Doctor Turned Health Coach

People absorb so much health information that it becomes hard to tell what is true. In this episode, I break down the five misconceptions I correct most often.

I see the same health misconceptions over and over in my coaching calls and medical visits. They are not silly mistakes. They are understandable confusions that come from mixed messages, outdated advice, and overly complicated online content. I wanted to record an episode that clears up the most common ones.

In this episode, I talk through the top five misconceptions I see most often. I explain where...

People get overwhelmed by long lists of screening tests. In this episode, I explain how I decide what actually matters.

People ask me all the time which screening tests they should get. Most of the confusion comes from long lists online or mixed messages from different doctors. I want to simplify this. Screening should be clear, predictable, and tied to real health outcomes.

In this episode, I explain how I think about screening and why more testing is not always better. I talk about the difference between a test that finds disease early and a...

I built my DPC practice because I wanted medicine to feel human again. In this episode, I talk honestly about what worked and what almost broke me.

Starting my DPC practice was one of the most meaningful decisions of my career. I reached a point in traditional medicine where I felt rushed, boxed in, and unable to give patients the time they deserved. I wanted a model where I could slow down, listen, and actually help people make real progress.

In this episode, I talk about how my DPC practice started and the parts nobody...

Most middle-of-the-night suffering comes from one reflex thought pattern. This episode explains how to break it.

Many people wake up at 2 a.m. and think something is wrong with their body. I used to think the same thing. What I share in this episode is a simple idea that changed how I understand nighttime wakeups. The body is usually fine. The panic is what keeps us awake.

In this episode, I talk about why these middle-of-the-night wakeups happen and why they feel so intense. I explain what behavioral sleep medicine teaches, which is that the...

Most supplements do not fix the root problem. But habits do.

Supplements are tools, not magic - they are no different than prescription medications. In this episode, I explain how I decide when a supplement makes sense and when it is a distraction.

I start with the big picture, nutrition, movement, sleep, stress, and support. I then review common products people ask me about.

Creatine helps with strength and lean mass if you are training.

Omega-3 can help if you rarely eat fish.

Vitamin D can help if you...

In this episode, I explain what we mean by belly fat and why the type of fat matters. I cover the difference between subcutaneous fat and visceral fat, the role of bloating, posture, and genetics, and when we should worry. I then lay out a practical plan, built for busy adults in their 30s to 50s. We start with food quality, more fiber, fewer refined flours and sugary drinks, and steady protein. We add daily movement, walks after meals, and two to three days of strength training to build muscle and improve insulin sensitivity. We account for hormones, from...

In this episode, I examine the coronary artery calcium score (CAC) and its role in assessing heart health amid concerns of over-reliance on the test as we near 2025. I highlight its limitations, including that a zero score doesn't rule out cardiovascular risks, while a high score can indicate accelerated plaque formation. I stress the importance of using CAC tests for those at moderate risk based on cholesterol levels and family history, rather than as a sole determinant for heart disease management. Ultimately, I encourage listeners to view CAC scores within a broader context of overall health data for informed...

In this episode, I explore the crucial subject of heart disease risk assessment and prevention in my health coaching practice. I highlight the prevalence of cardiovascular disease, particularly atherocerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and the impact of lifestyle choices such as physical activity, sleep quality, and diet on risk levels. I address the effects of alcohol and smoking, emphasizing the importance of family history and health indicators like blood pressure and cholesterol. I introduce modern testing methods that reveal significant insights into cardiovascular health and discuss the mechanics of cholesterol's role in heart disease. Preventive strategies, including lifestyle optimization and...

Inflammation is problematic, leading to endocrine problems and heart disease and maybe even cancer. The good news is that it's easy to manage inflammation but we first have to recognize it. 

Substack article on assessing inflammation. 

Website and Health Coaching: 
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If you are looking for a guide to h...

Our US healthcare system has optoins for everyone. An online clinic has the advantage of being avaialble to busy people no matter where they are in the world. We can use technology, spend more time with each patient, and take the conversation offline when needed.

