Beyond Medicine: Holistic Health Care for Women with Dr. Maria & Ritha Belizaire

Are you tired of quick fixes that promise transformation but leave you feeling more disconnected from your body than ever? Join Dr. Maria, a functional integrative medicine physician, and Dr. Ritha Belizaire, a board-certified general and colorectal surgeon, as they dive into the complexities of women's health, including insulin resistance, PCOS, thyroid issues, and the impact of trauma and anxiety on well-being. In this episode, Dr. Ritha shares her personal journey related to healthy weight and relationship with food, exploring how both medical and psychological support have transformed her life and practice. Learn how to embark on a journey to reclaim your health one conversation at a time and why holistic, personalized care is essential.

00:00 Introduction to Beyond Medicine
00:54 Meet Dr. Ritha Bellazer
02:27 Dr. Rita's Personal Journey
05:10 Challenges and Unhelpful Elements
06:29 Helpful Elements and Professional Support
13:37 Perfectionism and Its Impact
24:25 Transforming Patient Care
29:32 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Dr. Ritha Belizaire is a dual board certified general and colorectal surgeon and the owner of Houston Community Surgical, a solo private practice in the Houston Heights neighborhood. She is passionate about providing accessible and equitable surgical care to the Greater Houston community. She understands many colorectal related issues are sensitive or embarrassing for patients to discuss, even with their doctors. She aims to provide a safe and inclusive environment for patients to talk about all factors of their colorectal health to ensure the best outcomes for her patients. She has recently launched a virtual second opinion case review and education service, Second Scope Consultants, for clients outside of Texas suffering with colorectal issues. When she is not working in or on her practice, she loves to spend time with her two daughters, Amelia and Raffaela.

You can find Ritha Belizaire at Houston Colorectal Surgeon & 2nd Scope Consultants. Listeners of our podcast receive 20% off their 2nd Scope Consultations.

Follow her on IG: @rithabelizairemd

Thank you for joining us on Beyond Medicine: Humanized Care for Women of Influence—where we empower ambitious women and their daughters to take charge of their health and wellness. If you’re ready to discover innovative, personalized care in Texas, Colorado, Arizona, or Washington, visit us at saludrevisited.com or follow us on social media @saludRevisited. For inquiries, you can reach me directly at dra.maria@saludrevisited.com. Until next time, stay inspired, stay informed, and stay well—because your health is your greatest influence.

Medical Disclaimer: Content in episodes is not medical advice, and listening to the show does NOT establish a physician-patient relationship.

Holistic Prenatal and Postnatal Care: The Healing Power of Massage

In this episode of Beyond Medicine Humanized Care for Women of Influence, Dr. Maria, a functional integrative physician, and Amada, a licensed massage therapist, discuss the transformative benefits of massage therapy for women, particularly during prenatal and postnatal stages. The conversation explores how massage can alleviate physical discomforts such as tension and pain while also offering emotional relief and well-being. Amada shares insights on the importance of personalized care, creating a safe and comfortable environment, and the therapeutic significance of 'healing touch.' With practical advice on when to start prenatal massages and how to find the right therapist, this episode is a comprehensive guide for women looking to incorporate massage into their self-care routine.

00:00 Introduction to Beyond Medicine
01:02 Meet Amada: A Journey in Massage Therapy
03:17 The Healing Touch: What It Means and Why It Matters
13:52 Prenatal Massage: Benefits and Techniques
19:48 Postnatal Massage: Healing After Birth
28:24 Practical Advice for Expecting and New Mothers
35:11 Conclusion and Special Offer

Amada has been a licensed massage therapist since 2018, and in 2024, she launched Massage By Amada to bring joyful, relaxing, and therapeutic massage experiences to her clients. As a mobile therapist and in her Houston Heights studio, she is dedicated to making massage therapy accessible and convenient. Amada specializes in prenatal and postpartum massage, helping moms find relief, release tension, and embrace relaxation throughout pregnancy and beyond. Her passion lies in creating a space for healing, renewal, and self-care—one massage at a time.

Exclusive Offer for Our Listeners!

Amada is offering 50% OFF your first massage booking! Whether you need relaxation, tension relief, or prenatal/postpartum support, this is your chance to experience the healing power of massage.

Book your session here: Massage By Amada
Use code SALUDREVISITED at checkout to claim your discount!

Find her: @massagebyamada

Thank you for joining us on Beyond Medicine: Humanized Care for Women of Influence—where we empower ambitious women and their daughters to take charge of their health and wellness. If you’re ready to discover innovative, personalized care in Texas, Colorado, Arizona, or Washington, visit us at saludrevisited.com or follow us on social media @saludRevisited. For inquiries, you can reach me directly at dra.maria@saludrevisited.com. Until next time, stay inspired, stay informed, and stay well—because your health is your greatest influence.

