The Wellness Files with Kari Beal

FOX Carolina News
  • 4.4 (7)
  • Fitness
  • Updated Biweekly

The Wellness Files is a health-focused podcast where we explore practical tools, research and real patient stories. We hope to inform, inspire, and connect to audiences so you can be the best version of yourself, while also asking tough questions about safety and effectiveness.

  1. 3d ago

    Internal Sunscreen: The Foods That Help Protect Your Skin From the Sun

    Functional medicine doctor Katherine Birchenough and nutrition coach Sarah Wilson explain the “internal sunscreen” trend, how plant pigments and certain nutrients may build up in skin and help reduce UV-related damage. They stress it’s an extra layer of defense (not a replacement for topical sunscreen) and share practical food picks, supplement options, and common sun-safety myths. 00:00 – intro00:01 – Why summer produce matters; pigments from plants can accumulate in skin and help reflect UV rays.00:02 – Guests’ backgrounds; nutrition as one “layer” of sun protection.00:03 – Lycopene spotlight: tomatoes/tomato paste; studies suggest less UV redness after weeks of intake; cooked + olive oil may help absorption.00:04 – Other lycopene foods (watermelon, red/pink produce); broader pigments: blues/purples (anthocyanins), yellow/orange (flavonoids).00:06 – Layered protection: mineral sunscreen, clothing, hats/scalp protection.00:08 – Supplements: lycopene; Polypodium leucotomos (fern extract/Heliocare); repair support like nicotinamide (B3).00:10 – Omega-3s for cell membranes; astaxanthin (seafood) for antioxidant support + “glow.”00:13 – Vitamins C & E for collagen/antioxidant repair.00:14 – Myth-busting: tans aren’t enough; clouds still burn; darker skin can burn; timing + daily face/hand SPF; driving-side sun damage.00:16 – Takeaways: eat the rainbow—brighter/darker pigments = better.

    Internal Sunscreen: The Foods That Help Protect Your Skin From the Sun

  2. Jul 22

    Should the Military Screen Testosterone Levels? An Endocrinologist Explains

    Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new testosterone-deficiency screening program for service members, but endocrinologist and former military doctor Dr. Karl Nadolsky says the science doesn’t support universal testing in people without symptoms. In this episode, we break down who should be evaluated, why obesity/sleep apnea and certain injuries or medications can lower testosterone, and what risks come with unnecessary testosterone replacement therapy (including infertility). 00:00 intro00:01:00 Meet Dr. Karl Nadolsky (endocrinologist, former military physician)00:02:02 Full clip: Pete Hegseth explains annual testing for 30+; optional under 3000:04:31 What testosterone does/doesn’t do for performance; who truly benefits from TRT00:05:30 How common is “true” hypogonadism vs functional low T (obesity/sleep apnea/diabetes)00:06:48 Why widespread screening isn’t recommended; lack of evidence for better outcomes00:08:44 Medication/injury causes: opioids, TBI, blast/testicular trauma; why targeted screening fits00:11:59 Main risks: false positives, wrong timing/conditions for labs, unnecessary anxiety/cost00:13:38 Proper workup: treat root causes first; don’t miss pituitary disease or sleep apnea00:14:06 TRT tradeoffs: fertility suppression, potential long-term dependence; steroid/male-clinic pitfalls00:16:16 Women and testosterone: testing mostly for high levels; limited menopause libido use00:19:29 Military endocrinology + why expert input/task force matters for policy00:22:15 Practical alternative: checkbox-based risk triggers and symptom screening at annual physicals00:23:34 Closing: keep politics out; follow data and build evidence-based protocols

    Should the Military Screen Testosterone Levels? An Endocrinologist Explains

  3. Jul 14

    Are Peptides Safe? What a doctor Says About BPC-157, TB-500, and Buying Peptides Online

    Host Kari Beal interviews Dr. George Ibrahim about the surge in peptide use for injury recovery, energy, weight loss, and more, plus why many peptides aren’t FDA-approved and have limited human data. They break down common peptides (BPC-157, TB-500, CJC-1295/ipamorelin), discuss safety and cancer/angiogenesis concerns, and explain why buying “research peptides” online can be risky. 00:00 intro00:01 BPC-157 & TB-500 explained (repair/cleanup crews); angiogenesis + cancer concern setup.00:03 What a peptide is; how structure drives function (key/receptor).00:05 Evidence overview (animal vs limited human); why combine BPC-157 + TB-500.00:07 Safety in practice: “peptide flush” and minor reactions.00:08 Cancer-risk discussion; screening for cancer history.00:10 Quality control: pharmacy “human-use” vs online “research” peptides; contamination/dosing risks.00:12 How to tell: if you can buy it yourself online, it’s not human-use.00:14 “Best” peptide pick: CJC-1295 + ipamorelin; growth-hormone support + realistic timeline.00:17 Cost estimates; prioritizing hormones, then GH support.00:18 Why few human trials (patents/funding).00:20 FDA/compounding outlook; regulation and safety hopes.00:22 Social media hype; questions to ask a doctor; special cautions (GLP-1s, tanning peptides).00:24 More peptide uses (GHK-Cu for brain + hair/skin/nails); closing + correction (“endotoxins”).

