#483: Injury Recovery Secrets And Surgery Prehab And Injury Recovery, Protein Power, Melatonin, & Guided Imagery With Dr. Victoria Maizes
Today, I’m joined by the insightful Dr. Victoria Mazzei, an integrative medicine physician and author of Heal Faster, for a conversation that’s all about practical recovery—when real life throws you a curveball. Dr. Mazzei brings decades of clinical wisdom to the table, blending cutting-edge science with the fundamentals of what our bodies actually need to heal after surgery, illness, or injury. She opens up about the untapped potential of preparing your body—physically, emotionally, and nutritionally—well before you ever reach an operating room.
Together, we dive into the world of prehabilitation, guided imagery, the role of the vagus nerve, protein, pain management, and the surprising new thinking around inflammation and ice. Dr. Mazzei shares why building resilience into your daily life—through simple, intentional habits—can make all the difference if and when you face unexpected health challenges. We break down the supplements you must stop (and why), the mindset shifts that speed up recovery, and how things like guided visualization and breathwork can actually improve medical outcomes.
If you want to learn how to set yourself up not just for a longer life but for a stronger comeback from whatever life throws your way, this episode is filled with evidence-backed tips, empowering stories, and a refreshing reminder of how capable your body truly is.
What We Discuss:
Episode introduction and guest background ... 00:00:00
How Dr. Horowitz’s approach began with key patient cases ... 00:04:59
Developing the 16-point MSIDS model for inflammation ... 00:09:39
Impact of emotional trauma and mind-body connection ... 00:13:11
Addressing vagus nerve dysfunction and healing ... 00:15:22
Overlap among chronic diseases and resilience ... 00:24:41
The 16 factors behind chronic illness ... 00:25:32
Accelerated aging and inflammaging ... 00:27:13
Can healing reverse biological age? ... 00:28:06
Understanding inflammation’s dual role ... 00:33:08
Immune dysfunction and chronic illness ... 00:34:38
Annual checkups: new biomarkers and prevention ... 00:37:24
Alzheimer’s disease, infection, and amyloid ... 00:47:48
Practical use of the MSIDS model for symptoms ... 00:58:34
Essential lifestyle habits for healthspan ... 01:16:59
Learn more from Dr. Victoria Maizes below:
Website: https://www.drvictoriamaizes.com/
Website: https://awcim.arizona.edu/body_of_wonder.html
Website: https://awcim.arizona.edu/publicListingSearch/fip.html
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For Transparency:
Some episodes of the Longevity With Nathalie Niddam podcast are supported by partners whose products or services may be discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation or earn a minor commission if you purchase through affiliate links at no extra cost to you. All opinions shared are those of the host and guests, based on personal experience and research, and do not necessarily represent the views of any sponsor. Sponsorships do not imply medical endorsement or approval by any healthcare provider featured on this podcast.