Medical Disclaimer: Content in episodes is not medical advice, and listening to the show does NOT establish a physician-patient relationship.

Positive Body Image and Holistic Wellness for Women Throughout Life Stages

Dr. Maria, a functional integrative physician, introduces the Beyond Medicine Humanized Care for Women of Influence, focusing on holistic wellness and personalized care. Joined by Michelle, a mental performance consultant, they discuss root causes of hormone imbalances, the impacts of trauma and stress, and explore positive body image throughout the female life cycle. Highlights include key strategies for managing change during teenage years, pregnancy, and menopause, with an emphasis on compassion, self-care, and redefining personal success.

00:00 Introduction to Humanized Care for Women
00:59 Meet Michelle: Mental Performance Consultant
01:11 Understanding Positive Body Image
05:21 Defining Life Cycle and Its Impact
12:25 Navigating Teenage Challenges
18:58 Addressing Self-Contempt and Shame
24:41 Coping with Pregnancy and Lifestyle Changes
27:02 Struggles of Early Motherhood
28:00 Managing Change with the STOP Practice
32:29 The Myth of Maternal Instinct
36:30 Navigating Empty Nest Syndrome
41:42 Embracing Change and Self-Care
47:15 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

More about Michelle: I am passionate about helping to uplift and support others to do what they love longer and better throughout their life. I bring my background in sport psychology, yoga, and mindfulness to help you understand yourself and accept yourself better and bring your best self to whatever you aim to accomplish. Clients learn to create a calm body and clear mind through managing negative emotions and cultivating resiliency to handle setbacks with greater ease.

Contact Michelle HERE

Thank you for joining us on Beyond Medicine: Humanized Care for Women of Influence—where we empower ambitious women and their daughters to take charge of their health and wellness. If you’re ready to discover innovative, personalized care in Texas, Colorado, Arizona, or Washington, visit us at saludrevisited.com or follow us on social media @saludRevisited. For inquiries, you can reach me directly at dra.maria@saludrevisited.com. Until next time, stay inspired, stay informed, and stay well—because your health is your greatest influence.

Medical Disclaimer: Content in episodes is not medical advice, and listening to the show does NOT establish a physician-patient relationship.

Trauma, Healing, and the Power of Curiosity in Adult Caregiving

In this episode of Beyond Medicine, the host, a functional physician specializing in women's health, metabolic dysfunction, and hormone balance, talks with returning guest Lydia Hartwig, a registered dietitian. They delve into the complexities of adult trauma, its impact on health, and the importance of personalized care. Lydia shares her experiences in clinical trials, highlighting the role of trauma, stress, and anxiety in metabolic and autoimmune disorders. The discussion emphasizes the need for curiosity and compassion in healing, contrasting it with the common fix-it mentality. They explore real-life examples, such as caregivers for parents with dementia and the ongoing stress of financial instability, emphasizing the long-term consequences of unsustainable behaviors. The episode concludes with actionable strategies for healing, including forming a supportive community, examining life patterns, and fostering a mindset open to possibilities and hope.

00:00 Introduction to Beyond Medicine
00:58 Guest Introduction: Lydia Hartwick
01:39 Exploring Adult Trauma
02:29 Lydia's Professional Journey
03:20 The Impact of Trauma on Health
06:49 Understanding Relational Trauma
07:49 Financial and Caregiver Stress
14:42 The Role of Society and Self-Examination
19:20 Healing vs. Fixing: A Deeper Look
27:44 Sustainable Living and Health
37:32 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

Lydia Hartwig, MS, RD, LD, is a dietitian based in Sacramento, California, who believes that nutrition and food are what connect every aspect of healthcare and medicine. She is a Texas A&M Aggie who completed her dietetic internship at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Hospital and earned her Master of Science in nutrition at Texas Woman's University. Her diverse clinical experience includes working in veteran care, ICU/critical care, maternal-fetal medicine, obesity management, surgical stepdown, clinical research, oncology, and geriatrics/dementia.

Thank you for joining us on Beyond Medicine: Humanized Care for Women of Influence—where we empower ambitious women and their daughters to take charge of their health and wellness. If you’re ready to discover innovative, personalized care in Texas, Colorado, Arizona, or Washington, visit us at saludrevisited.com or follow us on social media @saludRevisited. For inquiries, you can reach me directly at dra.maria@saludrevisited.com. Until next time, stay inspired, stay informed, and stay well—because your health is your greatest influence.

