Off The Charts

Dr. Bobby Parmar, ND
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How many podcasts could there poddibly be about correcting medical misinformation now? Why would I add my voice to the chorus that can be so deafening? I've had 18+ years of experience seeing tons and treating everything from A to Z and lemme tell you there's plenty I can add to the conversation. Dive with me into the science of medicine with a heaping side of sass and spice.

  1. Aug 17

    When Medicine Doesn’t Believe You: Contested Illnesses with Dr. David Scales & Dara Parker

    What happens when you know something is wrong, but medicine cannot measure it, explain it, or agree that it is real? In this episode of Off the Charts, Dr. Bobby Parmar is joined by Dr. David Scales and returning guest Dara Parker for a candid conversation about contested illnesses—conditions patients may have to fight to have recognized.  They examine the divide between what patients experience and what the medical system is prepared to diagnose, especially when symptoms do not fit neatly within one specialty. Using IBS as an example, they explore how objective testing helped transform an illness that had often been dismissed into one medicine was more willing to accept as “real.”   The conversation expands into Long COVID, ME/CFS, chronic Lyme disease, trauma and chronic pain, specialist silos, private testing, and the line between respecting uncertainty and offering unsupported diagnoses or treatments.   They also discuss naturopathic and conventional medicine, health equity, and positive care effects: how trust, competence, reassurance, time, and the patient-provider relationship can influence treatment.   Finally, Bobby shares how changing the language used before iron infusions appeared to change patient reactions—bringing the conversation back to placebo, nocebo, the nervous system, and Dara’s reminder that stories can both heal and harm.   This is not about believing every diagnosis or abandoning scientific standards. It is about listening carefully, acknowledging uncertainty, and recognizing that the absence of an explanation does not mean a patient’s suffering is not real.   WHAT YOU’LL LEARN  What contested illnesses are Why some conditions are accepted only once suffering becomes measurable What rectal distention testing reveals about IBS pain sensitivity How Long COVID changed chronic illness research Why complex symptoms fall between specialties How clinicians navigate uncertain tests and diagnoses Where naturopathic and conventional medicine overlap What positive-care, placebo, nocebo, and negative-care effects mean How supportive care becomes a health-equity issue  Why clinical language can influence patient experience TIMESTAMPS   00:00 — Hot open: “Illnesses you have to fight to get”  00:38 — Introducing Dr. David Scales and Dara Parker  02:25 — What are contested illnesses?  05:23 — When patients do not fit the medical model  06:24 — IBS and becoming a “real” illness  10:22 — Gender, pain, and medical research  13:33 — Trauma, IBS, endometriosis, and chronic pain  16:14 — Medicine, social science, and the missing evidence  17:41 — Long COVID and infection-associated chronic conditions  20:57 — Can infections leave lasting effects?  25:19 — Dr. House and the problem with medical silos  27:26 — Specialists versus generalists  30:28 — A better model for complex patients  33:00 — Wait times, private testing, and searching for answers  36:14 — When medical uncertainty becomes quackery  39:03 — Where Bobby draws the line  45:56 — Bridging naturopathic and conventional medicine  47:34 — How allopathic medicine views naturopathy  49:50 — Positive care effects versus placebo  52:47 — Supportive care as a health-equity issue  54:11 — Nocebo and negative-care effects  55:30 — Iron infusions and the power of language  57:56 — Harold R. Johnson and stories as medicine  59:16 — Evidence, storytelling, and the art of medicine  59:56 — Closing and the call for part two   REFERENCES AND RESOURCES   Rectal distention testing in IBS https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12055583/   National Academies definition of Long COVID https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK605676/   Placebo and nocebo effects https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33075796/   Harold R. Johnson, The Power of Story https://www.haroldrjohnson.ca/   CONNECT WITH THE GUESTS   Dr. David Scales https://weillcornell.org/david-alaistair-scales-md-phd   Dara Parker https://www.daraparker.com/   CONNECT WITH GRAVITY HEALTH   Website → https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/  Book a Consult → https://gravityhealth.janeapp.com/   FOLLOW US   Gravity Health Clinics → https://www.instagram.com/gravityhealthclinics/  Dr. Bobby Parmar, ND → https://www.instagram.com/docparmar_nd/  Dr. Paul Maximus, ND → https://www.instagram.com/drmaximus/   DISCLAIMER   This episode is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or the practice of medicine or any other healthcare service.  Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing medication, testing, or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not create a doctor-patient relationship.   For more information:  https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/terms-of-use  https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/medical-disclaimer

