Conquering Your Fibromyalgia Podcast

Ep 231 Wellness Industry Secrets Uncovered

Dr. Michael Lenz MD Season 5 Episode 231

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In this episode, we welcome Amy Larocca, author of 'How to Be Well: Navigating Our Self-Care Epidemic, one Dubious Cure at a Time'. Amy joins us to discuss the intersection of fashion and wellness, chronic invisible illnesses, and the deceptive allure of the wellness industry. From her observations as a fashion journalist to her personal experiences and deep dive into the world of wellness, Amy reveals the psychological and cultural forces at play. We explore the commercialization of self-care, the rise of wellness trends, and the problematic blend of functional medicine with profit-driven motives. Amy also touches on the controversial role of celebrities, such as Gwyneth Paltrow, in promoting pseudoscience, and the constant societal pressure on women to achieve an unattainable standard of 'wellness'. Join us as we dissect the myths of the wellness industry and delve into the true meaning of self-care.

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00:00 The Origins of a Name
00:22 Introducing Amy Larocca: From Fashion to Wellness
01:11 The Intersection of Fashion and Wellness
02:37 The Rise of Wellness Trends
04:10 Motherhood and Wellness
06:59 Gwyneth Paltrow and the Goop Phenomenon
17:13 The Allure and Pitfalls of Functional Medicine
23:49 The Growing Gap in Healthcare Access
25:21 Debunking Health Myths
25:43 The Juice Cleanse Phenomenon
28:41 Balancing Humor and Seriousness in Health
29:04 The Absurdity of Health Trends
30:35 The Exploitation of Wellness
39:36 Biohacking and Its Implications
41:32 The Role of Lifestyle Medicine
43:35 Concluding Thoughts on Wellness

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When I started this podcast and YouTube Channel—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 29+ years as an MD.


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