Eat for Life
Samantha Gilbert
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Your health is a puzzle and your unique story matters. We help you put the pieces back together. We investigate the root causes of what’s going on in your brain and body so you can start to heal. We connect your physical, emotional, and spiritual health to help you find your own path to healing anxiety, depression, eating disorders, ADHD, insomnia, chronic fatigue, PMS, and more.
Join nutritional therapist Samantha Gilbert as she dives deep into neuroscience, epigenetics, functional and micromolecular medicine, trauma and abuse, as well as spirituality and faith. Each episode of Eat For Life is a chance to take the next step in your healing process, explore how everything is connected, and reclaim your life.
Available episodes
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Oldest first
20 hours ago
EP 52: What Is The Main Cause of PCOS? with Dr. Felice Gersh
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women.
And all too often, women are told that hormonal birth control is the best treatment option.
Today, I invited Dr. Felice Gersh back to the show to discuss PCOS and why the pill is not the answer, the different types of PCOS, and the role diet and the gut microbiome play in treating this disorder.
Dr. Felice Gersh is board certified in OB-GYN and Integrative Medicine. She taught as an assistant clinical professor at the Keck USC School of Medicine for 12 years and is the founder and director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, California.
A globally recognized expert on women’s health, Dr. Gersh regularly speaks at conferences around the world and is also the best-selling author of PCOS SOS and her most recent book, Menopause: 50 Things You Need to Know about what to expect during the three phases of menopause.
Listen to the full episode to hear:
* How estrogen plays a role throughout the body and how that impacts the varied symptoms of PCOS
* How hormonal birth control masks symptoms but can actually make systemic issues worse
* The connection between PCOS, gut dysbiosis, and autoimmune disorders
* How PCOS impacts fertility, pregnancy, and infants
Learn more about Dr. Felice Gersh:
* Integrative Medical Group of Irvine
* Instagram: @Dr.FeliceGersh
* Facebook: @IntegrativeMGI
Learn more about Sami:
* Eatfor.life
* Book Your Complimentary Consultation
* Eat For Life cookbooks for each unique biotype
Resources:
Singla R, Gupta Y, Khemani M, Aggarwal S. Thyroid disorders and polycystic ovary syndrome: An emerging relationship. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2015;19(1):25-29. doi:10.4103/2230-8210.146860.
Ricardo Azziz, et al. The Androgen Excess and PCOS Society criteria for the polycystic ovary syndrome: the complete task force report, Fertility and Sterility, Volume 91, Issue 2, 2009, Pages 456-488, ISSN 0015-0282.
Salvatore Benvenga, et al. Endocrine disruptors and thyroid autoimmunity,
Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 34, Issue 1, 2020,101377, ISSN 1521-690X.
J.J. Amaral Mendes, The endocrine disrupters: a major medical challenge, Food and Chemical Toxicology, Volume 40, Issue 6, 2002, Pages 781-788, ISSN 0278-6915,
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0278-6915(02)00018-2.
Khan M. Firoze, Wang Hui, Environmental Exposures and Autoimmune Diseases: Contribution of Gut Microbiome, Frontiers in Immunology, Volume 10, 2020, ISSN=1664-3224, DOI=10.3389/fimmu.2019.03094.
Dunaif, Andrea, Insulin Resistance and the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Mechanism Endocrine Reviews, Volume 18, Issue 6, 1 December 1997, Pages 774–800.
Lisa J. Moran, et al. Dietary Composition in the Treatment of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Systematic Review to Inform Evidence-Based Guidelines, Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, Volume 113, Issue 4, 2013, Pages 520-545, ISSN 2212-2672, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jand.2012.11.018.
Balen, Adam H. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The Obstetrician & Gynaecologist 19.2 (2017): 119-129.
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May 9, 2022
EP 51: Why Meat Isn't the Problem with James Connolly
Have you ever watched a vegan documentary and been so sickened and repulsed that you decided then and there to go vegan?
I know I have. And I was vegan for many years until my health fell apart.
While it’s evident that factory farming isn’t the answer, the politically-charged vegan agenda isn’t either.
As I shared in Episode 50, I’m deeply committed to asking big questions about food sustainability and its impact on our health.
So today, I’m sharing an in-depth conversation with James Connolly, the producer of the documentary Sacred Cow.
James Connolly is an artist, chef, non-profit founder, and documentary film producer with Archer Gray Productions. He co-founded The Bubble Foundation, a non-profit focused on issues of wellness and food insecurity in inner-city public schools.
James’ most recent film is Sacred Cow: The Nutritional, Environmental and Ethical Case for Better Meat, directed by Diana Rodgers.
Listen to the full episode to hear:
* The development of industrialized agriculture in response to the real need to feed more people, and the consequences to nutrition and climate that we live with today
* Why we have to talk about race in the history of farming and agricultural policy in America
* What the animal welfare movement gets right about industrial agriculture and why highly-processed plant-based foods aren’t the answer
* How the rebranding of vegan to plant-based by massive corporate interests impacts our food system and nutrition
Learn more about James Connolly:
* Archer Gray
* Instagram: @primatekitchen
* Sacred Cow
Learn more about Sami:
* Eatfor.life
* Book Your Complimentary Consultation
* Eat For Life cookbooks for each unique biotype
Resources:
* Ishmael, Daniel Quinn
* The Century of the Self
* James Baldwin
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Apr 25, 2022
EP 50: Back to Basics: What is Food?
In celebration of Eat for Life’s 50th episode, I’m exploring food.
What role does your relationship with food play in your life? Do you see it as good, bad, or neutral? Do you eat to live or live to eat?
Is food merely a means to an end or could it have a deeper significance than what the mainstream narrative tells us?
And what really is food, anyway?
How have we gotten so far away from the most basic definition of what food is, to an industrialized food supply that is making us sicker?
Listen to the full episode to hear:
* How industrialization has impacted our food supply and led to nutrient-deficient foods
* The evolution of beauty ideals and their impact on how and why we eat today
* The long history of the diet industry
* Why we need to learn to listen to our bodies for how food makes us feel
Learn more about Sami:
* Eatfor.life
* Book Your Complimentary Consultation
* Eat For Life cookbooks for each unique biotype
Resources:
* The opioid effects of gluten exorphins: asymptomatic celiac disease - PMC
* The diet–heart hypothesis: a critique - ScienceDirect
* Changes in USDA Food Composition Data for 43 Garden Crops, 1950 to 1999
* Enhancement of dwarf wheat germplasm with high-yield potential derived from induced mutagenesis | Plant Genetic Resources | Cambridge Core
* 2,4-Dinitrophenol (DNP): A Weight Loss Agent with Significant Acute Toxicity and Risk of Death - PMC
* Dietotherapy, Vol. 3: Nutrition and Diet in Disease
* How Industrial Seed Oils Are Making Us Sick - Chris Kresser
* How Vegetable Oils Replaced Animal Fats in the American Diet - The Atlantic
* Research | The Detox Project
* The Art of Living Long
* The Physiology of Taste: Or Meditations on Transcendental Gastronomy
* Eat for Life Ep 37: The Truth About Gluten-Free Diets Part 1: Grainflammation with Dr. Peter Osborne
* Eat for Life Ep 31: Why Anti-Diet Culture is Harmful with Mindy Gorman-Plutzer, FNLP
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Apr 11, 2022
EP 49: Mold and Biotoxin Illness with Dr. Lauren Tessier
If you’re struggling with constant brain fog and fatigue despite lifestyle and dietary changes, biotoxin illness due to mold exposure may be to blame.
Mycotoxins are dangerous byproducts of some molds and can be stored in your body’s fatty tissues. It’s something I commonly see in women with breast implants and autoimmune disease.
Today, Dr. Lauren Tessier joins me for a very important conversation about biotoxin illness resulting from mold exposure.
