Podcast with Dr. Preeti Kulkarni, N.D. on Weight Loss and Naturopathic Medicine

“The most important thing a patient can do is to want to live.” – Dr. Preeti

Welcome to a special podcast episode! Our guest today is Dr. Preeti Kulkarni, the naturopathic doctor who helped me on my personal journey to health. After I visited many other doctors, Dr. Preeti told me to adopt a dog, which changed my life. Her practice promotes using foods in their natural forms, along with other components of holistic health, and is not about selling a program or a product. Listen to this podcast to hear the doctor who I credit with saving my life.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

  • Your exercise program should be enjoyable, include socialization, and be sustainable for the long term.
  • Learn about the differences between medical doctors and naturopathic doctors.
  • Naturopathy includes clinical nutrition, botanical medicine, pharmacology, homeopathy, and Chinese medicine.
  • Naturopathic medicine: Help the body heal itself and get to the root cause!
  • Eric discusses his experiences with medical doctors versus his experience with Dr. Preeti.
  • Dr. Preeti focuses on mental, physical, emotional, and social health.
  • Nutrition is the foundation of naturopathic medicine.
  • Conventional medicine: Diagnose, then prescribe to alleviate the symptom.
  • Conventional medicine often ignores the disease-formation process.
  • Naturopaths dig deep into the patient’s lifestyle, the causes of their problems, and their motivation to get healthy.
  • Exercise should make you feel energized and not tired.
  • Balance is the key!
  • Many patients think it’s normal to feel abnormal. Find your healthy normal!
  • Food is fuel.
  • Change your diet, change your health!
  • Correct deficiencies then maintain health.
  • Weekly visits foster commitment and accountability.
  • Strategies for trying new vegetables!
  • Processed foods change your palate.
  • SPICE up your food and your life.
  • Changing what you eat is much easier than beating an addiction, like smoking.
  • The first 2-3 months are the hardest.
  • 21 days to a new habit.
  • Never backslide to the old ways!
  • The important role that a dog can play in rehabilitation and health.
  • The little things can motivate you.
  • Dr. Preeti’s Healthy Weight Strategy Plan (and what that includes).
  • Counting calories is NOT the answer.
  • Enjoy the shopping and the cooking!
  • If you find yourself traveling down the wrong road, it’s never too late to turn around!

Resources:

Dr. Preeti Kulkarni, N.D.

Dr. Preeti practices in Cupertino, California. Her website: www.coreintegrative.com. To request a consultation with Dr. Preeti, please call and leave a voicemail at 408-724-1486.

Podcast with Dr. Preeti Kulkarni, N.D. on Hormonal Imbalances and Weight Loss

“We might not be able to change things suddenly, but addressing the underlying causes will help.”

Welcome to another special edition of our podcast with Dr. Preeti Kulkarni. Dr. Preeti is the naturopathic doctor from Cupertino, CA, to whom I credit my weight loss and health transformation. We’ve heard from Dr. Preeti before about diet and exercise, which are regular elements of our podcast, but today’s episode focuses on hormonal imbalances. Join us for this informative and practical conversation!

What you’ll hear in this episode:

  • Dr. Preeti says that the place to begin is to screen for diabetes AND pre-diabetes.
  • What is pre-diabetes and its risk?
  • Dr. Preeti explains the difference in approach of traditional end-point medicine and functional medicine.
  • In 2018, naturopathic doctors will be included under Medicare coverage, specifically to target diabetes prevention.
  • From the CDC: 70% of Americans are overweight or obese.
  • About 86 million Americans have pre-diabetes symptoms now!
  • How to make hormones work correctly:
    • Minimize blood sugar fluctuations
    • Exercise during the first half of the day
    • Eat a good, protein-rich breakfast
  • What are endocrine hormones, and how are they tested?
  • The importance of healthy snacks and meals.
  • How animal proteins relate to insulin-resistance.
  • Animal products—inflammation—diabetes.
  • Many health issues arise from inflammation.
  • A plant-based diet floods the body with nutrients and antioxidants.
  • Dysglycemia: What is it?
  • Lifestyle changes to correct hormonal imbalance.
  • Small steps to make changes.
  • The connection between arthritis, inflammation, and diet.
  • The body’s inflammatory process: the positive and the negative.
  • Benefits of turmeric in fighting inflammation.
  • Thyroid issues, adrenals, and steroid hormones.
  • Hypothyroid and hyperthyroid.
  • Melatonin: the benefits of supplements to get the body back to normal.
  • A new favorite area of study for Dr. Preeti: the gut microbiome and its relation to autoimmune diseases.