    Are Peptides Safe? What a doctor Says About BPC-157, TB-500, and Buying Peptides Online

  4. Jul 8

    How close are we to a cure for Hunter Syndrome?

    A new FDA-approved treatment for Hunter syndrome (MPS II) is giving families hope, but it’s not a cure. We explore how close researchers may be to a cure, including promising gene therapy clinical trials, and what experts say still needs long-term study. 00:00 intro00:45 How this story began: a mom reaches out about newly approved Avlayah.01:03 Why it matters: therapy designed to cross the blood-brain barrier.01:20 The emotional center: two moms bond while navigating the same diagnosis.02:23 Hunter syndrome (MPS II) explained: missing enzyme, sugar buildup, organ/brain damage.03:40 How the “next-gen” enzyme replacement works using an enzyme transport vehicle.04:16 Early impact: reported behavioral/physical improvements and infusion-center support.05:36 “Not a cure” → what a cure could look like; intro to gene therapy.06:23 London trial spotlight: one-time ex vivo gene therapy; early (anecdotal) improvements. https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/news/gosh-manufactures-new-gene-therapy-for-rare-condition/08:01 U.S. clinical trial in New Jersey: timelines and what’s still unknown. https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT0723660608:48 Physician Assistant Laura Buch: long-term durability, dosing questions, and rare-disease trial limits.10:03 Advocacy + how to find trials on ClinicalTrials.gov; closing thoughts.https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT03566043

    How close are we to a cure for Hunter Syndrome?

  5. Jul 1

    Psychedelic Therapy: Why so many patients are asking for the option

    The federal government is fast-tracking some psychedelic-based medicines for research and development. Emergency physician Dr. Jonathan Leak explains how these therapies may work in the brain and if they’re safe. 00:00 — Fire captain recounts suicidal crisis; psilocybin changes his outlook and family life00:36 — Intro: what psychedelics might do (neurotransmitters/neuroplasticity) and the safety question00:54 — Why now: executive order to speed development; focus on treatment-resistant depression, PTSD, addiction01:23 — Arizona psilocybin trial for first responders; content warning for sensitive topics02:05 — Mark Herman’s story: chronic trauma, “fight or flight,” and seeking relief03:01 — Research barriers from past criminalization; trial details and demand/waitlist04:22 — Career risks/stigma for officers; underground use; dosing and safety concerns05:01 — Black market concerns; funding push; hopes for right-to-try and guardrails as access expands07:20 — Interview begins: Dr. Leak’s credentials; ketamine currently used in psychedelic therapy08:15 — What drugs are discussed: psilocybin, ibogaine, methylone/MDMA09:00 — Evidence/history; why these may help PTSD, depression, addiction10:53 — How they may work: receptors + neuroplasticity + psychedelic experience; importance of therapy integration12:36 — Brain connectivity shifts; new pathways; how psilocybin is dosed and how long sessions last15:01 — Patents/formulations; molecule tweaks vs process patents16:02 — MDMA/methylone differences; trauma processing and study outcomes; need for certified care18:08 — Clinic model questions; side effects, monitoring, and scaling sessions safely

    Psychedelic Therapy: Why so many patients are asking for the option

  6. Jun 18

    Musician Carnie Wilson Talks Tardive Dyskinesia (TD): Signs, Stigma, and Getting Diagnosed