Dr. Lauren Tessier, is a naturopathic physician in Waterbury, Vermont. Her practice, Life After Mold, services those suffering from multi-symptom, multi-system illness, complicated by comorbid conditions such as multiple chemical sensitivities, mast cell activation syndrome, and chronic infections- including Lyme and co-infections.
Dr. Tessier serves clients from all over the world, via in-office medical care or through educational wellness consults; she also provides one on one private training for practitioners looking to improve upon their mold-literate clinical skills.
Listen to the full episode to hear:
* The four main types of illnesses that can come from mold exposure
* Why mold-related illnesses can be so hard to differentiate from other diseases such as Lyme
* How mycotoxins impact your brain, nervous system, immune system and more
* What you need to know about talking to your doctor about mycotoxin-related illness
Learn more about Dr. Lauren Tessier:
* Life After Mold
* Instagram: @LifeAfterMold
* Facebook: @LifeAfterMold
* Twitter: @LifeAfterMold
* Pinterest: @LifeAfterMold
* YouTube
Learn more about Sami:
* Eatfor.life
* Book Your Complimentary Consultation
* Eat For Life cookbooks for each unique biotype
Resources:
* International Society for Environmentally Acquired Illness
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Mar 28, 2022
EP 48: How to Support Your Extreme Picky Eater with Jenny Friedman, MS, RD
If you’re a parent with an extreme picky eater, meals can be an incredibly frustrating experience.
Which is why today, I’m talking with Jenny Friedman about picky eating, food aversions, and how parents can better understand and navigate supporting their picky eaters and take some of the stress out of mealtimes.
Jenny Friedman, MS, RD, is a registered dietitian who specializes in pediatric extreme picky eating. Known for her playful and approachable style. Jenny is a leading resource for parents and professionals working with children who struggle to eat. She is the author of Stories of Extreme Picky Eating and shares her insight on her website and blog.
Listen to the full episode to hear:
* How the “clean plate club” mentality or bargaining around foods can backfire
* Ways to help your picky eater feel comfortable and confident in trying new foods
* Why your child needs consistent meal and snack times
* How playing with food can help kids engage with uncomfortable textures or sensations on their own terms
* How to model healthy eating for older kids
Learn more about Jennifer Friedman, MS, RD:
* Jenny Friedman Nutrition
* Instagram: @FeedingPickyEaters
* Stories of Extreme Picky Eating: Children with Severe Food Aversions and the Solutions That Helped Them
Learn more about Sami:
* Eatfor.life
* Book Your Complimentary Consultation
* Eat For Life cookbooks for each unique biotype
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Mar 14, 2022
EP 47: Does Zinc Supplementation Deplete Copper? with Dr. Judith Bowman
Our world is filled with dis- mis- and mal- information.
I am amazed at how many articles and papers have diametrically opposed views about copper and zinc. So no wonder people are confused about the role these important nutrients play in human health.
To be clear copper isn't bad and zinc isn't bad. Ideally, we want them in healthy, functional ranges. But myriad factors, including genetic susceptibility and environmental insults, are common among people that have an inability to regulate metals appropriately, especially copper.
When copper is elevated, it becomes a pro-inflammatory agent and can cause a wide variety of issues, including dysregulation of estrogen receptors, leading to PMS and PMDD, high anxiety, depression, ADHD, and even fibromyalgia to name a few.
Today I’m joined again by Dr. Judith Bowman to discuss the role copper and zinc play in regulating mood, hormone, and immune system function.
Judith Bowman, MD co-founded Mensah Medical in 2008 with her colleague, Albert Mensah, MD. Dr. Bowman combines traditional medicine with the biochemical approach to treat the symptoms of behavioral and cognitive disorders, autism spectrum disorder, depression (including postpartum depression), anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other biochemical imbalances.
Listen to the full episode to hear:
* Why zinc is critical for enzyme production, cell reproduction, and methylation
* How zinc supports your body’s ability to regulate minerals and metals in your cells
* Why a healthy balance of zinc and copper is essential for mood regulation
* The testing that can accurately reflect your zinc and copper levels, and the tests that are often misinterpreted
* Copper’s links to reproductive cancers and tumor growth
Learn more about Dr. Judith Bowman:
* Mensah Medical
Learn more about Sami:
* Eatfor.life
* Book Your Complimentary Consultation
* Eat For Life cookbooks for each unique biotype
Resources:
* Eat for Life Ep 10: How Copper Toxicity Impacts Women with Dr. Judith Bowman
* Eat for Life Ep 23: Stress Intolerance and Pyrrole Disorder with Dr. Judith Bowman
* Zinc Deficiency: A Public Health Problem? | JAMA Pediatrics
* Reduced Violent Behavior Following Biochemical Therapy
* Elevated Serum Copper Levels in Women with a History of Postpartum Depression
* Copper Excess, Zinc Deficiency, and Cognition Loss in Alzheimer's Disease
* Zinc Deficiency and Zinc Therapy Efficacy with Reduction of Serum Free Copper in Alzheimer’s Disease
* Zinc: The Trace Element of Major Importance in Human Nutrition and Health
* Antioxidant Status in Women Who Have Had a Miscarriage
* Modulating the Immune Response by Oral Zinc Supplementation: A Single Approach for Multiple Diseases
* Can Zinc Be a Critical Element in COVID-19 Treatment?
* The Function of Zinc Metallothionein: A Link between Cellular Zinc and Redox State
* The Metallothionein/Thionein System: An Oxidoreductive Metabolic Zinc Link
* Metallothioneins and Zinc in Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy
* Zinc in Cancer Prevention
* Estrogen-Like Activity of Metals in Mcf-7 Breast Cancer Cells
* Prasad, AS. (1993). Biochemistry of Zinc. Plenum Press: New York
* Walsh, J. (2012). Nutrient Power. Skyhorse Publishing: New York
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Feb 28, 2022
EP 46: How Oxalate Toxicity Impacts Your Health with Sally K. Norton, MPH
Kidney stones are a commonly known side effect of oxalate toxicity, but many people are unaware of the other serious symptoms oxalates can create.
Over-consumption of oxalates can lead to joint pain, gastrointestinal issues, genital and rectal pain, and other health issues.
Oxalate toxicity was uncovered over 100 years ago, yet few doctors are aware of the impact oxalates can have on human health, which is why I’m talking with Sally K. Norton, author of Toxic Superfoods, How Oxalate Overload is Making You Sick and How to Get Better.
Sally K. Norton holds a nutrition degree from Cornell University and a Master’s degree in Public Health. She uses a research-based approach to teaching about a simple way to reverse even serious health complaints with diet, by avoiding large quantities of natural toxic chemicals and crystals called oxalates. Oxalates are found in many of the foods we think are good for us. Much of her work involves re-educating people who have suffered from illnesses as a result from eating foods that are packed with oxalates.
Listen to the full episode to hear:
* What oxalates are and how they create deposits in your body over time
* How oxalates impact the body across multiple organ systems and are even neurotoxic
* How oxalates both exacerbate and cause gut issues
* The “superfoods” that could actually be making you sick
* Why you may have periods of being symptomatic long after limiting oxalates in your diet
Learn more about Sally K. Norton, MPH:
* SallyKNorton.com
* Instagram: @toxicsuperfoods
* Preorder: Toxic Superfoods, How Oxalate Overload is Making You Sick and How to Get Better
Learn more about Sami:
* Eatfor.life
* Book Your Complimentary Consultation
* Eat For Life cookbooks for each unique biotype
Resources:
* Vulvar Pain Foundation
* Peanut-induced acute oxalate nephropathy with acute kidney injury
* Effect of cinnamon and turmeric on urinary oxalate excretion, plasma lipids, and plasma glucose in healthy subjects
* Transient Hyperoxaluria after Ingestion of Chocolate as a High Risk Factor for Calcium Oxalate Calculi
* Hyperoxaluria leads to dysbiosis and drives selective enrichment of oxalate metabolizing bacterial species in recurrent kidney stone endures
* Oxalate, inflammasome, and progression of kidney disease
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Feb 14, 2022
EP 45: Estrogen Myths, Perimenopause, and Menopause with Dr. Felice Gersh
There is so much misinformation out there about hormones and women’s health, especially estrogen.
