Welcome back to another episode of Medicine with Meaning! Today, we're diving into an experience that touches us all: stress. But we're not just talking about stress as the usual busyness or worry instead, Dr. Julie Taw helps us explore stress as a powerful biological force that shapes everything from our immunity and inflammation to how we age and even how we look and feel.

In this episode, Dr. Julie breaks down the science of stress in simple terms, discusses how our bodies react sometimes even to our own thoughts and explains why our modern, fast-paced life can leave us stuck in chronic stress without even realizing it. We’ll also uncover why stress isn’t always the villain we think it is, and how reframing it as a messenger can help us not only heal, but thrive.

Plus, Dr. Julie shares actionable tips to help you tune into your body, recognize stress signals, and start building healthier, more resilient habits from deep breathing and mindfulness, to the surprising power of love and human connection. If you’re ready to see stress in a whole new light and discover practical ways to support your mind and body, this episode is for you. Let’s jump in!

00:00 Stress Response Mechanisms Explained

06:57 "Why Zebras Don't Get Ulcers"

10:32 Chronic Stress: Harmful Health Effects

13:27 Stress' Impact on Healthspan

18:19 "Oxytocin's Role in Longevity"

19:45 "Inner Health Reflects Outer Beauty"

23:17 Understanding Stress and Health Connections

28:47 Advancements in Stress and Health

30:54 Understanding Stress and Body Health

36:45 "Embrace Stress for Growth"

37:34 Embracing Stress for Growth

42:16 "Self-Love, Connection, Relaxation"

46:29 "Calming the Nervous System"

47:33 "Rethinking Stress Signals"

Show Website - https://medicinewithmeaning.com/

Dr. Julie Taw's Clinic Website - https://julietawmd.com/

Dr. Julie Taw's Instagram - @julie.taw.md

Media/Podcast Partner: TopHealth - www.tophealth.care

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Welcome back to Medicine with Meaning, where we explore the heart and science of healing with Dr. Julie Taw. In this powerful episode, Dr. Julie dives into the idea that “your story is data” revealing how our symptoms are more than random discomforts, but carry meaningful messages about our lives and health. Dr. Julie shares her own transformative experiences, like an eye-opening battle with hives triggered not by an allergy, but by stress illuminating how listening compassionately to our bodies can guide us to genuine healing.

Through honest reflections and stories from her patients, Dr. Julie challenges the limits of the conventional biomedical model and highlights the importance of seeing each person’s whole psychosocial and spiritual background. You’ll learn about the vital role of small lifestyle changes, the power of deep breathing, and how stress, whether from work, caregiving, or unaddressed trauma can show up in surprising ways like chronic pain or digestive issues.

Whether you’re struggling with mysterious symptoms, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about holistic health, this episode will motivate you to pay attention to your body, honor your story, and take small steps toward lasting wellbeing. Join Dr. Julie and Ibre as they discuss practical tips, the art of compassionate care, and why sometimes, listening to your life story can be the most healing prescription of all.

00:00 Controlling Our Nervous System

05:27 Identifying Life Stressors for Change

07:28 Movement Breaks for Desk Workers

11:55 Neglected Self-Care Amid Responsibilities

16:24 Mother's Arm Pain Journey

17:11 Middle Age Stress & Antidepressants

22:29 "Self-Care for Better Motherhood"

26:22 Nervous System Key to SIBO Recovery

27:30 Stress Impact on Healing

33:36 Investigating Mysterious Fatigue Causes

34:49 "Foundations of Energy: Gut and Lifestyle"

41:05 Exploring Trauma's Impact on the Body

42:09 Measuring Trauma and Toxin Impact

47:29 "Health Metaphors and Well-being"

50:23 Embrace Stress for Growth

53:47 Embrace Discomfort for Growth

56:18 Healing Through Medicine and Wisdom

Show Website - https://medicinewithmeaning.com/

Dr. Julie Taw's Clinic Website - https://julietawmd.com/

Dr. Julie Taw's Instagram - @julie.taw.md

Media/Podcast Partner: TopHealth - www.tophealth.care

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Welcome to the very first episode of Medicine with Meaning with Dr. Julie Taw. In this inspiring debut, Dr. Julie explores her remarkable journey from Myanmar to becoming a physician in the United States, a path deeply shaped by her family’s courage and her father’s influence as a doctor. Dr. Julie shares the profound impact of a formative mission trip to El Salvador, where she witnessed the power of community, resilience, and the crucial role of social and economic factors in health.

Dr. Julie dives into the limitations of conventional medicine and discusses her passion for root-cause healing, mind-body medicine, and functional medicine. Listeners will hear about the value of discovering one’s “why” in health, the importance of tending not just to the body but also to the mind and spirit, and simple, practical steps anyone can take to reconnect with themselves.

Whether you’re seeking empowerment on your own health journey or want to understand how deeper meaning can transform medicine, this episode lays the foundation for a podcast focused on whole-person wellbeing, self-inquiry, and the lifelong pursuit of vibrant health. Join us as we embark on a journey to bring more meaning to medicine and to your own daily life.

Timestamps:

00:00 Father's Influence on My Career

04:09 Witnessing Resilience and Health Challenges

09:08 "Exploring Mind-Body and Functional Medicine"

12:41 Purpose-Driven Health Choices

16:37 Listening to Body's Messages

20:18 Root Causes of Chronic Fatigue

23:53 Unconscious Community Health Practices

26:22 "Village Life: Connection and Resilience"

28:54 Holistic Health: Mind, Body, Spirit

31:14 "Holistic Health: Mind, Body, Spirit"

37:31 Listening to Stress Signals

38:42 "Finding Meaning in Health"

44:23 Podcast Appreciation & Invitation

Show Website - https://medicinewithmeaning.com/

Dr. Julie Taw's Clinic Website - https://julietawmd.com/

Dr. Julie Taw's Instagram - @julie.taw.md

Media/Podcast Partner: TopHealth - www.tophealth.care

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”

Medicine with Meaning is the podcast for people who believe health is more than lab results and quick fixes. Hosted by Dr. Julie Taw – a physician who blends clinical expertise with a soulful lens – this show explores the connection between body, mind, and spirit. Each episode unpacks the science behind your symptoms while uncovering the deeper meaning they carry for your life, purpose, and growth.

Listeners walk away with evidence-based strategies they can trust, paired with heart-centered wisdom they can feel. It’s medicine that heals not just the body, but the whole self.

Show Website - https://medicinewithmeaning.com/

Dr. Julie Taw's Clinic Website - https://julietawmd.com/

Dr. Julie Taw's Instagram - @julie.taw.md

Media/Podcast Partner: TopHealth - www.tophealth.care

“Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. Consult your doctor for guidance.”