Show Notes
In Today’s Episode
What happens when healthcare providers become patients themselves? In this candid conversation, PharmToTable pharmacists Dr. Mariya and Dr. Diane share the personal health challenges that led them into functional and integrative medicine—from insulin resistance and metabolic dysfunction to autoimmune disease and postpartum health struggles. Their stories reveal the power of looking beyond symptoms, addressing root causes, and becoming your own health advocate.
Key Take Aways
- Personal health challenges often spark the journey into functional medicine, as both Mariya and Diane discovered through their experiences with unexplained symptoms, weight gain, metabolic changes, and autoimmune disease.
- Insulin resistance is a foundational driver of chronic disease, with blood sugar dysregulation contributing to weight gain, inflammation, autoimmune conditions, cardiovascular disease, and accelerated aging.
- Healing requires more than symptom management; while medications have an important place in healthcare, lasting improvement often comes from addressing root causes such as nutrition, stress, sleep, gut health, and lifestyle habits.
- Functional medicine is a journey, not a quick fix, and meaningful health improvements often require consistency, patience, and sustainable lifestyle changes over time.
- Patients must become active participants in their care by advocating for themselves, asking questions, tracking progress, and partnering with knowledgeable healthcare providers to improve long-term health outcomes.outcomes.
Topics Discussed
00:00 – Welcome to Table Talk
Melody introduces PharmToTable, the functional medicine team, and the power of sharing personal health stories.
01:28 – Meet Dr. Mariya
Mariya shares her background as a pharmacist, nutrition professional, and educator working in lifestyle and functional medicine.
02:29 – Meet Dr. Diane
Diane discusses her pharmacy career, medication therapy management experience, and transition toward prevention-focused care.
04:42 – Why Functional Medicine Requires Time
The team discusses the limitations of conventional healthcare visits and the importance of deep, individualized patient care.
05:02 – Mariya’s Personal Health Journey
Navigating motherhood, stress, weight gain, rising A1C levels, and the realization that self-care required more than surface-level solutions.
06:24 – The Continuous Glucose Monitor Wake-Up Call
How CGM data revealed hidden blood sugar spikes and transformed Mariya’s understanding of nutrition and metabolic health.
08:03 – Why CGMs Can Be Powerful Learning Tools
The team discusses how real-time glucose data can motivate meaningful lifestyle changes.
10:00 – Insulin Resistance as a Root Cause
Exploring the connection between blood sugar regulation, inflammation, chronic disease, cancer risk, and longevity.
11:10 – Diane’s Autoimmune Story Begins
A postpartum diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis leads Diane on a search for answers beyond conventional treatment.
13:17 – Receiving a Life-Changing Diagnosis
The emotional impact of being told she would need medication for the rest of her life.
14:22 – Discovering Functional and Naturopathic Medicine
How acupuncture, nutrition, supplements, elimination diets, and lifestyle changes helped Diane reclaim her health.
16:48 – From Personal Healing to Professional Passion
Why Diane became passionate about helping others address chronic disease through lifestyle medicine.
17:14 – The Importance of Self-Advocacy
The team discusses navigating the healthcare system and taking ownership of personal health decisions.
18:26 – Why Healing Takes Time
Understanding realistic expectations, root-cause healing, and the patience required for lasting change.
20:41 – Tracking Progress Objectively
How symptom questionnaires and health metrics help patients recognize improvements they might otherwise overlook.
21:50 – The Role of Family Support
Diane shares how support systems can influence long-term health success.
23:00 – Autoimmune Conditions, Food Sensitivities & Gut Health
A patient case study illustrates why addressing gut health is critical for long-term autoimmune management.
25:10 – Functional Medicine and Pharmaceuticals Can Coexist
The team discusses balancing natural approaches with appropriate medical interventions when necessary.
26:00 – When Medication Is the Right Tool
Examples involving ulcerative colitis, eczema, and severe symptoms that require immediate treatment before root-cause work can begin.
28:36 – Conversations Around Statins and Prevention
Exploring medication hesitancy, cardiovascular risk, and the importance of individualized decision-making.
30:39 – Mental Health, Medications, and Removing Stigma
Why some patients benefit from short-term pharmaceutical support while building sustainable lifestyle foundations.
32:05 – Questions Every Patient Should Ask
How to advocate for yourself by discussing treatment goals, timelines, outcomes, and evidence with your healthcare providers.
33:00 – Chronic Disease, Inflammation & Longevity
The team reflects on cardiovascular disease, metabolic health, and optimizing long-term wellness.
33:59 – Final Thoughts
A closing message on self-advocacy, partnership with healthcare providers, and the value of a functional medicine approach.
Resources Mentioned
Table Talk Podcast — Resources & Links
- The PharmToTable Team – Functional Medicine Providers
- Therapeutic Approaches Discussed
- Functional Medicine
- Integrative Medicine
- Lifestyle Medicine
- Food as Medicine
- Mediterranean Diet
- Elimination Diet
- Detox Diet
- Acupuncture
- Physical Therapy
- Intermittent Fasting
- Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition
- Health Tools & Assessments
- Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)
- Medical Symptom Questionnaire (MSQ)
- Food Sensitivity Testing
- Stool Testing / Gut Microbiome Analysis
- Organizations & Institutions
- PharmToTable
- Long Island University
- Thomas Jefferson University Hospital
- Medications Mentioned
- Prednisone
- Statins
- Biologics (general discussion)
- Antidepressants / Psychiatric Medications (general discussion)
Supplement Spotlight
Vitamin D / K2
Liquid – 1 fl oz
D3 5000 with K2
60 Softgels
Leading the way to better chronic disease management through functional and integrative medicine.