So I’m excited to share my in-depth conversation with Dr. Felice Gersh about women’s hormones and the different phases of perimenopause and menopause.
We discuss the flawed study that generated so much fear and misinformation about estrogen and cancer, the difference between synthetic and bioidentical hormones, the role diet and your gut microbiome play in balancing hormones, and so much more.
Dr. Felice Gersh is board certified in OB-GYN and Integrative Medicine. She taught as an assistant clinical professor at the Keck USC School of Medicine for 12 years and is the founder and director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, California.
A globally recognized expert on women’s health, Dr. Gersh regularly speaks at conferences around the world and is also the best-selling author of PCOS SOS and her most recent book, Menopause: 50 Things You Need to Know about what to expect during the three phases of menopause.
Listen to the full episode to hear:
* Why the hormone combination used in the Women’s Health Initiative study caused so many problems
* How estrogen can actually protect you from reproductive cancers and why this changes with age
* How chronic pro-inflammatory states and hormonal imbalances contribute to the negative effects of aging
* Why we are seeing more cancers in young, premenopausal women
* How endocrine disruptors in food and the environment contribute to rising rates of autoimmune disorders, cancers, and menstrual disorders like PCOS
Learn more about Dr. Felice Gersh:
* Integrative Medical Group of Irvine
* Instagram: @Dr.FeliceGersh
* Facebook: @IntegrativeMGI
Learn more about Sami:
* Eatfor.life
* Book Your Complimentary Consultation
* Eat For Life cookbooks for each unique biotype
Resources:
* Women's Health Initiative is Fundamentally Flawed. Gender Medicine, Volume 2, Issue 1, 2005 https://doi.org/10.1016/S1550-8579(05)80003-8
* A Critique of the Women’s Health Initiative Hormone Therapy Study. Fertility and Sterility, Volume 84, Issue 6, 2005 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2005.08.010
* In Defense of Estrogen, Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine. Vol. 22, No. 3, 2007 https://isom.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/JOM_2007_22_3_07_In_Defence_of_Estrogen.pdf
* Environmental Causes of Cancer: Endocrine Disruptors as Carcinogens. Nature Reviews Endocrinology, 363–370 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrendo.2010.87
* Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). Reviews in Endocrine and Metabolic Disorders. 16, 365–371 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11154-016-9326-7
* Menopause and hormone replacement therapy in the 21st century. Heart 2020;106:479-481.
* Postmenopausal hormone therapy for cardiovascular health: the evolving data. Heart Epub ahead of print: 2020. doi:10.1136
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Jan 31, 2022
EP 44: How Short Chain Fatty Acids Can Fix Your Gut with Steven Wright
Today I’ve brought back Steven Wright of the Healthy Gut Company to talk about the tremendous impact short-chain fatty acids have on the gut microbiome.
Short-chain fatty acids are produced when the good bacteria in your gut break down certain dietary fibers, which is why dietary and supplemental fiber sources are so important for optimal health.
Both clinical application and peer-reviewed research have shown that short-chain fatty acids enhance intestinal barrier function, regulate the immune system, and reduce oxidative stress. They can also help with insomnia, food sensitivities, histamine intolerance, and autoimmune diseases.
We discuss good sources of the right kinds of dietary and supplemental fibers, as well as how and when to supplement short-chain fatty acids like butyric acid.
Listen to the full episode to hear:
* How short-chain fatty acids are produced in the gut and why they’re so important for maintaining the health of your microbiome
* How butyrate interacts with the immune system to protect against leaky gut and autoimmune issues
* What to eat to support your body’s ability to produce short-chain fatty acids
* What to look for in a butyrate supplement
Get $15 off plus free shipping with coupon code: eatforlife15 at Healthy Gut Company
Learn more about Steven Wright:
* Healthy Gut Company
Learn more about Sami:
* Eatfor.life
* Book Your Complimentary Consultation
* Eat For Life cookbooks for each unique biotype
Resources:
* Sanna, S., van Zuydam, N.R., Mahajan, A. et al. Causal relationships among the gut microbiome, short-chain fatty acids and metabolic diseases. Nat Genet 51, 600–605 (2019) https://doi.org/10.1038/s41588-019-0350-x
* Abdul Rahim, M.B.H., Chilloux, J., Martinez-Gili, L. et al. Diet-induced metabolic changes of the human gut microbiome: the importance of short-chain fatty acids, methylamines, and indoles. Acta Diabetol 56, 493–500 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00592-019-01312-x
* Weronika Ratajczak et al. Immunomodulatory potential of gut microbiome-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Acta Biochimica Polonica, Vol. 66 No. 1 (2019). https://doi.org/10.18388/abp.2018_2648
* Magzal, F., Even, C., Haimov, I. et al. Associations between fecal short-chain fatty acids and sleep continuity in older adults with insomnia symptoms. Sci Rep 11, 4052 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-83389-5
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Jan 17, 2022
EP 43: What to Do When Diet and Probiotics Don’t Work with Steven Wright
If you feel like you’ve tried everything you can to heal your gut from very low carb or low FODMAP diets to pre and probiotic therapies, and you are still struggling with digestive problems, this episode was made for you.
For years, Steven Wright struggled with a wide variety of severe digestive problems, which led him to create the SCD Lifestyle, and now the Healthy Gut Company.
In today's episode, Steven shares his healing journey and we take a deep dive into the systems that support optimal gut health and healing, as well as what you can do to start your own healing process.
Listen to the full episode to hear:
* How stomach acid is key to immune function, nutrient absorption, and even food sensitivities.
* How low stomach acid levels lead to bloating, poor transit time, gut dysbiosis, and other symptoms you may not know about.
* Why the function of your villi and brush border enzymes are root causes of carbohydrate malabsorption, not the carbs themselves.
* How highly restrictive diets can actually contribute to symptoms and reduce the resilience of your gut.
* Simple steps to test your gut function and begin to heal.
Get $15 off plus free shipping with coupon code: eatforlife15 at Healthy Gut Company
Learn more about Steven Wright:
* Healthy Gut Company
Learn more about Sami:
* Eatfor.life
* Book Your Complimentary Consultation
* Eat For Life cookbooks for each unique biotype
Resources:
* Low Gastric Hydrochloric Acid Secretion and Mineral Bioavailability
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Jan 3, 2022
EP 42: My Personal Healing Journey
2021 was quite the year, but we made it to 2022!
To kick off the new year, my producer, Sean McMullin is flipping the script and interviewing me.
Today I’m sharing my personal journey to better health and wellbeing after surviving trauma and physical and mental health challenges.
From overworked, overstressed and struggling to keep my head above water, I’m telling the story of the wrong turns and mistakes and the moments that finally gave me hope and set me on the path to wholeness.
Listen to the full episode to hear:
* How understanding your biochemistry can change your relationship with your health
* Why making radical changes to your diet without understanding root causes leads to frustration
* Red flags to watch out for when you’re looking for answers
* What to expect when implementing a treatment protocol and why physical and mental healing is never linear
Learn more about Sean McMullin:
* Yellow House Media
Learn more about Sami:
* Eatfor.life
* Book Your Complimentary Consultation
* Eat For Life cookbooks for each unique biotype
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Dec 20, 2021
The Gut-Brain Connection with Kiran Krishnan
For December, I’m sharing a couple of my favorite episodes while we take a little break to spend time with friends and family. I hope you are also able to make room for the things you love this season, you so deserve it after the year we've had.
My second favorite episode for this month is my conversation with Kiran Krishnan about the gut microbiome.
I love this episode because of Kiran’s ability to explain why the health of our gut microbiome is so important, especially in early life and its impact on mental health.
