Live Long and Well with Dr. Bobby

• #51 Can Thinking Positively Cure Disease?

  Send us a textVisit my websiteCan a positive mindset truly improve your health—or even help you beat disease? In this episode, Dr. Bobby and guest Sean McDevitt explore the evidence behind optimism, visualization, and prayer to uncover what really works.In today’s episode of Live Long and Well, Dr. Bobby is joined by fitness and life coach Sean McDevitt to explore whether positive thinking can influence health outcomes. They dive into both anecdotal and clinical evidence, starting with sports psychology and then navigating the science behind mindset and disease. The conversation opens with laughter and smiles—literally. Inspired by Norman Cousins’ Anatomy of an Illness, Dr. Bobby references a meta-analysis showing genuine smiling does, in fact, temporarily boost happiness, while artificial smiling (like holding a pen in your mouth) doesn’t.They begin with sports, where 86 studies show that visualizing athletic success can improve performance in agility, strength, and game-specific skills. Next, they ask a deeper question: does having a positive attitude affect the progression of serious disease? A meta-analysis of 26 studies on life satisfaction and longevity suggests happy people may live longer—especially when it comes to heart health. Optimism, for instance, was linked to a 35% reduction in cardiovascular events and a 15% decrease in all-cause mortality.However, when it comes to cancer, the picture gets murkier. A review of 165 studies links stress to poorer survival, but a separate meta-analysis on coping styles found no consistent impact on recurrence or survival. One influential study on breast cancer patients even found that while helplessness predicted worse outcomes, having a “fighting spirit” made no significant difference (source). As Dr. Bobby notes, it’s important not to burden patients with guilt if they can’t “stay positive.”The critical question becomes: if you're not naturally optimistic, can you cultivate positivity—and will it help? Encouragingly, several intervention studies suggest it might. One trial showed cardiac markers improved after optimism training, and a meta-analysis of 56 RCTs found a 15% boost in immune function after psychological interventions. A small MS study linked mindfulness to better walking ability, and a large RCT on breast cancer showed a 45% drop in recurrence with stress-reduction and mood-enhancing strategies.Finally, the episode touches on spirituality. While many find comfort in prayer, evidence from an RCT of 800 ICU patients and a [meta-analysis] shows no significant impac

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• #50 Navigating Serious Illness: Eight Crucial Lessons

  Send us a textVisit drbobbylivelongandwell.com In this deeply personal episode, Dr. Bobby reflects on his wife's cancer diagnosis and shares eight powerful lessons for anyone navigating the uncertainty of a serious illness. With insights from Dr. Helen Eshed, a board-certified gynecologic oncologist and Gail’s treating physician, this conversation blends personal experience with expert guidance to help you feel more prepared, empowered, and informed—whether for yourself or someone you love.Together, they discuss when and why to seek a second opinion, including the importance of trusting your gut and asking your doctor how frequently they handle cases like yours. Dr. Bobby emphasizes the importance of finding a quarterback—a single provider who can oversee and coordinate all aspects of care, a role often filled by the medical oncologist or, in fortunate cases like Gail’s, by a specialist like Dr. Eshed who guides every step of the journey. They explore the nuanced role of the primary care physician, who may not lead cancer care but is critical in managing other chronic conditions and general health during treatment.Dr. Bobby and Dr. Eshed also confront the flood of non-evidence-based treatments patients often encounter. Supplements, restrictive diets, and alternative therapies may be well-intentioned, but many lack credible evidence and can even interfere with medical treatments. Dr. Eshed underscores the importance of open communication with your doctor to discern helpful integrative therapies—such as acupuncture or massage—from those that may be harmful. If you’re unsure, bring it to your physician and evaluate together.Another theme they unpack is the human need for agency during illness. Dr. Bobby highlights a randomized controlled trial in colon cancer survivors showing that a structured exercise program led to a 28% improvement in recurrence-free survival over eight years. This suggests that lifestyle changes like physical activity can make a real difference, even after diagnosis. But as he cautions, not everything promising on the internet is supported by research—so choose wisely and stay grounded in science.They also touch on the emotional and spiritual dimensions of illness. From the rollercoaster of diagnoses to unexpected rituals like a gratitude ceremony for Gail’s uterus, Dr. Bobby emphasizes the value of community, spiritual support, and patient-centered rituals that help bring meaning to the process. Resources like survivorship counseling and disease-specific nonprofits can offer both information and connection during the journey.Finally, they discuss the often-overlooked financial impact of serious illness. With treatments like surgery and immunotherapy costing thousands—even hundreds of thousands—of dollars, Dr. Bobby encourages listeners to proactively ask about costs, insurance coverage, and out-of-pocket maximums to avoid being blindsided.Takeaways:Ask the right questions early—about your diagnosis, treatment options, prognosis, and whether your doctor has experience with your specific condition.Look for credible, evidence-based interventions that support your care rather than distract from it—especially when you're tempted to chase internet cures.Build a strong, multi-layered support system—medical, emotional, spiritual, and financial—to help you weather the journey ahead with resilience and clarity.Visit drbobbylivelongandwell.com to sign up for his free October 2nd workshop on how to focus your energy on the habits that truly improve health and longevity—without making it your full-time job.