Website and Health Coaching: 
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AI can be many things and while it has its limitations it can be your ally in improving your health. It can help you track habits and goals and give you useful feedback and advice. Here is the way I use it for my own patients and health coaching clients.

Website and Health Coaching: 
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The benefits of fiber are hard to argue with but maybe you've not been able to get your fiber plan to stick. Here are the tricks I've learned from my patients and dieticians. It's much better to add fiber to your diet than make a big change to how you're eating - that comes later and slower. 

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In the US, we are familiar with the insurance-based practice where our health is in the hands of a health insurance company. In the concierge model, the doctor and patient relationship are prioritized. Many private practice doctors are contracting with patients directly without breaking their bank. 

Website and Health Coaching: 
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Most chemicals that we come into contact with are quite safe. They're not ideal to have but don't cause problems for most of us. That said, just like too much sun exposure, too much sleep, and too much good food, anything, even a chemical, can cause some harm. 

Let's go through the average cabinet and talk about practical ways of getting rid of unncessary things to stay healthy and feel better. 

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Today I show you how to start meal planning without burnout. We target the hardest slot, usually lunch at work. I walk through a simple build: pick one grain, prep a protein, add a veg, and finish with a sauce. Portion into glass containers. Freeze. Reheat and eat. I share mix and match options, what containers to buy, and how to shop for batch cooking so you stay consistent. The goal is control, steady energy, and better nutrients. Next, we will scale this to a full week.

Website and Health Coaching: 
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In this short episode I explain the real purpose of meal planning: control in a world of constant food options, steady energy without long gaps between meals, and better nutrient-to-calorie choices so your body can do what it does best, which is to heal. I share how I start clients with one meal or one day each week, why fewer choices lower stress, and how basic pantry items like grains, beans, frozen veg, a good spread let you build quick, high-quality meals. Next episode, I'll cover how to start a simple meal plan that actually sticks.

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In this episode I explain how GLP-1 medicines work and why they help some people lose weight. I clarify my coaching role and what I do not do. I break down the two main effects I see clinically: slower gut transit that reduces appetite and central effects that quiet cravings or "food noise." I explain why food drive varies widely between people, why these drugs don't speed metabolism or change nutrient absorption in a meaningful way, and why most of the benefit comes from lower calorie intake. I address the "free will" myth and reframe GLP-1s as a...

In this episode I explain why you can feel exhausted even when your labs look "normal." I show you how I define fatigue with each client, how I track symptoms and sleep, and how I separate central fatigue (brain-driven) from peripheral fatigue (body-driven). I walk through common drivers I see in practice, including poor sleep quality, too much or too little training, low muscle mass, nutrition gaps, and insulin resistance even with a normal A1C. I also explain why chasing a single diagnosis rarely helps. My approach is stepwise and habit based. We aim to move fatigue from...

Today we'll discuss fiber and how it can help with so many aspects of your health, not just your gut. Maybe you're getting enough and maybe you need more - listen to know where you are on the spectrum. 

Website and Health Coaching: 
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If you are looking for...

Turn down the noise on all the news Create a system for obtaining your health information Tease out the nuance of your health decision

These are the 3 topics we'll discuss today as a way for you to get more out of health news. Welcome to the Doctor Turned Health Coach podcast with me, Dr. Ashori. 

Website and Health Coaching: 
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In today's episode on the Doctor Turned Health Coach podcast I will explain to you why your weight keeps going up even though you've started a new exercise routine. It has to do with the way our appetite and energy levels change. And while you may not notice it, you will make up for those extra calories you burn. 

Website and Health Coaching: 
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Dental health is expensive in the US. Many of us undergo unnecessary dental interventions. In this podcast episode we'll talk about all the evidence-based oral hygienes worth doing and bust a few myths. 

Substack Article on Good Dental Health Habits

Website and Health Coaching: 
https://www.drashori.com

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If you are loo...

The JNC-8 is one of the most important published papers that guides our blood pressure management. The most recent one was published in 2025, and the last one was 2017. Let's not talk about which medications to use but what 11 lifestyle interventions were recommended in this list to help you lower your blood pressure naturally. 

