Advertise on podcast: Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring

What if some of the most powerful medicines are things we already have access to every day?  Dr. Geeta Maker-Clark, integrative medicine physician and author of Medicine for All People, joins Dr. Melinda Ring to explore how movement, play and connection can become powerful forms of medicine. From the brain benefits of dance to the healing effects of nature, community and joy, discover simple ways to reconnect with practices that can support a healthier, happier life.

Our bones do far more than hold us up. They can influence metabolism, brain health and how independently we live as we age. In this episode of Next Level Health, orthopedic surgeon and Unbreakable author Dr. Vonda Wright joins Dr. Melinda Ring to rethink the role of bone and muscle in women's health and longevity and explain why midlife is such a critical window for protecting both. Dr. Wright breaks down what happens to bone, muscle, joints and connective tissue during perimenopause and menopause, including the cluster of symptoms she has termed the "musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause." She also shares practical strategies for staying strong and capable for decades to come, from lifting heavier weights and incorporating impact and balance training to prioritizing protein and getting proactive about bone health. Plus, Dr. Wright discusses why aging doesn't have to mean inevitable decline, the major gaps that remain in research on women over 40, and the ambitious 79-mile mountain challenge she is using to help fund new women's health research. https://youtu.be/B-A_XQd6z-4 In this episode: 00:00 Your Bones Tell Your Life Story 00:54 Why Aging Doesn't Have to Mean Decline 06:15 Strength, Independence and the Freedom to Age Well 07:11 Why Bone and Muscle Are Longevity Organs 10:45 When Should Women Get a Bone Density Test? 12:04 What Perimenopause Does to Muscle and Bone 16:02 The Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause 20:26 The Building Blocks of Stronger Bones 23:00 Strength, Impact, Balance and Nutrition 27:16 Do You Need a Calcium Supplement? 28:21 How Much Protein Do Women Need? 31:40 Closing the Gap in Women's Health Research 36:56 Dr. Wright's Advice for Aging With Power Unbreakable: A Woman's Guide to Aging With Power by Dr. Vonda Wright is available now. Find out more about Dr. Wright's work. Check out "Moving the Mountain: 79 Miles. $79 Million. The future of women's health research one step at a time."  Subscribe to Next Level Health for science-backed, practical conversations about integrative health, longevity and well-being.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Trauma is one of the most overlooked drivers of chronic illness and stalled healing, and it's not just psychological, new research is suggesting it is biological, too. In this episode, Dr. Melinda Ring talks to Dr. Aimie Apigian about how trauma reshapes the body and nervous system, drawing from Apigian's bestselling book, The Biology of Trauma. Together, they explore why creating safety in the body is essential to healing and how understanding trauma's biology can unlock a new path forward.  https://youtu.be/WhAfbdEJccY 00:00 – Why Trauma Healing Requires Mind, Body, and Biology 00:00:14 – Welcome to Next Level Health 00:00:45 – Could Trauma Be the Root Cause of Chronic Illness? 00:01:54 – Trauma Isn't Just Big Events—It's Chronic Overwhelm 00:03:04 – Nothing Is Wrong With Your Body: Removing Shame From Trauma 00:04:11 – When Love Feels Unsafe: How Trauma Shapes Relationships 00:07:09 – Burnout Isn't a Failure—It's a Trauma Pattern 00:08:02 – When the Body Finally Says No: Trauma and Autoimmune Disease 00:10:53 – Trauma Is a Biological Survival Response 00:14:53 – Do All Bodies React the Same Way to Trauma? 00:18:00 – The Five Stages of the Trauma Response 00:22:42 – Freeze and Shutdown Are Not Weakness 00:23:52 – How Trauma Gets Stored as Chronic Inflammation and Pain 00:27:38 – Trauma: The Missing Root Cause in Functional Medicine 00:28:31 – Trauma or Gut Health: Which One Comes First? 00:29:30 – Why Pushing Through Trauma Can Make You Sicker 00:31:23 – Healing Begins With Nervous System Safety 00:34:53 – Your Nervous System Is Always Listening 00:36:57 – How Trauma Patterns Get Passed Down (And How to Stop It) 00:41:14 – Simple Somatic Practices That Help the Body Feel Safe Again 00:43:30 – How to Gently Shift Out of Survival Mode 00:43:50 – A Hopeful Path Forward in Trauma and Chronic Illness Healing Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@OCIHNorthwestern Follow the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmoshercenter/ Website: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocih/index.html Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocih/about-us/newsletter.html