Your body’s microbiome is a complex set of systems that contribute to your health and wellbeing in innumerable ways that we have barely begun to understand.
And you have multiple microbiomes that exist in your body, from your skin to your mouth to your gut that are comprised of multiple kinds of organisms at varying levels. It’s no wonder we’ve only scratched the surface in learning about these different ecosystems.
Kiran Krishnan joins me to break down what…
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Dec 6, 2021
The MTHFR and Methylfolate Myth with Dr. Albert Mensah
For December, I’m sharing a couple of my favorite episodes while we take a little break to spend time with friends and family. I hope you are also able to make room for the things you love this season, you so deserve it after the year we've had.
The first one is a powerful conversation with Dr. Albert Mensah about how flawed the MTHFR (the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene) testing approach is and its common resulting treatment: methylfolate.
In clinical practice, we’ve been seeing adverse reactions to methylfolate treatment for many years now.
We discuss why this testing approach is problematic, misconceptions about the different forms of folic acid, potential dangers and impacts on the in utero environment and neurotransmitter activity.
Dr. Mensah is a world-renowned leader and teacher in methylation disorders. He is the co-founder of Mensah Medical in Warrenville, Illinois, a clinic that specializes in the treatment of biochemical imbalances and the cognitive and phys…
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Nov 22, 2021
EP 41: Environmental Toxins and Your Health with Lara Adler
We talk a lot about toxins and you may think you’ve heard it all before, but hear me out!
We are exposed to environmental toxins every single day, by doing normal, everyday activities like eating, showering, using beauty products, and cleaning.
Many exposures are unavoidable, but there are many that you can address, especially when it comes to products that come into your home.
You might think that because something is on the shelf at your local store, that means it’s safe. But there are over 84,000 chemicals registered for use in the United States and many of them have never been tested for safety.
We’re finding that many of these chemicals are linked to conditions we’re all trying to avoid, like cancer, diabetes, depression, anxiety, ADHD, thyroid disease, hormonal imbalances, infertility and more.
But when it comes to reducing your exposure, it can be hard to know where to start and easy to get overwhelmed.
That’s why today, I’m talking with environmental toxins ex…
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Nov 8, 2021
EP 40: Breast Implant Illness Facts with Danielle Valoras - Part 2
In part two of our discussion, Danielle Valoras returns to dig into the science behind breast implants, why they cause some women to develop symptoms of Breast Implant Illness, and what we can do to hold the FDA, manufacturers, and surgeons accountable.
Despite increasing evidence that breast implants can and do cause complications and immune responses for many women, too many providers still dismiss their concerns.
If you’re experiencing a shift in your health and wellbeing following breast implant surgery, know that you are not alone. It is not all in your head. And there are compassionate providers out there who will help you navigate your choices so you can get your life back.
Danielle Valoras is a certified physician assistant and founder of NavWell RX, an integrative health practice.
She is also the originator of the Breast Implant Health Summit, a global initiative for education and better health for those with breast implants. Danielle brings over 20 years of experience i…
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Oct 25, 2021
EP 39: Breast Implant Illness Facts with Danielle Valoras - Part 1
If you have breast implants and are experiencing symptoms, please hear me. You are not crazy. It's not all in your head and yes, you can do something about it.
If your medical provider isn’t hearing you or is dismissing you, then I encourage you to find someone else who will truly listen to your concerns and provide a compassionate approach to healing.
I'm passionate about this topic because I've walked with several clients through their breast implant illness healing journeys, and I want you to know you are not alone.
Breast implant illness survivor Danielle Valoras joins me for a two-part series to discuss the signs and symptoms of breast implant illness, along with how implants are manufactured and why we don’t have long-term data on their safety.
Danielle Valoris is a certified physician assistant and founder of NavWell RX, an integrative health practice.
She is also the originator of the Breast Implant Health Summit, a global initiative for education and better health for…
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Oct 11, 2021
EP 38: The Truth About Gluten-Free Diets Part 2: The Gut Brain Connection with Dr. Tom O'Bryan
To this day, I get asked if gluten is problematic.
And I often get pushback from people who tell me that they have no reactivity to it and that their doctor or nutritionist doesn’t think it’s problematic.
But when they work with me and we dig deeper into their medical and family history, I see a wide variety of symptoms related to the gluten in their diets.
To make matters worse, gluten is often found in foods that wouldn’t normally contain gluten, but have been exposed to cross-contamination in how and where they are grown or in processing. This is especially true with oats!
Another scary fact is that glyphosate, the herbicide otherwise known as Roundup, is used as a desiccant to dry out oats and other gluten-free grains. Glyphosate is a common underlying cause of autoimmune disease.
Today’s guest is a world leader on gluten sensitivity and inflammation.
Dr. Tom O’Bryan is the founder of theDr.com and his most recent book, You Can Fix Your Brain, **was received with gl…
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Sep 27, 2021
EP 37: The Truth About Gluten-Free Diets Part 1: Grainflammation with Dr. Peter Osborne
Half of the American diet is composed of highly processed wheat and gluten-based food products, making it a major contributor to diseases that impact the brain and body.
Gluten impacts not only mental health, but is connected to the staggering and continual rise in autoimmune diseases, especially pain syndromes and gut inflammation.
But if going gluten-free is the answer, why do autoimmune diseases and mental health disorders continue to rise?
Is going gluten-free all it’s hyped up to be?
In this special two-part series, I’m speaking with two world-renowned experts who have dedicated their lives to educating the public about the impact of wheat, gluten, and other grains in our diets.
Over the next two episodes, you’ll learn how even so-called “gluten-free” grains such as corn and oats are still problematic, the problem with cross-contamination, how chemicals used in growing and storing grains impact your health, and so much more.
Today, I'm speaking with Dr. Peter Osb…
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Sep 13, 2021
EP 36: How to Tackle EMF Pollution with Nicolas Pineault
Is your smartphone phone really bad for you?
Our lives are increasingly full of wireless devices, from our phones, tablets and e-readers to our “smart” home appliances.
We know there are mental health impacts from constant connection to the internet, work, social media and more through our phones, but our technology poses other risks too.
Maybe you’ve been hearing people talk about the negative effects of magnetic fields and wondered if it’s really that bad. I can tell you, in my clinic, I have seen the devastating impact EMFs can have on mental, physical and emotional health.
As a nutritional therapist, I’m usually talking about the toxins in our food supply, but we’re also constantly being exposed to toxins resulting from what today’s guest calls “electrical pollution.”
Nicolas Pineault, “the EMF Guy,” is an advocate for safe technologies and the bestselling author of The Non-Tinfoil Guide to EMFs
Through his unconventional approach, blending humor, scienc…
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Sep 6, 2021
EP 35: Integrative Mental Health Summit October 8-10
Prior to 2020, an estimated 25% of adults struggled with a mental health condition. Since the beginning of the pandemic, with the added stressors and uncertainties many of us face, along with the toll of social and physical isolation, that number is estimated to have risen by 40%.
The landscape of our collective mental health has likely permanently changed since the beginning of 2020.
But accessing mental health care and support is still a challenge for many people, particularly for anyone looking outside the traditional model of managing symptoms with medication.
And yet, there is a body of research that supports and validates the use of integrative strategies for treating mental health concerns by addressing root cause imbalances in the body that affect brain functioning and symptom presentation.
Today, I’m joined by the executive directors of Journey’s Dream and the Mensah Research Institute, organizers of the Integrative Mental Health Summit, October 8-10. This three-day on…
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Aug 30, 2021
EP 34: How To Support Your Child When They Are Disruptive with Dr. Nicole Beurkens, PhD, CNS
Parenting in a post-pandemic world with masking requirements, Zoom school, and social distancing from friends and classmates is hard enough.
Being a parent to a behaviorally challenged and neurodivergent child comes with unique challenges that for many, have been heightened by the pandemic.