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• #49: What you eat effects how much you eat

  Send us a textJoin my first live wellness workshop on October 2 at 6 PM CT, where we’ll tackle the question: Does Health Need to be a Full-time Job? It's free.  Sign up here.Can the type of food you eat influence how much you eat? In this episode, I explore how calorie density, texture, protein content, hydration, and even your perception of food can all affect fullness—and how understanding these levers can help you better manage your weight without feeling deprived.We start by revisiting the foundational idea that maintaining a healthy weight impacts your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. While previous episodes discussed eating slowly and using smaller plates, today’s focus is on how the specific foods you choose can directly affect how much you consume.Drawing from both personal anecdotes—like my wife Gail’s success with a no-flour, no-sugar approach—and recent science, I explore five key factors. First, calorie density plays a powerful role. In a randomized crossover trial, participants ate 813 more calories per day when consuming ultra-processed foods, even though meals had identical calories and macronutrients. Foods engineered to be hyper-palatable often pack in calories without promoting fullness.Next, we dive into satiety—that subjective feeling of fullness. A Satiety Index study found that boiled potatoes, oatmeal, apples, and beef left participants feeling fuller than white bread or croissants. Why? One reason might be energy density, as demonstrated in another trial where high-fat lunches led participants to eat nearly 500 extra calories.We also explore food texture. In a study comparing soft vs. hard meals, participants consumed 20% more from softer options. A similar principle applies to fruit vs. fruit juice, where a five-week trial showed that eating a whole apple before a meal reduced calorie intake by 187 calories compared to juice.Protein also emerges as a standout. In a small study, a protein-based snack delayed hunger by 60 minutes—far more than fat or carbs. And then there’s hydration. Drinking water before meals may curb appetite, supported by a randomized trial and a systematic review showing that two cups of water before each meal led to significant weight loss over 3–12 months.Finally, we can’t ignore the psychological piece. In the “sham milkshake” study, participants felt fuller—and had altered hunger hormone levels—based solely on what they thought they were consuming. Mind over matter, indeed.Throughout the episode, I encourage listeners to explore these ideas with an N of 1 trial, as detailed in Episode 27Try a protein-rich snack before dinner or a glass of water before meals and see how it changes your appetite.