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I'll explain what a health coach does and doesn't do. We'll discuss the importance of a health coach espcially for those of you who've never worked with one. 

In today's healthcare scene we get only a short time with our doctor and there are so many questions, so many choices. A health coach helps bridge that gap and supports the patient through the entire journey. 

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Many of us feel pressure to order more labs and scans, whether for reassurance or curiosity. But testing isn't always the answer. In this episode, I walk through how to know if a test is actually worth it. You'll learn why normal results don't always mean you're healthy, why abnormal results don't always mean you're sick, and how to avoid wasting time and money on unnecessary panels. I'll also share a simple checklist you can use before saying "yes" to any test, plus which early tools can be genuinely helpful.

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2 different doctors can be great at what they do but completely disagree on the treatment plan for the same patient. There are so many reasons for this and if you understand them then you'll get so much more from your healthcare. I want to arm you with the knowledge you need to be your healthiest self.

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Join me on Facebook: Duration: 00:10:36

In this episode, I share why setting healthy boundaries is not just about relationships or time management — it's a core part of protecting your health as you age.

For many of us in our 30s and 40s, the pressure to perform at work, take care of family, and say yes to every request can leave us drained. Over time, that constant stress adds up. Learning to set clear, compassionate boundaries can lower stress, improve sleep, and even help prevent chronic conditions.

You'll hear practical strategies for recognizing when your boundaries are being crossed, how to re...

In this episode, I break down one of the most common questions I get: When should I start taking meds?

For many people in their 30s and 40s, the first prescription can feel like crossing a line — a sign of aging or of something being "wrong." But the reality is more nuanced. Sometimes medication can be life-saving and preventive. Other times, lifestyle changes may be just as powerful, if not more.

I'll walk you through how I approach this decision as a physician: looking at risk, long-term outcomes, side effects, and whether there's a real op...

In this episode, I explore the powerful role of mindset and beliefs in shaping our health as we age. Many of us in our 30s and 40s are starting to notice changes in our energy, recovery, or focus. What we often overlook is how much our beliefs influence the choices we make every day. I'll walk you through how shifting your mindset can open the door to better habits, greater consistency, and a more positive outlook on aging.

You'll hear practical ways to recognize limiting beliefs, reframe them, and use your mindset as a tool to support...

Most of us spend the majority of our day sitting at our desks, in the car, or in front of a screen. This sedentary lifestyle makes us stiff, tired, and it quietly accelerates the aging process. In this episode, I break down why movement is such a powerful form of preventive medicine, what sitting all day really does to your body, and simple, realistic ways you can bring more activity into your life without an overhaul.

Whether you're in your 30s or 40s and just starting to notice changes, or you're already feeling the effects of long...

When it comes to overall health and living well, Longevity medicine is a hot field that promises more life years tacked on to your final decade. The consensus, however, is that at best it will only give you an extra 5-7 quality years. This isn't bad at all - but each of my patients and health coaching clients has to decide for themsevles what's important to them, what they are willing to sacriice, and what good quality living means to them. 

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The TREND framework has 'D' for 'Downtime. 

T - Testing

R - Relationships

E - Exercise

N - Nutrition

D - Downtime

Rest, recovery, sleep are all encapsulated in downtime. We may think that we can be constantly stimulated from food to entertainment, aclohol, exercise, and stress without much harm. But without proper downtime, the tissues can't heal. Some studies have a shown a link to cancer, inflammation, and dementia because of this lack of rest and recovery. 

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I want to lay out a framework when it comes to hormone replacement for men or women. When should you start? What can you try before starting? How do you know if it'll be effective and what are some risks you need to consider? 

Website and Health Coaching: 
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If you...

We all have our own unique skills. Some people can seemingly get themselves to do anything with some motivation, habit stacking, and sticking to their plan. I'm going to share how certain skills seem to often lead to my patients and clients being able to achieve their ideal health goals. Maybe they'll work for you too. 

Retraining your taste buds to make healthy food enjoyable.

