Episodes

In this episode, Dr. Rizwan Bukhari and Maya Acosta discuss the cost of managing and living with type 2 diabetes and the healthcare disparities that prevent people from accessing quality medical care and education. They delve into the multifactorial problem of access to healthcare, which is not just financial but also cultural. Dr. Bukhari emphasizes the need for patients to be empowered to take control of their health and work with healthcare providers who share their beliefs. He also discusse...

Maya Acosta discusses the popular tool which categorizes foods into green, yellow, and red based on their nutritional value and health impact. Whether you are dealing with diabetes or heart disease or simply want to lose weight, you will want to look closely at green-light foods for optimal health. Key takeaways: Adhering to the traffic light system can help individuals make healthier choices and improve their health by emphasizing the consumption of green light foods, limiting yellow foods, a...

Anne and Jane Esselstyn, the dynamic mother-daughter duo leading the charge in empowering women through plant-based living. Ann Esselstyn, a trailblazer in the plant-based movement, has spent decades refining her culinary skills and sharing her passion for delicious, health-promoting recipes. Her daughter, Jane Esselstyn, is a registered nurse with a wealth of experience helping women prevent and reverse chronic diseases through plant-based living. The pair have co-authored Be A Plant-Based Woma...

This episode discusses the importance of early detection of type 2 diabetes and the lifestyle changes that can prevent complications. Three key takeaways from the conversation are: Diabetes is a serious chronic medical condition that can lead to multiple complications throughout a lifetime, such as blindness, kidney problems, limb loss, neuropathies, and cardiovascular disease, which is the number one killer of Americans. Lifestyle changes can play a crucial role in managing and even rev...

Fiber is essential in regulating blood sugar levels, reducing cholesterol levels, and promoting a healthy weight. The consequences of not consuming enough fiber can lead to short-term digestive problems and long-term chronic diseases. The benefits of a high-fiber diet include improved digestion, reduced inflammation, enhanced immunity, and better mental health. A varied and thriving gut microbiome is essential for good health, and a fiber-rich diet can promote its growth. Key Takeaways: Fiber ...

Dr. Soumyadip Rakshit co-founded Mystery Vibe, a leading sexual wellness brand that uses vibration frequencies to enhance sexual health. He has a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering and has worked with leading urologists, menopause specialists, OB-GYNs, pelvic floor therapists, and more to create medically designed products. He was inspired to develop medical devices to help couples in long-term relationships maintain intimacy after major life events. He worked with ophthalmologists to create ...

In this episode, Dr. Rizwan Bukhari and Maya Acosta discuss type 2 diabetes, its symptoms, risk factors, and preventive measures. Dr. Bukhari explains that diabetes can be silent for many years, but some common symptoms are increased thirst and frequent urination. Other symptoms might include neuropathy and slow healing. They also talk about risk factors such as genetics and lifestyle choices. Dr. Bukhari emphasizes the importance of regular checkups and blood sugar monitoring to prevent or mana...

Maya Acosta talks about her recent experience attending a couple's retreat led by relationship expert Katie Hendricks in Ojai, California. The podcast host shares how building healthy relationships is a key pillar of lifestyle medicine and how relationships can affect one's health. Here are three key points from the episode: Learn about the Hendricks Institute and the foundation of its work. Get insight into a couple's course in Ojai, CA. Learn which Hendricks books Maya recommends if yo...

Dr. Rakesh Jotwani is a physician and lifestyle medicine advocate, having worked as a hospitalist for 11 years. He is passionate about connecting with people and helping them to understand the power of simple lifestyle choices to improve their quality of life and longevity. Struggling with depression and feeling overwhelmed, he embarks on a journey to discover a better life balance and lifestyle medicine, only to find himself battling the ironic conflict of having to choose between his dream of ...

In this episode, Dr. Riz, a vascular surgeon, joins the host to talk about heart disease and how lifestyle plays a crucial role in its development. The host specifically addresses concerns from a listener named Lisa who is worried about developing heart disease due to it running in her family. Dr. Riz explains that genetics does have an impact, but the expression of genes is greatly influenced by lifestyle choices. He also shares his story of how he learned about the benefits of plant-based nutr...

In this episode, Maya shares that she is taking a couples retreat to California with her husband, Dr. Riz. She also mentions that her life coach will be returning to the podcast to talk about her work as a trauma-informed coach. The podcast has a Doctor in the House segment with Dr. Riz, where they discuss topics related to vascular health, heart disease, and diabetes. Maya shares future episodes that you can expect. Lastly, Maya turns seven years vegan in April and shares her journey of discove...

Dr. Laurie Marbas is a double board-certified family medicine and lifestyle medicine physician who has been utilizing food as medicine since 2012. She is the co-founder and chief medical officer of Marbas Medical, which offers physician-led medical groups that employ the power of lifestyle medicine to help patients achieve health. In this episode, you will learn the following: How did a small-town doctor transition her family and patients to a plant-based diet? What did the patient wit...

