The Strength in Hormones Podcast

[The LOdown] My Labor & Postpartum Experience In this candid episode, I share the intimate details of my labor and postpartum experience, diving into the challenges I faced along the way. Join me as I discuss the emotional rollercoaster of being overdue and the various natural induction methods I tried, including castor oil, the Foley balloon, membrane sweep, and the Miles Circuit. I recount my transformative homebirth experience, starting from the initial symptoms of contractions to the moments of pushing and the unexpected birth complications. After my labor, I reflect on how I spent those crucial first few weeks—beginning with five days of resting in bed, savoring nourishing foods to aid in recovery. I then share how I gradually transitioned into more activity around the house in the following days before eventually getting back on my feet with some walking and pelvic floor physical therapy after 2.5 to 3 weeks. Whether you're a soon-to-be parent or just interested in the raw realities of childbirth, this episode offers insights and support. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What I did from Weeks 40 - 42 and my experience being "late" The natural induction methods I tried to help facilitate labor My real and raw experience of having a homebirth and my birthstory What I did immediately after labor How I spent the first few weeks postpartum (foods I ate, specialists I saw and more!) Important show links 👇👇👇 Listen to My Labor & Postbirth Nutrition Plan episode Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Your Guide to Indoor Mold Testing with Jason Earle of Got Mold? A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 The prevalence of mold in homes and why it's on the rise Why having a new build doesn't decrease your chances of mold Signs to look for that may indicate mold growth in your home The problems with mold testing and what to know before you hire an inspector or remediation company How to handle mold on porous vs. non-porous surfaces How to understand home mold testing results When remediation vs. an air filter is needed. The best type of air filter for mold Important show links 👇👇👇 Claim your free resources for GOT MOLD? Testing Kits Learn about Testing Mold, Avoiding ERMI! Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

[The LOdown] The Link Between Oxalates & Inflammation A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What are oxalates and what foods contain them? The role of oxalates in kidney stones, Hashimoto's thyroiditis and chronic inflammation What is oxalate sensitivity and oxalate dumping? How oxalates impact mineral balance Minerals that can help bind up oxalates Important show links 👇👇👇 Join Inflammation Hormony Today! Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

[The LOdown] PMDD vs. PMS A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What is PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) and how does it compare to PMS? The role of progesterone metabolism in PMDD Why "optimal" progesterone levels may not be optimal for women with PMDD Testing for PMDD Common PMS symptoms and why they occur The hormonal and inflammation-related causes of PMS Natural treatment recommendations for PMS Important show links 👇👇👇 Order Mineral Magic supplement Get your hormones tested with our DUTCH test - learn more about our hormone testing packages Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Anti-Aging and Acne Mistakes with Esthetician & Acne Expert Danielle Gronich A few things we chat about 👇👇👇 The top 3 skincare mistakes people make that are experiencing cystic and fungal acne What is fungal acne and how does it compare to acne vulgaris? The key differences and similarities in products and treatment recommendations between acne vulgaris and fungal acne? The ingredients in most acne products that can cause your skin to age faster The common "clean" products people are using that can clog their pores? The best route to approach acne - root cause treatment vs. fancy topical treatments Important show links 👇👇👇 Discount: www.clearstem.com use code "functionalfueling" to save 20% Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

[The LOdown] Protein & Lean Muscle Building A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 How protein supports lean muscle building Determining how much protein to eat, how to time it and how carbohydrate intake influences this number Why you should focus less on total daily protein intake and more on sources and amount per meal How soon after exercise you should consume protein The benefits of leucine and creatine monohydrate and where to find them in food sources Important show links 👇👇👇 Learn more about our Strength in Hormones workout program and join with a 7 day free trial. Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

[The LOdown] AMA: Hypothalamic Amenorrhea, Appetite and Hunger Hormones, and Inflammation A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 Supporting healthy progesterone while trying to conceive How to stimulate appetite and support digestion with REDS (relative energy deficiency in sport) or low energy availability Blood markers for Insulin Resistance How to know if you're eating too healthy or too much fiber for HA (hypothalamic amenorrhea) recovery Can anxiety and bad sleep be a sign of HA recovery? Top things I would do for fertility preparation again What to do if CRP (c reactive protein lab) is too high - what else to test for and how to lower Important show links 👇👇👇 Download our FREE HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Holiday Survival Tips with Ro In this episode I chat with my right hand gal, Romana Brennan. Romana is our other functional medicine registered dietitian here at Functional Fueling. In this episode we provide our best holiday survival tips, sharing with you how we navigate the holiday season, and what to do and what not to do to make this your healthiest year yet. You can find all of the practical strategies we discuss in this episode in this year's Holiday Guide here. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 Our top traditional Thanksgiving recipe swaps How to beat constipation and bloating with travel and holiday meals Navigating conversations around your eating decisions at meals How to set yourself up for success before Holiday meals with a step-by-step game plan for a morning and evening Holiday party Our favorite supplements for digestion around Holiday meals How to navigate alcohol - whats a safe amount, how to prep before and after for success. Healthier wine and drink alternatives. Strategies to support your circadian rhythm during the Holiday season How to manage time and financial stress with nutrition changes Important show links 👇👇👇 Download our FREE HOLIDAY SURVIVAL GUIDE Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Understanding and Navigating Secondary Infertility with Functional Medicine with Dr. Kalea Wattles Secondary infertility is when mothers experience difficulties conceiving or carrying their second baby to term. In this episode I interview naturopathic doctor and fertility expert, Dr. Kalea Wattles of Functional Fertility to share why secondary infertility occurs and how functional medicine is helping thousands of women overcome secondary infertility. Whether you are experiencing secondary infertility or trying to conceive with your first, second or fifth baby, this episode is a must listen to learn more about pre-conception health! A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What is secondary infertility and who is most afflicted? Are there things that occur during pregnancy or after that can put a woman at higher risk of experiencing secondary infertility? Are there things a mom can do during her first pregnancy to decrease chances of secondary infertility? The link between HLA antibodies and the risk of secondary infertility Can secondary infertility be caused by a change in sperm morphology or motility or is it primarily changes in the mother’s health? Dr. Kalea's recommended secondary infertility lab workup The functional treatment options for secondary infertility Important show links 👇👇👇 Learn more about Dr. Kaelea at www.drkaleawattles.com Discount for Inito Fertility Tracker Use code: functionalfueling15 Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