Anger, rage, extreme defiance, high anxiety and other behavioral and mental health issues can take a toll on you and on your relationship with your child.
If you are a parent struggling with how to best support your child, this episode with Dr. Nicole Beurkens was made just for you.
As a licensed clinical psychologist with advanced degrees in psychology, education and nutrition, Dr. Nicole is the world's leading holistic child psychologist. She has dedicated over 20 years to providing parents with research based strategies that get to the root of children's attention, anxiety, mood, and behavior challenges, so they can reach their highest potential. She runs a multi-disciplinary evaluation and t…
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Aug 16, 2021
EP 33: Autoimmune Disease and the Gut Microbiome with Kiran Krishnan
23.5 million people in the United States suffer from at least one autoimmune condition and that number is rising fast.
Worldwide, autoimmune diseases are increasing by 7% each year, with the biggest increases in celiac disease, type 1 diabetes, and myasthenia gravis. The most significant jumps are happening in the northern and western hemispheres.
There are now over 100 different types of autoimmune diseases and I see them in over half of the people I serve in my clinic here in the United States.
Autoimmune disorders impact every body system, including the brain, thyroid, blood, GI tract, nerves, lungs, skin, muscles and bones. And let's not forget the female reproductive system in conditions like PCOS and endometriosis, which I classify as autoimmune diseases.
Where is this exponential rise coming from? And why do most people develop more than one autoimmune condition?
To help explain why this is happening, I’ve brought back microbiologist Kiran Krishnan to talk about triggers,…
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Aug 2, 2021
EP 32: Post-Concussion Syndrome Healing and Recovery with Dr. Titus Chiu
When you think of a concussion, do you picture a football player passed out on the field or someone who hit their head in a car accident?
It may surprise you to learn that a concussion doesn’t have to be from a direct blow to the head or include losing consciousness.
So what defines a concussion?
Anything that jostles the brain can cause a concussion. And symptoms can be more than just headaches.
In fact, many people struggle for years before they realize they've had a concussion and are dealing with a wide variety of debilitating physical, mental and emotional symptoms related to Post-Concussion Syndrome.
For years, today's guest struggled with many vague health issues, such as mild depression, lack of motivation, low energy and brain fog to name a few.
The breaking point was after he got into a horrible car accident that nearly cost him his life, which led to his calling as a functional neurologist and the realization that he’d had a series of concussions prior to that almo…
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Jul 19, 2021
EP 31: Why Anti-Diet Culture is Harmful with Mindy Gorman-Plutzer, FNLP
Diet culture tells us “eat this, don’t eat that,” while anti-diet culture too often says, “eat whatever you want” even if it’s inflammatory and can feed health problems in the name of body positivity.
Though at opposite ends of the spectrum, both embody rules that keep us disconnected from the cues our bodies are actually giving us about the foods we eat.
In truth, diets and anti-diets trickle into all facets of our relationship with food, forming a belief system about what we should or shouldn’t put in our bodies based on someone else’s experiences.
What if that “all foods” anti-diet makes you feel crappy later? What if your Whole30, intermittent fasting, paleo, AIP, keto, whatever diet makes you feel anxious, depressed or fill in the blank?
Our bodies are unique and so are our needs and responses to different foods.
What if instead we slowed down and really listened to our bodies? What if we rewrote our stories with food and empowered ourselves to make choice…
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Jul 5, 2021
EP 30: Post-Birth Control Syndrome: Fix Your Hormone and Digestive Health with Jenna Longoria, FDN-P
So many women struggle on birth control.
Yet when they finally decide to go off it, they continue to have the same, or in many cases worsening, symptoms.
If you or a loved one struggle on any form of birth control, today's episode will empower you with the knowledge to understand why this is happening and the steps you can take to begin the healing process.
You'll learn how hormonal and copper IUD forms of birth control–and other long-term hormone therapies–impair the GI tract and deplete the body of key nutrients that can lead to autoimmune conditions, thyroid imbalances, and so much more.
We also discuss Post-Birth Control Syndrome, which can have lasting impacts on fertility, thyroid health, sexual function, and may even put you at greater risk of developing autoimmune conditions like Lupus.
Today I'm talking with Jenna Longoria, AKA the Period Guru.
Jenna is a board certified functional nutrition practitioner specializing in women's hormones. Her work has been featured in…
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Jun 21, 2021
EP 29: Mast Cell Activation Syndrome and Histamine Intolerance with Beth O’Hara, FND
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) and histamine intolerance have been buzzwords for quite some time now, but these conditions are still highly misunderstood and impact 1 in 8.5 people. That’s up to 17% of the general population!
Mast cells are our immune system’s first responders, sensing and communicating back to the brain about incoming pathogens, toxins, injuries, and other stressors.
When these amazingly complex cells are overtaxed and dysregulated, they will respond to anything as a threat, creating inflammation and a buildup of immune mediators like histamine and cytokines that create a wide range of symptoms from hives and itchy eyes to gastrointestinal distress, migraines, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and others.
Today's special guest has been personally impacted by these conditions and is an amazing testament to the power of a functional and holistic approach to healing.
Beth O'Hara is a Functional Naturopath specializing in complex chronic immune conditions relat…
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Jun 7, 2021
EP 28: 2 Causes of Unexplained Behavior Change in Kids with Dr. Jill Crista
Drastic behavior changes. Extreme irritability. Developmental regressions. Why did your child become someone you barely recognize seemingly overnight?
Radical, sudden changes in a child’s behaviors and mood can be signs of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS).
These infection-induced autoimmune encephalopathies were once considered rare disorders that are only recently becoming more well-recognized by the conventional medical community.
Which is why I'm so excited to share this powerful conversation with special guest expert, Dr. Jill Crista, who shares her own story of how she healed her twin sons of PANS and herself of Lyme disease and how that set her on a path to helping children and families heal from these conditions.
While the root causes are often not readily identified, and treatment may not be straightforward, both PANDAS and PANS are caused by an autoimmune response to an infection that resul…
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May 17, 2021
EP 27: The Vagus Nerve and Your Body's Natural Ability to Heal with Dr. Navaz Habib
Lots of people are talking about the vagus nerve, but do you know just how many of your body’s organs and functions it interacts with?
In this episode, I'm talking with Dr. Navaz Habib, author of Activate Your Vagus Nerve: Unleash Your Body’s Natural Ability to Heal.
Dr. Habib explains beautifully what the vagus nerve is and why it's so important for optimum health.
He gives us an overview of the anatomy and primary functions of the vagus nerve, including its major role in afferent communication–sending information from many of your major organs back to the brain–and the role of that communication in mental health and beyond.
Dr. Habib also breaks down four primary types of stressors that impact vagal function, and what you can do to support this essential component of your health.
Dr. Navaz Habib is the founder of Health Upgraded, an online functional medicine and health optimization clinic.
He works with high-performance professionals, athletes, and entrepreneurs who wa…
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May 3, 2021
EP 26: The Vicious Trap of Conditioned Food Sensitivity with Wendy Busse, MSc, RD
Have you ever thought about how your perceptions can significantly influence your body's reaction to food?
Food should be pleasurable, but unfortunately for so many people, it's a source of fear, anxiety and overwhelm.
In our world of influencer marketing and Dr. Google, it’s no wonder we’re more confused than ever about what and how to eat.
The anxiety and confusion that happens when we view food as bad or evil, can lead to beliefs that create poor health perceptions, and even a stress response that can impact the body in more ways than we realize.
In today's episode, I'm talking with Wendy Busse, a registered dietician from Alberta, Canada, and nationally recognized food sensitivity expert.
Wendy has over 25 years of experience in the field of food allergies and sensitivities. Her interest in the mind-body connection and experience in seeing clients in the “gray zone,” who do not fit neatly into any clinical practice guidelines and often fall through the cracks, led her…
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Apr 19, 2021
EP 25: Autism: Underlying Causes and Biochemistry with Dr. Judith Bowman
Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the world.