Dr. Rizwan Bukhari, a vascular surgeon treating atherosclerosis, found out that about 80% of the disease he treats is preventable by lifestyle changes. He learned about lifestyle medicine and the benefits of plant-based nutrition and incorporated these into his practice. He encourages doctors to learn more about lifestyle medicine and plant-based nutrition to improve their patients' health. Do you know what steps you can take to prevent atherosclerosis? Key Points: Atherosclerosis is larg...

Welcome to today's podcast episode, where we will discuss health tips about carbohydrates. The topic of carbohydrates is often misunderstood, with many saying that they avoid carbs but not specifying whether they are referring to complex or refined carbohydrates. In this episode, we will look at the differences between the two, the health benefits of being on a whole foods plant-based diet, and address some common myths about carbohydrates. We will also refer to Dr. John McDougall's book, "The ...

After discovering the power of plant-based nutrition, Nelson Campbell embarks on an ambitious journey to spread its message and create a supportive network of plant-based advocates, challenging the status quo and confronting economic forces that would keep it from succeeding. Nelson founded Plant Pure Communities, a grassroots organization that supports an international network of local support and advocacy groups called Pods. He is also the writer and director of the documentary Plant Pure Nati...

What's the difference between a cardiologist and a vascular surgeon, and when should you see one over the other? In an interview with Dr. Rizwan Bukhari, a vascular surgeon, he shares insights on the distinct roles of these medical professionals and how they treat atherosclerosis, a condition that affects not only the heart but also the blood vessels in the body. Tune in to learn more about the overlap and differences between these two specialties. Key points: Cardiologists are medical sp...

Today's topic is one that often comes up when people are considering a plant-based diet: protein. This episode will discuss how much protein you need, protein deficiency concerns, the myth of complete proteins, and healthy plant-based protein sources. We'll also debunk the myth that plant-based protein is inferior to animal-based protein and discuss how incorporating more nutrient-dense plant-based foods can help promote overall health and well-being. Key takeaways: Debunking protein myths ...

In this interview, author and health enthusiast Steve Hendricks shares his personal experience with fasting and how it helped improve his neurological and psychiatric illnesses. He also discusses the history of fasting, its incorporation into religion and medicine, and the different types of fasting. Hendricks emphasizes the importance of medical supervision, especially for prolonged fasts, and explains the benefits of fasting for better health. He recommends starting small, gradually shrinking ...

Dr. Rizwan Bukhari is a vascular surgeon who specializes in preventing limb amputations due to blockages in the arteries, often linked to diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol. He emphasizes the interconnected nature of vascular health, which requires a comprehensive approach to addressing underlying comorbidities, modifying lifestyles, and providing patient education. Dr. Bukhari also sheds light on the major reasons why people lose limbs and the broad scope of vascular surgery. In addit...

In this episode, we explore the power of Dr. Michael Greger's Daily Dozen and how it can help you eat for optimal health. The Daily Dozen is a powerful tool to help you eat for optimal health. Focusing on nutrient-dense whole plant-based foods gives you the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients your body needs to function at its best. With the app Dr. Greger created, it's easier than ever to track your progress and incorporate the Daily Dozen into your diet. By eating more of the good stuff, y...

Jane Thurnell-Read was never a fan of sports in school and was reluctant even to try the gym. However, in her early sixties, she finally gave in to her cycling friend and gave it a go. To her surprise, Jane found that she loved going to the gym and found her own "gym family." Now in her seventies, Jane's strength and independence continue to grow despite adversity. She credits strength training with helping her stay strong and build a healthier lifestyle. In this episode, you will learn th...

In this bonus episode of the Healthy Lifestyle Solutions Podcast, host Maya announces exciting changes to the podcast's direction, including adding bonus episodes featuring a new segment called "Doctor in the House with Dr. Riz," who will address common health concerns and answer listener questions. Maya also shares tips for getting the most out of the podcast's content and announces the rebranding of the Plant-Based DFW website under the new name Healthy Lifestyle Solutions. In this episode,...

Women who drink heavily are at an increased risk of heart disease, which can lead to heart attacks, strokes, and other serious health problems. Are you curious about the benefits of sobriety and reducing alcohol intake? Stick around to learn more. In this episode, you will learn the following Women who drink heavily are at a higher risk of developing heart disease and other health problems Learn about strategies for reducing your alcohol intake The sober curious movement is about explori...

As we near the end of February, I have an exciting interview to share with you featuring none other than Dr. Nicole Harkin, a triple board-certified preventive cardiologist. In this interview from last year, I'll add commentary to guide the conversation and bring you even more valuable insights into cardiology. Dr. Harkin's approach to cardiac care involves a combination of precision medicine and lifestyle changes, focusing on preventing heart disease through sustainable and healthful practices....