  2. Jul 7

    IBS, SIBO, and the Gut-Brain Connection with Dr. Rachael Lovink, ND

    What if IBS isn’t “just in your head” — but it also isn’t just about food, bacteria, or SIBO? In this episode of Off the Charts, Dr. Bobby Parmar sits down with Dr. Rachael Lovink, ND, a naturopathic doctor and gut health strategist, for a deep conversation about IBS, constipation, gut-brain communication, visceral hypersensitivity, SIBO testing, pelvic floor dysfunction, neuromodulators, and why so many patients get stuck chasing one “root cause.” Dr. Rachael shares how her own experience with IBS shaped the way she now works with patients, especially those dealing with chronic constipation, bloating, abdominal pain, food fear, and long histories of trying diets, antimicrobials, SIBO treatments, functional testing, and supplement protocols without lasting relief. Together, Bobby and Rachael explore why IBS is better understood as a disorder of gut-brain interaction, why validation and education matter so much in care, and why the path forward often requires looking beyond the usual rabbit holes: dysbiosis, SIBO, food triggers, and test results. They also discuss why constipation can be missed even when someone is going to the bathroom daily, why pelvic floor coordination matters, when PEG or RestoraLAX may help or make symptoms worse, what dyssynergic defecation means, and why biofeedback can be an important part of chronic constipation care. This conversation is for anyone who wants a more nuanced way to understand IBS, SIBO, constipation, gut pain, and the nervous system. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Why IBS is not “just in your head” What disorders of gut-brain interaction are Why visceral hypersensitivity can make normal digestion feel painful Why neuromodulators are used in IBS care Why SIBO testing is not always the best place to start Why dysbiosis does not always mean you need antimicrobials How constipation can be missed, even when someone poops daily Why “just get them pooping” can change the clinical picture When PEG / RestoraLAX may help — and when it may make symptoms worse What dyssynergic defecation means Why pelvic floor assessment matters in chronic constipation Why biofeedback can be important for pelvic floor coordination How IBS, endometriosis, migraines, fibromyalgia, and other chronic pain conditions may overlap Why some patients get stuck in the SIBO treatment loop Why GLP-1 research in IBS is an emerging area to watch   REFERENCES Rome IV — Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27147121/ Rome Foundation — Rome IV Criteria https://theromefoundation.org/rome-iv/rome-iv-criteria/ ACG Clinical Guideline: Management of Irritable Bowel Syndrome https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33315591/ Diagnosis and Treatment of Dyssynergic Defecation https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4930297/ ANMS-ESNM Position Paper and Consensus Guidelines on Biofeedback Therapy https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4409469/ Pain relief and pain intensity response to GLP-1 receptor agonist ROSE-010 in IBS https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35234561/ Improvement of irritable bowel syndrome with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11932899/ CONNECT WITH GRAVITY HEALTH Website → https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/ Book a Consult → https://gravityhealth.janeapp.com/ FOLLOW US Gravity Health Clinics → https://www.instagram.com/gravityhealthclinics/ Dr. Bobby Parmar, ND → https://www.instagram.com/docparmar_nd/ Dr. Paul Maximus, ND → https://www.instagram.com/drmaximus/ Dr. Rachael Lovink, ND → https://www.drlovink.com/ DISCLAIMER ⚠️ This video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or stopping medication, supplements, diets, or treatment plans. Off the Charts is a podcast by Gravity Health, created for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or any other healthcare service, and should not be taken as medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Listeners should always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical condition or treatment. For more information about content use and disclaimers, please visit: https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/terms-of-use https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/medical-disclaimer