2020 CDC statistics estimate that 1 in 54 children in the United States is born with autism spectrum disorder. That's 1 in 37 boys and 1 in 151 girls.
And epidemiological studies estimate a global prevalence of 1 in 132 children!
What is happening to create this disturbing statistic?
And more specifically: how are our genes interacting with our environment that would cause such an exponential rise?
In this week's episode, I've brought back Dr. Judith Bowman MD, co-founder of Mensah Medical, to talk about the underlying causes of this multifactorial condition.
We talk about the role folic acid plays in the in utero environment, gut inflammation, and high oxidative stress, as well as copper's impact on the brain and body.
We also clarify that vaccines are an environmental insult in those who are genetically susceptible.
Dr. Bowman and her colleague, Dr. Albert Mensah, combine traditional medicine with a biochemi…
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Apr 5, 2021
EP 24: Autism and Assumption of Competence with Dr. Vaishnavi Sarathy
Sound nutrition and equal education are the birthrights of every child.
This is the rallying call that today’s guest Dr. Vaishnavi Sarathy bases her life’s work – confronting the false belief that children with disabilities are incompetent.
She rightly believes that when we bring dignity and respect to all children, regardless of their assumed level of intelligence, anything can happen.
For this first episode in National Autism Awareness Month, I am excited to share my conversation with Dr. Sarathy about the assumption of competence placed on children with disabilities.
Are the assumptions we have about children with disabilities impeding their healing process? Are these assumptions blocking access to the support and resources that most of us take for granted?
It's an important question and one that Dr. Sarathy addresses beautifully.
Dr. Sarathy is a chemist turned teacher and functional nutrition practitioner focused on children with disabilities, especially Down syndrome…
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Mar 22, 2021
EP 23: Stress Intolerance and Pyrrole Disorder with Dr. Judith Bowman
Anxiety, anger, and stress are a normal part of the human experience. But if you find yourself unable to tolerate even the smallest amount of stress without feeling lots of anxiety and anger, you may have a little-known stress disorder known as Pyrrole disorder.
Pyrrole disorder (also called Pyroluria) occurs when a biochemical abnormality results in the overproduction of pyrrole molecules. Pyrrole molecules are excreted continuously in the urine and are normal by-products of hemoglobin synthesis and other bodily processes.
For the average healthy person, this is not a problem. However, for someone with Pyrrole disorder, nutrient deficiencies occur because these molecules have an affinity for zinc and vitamin B6, causing them to latch onto and excrete them in the urine before the body can adequately absorb them, leading to severe oxidative stress.
Pyrrole disorder is connected to a plethora of symptoms and disorders such as extreme anger and rage, rapid mood swings, night owl tenden…
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Mar 8, 2021
EP 22: Compassionate Approaches to Healing Addiction with Bryan Vasquez
What if we viewed addiction as a response to something, rather than the common viewpoint that someone is a lost cause and can’t get their life together?
What if we embraced people with compassion and empathy, while also acknowledging that addiction is the result of a combination of genetics, who we are exposed to, trauma, abuse, family dynamics, and biochemistry?
In this week’s episode, I talk all things recovery with Bryan Vasquez, a Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor in Newport Beach, California.
Bryan’s journey to becoming an addiction counselor began with the turmoil surrounding opiate use. Bryan offers concepts from the scientifically supported processes that helped him to realize his own recovery.
These techniques do not impose change, but instead, support change in a manner congruent with each individual's goals and values.
Bryan has worked in all facets of addiction treatment, including psychiatric hospitals, residential and outpatient programs, and private prac…
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Feb 22, 2021
EP 21: Disordered Eating Recovery with Mindy Gorman-Plutzer
In honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, I am so honored to share my very real and raw conversation about eating disorders with my friend, colleague, and eating disorder survivor Mindy Gorman-Plutzer.
In this episode, Mindy and I share our own experiences with disordered eating and how the path to healing is one that includes deep empathy and a holistic approach that looks at all aspects of a person's health, including gut inflammation, hormonal dysregulation, and early childhood development.
As you'll learn, eating disorders are about a disordered relationship to self, brought on by family dynamics, abuse, and genetically inherited biochemical imbalances.
Mindy brings 25 years of experience to her private practice as a Certified Functional Nutrition and Lifestyle Practitioner and Eating Psychology Coach. Mindy's life experience and training inspired her to create a framework that combines functional nutrition, positive psychology, and mind-body science, introducing a co…
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Feb 8, 2021
EP 20: Biochemical Imbalances that Cause Eating Disorders with Dr. Judith Bowman
For over 25 years I carried around an immense amount of guilt and shame because of my disordered relationship with food and my body.
No matter how hard I tried, I felt like I wasn't strong enough or smart enough to figure out why I had allowed this to take over my life. In my mind, I was a failure and total fraud for pretending everything was fine when in truth, I was in so much pain.
When I understood the "why" I was finally able to give myself a much-needed break, free myself of the guilt and shame, and finally begin the healing process.
In honor of Eating Disorder Awareness, I brought back my personal physician, Dr. Judith Bowman, to talk about the genetic, environmental, and biochemical causes of eating disorders.
Dr. Bowman has treated over 30,000 patients using all natural non-pharmaceutical targeted nutrient therapy. She trains physicians in advanced nutrient therapy techniques and facilitates outreach clinics all over the United States and abroad.
If you're currently…
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Jan 25, 2021
EP 19: Healthy Boundaries for Kind People with Randi Buckley
Most of us cringe at the thought of setting a boundary—especially with those who are closest to us.
We often hesitate to put boundaries into place because we think it will damage the relationship, make someone angry, or simply make our lives more complicated. Truthfully, it can also be really hard to do.
Some of us even worry that we won’t be loved if we put boundaries in place.
But what if you can’t have the love you want without them?
The truth is that if we don’t honor our boundaries, no one else will either.
There can be a lot at stake when we finally give voice to our boundaries. So how do you get started with setting boundaries that you know you need?
Today’s guest has a very unique approach to boundary work that will help you rethink what it means to set a boundary.
Please welcome Randi Buckley to the show.
Randi is a leadership mentor, author, podcaster, and the creator of Healthy Boundaries for Kind People, The Deep, and Maybe Baby. Randi offers a different w…
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Jan 11, 2021
EP 18: Why Behavior Change is So Hard with Dr. Perry Passaro
Well, it's January and I have no words to describe all that we endured last year.
After taking some much needed time for self-care, I’m invigorated to begin anew. That’s why I feel this episode is so important. This time of year is when we set new goals and do everything in our power to achieve them.
But what happens when we don’t?
What stops us from doing what we truly want to do to become a healthier, happier human being?
Achieving our goals seems so simple when we write them down on January 1st. Yet as the days continue, we often see our motivation wane.
We might think: Why can’t we just stick to our goals?
We assume that we don’t have what it takes to truly change—but is it as simple as that?
Our goals are typically tied to behavior change and it’s hard to flip a switch in the New Year without understanding how we can motivate ourselves to take action that lasts.
That’s why I wanted to invite Dr. Perry Passaro back to the podcast. Dr. Passaro shares how to m…
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Nov 16, 2020
EP 17: Understanding the Human Microbiome with Kiran Krishnan
Understanding the complexities of the human microbiome can be overwhelming.
At its most simple, we can think of the microbiome as an ecosystem that consists of a collection of organisms including bacteria, viruses, fungus, and protozoa.
We often think there is a single ecosystem—or microbiome—found within our bodies, largely residing in the gut. But there are different versions of our microbiome found in different areas of the body.
The microbiome is a complex and miraculous set of systems that exist in our bodies and contributes to our health in innumerable ways that we’re now starting to really understand.
Today’s guest has been blessed with the wisdom and skill to explain the microbiome in a way that creates greater healing, understanding, and purpose.