[The LOdown] The Role of Bile and the Gallbladder in Hashimotos and Hypothyroidism Bile is a digestive fluid that plays a profound role in thyroid health. Bile is made and released from the liver but stored in the gallbladder. In this episode we explore the connection between both the gallbladder and bile with the thyroid. I share about why many women are prone to hypothyroidism and estrogen dominance after a cholecystectomy or gallbladder removal surgery and how thyroid hormones also play a role in bile flow. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What is bile How bile impacts thyroid hormone levels How the thyroid impacts bile salt production The benefits of bile on the gut, estrogen and thyroid levels, cholesterol and more Labs that can indicate bile issues My top foods and supplements for supporting bile flow Important show links 👇👇👇 Sign up for my FREE The Missing Piece to Hormone Imbalances Workshop Join our Inflammation Hormony program Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

[The LOdown] My Labor & Post Birth Nutrition Plan In this episode I share the exact foods, hydration solutions and herbs I put together for both labor and the first forty days after birth. I explain the rationale behind these and the exact meals and snacks I made. If you're currently pregnant, trying to conceive or even just curious about what the nutritional needs are during labor and in the fourth trimester, tune in to learn more! A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 the fuel demands of labor what I prepped for labor and why nutrition and hydration considerations for quick healing from birth my meal ideas for the fourth trimester galactagogue herbs to help support breastmilk production Mentioned Show links 👇👇👇 Pregnancy Nutrition, Supplement, and Must Haves blog post Discount for Inito Fertility Tracker Use code: functionalfueling15 Force of Nature Regenerative Meat Important show links 👇👇👇 Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Can Stem Cell Therapy Help with Hashimoto's and Hypothyroidism? Stem cell therapy is becoming a more common regenerative medicine treatment. It targets promoting repair and healing of damaged or diseased cells and tissues to restore normal function. In this week's podcast episode I interview Dr. Jeff Gross, an esteemed neurosurgeon and the founder of Recellebrate to tell us all about stem cell therapy. We discuss the potential benefits, how stem cell therapy works, and complimentary treatments that can be done alongside stem cell therapy. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What is stem cell therapy and the mechanisms of how it works The different types of stem cells that may be used for a patient and their sourcing The potential benefits of stem cell therapy for Hashimoto's and non-autoimmune hypothyroidism The average timeline of treatment for stem cell therapy for endocrine conditions How athletic populations use stem cell therapy for injury recovery Treatments like RX, herbs and supplementation that can be done alongside stem cell therapy Important show links 👇👇👇 Join our 1:1 coaching waitlist Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

[The LOdown] How Mold Disrupts Reproductive & Thyroid Hormones In my functional medicine training I spent time learning about mold and environmental toxins and their impact on the endocrine system. I even did additional training in this subject because I found it truly fascinating. At that point I had already been working in the space of hormones for several years but was never *looking* for mold or heavy metals as a root cause. I knew they mattered and what to do if they were ever an issue but didn’t know just how much these things could have an impact in really resistant and peculiar health issues. Until I dealt with it myself...In this podcast episode I share more about my story, how mold impacts thyroid and reproductive hormones and symptoms that could indicate mold illness. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 how mold functions as endocrine disruptor the impact of mold on testosterone, progesterone and estrogen levels the link to leptin and insulin resistance how mold toxins can trigger autoimmunity and thyroid issues the important role of deiodoinase enzymes in thyroid hormone conversion symptoms of mold illness Important show links 👇👇👇 Join our 1:1 coaching waitlist Save $150+ on an Air Doctor air filter with this link Follow me on Instagram Link to Mold & Gut Health episode Link to Cellular Hypothyroidism episode Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

