The Funk'tional Nutrition Podcast

This is the first Get Lifted Thursdays episode! On Get Lifted episodes, you get to ask Erin anything and she will give her unfiltered hot take. Today Erin will share her #1 piece of business advice and how it relates to everyone - not just entrepreneurs.Connect with Erin on Instagram here to submit questions for future episodes!FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/275-business-adviceCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Back to school and the transition to fall has become synonymous with busyness. In this episode, Erin addresses the “chaos energy” that can accompany times of change. She explains how food plays an impactful role on your mental state, and why it’s important to evaluate food choices for both yourself and your family. Throughout this episode you’ll hear thought-provoking questions designed to help you assess the impact of busyness on you and those around you — and alternatives for a more positive effect. This is not your typical “back to school” conversation!Carb Compatibility Project now open | Learn more & sign up todayTimestamps(6:09) School lunches, food cravings and the brain(12:22) Using food as a grounding anchor(14:30) The ripple effect: your reactions and how they influence others(23:21) How to set intention for massive change(24:42) Why you default to “busy” — and what it means(31:59) Questions to reflect on during times of transitionFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/273-back-to-school-busy Check out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Candida, a type of fungus, can trigger skin issues when it overgrows. Dealing with these conditions goes beyond just a topical treatment — oftentimes it’s an inside job.Here at The Funk’tional Nutritionist, we regularly see clients with skin concerns, so today Team FN dives into the intricate relationship between fungal overgrowth and its effects on the skin. By the end of this conversation, you’ll have a solid grasp of what causes Candida overgrowth, how to recognize it, and effective ways to find relief.Carb Compatibility Project now open | Learn more & sign up todayTimestamps(7:29) Candida-related skin issues & other symptoms (12:32) How to test & assess for overgrowth (21:53) Common triggers for Candida (26:28) Foundational treatment steps (36:06) Why antifungals & the “Candida diet” aren’t enough (42:22) Diet recommendations for Candida FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/272-candida-skinCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

In this episode, Erin shares specific and accessible practices for anxiety, many of which are free and can be utilized right away. These strategies aren’t just helpful for immediate relief — they can also become daily rituals that will invite a better connection with your thoughts and your anxiety’s messages for you.A continuation of last week's episode on anxiety root causes, this conversation will give you clear strategies and resources to start feeling good again.Carb Compatibility Project now open | Learn more & sign up todayTimestamps(2:45) Morning practices for real change(7:35) Coffee alternatives & nutrition as a safety signal (26:47) A new approach to experiencing emotions (34:16) EFT, brain waves & rituals(42:40) Herbs to support your nervous system (45:56) Breathwork you can try NOWFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/271-anxiety-reliefCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Anxiety can feel like a heavy burden that keeps you from doing the things you love and being your healthiest self. However, navigating anxiety becomes far more manageable once we understand how it happens and harness it as a means of communication with our body. On today’s episode, Erin delves into the foundational aspects of anxiety. This includes a breakdown of the brain’s physiological response when anxiety is triggered, as well as an exploration of the seven most common causes of this mental state. For real-world strategies, Erin shares solutions to anxiety that can transform it from a burden to a pathway for self-awareness and healing. You can use the tools in this episode to uncover what your anxiety may be telling you, learn how to listen to its signs, and support your overall well-being. *Stay tuned for Get Lifted Thursdays, starting in September!Carb Compatibility Project now open | Learn more & sign up todayTimestamps(4:08) Anxiety: What’s actually happening in the brain? (14:38) The #1 cause of anxiety symptoms(19:10) Thyroid, hormones & your mood (28:14) Gut-brain axis (36:29) What your anxiety may be telling you (42:58) Questions to ask yourself to uncover your root causes of anxietyFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/270-understanding-anxietyCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Recently, Erin was approached by the Los Angeles Times to share her insights on navigating diet culture. With the overwhelming amount of conflicting advice we encounter daily, finding personal solutions can be quite a struggle. One of the questions raised during the interview was about the impact of "What I eat in a day" posts on social media, which sparked the idea for this insightful episode.Tune in as Erin shares her thoughts on evaluating nutrition advice and what to look for in a trusted source. She also walks through exactly what she eats in a day, how she fuels her body to be the healthiest version of herself — and why. This episode will give you the confidence to pick and choose what best suits your own life. There are tons of specific recommendations that you don’t want to miss! Enroll into the Carb Compatibility Project now!Timestamps:(3:20) How to spot trustworthy nutrition advice(5:11) “What I eat in a day” posts - Beneficial or superficial?(12:56) Erin’s morning routine: Coffee, exercise & workout fuel (20:01) Nutrient-dense smoothie formula(29:09) Salads, salmon, & other simple lunch ideas(38:56) Satisfy your sweet tooth with healthy dessertsFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/269-what-i-eat-in-a-dayCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Have you ever wondered where your collagen comes from? A recent article on the sourcing of several popular collagen brands has people concerned and feeling less confident in how to identify ethically sourced ingredients. To tackle the topic of ethical sourcing head-on, Erin sat down with Organifi’s CEO, Mae Steigler. Organifi is a company known for the responsible and transparent sourcing of their ingredients, so we knew this would be an insightful conversation.Join Erin and Mae as they delve into a critical discussion about supplement sourcing during this conversation - including why Erin’s stance has changed on supplementation in general over the years. As two CEOs who run their companies with similar core values, Erin and Mae also explore team dynamics, and how the concept of alignment in business relates to the company’s purpose and community.Mae Steigler serves as CEO of Organifi, maker of premium, great-tasting adaptogenic blends. Responsible for the brand’s overall alignment, Mae is driven by her passion and responsibility for the development of Organifi’s people and processes, having played a key role in building the company since its inception in 2014 to an average growth of 60% CAGR year over year, since inception. With Mae’s leadership, Organifi has been named one of INC. 5000’s fastest-growing companies, four times, and awarded Forbes Great Places to Work, for the last three years.Timestamps:(10:17) The importance of sourcing quality ingredients(11:08) What to look for in a collagen product(13:26) Why third party validation matters(16:10) Glyphosate residue free - what does it mean and why is it important? (21:05) How supplementation can remove obstacles to health(32:03) Entrepreneurship, alignment and effective team dynamicsFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/268-collagen-supplement-sourcingCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Did you know that recurring or “chronic” symptoms are actually “neuroplastic” or hardwired into the brain and nervous system? When symptoms are chronic and hardwired, the solutions are no longer ONLY physical. Since chronic symptoms have a mind and nervous system component, it’s imperative that we address them from a mind and nervous system perspective, too.Tune into today’s discussion on the importance of respecting the mental, emotional, and energetic aspects of the body, how to do so without bypassing what's happening at the physical level, and why fixating on one path or another can cause missed opportunities for full healing.Timestamps:(7:31) Case Studies: When to explore beyond the physical(14:08) Difference between physical and neuroplastic symptoms(20:34) Tools to interrupt mental or symptom patterns(26:06) DMN (Default Mode Network) & disrupting our identity(32:59) Manifest Your Health™ methodology(39:15) A message for practitionersFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/267-your-mindCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

