Welcome to Your Dose of Dr. Molly: Issue #9!
Unveiling insulin resistance insights. Exploring emotion & chronic pain. Breaking down my personal journey. Discover the power of this magical sleep window. Plus lots more, don't miss out!💫
This month brings incredible opportunities to connect and share knowledge. I'm thrilled to announce that I'll be heading to Orlando, FL as a keynote speaker at the prestigious 9th annual Biohacking Conference hosted by none other than Dave Asprey. By the way, Dave Asprey wrote the foreword for my book, The Spark Factor, which is now available everywhere! If you're attending the conference, be sure to come say hi and join us for my keynote session with Dave on Saturday, June 24 at 9:40 AM on the Main Stage.
But before that, mark your calendars for June 22nd when I'll be hosting a breakfast at the Maps Conference in Denver, diving into the fascinating realm of Psychedelics and Sexuality. With so much to cover today, let's dive right in!
True or False: Insulin Resistance is Caused by Eating Too Much?
A lot of people sent me this clip of Alan Aragon's hot take asserting that insulin resistance is caused by eating too much. Aragon claims that the accumulation of body fat causes insulin resistance, rather than the other way around. While there is truth in Aragon's perspective, it doesn't paint the full picture.
Insulin resistance can also occur due to various factors:
Lack of exercise, leading to the accumulation of fuel as body fat
Elevated cortisol levels caused by stress
Exposure to a toxic environment damaging mitochondrial function
Infections leading to mitochondrial dysfunction
Pregnancy, which can cause insulin resistance in women predisposed to it
Taking of certain drugs affecting mitochondrial function, such as anti-psychotics, specific statins, or antibiotics
Going off certain drugs affecting metabolic health (I experienced insulin resistance after gaining weight from going off stimulants many years ago)
Lack of micronutrients impairing mitochondrial function
Untreated hypothyroidism
When I shared this information along with the clip on my Instagram story, I was flooded with questions in my DMs. Reminder: all of this information, including how to reverse insulin resistance, is covered extensively in my online course, Your Healthspan Journey.
In fact, as a thank you for supporting my work and subscribing to my newsletter (and because my newsletter went out a few days late this month missing the sale window) I wanted to give you one more chance to take advantage of the 70% discount on my online course before the price goes back up. The course is packed with practical strategies, personalized guidance, video lectures, questionnaires, protocols, lecture slides, and bonus videos.
Oh! I should also mention you can access the online course offer without having to purchase Levels first. Click here to buy my course only.
However, if you're interested, Levels provides a cutting-edge CGM device that tracks your blood sugar levels in real-time, offering exclusive insights and practical strategies to optimize healthspan. Click here or head to LEVELS.LINK/DRMOLLY to receive 2 free months on your annual membership and a discount link to purchase my course for $450 as well.
BTW, you can buy my course today and start it whenever you want. But I'd get it now while the price is this good.
Course only offer: Get Your Healthspan Journey for $450 (no Levels purchase required): REDEEM HERE
Levels offer + course discount (optional): Join Levels to receive 2 free months on your annual membership and a discount link to purchase my course for $450: REDEEM HERE
Chronic Pain: A Disease in Its Own Right?
A recent study published in the journal JAMA Network Open revealed that chronic pain affects a greater number of people than diabetes and depression combined. The study challenges the prevailing belief that chronic pain is a less prevalent health issue, bringing attention to its significant impact on individuals and society as a whole.
In my opinion, it’s often due to unexpressed emotion.. While chronic pain can have anatomical causes, it is often highly linked to low energy capacity. Approximately 88% of the population is metabolically unhealthy, contributing to decreased energy and increased susceptibility to pain. Just like having money in the bank allows you to make repairs and maintain your home, having sufficient energy enables your body to function optimally. With sufficient energy, your body can efficiently maintain organ and brain function.
However, when energy capacity declines due to metabolic dysfunction, the body sends alarm signals and pain can manifest. One of the biggest drains of energy is unexpressed emotion (energy in motion). When emotions are not felt, this creates resistance to energy flow and prevents optimal cellular functioning. This can manifest in tension in the fascia (semiconductor fiber optic cables of the body), which can impinge nerves and create pain.
Understanding and addressing energy capacity is crucial in managing chronic pain effectively as well as overall well-being. It took me over 10 years to get to the point where I look at health as a product of ample energy capacity, and let me tell you, it has been A JOURNEY. Let’s break it down, shall we?
My Personal Journey: Combining the Biological, Psychological, and Spiritual Aspects of My Being
With many new subscribers joining recently, I believe it's the perfect time to share more about my personal journey and its profound impact on my relationship with myself. Embarking on this path of self-discovery and self-acceptance hasn't been easy, but it has been incredibly transformative.
Let me take you back to the beginning. Ten plus years ago, I struggled with overwhelming perfectionism, unresolved trauma from my college years, and a disconnection from my own body. These experiences led to emotional dysregulation, lack of balance, and a deep dissatisfaction with the person I saw in the mirror. However, through perseverance and dedication, I embarked on a path of self-discovery and self-acceptance that has been truly transformative. So, where did I begin?
Meditation retreats, particularly the one at the Clairvision Institute in Thunder Mountain, played a pivotal role in my transformation. Through practices like interspace meditation, I delved into my subconscious, resolved buried emotions, and experienced profound healing. Somatic therapy, guided by Anthony Lemme, was another crucial turning point in my journey. By releasing stagnant energy and breaking free from emotional armor, I regained balance and vitality. The power of meditation and somatic therapy should not be underestimated in one's healing journey.
