Have you ever felt stuck in your healing journey, despite years of traditional therapy? 

In this episode, Rapid Transformational Therapist Esther Katz reveals why many people hit a 'glass ceiling' in talk therapy and how accessing the subconscious mind could be the key to breakthrough healing. Drawing from neuroscience and her experience helping clients overcome chronic conditions, Esther explains the profound connection between childhood experiences and autoimmune conditions, and why understanding alone isn't enough for true healing. 

Learn about a gentle yet powerful approach to healing trauma without re-traumatization, and discover why the subconscious mind holds 85% of your healing potential. Whether you're struggling with chronic illness, anxiety, or simply feeling stuck in your wellness journey, this episode offers fresh insights into the mind-body connection and practical steps toward lasting transformation.

For the complete show notes and links visit inspiredliving.show/171

Are you struggling with chronic illness and feeling overwhelmed by complicated diet advice?

In this episode, holistic health coach Jeanine Kutil shares how returning to simple, whole foods and basic cooking can be transformative for healing. After battling severe neurological and autoimmune symptoms, Jeanine discovered that the path to wellness starts in your own kitchen. She breaks down common myths about healthy eating costs, shares practical tips for making cooking therapeutic rather than stressful, and explains why single-ingredient foods are more powerful than any fancy "health" products. 

Whether you're dealing with autoimmunity or simply want to improve your health, this episode offers a refreshingly simple approach to using food as medicine.

For the complete show notes and links visit inspiredliving.show/170

Did you know the food on your plate could be your family's best defense against chronic illness?

I sit down with pediatrician Dr. Joel Warsh to unpack how what we eat impacts our health - and our kids'. We dive into practical tips for making healthier food choices, the power of home cooking, and why reading labels matters more than you might think. 

Whether you're managing autoimmunity or just aiming for better health, this episode is packed with simple, actionable steps to nourish your whole family. Trust me, you'll want to take notes on this one!

For the complete show notes and links visit inspiredliving.show/161

In This Episode, We Cover:

• Dr. Shah-Simmons' journey to becoming a fertility expert inspired by her personal experiences.
• The importance of holistic approaches and research-driven strategies.
• The impact of autoimmunity on fertility and pregnancy, and potential interventions.
• Addressing male fertility issues and the broader implications of fertility treatments on overall health.

Key Takeaways:

Dr. Shah-Simmons' Journey and the Role of Intuition:

• Dr. Shah-Simmons was motivated to specialize in fertility due to her own experiences.
• Emphasis on choosing a compatible partner for family planning.
• Intuition plays a critical role in determining the right path, especially in reproduction.

Women’s Health and Myths:

• Notable lack of comprehensive scientific data around women's health.
• The speaker’s personal experience with preserving fertility and having a child later in life.
• The intersection of autoimmunity with fertility issues – many couples seeking help often have autoimmune or inflammatory issues.

Addressing Autoimmune Conditions:

• Conditions like Hashimoto's can complicate conception and maintaining a pregnancy.
• Importance of identifying the root cause of autoimmunity.
• Medications like Prednisone are not always the best solution – address the underlying issue instead.
• The autoimmune protocol (AIP) diet can help reduce inflammation and improve health outcomes.

Importance of Comprehensive Testing:

• Personal anecdote about symptoms like hair loss leading to the discovery of high levels of TPO antibodies.
• The lack of adequate testing for recurrent pregnancy loss in mainstream healthcare.
• Check for anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA) and other indicators.
• Consider testing male partners for factors like DNA fragmentation, inflammation markers, blood sugar, and insulin levels.

Stress and Its Impact:

• Stress puts the body in survival mode, making reproduction less of a priority.
• Address both internal (e.g., toxins) and external stressors.
• Emphasis on supporting cortisol and melatonin pathways for stress reduction and resilience.

The Role of Men in Fertility:

• Dr. Shah-Simmons observed high levels of homocysteine, blood sugar, or insulin in many men whose partners faced pregnancy loss.
• Addressing these markers can lead to better pregnancy outcomes and overall men's health.
• Dietary changes and weight loss can have profound effects.