On today’s show Erin sits down with Angelo Keely, the Co-founder and CEO of Kion, a supplement and functional food company dedicated to helping health and fitness enthusiasts live long, fun, active lives by providing clean, energy enhancing solutions. Angelo knows his stuff when it comes to protein intake, so this is exactly what this episode is all about - protein needs, different types of protein, amino acids, strategizing protein intake for muscle mass, and why building muscle is a worthwhile health investment.Like Erin, Angelo does not subscribe to any one diet dogma, so it was great to get his well rounded thoughts on all things protein and amino acids. Erin enjoyed talking to him so much that she lost track of time, so we know you’re gonna love this discussion, too!Timestamps:(7:08) Get to know Angelo Keely, co-founder of Kion Aminos (13:34) Why building muscle supports longevity, healthy aging, and fat loss (19:30) The metabolic impacts of protein intake and maintaining muscle (31:04) Recommendations for protein intake based on your weight and goals (47:34) Using amino acids to support blood sugar regulation between meals (54:36) The best way to leverage Kion Aminos for building muscle when resistance training FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/266-protein-muscle-amino-acidsCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Proper muscle mass is foundational for a resilient body and healthy aging. Training to build muscle is a worthy endeavor–regardless of any body composition goals–and today’s episode explores why.In this conversation, Erin chats with Liz Wolfe about the interplay between muscle mass and nutrition, from blood sugar balance to glucose control; tips on protein, carb, and amino acid intake around working out; and thoughts on building a lifestyle around nutrition and working out that is not grounded in perfectionism.Liz Wolfe is a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and best-selling author who encourages women - all women, but especially the 40-ish crowd - to embrace their inner (and outer) badass using nutrition, fitness and beauty concepts that serve both their bodies and their sanity. Liz is the author of the Wall Street Journal Bestseller Eat the Yolks, the host of the award-winning Balanced Bites Podcast, and the co-founder of the Athletic Mom fitness program.Timestamps:(12:27) Why should we care about skeletal muscle? (18:00) Interplay between muscle mass and nutrition(28:03) Carbohydrate, protein, and amino acid intake (38:56) Supplement recommendations for building muscle (45:56) Mindset around tracking and fitness (55:30) Balance and intuition around exercise FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/265-muscle-mass-nutrition-longevityCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Words like “frequency” and “vibration” come up a lot in the wellness world, but what do they actually mean? Advancements in science are allowing us to now see the nano-sized interactions between our biology and the light, sound, and electricity around us. With this information, we’re just starting to understand the impact that the universe has on our very biology.In today’s episode, Erin sits down with Dr. Catherine Clinton to discuss the ins and outs of quantum biology, the electrical charges in our cells and the world around us, and how this information can inform healing. This conversation breaks down a complex field into a graspable concept, and gives listeners action steps to support their bodies at a quantum level.Dr. Catherine Clinton has spent over 15 years helping people overcome their health issues. Diagnosed with two autoimmune conditions and Lyme disease while in medical school, she began the long and difficult journey of healing- a path that led to the commitment to help others to not only heal physically but to return to the relationships we evolved over millennia with for a deeper sense of health and belonging.Her mission is to empower as many people as she can with this knowledge to encourage the paradigm shift we so desperately need.Timestamps:(5:54) Quantum biology and the paradigm shift in science (16:12) Concept of frequency explained (25:25) How do EMFs come into play? (28:12) Frequency and coherence (42:38) Nature’s impact on our biology (57:10) Action steps to support our health FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/264-quantum-biology-healthCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Living happy, healthy, and fulfilled lives requires us to understand and be in touch with our inner wisdom. Yet most people are not taught how to access their intuition–instead, the message from society and the conventional healthcare system is often that you SHOULDN’T trust yourself.In today’s conversation, Erin gets into the whats, whys, and hows of intuition, and how it has proven time and time again to be the best guide in her health, life, relationships…and even business. Listeners will walk away with a definition of intuition, an understanding of why most of us struggle to access or trust our inner guidance, and some action steps for how to start listening to our intuition.Our FINAL round of Manifest Your Health™ Beta is now open for enrollment!Sign up now — seats are VERY limited.Timestamps:(5:35) What is intuition? (12:46) How intuition shows up in the body (20:28) Why people struggle to access and/or trust intuition (30:08) Steps to access your intuition (38:00) Discerning between intuition and fear (44:58) How to foster your kids’ intuition FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/263-how-to-listen-to-your-intuitionCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Overcoming chronic pain requires an understanding of how different parts of the body (and the mind) influence each other in the healing process. Today’s podcast guest, Dr. Perry Nickelston, focuses on healing chronic pain and inflammation via the lymphatic and vascular systems. What this conversation emphasizes, however, is the fact that nothing heals in isolation. Erin and Dr. Perry delve into why blood flow and lymphatic health are essential for the health of the rest of the brain/body (and visa versa), the importance of the vagus nerve, diaphragmatic breathing and how it keeps the lymphatic system pumping efficiently, the lymph and brain health, and more. Perry Nickelston, DC aka ‘The Lymph Doc’ is a Chiropractic Physician with primary focus on treating chronic pain and inflammation via the lymphatic and vascular systems. Owner of Stop Chasing Pain, LLC. International speaker and educator of the self care MOJO series. Lymphatic Mojo, Blood Flow Mojo, Tongue Mojo, Glymphatic Mojo, Visceral Mojo, Vagus Nerve Mojo, Primal Movement Mojo. Our FINAL round of Manifest Your Health™ Beta is now open for enrollment!Sign up now — seats are VERY limited.Timestamps:(10:58) The lymphatic system and its relation to chronic pain(19:45) Why our body parts cannot heal in isolation (33:46) How concentrating on pain can keep you unwell (43:02) Interplay between brain health and lymph health (50:12) The diaphragm: the unsung hero of functional medicine (1:01:09) The importance of the vagus nerve FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/262-lymphatic-system-healingCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

When it comes to weight, body image, and our intentions surrounding it, women often receive messaging that promotes weight loss as salvation AND anti-diet messages that promote body acceptance as the only way. These black and white messages create fragmentation within ourselves and shame surrounding whichever direction we lean. It’s not wrong to have a body image goal, but in order to achieve sustainable change, health and wellbeing, it’s necessary to understand the “why” behind these goals first. Today on the show Erin taps into these “whys” to really get to the root of our body intentions and offers up questions to uncover our own belief patterns. Our second round of Manifest Your Health™ Beta will be open for enrollment next week! Apply now to be kept in the loop — seats are VERY limited.Timestamps:(5:48) Body composition goals, our sense of worth, and shame (9:19) Fragmentation and lack of safety as it relates to food (14:03) Healing Diet Orthorexia and interoceptive awareness (17:50) Why it’s hard to “just let things go” when it comes to emotions, mindset & weight (29:28) How to approach a structured food plan without restriction (36:44) Questions to ask yourself to challenge old belief patterns FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/261-weight-loss-shame-mindsetCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Setting healthy and appropriate boundaries is vital for our health–people who struggle to prioritize themselves have also been shown to fall ill most often. The question of how to set boundaries, however, may not be the right question to start with. Instead, what we need to unpack first is: why is boundary setting so hard?In today’s discussion with Annie Hopkins, a pelvic floor physical therapist and owner of Full Bloom Wellness, Erin and Annie go over the definition of boundaries and why self-identity and self-worth is required for healthy boundary setting. Listeners will also learn the surprising brain-based distinction between compassion and empathy, and how to care for others without burning out.Timestamps:(11:25) What are boundaries? (12:31) Self-worth and self-identity (24:23) Tension between needs for attachment and autonomy (29:40) Common characteristics of ill individuals (40:09) The distinction between compassion and empathyFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/260-boundaries-life-parentingCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