[The LOdown] Long COVID and EBV's Role in Thyroid & Period Problems Infections like COVID and EBV play an important role in sex and thyroid hormones. COVID has been shown to affect female reproductive health, causing dysmenorrhea or irregular menstrual cycles, and premenstrual symptoms. EBV has strong ties to its role in thyroid imbalances. A 2015 Polish study found the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in the thyroid cells of 80% of people with Hashimoto’s and 62.5 percent of people with Graves’ disease. And it's estimated that 66.7% of individuals that have long COVID had EBV reactivation. In this episode we dive into exactly what these viruses are, how these two viruses affect hormones and I share some insight into our treatment strategies. If you are currently experiencing the long term symptoms of COVID and/or have a history of mono, tune in to learn more! A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 Long COVID and Post COVID risk factors Functional testing for Long COVID How COVID affects hormones The link between COVID and the Epstein–Barr virus The diagnostic criteria for EBV The prevalence of EBV in Hashimoto's Thyroiditis Our 4-part treatment approach to EBV deactivation Important show links 👇👇👇 Join our 1:1 coaching waitlist Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Micro-immunotherapy: A Novel Treatment for Hashimoto's and Autoimmunity Micro-immunotherapy is a novel treatment approach that has taken popularity throughout functional medicine in Europe. You may be familiar with the more common treatment, immunotherapy. We define how they differ and why their differences is a key piece to the safety of micro-immunotherapy. In this episode I interview Christian Sohmen with the makers of Micro-immunotherapy to tell us about how this treatment approach works for those with autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What is micro-immunotherapy and how it works, its similarities and differences to immunotherapy? What is happening with the immune system in autoimmune conditions? What are the therapeutic targets of micro-immunotherapy in Hashimoto’s? How does one administer micro-immunotherapy and what is sequential dosing? Can micro-immunotherapy be combined with other treatments like naltrexone, herbs, vitamins, etc? The length of time one can expect to utilize micro-immunotherapy for autoimmune diseases Outcomes patients have seen with micro-immunotherapy for autoimmunity The support roles micro-immunotherapy in mitochondrial function, allergies and long COVID Important show links 👇👇👇 Join our 1:1 coaching waitlist Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

[The LOdown] Ask me Anything: Thyroid Healing, Colostrum vs. Collagen, Amenorrhea, Workout Fueling & More Welcome to our first ask me anything episode! I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to answer some of the most asked questions you guys have asked this month over on Instagram. In this episode we chat about how to heal your thyroid when thyroid medicine isn't cutting it, how to know if you need specific supplements, amenorrhea and fueling strategies around workouts and more. Tune in to learn more and let me know if you guys want me to do these more often! A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 1:53: Can and should you balance your hormones with an eating disorder? 4:44: Getting off thyroid RX and healing thyroid naturally 9:54: Is the erythritol in oral care products safe? 13:55: Collagen vs. Colostrum - which one do you need, if any? 17:39: Non-toxic coffee recommendations and what to look for 23:16: Meals around workouts and how to address weight loss resistance 27:15: The use of wearables like Oura, their accuracy and how to interpret the data 32:10: How much fat should you eat around workouts? Important show links 👇👇👇 How to Reverse Low Thyroid Function W/O Pills Episode Cellular Stress in Hypothyroidism with Dr. Eric Balcavage Episode 7 Day Free Trial of Strength in Hormones Workouts (fueling for workouts masterclass & recipes included!) Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

[The LOdown] Bacterial Vaginosis, Yeast Infections and the Vaginal Microbiome to Hormone Connection Vaginal infections like Bacterial Vaginosis (BV) and Yeast Infections afflict women at every age. In this episode we discuss the interplay between these infections and hormones. We discuss why these infections are more common during pregnancy, oral contraceptive use and menopause. We also chat about natural ways to positively influence the vaginal microbiome through food and supplemental strategies to help prevent and heal vaginal infections. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 why BV and yeast infections occur why vaginal infections matter for fertility the role of pH and things that influence pH the link between hormones and vaginal infections the role of lactobacillus in the vaginal microbiome and how to influence it the link between your gut microbiome and vaginal microbiome testing recommendations for recurrent vaginal infections Important show links 👇👇👇 Sign up for the Missing Piece Hormone Workshop Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

The Vagus Nerve Solution to Inflammation with Dr. Habib The vagus nerve is a key piece to regulating inflammation levels in the body. In this episode I talk with Dr. Habib, a vagus nerve expert and author of the book, Activate Your Vagus Nerve: Unleash Your Body's Natural Ability to Heal. We discuss the role of the vagus nerve in regulating hormone signaling, the immune system and inflammatory response in the body, motility in our gut (how quickly food passes through your GI tract) and more. Tune in to learn about the role of the vagus nerve and simple ways you can support vagal tone with both daily routines and vagus nerve therapies. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What is the vagus nerve and vagal tone? Why might someone have low vagal tone? Signs and symptoms of low vagal tone? The relationship between Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and vagal tone How vagal tone influences the inflammatory response Why the brain to immune system communication is so critical to controlling inflammation The relationship between vagal tone and blood glucose control, thyroid and sex hormone regulation Simple everyday habits to improve vagal tone at home How electrical vagal nerve stimulation and laser therapy work for improving vagal tone Important show links 👇👇👇 Follow me on Instagram Stay connected with Dr. Navaz Habib and purchase his book at www.vagusnervebook.com Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

[The LOdown] My Second Trimester Pregnancy Update I can't believe the second trimester is already nearly behind me. In a few days I enter the third trimester and before I do I wanted to update you on everything I've been up to these past few months. I'm sharing details on the advanced labs I ran on myself and why, changes in my supplements and nutrition, practices I'm doing to prepare my physical body for labor and my future plans for Functional Fueling. Tune in to learn more! A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 the labs I ran on myself, the results of them and the changes I made based on them new supplements and nutrition changes I've made finding out I have marginal cord insertion how I prepped for the Gestational Diabetes screening test, what I used and my CGM data around the test ways I'm prepping my physical body and things I'm planning to prioritize in the 3rd trimester my plans for the future of FFN and juggling mom life and career Important show links 👇👇👇 Follow me on Instagram My Pregnancy Nutrition, Supplement & Lifestyle Must Haves Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

