I AM HUMAN

How did Niraj Naik transform his life from chronic illness to breathwork mastery, and what led him to create the revolutionary SOMA Breath program?  In this episode of I AM HUMAN, I interview Niraj Naik about breath work and the SOMA Breath program. We learn about the importance of the breath, the paradox of oxygen vs. CO2, and how we can utilize breath work to increase our wellbeing and joy.  Niraj discusses his transformative journey from chronic illness to self-healing through breathwork, leading to the creation of the SOMA Breath program. Known as the renegade pharmacist, Niraj shares his insights on optimizing breathing to combat oxidative stress, enhance athletic performance, and elevate energy levels. He highlights the benefits of practicing breathwork on an empty stomach and the importance of integrating it into daily routines for holistic health and stress management. The episode delves into the limitations of modern medicine and the pharmaceutical industry, emphasizing the need for personal responsibility in health management. Niraj advocates for lifestyle medicine and pranayama as empowering alternatives for both doctors and patients, addressing issues like physician burnout and systemic pressures in healthcare. The SOMA Breath program's unique approach, combining music and rhythmic breathing, is presented as a tool for achieving profound states of consciousness and improving overall well-being.  Niraj Naik is a former pharmacist turned holistic health and breathwork expert, known as the Renegade Pharmacist. His journey began as a community pharmacist until stress-related depression and ulcerative colitis prompted a profound self-healing quest. This led to the creation of SOMA Breath, a global movement with over 3,500 certified instructors and hundreds of thousands of students worldwide. Advocated by wellness leaders like Ben Greenfield and studied by neuroscientists at Cambridge, Niraj is dedicated to educating others on holistic health, breathwork, and meditation, while also developing various health-related brands.  Discussion points: (00:00) Guest intro - Niraj Naik (05:29) Niraj’s career path ups and downs, oxidative stress, breathwork, and optimizing well-being and enhancing energy levels (11:30) Breathwork helps manage stress and balance in business, the broken business model of healthcare, big pharma’s control over media and the people (23:54) Getting off processed food, eat more whole home-cooked foods (25:00) Feeling trapped as a physician, wanting to help people (27:30) Breathing practices like pranayama, CO2 tolerance, and mindful practices can improve well-being and longevity, breath-hold time (45:00) The power of SOMA Breath program - combining music and rhythmic breathing for transformative experiences, improving energy levels and athletic performance (52:25) Closing questions, what we wish people knew Please subscribe, and reach out to us with your comments, questions, and feedback Resources: SOMA Breath https://www.somabreath.com/ The Renegade Pharmacist https://therenegadepharmacist.com/ Niraj on IG https://www.instagram.com/nirajnaikofficial/ NIraj FB  https://www.facebook.com/groups/839552753990073/ SOMA Breath on YT https://www.youtube.com/somabreath  Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please consult a healthcare professional. The I AM HUMAN podcast explores topics such as plant-based nutrition, lifestyle medicine, personal development, and spirituality to promote health, well-being, longevity, and joy and help you craft your best life yet. Subscribe today, and send your feedback to [email protected] Dr. Yami is a board-certified pediatrician, certified lifestyle medicine physician, national board-certified health and wellness coach, author and international speaker. She is a passionate promoter of healthy lifestyles, especially the power of plant-based diets for the prevention of chronic disease. She hosts the popular podcast I AM HUMAN (formerly Veggie Doctor Radio) which boasts listeners from 98 countries and more than a million downloads to date. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, has a certificate in plant-based nutrition and is a certified Food for Life Instructor. Dr. Yami owns Nourish Wellness, a pediatric practice in Yakima, Washington where she lives with her husband and two sons. Her book is called “A Parent’s Guide to Intuitive Eating: How to Raise Kids Who Love to Eat Healthy”. You can learn more about Dr. Yami at DoctorYami.com. More From Dr. Yami: TEDx Talk - http://bit.ly/DOCTORYAMITEDX A Parent's Guide to Intuitive Eating: How to Raise Kids Who Love to Eat Healthy by Dr. Yami - https://amzn.to/4edSFHx Questions? Email me: [email protected] More Listening Options: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VPdq5D Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4civZ7j YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thedoctoryami *This podcast contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!* Credits: Show Poducers: Dr. Yami, Alejandra Parra Graphic Designer: Alejandra Parra Music: GlowBox Productions https://glowboxproductions.com Editing: The Castos Productions team https://castos.com/productions   Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How can embracing a plant-based diet and lifestyle changes potentially delay the need for dialysis and improve kidney health?  