A low FODMAP diet has become the sweetheart of diets in treating SIBO within the functional and conventional medicine world. However, as with any protocol implementation, one must be sure to ask, “what’s the end game here?” In this episode, Erin unpacks the low FODMAP diet, what it is, how it helps to reduce symptoms of SIBO & IBS and why she very rarely implements it with her clients. Erin clears the confusion and helps lay out how to determine if it’s right for you, as well as potential drawbacks to the diet. This episode is great for anyone who is suffering from SIBO symptoms, IBS, or are otherwise curious about transitioning onto or off of a low FODMAP diet. Timestamps:(8:06) What’s the purpose of a low FODMAP diet? (15:28) SIBO and the most misunderstood thing about a low FODMAP diet (21:19) What is a low FODMAP diet? (34:00) Using low FODMAP diet as an elimination diet: two steps (39:49) Transitioning on and off a low FODMAP diet (42:53) Downsides of being on this diet long term FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/259-low-fodmap-considerationsCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Our minds are one of the most powerful factors in healing–our thoughts and beliefs can make us well, and they can make us unwell. Understanding how your brain is hardwired and learning to believe in the possibility of change can be the key to accessing healing. Today’s episode puts the tool of manifestation on the table to show what’s possible when healing the body. In this conversation, Erin shares parts of her story and how she used manifestation to heal, as well as 5 main nuggets of wisdom that listeners can take away and apply to their own lives. If you’re struggling with fears around healing or feel you’ve exhausted options, this episode is for you!Timestamps:(3:32) The origin story of Manifest Your Health™ (7:27) Hardwired beliefs and the reticular activating system (12:10) Breaking the stress-fear-symptom cycle (13:56) Magnetizing realities through feeling (19:00) Frequency medicine and subconscious reprogramming (30:58) Limiting beliefs and compassionate self-ownership FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/258-manifestation-self-healingCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Terms like “leaky gut” and “microbiome” are buzzwords in health these days–so much so that practitioners sometimes jump to prescribing a leaky gut protocol without understanding what’s going on in the whole body.This episode gives an overview of gut health from top to tail and explains where things can go wrong. There is a WEALTH of information in this discussion–Erin talks about autoimmunity, hormones, and the impact of the modern environment on our gut health. Stay tuned until the end for actionable tips on how to improve your gut health and microbiome diversity!Timestamps:(2:44) Leaky Gut diagnoses—are they legit? (9:35) Comparing the “modern gut” with a healthy one (10:30) The North-to-South process of digestion, and what to look for BEFORE you focus on Leaky Gut (29:45) Weight gain, brain fog, depression, anxiety, asthma, allergies, hormone imbalance, and autoimmunity—Leaky Gut symptoms that aren’t just digestive (39:55) Specific causes of Leaky Gut (50:21) How to support a diversity & abundance of healthy bacteria in the gut FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/257-leaky-gut-microbiome-digestionCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Staying healthy while traveling doesn’t have to be a challenge–it just takes planning ahead and knowing some tips and tricks! Being in a different place and off your normal schedule can throw your system off-balance, but these hacks will help you stay happy and healthy while on the road.This episode responds to listener questions Erin received after returning from a week-long trip. After listening to this episode, you will come away with healthy snack ideas for the plane, the best supplements to bring while traveling and why, how to eat and drink on vacation without derailing your immune system, post-travel best practices, and more.Timestamps:(2:24) Erin’s go-to travel snacks (13:23) Key supplements for travel: what and why (28:35) Regulating the digestive system while traveling (38:02) Alcohol: what’s a balanced approach? (46:25) Sleep and health in a different environment (51:42) Post-travel lymphatic support FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/256-healthy-travel-hacksCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

When it comes to overall gut and hormonal health, the gallbladder is an unsung hero. It plays a crucial role not just in digestion and your ability to access nutrients in food, but also with detoxification and your hormone systems. Unfortunately early gallbladder issues are often missed in conventional treatment. While there are instances when gallbladder removal is necessary, removing the gallbladder typically doesn’t resolve the gallbladder issue. This is because it doesn’t address WHY the gallbladder issues arose in the first place. Today Erin packs an information-heavy episode all about the importance and roles of the gallbladder, bile production, and alerts you to some of the warning signs you may be having issues with your biliary tract. The purpose of sharing this is so you can not just take in this information and comprehend it, but to really take preventative measures BEFORE you get to the point of surgery.Head to our podcast search page to find episodes on any topic!Timestamps:(7:10) The gallbladder and its functions (12:42) Why gallbladder removal surgery may not resolve gallbladder problems (17:27) Symptoms of sludge and inefficient bile release (20:36) Why bile is so important (36:06) Factors that can increase risk of gallstones (38:53) How to support overall bile production FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/255-gallbladder-bile-gut-hormonesCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

From reproduction to physical well-being, pleasure, and partner connection, sex is a fundamental part of life–and yet, our society is so uncomfortable with the topic that productive conversations about sex are rare. As a result, many people (particularly women) end up with shame and confusion about their bodies, and questions about what’s “normal” go unasked or unanswered.Dr. Jolene Brighten’s work answers these questions. Dr. Jolene is an award-winning board-certified naturopathic endocrinologist, hormone expert, and author of the book Is This Normal. In this episode, Erin and Dr. Jolene discuss the origins of shame around sex and pleasure in our culture, answer common questions about odors, discharges, and pain, and explore the orgasm gap and what women can do both physically and with mindset to increase their experiences of pleasure. Head to our podcast search page to find episodes on any topic!Timestamps:(6:18) Why is there so much shame around sex? (19:49) Odors and discharges explained(23:45) The “orgasm gap” and the purpose of orgasms (35:38) How to explore pleasure around sex (38:00) Impact of cyclical hormones on female pleasure (48:13) Virginity as a societal construct FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/254-sexual-health-pleasureDr. Jolene Brighten is a hormone expert, nutrition scientist, and thought leader in women’s medicine. She is board certified in naturopathic endocrinology and trained in clinical sexology. Check out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Secretory IgA is the dominant antibody in our gut mucosal layer and acts as a “first line of defense” against pathogens. When Secretory IgA is low, it’s like the bouncer at the bar is gone. The lower the SIgA is, the more prone you are to acquiring infections AND the less likely you are to clear up existing infections in your gut.Today Erin covers Secretory IgA and why it’s so important when it comes to overall immune and gut health. She discusses where this antibody is found and reasons why it may be low or high on a lab test. Erin also highlights an important contributing factor that even functional medicine can miss: your mindset. Head to our podcast search page to find episodes on any topic!Timestamps:(7:58) How Secretory IgA protects us from food sensitivities (9:11) What happens when Secretory IgA is low (and what it means if it’s elevated) (12:38) The often overlooked aspect of healing (23:36) Stress, leaky gut, cortisol dysregulation and their connection to Secretory IgA (25:01) Factors that support healthy Secretory IgA levels (29:30) Self-compassion and releasing guilt FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/253-gut-health-mindset-immunityCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

