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.

Episodes

  1. 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

    55 min

  2. 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

    54 min

  3. 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

    45 min

  4. 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

    44 min

  5. 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

    54 min

  6. 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

    55 min

  7. Jan 14

    Inside the Confident Clinician with Dr. Jordan Robertson, ND

    In this episode of Off the Charts, Dr. Bobby Parmar, ND and Dr. Paul Maximus, ND sit down with Dr. Jordan Robertson, ND, founder of The Confident Clinician, for a grounded conversation on what leadership actually looks like in modern clinical practice. Using the Confident Clinician framework, the discussion examines why confidence in medicine is built through judgment, systems, and decision-making—not busyness, credentials, or hustle. Together, they explore why linear growth models break under ambitious goals, how clinicians can expand their impact without burning out, and what it means to lead responsibly as practices and platforms scale. Dr. Robertson shares candid insights on betting on yourself before certainty, building systems instead of relying on individual capacity, and why the most effective clinicians think differently about growth, responsibility, and long-term impact. The conversation also addresses the realities faced by under-resourced clinicians, the importance of dialogue and accountability within professional communities, and how emerging tools like AI should be used to support—rather than replace—clinical judgment. Rather than focusing on trends or quick fixes, this episode positions leadership as a daily practice and scalability as a design challenge. It reflects the core philosophy of The Confident Clinician: that confidence is earned through clear thinking, strong systems, and intentional leadership. This discussion is especially relevant for clinicians navigating growth, leadership responsibilities, or systemic constraints, and for anyone interested in how modern medicine can evolve thoughtfully without compromising trust, expertise, or integrity. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why getting “busier” often leads to diminishing returns in clinical practice What leadership looks like when decisions are made without perfect conditions How clinicians can scale their impact without relying on hustle or burnout The difference between linear growth and system-level thinking in healthcare Why under-resourced clinicians experience stress, criticism, and negativity differently How to approach growth as an ecosystem design problem rather than an individual effort The role of judgment, communication, and leadership in a future shaped by AI Why betting on yourself — and building the right support systems — matters in long-term clinical impact TIMESTAMPS 0:00 – Leadership Is a Daily Choice 4:07 – Breaking Rules to Lead Better 10:05 – Building Outside Broken Systems 15:48 – Under-Resourced Clinicians 19:47 – Leadership Means Disappointment 23:43 – Saying Yes Before Certainty 29:04 – Why 10x Requires Different Thinking 34:03 – Designing Systems for Scale 37:59 – AI Won’t Replace Clinicians 41:51 – Sandboxed AI in Medicine 45:07 – What Patients Actually Need 58:41 – Raising the Standard in ND Medicine 1:06:02 – Final Takeaways TOP REFERENCES The Confident Clinician - https://confidentclinicianclub.com/ Dr. Jordan Robertson, ND - https://drjordannd.com/ This resource page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. 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/ Dr. Jordan Robertson, ND → https://www.instagram.com/drjordannd/ 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

    1h 8m

  8. 12/24/2025

    You Can’t Out-Coffee a Mineral Deficiency: The Iron Crisis Hiding in Plain Sight with Dr. Paul Maximus, ND