[The LOdown] Minerals for Hypothyroidism Minerals are the keys to unlocking better hormone production, conversion and utilization in the body. The thyroid gland is a particularly mineral dependent gland. It uses the mineral iodine to make thyroid hormones. Plus utilizes other complementary minerals to help with conversion and activation of these hormones as well as in regulating the oxidative stress that occurs during thyroid hormone production. Tune into this episode to learn about the role of these specific minerals, situations that deplete mineral levels and mineral testing I recommend. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 why minerals matter for thyroid health the macro minerals - their role in thyroid health, sourcing in food and more tips the trace minerals - their role in thyroid health, sourcing in food and more tips situations that deplete mineral status testing for minerals (HTMA vs. RBC vs. serum) Important show links 👇👇👇 Purchase our Mineral Magic daily mineral support Link to Glutathione episode on oxidative stress & thyroid Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Exploring Endometriosis, Its Drivers and Natural Treatment Options with Dr. G Endometriosis is a common women's health condition, affecting roughly 11% of women ages 15 - 44. Unfortunately treatment options are limited and the time it takes to receive diagnosis is extensive which means many women suffer for several years before seeking relief. In this episode I interview endometriosis expert, Dr. Alexis Gonzales to discuss endometriosis, its drivers and the natural treatment options available. We discuss how functional medicine can be a life changing treatment approach for women and the many intricacies of treatment. We answer the question: is endometriosis a hormonal issue or an immune system imbalance and how chronic inflammation plays a role in this condition. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What is endometriosis and what are the diagnosis criteria Common allopathic treatment solutions for endometriosis and their success rates The hormonal imbalance profile we see with endometriosis The immune system's involvement in endometriosis. Should endo be treated as an autoimmune disease? Supplements and herbs for pain management and how they work Recommended labs for endometriosis treatment via functional medicine Important show links 👇👇👇 Join the Inflammation Hormony Waitlist - doors open on Monday, August 5th Follow me on Instagram Learn more about Dr. Gonzales Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

How to Use Light Exposure For Optimizing Your Cycles, Blood Sugar & Thyroid Control with Sarah Marlette Light exposure has a profound impact on our circadian rhythm control. That's because when our pineal gland (behind our eye) senses bright light or blue light, this regulates melatonin and cortisol production. In this episode I interview my dear friend and colleague, Sarah Marlette to tell us about how circadian rhythm influences hormone regulation. We discuss what the research says on circadian disruption and hormone imbalances as well as ways to support your circadian rhythm for night shift workers and new parents. Plus we chat a little bit about my current interest in this topic around oxytocin production during labor! A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 what is circadian rhythm and what influences it how our circadian rhythm is tied to melatonin and cortisol production that influences sleep and energy the connection between circadian rhythm and hormone production the link between circadian disruption and blood sugar related problems how light exposure influences oxytocin levels during labor practical ways to support your circadian rhythm (including options for night shift workers and new parents who wake often throughout the night) Important show links 👇👇👇 Get your hormones, cortisol and melatonin tested with our DUTCH Hormone Testing Package- learn more about our hormone testing packages Follow me on Instagram Learn more about Sarah's practice at www.nourishthriveglow.org and follow her on IG at nourishthriveglow Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

[The LOdown] Mitochondria What? Their Connection to the Thyroid, Fertility & More You've likely heard the word mitochondria before and maybe wondered what are those things and why do people say they are so important? The truth is they really are that important, especially as it relates to the thyroid, fertility and autoimmunity. In this podcast episode I uncover everything you must know about mitochondrial health, its connection to our endocrine and immune system and ways to support it. We chat about the populations at the greatest risk of mitochondrial dysfunction (hint: I'm looking at you extreme exercisers). Tune in to learn more! A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 how the thyroid influences mitochondrial function and vice versa the role of mitochondria in fertility for both men and women the PCOS-mitochondrial connection things to limit to improve mitochondrial function foods, supplements and lifestyle tools to add to support mitochondrial function my thoughts on red light, sauna and exercise for mitochondrial health and how to get the best out of them Important show links 👇👇👇 Join the Inflammation Hormony Waitlist for our August program Read our blog post about Mitochondria: The Starting Place for Hormone Health Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Diastasis Recti, Strength Training and Safe Movement for Pregnancy with Dr. Mae Hughes Working out during pregnancy can be so overwhelming. The modifications you have to make and the constant fear around what is safe and what's not. That's why I brought on an expert Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist, Dr. Mae Hughes to simplify this subject and answer all your (and my) questions around safe movement during pregnancy. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What is Diastasis Recti and is it normal or preventable? What does the research say on strength training during pregnancy and its benefits for labor? Safe movement guidelines for pregnancy - what's a no and what can be modified? Pelvic floor health and why it's not just about strengthening Important show links 👇👇👇 Get pregnancy, postpartum and general pelvic floor fitness programs at www.drmaehughes.com. Use the code "functionalfueling" to save 10% on any program or workshop. Learn more about our Strength in Hormones workout program and join with a 7 day free trial. Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

[The LOdown] Why Blood Sugar and A1C increase in Menopause Went through menopause and noticed your annual labs started to look different? It's not in your head! As hormones change so does metabolism, particularly, glucose metabolism. That's all due to the drop in estrogen and progesterone that influence thyroid hormones and insulin sensitivity. Add to that a gradual decline in lean muscle tissue each year that leads to a decrease in insulin sensitivity. It is possible to achieve an optimal fasting blood glucose, insulin and A1C level at any age and in this podcast episode I am going to show you how! We walk through why these changes occur and what you can do about it to still prevent diabetes and other glucose related health problems like cognitive decline, cardiovascular disease and more. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 the insulin resistance curve the influence of estrogen and progesterone on glucose metabolism how thyroid hormones become impacted post-menopausally and how this influences blood sugar the role of lean muscle tissue in blood sugar control strategies for improving blood sugar, insulin and A1c after menopause Important show links 👇👇👇 Get your blood sugar and insulin levels tested - learn more about our hormone testing packages Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app Image credit: Wellness Garage