Medical Disclaimer: Content in episodes is not medical advice, and listening to the show does NOT establish a physician-patient relationship.

The Impact of Early Trauma on Autoimmune Diseases: A Deep Dive with Dr. Maria and Lydia

In this episode of Beyond Medicine Humanized Care for Women Influenced Podcast, Dr. Maria and registered dietitian Lydia explore the profound connections between early childhood trauma and autoimmune diseases. They discuss how adverse childhood events and stress impact long-term health, the science of epigenetics, and the body's natural healing capacity. Lydia shares her personal journey with celiac disease and emphasizes the importance of personalized care and curiosity in the healing process. Both experts advocate for a holistic approach that integrates mental and physical health for optimal well-being.

00:00 Introduction to Beyond Medicine Podcast
01:04 Meet Lydia: A Registered Dietitian's Journey
04:23 Understanding Early Trauma and Its Impact
13:29 Exploring Autoimmune Diseases
20:24 Connecting Early Trauma to Autoimmune Diseases
27:51 Introduction to Physician's Perspective
28:47 Understanding Complex Developmental Trauma
29:29 The Role of Acupuncture in Healing
30:49 Exploring Genetic and Environmental Triggers
31:24 The Importance of Knowing Your Story
32:08 Mind-Body Connection in Autoimmune Diseases
35:17 Seeking Help and Overcoming Procrastination
37:26 The Impact of Stress on Health
54:08 The Healing Power of Curiosity
55:58 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Lydia Hartwig, MS RD LD is a dietitian based in Sacramento, California who believes that nutrition and food is what connects every aspect of healthcare and medicine. She is a Texas A&M Aggie who completed her dietetic internship at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Hospital and earned her Master of Science in nutrition at Texas Woman's University. Her diverse clinical experience includes working in veteran care, ICU/critical care, maternal-fetal medicine, obesity management, surgical stepdown, clinical research, oncology, and geriatrics/dementia.

Thank you for joining us on Beyond Medicine: Humanized Care for Women of Influence—where we empower ambitious women and their daughters to take charge of their health and wellness. If you’re ready to discover innovative, personalized care in Texas, Colorado, Arizona, or Washington, visit us at saludrevisited.com or follow us on social media @saludRevisited. For inquiries, you can reach me directly at dra.maria@saludrevisited.com. Until next time, stay inspired, stay informed, and stay well—because your health is your greatest influence.

Medical Disclaimer: Content in episodes is not medical advice, and listening to the show does NOT establish a physician-patient relationship.

Unlocking the Power of the Subconscious Mind: Dr. Maria & Clinical Hypnotherapist Adreanna Santos

Are you tired of quick fixes that don't address deeper issues? Join Dr. Maria, a functional integrative physician specializing in women's health, as she dives into the complexities of hormonal balance, metabolic dysfunction, and mental well-being. In this episode, special guest Adreanna Santos, a certified clinical hypnotherapist and founder of Loving My Wild, shares her journey and expertise in using hypnosis to address subconscious programming. Learn about the science and practicality behind reprogramming your subconscious mind to cultivate authenticity, self-worth, and resilience. Discover how understanding and changing neural pathways can lead to profound personal transformation. If you're struggling with boundaries, negative patterns, or self-doubt, this conversation offers valuable insights and practical tools to reclaim your health and well-being.

00:00 Introduction to Beyond Medicine
01:03 Exploring the Subconscious Mind
02:17 Adriana's Journey into Hypnotherapy
07:36 Understanding the Subconscious Mind
14:20 Reprogramming the Subconscious Mind
28:57 The Role of Hypnosis in Healing
36:37 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Adreanna is a certified clinical hypnotherapist specializing in subconscious reprogramming for individuals in their 20s to 40s who feel stuck in patterns of anxiety, self-doubt, or emotional overwhelm. Through personalized sessions, Adreanna helps clients overcome limiting beliefs, release unresolved trauma, and create lasting emotional freedom and fulfillment. With a compassionate, empowering approach, Adreanna blends hypnosis, coaching, and practical tools to guide clients toward authentic transformation, meaningful relationships, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Get Adreanna's Stress Relief Kit
Want to get started with hypnotherapy? Adreanna offers 50% off your first session when you sign up for weekly or biweekly sessions to listeners of our podcast.

Thank you for joining us on Beyond Medicine: Humanized Care for Women of Influence—where we empower ambitious women and their daughters to take charge of their health and wellness. If you’re ready to discover innovative, personalized care in Texas, Colorado, Arizona, or Washington, visit us at saludrevisited.com or follow us on social media @saludRevisited. For inquiries, you can reach me directly at dra.maria@saludrevisited.com. Until next time, stay inspired, stay informed, and stay well—because your health is your greatest influence.