    Iron deficiency is one of the most common and most misunderstood medical issues affecting women today. In this episode of Off the Charts, Dr. Bobby Parmar, ND and Dr. Paul Maximus, ND break down why so many patients are told their labs are “normal” while they continue to experience exhaustion, brain fog, hair loss, chronic pain, mood changes, and low libido. The conversation explores how laboratory reference ranges differ from clinical reality, why iron deficiency is routinely missed until it becomes anemia, and how outdated screening practices disproportionately affect women. This is especially true for those with heavy periods, perimenopause, inflammatory conditions, plant-based diets, or absorption issues. Dr. Parmar and Dr. Maximus explain why oral iron often fails, why symptoms can persist well above traditional ferritin cutoffs, and why IV iron is positioned as a system-level solution rather than unnecessary intervention. The discussion covers bone marrow iron stores, ferritin targets, pregnancy and postpartum depletion, libido, mental health, and energy regulation. This episode challenges the idea that feeling tired, foggy, or unwell is simply part of being a woman. If you have ever been told your labs are fine but your body says otherwise, this conversation puts iron deficiency back where it belongs: front and center. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Why iron deficiency is often missed until anemia The difference between lab reference ranges and clinical thresholds Why symptoms can exist above “normal” ferritin levels Why oral iron frequently fails How menstruation, pregnancy, and inflammation affect iron The role of iron in energy, mood, libido, and cognition Why IV iron is framed as system relief What patients should ask for and what doctors should reconsider TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction and hot open 02:00 Why iron deficiency is missed in women 05:00 Lab reference ranges versus clinical thresholds 08:00 Ferritin, bone marrow iron, and symptoms 12:00 Oral iron failure and absorption issues 15:00 Menstrual blood loss, pregnancy, and iron depletion 18:00 Iron, neurotransmitters, and libido 20:00 Addressing criticism around iron infusions 23:00 Anemia as the final stage of deficiency 25:00 Cost, benefits coverage, and private pay realities 27:00 Why the system does not emphasize iron deficiency 28:00 Closing thoughts: know your number and fix it TOP REFERENCES Iron Rx Universe – IV iron and ferritin education https://ironrxuniverse.com Iron deficiency without anemia – clinical review (NIH / PMC) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5986027/ Heavy menstrual bleeding and iron deficiency (ACOG) https://www.acog.org Iron deficiency in pregnancy (WHO / PMC) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ This resource page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. CONNECT WITH GRAVITY HEALTH Website → https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/ Book a Consult → https://gravityhealth.janeapp.com/ Mint Reproductive Health → https://mintreproductivehealth.com/ FOLLOW US Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/gravityhealthclinics/ Dr. Bobby Parmar → https://www.instagram.com/docparmar_nd/ Dr. Paul Maximus → 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

    28 min

  9. 12/10/2025

    Why Medicine Still Fails Women with Kaz Twomey

    Medicine wasn’t built for women — and today, the consequences show up in every corner of healthcare. From misdiagnosed pain to delayed diagnoses, from biased research to outdated medical training, women around the world are still fighting to be heard, believed, and properly treated. In this episode, Dr. Bobby Parmar, ND sits down with activist and storyteller Karen “Kaz” Twomey for a powerful conversation about the gender data gap and how it continues to shape women’s health outcomes. Together, they explore why conditions like endometriosis, PCOS, perimenopause, and iron deficiency are so often dismissed or overlooked; how historical bias has shaped modern gynecology; and why women still struggle to find accurate information, compassionate care, and timely diagnosis. This episode dives into the cultural, scientific, and systemic roots of medical sexism, the lingering influence of the WHI hormone therapy study, and the growing movement of women reclaiming their own health literacy through social media, advocacy, and community education. If you’ve ever wondered why women’s symptoms are minimized, why diagnostic delays are so common, or why women’s health research lags behind — this conversation pulls back the curtain. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN Why women’s symptoms are dismissed The gender data gap • Endometriosis & PCOS Pain bias in gynecology Iron deficiency & pregnancy Estrogen fear & the WHI study Ireland’s Repeal movement How culture shapes women’s care What needs to change in medicine TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Introduction 01:00 – The gender data gap 05:00 – Endometriosis, PCOS, & delayed diagnosis 10:00 – Iron deficiency & overlooked symptoms 15:00 – The WHI study & hormone therapy confusion 20:00 – Social media & women reclaiming health literacy 25:00 – Pain bias & gynecology 30:00 – Ireland’s Repeal movement & reproductive rights 40:00 – The roots of medical misogyny 45:00 – What better care looks like TOP REFERENCES Invisible Women (Caroline Criado Perez) https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/610351/invisible-women-by-caroline-criado-perez/ The Menopause Society (formerly NAMS) https://www.menopause.org/ WHI Hormone Therapy Study (JAMA) https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/195120 Endometriosis Diagnostic Delay — Review (NIH / PMC) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6752380/ PCOS Rotterdam Criteria Summary (NIH / PMC) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4387639/ IUD Insertion Pain Research (ACOG) https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2016/07/clinical-guidance-for-IUDs This resource page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. CONNECT WITH GRAVITY HEALTH Website → https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/ Book a Consult → https://gravityhealth.janeapp.com/ Mint Reproductive Health → https://mintreproductivehealth.com/ FOLLOW US Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/gravityhealthclinics/ Dr. Bobby Parmar → https://www.instagram.com/docparmar_nd/ Dr. Paul Maximus → https://www.instagram.com/drmaximus/ Kaz Twomey → https://www.instagram.com/kaztwomey/?hl=en 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