The bacterium Akkermansia Muciniphila comprises 1-3% of gut microbiota in healthy adults, and is considered a keystone microbe–some have even referred to it as the potential “holy grail” of improving metabolic diseases. Low levels of Akkermansia are often seen paired together with low levels of secretory IgA, and the reasons behind that demonstrate just how layered and complex our gut health really is.In today’s conversation, Erin unpacks the reasons why low levels of Akkermansia and SIgA are often seen together, from deficient mucus layers to overall low beneficial bacteria production; the impact of low Akkermansia and SIgA on immune reactions and food sensitivities; how bacteria cross-feed each other and why that’s important for microbiome ecology; and ways to increase Akkermansia to support overall metabolic health.Today, we’re also announcing the beta program launch of Manifest Your Health™! Learn more on our website at www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/manifest-your-health. Timestamps:(1:22) Manifest Your Health™ beta program launch announced (8:08) Link between Akkermansia & SIgA(14:37) How Akkermansia impacts mucus layer of the gut(17:31) Mucus, SIgA, dendritic cells, and food sensitivities(20:41) Bacteria cross-feeding in the gut(24:00) Ways to boost Akkermansia levelsFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/252-akkermansia-gut-healthCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Food sensitivities are a growing problem—and the reasons behind it are complex. Unpacking food sensitivities is NOT a straightforward task, but today Erin helps make sense of all the moving parts. In this episode, Erin discusses food sensitivity testing, the differences between food allergies and food sensitivities, symptoms and signs you might have a food sensitivity, the science behind our body’s reactions to foods, how our hormones relate, downsides to restrictive healing diets, and considerations to take if you suspect you may have a food sensitivity.The truth is, getting to the root of food sensitivities is a lot more complicated than an at-home test commercial will ever tell you. After listening to this episode you’ll understand why, and come away with more knowledge, potential solutions, and hope for getting to the root of your own sensitivities. Please share with anyone who could also benefit from this valuable information!Head to our podcast search page to find episodes on any topic!Timestamps:(6:30) The downsides of restrictive healing diets(21:47) Food Allergy vs Food Sensitivity(41:05) Why food sensitivities are more common today(47:19) The interplay of estrogen, cortisol and dendritic cells (52:31) Food sensitivity testing: yay or nay?(1:00:54) What to do and how to truly heal your sensitivities to foodFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/251-food-sensitivities-testing-symptomsCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

If you’ve been following along with TFN the last couple weeks, you’ve heard about the external sh*tstorm that severely impacted our podcast listenership. Today, Erin shares the story of what happened and why, and the overwhelming support we received from the TFN community in response (thank you!!). This show goes into some of the lessons learned from the situation and how this moment is an invitation for a total energy revamp, both for the podcast as well as for you, the listener. Right now, there are cosmic shifts taking place that bring us all to a crossroads, in which we have the choice to step into our power and make decisions for the higher good. Erin talks through these shifts as they relate to the future of the podcast, and also shares the importance of working on the energy around the heart wall, why we need to plug into our own power rather than outsource for answers, and the heart medicine of allowing others to take care of us.Timestamps(4:02) Cosmic shifts and self-sourcing for answers(7:25) What happened to the podcast(14:58) Belief in your power and capacity to heal(19:45) Third chakra excess and what it looks like(21:38) Heart wall healing work (31:42) The future of The Funk’tional Nutrition PodcastFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/250-heart-energy-expansionCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

A note from Erin: This week I shared on Instagram what's been going on with the podcast and I was really, really overwhelmed (in the best way possible) with the outpouring of support. I figured I should also share this with the rest of our community. In the grand scheme of all of the things going on in this world, this is a small problem, and I fully recognize that. But after reading through all my DMs, and hearing very personalized stories of how my podcast has quite literally changed lives, I don't want to downplay this, either. It's important that I continue to show up for this work...because the reality is that people need this help. Today’s minisode has the full story.

Can we take a root cause approach to healing depression? And is our current clinical psychiatry model supportive of finding a root cause? Just like with chronic physical illness, a common pattern in psychiatric medicine is to reach the diagnosis and then manage symptoms, rather than addressing the root issue. But what would it look like to get curious and ask why depression is there, and what it might be trying to tell us on a deeper, psychospiritual level? Join Erin for a conversation with Astrid Schmidt, LCSW-R, a Certified Gestalt Therapist and the creator of the Spiral Mapping™ Method, a creative healing approach designed to help folks master their core healing themes of this lifetime. This conversation digs into the effects of being labeled a “depressed person,” the invitation of depression, working with the inner child, and ultimately how to find *your* medicine. Please note that this is NOT medical advice or a condemnation of conventional psychiatry; rather, this episode is a big-picture conversation which intends to explore new ways of thinking about our health.Timestamps:(5:45) Introducing Astrid and Gestalt Therapy(12:42) “Organic depression” vs. “clinical depression”(19:25) What is the Self?(33:15) Depression as an initiation(38:35) What does your diagnosis feel like?(42:25) Spiral Mapping™ explainedFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/249-healing-depression-holistically

Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it can’t harm you. Herbs have the capacity to negatively alter our gut microbiome if they aren’t used properly, so it’s important to know the root cause before diving into herbal remedies for gut problems. And it’s especially important to seek professional help rather than self-diagnosing and treating with potentially harmful remedies.In this episode, Erin discusses problems with antibiotics and herbal remedies (spoiler alert: they have similar problems), why the 5R protocol needs a revamp, when it’s time to explore functional lab testing, and how to safely support your gut health at home. This conversation is also great for practitioners seeking to learn more about how to treat the gut safely and effectively!If you’re a practitioner and looking for the education and expert support system to help you level up, the Funk’tional Nutrition Academy is currently open for enrollment, with only a few seats left! Spring Cohort begins April 1.Timestamps:(14:35) Parallels between antibiotics and herbal remedies(21:32) Why you shouldn’t use grapefruit seed oil to treat your gut (30:24) Oregano oil and its effects on beneficial bacteria(37:41) The 5R protocol and where it falls short(1:07:26) Steps to support gut health at home(1:15:09) Erin’s top labs for testing the gutFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/248-gut-health-treatmentsCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram

A lot of practitioners, especially those newer to functional medicine, put pressure on themselves to be all the things and know all the things–which can often lead to crippling self-doubt. The successful practitioner, on the other hand, is one who has a solid sense of self, works within their skill sets and strengths, and acknowledges their limitations. Continuing last week’s conversation, Erin dives into the mindset piece of becoming a good practitioner. Comparison, self doubt, and imposter syndrome all hold people back from sharing their gifts, which is why doing inner work and overcoming self-doubt is REQUIRED in order to be of greater service to those who need it most.If you’re a practitioner and looking for the education and expert support system to help you level up, the Funk’tional Nutrition Academy is currently open for enrollment! PLUS, practitioners are invited to join us for a FREE Functional Lab Testing Masterclass on Thursday March 23rd at 6pm ET!Timestamps:(9:00) Who is an “expert” and the Dunning-Kruger effect(12:30) Referrals and recognizing your own limitations(24:39) Gap & Gain and knowing your zone of genius (35:03) The root cause of imposter syndrome(38:53) Strategies for building rapport with your clients(42:00) Marketing your skills and reframing “selling” FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/247-functional-practitioner-mindsetCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram

There’s no question that the conventional medicine system is tragically broken. We’re seeing a greater demand for another way, and functional practitioners are filling that need. But if you’re a newer practitioner, how do you get started growing your skillset and confidence, and do so in a way that is responsible to your clients?In the first episode of a 2-part conversation, Erin presents actionable steps for practitioners to become advanced in their fields and accelerate their clients’ transformation. Seeking mentorship, developing an advanced mindset and critical thinking skills, and devoting oneself to continued education are all key elements to building a successful practice and getting tangible results. If you’re a practitioner and looking for the education and expert support system to help you level up, the Funk’tional Nutrition Academy is currently open for enrollment, with early bird enrollment bonuses available now through March 17! PLUS, practitioners are invited to join us for a FREE Functional Lab Testing Masterclass on Thursday March 23rd at 6pm ET!Timestamps:(9:05) Imposter syndrome and the catch-22 of growing your practice(13:41) Accelerating growth with mentorship(18:56) Developing an advanced clinical thought process(22:57) Importance of practicing WHILE you learn(33:15) Trying new things and sources of support(37:07) Continuing education and self-studyFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/246-better-functional-practitionerCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram

Why do some functional medicine providers have waitlists and others don’t? A functional medicine approach at its core is a root cause resolution approach, and successful providers are those who have honed their skills at quickly identifying root causes and creating effective treatment plans. And while labs can help direct that treatment, being a functional provider is more than just ordering labs–you have not only know what labs to run, but WHEN and WHY to choose them, and what to do with the results.Today, Team FN shares their most favorite functional labs – AND discusses their approach and philosophies around ordering labs and how they discern which labs are right for which client. Grab a pen and paper–this conversation has nuggets of wisdom for both practitioners who want to fine-tune their approaches to lab testing AND the layperson who wants to better understand which labs to ask for.If you’re a practitioner and you’d like to learn more about using a unique approach to functional lab testing to accelerate your clients’ transformation, join us for a FREE Functional Lab Testing Masterclass on Thursday March 23rd at 6pm ET!!Timestamps:(12:25) Two main functions of running lab tests(15:45) Rachel’s “Big 5” foundations of health(23:18) Why Rachel likes to run bloodwork on every patient(36:23) GI MAP and what to consider when stool testing(49:24) When and why to run a Wheat Zoomer(52:16) Tox/mycotox panels, DUTCH tests, and other FN favorite labsFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/245-favorite-functional-labsCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram

Thyroid dysfunction affects approximately 28 million Americans–8 out of 10 of which are women. In fact, hypothyroid is so commonplace that Levothyroxine is consistently one of the top-prescribed drugs year after year. There are a lot of ways to support the thyroid before it gets to this point, so we have to ask ourselves WHY this issue is so common and how we can be proactive about achieving optimal thyroid health.Like most other areas of our health, thyroid health is multifaceted, and there are plenty of possible causes for dysfunction. In under 60 minutes, Erin breaks down the symptoms of hypothyroid; the impact of root causes such as caloric restriction, liver health, and non-thyroid hormonal balance; things your conventional medicine practitioner might miss in lab results; and the relationship between the energetic body and the thyroid.Join Your Hormone Revival™ for our final live round!Timestamps:(5:18) Symptoms of hypothyroid (9:16) Understanding thyroid physiology (17:22) Thyroid and diet (20:22) Relationship between liver and thyroid function (23:07) Impact of non-thyroid hormone balance (30:46) Thyroid health, energetic work, and self-expression FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/244-thyroid-dysfunctionCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram

Today Erin is teaching you how to balance your hormones using the 5 key elements of hormone health – do these things and you WILL balance your hormones. If you need more specificity, resources and support, then we invite you to join us in our final live round of Your Hormone Revival. Our lab testing will pinpoint specifically where you’re imbalanced so we can help resolve the root of your hormone imbalance. Join Your Hormone Revival™ for our final live round!Timestamps:(3:00) Enhance your hormonal health with these dietary strategies(5:09) Balance your hormones by balancing your blood sugar(7:25) Why movement is medicine & what specific types of movement supports hormones(9:16) Skeletal muscle & insulin - why it matters(17:42) Supporting your hormone detoxification by decreasing your exposure to toxins.(28:44) Nervous system: balancing hormones from the brain down & why perfectionism drives hormone imbalanceRelated Episodes -Episode 72: Exercising for “Adrenal Fatigue” & Cortisol DysregulationEpisode 192: Sustainable Strength Training with Nora MatthewFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/243-balance-hormones-hourCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram

In this episode, we're discussing how the brain directly affects your hormones, the distinction between consuming and integrating information, and ways to train your brain to be more resilient to life's stressors.Welcome to the Funk'tional Nutrition Podcast. I'm your host, Erin Holt. I've got a bone to pick with diet culture and the conventional healthcare model that are both systematically failing so many of us. Creating a new model is my life's work, and this is what this show's all about. (Disclaimer: Please keep in mind this podcast is created for educational purposes only and should never be used as a replacement for medical diagnosis or treatment.)Join Your Hormone Revival™ for our final live round!Timestamps:(4:26) - There is no reset button for hormones(8:53) - “The IIT factor”, and the difference between consuming and integrating information(12:08) -  Understanding the HPA axis and our brain’s feedback loop(19:38) - What is the “functional root cause approach” for hormones?(26:28) - Examining thoughts and fears to change our biochemistry(37:19) - 3 tips to improve brain resiliency Related Episode -Episode 161: How Fear Affects the Body & BrainFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/242-hormones-brain-chemistryCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Birth control - it’s a hot topic in more ways than one. There are many misconceptions and misguided information when it comes to understanding birth control and its effects on your body. So today Erin sits down with Rachel Mistry, RD, MSN,  the Lead Practitioner on our team, as we dive in and discuss what is “Post-Birth Control Syndrome”, how birth control affects our cycle and different systems in the body, post-pill detoxification, and more. They also discuss therapeutic interventions and what to do when you’re on or off the pill. In this episode, please keep in mind that we are not anti-birth control, we are pro-education. That being said, Erin’s stance on birth control is “You are the authority on you. You decide what to do with your body. I believe in informed consent. But in order for you to give informed consent, you must first be informed.”In this episode:Defining Post-Birth Control Syndrome, the symptoms & how the pill works  [3:40] How birth control can disrupt the phases in your cycle [8:07]Listening & connecting your mind and body during your cycle [14:40]The different systems that birth control can impact, nutrients & side effects of deficiencies [20:19]Let’s talk about post-pill detoxification [27:46]Hormonal imbalances when you’re on and off the pill & why acne post-pill so common [47:02]Real-world examples of what we see in clinic with the pill – and what helps[49:51]If you are experiencing any of the symptoms we discussed in today’s show, consider joining our 3 month hormone rebalancing program, Your Hormone Revival. We have helped hundreds of women feel good again - and this is the last time we will run this program live! Enrollment opens February 13th. Join the waitlist today!FOR A FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO:https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/241-post-birth-control-syndrome