    Musician Carnie Wilson is raising awareness about tardive dyskinesia (TD), an uncontrolled movement disorder that often goes undiagnosed. She shares why she’s advocating for screening, how stigma can keep people silent, and where listeners can find support and resources.  00:00 – intro00:01:05 – What TD is: common symptoms (face/lips, chewing-like movements, eye twitch).00:01:29 – Main cause: dopamine receptor–blocking meds (often antipsychotics); risk factors + generations of meds.00:02:21 – Why TD is missed: many cases undiagnosed; importance of recognizing symptoms.00:02:42 – Carnie on speaking up, getting screened, and how diagnosis can change lives.00:04:53 – “Connecting with Carnie” campaign + where to find resources (connectingwithcarney.com).00:05:24 – Bell’s palsy story as a way to relate to visible conditions and shame/stares.00:07:10 – What helps diagnosis: noticing changes, telling your healthcare provider, rejecting shame.00:09:33 – How TD impacts daily life (driving, sleep, leaving home) + real patient stories.00:10:17 – Carnie on depression/addiction, stigma, and checking in on mental health.00:14:23 – Medication/research question; Carnie points listeners back to medical resources.00:16:18 – Why this cause matters to her: family experience with mental illness + compassion.00:19:10 – Specific symptoms to watch for + encouragement to seek help.00:20:30 – Final call to visit the campaign site; thanks and outro.

    Musician Carnie Wilson Talks Tardive Dyskinesia (TD): Signs, Stigma, and Getting Diagnosed

  7. May 27

    Live at USC School of Medicine Greenville: The 6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine, Explained

    USC School of Medicine Greenville experts break down lifestyle medicine and the evidence behind its “six pillars.” They discuss how food, exercise, sleep, stress management, social connection, and avoiding risky substances can improve chronic disease outcomes—and even support brain health in depression, Alzheimer’s risk, and more. 00:00 Intro00:47 Welcome + live event at USC School of Medicine Greenville02:10 Guest intros: Dean/primary care, neuroscientist, lifestyle program director03:00 Why lifestyle medicine matters in med school + patient care07:27 Real-life examples: hypertension, sodium, “food as medicine” (beets/flax)09:13 Exercise & depression: blood flow, muscle-brain signaling, BDNF12:35 Brain health + dementia risk: six pillars may slow cognitive decline14:05 Parkinson’s study: tandem cycling benefits patients + caregivers14:49 Curriculum: 109+ hours integrated across 4 years15:51 Gut-brain connection: microbiome, fiber, ultra-processed foods19:03 Social connection: loneliness, group care, “social capital”22:21 Lifestyle vs functional medicine; the six pillars defined23:40 Supplements + misinformation; magnesium; third-party testing (USP)26:02 How to vet health info online (“too good to be true”)29:02 Audience Q&A: antidepressants timeline; exercise outdoors31:06 Motivation strategies: small goals, remove barriers, prioritize sleep32:27 Organic vs frozen produce: cost-effective options + washing35:07 Exercise guidelines by age + strength training + bone health38:05 Cooking skills: culinary medicine + mobile teaching kitchen

    Live at USC School of Medicine Greenville: The 6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine, Explained

  8. May 20

    News anchor Tori Carmen talks recovery, resilience, and lifestyle changes one year after brain cancer

    After a seizure led to the discovery of a brain mass, FOX Carolina news anchor Tori Carmen shares the whirlwind from surgery to an unexpected malignant diagnosis and how recovery has challenged her physically and emotionally. One year later, she explains the tools that helped her cope (therapy, nature, faith, community) and the lifestyle shifts she’s made to support long-term health. 00:00 Intro02:23 Seizure night, ER trip, CT scan, loss of right-side function.04:12 Tumor location/size; next steps; wedding plans change; surgery set at Northwestern.05:28 Meningioma explained; surgery + early recovery; can’t drive; pathology surprise.07:23 Grade 3 malignant diagnosis; neuro-onc/radiology consults; choosing gamma knife.10:18 Radiation day + side effects; returning to work; hair loss grief/identity shift.13:18 Ongoing MRIs; seizure meds; rebuilding strength; stress on body/mind.14:27 Coping tools: therapy, walks, nature, prayer, dogs; purpose + advocacy.16:17 “Be kind” message; invisible battles; connection and support systems.22:28 New normal: rest, boundaries, saying no; redefining productivity.26:07 Staying active: weighted-vest walks, Pilates, shorter workouts; heat sensitivity.28:05 Nutrition/toxin reduction: local/organic, baking soda wash, fewer plastics/chemicals.28:50 Giving up alcohol; mocktails; better sleep/skin/gut.34:04 Western + functional medicine balance; tests, supplements, inflammation focus.38:20 Birth control + meningioma discussion; hormone caution + research.41:18 Migraine scare + ER fear; stress triggers; clear MRI.44:27 Fear of recurrence; faith + focusing on the present; advice to others.

    News anchor Tori Carmen talks recovery, resilience, and lifestyle changes one year after brain cancer
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Ratings & Reviews

4.4
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

The Wellness Files is a health-focused podcast where we explore practical tools, research and real patient stories. We hope to inform, inspire, and connect to audiences so you can be the best version of yourself, while also asking tough questions about safety and effectiveness.

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