We interviewed Heather Tallman Ruhm MD about caring for the caregiver, also known as “putting on the oxygen mask first before you help others.” You can watch the replay below. Please note that you will be asked to provide your email address at the 30-minute mark to continue viewing the replay.
In This Webinar
Dr. Tallman Ruhm discussed our need to detoxify our brains and bodies from things that cause harm and our need to incorporate elements that nourish us in areas we may be lacking or have room for improvement. She taught us with an eye toward self-care, or in some cases “caring for the caregiver” – knowing that many people struggle day-to-day with the care of others. This discussion is about putting one’s self in front of the mirror, or just for a moment, caring for your self first, then, becoming a better example (or caretaker) for others, whether you care for them directly or not. Dr. Tallman Ruhm provided a few paradigms to ponder, before getting started:
- Your body works for, not against, you and it invites your participation.
- Sustainable medicine is driven by a sense of necessity and hope not fear.
- Your diet matters, a lot! You vote with your fork and grocery carts.
- Your body carries a unique burden from a common set of insults.
- We live interdependently with our internal and external environments.
- We can make a difference in our lives through intention and practice.
- Balance is not a constant in life, but all life is constantly in search of it.
If you have a child with special needs, this webinar is especially for you.
Key Discussions
Impact of Food on Health
Dr. Tallman-Ruhm emphasized the profound effect that food has on our bodies, both for nourishment and detoxification. Consuming foods rich in nutrients and low in toxins can help maintain a healthy internal ecosystem and reduce the risk of accumulating harmful substances in our bodies.
Detoxification and Internal Resources
Detoxification is essential for overall health, involving various bodily systems such as the kidney, liver, and lymphatic system. Adequate internal resources, like proper nutrients and hydration, are necessary to support these detoxification processes effectively.
Sustainable Food Practices and Consumer Influence
Supporting a sustainable food chain and making informed dietary choices can significantly influence the availability and quality of food in the marketplace. Consumer demand can drive positive changes in food production and accessibility.
The Role of Stress and the Adrenal Glands
Stress, managed properly, can be beneficial for strengthening the body. The adrenal glands are pivotal in handling stress and toxins, and balancing stress with rest is crucial for maintaining overall health.
Nourishment and Gut Health
Proper nourishment involves a balanced intake of minerals, unrefined salts, and the cultivation of good gut flora. Avoiding harmful substances such as antibiotics, and incorporating probiotic supplements and fermented foods, can promote a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for overall wellness.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Balancing holistic health care in Western society.
07:37 Revisiting physiology and asking important holistic questions.
12:18 Focus on change and self-nourishment paradigms.
22:05 Adrenal glands monitor and respond to stress.
23:32 Sustainable medicine for future generations and health.
31:14 Toxins in food can affect human health.
36:41 Be careful with antibiotics. Nourishment and detoxification techniques.
44:48 Prioritize organic foods to reduce toxic exposure.
51:03 Healthy animal foods and fats are important.
53:02 Healthy fats vital for cell energy; avoid toxins.
01:01:50 Internal organs detoxify, lymphatics need physical movement.
01:06:29 Castor oil can help remove toxins.
01:09:58 Detoxification methods include drinking water and enemas.
01:17:46 Supporting self-care through small, daily practices.
01:21:22 Summary of the book The Little Book of Energy Medicine.
01:24:05 Reintroduce probiotics gradually for better histamine tolerance.
01:31:03 Resources for holistic health and nutrition advice.
About Heather Tallman Ruhm MD
Heather Tallman Ruhm MD is the Medical Director of the Documenting Hope Project. She is a Board Certified Family Physician whose primary focus is whole-person health and patient education. She draws on her conventional western training along with insights and skills from functional, integrative, bioregulatory and energy medicine. She believes in the healing capacities of the human frame and supports the power of self-regulation to help her patients recover and access vitality.
Dr. Tallman Ruhm graduated from Montana State University and later the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard where she received a Master’s in Public Policy. She attained her MD degree from the University of New Mexico School of Medicine and completed her Family Medicine Residency in Colorado and Alabama.

She has practiced ambulatory medicine from coast to coast, first at the Whitaker Wellness Institute in California, and later multiple integrative clinics in New England. She served as a college professor for over a decade where she taught Pathology and Foundations in Complementary Health and Wellness, a course she co-designed. She is a sought-after public speaker who currently maintains a part-time private practice in Southern New Hampshire. You can find out more about her on her website drtallmanruhm.com
Disclaimer
This webinar is not a substitute for medical advice, treatment, diagnosis, or consultation with a medical professional. It is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on to make determinations related to treatment of a medical condition. Documenting Hope has not verified and does not guaranty the accuracy of the information provided in this webinar.
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