Taking Action and Resources:

• Start by reducing the toxin burden in your environment.
• Dr. Shah-Simmons has created the Divas Detox Guide to help with detoxifying homes. (Link provided when available)
• Take small steps and prioritize progress over perfection.
• Continue prioritizing health even after achieving fertility goals.

Discover the power of holistic health to achieve a balanced lifestyle and improved wellbeing!

 
Neil Cannon experienced severe eczema for most of his life and was prescribed steroid creams and antibiotics. After his father had a stroke, Neil was inspired to find a better solution and discovered that an anti-inflammatory diet and lifestyle could help.

He developed his four pillars of vitality to help others: physical, mental, emotional and energetic. He believes that most chronic illness is rooted in trauma and that we can take our power back by understanding how we create our symptoms. He encourages people to address physical, mental and emotional health, as well as energy, in order to be truly healthy. 

In this episode, you will learn the following:

1. Understanding the power of the mind to influence our gene expression and health.
2. The importance of understanding and addressing trauma in the body to optimize health.
3. Exploring the holistic approach to health through the four pillars of physical, mental, emotional, and energetic health.

Dr. Anna Esparham, MD , founder of Health Is PowHer and Pain Free Life Academy, Is a nationally-recognized physician who healed herself from multiple chronic conditions from near death shock to issues with chronic pain and autoimmune disease. She is now a coach helping women learn how to heal themselves for good. Health Is PowHer's Podcast serves women who want to learn about how to overcome all the Issues that come with life.

Anna first became sick with Polyglandular Autoimmune Syndrome in her first year of medical school following vaccinations and Mono, but didn't realize the vaccines were a trigger until later.  She was fortunate to find help with an integrative medicine approach by addressing her eating, dietary supplements, getting nutrient IV's, Meyer's, and Vitamin C IV's.

A year later, after getting another flu vaccine, Anna had excruciating pelvic pain, worse than any pain she had ever experienced.  She was dealing with Bladder Pain Syndrome and Interstitial Cystitis.  Again, she improved… until she got the next flu vaccine the next year.

That third time almost killed her, and left her with (among other challenges) severe Fibromyalgia.
Traditional, Integrative, and Functional Medicine, combined, helped her improve 30-40%.
Spiritual healing accounted for the rest and took her to 100%

Pain is a messenger, giving us information.

Fibromyalgia
Is a diagnosis and a disease process.
It effects multiple systems, including immune system, nervous system and endocrine system.

Autoimmunity
The Journal of Clinical Investigation published a study where antibodies from Fibromyalgia patients were injected into healthy mice, and the mice developed Fibromyalgia.

Fibro causes neurogenic inflammation, in the dorsal root ganglia.  NSAIDS don't help because they don't reach those nerves.
Inflammatory cytokine IL-8 is involved, as well as increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.

It effects neurotransmitters, suppressing serotonin and norepinephrine which help stop pain sensation.
It is an endocrine disruptor, causing the cortisol curve to be blunted in a stress response, dis-regulating the HPA Axis.
And, Fibro patients produce less growth hormone at night.

EMOTIONS AND PAIN SHARE THE SAME BIOLOGICAL PATHWAY.
We can modulate our pain response by changing our thoughts and beliefs.

The Biology of Belief - Bruce Lipton
NLP
Hypnosis
Using visualizations can be instrumental in healing.
Our thoughts change our physiology!
Using your imagination can help you heal!

Spirituality doesn't have to be religious.  Believing in a higher power is essential for healing (even if it is your higher self).

Anna's 1 Thing:

Morning visualization ritual.
Every day, first thing in the morning, visualize your perfect day...
perhaps pain free, energized, happy, joyous, etc.
See yourself move through your day happy and whole.
This may only take a couple of minutes.

Your life will change!!

Dr. Erin Donaldson is a board certified Family Medicine Doctor who practices Precision Medicine, using genomics and comprehensive data to co-create health plans with her patients.  She believes the majority of health is accomplished through daily habits, which was sparked by her own health journey with autoimmune disease.

Dr. Erin had a seemingly healthy childhood.  That is until she suffered with osteomyelitis as an udergrad student in college.
Being a high achiever, Erin went on to pursue her lifelong dream of being a doctor and attended medical school after graduation.
In med school, Erin was working, keeping the stressful med school schedule, and practicing cross fit regularly.

Then she became sick.  Struggling with fevers, rashes, and joint pain.  Answers were slow to come.  Erin had lost so much function, that she had to move back home at one point.
Her Lupus diagnosis was initially a relief, as at least there was an answer...and hopefully a solution.

Like so many of us, Erin's first appointment with the Rheumatologist was crushing.  He basically told her to expect decline, and that medications could only hope to slow disease progress.

Erin was raised to question.  So she set out for answers, and began her "clunky trial and error."

She was already gluten free because she had previously been diagnosed with Celiac.

She began to change her daily habits:

• Practicing emotional release
• Reducing the intensity of her exercise:  exchanging cross fit for yoga 
• Prioritizing sleep
• Prioritizing recovery
• Reducing stress to increase resilience
• Listening to her body

Having initially practiced medicine as a hospitalist, Dr. Erin found that Precision Medicine is her true love.
Combining genetics with in depth lab testing and supporting patients in creating the lifestyle and daily habits that support true wellness is her jam!

Embracing the field of psychoneuroimmunology, Dr. Erin helps patients trust their bodies and the signals they are receiving.
Dr. Erin Health is where you can find her Autoimmune Academy, which will take you through the steps to get started improving your health.
Reach out to Dr. Erin directly to let her know you heard her here to receive a discount on the Autoimmune Academy.

Dr. Erin's 1 Step
SLOW DOWN!
Get into your body and feel what it is telling you!

Megan Evans is the creator of The MS Stage, and brings her love of theater and dance, coupled with almost two decades of journey with MS to her very different kind of support group for women with MS.

Megan has had health challenges her whole life.  She was born with Immune Deficiency Syndrome and spent years on antibiotics and antihistamines.  At age 14 she was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia.  She never let her health struggles hold her back.
After college Megan moved to NYC, just before 9/11.  She went through the emotional trauma of the event, and was exposed to the smoke and debris dust, as so many were.

Her first MS symptoms appeared a few months later, when she began to experience dizziness.  Without any clear medical answers, as the dizziness cleared up, Megan moved forward with her career plans.

Three years later, as she was moving to LA, Megan lost feeling in the left side of her body.  The doctor told her it was likely either a stroke, a tumor, or MS.
At that time Megan had one lesion on her brain, which did not meet the criteria for an MS diagnosis.
But the neurologist told her, "you'll end up in a wheelchair one day."

Megan was determined to find solutions and began her journey of changing her diet and looking for answers.  She did "all the things."
Acupuncture, Homeopathy, etc,

She was determined not to own the label of MS.

Over the next 14 years, while her symptoms were mostly controlled, there were flairs, hospital visits, steroid treatments.
And through it all...Megan kept working.  Even from her hospital bed.

5 years ago Megan experienced a bad episode.  She lost feeling from the neck down,
She had been pushing a detox too far for her body, which is very sensitive. She had been working too hard as a personal stylist, and she had many more lesions.

She finally began MEDITATING.  The one thing she had resisted.
She began to dig deep in her emotional work, going for therapy.

Her shift...ACCEPTANCE
Acceptance in champion mode!  Not victim mode!
It was time to be truly empowered!

She took a year off, studying Gabby Bernstein's work, and taking her spirituality to a new level.

Theater and Dance are in Megan's bones, she majored in them in college.
Through her work on herself, Megan realized it was time to incorporate them back into her life, and she could bring them to others to help them heal.

Megan created The MS Stage to help women with MS find empowerment and healing through movement and dance.
She teaches mindfulness tools to get them into their bodies and hearts.

A key step in the program is to name your symptom.  Befriend it.  Really get to know it and how it is trying to help you.

This is her One Thing for you to do.  Explore the character that is your symptom!

Elizabeth Yarnell is a traditional naturopath and certified LEAP Therapist who is on a mission to redefine MS and autoimmunity.  She helps autoimmune sufferers in her nationwide clinic using non-pharmaceutical therapies to empower them to reclaim her health.  She is the award-winning author of Glorious One Pot Meals and the inventor of a cooking method that allows for simplified cooking of nutritious meals that are delicious.