    52 min

  10. 11/26/2025

    The Estrogen Puzzle: How Your Body Shapes Your Breast Cancer Risk

    Understanding how estrogen affects breast cancer risk is one of the most confusing and highly searched topics in women’s health. In this episode of Off the Charts, Dr. Bobby Parmar, ND breaks down the science behind estrogen, breast density, hormone therapy (HRT), IUDs, birth control, IVF, pregnancy timing, breastfeeding, and other factors that shape breast cancer risk throughout a woman’s life. We explain what “lifetime estrogen exposure” means, why early periods and late menopause matter, and how breast density, alcohol, height, metabolic health, and reproductive history all contribute to risk in different ways. We also clarify one of the biggest misconceptions circulating online: estrogen-only menopausal hormone therapy after hysterectomy is associated with lower breast cancer risk according to large randomized trials. This episode gives women a clear, evidence-based understanding of breast cancer risk factors—without fear-based messaging or misinformation. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN How estrogen influences breast cancer risk across the lifespan Estrogen’s benefits for bone, brain, metabolic and cardiovascular health The truth about perimenopause, menopause and hormone therapy (HRT) Breast density, BI-RADS categories and how density affects screening accuracy Family history, atypia and combined breast cancer risk Alcohol, height, growth hormones and metabolic contributors Pregnancy timing, breastfeeding cycles and breast tissue biology What studies actually show about IUDs, birth control and IVF What women can and cannot control when it comes to breast cancer prevention TOPICS COVERED (TIMELINE STYLE) Why estrogen is misunderstood What “lifetime estrogen exposure” really means Menopause, HRT and clearing the confusion Breast density, BI-RADS and cancer detection Family history, atypia and stacked risks How breast density changes with age Alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen and what studies show Does alcohol type matter? Height, growth hormones and cancer risk Metabolic health, inflammation and early-life factors Pregnancy timing and why age matters Never having kids (nulliparity) How breastfeeding changes breast tissue What it means if you cannot breastfeed IVF hormones and breast cancer risk Birth control, hormonal IUDs and real-world numbers Misinformation, fear-based messaging and how to understand your personal risk EPISODE RESOURCES AND REFERENCES Off the Charts provides a companion reference page for every episode to support transparency and evidence-based discussion. Key sources for Episode 2 include Frontiers in Oncology, The Lancet, Nature, the National Cancer Institute, the Canadian Cancer Society, FORCE XRAY, Susan G. Komen, Radiopaedia and the American College of Radiology (BI-RADS). Primary studies and clinical resources: Frontiers in Oncology – Estrogen Effects on the Mammary Gland https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2017.00110/full  PubMed – Estrogen-Alone Therapy and Breast Cancer Incidence (2024) https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38653905/  FORCE XRAY – Estrogen-Only HRT and Breast Cancer https://www.facingourrisk.org/XRAY/estrogen-without-progesterone-as-HRT-may-lower-breast-cancer  Canadian Cancer Society – Breast Density https://www.cancer.ca/en/treatments/tests-and-procedures/mammography/breast-density  National Cancer Institute – Reproductive History and Cancer https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/hormones/reproductive-history-fact-sheet  Nature – Pregnancy Duration and Breast Cancer Risk https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-018-06748-3  Susan G. Komen – Age at First Childbirth https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/risk-factor/age-at-first-childbirth  Radiopaedia – Breast Density Classification https://radiopaedia.org/articles/breast-density-classification  American College of Radiology – BI-RADS https://www.acr.org/Clinical-Resources/Clinical-Tools-and-Reference/Reporting-and-Data-Systems/BI-RADS  CONNECT WITH GRAVITY HEALTH Website: https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/  Book a Consult: https://gravityhealth.janeapp.com/  Mint Reproductive Health: https://mintreproductivehealth.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/  DISCLAIMER Off the Charts is a podcast by Gravity Health created for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional regarding your personal health concerns. Terms of Use: https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/terms-of-use  Medical Disclaimer: https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/medical-disclaimer