In this episode of I AM HUMAN, we learn about our invaluable kidneys and how we can keep them healthy and strong from nephrologist Dr. Sean Hashmi. We hear about his plant-based journey, the top chronic conditions that affect the kidney, and the top 5 things that we can do to keep our kidneys strong and optimized.  Dr. Hashmi is a practicing nephrologist and obesity medicine specialist, who brings an inspiring narrative of how a plant-based diet significantly altered his wife’s health journey and opened his eyes to its profound benefits. We explore how shifting to a predominantly plant-based diet can slow the progression of kidney disease, promote a robust gut microbiome, and ultimately delay the onset of dialysis. Together, we dive into how the placebo effect exemplifies hope's vital role in facing medical challenges. Through personal experiences, we highlight how integrating movement, gratitude, and a whole food, plant-based diet can improve not just physical health, but relationships and overall well-being. The simple yet transformative acts of kindness and gratitude in reducing stress and fostering happiness reveal how these principles have led to unexpected blessings such as family growth and resilience.  By addressing socio-economic barriers and sharing personal accounts of overcoming health struggles, we emphasize the importance of accessibility and equity in healthcare. This episode is a call to action to monitor blood pressure, manage blood sugar levels, and prioritize a minimally processed, plant-based diet for a healthier tomorrow.   Sean Hashmi, MD, MS, FASN, is a practicing Nephrologist and Obesity Medicine specialist in Southern California. He is a sought-after speaker on topics ranging from health, nutrition, fitness, and wellness. Currently, Dr. Hashmi serves as the Regional Director for Clinical Nutrition and Weight Management at a large healthcare organization in Southern California. Driven by his lifelong commitment to serving others, Dr. Hashmi provides evidence-based health, nutrition, and wellness research through his 501c(3) nonprofit, SELFPrinciple.org. In addition, SELF Principle also supports children's education efforts through scholarships, books, and supplies.  Discussion points: (00:00) Guest intro - Dr. Sean Hashmi,  (05:00)  Belief, mindset, and holistic lifestyle contribute to health and relationships, while kindness and gratitude reduce stress and foster happiness plant-based diet's impact on kidney health, gut microbiome, common conditions, and practical tips for optimal function (12:31) Integrating lifestyle and nutrition in medical practice, Dr. Hashmi’s recumbent bicycle instead of an exam table, why the kidneys are so important, addressing socio-economic barriers in healthcare (26:19) Obesity, diet, exercise, and kidney health are interconnected, emphasizing the importance of a whole food, plant-based diet and resistance training (39:27) Monitoring blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, and cholesterol for optimal kidney health and well-being. Kindness, success, personal growth, and making a positive impact on the world. Connect on Self Principle YouTube channel for more insights. (42:41) Closing questions, what we wish people knew Please subscribe, and reach out to us with your comments, questions, and feedback Resources: Self Principle on YT youtube.com/c/selfprinciple Selfprinciple.org Instagram: @seanhashmimd  Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please consult a healthcare professional. The I AM HUMAN podcast explores topics such as plant-based nutrition, lifestyle medicine, personal development, and spirituality to promote health, well-being, longevity, and joy and help you craft your best life yet. Subscribe today, and send your feedback to [email protected] Dr. Yami is a board-certified pediatrician, certified lifestyle medicine physician, national board-certified health and wellness coach, author and international speaker. She is a passionate promoter of healthy lifestyles, especially the power of plant-based diets for the prevention of chronic disease. She hosts the popular podcast I AM HUMAN (formerly Veggie Doctor Radio) which boasts listeners from 98 countries and more than a million downloads to date. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, has a certificate in plant-based nutrition and is a certified Food for Life Instructor. Dr. Yami owns Nourish Wellness, a pediatric practice in Yakima, Washington where she lives with her husband and two sons. Her book is called “A Parent’s Guide to Intuitive Eating: How to Raise Kids Who Love to Eat Healthy”. You can learn more about Dr. Yami at DoctorYami.com. More From Dr. Yami: TEDx Talk - http://bit.ly/DOCTORYAMITEDX A Parent's Guide to Intuitive Eating: How to Raise Kids Who Love to Eat Healthy by Dr. Yami - https://amzn.to/4edSFHx Questions? Email me: [email protected] More Listening Options: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VPdq5D Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4civZ7j YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thedoctoryami *This podcast contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!