Dr. Preeti practices in Cupertino, California.  Her website:  www.coreintegrative.com

To request a consultation with Dr. Preeti, please call and leave a voicemail at 408-724-1486.

References for Hormonal Imbalances  and weight loss:

  1. Metabolism. 2016 May;65(5):757-63. doi: 10.1016/j.metabol.2016.02.010. Epub 2016 Feb 24. Impaired insulin action in the liver, but not in adipose tissue or muscle, is a distinct metabolic feature of impaired fasting glucose in obese humans.Ter Horst KW1Gilijamse PW1Ackermans MT2Soeters MR1Nieuwdorp M3Romijn JA4Serlie MJ5. PMID:27085782
  2. Nature. 2016 Jul 21;535(7612):376-81. Human gut microbes impact host serum metabolome and insulin sensitivity.Pedersen HKGudmundsdottir VNielsen HBHyotylainen TNielsen TJensen BAForslund KHildebrand FPrifti EFalony GLe Chatelier ELevenez F,Doré JMattila IPlichta DRPöhö PHellgren LIArumugam MSunagawa SVieira-Silva SJørgensen THolm JBTrošt KMetaHIT ConsortiumKristiansen KBrix SRaes JWang JHansen TBork PBrunak SOresic MEhrlich SDPedersen O.
  3. Circulation. 2016 Jan 12;133(2):187-225. Dietary and Policy Priorities for Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, and Obesity: A Comprehensive Review. Mozaffarian D1. PMID:  26746178
  4. J American Coll of Nutrition NHANES 1999-2004 2011 Dec 30(6):502-10 People who nuts have a lower risk of diabetes and hypertension – upto 39% lower risk of mortality, 45% especially walnuts. 1 serving of nuts=28g, >3 servings per week had lower risk of CVD 55% and cancer by 40%.
  5. Eur J Clin Invest. 2015 May;45(5):494-503. doi: 10.1111/eci.12423. Epub 2015 Mar 9.Low-normal thyroid function and the pathogenesis of common cardio-metabolic disorders. van Tienhoven-Wind LJ1Dullaart RP. PMID:25690560
  6. Intern Med. 2014;53(3):183-8.History of stress-related health changes: a cue to pursue a diagnosis of latent primary adrenal insufficiency.Yamamoto T1. PMID:24492685
  7. Clin Endocrinol. 2016;84(1):107-114. Effects of Intermission and Resumption of Long-term Testosterone Replacement Therapy on Body Weight and Metabolic Parameters in Hypogonadal in Middle-aged and Elderly Men Aksam Yassin; Yousef Almehmadi; Farid Saad; Gheorghe Doros; Louis Gooren

 

 

Wags + Weight Loss Episode 13: Jaye’s 74 Pound Success – a Weight Loss Love Story

Jaye’s before and after photos

“When you’re happy, you can do anything.” – Jaye

DISCLAIMERS:

Jaye’s “before” photo above is from 2016, and shows how she looked at 197 pounds when we got back together in September 2016 after being apart for 40 years. Jaye’s “after” photo above was taken on 4/21/17 with a Canon 50 mm lens set to f/1.6 and ISO 200. Jaye is 123 pounds in her “after” photo. Neither image is “photoshopped,” although the outdoors lighting in the “before” photo is rather severe and the “after” picture is taken with softer, professional lighting. Jaye applied her own makeup in the “after” photo.