Your Guide to Sauna and The Healing Benefits of Heat Exposure Sauna or heat exposure have long been one of my favorite tools for so many reasons. Not only are there amazing benefits to detoxification, mitochondrial and cardiovascular health but also to inflammation. Research shows that regular sauna use that mimix the heart benefits of moderate aerobic exercise with just 25 minutes of use per day. It has also been shown to lower the blood marker for assessing inflammation, c reactive protein or CRP. In this podcast episode I interview Phil Wilson of Relax Saunas to tell us about the many benefits of sauna and its traditional use that cultures have known about for centuries. Phil has been so generous to offer a giveaway of a free far infrared sauna lamp to one lucky listener of this episode. The giveaway can be entered over on my Instagram page. Just tag 2 friends accounts on my reel sharing about this podcast episode. The giveaway runs until July 2nd at 11:59 pm PST. A winner will be chosen from my account and announced on Instagram on Wednesday, July 3rd. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 Cultural use and overall general health benefits of sauna or heat exposure How to use the sauna if you are dealing with a health challenge that makes you feel fatigued or sick after use Infrared sauna vs. traditional/dry sauna - which is best? Why does Far Infrared matter? What are heat shock proteins and what are their benefits? What is the difference between the far infrared table lamp and a sauna? How sauna compares to red light therapy Important show links 👇👇👇 Enter the Sauna Lamp giveaway on Instagram. Tag 2 friends on my recent reel about this episode. Giveaway closes July 2nd at 11:59 pm PST. Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

[The LOdown] Glutathione, Your Thyroid & Autoimmunity Deep Dive Glutathione is one of the key nutrients for both thyroid health and autoimmunity. In this podcast episode I explain why this is and all the amazing things glutathione does for our thyroid, our liver, inflammation and immune system. We talk about all the link between glutathione and these health conditions, what causes glutathione depletion and how to replenish glutathione levels with dietary and supplemental strategies. We also cover how to know if glutathione is right for you and signs to watch for that might indicate you should support glutathione levels in a different way than through supplementation. This episode is a must listen for anyone with hypothyroidism, hashimoto's, grave's disease or any autoimmune disease. Tune in to learn more! A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 How and where we make glutathione Signs you need more glutathione and what causes glutathione depletion Why athletes or active individuals and those with autoimmunity are more at risk of low glutathione levels The link between glutathione and autoimmunity How glutathione works within the thyroid to stop inflammation and improve thyroid function How to increase glutathione levels naturally How to supplement glutathione Potential side effects of glutathione supplementation to watch for Important show links 👇👇👇 Join the Inflammation Hormony Waitlist for our August program Follow me on Instagram Link to Mitochondrial Blog Link to topical glutathione cream I recommend (can also shop here for other discussed supplements) Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Your Guide to Navigating Endocrine Disruptors and Clean Beauty That Actually Works with Avery Morales You may have heard the term endocrine disruptors and know that they're lurking in many of the common household, beauty products and foods. The question is- where does one start? Is it really that important and which ones are worse than others? How do we reduce endocrine disruptor exposure and live a "non-toxic life" without driving ourselves crazy about every little exposure. I've brought on the expert, Avery Morales to shed light on this subject and gracefully guide you through how to navigate endocrine disruptors. We talk about the importance, especially around conception, and when and how to get started. This episode is a follow up to our first episode on Clean Living and Endocrine Disruptors. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 Recent regulatory changes in this space How endocrine disruptors affect the body and the different types of EDC's Greenwashing and its prevalence in the beauty space PFA's and the right type of water filtration and cookware What we should we look for in sunscreen Contamination issues in food Thoughts on essential oils functioning as an endocrine disruptor and if they're safer than synthetic fragrance How to support detoxification if and when exposed Resources for product guidance in this space Important show links 👇👇👇 Join the Inflammation Hormony Waitlist Follow me on Instagram Follow Avery on Instagram and TikTok at @cleanlivingbyavery and learn more on her website at www.cleanlivingbyavery.com Link to EWG clean water database Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

[The LOdown] The Period Issue - Is it PCOS or Hypothalamic Amenorrhea? Polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS is one of the most common causes of irregular periods in women. However, a less common but prevalent cause of irregular periods is Hypothalamic Amenorrhea or HA. Each condition shares similarities but also many differences to one another. As someone who was personally mis-diagnosed with PCOS, this is an issue near and dear to my heart. Once I was able to uncover the real root cause of my irregular cycles that's when I finally was able to recover my period and be on the way to recovering the many hormonal, metabolic and digestive symptoms that came with not having one for several years. In this episode I share what you should know about the cause of irregular periods, the similarities and differences between these conditions and how this impacts treatment. Tune in to learn more! A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 An intro to what is PCOS and how it's diagnosed (hint: it's not just follicles/cysts on an ultrasound) An intro to Hypothalamic Amenorrhea and how it is diagnosed The symptom and lab similarities between the two conditions The symptom and lab differences between the two conditions The adverse consequences of irregular cycles untreated caused by both conditions How to get the blood work you need to figure out the cause of your irregular cycles so that you can recover them What to do if your goal for cycle recovery is to conceive Important show links 👇👇👇 Join our Inflammation Hormony August program waitlist here Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Your Questions Answered: Working with a Midwife, Placenta Encapsulation and Natural Birth with Courtney Scott A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What is Midwifery The differences between working with a midwife vs. an OB-GYN for birth. How you can choose to also work with both via co-care. Overview of natural birth, home birth and the safety and benefits of each What is placenta encapsulation, it's safety and purposes What is postpartum belly binding and how does it work Support resources during pregnancy and for new moms from traditional birthing origin Important show links 👇👇👇 Learn more about our Hormone Testing Packages here Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app Follow Midwife Courtney and learn more about her practice here