* Credits: Show Poducers: Dr. Yami, Alejandra Parra Graphic Designer: Alejandra Parra Music: GlowBox Productions https://glowboxproductions.com Editing: The Castos Productions team https://castos.com/productions Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Can the fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) be a sustainable lifestyle choice for promoting healthier habits, and what scientific evidence supports its regenerative effects on the body?  In this episode of I AM HUMAN, I interview Dr. Valter Longo on his research in aging and longevity. He defines the longevity diet, why he recommends a low protein intake, and whether plant protein is as harmful as animal protein. He also describes the fasting-mimicking diet and its benefits. Discover how a musician turned biochemist revolutionized the way we approach aging, introducing the fasting-mimicking diet (FMD) as a groundbreaking strategy for enhancing lifespan and combating chronic diseases. This episode is a deep dive into the science behind this innovative diet, shedding light on its ability to reduce biological age, decrease systemic inflammation, and improve crucial health markers such as cholesterol and IGF-1. Dr. Longo challenges conventional notions of protein intake, especially from animal sources, and provides a comprehensive framework for healthy aging tailored to individual needs. Hear about the transformative potential of the FMD, with its regenerative effects and practical approach that makes it accessible to everyone, even those new to fasting.  Learn how FMD offers a safer, more sustainable alternative to traditional fasting, the challenges and triumphs of implementing FMD in clinical trials, and its role in disease prevention and management. With insights into Dr. Longo's personal dietary practices and his vision for the future of nutrition, this episode offers a wealth of information for anyone interested in enhancing their quality and length of life through informed dietary choices. Dr. Valter Longo is a renowned expert in longevity and age-related diseases, recognized for his groundbreaking research on fasting and its effects on lifespan. His team notably extended the lifespan of a simple organism tenfold and identified key genetic mutations in humans linked to protection against cancer and cognitive decline. He developed the fasting-mimicking diet, leading to over 30 clinical trials demonstrating its potential in reducing biological age and aiding cancer patients. As a Professor at USC’s Longevity Institute, he authored the bestselling book "The Longevity Diet" and was named one of TIME magazine's 50 most influential people in healthcare in 2018. Additionally, he founded non-profit organizations aimed at promoting healthy longevity. Discussion points: (00:00) Guest intro - Dr. Valter Longo and his pioneering work on longevity (08:30) Insights from historical diets like Mediterranean and Okinawan  (08:30) Dr. Longo discusses the fasting-mimicking diet's benefits on health   (12:39) Keeping protein low- counterintuitive but accurate, animal vs. plant protein, protein intake recommendations (18:45) The potential of FMD for regeneration and disease prevention  (26:00) Using fasting as a way to identify food sensitivities, and as a preventative measure (30:46) Challenges of water-only fasting compared to FMD are examined   (33:20) How the FMD works, what foods and when? (36:00) Dr. Longo's personal diet and views on time-restricted eating (39:00) Closing questions, what we wish people knew Please subscribe, and reach out to us with your comments, questions, and feedback Resources: Book: The Longevity Diet by Dr. Valter Longo Dr. Valter Longo IGProLon Fasting Mimicking Diet  Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please consult a healthcare professional. The I AM HUMAN podcast explores topics such as plant-based nutrition, lifestyle medicine, personal development, and spirituality to promote health, well-being, longevity, and joy and help you craft your best life yet. Subscribe today, and send your feedback to [email protected] Dr. Yami is a board-certified pediatrician, certified lifestyle medicine physician, national board-certified health and wellness coach, author and international speaker. She is a passionate promoter of healthy lifestyles, especially the power of plant-based diets for the prevention of chronic disease. She hosts the popular podcast I AM HUMAN (formerly Veggie Doctor Radio) which boasts listeners from 98 countries and more than a million downloads to date. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, has a certificate in plant-based nutrition and is a certified Food for Life Instructor. Dr. Yami owns Nourish Wellness, a pediatric practice in Yakima, Washington where she lives with her husband and two sons. Her book is called “A Parent’s Guide to Intuitive Eating: How to Raise Kids Who Love to Eat Healthy”. You can learn more about Dr. Yami at DoctorYami.com. More From Dr. Yami: TEDx Talk - http://bit.ly/DOCTORYAMITEDX A Parent's Guide to Intuitive Eating: How to Raise Kids Who Love to Eat Healthy by Dr. Yami - https://amzn.to/4edSFHx Questions? Email me: [email protected] More Listening Options: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VPdq5D Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4civZ7j YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thedoctoryami *This podcast contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!* Credits: Show Poducers: Dr. Yami, Alejandra Parra Graphic Designer: Alejandra Parra Music: GlowBox Productions https://glowboxproductions.com Editing: The Castos Productions team https://castos.com/productions Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