  3. Jun 18

    Why We Need to Talk About Race in Medicine with Nneka Allen

    What happens when race is treated as a side note in medicine, instead of a central part of how people move through the world?   In this episode of Off the Charts, Dr. Bobby Parmar sits down with Nneka Allen for a deeply personal and necessary conversation about race, medicine, Whiteness, anti-Blackness, and the lived experience of Black patients navigating healthcare systems that were not built with them in mind. They begin with a question that is often avoided: why are people so uncomfortable talking about race, even when race clearly shapes outcomes, experiences, and access to care? From there, the conversation moves through the history of slavery in Canada, the invention of Whiteness and Blackness as social constructs, the medical dehumanization of Black bodies, and the ways these histories continue to show up in modern healthcare. Bobby and Nneka also discuss fibroids, pain treatment, maternal mortality, medical mistrust, weathering, microaggressions, race-conscious care, and what it means to move from bystanding to truth-telling. This is not a conversation about blame for the sake of blame. It is a conversation about responsibility, awareness, history, and what clinicians need to understand if they are serious about providing better care. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Why race cannot be separated from conversations about medicine and healthcare How Whiteness and Blackness were socially constructed, and why that history still matters Why Black patients often cannot “escape” race in healthcare settings How medical systems have historically dehumanized Black bodies Why Black women’s experiences with fibroids, pain, hysterectomy, and maternal care require more attention What weathering means, and how chronic racist stress can affect health Why “microaggressions” may be better understood as racist abuse What institutional untrustworthiness means in healthcare Why race-conscious care matters more than simply having a provider who looks like you The difference between perpetrating, bystanding, truth-telling, and dissenting behaviors  TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Opening: “Black people don’t have the luxury of escaping race” 00:46 — Introducing Nneka Allen 02:37 — Why people avoid talking about race 05:29 — Slavery in Canada and the erasure of Black history 07:34 — Non-Black people and the racial continuum 08:19 — Why Black people can’t avoid race 09:55 — Fibroids, Black women, and being treated as a footnote in medicine 13:52 — Dr. Uché Blackstock, medical racism, and unequal care 15:03 — Self-advocacy, alternative medicine, and distrust of the medical system 19:08 — Medical experimentation, pain treatment, and maternal mortality 20:29 — Chattel slavery and the dehumanization of Black bodies 22:23 — The speculum, gynecology, and medical history 23:13 — Slavery as an economic system 26:16 — Storytelling, humanity, and listening differently 28:42 — Community, survival, and collective care 30:24 — The duty of non-Black clinicians 31:39 — Weathering and the health effects of chronic racist stress 32:49 — Microaggressions, racist abuse, and Ibram X. Kendi 35:03 — Why minimizing racism causes harm 36:30 — Nneka’s Substack and responding to racism 38:15 — A bank incident and the cost of confronting racism 42:22 — Diversity statements vs accountability 43:58 — Does your doctor have to be Black? 44:12 — What race-conscious care looks like 48:30 — Medical distrust vs institutional untrustworthiness 50:46 — Racism as behavior, not identity 52:21 — Perpetrating, bystanding, truth-telling, and dissenting behaviors 53:11 — Why silence is not neutral ⚠️ This video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or stopping medication. REFERENCES Nneka Allen, The Empathy Agencyhttps://www.theempathyagency.ca/meet-the-founder The Empathy Agencyhttps://www.theempathyagency.ca/ Ian Williams, Disorientation: Being Black in the Worldhttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.ca/books/671554/disorientation-by-ian-williams/9781039000247 Dr. Uché Blackstock, Legacy: A Black Physician Reckons with Racism in Medicinehttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/705871/legacy-by-uche-blackstock-md/ Ibram X. Kendi, How to Be an Antiracisthttps://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/564299/how-to-be-an-antiracist-by-ibram-x-kendi/ Audre Lorde, The Master’s Tools Will Never Dismantle the Master’s Househttps://awpc.cattcenter.iastate.edu/communication/masters-tools-will-never-dismantle-masters-house-oct-29-1979 Canadian Museum for Human Rights, The story of Black slavery in Canadian historyhttps://humanrights.ca/story/story-black-slavery-canadian-history The Underground Railroad in Canadahttps://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/underground-railroad Weathering hypothesis and racial health disparitieshttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10676285/ Race-conscious medicinehttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7544456/ Institutional distrust and building institutional trustworthiness in healthcarehttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7988507/ Canadian Human Rights Commission: About discriminationhttps://www.chrc-ccdp.gc.ca/individuals/human-rights/about-discrimination History of the speculum, J. Marion Sims, and medical experimentation on enslaved Black womenhttps://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/cancer-detectives-brief-history-speculum/ Racial disparities in uterine fibroids and hysterectomyhttps://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3874080/ Racial disparities in pain treatmenthttps://www.aamc.org/news/how-we-fail-black-patients-pain Black maternal mortality and pregnancy-related mortality disparities https://projects.apnews.com/features/2023/from-birth-to-death/black-women-maternal-mortality-rate.html CONNECT WITH GRAVITY HEALTHWebsite → https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/Book a Consult → https://gravityhealth.janeapp.com/ FOLLOW USGravity Health Clinics → https://www.instagram.com/gravityhealthclinics/Dr. Bobby Parmar, ND → https://www.instagram.com/docparmar_nd/Dr. Paul Maximus, ND → https://www.instagram.com/drmaximus/Nneka Allen / The Empathy Agency → https://www.theempathyagency.ca/ Off the Charts is a podcast by Gravity Health, created for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or any other healthcare service, and should not be taken as medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Listeners should always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical condition or treatment. For more information about content use and disclaimers, please visit:https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/terms-of-usehttps://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/medical-disclaimer