Do you ever feel like you’re in an endless loop when it comes to your health? Have you been diagnosed with Long Haulers or another chronic condition and feel like you’re in a vicious cycle of fear and anxiety? Have you been made to believe that it’s “all in your head”?What if we told you that is technically true? Well…sort of. Your brain plays a key role in chronic conditions, but that doesn’t mean your symptoms aren’t real. Today, Erin dives into key concepts of neuroplasticity, understanding how our brain functions from start to finish whenever our body’s health has been compromised, factors that lead to chronic conditions, why certain hormones make us feel certain emotions (hint: it involves the amygdala & insula), and the three main areas of focus when it comes to retraining our brain to veer away from this loop of symptoms.In this episode, we want you to keep in mind that everyone is coming to this show at different levels of their healing journey, and if you are dealing with a chronic ongoing issue, all of your experiences and emotions are valid. By the end of this episode, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how your mind can help you overcome the stresses - and symptoms - of chronic conditions at your own pace and strength. Our hope & my intention is that this episode provides healing strategies that may not have been presented to you before.In this episode:On having the emotional maturity to self-filter [2:40]How our brains are never static with the body & are naturally wired for survival [8:01]Chronic conditions and the certain factors that lead to it [16:47]How the amygdala and insula may be involved in over-triggering the hyper-defense response [19:31]The first step to retraining your brain: nervous system downregulation [26:28] How retraining the brain can change our bodies [38:15]Learning to engage with elevated emotions as a way to change your brain [39:14]FOR A FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/240-neurobiology-chronic-conditions

If you or anyone you know has gotten COVID, did you ever wonder why the recovery period took longer than it should have? Instead of weeks to recover, it turned into months? Well, there is an answer for that: Long COVID.Today, Erin sits down with Rachel Mistry, RD, MSN, our lead practitioner to talk about Long COVID’s foundations, the factors as to why its recovery phase earns its label, what kinds of symptoms are present, the kinds of people who are most prone to getting this virus, and etc.Erin and Rachel also talk about the kinds of support or treatment that people affected with long COVID can start doing, the types of supplements that will help strengthen your immunity and metabolism, and how we can slowly begin to build a healthier lifestyle in order to decrease the chances of risks happening to our bodies.Do you know anyone who's experiencing Long COVID? Share this episode & help them understand the symptoms and what they can do to improve their health!In this episode:Defining Long COVID & how it works [3:21]What is Mast Cell Activation (MCAS)? [8:51]What other symptoms do we see from long-haulers? [10:31]What other factors can we see from Long COVID? [19:49]Identifying what puts people at risk for getting Long COVID [24:52]Areas that we can provide support or treatment for long-haulers [28:23]How can diet & change in lifestyle can support these long-haulers [30:53]Vital supplements we need to take to lessen the risks of Long COVID [40:37]FOR A FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO:https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/239-long-covid

Today Erin is talking about Ozempic and Wegovy, popular medications used for Type 2 Diabetes and weight loss.Today is *not* a show to convince you to do anything or not do anything. Instead, Erin recorded this for people interested in these drugs to better help you understand the potential risks, and for practitioners to better help their clients/patients understand these medications.Erin also provides ways to naturally increase the GLP-1 hormone in the event that you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars injecting yourself every week with a pharmaceutical.We hope this helps you better understand these super popular drugs, and if so - please share it with friends & family who are talking about it.In this episode:How are Ozempic and Wegovy different? [2:50]What is the mechanism of action of Ozempic and Wegovy? [3:29]GLP-1: what does it do? [9:14]How do Ozempic and Wegovy help you lose weight? [13:57]The downsides (and why playing the long game matters) [16:01]How to naturally increase GLP-1 & Satiety [27:33]Specific macronutrients to enhance GLP-1 [29:36]Specific foods to include to increase GLP-1 [35:41]Join Carb Compatibility Project: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/ccp FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/238-ozempic-wegovy-weight-loss

Today’s episode was inspired by a recent poll on Erin’s Instagram, where she asked “What’s something that bothers you about wellness?”There was a strong recurring theme in your answers - Folks are overwhelmed with broad sweeping generalizations, and exhausted with feeling like better health requires an all-or-nothing approach. It’s easy to feel like we’re falling short when we’re being inundated with ALL the health information, ALL the time.So to help you all with this, Erin asked different people about real, basic strategies that work for them. This episode is a little different and includes the perspectives of practitioners and non-practitioners. It’s a peek behind the curtain of what real people are doing in their day-to-day lives.Tune in as members of Erin’s team answer two big questions about what they do for their health: “What’s something that you do every day that’s a non-negotiable, built in habit?” and “What’s something you learned or implemented in 2022 that you would want to share with someone else?”In this episode:How Erin stopped overthinking nutrition [4:24]New fitness choices that shifted things around for Erin in 2022 [8:16]An effective mantra that Erin uses (that you can use too!) [10:50]Meet Rachel [14:12]The impact of setting personal and professional boundaries [15:08]Why communicating boundaries is as important as setting them [18:25]Is your relationship with coffee healthy? [19:30]Meet Jenna [25:02]A before and after of building a daily meditation practice [26:42]Tips for starting a practice of your own [31:08]The benefits of considering meal composition [32:38]Meet Laura [37:41]The power of intention [39:28]How do you build habits? [43:28]A simple practice for staying present [46:25] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/237-tips-healthy-living

For the last podcast of the year, we’re bringing you an unscripted conversation between two friends and colleagues.Erin and Michelle are two nutritionists who exist in the gray area - the messy middle - of nutrition and wellness. They both live and practice in the space that requires nuance, context, critical thinking, compassion…and conversation.Today’s episode is a convo between two wellness professionals who work with people to help them feel better, who don’t swear allegiance to any ONE dietary paradigm or methodology, and whose primary focus is to advocate for the needs of their clients. Because it’s their clients who suffer when they try to adhere to the dichotomous “THIS OR THAT” food, nutrition, diet & health rules that run rampant in the wellness space.Michelle Shapiro is an Integrative Functional Registered Dietitian from NYC with 8+ years of experience serving over 1000 clients to reverse their anxiety, heal longstanding gut issues and approach weight loss lovingly and in a body neutral way. Michelle, in her work, aims to bridge the gap for clients between functional nutrition and body positivity. And that’s exactly what we’re chatting about in today’s show.In this episode:What’s the difference between the “diet industry” and “diet culture”? [6:31]Erin’s 6 minute rant to summarize what she has seen in nutrition over the past decade plus [8:34]Michelle’s weight loss story [13:22]Physiological drivers of anxiety & panic attacks [16:28]The role of self-betrayal in our health [18:12]Autonomy of thought - the most powerful healing tool you have? [21:48]The entry point to listening to yourself [23:10]Intersection between functional nutrition and body neutrality: can they coexist? [29:15]What’s a consent-based approach to nutrition? [31:09]Hear why Michelle and Erin get fired up about “conventional medicine disguised as functional medicine” [32:36]Integration between the physical and the psychological - and why this at the heart of functional medicine [35:42]Okay I left diet culture…now what?! [38:47]How pushing through discomfort can mute your body’s signals (and what The Biggest Loser can teach us) [42:07]When ancient practices become trends - and the problems that can arise [46:50]The 3Cs that MUST be brought into nutrition [54:50]Take-away summary of our discussion [55:43]The one question to ask yourself with all material you read and every interaction with a practitioner [1:00:48]FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/236-functional-nutrition-body-neutrality