How much do you really know about perimenopause and menopause? In this episode of I AM HUMAN, I interview menopause educator and researcher Andrea Donsky about perimenopause and menopause. She shares her personal journey, the top 20 symptoms based on her research, what we can do to improve sleep during this transition, and what supplements could be helpful. This is a great episode to share with a friend! Through her platform, Morphus, Andrea aims to empower women with knowledge. As we explore the evolution of menopause conversations across generations, Andrea shares how today's Gen Xers are shattering the stigma that kept our mothers and grandmothers silent. We delve into the specific symptoms that women face, from fatigue and brain fog to sleep disturbances and loss of libido, and how these impact daily life and relationships. Andrea offers her expertise on coping strategies, including lifestyle adjustments, nutritional advice, and the potential benefits of hormone therapy. We also tackle the all-too-common issue of insomnia, providing strategies to improve sleep quality and discussing the importance of a consistent routine and stress management. Wrapping up, we reflect on redefining success to prioritize health and well-being. Andrea Donsky, known as the “Menopause Educator and Researcher” to her 335,000+ TikTok followers, is a seasoned nutritionist with 24 years in the health and wellness industry. As a Multiple-Award-Winning Influencer, Media Personality, Speaker, and Author, Andrea is dedicated to transforming the conversation around perimenopause and menopause. She hosts the podcast ‘Menopause Reimagined’ and serves as a Menopause Expert on TV across North America. Her latest venture, Morphus, supports women through menopause with nutrition, lifestyle guidance, and science-backed supplements. Discover more at wearemorphus.com. Discussion points: (00:00) Andrea’s intro (04:30) Andrea’s personal backstory with perimenopause (06:00) Uncovering hidden perimenopause and menopause symptoms (10:00) Common mental health and other unusual symptoms  (13:30) Depression and connecting it to perimenopause (15:50) Why we don’t know more, past stigma around the topic (20:00) Research in menopause and social media surveys (28:20) Should women minimize activities during this phase? (33:50) Women's sleep issues and causes, health risks (43:00) Understanding the nuances of supplements (50:35) Closing questions, what we wish people knew Please subscribe, and reach out to us with your comments, questions, and feedback Resources: Podcast: Menopause Reimagined with Andrea Donsky wearemorphus.com @wearemorphus - IG @andreadonsky - TikTok Disclaimer: The information on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace careful evaluation and treatment. If you have concerns about your health or well-being, please consult a healthcare professional. The I AM HUMAN podcast explores topics such as plant-based nutrition, lifestyle medicine, personal development, and spirituality to promote health, well-being, longevity, and joy and help you craft your best life yet. Subscribe today, and send your feedback to [email protected] Dr. Yami is a board-certified pediatrician, certified lifestyle medicine physician, national board-certified health and wellness coach, author and international speaker. She is a passionate promoter of healthy lifestyles, especially the power of plant-based diets for the prevention of chronic disease. She hosts the popular podcast I AM HUMAN (formerly Veggie Doctor Radio) which boasts listeners from 98 countries and more than a million downloads to date. She is a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics, a diplomate of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, has a certificate in plant-based nutrition and is a certified Food for Life Instructor. Dr. Yami owns Nourish Wellness, a pediatric practice in Yakima, Washington where she lives with her husband and two sons. Her book is called “A Parent’s Guide to Intuitive Eating: How to Raise Kids Who Love to Eat Healthy”. You can learn more about Dr. Yami at DoctorYami.com. More From Dr. Yami: TEDx Talk - http://bit.ly/DOCTORYAMITEDX A Parent's Guide to Intuitive Eating: How to Raise Kids Who Love to Eat Healthy by Dr. Yami - https://amzn.to/4edSFHx Questions? Email me: [email protected] More Listening Options: Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3VPdq5D Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4civZ7j YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thedoctoryami *This podcast contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!* Credits: Show Poducers: Dr. Yami, Alejandra Parra Graphic Designer: Alejandra Parra Music: GlowBox Productions https://glowboxproductions.com Editing: The Castos Productions team https://castos.com/productions Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy