Couch Talk W/ Dr. Anna Cabeca

I am honestly so glad that the school year has started already! It does bring some melancholy feelings such as this is maybe the last time I drop my youngest one off to school because next year she'll be driving. I love these first day of school drop offs! I get to be ridiculous and embarrass her and bring a smile to her face. It is a really special time.  Some of you may be experiencing an empty nest cycle or just the nostalgia of the school season starting, and you feel like something's missing. Well, I'm here for you and I have often said to a patient that, ‘Wow! Now you finally have the time to have that mental breakdown your body has been wanting to have for a decade!’ Back to school also brings with it the focus on the immune system because colds and flus often come with the beginning of a new school year so, keeping yourself as healthy as possible is important for you and your family. I am not a proponent of routine flu immunizations - I am a proponent of resetting your circadian rhythm, boosting your

Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, it's easy to get caught up in the constant pursuit of success and accomplishment. However, it's not always about doing more, but rather about being present and enjoying the fruits of our labor. It's essential to recognize the importance of taking a step back and giving ourselves the time and space to recharge. We need to prioritize our well-being and make self-care a non-negotiable part of our lives. In today’s episode, I had the incredible opportunity to sit down and have an enlightening conversation with the one and only Marci Shimoff. Marci Shimoff is a #1 New York Times Bestselling Author and a world-renowned Transformational Teacher, known for her best-selling books such as "Happy for No Reason" and "Love for No Reason." She has a unique gift for radiating happiness and bringing miracles into people's lives. If you've seen "The Secret" or are familiar with the law of attraction, you'll absolutely love Marci's insights. During our conversation, Marci shared powe

Hormone disruption is a topic that is often overlooked but is crucial for understanding our overall health and well-being. It is not a sexy topic to talk about, but it is eye-opening and empowering, and it is essential to understand their effects on our health. In this episode, we aim to provide you with information to help you recognize any interference in your body's natural hormonal production. Our guest, a fellow OBGYN, Dr. Margaret Christensen, has made significant contributions to the fields of Longevity Medicine, Integrative Medicine, and Functional Medicine. Her expertise, combined with her unique clinical journey, has led her on an enlightening path of discovery. Dr. Margaret’s personal and clinical journey has led her to explore the impact of environmental toxins on our health. She uncovers the effects of psychoneurotropics and provides insights into how these toxins can affect us. This eye-opening discussion will make you think twice about the substances we encounter in our daily lives.  She is als

Menopause is a natural phase of a woman's life that occurs when she stops menstruating and can no longer bear children. It is a significant milestone that marks the end of reproductive years and the beginning of a new phase of life. However, despite its importance, menopause is often misunderstood and overlooked in our society. This lack of education and awareness about menopause has serious implications for women's health and well-being. Normalizing conversations about women's health is a crucial step towards empowering women and providing them with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions about their bodies. This episode highlights the importance of open and transparent discussions about topics that have traditionally been considered taboo or uncomfortable. We are joined by the incredible Esther Blum, an Integrative Dietitian, Menopause Expert, and Bestselling Author, who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Our conversation is not only research-based, but also ba

Reading food labels is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. In today's society, where there is an abundance of processed and packaged foods, it is crucial to be aware of what we are putting into our bodies. It can be easy to overlook the importance of reading food labels. Many of us are guilty of grabbing items off the grocery store shelves without giving much thought to it and what many individuals fail to realize is that even foods labeled as "healthy" can contain hidden ingredients that are detrimental to our health. In this episode, we are joined by Nutrition Expert, Jen Smiley, Founder of "Wake Up and Read the Labels," a company dedicated to helping consumers understand what's actually inside of their food and revolutionize their grocery shopping. Jen's personal experience with asthma, stubborn weight, and inflammation taught her the importance of reading the back of food products. Her journey began when she realized that the seemingly healthy food products she was consuming were actually fille