  4. Apr 26

    I Almost Fainted From My IUD — Why Is This Still Normal? | Dr Alex Dragan, ND

    Why Women Aren’t Offered Pain Management for IUDs IUD insertion is often described as quick, simple, and routine. But for many patients, “routine” does not mean painless. In this episode of Off the Charts, Dr. Bobby Parmar, ND sits down with Dr. Alex Dragan, ND to ask a question that should feel obvious: Why are so many IUD procedures still done without adequate pain management? Starting with Dr. Dragan’s own experience of nearly passing out during IUD insertion, they unpack what actually happens during the procedure, why some patients experience intense pain, dizziness, or near-fainting, and how that reality has been minimized, normalized, or dismissed in clinical practice. From there, the conversation moves beyond IUDs. They examine how outdated assumptions, gaps in training, misinformation, and systemic bias shape the way women’s pain is understood and treated — and why something as basic as pain relief is still inconsistent across providers. This is not a takedown of individual practitioners. It is a closer look at the gap between what patients experience, what medicine has normalized, and what better, more informed care could look like. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Why IUD insertion can be significantly more painful for some patients than expected What actually happens physiologically during an IUD procedure (and why pain varies) The role of the cervix, nerve pathways, and the vagal response in pain and fainting Why pain management isn’t consistently offered — even when options exist The difference between ibuprofen, local anesthesia, and newer tools like Penthrox How fear, misinformation, and real patient experiences all shape perception of IUDs Why IUDs are used for more than contraception (including heavy bleeding and perimenopause) How consent, communication, and patient trust influence the overall experience What a more informed, patient-centered approach to procedures could look like  TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Opening: “Why don’t we offer pain management?” 01:30 — A real IUD experience (pain, dizziness, near fainting) 04:45 — What actually happens during insertion 08:20 — The cervix, nerves, and the vagal response 12:10 — Why pain has been minimized in clinical settings 16:30 — What pain management options exist (and why they’re not always used) 22:40 — IUD myths vs reality 28:15 — Fear, TikTok, and patient perception 34:20 — IUDs beyond birth control (bleeding, perimenopause) 40:10 — What better care could look like ⚠️ This video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or stopping medication. TOP REFERENCES:Pain Management for Gynecologic ProceduresAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)https://www.acog.org/ Long-Acting Reversible Contraception (IUDs)ACOG Practice Bulletinhttps://www.acog.org/ Heavy Menstrual Bleeding GuidelinesNICE Guideline NG88https://www.nice.org.uk/ Endometriosis OverviewWorld Health Organization (WHO)https://www.who.int/ Vasovagal Syncope (Fainting Response)StatPearls / NCBIhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ CONNECT WITH GRAVITY HEALTHBook a Consult → https://gravityhealth.janeapp.com/Gravity Health Clinics → https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/Mint Reproductive Health → https://mintreproductivehealth.com/ FOLLOW USGravity Health Clinics → https://www.instagram.com/gravityhealthclinics/Dr. Bobby Parmar, ND → https://www.instagram.com/docparmar_nd/Dr. Paul Maximus, ND → https://www.instagram.com/drmaximus/Dr. Alex Dragan, ND → https://www.instagram.com/dralexdragan/ Off the Charts is a podcast by Gravity Health, created for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or any other healthcare service, and should not be taken as medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Listeners should always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical condition or treatment. For more information about content use and disclaimers, please visit:https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/terms-of-usehttps://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/medical-disclaimer

