There Are Two Ways To Open Your Heart With Author And Doctor Akil Taher

As you get older, always remember: sometimes you can’t change things. All you can do is accept it and live with it. We can't control what's coming. We can only control what's in the moment.

In today’s episode, Dr. Akil Taher will uncover his secrets in overcoming his health struggles, the six pillars of life, and his life lessons.

In This Episode

[02:40] Dr. Akil's second wind. He was sent back again to the hospital and realized he had 2 options left:

Keep his end-of-life journey filled with mediocrity, anger, and despair.
Take charge of his life and completely change it by incorporating exercise, diet, meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises.

[06:13] Learn from Dr. Akil’s mistakes.

[10:23] How to handle stress.

[15:05] Dr. Akil used anger as a cover for the deep despair he felt.

[17:03] After his open heart surgery, he decided he would run a half marathon.

[16:57] All these material comforts that we have and trying to get more, is it worth it?

[21:52] How can one heal a body without solely depending on medicine or invasive surgery?

[28:11] Sometimes you can't change things, accept it and live with it.

[30:02] Whatever food you want to give up, replace it with something.

[32:55] Give up dairy for three weeks and see the difference.

[33:22] Dr. Akil’s health is like now.

[41:13] Six pillars of lifestyle medicine.

[56:17] The importance of persistence, determination, and courage.

[01:04:50] Don’t hesitate when asking for help.

[01:05:25] Success can make you happy, but it can often also breed arrogance.

About Dr. Akil Taher

Dr. Akil Taher is a practicing physician in Gadsden, Alabama. He was raised in Mumbai, India, and trained in family medicine at the Flower Hospital in Sylvania, Ohio. But until 2009, he was just an experienced physician, a couch potato, and a pampered consumer who feasted over the best foods without worrying about unhealthy consequences. Like many, he believed "Heart disease won't happen to me."

In August 2009, at the age of 61, open-heart surgery knocked at his door and his world came crumbling down. Fortunately, Dr. Akil’s determination ran deep in his veins, and he decided to completely change his life. Over the last decade, he has overcome acute and chronic medical ailments to indulge in century cycling, triathlons, skydiving, hang gliding, scuba diving, and white water rafting.