You enjoyed our last Manifest Your Health™ coaching episode so much (thanks for the feedback!) that we brought it back! Today’s episode covers a listener struggling with insulin resistance, prediabetic blood sugar, PCOS and hormone issues - despite doing ALL THE THINGS.Erin unpacks this from a multidimensional approach - not *just* addressing the physical concerns, but also asking insightful questions into the listener’s mental, emotional, and energy states as well.We know a LOT of folks can relate to this conversation and you’ll walk away with a lot of a-ha moments!A sweet note from us to you: While we don’t give health advice in DMs, emails or comments, we ALWAYS love to hear your breakthroughs and a-ha moments from the podcast. We also get so much joy out of seeing you tag @the.funktional.nutritionist when you’re listening to Erin, so if you’re into spreading cheer, please keep sharing loud for all to hear!In this episode:-Managing your energy, sleep, headaches, brain fog and mood [3:47]-Do you need a CGM to regulate blood sugar? [6:27]-Why your major health anxiety (aka healthxiety) can prevent healing [11:29]-Are you pushing past your body’s capacity in the pursuit of better health? [25:42]-Blood sugar is more than just diet, carbs and exercise - here’s what you may be missing [32:55]-Lab test markers for blood sugar, glucose control and oxidative stress [38:19]-Supplements for blood sugar regulation [43:14]-The emotions and energetics behind exhaustion [44:51]-Productivity in awareness and presence [48:51]-The emotions and energetics of insulin resistance [53:48]-Journal prompts for excess and deficient energy [58:37]Carb Compatibility Project - Sign up today! https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/ccpFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/235-manifest-health-blood-sugar-insulin-resistance-anxiety

A recent moment of serendipity led me to an invitation for a Mastermind event in Santa Monica. It was WAY outside my comfort zone. And I went anyway. But not without fear, discomfort and anxiety.In order to expand beyond the edges of your comfort zone, you have to first find those edges, and bump up against them. And that sh*t is uncomfortable.Attending this event asked me to punch holes in a LOT of belief systems about myself. To really look at the stories I was telling myself about myself and ask: are these true? Do I want to continue to operate as though these are true? What stories and beliefs need updating? Am I willing to step out of these in order to create a new story for myself?And I had the opportunity to do this with a LOT of beliefs, ALL AT ONCE, in a very short period of time.Within 36 hours of being home, I grabbed the mic so I could talk you through the exact process of how I held myself through the discomfort of growth. And how WORTH IT it was.And also share with you the clarity, self-acceptance and magic I found on the other side.This episode is all about expanding our capacity for what we give ourselves permission to be, do and have.– From ErinIn this episode:-Upcoming $44 breathwork event for setting new year intentions [5:06]-What’s a Mastermind and why Erin joined one [8:29]-Punching holes in beliefs in order to grow [11:11]-How to safely stretch the edges of your comfort zone [17:45]-What it means when your emotional reaction is disproportionate to a situation - and what to do [20:06]-Parts Integration for healing [22:40]-The magic on the other side of discomfort [36:59]-7 questions to ask yourself by the end of the year [46:46]Sign up for the Breathwork Event here: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/newyearFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/234-holding-yourself-back

On today’s show Erin sits down with Angelo Keely, the Co-founder and CEO of Kion, a supplement and functional food company dedicated to helping health and fitness enthusiasts live long, fun, active lives by providing clean, energy enhancing solutions.Angelo knows his stuff when it comes to protein intake, so this is exactly what this episode is all about - protein needs, different types of protein, amino acids, strategizing protein intake for muscle mass, and why building muscle is a worthwhile health investment.Like Erin, Angelo does not subscribe to any one diet dogma, so it was great to get his well rounded thoughts on all things protein and amino acids. Erin enjoyed talking to him so much that she lost track of time, so we know you’re gonna love this discussion, too!In this episode:-Get to know Angelo Keely, co-founder of Kion Aminos [4:18]-Why building muscle supports longevity, healthy aging, and fat loss [10:44]-Anabolic resistance and using amino acids for aging, stress, injury and sickness [13:04]-The metabolic impacts of protein intake and maintaining muscle [16:40]-How the body uses plant proteins, animal proteins, and raw amino acids [19:22]-The optimal combination of amino acids for muscle protein synthesis [21:05]-Recommendations for protein intake based on your weight and goals [25:45]-How essential amino acids prevent muscle loss while fasting [35:50]-Whole food options to increase your protein [39:38]-Using amino acids to support blood sugar regulation between meals [45:05]-Leveraging amino acids for fasting with chronic SIBO and GI issues [46:48]-Whey protein powders or amino acids - which one should you use? [47:47]-The best way to leverage Kion Aminos for building muscle when resistance training [52:15]-Angelo’s thoughts on Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) [54:06]FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/233-protein-intake-building-muscle-mass

Whether you like it or not, social media is a pretty omnipresent part of our life. It’s here, and it’s here to stay. So it makes good sense to figure out how to engage with it in a way that supports us and makes us feel good. And based on Erin’s recent Instagram polls (oh, irony), this is currently not the case for many.In today’s episode, Erin examines how she has been feeling about social media, which seems to be part of the collective felt experience – for creators and consumers alike.We’re calling this one a “think piece” because it’s designed to do just that – get you to think about your consumption AND evaluate: How does this make me feel? And do I want to change? From there, we can incorporate that data into actionable steps.Erin rounds out this discussion with strategies to redefine how you engage with social media, including ways to bring more intentionality, presence and appreciation into your consumption (and creation!).This conversation is relevant whether you’re a content creator, consumer, an educator, someone looking to be educated, a business owner, a parent/caretaker…or some mix of all of the above.In this episode:-Lessons from eclipse szn [2:48]-Hyperconnectivity vs. disconnection from self [9:09]-What’s up with social media? A collective felt experience [10:19]-The 3 main reasons why people are feeling overwhelmed [16:41]-Why rest is resistance [18:26]-Perspective & insights from creators [19:32]-Why unconscious consumption feels bad for everyone [29:07]-Social media & your brain chemistry [39:00]-What’s dopamine got to do with it? [44:44]-Moving from distraction to clarity [47:06]-Your power is in your presence [48:31]-A POWERFUL question to ask yourself [52:02]-Specific practices to redefine your relationship with social media [58:59]-Bringing intentionality, presence and appreciation into your consumption - and creation [1:02:19]FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/232-brain-health-intentionality-social-media

Get a taste of how Erin blends functional medicine, energy anatomy & intuitive medicine in her unique functional alchemy approach.This Manifest Your Health™ coaching episode addresses a listener’s struggles with SIBO, IBS, GERD & constipation. Podcast listener Hillary is a classic example of someone stuck in the symptom ⇒ diagnosis ⇒ prescription of conventional medicine (without feeling better).Erin discusses strategies to feel better, as well as functional lab testing to gather more information. She also offers insight into the emotions and energetics behind Hillary’s symptoms to help her figure out what is at the TRUE root of her ongoing health issues.This is a great episode for anyone struggling with ongoing SIBO, IBS, constipation - or any practitioner who works with clients with GI disorders!In this episode:-Where to start BEFORE thinking about functional lab testing [5:13]-Unpacking the health history timeline - and why it’s so imperative [7:40]-What is a tortuous or redundant colon? [13:16]-Can we blame all symptoms on the diagnosis? [15:11]-Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth [15:55]-Symptoms associated with methane gas [16:24]-The GERD-SIBO connection [19:01]-Treatment strategies for gastritis [23:58]-Prokinetics [30:04]-Why up to 2/3 of SIBO patients will relapse [35:30]-Root causes of SIBO [35:49]-Functional medicine lab testing for SIBO, IBS and constipation [39:23]-The emotions and energetics behind constipation [45:45]-The emotions and energetics behind gastritis [50:33]FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/231-manifest-health-sibo-ibs-gerd-constipation