[The LOdown] I'm Pregnant! My Experience and What I'm Eating & Supplementing A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 my journey from HA, hypothyroidism and ovarian dysfunction here symptoms I experienced in the first trimester and how I managed them labs I ordered for myself in the first trimester foods and supplements I am taking right now and why my birth hopes Important show links 👇👇👇 Let me know what you want to hear most about from my pregnancy over on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

The Quality of Your Meat Matters More Than Produce For You- Here's Why A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What you need to know about conventional meat and the production and nutritional quality of it. The different labelings in agriculture and what they mean for you and the animal's wellbeing: organic vs. cage free vs. grass fed vs. pasture raised What is regenerative agriculture and why is it better for the animal and the environment? Why I don't eat muscle meats and believe in the importance of bone in and full fat quality animal proteins for human health. Important show links 👇👇👇 Text "protein" to (209) 300-5442 to be the first to know when Functional FuelPRO is available for purchase on Monday, May 20, 2024. Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

[The LOdown] Functional Fueling® for Your Workouts A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 Nutritional needs before exercise with different timeframes of eating Nutritional needs after exercise Fueling and hydration intake during exercise, if working out for more than 90 minutes The physiology of fuel burning during exercise and why what you eat around it matters Important show links 👇👇👇 Save 40% on my Eat for Strength course, now through May 31st only with code "episode63" Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

The Science Behind the Lagree Method & why so many women (like me) love it A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What is the Lagree Fitness workout and what's the science behind how it works How and why is it different from traditional Pilates as well as traditional strength training? The best way to implement Lagree workouts to reap the maximum benefits What is something common you see that people are doing wrong with Lagree that could be sabotaging their results? What modifications should women be aware about if they are pregnant? Important show links 👇👇👇 Learn more about our Strength in Hormones workout program and join with a 7 day free trial. We teach you to integrate classes like Lagree once per week into your regimen if you enjoy doing them alongside our SIH workouts! Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app TIMESTAMP: 00:00 Introduction 06:13 The Evolution of Lagree Method 09:31 Core Components of Lagree Fitness 15:00 Tempo and Isometric Contractions 26:09 Safer way to Strengthen Muscles 29:33 Benefits of Lagree Training 34:14 The Difference in Body Building and Lagree 40:07 The benefits of Lagree during pregnancy 41:44 Accessing Lagree outside of Studios 43:13 The Future of Lagree Equipment

[The LOdown] How Common Acne Treatments Work & Safer Effective Solutions A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 Common acne treatments and how they work to clear acne (spironolactone, birth control, retinoids and acutane) The role of hormones in acne development and acne clearing Dietary and supplemental treatment that mimics common acne treatments Important show links 👇👇👇 Acne is one of the most common conditions we work with in practice. We have a 99% success rate in clearing even the most stubborn acne cases. Our hormone testing packages provide the answers and jumpstart you need to get started on your skin clearing journey. Book your DUTCH Testing package today and use code "podcast" now through 5/24 to save $50! Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Histamine's Role in Inflammation, the Immune System and Hormones A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What is histamine and what's the connection to the immune system and inflammatory response? What is histamine intolerance and how does it compare to mast cell activation syndrome? What are common histamine intolerance symptoms? What are the common foods that people have problems with that have histamine intolerance issues? What's the connection between autoimmunity, long COVID and POTS and histamine? How does histamine influence mental health disorders? Role of hormones and cyclical hormonal changes in estrogen and progesterone's influence on histamine What does it look like to treat histamine with functional nutrition? Important show links 👇👇👇 Our Inflammation Hormony program kicks off on April 22nd! Join the Inflammation Hormony waitlist here Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app Follow Michelle Shapiro on Instagram and join her Histamine Hub waitlist here

How to Use Fertility Awareness Method (FAM) for Both Contraceptive and Fertility Purposes A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What is Fertility Awareness Method and how did it come to be? What are the different FAM tools (cervical mucus, BBT, etc.)? Cervical mucus - what changes can we expect throughout the menstrual cycle? What do these changes mean (hormonal, sperm motility, etc.) BBT - what changes can we expect throughout the menstrual cycle? What does this temperature change mean about hormonal function and where you are in the cycle? What are the shortcomings with OPK or LH test strips? What is the accuracy of FAM for contraception? When are our green/red days based off FAM? What about fertility? When is the best day(s) to conceive based on FAM? Where does someone start with FAM who is currently on an oral contraceptive but wants to switch to a non-hormonal contraception option? Important show links 👇👇👇 Use this link to save 20% on Natural Cycles (my preferred BBT method). This can be synced with Oura Ring or used on it's own. Oura makes it super easy to gather your data while you sleep so all you have to do is just open the app and sync! You can save $40 off on a new Oura ring with this link here. Follow me on Instagram Love the show? Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app!