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• #48: How to Live Long and Well Without Making Health a Full-Time Job

  Send us a textAre you doing too much in the name of health? Between supplements, saunas, organic food, and brain games, wellness can feel like a second full-time job. In this episode, I help you filter the noise and focus on what really matters—so you can live long and well without losing your joy in the process.We break down:The true opportunity cost of wellness routines like cold plunges, meditation, and restrictive dietsThe Pareto Principle (80/20 rule) in health: How to get 80% of the benefit with 20% of the effortThe “Big 6” evidence-based habits that actually move the needle on longevity and functionHow to personalize your wellness plan based on lifespan, healthspan, and joyspanYour health type: Are you a Holistic Hacker or a Contentment Creator? Take the quiz to find out.🧠 Referenced Research & Data:1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will develop cardiovascular disease in their lifetime (PubMed)Stroke and dementia share many preventable risk factors like blood pressure and exercise (Alzheimer’s Association)4 in 10 people will get cancer in their lifetime (American Cancer Society)Americans spend ~9 hours sleeping and ~4 hours on leisure daily (Bureau of Labor Statistics)🎯 Takeaways:Not all health habits are equally impactful. Focus first on sleep, blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, exercise, and screenings.Prioritize based on what you value: functional longevity or joyful living—or both.Give yourself permission to not do it all. Your health plan should be sustainable, not exhausting.🔗 Mentioned Tools:Live Long & Well QuizEpisode 13: Preventing Cognitive DeclineEpisode 18 & 37: Reducing Cardiovascular RiskEpisode 21: What’s Your Health Type?🧘‍♂️ Whether you’re a Purposeful Path Planner or a Holistic Health Hacker, this episode helps you reclaim your time, your joy, and your long-term health.🔔 Subscribe for research-backed health insights in under 30 minutes—without the wellness overwhelm.

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• #47 Do Organics Really Make You Healthier-Or Just Poorer?

  Send us a textOrganic food often sounds like a smarter, healthier choice—but is it really worth the extra cost? In this episode, we dig into the scientific evidence behind organic foods, pesticide risks, and whether you're buying better health or just paying for a better-sounding label.We begin by breaking down the steep price differences between organic and conventional food. According to the USDA, Americans spend roughly $1 trillion annually on food at home, averaging over $3,100 per person. Organic options can increase grocery bills by 50% or more, as LendingTree reports in this price comparison analysis. My own market trip found Fuji apples nearly double in price, and wild-caught salmon more than twice as expensive.But do organics deliver better health outcomes? Most organic foods contain lower pesticide residues, which 85% of Americans cite as a concern. Yet research shows these lower levels don’t clearly translate to better health. Rodent studies show harm at extremely high pesticide doses, far above what’s found in conventional produce. Human risk data mostly comes from farm workers, not everyday consumers.A 2023 meta-analysis of 50 studies found that organic diets reduced blood pesticide levels and increased plant-derived phenolics, but showed inconsistent results for antioxidants. Cancer data is also mixed. One observational study found no clear differences across 15 cancer types. Another study of 68,000 participants linked organic food with perhaps a  0.6% lower risk of cancer incidence (JAMA Internal Medicine). However, organic eaters also are more likely health oriented (perhaps exercise more, sleep better), so lifestyle may explain the difference—not the food alone.I ran the numbers: avoiding one case of cancer might require 150 people to eat organic, costing about $300,000 in additional food expenses to avoid 1 cancer. And since organic prices may lead families to buy less produce overall, there’s a tradeoff. We know from a meta-analysis that increasing fruit and vegetable intake (organic or not) is linked to a 13% reduction in mortality and a 35% drop in cancer risk. That’s a far more impactful move.If you’re looking for a middle ground, consider using the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists. While not a neutral source, their rankings can help prioritize which foods might be worth buying organic. Washing produce also helps reduce, but not eliminate, pesticide residues.Takeaways:Organic foods have lower pesticide levels but no clear, consistent health advantage.The biggest health gain comes from eating more fruits and vegetables—regardless of whether they’re organic.If organic costs limit your produce intake, stick with conventional and focus on volume, variety, and other wellness investments like better sleep or exercise.As always, I’d love to hear what you think. Does this shift how you shop? Let me know—and share this episode with someone navigating the same choice.

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