Longevity requires prioritizing health. At the end of our days, what truly matters is having loved, laughed, shared, given, and received joy in our relationships. However, to fully enjoy these aspects of life, good health is essential. Our health affects our overall well-being and happiness. In this episode, the importance of living a long and healthy life is emphasized. Our special guest, Dr. Jeffrey Gladden, Founder, Medical Director, and CEO of Gladden Longevity; a Clinic and Research Center for Life Energy, Health, Longevity, and Performance Optimization, shares his amazing insights and clinical experience in the field of longevity. He discusses the impact of COVID on trends and how he has helped his patients overcome setbacks.  Dr. Gladden highlights the significance of taking care of our bodies and the importance of pain-free living. He emphasizes the importance of taking care of our bodies, addressing inflammation and hormone imbalances, and optimizing our overall well-being. He believes that by doing

Does this sound familiar? You've been told to follow strict diets and rigorous exercise routines to achieve long-term health and wellness, only to feel frustrated and disheartened when those actions don't yield the desired results. The pain of constantly striving without seeing lasting progress can be overwhelming. But what if there's a different approach? In this episode, we unveil the secrets to creating a positive outlook on health and wellness, one that doesn't rely on restrictive measures or exhausting efforts. It's time to find solace in laughter, embrace the beauty in everyday moments, and shift from fear to love. Join us on this transformative journey towards improved well-being and a brighter future.   Key Takeaways: 00:00:00 - The Power of Perspective 00:03:24 - Laughter as Medicine 00:05:53 - Finding God in the Small Things 00:07:45 - Love and Connection 00:08:27 - Overcoming Fear  Memorable Quotes “Laughter is medicine. Let laughter be thy medicine.” - Dr. Anna Cabeca “Look for God in the small

Don't let the limitations of our current medical system hold you back from achieving optimal health. Join me and Dr. Jeffrey Bland, a PhD, a scientist, and a world-renowned researcher and leader in personalized medicine and functional medicine, for an insightful discussion on how functional medicine can help you go beyond just managing symptoms. Discover how eliminating what's bogging down your immune system can improve your health with functional medicine. Today’s episode stresses the importance of an individualized approach to healthcare that focuses on preventative care and treating the root cause of illnesses, rather than just managing symptoms with pharmaceuticals. Functional medicine has the potential to revolutionize healthcare by providing a more personalized, root-cause-based approach to medicine. By focusing on prevention and addressing the underlying causes of disease, functional medicine can help to reduce healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes. Learn how functional medicine can help you ta

As we age, our bodies undergo various changes that can impact our overall health. One of the most significant changes is the decline in insulin sensitivity, which can lead to a host of metabolic issues. In this episode of The Girlfriend Doctor, Cynthia Thurlow delves into the complexities of insulin sensitivity and how we can navigate the challenges that come with it. Cynthia Thurlow is a nurse practitioner and expert in metabolic health and intermittent fasting for women's health. With over 20 years of experience in cardiology and metabolic health, Cynthia emphasizes the importance of metabolic health and insulin sensitivity in our overall well-being.  In this episode, Cynthia shares her personal experience with intermittent fasting and how it has helped her and her clients. She also covers the role of stress, exercise, and sleep in metabolic health, as well as the importance of individualized care for women's health, and she shares her thoughts on aging, personal choices, and the importance of internal work

Do you want to feel like your best self again? Are you tired of feeling sluggish and unmotivated? The solution to achieving optimal health and vitality lies in addressing the root causes of low testosterone. And that's exactly what our guest, Dr. Tracy Gapin, will be sharing with you. Dr. Gapin has a wealth of experience as a board-certified urologist and a renowned expert in men's health, Dr. Gapin has made it his mission to help men achieve hormonal balance and overall wellness. As the founder of the esteemed Gapin Institute, he's become well-known for his focus on addressing the root causes of low testosterone through detox, nutrition, and hormonal management. His extensive work has been instrumental in helping men enhance their health, energy, and vitality. By detoxing your body, providing the right nutrition, and managing your hormones, you can experience improved energy levels, increased muscle mass, improved sexual function, and an overall improved quality of life. Don't settle for feeling less than yo

