In this episode, I speak with Dr. Ken Sharlin about how Parkinson's disease develops and why conventional medicine often falls short. We explore the role of lifestyle, nutrition, environmental factors, and mitochondrial health in brain function. He shares how a functional medicine approach helps uncover root causes and empowers patients to take control of their health journey.

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About the Guest:

Kenneth Sharlin, MD, MPH, IFMCP, is a board-certified neurologist, consultant, functional medicine practitioner, Assistant Clinical Professor, researcher, author, and speaker. His medical degrees are from Emory University, the University of Virginia, and Vanderbilt University. His functional medicine certification is through The Institute for Functional Medicine. He is the author of the #1 best-seller, The Healthy Brain Toolbox: Neurologist-Proven Strategies to Improve Memory Loss and Protect Your Aging Brain, and co-author of Neurishment: The Brain Tune Up Food Guide. Dr. Sharlin is also a major contributor to Reversal of Cognitive Decline: 100 Patients, which can be found in the peer-reviewed Journal of Alzheimer's & Parkinsonism, and he has been the primary investigator in several pharma-sponsored clinical trials that have helped bring new therapeutics to market. Dr. Sharlin practices general neurology and directs his functional medicine program, Brain Tune Up!, in Ozark, MO.

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Social Handles:

Website: https://microbiomelabs.com/home/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/microbiomelabs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/microbiomelabs

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Rudrani Banik, MD

Shop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drranibanik.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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PODCAST
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In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I speak with Marc Grossman, OD, about how Traditional Chinese Medicine and acupuncture can support eye health. We explore how the eyes connect to the rest of the body, why root-cause thinking matters, and how acupuncture, herbs, acupressure, and simple home practices may complement conventional care for conditions like dry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.

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About the Guest:

Marc Grossman, OD, is a holistic optometrist, licensed acupuncturist, and educator with more than 40 years of experience integrating Western eye care with Traditional Chinese Medicine. He is a pioneer in using acupuncture, herbal medicine, nutrition, and other natural therapies to support vision health, and he has co-authored books including Natural Eye Care: A Comprehensive Manual for Practitioners of Oriental Medicine.

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Social Handles:

Website: https://naturaleyecare.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/naturaleyecare
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/naturaleyecare

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Rudrani Banik, MD

Shop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drranibanik.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Youtube: ⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@dr.ranibanik?si=uK9KmwckEAUG3EzN⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/⁠⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/EnVisionHealthNYC/?_rdc=1&_rdr#

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PODCAST
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In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I speak with Dr. Ashish Markan about the urgent warning signs behind floaters, flashes, retinal tears, and retinal detachment. We break down what's normal, what's dangerous, why timing matters, and how treatments like laser repair, gas bubbles, and vitrectomy can preserve vision. This is a must-listen for anyone who's ever wondered whether their symptoms are a true retinal emergency.

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About the Guest:

Dr. Ashish Markan is an assistant professor at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi and a retina specialist who manages vision-threatening emergencies every day. He is known for his educational work, his clear patient communication, and his commitment to helping people recognize and respond quickly to sight-saving warning signs. Through his clinical practice and online presence, he empowers patients with accessible, trustworthy knowledge about retinal health.

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Social Handles:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/your_retina_doctor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/DrAshish-Markan-61555894483297/?_rdc=1&_rdr#

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Rudrani Banik, MD

Shop: ⁠⁠⁠https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.drranibanik.com/⁠⁠⁠

Youtube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@dr.ranibanik?si=uK9KmwckEAUG3EzN⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/⁠⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/EnVisionHealthNYC/?_rdc=1&_rdr#

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PODCAST
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This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com
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In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I explore how concussions can disrupt the brain’s visual system—even when the eyes themselves appear healthy. I walk through the most common post-concussion vision symptoms, including reading difficulties, light sensitivity, eye discomfort, and double vision. I also explain why many eye exams appear normal despite real symptoms and how an integrative approach can support recovery at the brain and cellular level.

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About the Host:

Dr. Rani Banik is an ophthalmologist and the host of The Eye-Q Podcast, where she educates listeners on eye health, vision preservation, and disease prevention. Through clear explanations and visual analogies, she breaks down complex eye conditions like glaucoma, so patients can better understand their risks and take proactive steps to protect their sight.

Dr. Banik is passionate about early detection, prevention, and patient education, emphasizing that understanding how eye diseases develop is one of the most powerful tools for preserving long-term vision.

