What If Your Symptoms Aren't the Problem? The Truth About Medications, Postpartum & Inflammation | Now + Then Podcast

What happens when we stop chasing symptoms and start asking why they are happening? In Episode 294 of the Now and Then Podcast, Dr. Bart Precourt and Callie Michaelis explore how your personal health philosophy can influence the decisions you make about medication, healing, postpartum recovery, inflammation, and alternative therapies. They discuss the growing conversation around deprescribing, why postpartum symptoms may involve more than hormones alone, how science is beginning to examine the healing mechanisms behind acupuncture, and why immediately suppressing inflammation may sometimes interfere with the body's natural repair process. This episode is not about stopping medication or avoiding medical care. It is about asking better questions, reviewing your options with qualified professionals, and becoming a more informed advocate for your health. WHO IS THIS EPISODE FOR? This episode is for anyone who: Takes prescription medications and wants to better understand deprescribing and medication reviews Is experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, exhaustion, or possible nutrient depletion Is curious about acupuncture and how ancient medicine connects with modern science Frequently uses NSAIDs, anti-inflammatory medications, or steroid injections for pain and injuries Wants to understand the root cause behind symptoms instead of only managing them TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Welcome to Episode 294 & Today's Health Topics 06:29 – Building Your Personal Health Philosophy 10:18 – How the Body Heals: Deficiency, Toxicity & Interference 12:30 – Medication Overload & the Rise of Deprescribing 15:55 – The Prescribing Cascade & Medication Side Effects 20:58 – Postpartum Depression, Anxiety & Recovery 24:55 – Nutrient Deficiencies & Postpartum Symptoms 28:20 – Supporting the Body During & After Pregnancy 35:56 – Acupuncture: Has Ancient Medicine Been Right All Along? 38:50 – The Science Behind Acupuncture & Tissue Repair 43:45 – Acupuncture for Stress, Fertility, Pain & Nervous System Health 46:23 – Anti-Inflammatory Medications, NSAIDs & Healing 52:35 – Steroid Injections & Long-Term Recovery 61:30 – What Are Your Symptoms Really Telling You? 66:51 – Final Takeaways: Ask Better Questions About Your Health WHAT YOU'LL LEARN What deprescribing means and why regularly reviewing medications matters How postpartum symptoms may involve nutritional, hormonal, physical, and situational factors How acupuncture may support tissue repair, circulation, and the body's healing response Why inflammation plays an important role in healing and what may happen when it is suppressed Why understanding what is behind a symptom can help you ask better questions and make more informed health decisions Disclaimer: This podcast is for education and general awareness only. It is not medical advice and should not replace care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not stop medication or change your treatment plan without speaking with the prescribing provider. FOLLOW US Dr. Bart Precourt https://www.instagram.com/drbartprecourt/ Callie Michaelis https://www.instagram.com/callieamichaelis/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/Balance30A Instagram https://www.instagram.com/balance30a/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@DrBartPrecourt WANT TO GO FURTHER? Schedule a health consultation with us at Balance Health Studio: https://momence.com/appointments/appointment-reservation/70712?boardId=76851 #Deprescribing #PostpartumDepression #Acupuncture #Inflammation #MedicationReview #PostpartumHealth #FunctionalMedicine #NaturalHealing #NSAIDs #HealthPodcast #DrBartPrecourt #Balance30A