I’m thrilled to welcome Kiran Krishnan to the show. Kiran is a Research Microbiologist and has been involved in the dietary supplement and nutrition market for the past 18 years. He comes from a University research back…
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Nov 2, 2020
EP 16: High Functioning Anxiety and the Practice of Self-Kindness and Joy with Nancy Jane Smith
Be a boss.
Hustle hard.
Love yourself.
Make it happen.
You decide the outcome.
Do these phrases and mantras sound familiar?
Usually, these sayings are used in the self-help world to boost your confidence both in life and work. The self-help industry makes us believe that we can make anything happen—but what if these mantras we hear repeated in the self-help industry actually make you feel worse?
Enter High Functioning Anxiety.
High Functioning Anxiety—HFA for short—is when you experience anxiety but instead of freezing you up from making progress, it actually propels you forward. While this might sound like an efficient way to meet or exceed your goals, it can also lead to over-functioning, perfectionism, self-doubt, and the false belief that endless worry somehow contributes to our success.
On today’s episode, I’m talking with Nancy Jane Smith, an author, counselor, and therapeutic coach all about high functioning anxiety. Nancy has a Masters Degree in Higher Educat…
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Oct 19, 2020
EP 15: When Narcissism Comes to Church: A Conversation with Chuck DeGroat
Many of us have been touched by narcissism.
Up close or from the sidelines, we have experienced its effects from a teacher, our parents, or from the leaders in our lives.
Often this narcissism surprises us and comes from the most unexpected of places where we feel safe to let our guard down and allow ourselves to be vulnerable.
One of these places is the Church.
Typically we don’t relate narcissism to the Church. But, even though it is rarely talked about, narcissism is often experienced in the Church today. Many of us have experienced disappointment and heartache as a result.
Today’s guest has been studying and working with narcissism for decades as a pastor, therapist, and spiritual director. Chuck DeGroat is the Professor of Pastoral Care and Christian Spirituality at Western Theological Seminary and senior fellow at Newbigin House of Studies, San Francisco. Chuck is also an author, speaker, consultant, and therapist.
In today's show we talk about his most recent book, Whe…
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Oct 5, 2020
EP 14: Breast Cancer and the Truth About Folic Acid in Cell Division with Dr. Albert Mensah
It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
This is a topic that’s near and dear to my heart because breast cancer runs in my family—not only am I a nutrition therapy practitioner, I’m also a patient.
I believe I would have had a very high likelihood of getting breast cancer had I not learned about my own biochemical imbalances along with the help of my guest today, Dr. Albert Mensah.
There is so much confusion as well as genetic and epigenetic factors that contribute to breast cancer. So, in today’s episode, we are going to expand on the conversion that we started in Episode 03 with Dr. Mensah and Episode 10 with Dr. Bowman by going deep into uncovering two major factors that contribute to susceptibility—undermethylation and copper toxicity.
Dr. Mensah is the co-founder of Mensah Medical in Warrenville, Illinois, a clinic that specializes in the treatment of biochemical imbalances and the cognitive and physical disorders caused by those imbalances. Since 2005. Dr. Mensah has tre…
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Sep 21, 2020
EP 13: Suicide Prevention Case Study: How Nutrients Can Heal the Brain - Part 2
It’s National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and I am continuing this month’s special two part series with licensed psychologist, Dr. Perry Passaro, and orthomolecular specialist, Dr. Albert Mensah.
In this case study series, we are sharing Sara’s story. Sara is a young woman who spent two years receiving psychiatric treatment with absolutely no improvement in addition to two hospitalizations and two suicide attempts.
In part one, we discussed how nutrients can heal the brain, the biochemical imbalances that lead to suicidal ideation, and why the current healthcare system needs a hands-on, multi-therapy approach. You can listen to the full episode here.
In part two, we look further into the underlying biochemical imbalances that were causing Sara’s severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation that led to hospitalizations and suicide attempts.
In this case study, you will hear again from Dr. Perry Passaro and Dr. Albert Mensah.
Dr. Passaro is a licensed psychologis…
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Sep 7, 2020
EP 12: Suicide Prevention Case Study: How Nutrients Can Heal the Brain – Part 1
It’s National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.
In this month’s special two part series, I’m sharing Sara’s story with you along with licensed psychologist, Dr. Perry Passaro, and orthomolecular specialist, Dr. Albert Mensah.
This is a story of a young woman who spent two years receiving psychiatric treatment with absolutely no improvement in addition to two hospitalizations and two suicide attempts.
In this episode, we question: why was no testing done prior to prescribing a wide array of heavy duty medications? And why did no one think to look at underlying biochemical imbalances and diet as a way to help her?
In this case study, you will hear from Dr. Perry Passaro and Dr. Albert Mensah.
Dr. Passaro is a licensed psychologist and a licensed educational psychologist. He works with children, families, adolescents, and adults at the Anxiety and Depression Treatment Center in Newport Beach, California. He specializes in the treatment of behavioral disorders, anxiety, spec…
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Aug 24, 2020
EP 11: Healing from Copper Toxicity with Deb Tokarz
Could copper overload be at the core of your anxiety and depression?
Copper toxicity is a condition that negatively impacts both the brain and body—and, unfortunately, this simple chemical imbalance is not common knowledge among women and doctors.
On today’s special women’s health episode I’m talking with Deb Tokarz who is a copper toxicity survivor and author of I Cu Copper, which is an open and honest look into her experience with copper toxicity.
For many years, Deb suffered from severe anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Despite these symptoms, Deb was either dismissed by her doctors or prescribed a one-size-fits-all treatment.
Eventually, Deb sought out a natural way to treat anxiety and depression. Soon, she learned that copper toxicity was the underlying cause of her suffering and has been on the path to healing ever since.
_*Listen to the full episode to hear:*_
* What the symptoms of copper overload can look like
* Deb’s journey with anxiety and depression, h…
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Aug 10, 2020
EP 10: How Copper Toxicity Impacts Women with Dr. Judith Bowman
High anxiety, depression, brain fog, chronic fatigue, insomnia, and PMS.
If you've struggled with any of these health challenges, you're not alone. It’s estimated that over 50% of females are estrogen dominant and one in eight will develop breast cancer.
These are staggering statistics but there is another insidious invader of our bodies. It's called copper toxicity, a condition that wreaks havoc on both the mind and body. And, unfortunately, most women and doctors are completely unaware of it.
On today’s special women’s health episode, my personal physician, Dr. Judith Bowman and I talk about the ins and outs of this volatile metal.
Dr. Bowman specializes in biochemical imbalances and co-founded Mensah Medical in 2008 with her colleague, Albert Mensah, MD. Dr. Bowman combines traditional medicine with the biochemical approach to treat the symptoms of behavioral and cognitive disorders, autism spectrum disorder, depression (including postpartum depression), anxiety, eating di…
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Jul 27, 2020
EP 09: How Trauma Deceives Us Into Making Agreements with Jean Masukevich
Trauma is insidious—it reaches into the core of our beings and it covertly impacts our everyday lives.
In today’s episode, my personal coach, Jean Masukevich, is joining me again to discuss trauma and how it deceives us into making agreements, why we make them in the first place, and how agreements covertly impact us. In the past, we covered collective trauma and how it’s showing itself during this pandemic in Episode 5. In Episode 6, we explored how to use our personal story as an entry point to healing. And in Episode 7, we discussed systemic injustice, embodied trauma, and doing the inner work.
I share examples of my own agreements and how from a very early age, I was deceived into making them. I also share how the trauma I endured left me open to being attacked in the same way throughout my life.
PLEASE NOTE: This episode is not for young ears and may trigger those that have been sexually abused.
Jean is a trauma-sensitive yoga teacher and integrative coach. Her mission i…
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Jul 13, 2020
EP 08: The Biochemistry of Narcissism, Sociopathy, and Psychopathy with Dr. Albert Mensah, MD, BCIP
More and more, we are seeing headlines exposing the narcissistic and criminal behavior of several high profile predators. We’ve seen a top recording artist finally be indicted after years of abusing young girls and women. We’ve seen convictions for a well-known movie mogul and long-standing comedian and actor, as well as a US Gymnastics National Team doctor—just to name a few.