There are science-backed strategies for accelerating recovery from illness and injury by tapping into our body's innate healing intelligence. In this episode, Dr. Melinda Rings talks with Integrative Medicine pioneer Dr. Victoria Maizes about practical advice, actionable steps and integrative approaches for various health conditions, including sleep issues and immune support during illness.   00:00 Introduction to Next Level Health 01:02 Meet Dr. Victoria Maizes 02:32 Maizes' Journey into Integrative Medicine 06:33 Integrative Medicine vs. Lifestyle Medicine 08:07 The Power of Supplements 12:38 Unlocking the Rapid Recovery Reflex 27:32 The Importance of Sleep 33:05 Cold and Flu Season Remedies 37:40 Final Thoughts and Takeaways Subscribe to the channel here:  https://www.youtube.com/@OCIHNorthwestern Follow the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmoshercenter/ Website: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocih/index.html Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocih/about-us/newsletter.html

Over half of cancer cases and deaths are considered preventable by making healthy lifestyle changes. In this episode, Dr. Lorenzo Cohen, a leading expert in integrative oncology and Director of the Integrative Medicine Program at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Dr. Melinda Ring, discuss six key areas of health and wellness people can use to reduce risk for developing cancer or to support healing and the reduce the risk of recurrence after a cancer diagnosis and treatment. They also delve into the controversial topic of biofield therapies and their potential impact on cancer treatment. The episode offers science-backed insights and personal anecdotes, providing actionable steps for optimizing health and well-being both before and after a cancer diagnosis. https://youtu.be/HX0rCCZzrAk   00:00 Introduction to Next Level Health 00:49 Personal Story and Cancer Prevention 01:17 Meet Dr. Lorenzo Cohen 02:26 Understanding Integrative Oncology 04:26 Stress and Its Impact on Cancer 05:29 Integrative Medicine at MD Anderson 08:46 Biofield Therapies and Energy Medicine 18:18 The Mix of Six for Anti-Cancer Living 22:46 Final Thoughts and Personal Wisdom 25:10 Conclusion and Resources

For the first time in history, today's children are expected to have shorter lifespans than their parents — largely due to diet and lifestyle-related diseases. But there are things parents can do to help reverse this trend. In this episode, Dr. Melinda Ring talks with integrative pediatrician Dr. Elisa Song, author of Healthy Kids, Happy Kids, to explore how families can nurture true resilience — from the gut to the brain and beyond.   https://youtu.be/hilJIFyIfGw 00:00 – Kids' lifespans are shortening: why this matters 00:20 – Welcome to Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring 00:51 – Introducing Dr. Elisa Song: integrative pediatrician and mom 03:11 – The alarming rise of chronic illness in children 05:35 – The microbiome at the root of modern childhood diseases 06:59 – How gut health shapes immune and mental health 12:17 – The role of birth and breastfeeding in microbiome development 13:26 – Why today's babies have fewer beneficial gut bacteria 18:03 – Antibiotics and long-term health: what parents need to know 23:34 – Restoring gut health through food and fermented recipes 26:23 – The vagus nerve: the bridge between the gut and brain 32:20 – Tools and devices that build calm and resilience 36:11 – Final advice for parents: small steps, big impact 37:23 – Closing thoughts from Dr. Ring   TazirzFacz5auq5FTvE0

Protecting our brain and body in a world that's not always built for it can be a challenge.  In this episode, Dr. Austin Perlmutter, a board-certified internal medicine physician unpacks the forces that inflame and impair our brains and offers tools to protect, nourish, and even rewire them.  00:00 Introduction to Brain Health 00:59 Meet Dr. Austin Perlmutter 01:36 Modern Challenges to Brain Health 04:06 Environmental Impacts on Brain Health 05:18 Diet and Brain Health 17:22 Inflammation and Brain Health 19:42 Practical Steps for Brain Health 19:50 Polyphenols and Brain Health 30:04 Muscle Health and Brain Health 32:53 Supplements and Brain Health 40:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Subscribe to the channel here:  https://www.youtube.com/@OCIHNorthwestern Follow the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmoshercenter/ Website: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocih/index.html Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocih/about-us/newsletter.html