There's no doubt that autoimmune illness is on the rise. Maybe you've been diagnosed with an autoimmune illness or you have a history of autoimmune illness in your family, and you want to learn more. It's important to understand the possible triggers of autoimmunity and flare-ups and the tests available to understand which triggers have the greatest effect on you. You really want to be able to identify your unique root causes.In the previous episodes of this series, Erin has discussed what autoimmunity is, some of the causes, the stages, and conventional testing. In today's episode, she will share how autoimmunity can be 'turned on', various functional medicine tests that can be used in identification and treatment, and things that can be tried before going in for functional medicine tests. Erin will not be sharing specific treatment strategies. Please consult a member of your healthcare team who understands the specifics of your case.Whether you have an autoimmune disease, a history of autoimmunity in your family, or you're a practitioner, this episode is densely packed with information that will help you take a functional, root-cause approach to autoimmunity.In this episode:-The role food plays in the autoimmunity process [2:00]-Can you do anything before you try functional lab testing? [5:20]-The dynamic process contributing to autoimmunity [10:48]-What is molecular mimicry & how does it play a role in autoimmunity? [14:23]-How bystander activation can lead to autoimmunity [20:35]-Functional medicine lab tests [22:19]-What's the connection between a leaky gut and autoimmune disease? [27:50]-The importance of a healthy microbiome [32:48]-Food sensitivities and our inflammatory load [35:37]-Chemical and environmental triggers [41:19]-The Psychoneuroimmune response [51:27]FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/230-autoimmunity-triggers-root-cause-functional-labs

Self-compassion: not typically considered a healing "biohack", but today's show might change your opinion on that.It's fair to say that most of us struggle with self-compassion. With easy access to external influences (hello social media, beauty standards, and manipulative marketing), it becomes easy to view ourselves through an excessively critical lens. Self-compassion is an important part of a complete healing plan, which is why Erin and one of her mentors, Jessica Flanigan Brown, bring this topic to light. Simply put, the concept of self-compassion is foreign to most in the disordered eating space, and especially in mainstream diet culture. Self compassion is the missing link to helping those affected by eating disorders to heal and persevere.Tune in to learn about self-compassion and its critical components, the difference between intuitive eating and the self-compassion-centered concept of "Inner Eater", and relatable client examples where self-compassion-centered treatment has been successful. Walk away knowing how to take your first steps towards practicing self-compassion. Most importantly, be part of the ripple effect of healing and share this episode with someone in your life who may struggle with self-compassion.In this episode:-Get to know Jessica [2:21]-Why Jessica transitioned from primarily working with autoimmunity to the eating disorder cohort [6:48]-Emotional resilience: What is it, and do you have it? [11:18]-What are the primary components of self-compassion and how do they relate? [12:08]-Why intuitive eating doesn't work for everyone [14:48]-How to begin developing self-compassion and trusting ourselves [21:48]-How Jessica's concept of our "Inner Eater" differs from intuitive eating [28:48]-A few real-world examples of how the "Inner Eater" has been implemented [33:48]-What is the path to get started on practicing self-compassion? [47:48]-All about Transformational Eating™️ and how to connect with Jessica [49:48]Jessica Flanigan Brown is a clinical nutritionist and author of The Loving Diet. Jessica has been practicing clinical nutrition for 25 years. In her clinical practice, she specializes in gut restoration, and in her coaching practice, she specializes in disordered eating, especially in mid-life. She is finishing at Stanford University School of Medicine’s CCARE Applied Compassion Training program, where she will be a certified compassion teacher and educator. She helps others to get in touch with the healing power of their hearts with a practical approach. Find Jessica on IG @thelovingdietConnect with her on her website: thelovingdiet.comLearn more about her Transformational Eating™️ course here: thelovingdiet.com/landing-pageFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/229-self-compassion-disordered-eating

Part three of the Understanding Autoimmunity series explains why autoimmunity is becoming so prevalent. Erin dives into the roles our modern food sources, microbiome, and environmental chemicals each play in autoimmunity. If you have been diagnosed with autoimmunity, this episode should help you understand your own unique story.Erin also provides information to help you understand ways to prevent autoimmunity. Even if you carry the underlying genes for autoimmunity, you have a lot of influence over whether or not these genes are expressed. In this episode:Autoimmunity statistics and causes [5:30]The role that our food source plays in autoimmunity [17:30]The link between autoimmunity and glyphosate [27:30]Why our immune system is dependent upon the health of our microbiome [33:30]How environmental chemicals can trigger autoimmunity [38:00]The good news: autoimmunity responds well to a healthy diet, lifestyle, and mindset [42:30]FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO:https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/228-autoimmunity-series-part3-genetics-microbiome-chemicals-environment

In part two of the Understanding Autoimmunity series, Erin unpacks the immune system. If you missed part one of the series, Episode 226, it is recommended you go back and listen to that episode first.Today, Erin discusses the components of the immune system, things that can get dysregulated with autoimmunity, and some conventional lab testing you can use to establish a baseline that will help you monitor your progress. She will provide some more clarity on what to look for in your lab results and some guidance on how to interpret the numbers.If you have questions about autoimmunity, shoot us an email with your question and we will capture some of them to share more information in future episodes. In this episode:-How to submit listener questions [3:30]-Two parts of the immune system: innate and adaptive [4:30]-Key features of autoimmunity [15:30]-Two types of autoimmunity: systemic and organ-specific [18:00]-Using the Cyrex Array 5 lab test to test for tissue-specific antibodies [26:30]-Three stages of autoimmunity explained [30:30]-Conventional and routine labs for autoimmunity [38:30]FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO:https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/227-autoimmunity-series-part2-components-stages-conventional-testing

When Erin was diagnosed with an autoimmune illness, she found herself in a new, somewhat unknown, world. Her autoimmune illness allowed her to grow to a new level in her career and expanded her understanding of her body and health. She realized that autoimmunity is widely misunderstood by both professionals and patients.Many people are searching for information on autoimmunity and they don't know what to do or where to turn. Erin's goal with this series is to thoroughly explain every aspect of autoimmunity. This series will provide you with information to help you understand autoimmunity and act as a resource you can share with people in your life who can use it. In this episode:- Celebrating The Funk'tional Nutrition Podcast's 5th anniversary [1:01]- Why it's important to share information on autoimmunity [4:45]- Disclaimers and intentions of the series [8:00]- We need to create better resources, understanding, and treatment for autoimmunity [14:00]- What is autoimmunity? [21:00]- Red flags that you might be dealing with autoimmunity [24:00]- Is there a cure for autoimmunity? [28:00]- Two different ways of looking at autoimmunity, conventional health care and functional medicine [33:30]- What causes autoimmunity? [39:00]- Contributing factors to autoimmunity [48:30]FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/226-autoimmunity-series-part-1