Unfortunately, so many people—beyond the scope of these high profile cases—have been harmed by those with narcissistic, abusive, and criminal behavior.
Today on the show, I’m discussing the biochemistry of narcissism, sociopathy, and psychopathy with Dr. Albert Mensah, MD, BCIP. I’ve had Dr. Mensah on the show before, both in Episode 3 where we discussed how biochemistry and genes impact your brain, and in Episode 4 with a discussion about COVID-19 depression, anxiety, and immunity.
If you’ve been harmed by narcissism and gaslighting, I hope this conversation with Dr. Mensah brings hope, healin…
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Jun 29, 2020
EP 07: Systemic Injustice, Embodied Trauma, and Doing the Inner Work with Jean Masukevich
So often, the truth is difficult to digest.
Especially when we have felt pain and experienced trauma.
By ignoring and silencing our own pain, it keeps us from accepting the pain, struggle, and oppression of others.
But we have to tell the truth and make space for the truth to be named.
We have to go inwards, to do the inner work, to find our voice so that we can advocate for our oppressed brothers and sisters.
Today I’m honored to have my personal coach Jean Masukevich joining me again. In Episode 5 we talked about collective trauma and how it’s showing itself during this pandemic. In Episode 6 we discussed exploring our personal story and how to use it as an entry point to healing.
Today, we discuss the pervasive nature of trauma, abuse, and oppression. And how we live in a society with systems that were created to silence all of us.
Jean is a trauma-sensitive yoga teacher and integrative coach. Her mission is to guide others to greater mind, body, spirit integration, and c…
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Jun 15, 2020
EP 06: Why Engaging Your Story Sets You On A Path To Healing with Jean Masukevich
Do you know you have a powerful story? And that engaging your story brings healing by connecting neural networks in the brain?
We are being invited to co-author an epic story, a love story, a very good story. Our story matters and God is not done with it.
Now, more than ever is the time to engage your story and how it fits into a much larger narrative.
In today's episode, I brought my personal coach, Jean Masukevich, back on the show to continue the conversation we started in Episode 5 when we talked about collective trauma and how all of our trauma is coming up right now because of this pandemic.
Jean and I talk about story and how our story fits into a larger narrative. We talk about how we can go about exploring this story and how we can use this exploration as an entry point to healing.
Jean is a trauma-sensitive yoga teacher and integrative coach. Her mission is to guide others to greater mind, body, spirit integration, and connection to their authentic self. She cultivates c…
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Jun 1, 2020
EP 05: Trauma, The Enneagram, and Triggers As An Invitation To Deeper Healing with Jean Masukevich
As we continue to move through coronavirus and civil unrest, our collective trauma is at an all-time high. The potential for fear and overwhelm to take over our lives is very real and heartbreaking.
Now is the perfect time to engage our stories and the ways they impact our heart, spirit, and genes – exploring them as a powerful pathway to healing.
And this is why I’m excited to share this conversation with my personal coach, Jean Masukevich.
Today, in part 1 of a 2-part series, we talk about trauma, the Enneagram’s 3 Centers of Intelligence, and how our triggers are an invitation to deeper healing, especially during these difficult times.
Jean is a trauma-sensitive yoga teacher and integrative coach. Her mission is to guide others to greater mind, body, spirit integration and connection to their authentic self. She cultivates communities of care where individuals and groups heal and share their hearts and stories through movement, creativity, meditation, integrative prayer, a…
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May 18, 2020
EP 04: COVID-19 Depression, Anxiety, and Immunity with Dr. Albert Mensah, MD, BCIP
In honor of mental health awareness month, and in these challenging times, I feel it's important to provide you with accurate information on how to support your mental and physical health.
Supermolecules, as well as dietary and lifestyle modifications that support both brain and immune function, can be powerful allies against the Coronavirus outbreak.
In episode 2, I discussed how nutrient deficiencies and overloads impact the brain and body.
In episode 3, I talked with Dr. Albert Mensah about how biochemistry and genes impact your brain.
Today I am having Dr. Mensah back on the show to discuss supermolecules that support both brain and immune function, what’s missing in the treatment of COVID-19, and insights to help you overcome depression and anxiety during this difficult time.
Dr. Mensah is a world-renowned leader and teacher in micromolecular medicine. He is the co-founder of Mensah Medical in Warrenville, Illinois, a clinic that specializes in the treatment of biochemical…
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May 4, 2020
EP 03: How Biochemistry and Genes Impact Your Brain with Dr. Albert Mensah, MD, BCIP
Our stories are extremely powerful and contain genetic, epigenetic, and transgenerational narratives.
Educating yourself with the facts surrounding accurate testing and treatment provides a powerful pathway to healing the brain and body.
In my last episode, I discussed how nutrient deficiencies and overloads impact the brain and body.
In today's episode, I'm speaking with Dr. Albert Mensah about genetics, epigenetics, the controversial MTHFR test, as well as misconceptions and dangers about the different forms of folic acid and their impact on the in utero environment.
Dr. Mensah is a world-renowned leader and teacher in methylation disorders. He is the co-founder of Mensah Medical in Warrenville, Illinois, a clinic that specializes in the treatment of biochemical imbalances and the cognitive and physical disorders caused by those imbalances. Since 2005 Dr. Mensah has treated over 30,000 patients using all-natural, non-pharmaceutical targeted nutrient therapy.
His practice focuses…
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Apr 20, 2020
EP 02: How Nutrient Deficiencies And Overloads Impact The Brain And Body
One month in, my client Amanda told me: “I had no idea my anxiety, racing thoughts, and fatigue were due to being severely undermethylated and overloaded with copper!”
Her lab tests had just confirmed the underlying causes of her suffering.
When Amanda first came to me for nutritional therapy counseling, she was frustrated with doctors that told her nothing was wrong, she was a healthy young woman, and that basically she was just overreacting.
“I know I’m not making this up,” she told me. “I can feel in my body that something is off, I just don’t know what it is or how to pinpoint it.”
Although lab work from her doctor showed no abnormalities, I knew that going deeper and supporting her in a way she had not experienced before was the key to figuring it all out.
After 6 months of working together, Amanda told me “My brain feels better, which allows my body to feel better. I no longer struggle with energy issues and my daily anxiety is gone. This is so liberating.…
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Apr 20, 2020
EP 01: The Power of Nutrients: How What You Eat Impacts The Way You Think, Feel, And Act
Nine months ago, Michelle was at an all-time low. She was scared, isolated, and felt hopeless about her future.
Michelle told me: “I feel so defeated.”
Her level of uncertainty and fatigue was higher than they’d ever been. She said that her mind was always racing and she couldn’t sleep at night. She’d left her job because her anxiety and stress were just too much to handle.
On top of that, she was dealing with lower back pain and terrible PMS which kept her from exercising and doing the things she used to love.
She didn’t think healing was possible.
I assured Michelle that, not only is healing possible, but that it was also possible for her to get back to work, back to exercise, and back to her life.
Today, 9 months later, Michelle is working a job she loves, exercises regularly, and has even started dating again. She also lost 40lbs and was able to ditch her antidepressant.
Michelle was able to do this through the power of nutrients.
In today’s episode, I’m goi…
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Apr 3, 2020
Introducing Eat For Life
We’re a mission to help you understand the root causes of your suffering so you can heal. Host Samantha Gilbert is devoted to helping you overcome things like panic attacks, depression, anxiety, insomnia, ADHD, chronic fatigue, and PMS, by identifying how nutrient deficiencies and overloads contribute to your struggle. We dive into ways to heal your brain and body, as well as share conversations with special guest experts in the fields of neuroscience, epigenetics, functional and micromolecular medicine, trauma and abuse, as well as spirituality and theology.
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