Take Back Your Health Amy Myers, MD

This week, I'm doing something a little different on the podcast. I sat down for a heartfelt conversation with Dr. Ann Shippy, MD a fellow survivor and expert on toxic mold exposure. Unlike our typical interviews, this episode feels more like a deep dive into our personal experiences and the lessons we've learned about dealing with this hidden health hazard.
Ann shares her journey from a decade-long career as a chemical engineer to becoming a pioneer in functional medicine, driven by her own struggles with health that no conventional approach could resolve. Together, we explore the insidious nature of mold toxicity, which we’ve both struggled with.
Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode:

The varied symptoms of mold exposure, such as exhaustion, joint pain, brain fog, and more.

Our personal challenges, including the tough decisions we had to make about our homes and belongings to safeguard our health.

Tips for constructing mold-resistant living spaces, drawing from the ups-and-downs I experienced building a home in Santa Fe.

The emotional and psychological toll of mold toxicity and how mindfulness and EMDR therapy can play a part in healing.


Whether you're dealing with mold issues yourself, know someone who is, or just want to prevent future exposure, this conversation is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

02:29 Dr. Shippy's Journey to Functional Medicine
08:32 Building a Functional Medicine Practice
11:04 Recognizing Mold Toxicity in Patients
13:19 Symptoms and Diagnosis of Mold Toxicity
21:27 Impact of Mold on Family and Children
37:48 Building a Mold-Free Home
51:59 Shielding from Contamination
52:47 Journey to PTSD Recovery
53:30 EMDR and Trauma Triggers
54:49 Legal Battles and Builder Accountability
57:35 Building a Mold-Resistant Home
21:19 Travel Tips for Mold Sensitivity
01:23:52 Final Thoughts on Mold and Healing

Connect with Amy Myers, MD
Website: https://www.amymyersmd.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramymyers
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmyMyersMD/featured
Newsletter: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD

Connect with Ann Shippy, MD
Website: https://annshippymd.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annshippymd/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/annshippymd/
Dr. Shippy's mold resource and information hub
Mold Toxicity Workbook

In this week's episode, we dive into the world of functional medicine with Dr. Sara Gottfried, MD, a visionary who's redefining the treatment of autoimmune diseases and trauma. With a practice that’s garnered a waitlist of over 5000 people, Dr. Gottfried's revolutionary healing approach explores a wide range of modalities, including mindfulness and psychedelics.
In this episode, you’ll learn:

Dr. Gottfried's transition from traditional obstetrics to her current focus on autoimmune, trauma, and plant medicine.

The specific mindfulness techniques that Dr. Gottfried employs, such as Hakomi therapy, EMDR, holotropic breathwork, and more.

The significant impact of trauma on immune function and mental health.

How Dr. Gottfried is working with cutting-edge therapies beyond the conventional, including psychedelic-assisted treatments like ketamine, MDMA, and psilocybin.


Dr. Gottfried's insights offer a new perspective on health and wellness, emphasizing the importance of addressing both physical and emotional aspects of autoimmune diseases.

02:13 Dr. Gottfried's Journey into Functional Medicine
05:26 The Rise of Autoimmunity and Its Triggers
13:34 Understanding Trauma and Its Impact
21:18 Exploring Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
34:18 Legal and Practical Aspects of Psychedelic Therapy
53:33 Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Connect with Amy Myers, MD
Website: https://www.amymyersmd.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramymyers
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmyMyersMD/featured
Newsletter: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD

Connect with Sara Gottfried, MD
Website: https://www.saragottfriedmd.com/
ACE score
The Autoimmune Cure

This week's guest is one of my heroes. The research that Dr. Alessio Fasano, MD, and his team has done in the domains of gluten sensitivity, intestinal permeability, and celiac disease has informed both my health and my work.
Dr. Fasano is a trailblazer in understanding how gut health impacts our overall wellness. From his discovery of zonulin and its effects on intestinal permeability to his insights into the microbiome's role in chronic diseases, Dr. Fasano's research has reshaped our approach to health.
What you'll learn in this episode:

Dr. Fasano’s thoughts on going gluten-free and if it’s necessary for everyone.

How you can use pre- and probiotics to improve your gut health.

What diet he recommends for optimal health (and why he’s concerned about GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic).


00:21 Introducing Dr. Alessio Fasano: A Pioneer in Gut Health Research
02:41 The Serendipitous Journey to Discovering Zonulin
11:31 Zonulin: The Key to Understanding Gut Permeability
23:39 The Impact of Diet and Microbiome on Health
25:15 Exploring the Positive Role of Zonulin and Nutrient Absorption
27:51 The Gluten Debate: Navigating Dietary Choices
30:08 SIBO and Its Connection to Gut Permeability
38:08 Understanding Probiotics and Prebiotics
39:33 The Impact of Diet on the Microbiome
51:54 The Power of Diet and Lifestyle in Disease Prevention

Connect with Amy Myers, MD
Website: https://www.amymyersmd.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramymyers
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmyMyersMD/featured
Newsletter: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD

Connect with Alessio Fasano, MD
Website: https://celiaccenter.org
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/celiacresearch
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/celiacresearch/

What if I told you that your biological age could be reversed by over three years in just eight weeks? Dr. Kara Fitzgerald —this week’s guest—has the science to prove it's possible. 
Dr. Fitzgerald is a leading expert on DNA methylation and the author of the book Younger You: Reduce Your Bio Age and Live Longer, Better. If you’re interested in aging well, this week’s conversation is chock-full of incredibly practical changes you can take tomorrow (maybe even today!).