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Rudrani Banik, MD

Shop: ⁠⁠https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠https://www.drranibanik.com/⁠⁠

Youtube: ⁠https://youtube.com/@dr.ranibanik?si=uK9KmwckEAUG3EzN⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/⁠⁠

Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/EnVisionHealthNYC/?_rdc=1&_rdr#

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PODCAST
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Please subscribe and share.
This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com
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In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I sit down with my patient, Mev Markashi, to unpack how subtle brain fog, fatigue, and "jiggling" vision led to the discovery of a large meningioma. We talk through the shock of diagnosis, her 12-hour craniotomy and residual tumor near the optic nerve, and the months of fear and healing that followed. Her biggest message: listen to your body and prioritize eye exams after 40.

Erratum: Approximately 1-2% of the population may have an undiagnosed brain tumor, such as a meningioma, NOT 15-20% as mentioned in the podcast.

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About the Guest:

Mev Markashi is a registered nurse and healthcare leader who shares her personal patient journey after developing papilledema and vision instability that ultimately led to an MRI diagnosis of a large meningioma. Following a craniotomy and tumor resection, she navigated months of recovery—managing double vision, fear, and gradual neurological healing—before returning to work and eventually launching her own LLC, allowing more control over her schedule while continuing her work in healthcare operations and compliance.

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Rudrani Banik, MD

Shop: ⁠https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all⁠

Website: ⁠https://www.drranibanik.com/⁠

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dr.ranibanik?si=uK9KmwckEAUG3EzN

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/EnVisionHealthNYC/?_rdc=1&_rdr#

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PODCAST
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Please subscribe and share.
This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com
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In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I break down the landmark AREDS and AREDS-2 studies and explain why these formulations, while groundbreaking at the time, are now incomplete. I discuss what they actually showed, why they only reduce progression risk by about 25%, the missing nutrients modern research highlights, and the potential dangers of high-dose zinc. Most importantly, I share how to choose a smarter, more personalized approach to protecting your vision.

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About the Host:

Dr. Rani Banik is an ophthalmologist and the host of The Eye-Q Podcast, where she educates listeners on eye health, vision preservation, and disease prevention. Through clear explanations and visual analogies, she breaks down complex eye conditions like glaucoma, so patients can better understand their risks and take proactive steps to protect their sight.

Dr. Banik is passionate about early detection, prevention, and patient education, emphasizing that understanding how eye diseases develop is one of the most powerful tools for preserving long-term vision.

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Social Handles:

Shop: https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all
Website: https://www.drranibanik.com/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8mil8P9tXSRXwEdNX6aRw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.ranibanik/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EnVisionHealthNYC/?_rdc=1&_rdr#

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PODCAST
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Please subscribe and share.
This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com

https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

In Part 2 of my macular degeneration series, I break down the root cause cascade behind AMD—oxidative stress, mitochondrial damage, inflammation, and abnormal blood vessel growth. I share practical strategies you can start using now, including UV protection, carotenoid-rich foods, omega-3s, red light therapy, and movement. This episode is about taking action before vision loss becomes irreversible.

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About the Host:

Dr. Rani Banik is an ophthalmologist and the host of The Eye-Q Podcast, where she educates listeners on eye health, vision preservation, and disease prevention. Through clear explanations and visual analogies, she breaks down complex eye conditions like glaucoma, so patients can better understand their risks and take proactive steps to protect their sight.

Dr. Banik is passionate about early detection, prevention, and patient education, emphasizing that understanding how eye diseases develop is one of the most powerful tools for preserving long-term vision.

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Connect with me!

Shop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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PODCAST

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This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com

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In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I walk you through the foundations of macular degeneration. We explore retinal anatomy, the role of the macula and fovea, what drusen are, and how dry and wet AMD develop over time. I also explain why vision loss can occur without early symptoms, how to detect changes at home, and which risk factors matter most—so you can protect your central vision before irreversible damage occurs.

Dr. Rani Banik is an ophthalmologist and the host of The Eye-Q Podcast, where she educates listeners on eye health, vision preservation, and disease prevention. Through clear explanations and visual analogies, she breaks down complex eye conditions like glaucoma, so patients can better understand their risks and take proactive steps to protect their sight.

Dr. Banik is passionate about early detection, prevention, and patient education, emphasizing that understanding how eye diseases develop is one of the most powerful tools for preserving long-term vision.

Connect with me!

Shop: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://shop.rudranibanikmd.com/collections/all⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drranibanik.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Produced by DrTalks: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/