  5. Apr 1

    Why Confident People Can Feel Powerless in a Medical Setting with Dara Parker

    Have you ever left a medical appointment feeling unsettled — not because of what was said, but because of how it felt? You understood the recommendations. You answered the questions. And yet, something didn’t quite land. In this episode of Off the Charts, Dr. Bobby Parmar sits down with Dara Parker to examine that gap — the space between how care is delivered, and how it is actually experienced by patients. Drawing from lived experience, they explore why even confident, well-resourced individuals can feel hesitant, exposed, or less certain of themselves in a clinical setting — and why patients don’t always share everything, even when it matters. This isn’t framed as a failure of individual practitioners. Instead, the conversation looks at the systems, training, and cultural norms that shape how care is practiced — often in ways that are difficult to see from within. The question isn’t simply whether healthcare is working or failing. It’s whether we are paying close enough attention to how it is being experienced. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why medical interactions can feel misaligned, even when technically correct How assumptions and communication style shape patient trust Why patients don’t always share everything — even when it matters The role of power dynamics in clinical environments How bias operates within systems, not just individuals What a more collaborative, patient-centered approach to care could look like TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Opening: When care feels “off” 1:12 – Introducing Dara Parker 2:42 – “Mediocre” experiences across the system 4:19 – Is healthcare shaped by bias? 6:15 – Systems, assumptions, and lived experience 8:12 – Awareness doesn’t remove bias 10:33 – Pain, dismissal, and women’s bodies 12:16 – The role of humility in medicine 14:27 – Patients, information, and trust 19:06 – Lived experience and belief 20:15 – Assumptions in practice (birth control example) 21:54 – Why patients hold things back 24:56 – Confidence vs vulnerability in clinical settings 26:06 – Physical and emotional exposure 29:37 – What a different experience can feel like ⚠️ This video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or stopping medication. REFERENCES The Yentl Syndrome Bernadine Healy, The New England Journal of Medicine https://www.nejm.org/doi/abs/10.1056/NEJM199107253250408  The Girl Who Cried Pain: A Bias against Women in the Treatment of Pain Diane E. Hoffmann and Anita J. Tarzian https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1111/j.1748-720X.2001.tb00037.x   Pain Management for In-Office Uterine and Cervical Procedures American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/clinical-consensus/articles/2025/05/pain-management-for-in-office-uterine-and-cervical-procedures Implicit Bias in Healthcare Professionals: A Systematic Review Clemence FitzGerald and Samia Hurst https://bmcmedethics.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12910-017-0179-8   Prevalence of and Factors Associated With Patient Nondisclosure of Medically Relevant Information to Clinicians Andrea G. Levy et al. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2716996   Towards a Sociological Understanding of Medical Gaslighting in Western Health Care Jessica C.H. Sebring https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1467-9566.13367 Overview of the National Institutes of Health Investment in Women’s Health Research National Academies / NIH https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK612400/     CONNECT WITH GRAVITY HEALTH Website → https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/ Book a Consult → https://gravityhealth.janeapp.com/ FOLLOW US Gravity Health Clinics → https://www.instagram.com/gravityhealthclinics/ Dr. Bobby Parmar → https://www.instagram.com/docparmar_nd/ Dr. Paul Maximus → https://www.instagram.com/drmaximus/ Dara Parker → https://www.daraparker.com/ Off the Charts is a podcast by Gravity Health, created for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or any other healthcare service, and should not be taken as medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Listeners should always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical condition or treatment. For more information about content use and disclaimers, please visit: https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/terms-of-use https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/medical-disclaimer

