The Dr. Josh Axe Show

Episode: Proven Ways to Heal a Broken Heart
Host: Dr. Josh Axe
Date: November 10, 2025

Episode Overview

In this heartfelt solo episode, Dr. Josh Axe explores the science and spirituality of healing from heartbreak and loss. Drawing from his personal journey through illness, family tragedy, and business loss, as well as scientific studies and biblical wisdom, Dr. Axe shares practical strategies for recovery. The episode aims to empower listeners to process pain, reframe their mindset, and tap into both natural and spiritual remedies for emotional resilience.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Acknowledging Heartbreak and Its Physical Impact

[00:32 – 08:15]

• Heartbreak is a form of intense emotional suffering triggered by loss: relationships, health, career, pets, etc.
• Dr. Axe shares his personal story: bedridden for a year due to spinal infection, loss of business, death of his father-in-law (mentor and best friend), and his family dogs.
• Emotional pain is not just mental; it creates real physical stress responses:
  • Brain scans show heartbreak activates the same pathways as physical pain.
  • Spike in cortisol and adrenaline can raise blood pressure, heart rate, and drop key neurotransmitters (dopamine, oxytocin), increasing feelings of depression and hopelessness.
  • “Heartbreak is not just in your head. It creates a physical and mental stress response and a cascade of things that happen throughout your body.” — Dr. Axe [07:51]

2. The Four Stages of Grief

[08:16 – 19:40]

• Numbness: shock, disbelief, detachment ("It’s almost like he’s just on a trip." [09:53])
• Yearning: deep longing and “what ifs”, guilt, anger, and replaying memories.
• Disorganization and Despair: sadness, loneliness, hopelessness; “You’re now truly sitting in the sadness.” [13:02]
• Reorganization: gradual softening of pain, acceptance, forming a new future vision.
• Stages may overlap or recur; grieving isn’t linear and can happen with any major loss (relationship, career, health, pet).

3. The Importance of Mourning and Support

[19:41 – 25:10]

• Proper mourning is essential—skipping steps can hinder true healing.
• “One of the greatest things you can do is just be there. Just show up. It’s not always what you say.” — Dr. Axe [21:42]
• Social comparison in grief (public figures, etc.) often overlooks the numbness and spiritual hope that may coexist with pain.

4. Heartbreak’s Health Consequences

[25:11 – 29:32]

• Grief’s physical toll includes increased inflammation, weakened immunity, and higher risks for heart disease and stroke.
• "Broken Heart Syndrome" (Takotsubo cardiomyopathy) is a real condition, especially in women (88% of cases) after sudden loss.
• Recent loss can increase mortality risk by 66% within six months.

5. Factors That Affect Recovery

[29:33 – 37:59]

• Strong social networks significantly speed recovery and protect against depression.

• Coping strategies such as exercise, journaling, and prayer reduce stress and aid healing.

• Unresolved childhood trauma (“Adverse Childhood Experiences”—ACEs) makes new trauma harder to process and may lead to a “victim” mentality, increasing risk for chronic physical and mental health issues.

  • “Childhood trauma, if it’s never dealt with properly and swept under the rug, is festered and creating disease just like a toxin would.” — Dr. Axe [36:46]

Science-Backed and Practical Steps for Healing

1. Expressive Journaling

[38:00 – 39:12]

• Writing about loss (20 minutes/day) reduces depressive symptoms.
• Even biblical: King David’s Psalms were personal expressions of grief and emotion.
• “Write down ‘God, why did you let this happen?’ Pour your heart out before Him.” — Dr. Axe [39:01]

2. Reframing and Mindset

[39:13 – 41:27]

• Cognitive reframing shifts focus from loss to hope and meaning (e.g., lessons and future possibilities).

• Spiritual reframing: Assurance of seeing lost loved ones again.

  • “If you believe this life is all there is, it’s very depressing. For me and my house, we know I’ll see my father-in-law, my uncle, my grandfather again in heaven.” — Dr. Axe [40:39]

3. Social Support & Community

[41:28 – 42:35]

• Deep connections are the strongest predictor for longevity and resilience.
• Churches, support groups—places for meaningful relationships.
• “You need to pursue these relationships yourself.” — Dr. Axe [41:44]

4. Physical Practices

[42:36 – 44:51]

• Exercise: Aerobic, yoga, weightlifting, or walking—reduces depression as effectively as antidepressants.
• Mindfulness/meditation: 8-week programs shown to improve emotional regulation and resilience.