Making healthy choices easy by structuring your environment and schedule around them.

Avoiding self-criticism and quickly bouncing back when you slip.

Website and coaching: Duration: 00:08:36

Primary care medicine has had a few evolutions over the years. Currently, it's a short amount of time a patient has with their assigned primary care doctor, often leaving a lot of unanswered questions, rarely allowing timely access when the patient really needs it.

Direct Primary Care is reimaging this concept by allowing more time in each visit, choosing a small patient panel, and creating a longterm bond between doctor and patient. 7-10 minutes doesn't leave enough time to have the nuanced discussion, often leading to rushed prescriptions, errors, and disappointment on both sides.

In...

In this episode, I examine a client's unexpected high blood pressure journey and the lifestyle factors at play. Despite a history of good health, the 40-year-old tech nomad faced spikes due to increased alcohol intake and richer meals. A move to a new country led to significant health improvements, highlighting the impact of environmental changes on wellness. This case reinforces the idea that while medications can help, addressing root causes through simple lifestyle adjustments is essential for sustained health.

Website and Health Coaching: 
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0:04 Introduction to Healthy Aging 2:00 The Importance of Health Decisions 4:11 Understanding Healthy Aging vs. Longevity 5:52 The Practical Approach to Nutrition 7:14 Conclusion and Invitation to Connect   In this episode, I examine healthy aging and its relationship with longevity through my perspective as a health coach and physician. I highlight the importance of proactive health measures over reactive ones, advocating for strategic lifestyle changes to address age-related risks. Distinguishing between healthy aging and longevity medicine, I emphasize quality of life and sustainable habits. I also introduce my T-R-E-N-D method for analyzing dietary choices. I invite listeners to embrace the aging process with confidence a...

0:09 Introduction to Back Pain 5:05 Understanding Pain Types 9:11 Self-Management Techniques 13:03 Treatment Options Explored 16:15 Final Thoughts on Back Pain

Backpack creates a lot of anxiety in my health coaching clients because it's debilitating and we often catastrophize the pain into future, fearing that we won't be able to function, earn a living, and do our daily pleasurable activities.

The good news is that most back pain doesn't need surgery and I categorize it here into 3 classes: inflammation, soft tissue, and degenerative. I'll discuss the ways I approach management with my clients, where I refer them, and how we gauge...

The relationships we have with ourselves, loved ones, and the environment dictate the health of our mental wellbeing. While Western medicine has come up with medications to help with major depression, insomnia, and anxiety disorder, it can't come close to the results from nurturing these relationships. 

It starts with how we view ourselves, our boundaries, our expectations of others. It's a learning process and in this episode I'll share how I approach this topic with my health coaching clients to help them be more resilient in life. 

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It's a subtle difference but exercise is structured and requires some commitment which is very easy for some and impossible for others. Movement is our daily activity we get by doing chores and navigating our environement. Some of the strongest data about edxercise comes from those who walk every day, and not just walk for exercise but to get to and from places. 

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In this episode of Doctor Turned Health Coach, I want to give you guys a framework I use to think about nutrition. My patients and health coaching clients often struggle with what to eat because of the conflicting information out there. But there is a lot more overlap that you think. 

We address it always from the perspective of the individual, not from a public health perspective, as in, 'what we all should be eating'. Food should be enjoyable, pleasurable, social, and sustainble - and these are terms with different meaning from person to person. 

Join...

There are lots of different Frameworks that healthcare professionals use to communicate how to achieve long-lasting health. What they all have in common is that they address:

My TREND framework captures these and helps us continually make small adjustments. It's more about the big picture and less about overly detailed nuances. 

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This is the first episode of the podcast, thank you for joining me. As a family medicine physician turned health coach I'll tell you why I became a health coach and what to expect in upcoming episodes. The goal is to take you behind the scenes of my health coaching, share interest case stories, share important health related information, and highlight what's actionable. 

Join me weekly if you are on your own health journey, aiming to age healthy and avoid the common chronic diseases we experience in our modern world. Please share this with anyone who might l...