In addition to meditation and somatic therapy, my commitment to physical well-being has been instrumental in achieving balance and self-acceptance. Ashtanga yoga, yin yoga, and overall fitness have played vital roles in aligning my body and mind. Regular yoga practice, in particular, has been a cornerstone of my journey, one I embraced even during my medical school days. I learned how to do Ashtanga yoga through online videos by David Swenson, as I couldn't afford classes in my twenties. Yoga not only improved my physical health but also taught me the art of breathing, a fundamental skill in mastering emotions and processing experiences.
Psychedelic medicine has undoubtedly had a significant impact on my journey. I've been open about my interest in psychedelics since 2017, even discussing their potential in the Financial Times. It’s important to note that they are not a panacea, and caution must be exercised in their use. Nonetheless, I owe a significant part of my personal growth to these profound substances.
Breathwork has also been a remarkable surrogate for psychedelic experiences. Engaging in various breathwork techniques has allowed me to reach heightened states of consciousness, similar to those induced by psychedelics. The power of breathwork to elevate one's state of mind is truly remarkable.
The Esalen Institute holds a special place in my heart. I have attended numerous conferences, taught workshops, and embarked on retreats at this transformative haven. It has been an invaluable space for self-reflection, personal growth and the development of my potential. Esalen Institute is truly one of my favorite places in the world to engage in deep inner work.
During my research on optimizing mental health and building psychedelic protocols, I discovered Internal Family Systems (IFS). This approach allowed me to delve into the different parts of myself, understanding how they may be fragmented. Through this exploration, I began defining my higher self, lower self, exiles (traumatized parts), manager (peacekeeper), and firefighter (numbing behaviors). Integrating and understanding these aspects of myself has been a profound and transformative process.
Attachment work has also been a crucial aspect of my journey. By focusing on the younger versions of myself that may have lacked certain attention or needs, I have been able to heal and grow. It's surprising how many people are unaware of the significance of attachment in their lives. Spending time with my parents, engaging in intergenerational conversations, and understanding their upbringing and patterns has allowed me to become more secure in my relationships and profoundly changed how I relate to others.
The parts of my journey I’ve described thus far have been focused on optimizing my mental health, but it's crucial to recognize the intimate connection between the mind and body. Initially, I prioritized sleep to establish stability, followed by healing my gut through dietary changes. Next, I focused on mitochondrial health, metabolism, blood sugar stability, nutrient deficiencies, detoxification, and hormone optimization (all of which are covered in my online course, currently on sale for only $450). Ensuring my body was in a state of balance has been essential to my overall well-being.
In recent years, I've embarked on a spiritual journey. This holistic approach has brought together the biological, psychological, and spiritual aspects of my being. I've come to understand that dis-ease is often an element of disease, and by working on my spirituality, the biological aspects of my health naturally fall into place. It's a fascinating and rewarding realization that I wish I had known a decade ago. This is holistic medicine 101!
It's important to remember that the journey I've described spans over a decade, and each individual's path will be unique. Starting your own journey is never too late, and I encourage you to explore the path that resonates with you—a journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and self-love. But, if I could only pick one aspect of your health to optimize, I would focus on sleep.
The Power of Quality Sleep and Harnessing This Magical Sleep Window for Optimal Potential
Sleep is a really good biomarker for health and when people ask what my one non-negotiable is, I always say sleep. If you are not sleeping soundly throughout the night—waking up in the middle of the night—that’s a good sign your health needs some work.
Quality sleep is a key factor in achieving peak performance and managing stress. Your sleep quality and stress levels are intricately connected: unresolved stress disrupts sleep, while poor sleep increases stress. Monitoring your sleep patterns and seeking professional help, such as a sleep study or programs like Resonea, can unveil any underlying sleep issues. Creating an optimal sleep environment and prioritizing your mental health by addressing daily stressors and toxic relationships are crucial steps in improving your sleep quality.
Contrary to popular belief, sleep deprivation does not enhance productivity. In fact, getting sufficient sleep, along with regular exercise and a nutritious diet, is the secret to accomplishing tasks effectively. Consistency in sleep habits and nurturing social connections while addressing past traumas are essential for long-term well-being and success.
PRO TIP
Don’t forget to harness this period of time that is often neglected, I’m referring to the “pre-sleep window.”
I like to use the liminal space before bed to think about my goals so they can be solidified during sleep. Once I am in bed, I like to spend a good 15 minutes before I go to sleep setting intentions and praying and visualizing, thinking through the life that I want to live.
This recent mbghealth article delves into why your pre-sleep window is so crucial and shares valuable insights on how to fill it with practices that promote deep, restorative sleep.
Shoutout to My Biggest Inspiration
I want to take a moment to acknowledge the biggest inspiration in my life—my sister, Nikki Maloof. She is an absolute powerhouse, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have her as my sibling. Recently, I had the privilege of visiting Nikki's exhibition, "Skunk Hour," at the Perrotin gallery in New York City. I was blown away by her incredible talent and the depth of her work. I am immensely proud to call her my sister, and her dedication and creativity continue to push me to strive for greatness in all aspects of my life. I highly recommend checking out her phenomenal work and reading her interview with Autre.
Quote of the Day:
“I have a deeply hidden and inarticulate desire for something beyond the daily life.” —Virginia Wolf
For me, this quote resonates deeply in a different way because I had a visible and articulate desire for something beyond the ordinary, which led me to create a unique path of my own—a journey of growth, exploration, and self-realization.
With love,
Dr. Molly