  6. Mar 27

    The Low-Histamine Diet That Patients “Hate” (But Works) with Dr Krista Moyer, ND

    Histamine isn’t just about allergies. In this episode of Off the Charts, Dr. Bobby Parmar sits down with Dr. Krista Moyer, ND to unpack one of the most misunderstood mechanisms in medicine right now: histamine. From brain fog and anxiety… To IBS, GERD and diarrhea… To heavy bleeding, PMS and perimenopause shifts… Histamine can act as a systems-level amplifier — especially in people with Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) or histamine intolerance. Dr. Moyer shares her origin story into histamine medicine and explains: What mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) actually is How MCAS differs from histamine intolerance The role of DAO and HNMT enzymes When genetics matter — and when they don’t Why perimenopause can amplify histamine symptoms The estrogen ↔ histamine feedback loop How antihistamines (H1, H2) and quercetin are used clinically Why the low histamine diet is temporary — not a life sentence The link between histamine and menstrual pain Brain fog and anxiety as histamine-driven symptoms Why allergist testing doesn’t always rule this out They also break down when to experiment with antihistamines, when diet matters most, and why a bucket-load theory of “histamine burden” often makes more sense than chasing a single trigger. This episode is for anyone who has been told their labs are normal — but still doesn’t feel normal. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN The difference between MCAS and histamine intolerance How histamine affects the gut, brain, skin, and hormones Why perimenopause can amplify histamine symptoms The bucket theory of “histamine load” When the low histamine diet is useful (and how long to try it) How antihistamines and quercetin are used clinically Why allergy testing doesn’t rule histamine issues out TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Why the low histamine diet feels impossible 02:30 – Dr. Moyer’s origin story 03:55 – What is MCAS? 06:25 – The histamine “bucket” theory 09:27 – Perimenopause & estrogen connection 13:27 – What the low histamine diet involves 19:42 – Antihistamines: H1, H2 & quercetin 22:35 – MCAS explained simply 26:55 – MCAS vs histamine intolerance 29:55 – Digestive symptoms & IBS 31:07 – Pain, PMS & inflammation 32:02 – Brain fog & anxiety 38:04 – Is histamine a villain? 39:18 – Cetirizine & the blood-brain barrier 41:37 – Benadryl for period pain? ⚠️ This video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or stopping medication. REFERENCES American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI) — Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/mast-cell-activation-syndrome National Institutes of Health (NIH) — Mast Cell Activation Syndrome Overview https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539870/ Johns Hopkins Medicine — Mast Cell Disorders https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/mast-cell-disorders Cleveland Clinic — Histamine Intolerance https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24854-histamine-intolerance Mayo Clinic — Hives (Urticaria) and Mast Cell Overview https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/chronic-hives/symptoms-causes/syc-20352719 Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JACI) — Mast Cell Activation Disorders https://www.jacionline.org/ National Institutes of Health (NIH) — Histamine Metabolism Overview https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17272405/ CONNECT WITH GRAVITY HEALTH Website → https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/ Book a Consult → https://gravityhealth.janeapp.com/ Mint Reproductive Health → https://mintreproductivehealth.com/ Dr. Krista Moyer → http://www.drkristamoyer.com/ FOLLOW US Gravity Health Clinics → https://www.instagram.com/gravityhealthclinics/ Dr. Bobby Parmar → https://www.instagram.com/docparmar_nd/ Dr. Paul Maximus → https://www.instagram.com/drmaximus/ Mint Reproductive Health → https://www.instagram.com/mintreproductivehealth/ Dr. Krista Moyer → https://www.instagram.com/drkristamoyer/ Off the Charts is a podcast by Gravity Health, created for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or any other healthcare service, and should not be taken as medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Listeners should always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical condition or treatment. For more information about content use and disclaimers, please visit: https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/terms-of-use https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/medical-disclaimer