[The LOdown] How to Know if Inflammation is Driving Your Hormone Imbalance A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What is inflammation and why it's not always a bad thing Common symptoms of inflammation for women with hormone imbalances The 3 main causes of inflammation Where to start with addressing inflammation Important show links 👇👇👇 Our Inflammation Hormony program kicks off on April 22nd! Join here Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

The Only Toothpaste I Use & Why A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What is fluoride and what are the concerns with it in our oral care products? Does our toothpaste get absorbed into our body? What are the policies around what can go into our toothpaste? What is hydroxyapatite and where is it naturally found? What does the research say about hydroxyapatite? How does hydroxyapatite work to whiten teeth? How does this compare to other options like whitening strips or charcoal? What does the perfect oral care routine look like? Important show links 👇👇👇 Use discount code FunctionalFueling10 to save 10% on your Risewell order. I love the Mineral Toothpaste and Scrubby Floss! Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app

Are Heavy Metals to Blame for Hormone Problems? A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What are heavy metals and where are they found? The role of minerals in our health What the research says on heavy metals in fertility, reproduction and thyroid function Testing methods I recommend for determining if heavy metals are an issue How to support safe elimination of heavy metals in the body Important show links 👇👇👇 Join Inflammation Hormony here Follow me on Instagram Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app Timestamp: 00:00 Introduction 00:31 What are heavy metals and where are they found? 01:28 The importance of balancing minerals 03:10 The impact of heavy metals on reproductive function 06:23 Research on heavy metals and reproductive health 08:46 Infertility and heavy metal exposure 09:42 Exposure to heavy metals in food and supplements 11:41 Testing for heavy metal exposure 14:52 Heavy metals in herbs and spices 16:37 Symptoms of heavy metal toxicity 20:15 Testing for heavy metals 24:02 Treatment options for heavy metal toxicity 25:22 The importance of heavy metal testing in supplement products 30:17 Water filtration methods 32:38 The importance of chelators and fiber 35:36 The benefits of sauna and sweat for heavy metal removal 36:22 Conclusion

Everything You Must Know About Parasites & Sinus Issues A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What are parasites and where are they found in the human body? How common are they? What are common symptoms of parasites? Do they differ in the nasal cavity vs. gut? How do mycotoxins (mold spores) affect us? What is the connection between nasal parasites and mycotoxins and sinus issues? Connection to other chronic diseases? What are the limitations of stool testing for parasites? What is the connection between the moon and parasites? What is the role of mitochondrial health in all of this? How does nasal irrigation work on this? What’s the difference between nebulizing and nasal rinsing? How do herbal medicines work for parasites and mycotoxins? Important show links 👇👇👇 Learn more about our 1:1 coaching program where we test for and treat parasites here Learn more about Cellcore here Follow me on Instagram

A Guide to Understanding Your Thyroid Labs Have you ever been convinced you have a thyroid problem only to go to the doctor to get your thyroid tested and everything come back normal? You're not alone, this is very common, let's talk about it! Inside this episode I walk you through optimal reference ranges for all of these tests plus the tests you need that go beyond a standard TSH blood test. Healing and reversing thyroid problems is possible, listen to this episode to find out where to start! A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 The history of thyroid hormone testing and its limitations What is TSH or thyroid stimulating hormone? How to understand what T4, T3, Reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies mean about your thyroid function How genetics can influence thyroid symptoms but not thyroid hormone testing results The link between what you eat and thyroid hormone levels. How hypothyroidism can cause blood sugar problems. The influence of hormones like cortisol and hunger hormones on thyroid hormone function How to advocate for yourself to get the testing you need Important show links 👇👇👇 Get your hormones tested - learn more about our hormone testing packages Follow me on Instagram

Can Acupuncture Help Heal my Periods? Acupuncture is a powerful healing tool that originates from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It has evidence based benefits for supporting everything from period pain to irregular cycles and fertility. In this podcast episode, I interview the ladies of Aphrodite Fertility to learn more. At Functional Fueling, we find acupuncture treatments to be an incredibly supportive tool alongside our nutrition, supplement and lifestyle treatment plan to support cycle regulation, fertility and more. Tune in to this episode to learn more about how acupuncture works for different hormone needs. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What is acupuncture and how does it work? How does acupuncture affect the nervous system and why is this important for hormones? Can acupuncture help with missing or irregular periods? What does acupuncture support look like for women with different hormone imbalances (i.e. PCOS, amenorrhea, hypothyroidism) How does treatment differ for cycle support vs. fertility support vs. pregnancy support? How does acupuncture influence ovarian environment and egg quality? Important show links 👇👇👇 Get your hormones tested - learn more about our hormone testing packages Check out the Aphrodite Acupuncture website Follow me on Instagram

How to Structure a Day of Eating for Best Hormonal Response Welcome to our brand new podcast series, LOdown with Lo. LOdown’s will be happening every two weeks on the Strength in Hormones Podcast. These will be solo episodes with me where we will chat about practical strategies and functional solutions to support hormone healing. In today’s first LOdown we talk about How to Structure a Day of Eating for Best Hormonal Response. We discuss the role of eating structure as it relates to our endocrine (hormone) system as a whole and then more specifically as it relates to hormones like: cortisol, insulin, thyroid, and progesterone. Although, for many women, hormone imbalances don’t happen in insolation. Our entire hormone system is connected through our hypothalamus-pituitary axis. Because of this interconnection, each hormone influences one other. That’s why in our practice, it’s not unusual to see women experiencing thyroid imbalances while also experiencing issues with cortisol, insulin and progesterone levels. We can identify your exact hormone levels with our advanced hormone testing packages and 1:1 coaching. Then with this information, we will provide you with personalized nutrition, professional grade supplementation and lifestyle recommendations to rebalance levels and help you thrive again. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 How your daily eating structure impacts cortisol, thyroid, insulin and hormone levels Should women fast? Fasting and hormones explained. Maximizing insulin sensitivity when you eat carbs The number one mistake most women make with plate composition Why protein timing is critical to hormones The problem with most “healthy snacks” Important show links 👇👇👇 Apply for 1:1 coaching with us and receive advanced testing, personalized guidance and clear solutions Follow me on Instagram

