In this episode of the Integrative Health Podcast, Dr. Jen sits down with Dr. Sundeep Dugar—renowned medicinal chemist, co-inventor of the drug Zetia, and industry pioneer with over 40 years of experience—to explore the foundational role of mitochondrial health in aging, hormones, and energy.

Dr. Dugar shares why he transitioned from Big Pharma into the nutraceutical space, explaining that while pharmaceutical drugs often target isolated diseases, mitochondria are central to nearly every aspect of human health. Because mitochondrial dysfunction underlies conditions ranging from fatigue to muscle loss, brain fog, and chronic disease, supporting mitochondria offers broad, system-wide benefits.

The conversation dives deeply into why mitochondrial health is especially critical for women. Dr. Jen and Dr. Dugar explain how mitochondria are inherited exclusively from the mother and play a central role in hormone production, including estrogen. During perimenopause, declining estrogen levels impair mitochondrial biogenesis, creating a “bioenergetic deficit” that drives hallmark aging symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive decline, and muscle loss.

Dr. Dugar introduces epicatechin—a specific flavonol derived from green tea and cacao—and explains how it acts as an “exercise mimetic,” signaling the body to create new mitochondria. He clarifies how epicatechin differs from common green tea extracts like EGCG, outlines proper dosing, and discusses why more is not better.

They also cover the broader implications of mitochondrial health for bone density, muscle preservation, organ failure, sleep quality, and the risks associated with rapid weight loss from GLP-1 medications.

Dr. Jen speaks with medicinal chemist Dr. Sundeep Dugar about mitochondrial health, estrogen decline, epicatechin from green tea, perimenopause, muscle loss, and healthy aging.

Dr. Sundeep Dugar is a renowned medicinal chemist with over 40 years of experience in drug discovery and development. He is the co-inventor of Zetia and has worked extensively in cardiovascular, metabolic, and mitochondrial research. Dr. Dugar now focuses on translating cutting-edge science into safe, effective nutraceuticals that support foundational cellular health.

Website: https://www.thrombio.com.au/leadership/sundeep-dugar

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sundeepdugar/

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FTC: Some links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). I truly appreciate your support of my channel. Thank you for watching! Video is not sponsored.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast does not contain any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment advice. Content provided on this podcast is for informational purposes only. For any medical or health related advice, please consult with a physician or other healthcare professionals. Further, information about specific products or treatments within this podcast are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

In this episode of the Integrative Health Podcast, Dr. Jen is joined by Abigail (Abby) Halberstadt—author, homeschooling mother of ten, and cultural commentator—for an honest and hope-filled conversation about motherhood, faith, and joy.

Together, they explore how modern culture and social media have normalized chronic complaining and resentment around parenting, often framing motherhood as something to survive rather than something to embrace. Dr. Jen and Abby challenge this narrative, discussing why “misery does not like company” and how constant negativity shapes not only maternal mental health, but family culture as a whole.

Abby shares why she believes guidance for mothers must be grounded in Scripture and timeless Christian principles such as gratitude, self-giving love, and choosing others over self. She explains how these values—while faith-based—are universal truths that foster fulfillment, resilience, and peace, even for those outside the Christian faith.

Drawing from her personal experience and her latest book, You Bet Your Stretch Marks, Abby reframes the physical, emotional, and spiritual demands of motherhood as a meaningful calling rather than a burden. This episode offers encouragement for women who desire a deeper sense of purpose, joy, and alignment in their homes and daily lives.

Dr. Jen speaks with Abigail Halberstadt about faith-based motherhood, reframing parenting culture, finding joy, gratitude, and purpose through Scripture and daily life.

Abigail (Abby) Halberstadt is an author, homeschooling mother of ten, and homeschool graduate herself. She is a fitness instructor and former high school Spanish teacher who writes and speaks from a Christian perspective to help women rediscover joy, balance, and fulfillment in motherhood. Abby is the author of You Bet Your Stretch Marks, which encourages women to see motherhood as a meaningful vocation rather than a burden.

Website: https://misformama.net/about

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/M.is.for.Mama/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MisforMama

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/MisforMama/_saved/

PODCAST: Thank you for listening please subscribe and share!
Shop supplements: https://healthybydrjen.shop/
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FTC: Some links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). I truly appreciate your support of my channel. Thank you for watching! Video is not sponsored.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast does not contain any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment advice. Content provided on this podcast is for informational purposes only. For any medical or health related advice, please consult with a physician or other healthcare professionals. Further, information about specific products or treatments within this podcast are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

In this episode of the Integrative Health Podcast, Dr. Jen sits down with Dr. Paige Prather, a leading expert in airway and biological dentistry, to explore why dentistry must “zoom out” beyond teeth and aesthetics to consider the airway, jaw development, and whole-body health.

Dr. Prather explains how modern dentistry and orthodontics—especially extraction-based treatments—can unintentionally shrink the airway and contribute to lifelong breathing issues, sleep disorders, and chronic sympathetic dominance. They discuss how changes in modern diet, bottle feeding, and reduced breastfeeding have altered jaw development compared to our ancestors, leading to narrower palates and compromised airways.

This episode dives into common compensation patterns like clenching and grinding, TMJ pain, headaches, neck tension, sleep apnea, and behavioral challenges in children that are often misdiagnosed. Dr. Prather also highlights the role of biological dentistry in addressing hidden stressors such as cavitations and tongue ties, and how advanced appliances can guide growth and healing—often without invasive surgery.

If you or your child struggle with sleep, chronic pain, anxiety, sensory issues, or fatigue, this conversation may reveal a critical missing piece.

Dr. Jen talks with Dr. Paige Prather about airway dentistry, jaw development, clenching, grinding, sleep apnea, tongue ties, cavitations, and holistic dental solutions for whole-body health.

Dr. Paige Prather is a leading expert in airway and biological dentistry. She specializes in evaluating jaw development, airway volume, and oral restrictions that impact sleep, nervous system regulation, and systemic health. Her work focuses on identifying root causes—such as tongue ties, cavitations, and cranial strain—and using holistic, growth-guiding dental approaches to support long-term healing in both children and adults.

Website: https://airwayandbiologicaldentalcenter.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paigeprathersmilestn
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paigeprathersmiles/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@paigeprathersmiles9188

PODCAST: Thank you for listening please subscribe and share!
Shop supplements: https://healthybydrjen.shop/
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FOLLOW ME:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/integrativedrmom/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/integrativedrmom
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@integrativedrmom

FTC: Some links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product through one of them, I will receive a commission (at no additional cost to you). I truly appreciate your support of my channel. Thank you for watching! Video is not sponsored.

DISCLAIMER: This podcast does not contain any medical or health related diagnosis or treatment advice. Content provided on this podcast is for informational purposes only. For any medical or health related advice, please consult with a physician or other healthcare professionals. Further, information about specific products or treatments within this podcast are not to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.