Medical Disclaimer: Content in episodes is not medical advice, and listening to the show does NOT establish a physician-patient relationship.

Uncovering the Power of Personalized Medicine for Women of Influence

In this episode of the Beyond Medicine Humanized Care for Women of Influence podcast, Dr. Maria, a functional integrative physician, discusses personalized medicine and genetic testing with Gabriela Pichardo-Lafontaine, MD, an integrative medicine physician based in Austin. Together, they delve into medical genomics, the impact of genetic variants, and how personalized approaches can address issues such as hormone balance, metabolic dysfunction, and chronic illnesses. They emphasize the importance of understanding individual genetic makeup for optimizing health and preventing diseases. Real-world examples highlight how personalized care and genomic testing can lead to significant health improvements. The episode also covers the nuances of navigating concerns related to genetic information privacy and insurance implications.

00:00 Introduction to Humanized Care for Women
01:03 Meet Dr. Gabriela: Integrative Medicine Expert
04:45 Understanding Genetic Testing and Personalized Medicine
05:26 The Role of SNPs in Personalized Medicine
09:03 Practical Applications of Genomic Testing
22:47 Navigating Genetic Testing Concerns
33:41 Final Thoughts and How to Connect with Dr. Gabriela

Dr. Gabriela Pichardo, MD, is Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Integrative Medicine. Originally from the Dominican Republic, she completed her Internal Medicine Residency at Louisiana State University and formal training in Integrative Medicine through the Academy of Integrative and Health Medicine (AIHM). Practicing medicine since 2012, Dr. Pichardo served as Medical Director for the Primary Care Department at Baylor Scott & White in Round Rock, Texas, before founding her practice at Resilient Health Austin.

A skilled "medical detective," Dr. Pichardo specializes in medical genomics, chronic Lyme disease, mold illness, and other complex conditions. She approaches care holistically, treating root causes rather than just symptoms.

Consultations with Dr. Pichardo are available in English or Spanish, both in-person and via telemedicine. Listeners new to her practice receive a 25% when you mention this episode.

Thank you for joining us on Beyond Medicine: Humanized Care for Women of Influence—where we empower ambitious women and their daughters to take charge of their health and wellness. If you’re ready to discover innovative, personalized care in Texas, Colorado, Arizona, or Washington, visit us at saludrevisited.com or follow us on social media @saludRevisited. For inquiries, you can reach me directly at dra.maria@saludrevisited.com. Until next time, stay inspired, stay informed, and stay well—because your health is your greatest influence.

Medical Disclaimer: Content in episodes is not medical advice, and listening to the show does NOT establish a physician-patient relationship.

Holistic Health and Financial Well-being: Interconnected Journeys with Dr. Maria and Sally

In this special Easter Weekend episode of Beyond Medicine, Dr. Maria delves into how holistic health encompasses not only physical wellness but also financial stability. Joined by Sally, a financial educator with a background in physical therapy, they discuss the deep connection between health and finances. They touch on key concepts such as stewardship, the impact of stress and trauma on well-being, and practical steps for better financial management. Sally shares insights on the importance of paying yourself first and living within your means, drawing parallels with maintaining good health. This episode emphasizes the importance of making informed, mindful choices to ensure both financial and physical health.

00:00 Introduction to Beyond Medicine
01:10 Special Guest: Sally the Financial Educator
02:05 The Intersection of Health and Finances
06:08 Understanding Stewardship
20:13 Practical Financial Advice
36:07 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

Meet Sally Spieldenner: I am a Texas girl who has always been passionate about helping others by teaching and coaching. I have been a financial coach and educator for about 5 years helping others learn how money works and giving them the opportunity for self made financial independence. My perspective is unique because of my strong healthcare background as a physical therapist of 16 years in a level 1 trauma center in Houston. I have had the opportunity to understand the effects of our choices on our health and finances.

Email Sally at socspiel@gmail.com

Thank you for joining us on Beyond Medicine: Humanized Care for Women of Influence—where we empower ambitious women and their daughters to take charge of their health and wellness. If you’re ready to discover innovative, personalized care in Texas, Colorado, Arizona, or Washington, visit us at saludrevisited.com or follow us on social media @saludRevisited. For inquiries, you can reach me directly at dra.maria@saludrevisited.com. Until next time, stay inspired, stay informed, and stay well—because your health is your greatest influence.

Medical Disclaimer: Content in episodes is not medical advice, and listening to the show does NOT establish a physician-patient relationship.