Namita Nayyar:
Your motto is “movement is medicine”. How does this philosophy directly influence the advice you give to your patients for preventing or slowing cognitive decline? Is there a direct link between a sculpted physique and a sculpted mind?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
Humans are designed to move. Movement enhances many hormones that are vital for a happy existence. Movement doesn’t necessarily mean producing a sculpted physique, it enhances overall body function. I believe there is a definite positive link between a sculpted physique and a sculpted mind. When you feel good and love the person looking back at you in the mirror, you are happy. Happy helps cognitive function. I do use the phrase, “find you happy” when consulted patients.
Namita Nayyar:
Your life motto is profoundly simple yet challenging: “Help those that can never repay you”. Can you share a story of a time you lived by this motto, and how it has shaped the person you are today?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
When I visit busy city and eat at beautiful restaurants, I order an extra meal. Walking back to my hotel, I always drop the food next to a sleeping homeless person. I will never meet that person, but I pray they enjoy another fabulous meal. I have taught my children this simple act of kindness and it is beautiful to hear their stories when they positively make an impact in the world.
Namita Nayyar:
You are passionate about chairing charities around the world. How do you choose the causes that are closest to your heart, and what is the most important lesson you’ve learned from your global philanthropic work?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
Having a charitable heart is the best gift from the Universe. The passion that humans put in their desired charities is astounding. I love helping chair these events from complete strangers. I have learned that we come from so many different places, with so many different cultures and when groups combine, magic happens.
Namita Nayyar:
You’re also an aspiring author. Can you give us a hint about the book you’re working on? Will it be a psychological guide, a memoir of your incredible life, or a fitness and wellness manifesto?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
I love wellness manifesto. My first book definitely aligns with that.
Namita Nayyar:
You have a perfectly chiseled, sculpted physique. Let’s talk about the work behind it. What does a typical week of exercise look like for you? Is it all about heavy lifting, or do you incorporate other disciplines?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
I am a natural runner. I try to do at least one half marathons a year. Weightlifting is vital for muscle tone and fat burn. My favorite disciplines are Pilates and yoga.
Namita Nayyar:
You run marathons and downhill ski. How do these two very different physical passions complement each other? What do you love about the mental state each activity puts you in?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
To downhill ski, you need a fit cardiovascular system. Running trains my body to sustain long ski runs. When I run for 2 or 3 hours at one time, that is a lot of time for mental chatter. It is a great solo, me time.
Namita Nayyar:
With a schedule this packed, diet is crucial. Can you walk us through a typical day of eating? Are there specific “brain foods” or anti-inflammatory foods you prioritize for both your physique and your cognitive sharpness?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
I utilize peptide therapy. Oatmeal and eggs are great sustainable foods to begin the day. I eat a banana every day. I follow this easy rule: Eat like a king in the morning and a peasant for lunch. I intermittently fast in the evenings. No snacks. Lots of water.
Namita Nayyar:
Your skin is radiant. With all the stress, travel, and training, what are your non-negotiable skincare rituals? Do you have a favorite product or a secret weapon for maintaining that “pageant-ready” glow?
Dr. Karena Setoudeh-Maram
Healthy skin begins from the inside. My glow comes from my cellular level. I love vitamin C in the morning and RetinA in the evening. I wash my face every night. I never sleep with makeup. That is my non-negotiable.
Disclaimer
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