Today on The Girlfriend Doctor, we speak with the incredible JJ Virgin, a best-selling author and health and fitness expert who has been a long-time mentor and friend to Dr. Anna Cabeca. As the founder of the Virgin Diet, Sugar Impact Diet, and the Warrior Mom book on mindset, JJ has dedicated her life to helping midlife women focus on health and well-being. With a passion for muscle-building and embracing a positive aging mindset, JJ is the perfect guest to share her wisdom and inspire us all to live our best lives. Exercise and physical activity play a critical role in maintaining health, vitality, and youthfulness as we age. Regular exercise has been proven to boost energy, improve mood, combat age-related diseases, and enhance cognitive function. Adopting a fitness routine that incorporates diverse exercises that target strength, flexibility, endurance, and balance can be key to ensuring optimal health and aging gracefully. In her conversation with Dr. Anna Cabeca, JJ Virgin explains how her approach to

Are you tired of hearing that you just need to stay positive to build resilience? Has that advice left you feeling even more frustrated and overwhelmed? It's time to ditch the toxic positivity and embrace the power of vulnerability. In this episode of The Girlfriend Doctor, Dr. Neeta Bhushan will teach you how acknowledging negative emotions and setting healthy boundaries can help you harness good stress and bounce back stronger than ever. Dr. Neeta Bhushan is an emotional health advocate and expert in grit and resilience. As a former cosmetic dentist, Neeta transitioned from transforming smiles to inspiring inner greatness after selling her million-dollar practice. Passionate about empowering immigrant women and women of color, her background includes research in human behavior, Eastern philosophy, and therapeutic psychology. Drawing from her own experiences and the challenges she faced, Neeta authored the book "That Sucked, Now What? How to Embrace the Joy and Chaos and Find Magic in the Mess." Her journey

Today on The Girlfriend Doctor, we speak with revolutionary gut health expert Dr. Vincent Pedre, the mind behind the GutSMART Protocol, and an expert in personalized gut health. As a child, he took over twenty rounds of antibiotics, which created rampant food sensitivities that affected his quality of life. Dr. Pedre became a functional medicine practitioner out of necessity and created his program so he could conquer his digestive issues naturally. Food can be medicine, and in this episode, he teaches you the fundamental principles of his GutSMART Protocol so you can too. Dr. Pedre challenges you to take inventory of the foods, drinks, and lifestyle choices that negatively impact your gut health. Sometimes the things we love don’t love us back, and while it might be hard to give up vices like coffee and wine, he shows you how eliminating these from your diet could revitalize your health.  Trusting your gut is more than words of wisdom. Dr. Pedre explains how the gut is where your body digests thoughts and ho

Is your lifestyle no longer serving you? Ignoring your biological needs as a woman leads to burnout, dissatisfaction, and a less joyful life. Today on The Girlfriend Doctor, we discuss the lifestyle necessary to adjust to the changes of menopause with Dr. Kyrin Dunston. She is a board-certified OBGYN. She realized the education she received as a doctor was not working as her health continued to decline. Her struggle helped her discover a new way to approach health. Now she helps women establish healthy habits to recover from burnout and adrenal fatigue. Together we uncover why self-education is the key to lasting transformation in your life. Understanding yourself and your needs is the first step on your hormonal health journey. Dr. Dunston helps you get clear on your goals and desires so that you can commit to the changes you need to achieve a life of joy.  Your body does not care what you think, and without understanding your biological and energetic needs, you won't have the energy to do the things you lov

This Mother's Day on The Girlfriend Doctor, we recognize the hardworking single mothers who sacrifice their wellness for the happiness of their families. Motherhood demands unshakable energy, but mothers are only human, and working non-stop has consequences.  To help others, you have to help yourself first, so we encourage all mothers to take a break, do what sparks joy, and prioritize self-care, Dr. Cabeca shares the story of her mother, who worked tirelessly to the point of severe cardiac stress. Burnout and sickness should not be the standard for motherhood. Self-care is not optional but is an essential ingredient to a long and joyful life.  This episode will inspire you to take time each day to renew your spirit so you can have the energy and longevity to be the mother your family needs for years to come. Mothers deserve microdoses of daily rest to recuperate and revive the soul. Join us as we recognize the hard work of mothers everywhere!   KEY TAKEAWAYS [1:00] A Story of My Mother  [4:50] My Promise to