  7. Feb 13

    Should You Test Your Fertility Before Trying? with Dr. Alana Shaw, ND

    Fertility testing has become mainstream — but most women still don’t fully understand what those results actually mean. In this episode, Dr. Parmar sits down with Dr. Alana Shaw, ND to unpack what fertility testing actually tells you — and what it doesn’t — in a world flooded with online fertility advice. They break down AMH, antral follicle count, and pelvic/endovaginal ultrasound as screening tools, then connect it to the real-life questions women are asking: “Should I test before I even start trying?” “Does low AMH mean infertility?” “Why is IVF a numbers game?” They also touch on the bigger clinical context — including painful periods that get normalized, and why better screening and better explanations matter. Dr. Shaw also shares about her clinical work at Mint Integrative Health (Vancouver). WHAT YOU'LL LEARN What AMH measures (ovarian reserve) vs what it doesn’t measure (natural fertility prediction) Why low AMH ≠ “you’re infertile” Why IVF outcomes are a “numbers game” What antral follicle count (AFC) is and why it’s often paired with AMH Why age tends to predict egg quality better than AMH does What clinicians can learn from endovaginal ultrasound (cysts, endometriomas, fibroids, adenomyosis screening) Who fertility “pre-screening” may be most helpful for (especially people who want kids but don’t have a pathway yet) TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Painful periods being normalized 02:00 — “Fertility online” and why people are confused 24:30 — Who should consider prescreening 25:50 — Low AMH: what it means (and what it doesn’t) 26:10 — IVF is a numbers game 35:45 — AFC + endovaginal ultrasound explained 51:50 — IUDs as “good medicine” / non-contraceptive use  ⚠️ This video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or stopping medication. TOP REFERENCES: Ovarian Reserve Testing (AMH, AFC) + Interpretation ASRM Practice Committee Testing and interpreting measures of ovarian reserve (Committee Opinion, 2020) https://www.asrm.org/practice-guidance/practice-committee-documents/testing-and-interpreting-measures-of-ovarian-reserve-a-committee-opinion-2020/ NCBI Bookshelf (Endotext) Ovarian Reserve Testing https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279058/ ACOG Practice Bulletin Long-Acting Reversible Contraception: Implants and Intrauterine Devices https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/practice-bulletin/articles/2017/11/long-acting-reversible-contraception-implants-and-intrauterine-devices Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Guidance NICE Guideline NG88 (PDF) Heavy menstrual bleeding: assessment and management https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng88/resources/heavy-menstrual-bleeding-assessment-and-management-pdf-1837701412549 Endometriosis (Prevalence + Overview) World Health Organization (WHO) Fact Sheet Endometriosis https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis CONNECT WITH GRAVITY HEALTH Website → https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/ Book a Consult → https://gravityhealth.janeapp.com/ Mint Reproductive Health → https://mintreproductivehealth.com/ Dr. Alana Shaw → https://alanashawnd.com/ FOLLOW US Instagram (Clinic) → https://www.instagram.com/gravityhealthclinics/ Dr. Bobby Parmar → https://www.instagram.com/docparmar_nd/ Dr. Paul Maximus → https://www.instagram.com/drmaximus/ Mint Reproductive Health → https://www.instagram.com/mintreproductivehealth/ Off the Charts is a podcast by Gravity Health, created for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or any other healthcare service, and should not be taken as medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Listeners should always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical condition or treatment. For more information about content use and disclaimers, please visit: https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/terms-of-use https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/medical-disclaimer

