Harnessing Heart Rate Variability for Holistic Health with Dr. Torkel Farrow

In this episode of the Small Steps Big Wins podcast, Sue explores the diverse and impressive background of Dr. Torkil Faero, a general practitioner, emergency room physician, documentary filmmaker, author, and photographer based in Norway. In 1996 he was one of the first Norwegian medics to work for Doctors Without Borders when he worked in war-torn Angola. Over a 25-year career as a freelance doctor, he has worked all over Norway, had tens of thousands of consultations and gained a unique picture of the diseases that plague us. He has learned that the cause is most often found in the stresses our lifestyles place on our bodies. Dr. Faero discusses his transformative health journey sparked by his father’s death, leading him to fundamentally change his lifestyle and focus on health. He introduces his book, 'The Pulse Cure,' which emphasizes the significance of heart rate variability (HRV) in monitoring stress and maintaining health. Dr. Faero delves into how leveraging technology like HRV tracking devices can reveal hidden stressors and improve overall well-being. The conversation also touches upon the benefits of cold exposure, intermittent fasting, and the effects of nutrition and sleep on health. He advocates for minimal but consistent lifestyle changes to foster health and well-being. Through his personal and professional insights, the podcast illuminates the potential of HRV and modern technology in enhancing preventive medicine and empowering individuals to take control of their health.

00:00 Welcome to the Journey: Introduction to the Podcast

02:28 The Pulse Cure: A Personal Health Transformation

05:27 Harnessing Technology for Health: The Power of Heart Rate Variability

12:19 Stress, Health, and Modern Medicine: A New Understanding

15:12 Good Stress vs. Bad Stress: Navigating Life's Challenges

21:08 Cold Plunges and Brown Fat: Unveiling the Benefits

28:25 Nutrition's Role in Health: Insights and Surprises

39:17 Practical Health Tips: Small Steps, Big Wins

40:01 Unlocking the Secrets to Restorative Sleep

40:19 The Hidden Dangers of Sleep Deprivation

41:17 Practical Sleep Hacks for Better Rest

41:57 The Expedition of Life Change: Embracing the Challenge

42:41 The Paradox of Doctor's Health and Stress

45:16 Inflammation: The Silent Threat to Your Health

49:13 Harnessing Technology for Health: A Guide to Wearables

52:16 Lessons from a Life of Travel and Cultural Insights

58:59 The Transformative Power of Small Steps

01:00:16 The Journey of Writing: Insights and Surprises

01:05:38 Photography as a Path to Mindfulness and Health

01:11:59 Final Thoughts

Follow Dr. Torkil on social:

Webpage: thepulsecure.com

Instagram: dr_torkil.md

Spotify:  https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/smallstepsbigwinspodcast

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSmallStepsBIGWinsPodcast

Do you need to find a personal coach? ⁠⁠https://www.personalcoachfinder.com

To learn more about Sue, visit  ⁠⁠https://suesaller.com

And remember, life doesn’t get better by chance, it gets better by choice! 

Have an awesome day, friends!