Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast
The podcast and book were started with my patients in mind. Due to time restrictions, I recognized the need for more education on fibromyalgia and related illnesses. If you have not checked out the book, the podcast is meant to supplement what was covered there. Many people worldwide will never be able to see me as their doctor, and I hope this podcast offers valuable insights, information, and wisdom from a medical doctor using a multifaceted evidence-based approach from the perspective of a pediatrician, internist, lifestyle medicine physician, and clinical lipidologist. If you are a doctor or another health care professional caring for those with invisible illnesses, I hope these serve you well. Many people have either been told or read that fibromyalgia isn't real or that it is just all in their heads. This misunderstanding, unfortunately, causes harm and is a disservice to those suffering. If you are one of the estimated more than 10 million people in the United States who are suffering from fibromyalgia, then you know it is real. If you don't have fibromyalgia, you will, at a minimum, gain a deeper understanding of what you or your loved one is experiencing. If you have fibromyalgia, you will feel validated for what you have endured. I have over 27 years of experience as a doctor and am continuing to learn about medical problems, including invisible illnesses like fibromyalgia and related problems. You can learn more by visiting www.conqueringyourfibromyalgia.com.
Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast
Ep 163 Transforming Health with Lifestyle Medicine
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Understanding Lifestyle Medicine and Its Impact on Chronic Conditions
This episode commemorates the three-year anniversary of the podcast hosted by Dr. Michael Lenz, a pediatrician, internal medicine physician, clinical lipidologist, and author of 'Conquering Your Fibromyalgia.' He explores the concept of lifestyle medicine, emphasizing its principles like whole food plant-based diets, regular physical activity, restorative sleep, stress management, avoidance of risky substances, and positive social connections. He contrasts lifestyle medicine with other medical practices like allopathic, preventive, functional, and integrative medicine. Michael also discusses the chronic health conditions affected by lifestyle choices, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, and autoimmune diseases. The episode highlights significant statistical findings and discusses the importance of patient participation in lifestyle changes to improve overall health and well-being.
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:26 Understanding Fibromyalgia
00:59 Introduction to Lifestyle Medicine
02:40 Comparing Medical Approaches
06:14 The Six Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine
07:45 Impact of Lifestyle on Chronic Diseases
13:18 Case Studies and Real-Life Examples
19:00 The Role of Social Connections
21:17 Success Stories and Clinical Evidence
26:44 Implementing Lifestyle Medicine
29:36 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
A Fibromyalgia Starter Pack, which is a great companion to the book Conquering Your Fibromyalgia, is now available. Dr. Michael Lenz practices general pediatrics and internal medicine primary care, seeing patients from infants through adults. In addition, he also will see patients with fibromyalgia and related problems and patients interested in lifestyle medicine and clinical lipidology. To learn more, go to ConquringYourFibromyalgia.com. Remember that while Dr. Lenz is a medical doctor, he is not your doctor. All of your signs and symptoms should be discussed with your own physician. He aims to weave the best of conventional medicine with lifestyle medicine to help people with chronic health conditions live their best lives possible. Dr. Lenz hopes that the podcast, book, blog, and website serve as a trusted resource and starting point on your journey of learning to live better with fibromyalgia and related illnesses.