravings to long-term health. But, metabolic health is far more complex than calories in and calories out. In this episode of Next Level Health, Dr. Melinda Ring talks with integrative pharmacist and nutrition expert Dr. Lara Zakaria about new tools and technologies are changing the way we understand metabolism. They discuss: • What metabolic flexibility really means • Signs your metabolism may not be functioning optimally • How continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) reveal blood sugar patterns • The pros and cons of health wearables like Oura Ring, Apple Watch, Whoop, and Fitbit • What we're learning about GLP-1 medications and metabolic health • Why body composition matters more than weight or BMI You'll also hear practical strategies you can start using today to improve metabolic health, including strength training, nutrition, sleep, and stress management. If you've ever wondered why your energy crashes, why weight loss can be difficult, or how wearable health technology fits into the future of medicine, this conversation offers an evidence-based look at the science behind metabolism. 00:00 – Why Better Health Data Helps People Make Better Decisions A powerful insight into how the right information can drive lasting behavior change. 00:00:27 – Podcast Introduction: Tools to Improve Metabolic Health Dr. Melinda Ring introduces integrative pharmacist and nutrition expert Dr. Lara Zakaria. 00:00:58 – What Is a Healthy Metabolism? Moving beyond calories and BMI to understand metabolism and energy production. 00:02:48 – Metabolic Flexibility: The Key to Burning Fat and Glucose How your body switches between fuel sources and why this matters for health. 00:05:14 – Signs of Poor Metabolic Health (Prediabetes, Fatty Liver, "Hangry") Common warning signs that your metabolism may not be functioning optimally. 00:06:58 – Lara Zakaria's Personal Health Journey and Career Path How her own metabolic challenges led her into nutrition, functional medicine, and lifestyle medicine. 00:10:27 – The Explosion of Health Tech and Wearables How modern tools are helping people understand their bodies in real time. 00:13:05 – Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs): What They Teach Us About Blood Sugar How CGMs reveal patterns between food, stress, sleep, and glucose spikes. 00:17:25 – Making Sense of Health Data Without Overwhelm Why clinicians, nutritionists, and health coaches are essential for interpreting wearable data. 00:18:45 – The Lumen Device: Measuring Metabolic Flexibility at Home A breath test that estimates whether your body is burning carbs or fat. 00:20:47 – The Lifestyle Foundations of Metabolic Health Protein intake, strength training, sleep, stress, and gut health. 00:23:11 – GLP-1 Medications Explained: Metabolism, Muscle Loss, and Inflammation What we're learning about drugs like Ozempic and their metabolic effects. 00:25:41 – Best Fitness Wearables for Tracking Health and Recovery Oura Ring, Whoop, Fitbit, and how they measure stress, sleep, and heart rate variability. 00:28:59 – Why You Should Stop Focusing on the Scale The importance of body composition over weight and BMI. 00:31:31 – DEXA Scans vs At-Home Body Composition Scales How to measure muscle mass and visceral fat for better metabolic tracking. 00:35:11 – One Simple Habit to Boost Your Metabolism This Week Lift something heavier: the power of strength training for metabolic health. 00:36:19 – Final Thoughts: Building a Stronger, More Resilient Metabolism   Produced by the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University. 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

  8. Feb 23

    Longevity Made Simple with Dr. Shad Marvasti

    When heart disease, cancer or diabetes runs in your family, it can feel like your health story is already written — but it doesn't have to be. In this episode of Next Level Health, Dr. Melinda Ring talks with integrative and culinary medicine physician Dr. Shad Marvasti, author of Longevity Made Simple, about how everyday habits can shape long-term health. Dr. Marvasti explains his DRESS Code framework — Diet, Relationships, Exercise, Stress, and Sleep — and how these five lifestyle factors influence how our genes behave and how we age. https://youtu.be/VtlfKtfpq0o 00:00 Lifestyle vs genetics: What really determines health 00:56 The DRESS Code for longevity 02:07 Epigenetics explained simply 05:34 Can lifestyle increase longevity? 09:11 The role of diet in aging well 10:17 Real food vs processed food 16:44 Resetting your taste buds in 28 days 20:29 Easy cooking strategies for better health 22:23 Why relationships affect longevity 26:35 Exercise, stress, and sleep explained 27:34 Healthy stress vs chronic stress 32:31 The future of whole health medicine 36:49 Final advice for living longer

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5
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6 Ratings

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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.

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