Did you know that your oral health impacts your cardiac health? Today on The Girlfriend Doctor, we welcome Dr. Ellie Campbell back to the show to address the epidemic of preventable heart attacks and strokes in America. Dr. Campbell has been a board-certified family doctor for thirty years, and today she shares the story of a tooth infection that caused a deadly stroke in one of her beloved patients. In this episode, Dr. Campbell educates you on the dental meridian and how each tooth is connected electrically to a specific organ. This connection is why a seemingly insignificant tooth infection can indicate a deeper issue within the body.  Dr. Campbell believes that heart attacks are optional and strokes are preventable. By integrating dental and medical care, doctors and dentist could work together to diagnose patients earlier to prevent cardiac issues later in life. Conventional dentistry alone cannot address the deeper health issues associated with tooth decay, cavities, and residual bacteria from root cana

Today on The Girlfriend Doctor, we welcome Dr. Izabella Wentz to discuss her new book,  “Adrenal Transformational Protocol”.  After her diagnosis with Hashimoto’s disease, she created an easy path to recover from survival mode. As a nursing mother, she could not take hormone therapy, so she found a natural solution that addressed the chronic stress that caused her adrenal fatigue. In this episode, she shares her journey and how you can step into a new season of peace, joy, and hormonal balance.  Dr. Wentz teaches you how to identify the danger signals in your life that keep you in survival mode. Chronic stress can alter your mood in ways that make life seem more stressful than it is. She shares how you can add adaptogens to your daily routine to bolster your resilience to stress. Stress can come in physical and emotional forms. Dr. Wentz details how your workout routine could be straining your body and how you can adjust to exercises that coalesce with your body's stress tolerance.  Chronic stress is at the r

Do you feel lost and alone facing menopause? Today on The Girlfriend Doctor, we impart hope for women as they transition into the second spring of their life. Our guest today is Tamsen Fadal, an award-winning journalist, author, and advocate for menopausal women. In this episode, she shares her journey into menopause and breaks down how you can live with brain fog and develop confidence throughout menopause.  Hot flashes are heavily associated with menopause, but Tamsen shares some overlooked symptoms that often get misdiagnosed as cognitive issues and mood disorders. The idea that women go crazy when menopause hits is because of the brain fog, anxiety, and forgetfulness that surfaces as women age. Tamsen reveals how she dealt with the anxiety, heart palpitations, and brain fog that overtook her when she was diagnosed with menopause and how her experience inspired her advocacy.  Women no longer need to be worried about aging out of the workplace. Tamsen celebrates the shifting corporate cultures that are bein

Today on The Girlfriend Doctor, we discuss herbal remedies for fibrocystic breasts and hormonal health with Magdalena Wszelaki. She is a nutritionist, herbalist, and the founder of Wellena, a supplement and skincare brand that helps women balance their hormones. In this episode, she demonstrates a lymphatic massage and shares herbs that help with estrogen dominance and fibrocystic breasts.  These herbs have been in use for centuries. Magdelena is dedicated to maintaining the traditions of our ancestors by educating women on simple remedies to help them lead their healthiest and happiest lives. She shares her favorite herbs and how you can integrate them into your daily routine today instead of waiting for a problem to arise.  The Happy Sisters Masterclass teaches you the basics of a loving self-care routine that will empower you to take control of your hormonal and breast health. Join us as we embrace the ancestral knowledge of ancient herbalism for the modern woman.    KEY TAKEAWAYS [3:00] Magdalena’s hormon

Today on The Girlfriend Doctor, Karen Allen joins us to inspire post-traumatic growth in those trapped by feelings of grief and loss. After losing her husband to a tragic shooting, Karen felt overwhelmed by heartache and depression. The road to recovery was difficult, but she realized she could only move forward. Karen’s post-traumatic growth led her to become an author, thought leader, and mentor to those struggling with limiting beliefs. Grief stays with you forever, but Karen shares her methodology for accepting and facing emotional turmoil so you can continue living a life full of possibilities.  Karen teaches you the tools to thrive after trauma. It is not about erasing grief but remembering the immense joy behind that feeling of loss. Grief is a memorial to the joyful moments lost to tragedy, and those memories stay with you forever. Karen invites you to face and feel your grief so you can move through it instead of being consumed by it.  Life after a loss can feel hopeless, but you can learn to see the