Jaye did not receive ANY plastic surgery or dermatology services during her transition (or at any other point in her life). To be clear, the results shown in Jaye’s “after” photo does not involve any type of plastic surgery, Botox, fillers, liposuction, dermabrasion, potions, ointments or anything similar.

While Jaye’s results are stunning, most people will not and should not expect to achieve such dramatic results, especially within such a short time frame. Her results are perhaps the best I’ve ever seen, including my own. Jaye’s results are based on completely adhering to a whole food, plant based, no-oil diet (and mostly organic) for the entire eight month period of her transition. Her exercise during her transition was limited to walking my dog Jake for a half an hour before meals, twice each day, with light resistance training 2 or 3 days per week for 30 to 45 minutes during the last few months of her transition. Jaye lives with her mentor and coach (me, Eric), and received daily guidance, encouragement, nutrition education, and cooking lessons every day during her transition. Jaye has high discipline and did not “cheat” or “backslide” on her diet (not once). I attribute her dramatic skin improvements and weight loss to our diet, especially to our twice daily smoothies, which are high in phytonutrients and fiber (especially from sprouts and other vegetables), anti-oxidants (from fruits, and especially berries), and to foods rich in beta-carotene (especially carrots and sweet potatoes).

PODCAST NOTES AND LOVE STORY:

Jaye and I were high school sweethearts, and dated from age 15 to 17, when I joined the Army and we lost contact. We thought about each other often for the next 40 years, and both hoped to see each other again during our lifetimes. When the Eric & Peety film came out, we reconnected, and then decided to resume our relationship beginning in September 2016. We were then married in December 2016.

Listen to today’s special episode of Wags + Weight Loss to hear Eric and Jaye’s weight loss and love story, and exactly what Jaye did to achieve her dramatic results. This is a love story for the ages, and has been years in the making. You won’t want to miss it!

Jaye’s weight loss results, by week:

In addition to their love story, in this episode Jaye and Eric discuss:

  • The many ways Jaye has benefited from her new vegan lifestyle.
  • What Jaye ate before reconnecting with Eric.
  • The foods that Jaye and Eric enjoy eating
  • The healthy ways to add flavor to foods with herbs and spices.
  • How to liquid saute with vegetable broth instead of oils.
  • How to make your own vegetable broth.
  • The health problems that Jaye had that have completely disappeared based on her new lifestyle.
  • How Jaye’s family and friends have reacted to her weight loss.
  • The difference between goal weight and optimal weight.
  • The benefits of just walking for 30 minutes before meals, twice each day.

Resources:

Would you like to try and achieve similar results?  Then please follow our podcast, starting with the introductory episode, and become the awesome person you’ve always wanted to be!  But first, please:

  1. Be under a doctor’s supervision. Whether you think you need to be under a doctor’s supervision or not, you will want to record your progress, starting with a comprehensive medical exam and tracking your weight on a weekly basis.
  2. Watch these films on Netflix:
  1.  Acquire and read these books:
  • How Not to Die:  The best, most complete, comprehensive book on how a plant based diet will maximize your lifespan and reduce your risk of preventable disease, including cancer, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes.  Includes an easy to follow guide on what to eat to add years to your life. Greger, M., M.D., & Stone, G. (2015). How not to die: Discover the foods scientifically proven to prevent and reverse disease. New York: Flatiron Books.
  • The Starch SolutionA complete primer on how to practice a whole food plant based diet without added oil or sugar.  McDougall, J. A., & McDougall, M. A. (2012). The starch solution: Eat the foods you love, regain your health, and lose the weight for good!New York: Rodale.
  • The Forks Over Knives Cookbook:A great collection of fast and easy recipes that can be prepared from common ingredients in 20 to 30 minutes. Sroufe, D. (2012). Forks over knives–the cookbook: Over 300 recipes for plant-based eating all through the year. New York:  Workman Publishing.