Welcome to Season 6 of the Strength in Hormones Podcast! We're kicking things off with an interview on HRV or Heart Rate Variability. HRV is becoming an increasingly common measure tested within many health technology devices as a way to assess for the body's recovery resiliency. Dr. Casey Metoyer is an exercise physiology researcher with a research emphasis on body composition and its relationship to athletic performance. In this episode, Dr. Metoyer shares with us everything women should know about HRV and its relationship to hormone health. He guides us through the different types of HRV tracking devices like the Oura Ring and Whoop band. He talks through the relationship between HRV and our cortisol (stress response) levels. He provides insight into how the hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle impact HRV and answers the burning question: how do I get my HRV level up? Tune in to this episode to learn more! A few things we chat about in Everything Women Should Know About HRV 👇👇👇 What is Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and what is it measuring? What are the common HRV tracking devices - any favorites? What is the most accurate option available on the market? HRV and its natural fluctuations with the menstrual cycle - what happens here and why? What could a higher HRV mean about human performance? What are your top two tools for improving our own HRV? Important show links 👇👇👇 Follow Dr. Metoyer on Instagram Learn more about hormone testing to optimize your hormone health

Our guest Dr. Sheri is the founder of SHEFIT, a physical therapy clinic specializing in women’s health, pelvic, and orthopedic physical therapy services, with a focus on the prenatal and postpartum time period. In this episode Dr. Sheri educates us on the pelvic floor and how the intricacies of muscles and ligaments are impacted during pregnancy and how this influences issues like incontinence and pain during intercourse for women. She teaches us how to prevent these issues by being proactive with our physical health early on in pregnancy and how doing so improves labor and delivery as well as long term outcomes for women. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What is the pelvic floor and the role of it in pregnancy How the pelvic floor relates to hip and back pain during pregnancy Everything you need to know about Diastasis Recti Abdominis and if you can prevent it How pelvic floor therapy can benefit women during labor and postpartum The common challenges women experience postpartum related to their pelvic floor Important show links 👇👇👇 Follow Dr. Sheri at shefitpt.com or on Instagram @shefitpt Apply to work with us to support your pre- and post-partum health Join our 5 Festive Days of Functional Fueling holiday guide

Let's get into all things adrenal hormones with Dr. Kelly Ruef. Dr. Ruef is a licensed naturopathic doctor. She has been a clinical educator for Precision Analytical, makers of the DUTCH Test since 2019, and she spends most of her time educating on how urine hormone testing can improve the field of women’s and men’s health. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What are the adrenals and the adrenal hormones How the adrenal hormones influence other hormones and common symptoms in women How stress impacts TSH vs. thyroid hormones The role of the adrenals in peri-menopause and menopause How the dried urine hormone testing compares to blood hormone testing Important show links 👇👇👇 Follow Dr. Ruef on Instagram @drkellyruef Purchase your own DUTCH Test with our Hormone Testing Package Join our 5 Festive Days of Functional Fueling holiday guide

Our repeat guest, Dr. Angela Potter is back to help us understand egg quality and how to boost it. Dr. Angela is an expert in all things fertility, especially for those with PCOS. In this episode she helps you understand the role of egg quality in pre-conception and egg freezing and the factors that can influence it. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What is AMH and how does it correlate to ovarian reserves Testing beyond AMH that can determine egg quality Is age the main factor in egg quality? We answer this question Tips to boost egg quality When to start thinking about egg quality prior to conception Important show links 👇👇👇 Learn more about Dr. Potter at www.drangelapotter.com Learn more about 1:1 Coaching and follow me on Instagram

I am so happy to have Eliza Gellman on the show to talk about moving from macros to eating for holistic health. In this episode she shares her story of being macros obsessed to healing her body with holistic health. As a Registered Dietitian, I believe macros can work for some people and I do use this approach for some. It can be helpful for a very short period of time to learn food portions and plate balancing. However, it's important to me to first determine if this is the best way to help someone achieve their goal and if they can use macros in a way that is supportive and in no way detrimental to their health. If you are currently following a numbers focused macro eating plan and know that there could be a better way of nourishing your body - this episode is for you. We share why macro counting can be a slippery slope that can lead to disordered eating behaviors. Eliza shares her personal story with macro counting and how she moved to a place of nourishing her body holistically. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What is macro counting The psychological and physical effects of a number obsessed diet How to build your trust muscle with moving away from macros Why I recommend eating real ice cream vs. low calorie alternatives How to prepare yourself for eating out and at social events Important show links 👇👇👇 Listen to the Hotter Than Health podcast Stay connected with me on my Instagram or book a consultation for private coaching

Let's talk about the trending Berberine supplement. Berberine isn't new, its been around for a long time and is a common supplement I use in practice. Tune in to learn more about Berberine and the five underlying causes of metabolic resistance that go beyond berberine supplementation. A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇 What is berberine and how does it work in the body What is metabolism? My personal metabolism resistance story and how I overcame it The 5 underlying causes we see in practice when clients are experiencing weight loss resistance Necessary testing for identifying your underlying causes Important show links 👇👇👇 Book a free call to learn more about 1:1 coaching Follow me on Instagram