Here’s a peek into what you’ll learn:

The specific diet and lifestyle program that significantly reversed study participants' biological age

The clinical test that you can take to find out how fast you’re aging

Dr. Fitzgerald’s recommendations for fasting windows, meditation practices, and supplements to support a younger biological age.

Why she calls exercise an “amazing vegetable” and how it impacts DNA methylation



00:24 Meet Dr. Kara Fitzgerald
01:51 Dr. Fitzgerald's Journey into Functional Medicine
05:01 The Importance of Methylation
07:35 Understanding DNA Methylation and Epigenetics
14:18 Dr. Fitzgerald's Research and Findings
23:48 Implementing the Program: Diet and Lifestyle
29:58 Addressing Autoimmune Conditions and Supplementation
30:34 Dietary Intervention and DNA Methylation
31:44 Probiotics and Greens Powder in the Study
34:19 Study Results
35:57 Lifestyle Factors: Sleep, Exercise, and Meditation
46:36 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Connect with Amy Myers, MD
Website: https://www.amymyersmd.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramymyers
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmyMyersMD/featured
Newsletter: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD
Connect with Dr Kara Fitzgerald, ND
Website: http://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkarafitzgerald/
Bio Age Lab Testing: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/younger-you-bio-age-lab-test/
Book: Younger You: Reduce your Bio-Age and Live Longer, Better

Dr. Aviva Romm, MD, shares her expertise on preconception, fertility, and childbirth on my podcast this week. With 20 years of experience as a midwife and herbalist before becoming a physician specializing in functional and integrative medicine, Dr. Romm offers a one-of-a-kind, holistic perspective on every stage of the journey to parenthood.
We cover:

Dr. Romm’s specific recommendations on vitamins and diet for optimizing your fertility.

How environmental toxins impact everything from fertility, pregnancy to birth and the practical steps you can take to reduce your toxic exposure.

How underlying health conditions such as, PCOS, thyroid issues, stress and nutritional deficiencies can impact fertility.

Dr. Romm’s expert advice on exactly what to do and not do immediately post delivery as well as what I personally did for Elle after she was born by c- section.


02:36 The Journey to Functional Medicine with Dr. Aviva Ram
10:56 Exploring Fertility: Definitions, Challenges, and Integrative Approaches
14:21 The Impact of Lifestyle and Environmental Factors on Fertility
24:17 Navigating the Complexities of Egg Freezing and Embryo Ethics
26:38 Preparing for Pregnancy: The Importance of Preconception Health
29:15 Optimizing Diet for Preconception Health
30:29 The Importance of Detox Before Pregnancy
32:25 Enhancing Detoxification Through Diet and Lifestyle
34:08 Choosing Organic and Reducing Environmental Toxins
37:31 Supplements and Nutrition for Preconception and Pregnancy
42:26 Innovative Approaches to Newborn Care and Feeding
53:24 Empowering Health Choices Postpartum and Beyond
Ewg.org for dirty dozen & clean 15 & skin deep
Dr Romm Podcast episode: Restoring Baby's Microbiome afer Cesarean with Dr. Maria Gloria Dominguez
Connect with Amy Myers, MD
Website: https://www.amymyersmd.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramymyers
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmyMyersMD/featured
Newsletter: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD
Connect with Aviva Romm, MD
Website: https://avivaromm.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.avivaromm/

Do you want to know the secret to aging powerfully?  Muscles!  This week I spoke with JJ Virgin, the renowned celebrity nutrition expert, who shares her approach to aging with strength. JJ doesn't just tell us to age gracefully; she arms us with the tools to age powerfully. We delve into the importance of not only maintaining muscle but more importantly gaining muscle as you age.
In this episode you will learn:

How to gain muscle and lose fat

Why everyone should be taking creatine and how much to take

Exact exercises to keep you strong and flexible as you age


00:19 Meet JJ Virgin: Nutrition Expert and Fitness Icon
01:46 The Power of Aging: A New Perspective
07:15 The Three Pillars of Powerful Aging
07:28 The Essential Role of Protein and Creatine in Aging
10:06 Mastering Movement: Steps, Resistance, and Functional Training
17:37 Navigating Nutrition: Protein, Fasting, and Amino Acids
27:19 Adapting Workouts for Aging: Strategies for Every Stage
28:48 Understanding Body Composition and Aging
29:57 The Role of Exercise in Managing Hormonal Changes
30:09 Embracing Hormone Replacement and Exercise for Better Aging
33:47 Optimizing Fitness Post-Menopause: Realities and Inspirations
35:51 Strategies for Building Muscle and Enhancing Fitness in Later Life
45:29 Finding the Right Trainer and Utilizing DEXA Scans for Optimal Aging

Resources Mentioned:
Resistance Training Cheat Sheet link:http://jjvirgin.com/resistance & her Resistance Training YouTube video link: https://jjvirgin.com/rt

Connect with Amy Myers, MD
Website: https://www.amymyersmd.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dramymyers
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AmyMyersMD/featured
Newsletter: https://www.amymyersmd.com/ec/guide-to-leaky-gut
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AmyMyersMD
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AmyMyersMD
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/amymyersmd/

Connect with JJ Virgin
Website https://jjvirgin.com/
Instagram: @jj.virgin