Podcast with Dr. Preeti Kulkarni, N.D. on the Benefits of Herbs, Spices and Extracts in a Plant Based Diet

“Enhance your plant-based diet with herbs, spices and herbal extracts.” Dr. Preeti

Welcome to a special edition of our podcast! Today’s conversation is with our returning guest, Dr. Preeti Kulkarni, N.D., of Cupertino, California.  Dr. Preeti is the naturopathic doctor to whom I credit with guiding my weight loss and personal transformation. Our topic today surrounds enhancing a plant-based diet with herbs and herbal extracts. Join us!

What youll hear in this episode:

  • There is significant research supporting the beneficial medicinal use of herbs and extracts, such as turmeric, ginger and garlic, in our diet.
  • A doctor’s responsibility includes teaching patients how to be healthy.
  • Dr. Preeti explains her concept of transforming the student into the teacher.
  • Eric, who is not a medical professional, can still provide valid coaching and mentoring based on his self-education and personal experience going through the same health transformation himself, without interpreting medical results, diagnosing, or prescribing treatment plans.
  • Dr. Preeti addresses a listener question about weight loss, blood sugar, getting off medication, and how to find a naturopathic doctor.
  • Why it’s important to individualize nutrition plans.
  • How a grain-heavy diet disrupts blood sugar.
  • Why you should base your diet on whole plants prepared without added sugar or oil.
  • A Harvard study showed that a higher intake of fruits and vegetables reduced heart disease.
  • Why individual coaching is instrumental in weight loss programs.
  • How cinnamon extract helps balance blood sugar levels.
  • The importance of herb quality—KNOW your source!
  • How Eric incorporates fruits, vegetables, and herbs into his morning smoothie.
  • Other helpful herbs and plants include turmeric, ginger, garlic, goji berries, aloe vera juice, almonds, walnuts, flax seeds, seaweed, and cayenne.
  • How garlic speeds up weight loss progress.
  • Why spicy foods help promote weight loss.
  • Herbs and spices need to be synergistic and not antagonistic.
  • Dr. Preeti explains how to detect food allergies and sensitivities.
  • The top four foods with sensitivity: gluten, dairy, corn, and soy.
  • The dangers of GMO corn!
  • Eric explains his food sensitivities to gluten and corn.

Dr. Preeti practices in Cupertino, California.  Her website:  www.coreintegrative.com

To request a consultation with Dr. Preeti, please call and leave a voicemail at 408-724-1486.

Sources quoted in this episode:

  1. Lieberman JA, Sicherer SH. The diagnosis of food allergy. Rhinol Allergy. 2010 Nov-Dec;24(6):439-43. doi: 10.2500/ajra.2010.24.3515.
  2. Wood RA. Diagnostic elimination diets and oral food provocation. Immunol Allergy. 2015;101:87-95. doi: 10.1159/000371680. Epub 2015 May 21.
  3. Eigenmann PA, Oh JW, Beyer K. Diagnostic testing in the evaluation of food allergy. Clin North Am. 2011 Apr;58(2):351-62, ix. doi: 10.1016/j.pcl.2011.02.003.
  4. Mrema EJ, Rubino FM, Brambilla G, Moretto A, Tsatsakis AM, Colosio C. Persistent organochlorinated pesticides and mechanisms of their toxicity. Toxicology. 2013 May 10;307:74-88. doi: 10.1016/j.tox.2012.11.015. Epub 2012 Dec 3.

Malini’s Herbal Tea

Dr. Preeti’s grandmother, Malini, practiced Ayurvedic medicine, which is a holistic system based on the belief that health and wellness depends on balancing the health of the mind, body, and spirit. Dr. Preeti remembers her grandmother making this tea each day to promote health and boost the immune system of her family, and still enjoys it to this day. Dr. Preeti now offers Malini’s recipe for the health and happiness of you and your family. Enjoy!

Podcast with Dr. Preeti Kulkarni, N.D. on Weight Loss for Women

 

“You have the power to make the diet of everyone in your family healthy” -Dr. Preeti

Have you ever thought that women have a harder time losing weight than men? Are there times when you thought your body is just wired differently than others who seem to lose weight easily? There is scientific evidence that may explain this phenomenon and strategies you can follow to overcome it.