    34 min

  11. 11/12/2025

    Why Everyone’s on GLP-1s (But No One Admits It) with Dr. Paul Maximus, ND

    Off the Charts – Episode 001 Why Everyone’s on GLP-1s (But No One Admits It) With Dr. Bobby Parmar and Dr. Paul Maximus Brought to you by Gravity Health “Behind the hype and hashtags, millions of people are quietly reshaping their health with GLP-1s, but the stigma hasn’t caught up to the science.” Ozempic®, Mounjaro™, and other GLP-1 medications are changing how the world thinks about metabolism, weight, and longevity — but not without controversy. In this conversation, Dr. Bobby Parmar and Dr. Paul Maximus explore how these drugs went from diabetes treatments to cultural lightning rods. They dig into what science really says about GLP-1s, why moral bias still shapes how we talk about obesity, and what this shift means for the future of health and medicine. You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of the biology behind appetite, the psychology of shame, and how longevity isn’t just about living longer — it’s about living better. What You’ll Learn The physiological role of GLP-1 hormones in regulating hunger, satiety, and blood sugar Why these treatments are helping patients with metabolic and cardiovascular disease — not just weight The history of fat-shaming and why stigma still affects treatment access How obesity is now understood as a chronic, relapsing condition — not a personal failure What the research shows about long-term safety, muscle preservation, and sustained metabolic improvement Timestamps 0:00 Welcome to Off the Charts: The truth about GLP-1s and Ozempic 0:52 Why people hide their use of Ozempic and Mounjaro 2:52 Shame, willpower, and moral judgment in weight loss 4:55 Obesity as a disease — from circus cages to modern medicine 8:16 Fatphobia in healthcare and everyday life 9:13 Food noise, dopamine, and how our brains drive eating behavior 10:33 It’s not willpower — how biology shapes weight 13:55 The “cheating” narrative and natural vs pharmaceutical myths 15:31 The Gila monster story — how nature led to GLP-1 discovery 21:47 The rise of GLP-1 drugs and the billion-dollar shift 27:28 Why some doctors won’t prescribe Ozempic 32:30 Debunking “dangerous side effect” myths 37:27 Chronic disease, longevity, and why GLP-1s are for life 44:15 Muscle loss myths — what actually happens on Ozempic 48:38 Closing thoughts — send us your questions and hot takes Episode Resources & References To maintain transparency and support evidence-based discussion, every Off the Charts episode includes a companion page listing all primary research, clinical trials, and cultural references mentioned in the conversation. These references include publications from the New England Journal of Medicine, Physiological Reviews, the FDA, Obesity Canada, and more. Top References 1️⃣ Holst JJ (2007). The physiology of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). Physiological Reviews. 🔗 https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/physrev.00034.2006  2️⃣ Drucker DJ (2018). Mechanisms of action and therapeutic application of GLP-1 and GIP. Cell Metabolism. 🔗 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29617641/  3️⃣ Liraglutide and cardiovascular outcomes in type 2 diabetes. (2016). New England Journal of Medicine. 🔗 https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1603827  4️⃣ U.S. Food and Drug Administration (2024). FDA approves first treatment to reduce risk of serious heart problems in adults with obesity or overweight. 🔗 https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-treatment-reduce-risk-serious-heart-problems-specifically-adults-obesity-or  5️⃣ Obesity Canada (2025). Recognizing and reducing weight bias in obesity management. 🔗 https://obesitycanada.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/1-Canadian-Adult-Obesity-CPG-Reducing-Weight-Bias-Stigma.pdf  This resource page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Connect with Gravity Health Website → https://www.gravityhealthclinics.com/ YouTube  → Watch on YouTubeBook a Consult → https://gravityhealth.janeapp.com/  Follow Us Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/gravityhealthclinics/  Dr. Bobby Parmar → https://www.instagram.com/docparmar_nd/  Dr. Paul Maximus → 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

    50 min
  • 11 Episodes

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
    11
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Off The Charts

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