5. Spiritual Practices & Biblical Anchors

[44:52 – 50:12]

• Meditating on scripture for comfort and perspective:
  • John 16:33: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
  • Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted…”
  • Isaiah 61:6: Jesus’ mission to “bind up the brokenhearted.”
  • Matthew 11:28-29: “Come to me all who are weary and I will give you rest.”
  • Romans 8:28: “In all things God works for good…”—using pain to fuel growth and serve others.
  • Revelation 21:4: The final promise of an eternity without sorrow.
• Letting others “carry your burden” is both practical and biblical; “If you don’t let someone help, you’re robbing them of an opportunity to be like Christ.” [48:16]

6. Additional Healing Strategies

[50:13 – 54:10]

• Breathwork: Engages the parasympathetic (healing) state.
• Prioritize Sleep: Insufficient sleep reduces emotional regulation by 60%.
• Whole-Foods Nutrition: Healthy fats, protein, vegetables, fish—drops depression risk by 30%.
• Music Therapy: Singing or listening to uplifting music (worship, comedies for laughter) lifts mood and can be therapeutic even for dementia patients.
• Acts of Service: Volunteering and helping others increase oxytocin and foster community.
• Recommended Books: “The Hiding Place” by Corrie Ten Boom and “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl.
  • “When I was going through my spinal issues…I re-listened to ‘The Hiding Place’ and was blown away by the power of forgiveness and purpose.” — Dr. Axe [53:52]

7. Natural Supplements

[54:11 – 56:10]

• Ashwagandha (KSM66): Lowers cortisol, aids resilience, reduces depressive symptoms.
• Rhodiola Rosea: Improves fatigue and mood.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: (1000–2000mg EPA & DHA, from fish oil).
• Saffron: Shown to be as effective as SSRIs for mild/moderate depression, but with no side effects.
• Magnesium & L-Theanine: Support relaxation and stress response.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “You can’t just numb the pain. You can transform it and it can be used for good. God can transform it and use it for good.” — Dr. Axe [56:10]
• “What most people do is they sweep trauma under the rug and act like it never happened. But the reality is it’s like a cancer growing in your body.” — Dr. Axe [36:30]
• “If you’re going through something hard and you keep it to yourself, you’re robbing someone of the opportunity to be like Christ.” — Dr. Axe [48:16]
• On social support: “If you’re going to hug someone, both people have to open their arms and embrace.” — Dr. Axe [31:41]

Suggested Action Steps (as summarized by Dr. Axe)

1. Address Past Trauma: Journal, find spiritual and/or professional counsel, bring old wounds to the light.
2. Meditate on Promises: Print out and repeat Bible verses each day.
3. Build Your Healing Protocol: Books, supplements, healthy lifestyle, community.
4. Allow Others In: Seek and accept help—don’t heal in isolation.
5. Serve Others: Use your pain to benefit someone else—acts of service accelerate healing.
6. Believe in Restoration: “A broken heart can feel unbearable, but it’s not permanent. Your body and brain are wired to heal, especially when you have the right support.”

Key Timestamps

• Personal story and impact of heartbreak: [00:31 – 07:52]
• Biology of heartbreak & grief: [07:53 – 13:01]
• Stages of loss & real-life examples: [13:02 – 23:11]
• Health risks and scientific findings: [25:12 – 29:31]
• How social support shapes healing: [29:32 – 31:42]
• Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): [31:43 – 36:46]
• Journaling & expressive writing: [38:00 – 39:11]
• Cognitive reframing and faith: [39:12 – 41:24]
• Community and practical suggestions: [41:25 – 45:00]
• Scriptures for heartbreak: [45:01 – 52:30]
• Lifestyle and supplement advice: [52:31 – 56:10]
• Closing encouragement: [56:11 – end]

Final Word

Dr. Axe reassures listeners that heartbreak is deeply personal and cannot be rushed or ignored. Healing is holistic—addressing body, mind, and spirit—and is fostered by honest expression, supportive community, and transformative faith. He encourages everyone to “take one small step today” toward restoration and reminds listeners that he is “praying for your complete healing and restoration” [56:24].

“Your body and brain are wired to heal… and you don’t have to numb the pain. You can transform it.” — Dr. Josh Axe [56:10]