Today’s guest is Dr. Preeti Kulkarni. Dr. Preeti is a Naturopathic Doctor, focusing on integrative health. She is the person who was most instrumental in my weight loss transformation and is my go-to expert for health and nutrition information. Please welcome her as she joins us today to answer our questions and give us clear information that we can use to make the best choices for our health.

What You Will Hear In This Episode:

  • Is it harder for women to lose weight?
  • The best way to lose weight when other family members refuse to participate.
  • The importance of a support system during weight loss programs.
  • Interesting ways to keep your healthy foods separate from the unhealthy foods and snacks of other family members.
  • Women’s special weight loss challenges.
  • The weight loss and life transforming benefits of spending time outdoors.
  • Challenges of weight loss after menopause.
  • Accomplishing a healthy equilibrium.
  • What is an obesogen?
  • Learn about your hunger hormones.
  • Obesogens you should avoid, and how to avoid them.
  • Chemical compounds that are banned in Europe but not in the US.

Resources from today’s podcast:

  1. Jensen MD, Ryan DH, Apovian CM, et al. 2013 AHA/ACC/TOS Guideline for the management of overweight and obesity in adults: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines and The Obesity Society. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2013. [Medline][Full Text].

“As with all chronic medical conditions, effective management of obesity must be based on a partnership between a highly motivated patient and a committed team of health professionals. This team may include the physician, a psychologist or psychiatrist, physical and exercise therapists, dietitians, and other subspecialists, depending on the comorbidities of the individual patient. Scientific evidence indicates that multidisciplinary programs reliably produce and sustain modest weight loss between 5% and 10% for the long-term.”

  1. Nainggolan L. New obesity guidelines: authoritative ‘roadmap’ to treatment. Medscape Medical News. November 12, 2013. [Full Text].
  1. Grün F, Blumberg B. Environmental obesogens: organotins and endocrine disruption via nuclear receptor signaling. Endocrinol. 2006;147(6):S50–S55. http://dx.doi.org/10.1210/en.2005-1129[PubMed]

Bruce Blumberg, a biology professor at the University of California, Irvine, coined the term “obesogen” in 2006 when he discovered that tin-based compounds known as organotins predisposed laboratory mice to gain weight

Blumberg was studying endocrine disruptors in the early 2000s when he heard at a meeting in Japan that TBT causes sex reversal in multiple fish species. “I decided to test whether TBT activated known nuclear receptors, expecting it to activate a sex steroid receptor,” Blumberg says. Instead, it activated peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), the master regulator of adipogenesis, the process of creating adipocytes, or fat cells.23PPARγ is evolutionarily conserved between mice and humans, and it may be particularly susceptible to chemical “imposters” because it has a large ligand-binding pocket that can accommodate many chemical structures. When a molecule capable of activating the receptor enters the pocket, it turns on the adipogenic program.

See https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3279464/#r18

  1. Klok MD1Jakobsdottir SDrent ML The role of leptin and ghrelin in the regulation of food intake and body weight in humans: a review. Obes Rev. 2007 Jan;8(1):21-34.
  1. Gao Q1Horvath TL. Cross-talk between estrogen and leptin signaling in the hypothalamus.Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab.2008 May;294(5):E817-26. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.00733.2007. Epub 2008 Mar 11.
  1. Brown LM1Gent LDavis KClegg DJ.Metabolic impact of sex hormones on obesity.Brain Res.2010 Sep 2;1350:77-85. doi: 10.1016/j.brainres.2010.04.056. Epub 2010 May 23.
  1. Mags E Beksinska; Jenni A Smit; Franco Guidozzi Weight Change and Hormonal Contraception: Fact and Fiction Expert Review of Obstetrics & Gynecology
  1. James P. Grantham, Maciej Henneberg The Estrogen Hypothesis of Obesity Published: June 10, 2014 http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0099776
  1. Ball K1Brown WCrawford D. Who does not gain weight? Prevalence and predictors of weight maintenance in young women. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord.2002 Dec;26(12):1570-8.

– Eric O’Grey