  8. Jan 28

    The Truth About Antidepressants: Depression, Hormones, Pain, and Stigma

    Many people wonder whether antidepressants are the right choice — but the conversation is often oversimplified, stigmatized, or incomplete.   In this episode of Off the Charts, Dr. Bobby Parmar, ND takes a grounded, compassionate look at antidepressants: how they actually work in the body, why they’re prescribed for more than depression, and how hormones, pain, life stress, and brain chemistry all play a role in mental health decisions.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN How antidepressants affect serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine Why antidepressants are used beyond depression, including pain, PMDD, and postpartum mood changes Common concerns around weight gain and side effects How clinicians think about matching medications to symptoms The difference between dependence and discontinuation What to consider if you’re thinking about starting — or eventually coming off — antidepressants This conversation is for anyone who wants a clearer, more honest understanding of antidepressants without fear, judgment, or oversimplification.   TIMESTAMPS  0:00 – Why this question matters   0:48 – Why a holistic doctor prescribes antidepressants   5:20 – When lifestyle changes aren’t enough   9:09 – How antidepressants work in the brain   12:05 – Weight gain, metabolism, and SSRIs   15:48 – Side effects and early tolerance   18:22 – Matching antidepressants to symptoms   22:12 – Hormones, depression, and sex differences   24:12 – PMDD and why SSRIs are used   28:43 – Postpartum depression and hormonal shifts   31:30 – Hormones vs depression — does the distinction matter?   33:59 – Antidepressants and chronic pain   39:28 – Dependence vs discontinuation   45:55 – When and how tapering is considered   48:06 – Treatment resistance and alternatives   52:38 – Reducing stigma and fear around antidepressants    ⚠️ This video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting or stopping medication.   TOP REFERENCES:  Antidepressant Medications (Overview)  National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications  Choosing the Right Antidepressant  Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/antidepressants/art-20046273  Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome  American Family Physician: https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2006/0801/p449.html Going Off Antidepressants: What to Know  Harvard Health Publishing: https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/going-off-antidepressants  Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)  Johns Hopkins Medicine: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/premenstrual-dysphoric-disorder-pmdd  Antidepressants for Chronic Pain  Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/back-pain/in-depth/pain-medications/art-20045647  Pharmacogenomics & Medication Metabolism  Clinical Pharmacogenetics Implementation Consortium (CPIC): https://cpicpgx.org  CONNECT WITH GRAVITY HEALTH   Website → https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/  Book a Consult → https://gravityhealth.janeapp.com/   FOLLOW US   Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/gravityhealthclinics/ Dr. Bobby Parmar, ND → https://www.instagram.com/docparmar_nd/ Dr. Paul Maximus, ND → https://www.instagram.com/drmaximus/ Off the Charts is a podcast by Gravity Health, created for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or any other healthcare service, and should not be taken as medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not create a doctor–patient relationship.  Listeners should always seek the guidance of qualified healthcare professionals regarding any medical condition or treatment.   For more information about content use and disclaimers, please visit:  https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/terms-of-use https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/medical-disclaimer

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About

How many podcasts could there poddibly be about correcting medical misinformation now? Why would I add my voice to the chorus that can be so deafening? I've had 18+ years of experience seeing tons and treating everything from A to Z and lemme tell you there's plenty I can add to the conversation. Dive with me into the science of medicine with a heaping side of sass and spice.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Bobby Parmar, ND
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Off The Charts

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