Elizabeth was diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) in 1999 after an overnight, scary, change in her vision led her to the doctor.
She quickly lost all of the vision in her right eye, and was convinced to take a disease modifying prescription to manage her decline.
While on the medication, Elizabeth had serious side effects.  She had hives from each injection, and eventually seizures.

Elizabeth stopped the medication after three years and began to change her diet from processed foods to real foods.
She began to reclaim her health.

Having never been a cook, Elizabeth invented and patented a new way to cook that was simple and didn't require a lot of work in the kitchen.
She published her cookbook Glorious One Pot Meals to help others do the same.  All meals can be built in 15 minutes and then cooked in the oven, hands off.

Elizabeth became a traditional naturopath and helps others heal as she has.

At 53, Elizabeth is free of disabilities!!!
She knows how to trigger and how to manage flares.

Whole foods are the first key to health.
Elizabeth's TedX talk in 2014 - Poisons In Our Food

As a functional medicine practitioner she focuses on defining root causes and triggers of chronic inflammation.

Go to multiplesclerosis.com to find the top foods to avoid if you have autoimmunity (or if you want to be healthy).

START READING LABELS
Food and other products

Beware also of "natural flavors" and "fragrance"

Today we are joined by Dr. Lisa Grant, OMD and we are talking about Autoimmune Thyroid DIsease and Fertility.  Dr. Lisa is a double board-certified Oriental Medicine Doctor specializing in fertility, and the owner of Fertility Reset Online, where she supports couples in building the families they dream of.

Lisa started her journey as a patient.  She struggled with digestive distress that got worse as time went on.  Western Medicine doctors couldn't find the problem.  When it was so bad that Lisa could barely eat without extreme pain, she found an article that pointed her toward acupuncture.

Sure enough, acupuncture helped ease her symptoms, and continued to improve her health.  As she was looking for a career change, Lisa decided to go to school and practice the medicine that had so significantly impacted her health.

Lisa wasn't focused on fertility at first.  Having had five pregnancies and three miscarriages, she wasn't sure she was ready to support others in that way.

Until a friend turned to her for support in conceiving.  The rest is history!

Lisa helps fill in the gaps in the fertility experience.  Often her patients have fertility specialists and Lisa's work complements the treatment path.

The importance of a FULL thyroid panel:
Most Western Physicians are only testing TSH and T4 levels.
They are missing key pieces of information regarding thyroid health.

If fertility issues are present, it is essential to check thyroid anitbodies, along with free T3 and rT3 as well.
So many of Lisa's patients have undiagnosed Hashimoto's
The symptoms are chameleon-like!

Chinese Medicine Approach
Thyroid is on the spleen and kidney meridians.
Kidney rations energy
Spleen - nurturing and nourishment

The thyroid is the energetic thermostat

Carrying a baby is like being an olympic athlete!
If our body doesn't have enough resources for full health, it won't allow or maintain the pregnancy.
Must build foundations of wellness first!

Where to start?

GO COMPLETELY AND TOTALLY GLUTEN FREE!
No cheating!

75% of time Lisa sees thyroid antibodies correct with this perhaps difficult, but SIMPLE step!

Lisa's gift for you:
go to Fertilityresetonline.com. and use code Inspirednow20 for 20% off!

Why aren't doctors catching this?
If only testing TSH, they are missing what's going on until the thyroid has sustained significant damage.  They are missing subclinical thyroid issues that when treated, could prevent the damage.

Get a full panel!!!

Lisa's One Step...
If you have to ask...the answer is NO!  No Gluten!  No Wiggle Room!

Margaret Floyd Barry is a functional nutritionist, writer and real food advocate who’s been on the pursuit of the most nutritious and delicious way of eating for the better part of her adult life.

Having seen family members suffer the devastating effects of chronic illness from a young age, Margaret has long had the desire to help others find a better way back to optimal health and wellbeing. Through years of experience working with the most complex client cases, including reversing her own autoimmune condition, Margaret has established a powerful system for restoring health by addressing the root cause of illness.

Today, Margaret teaches fellow practitioners the same proven system she uses to get her clients life-changing results through Restorative Wellness Solutions - a two-year comprehensive functional nutrition certification program for qualified health professionals.

I was so excited to record this episode, that we jump right in, and Margaret shares her personal story with us later in the episode.

Margaret shares how she thinks about autoimmunity:
The immune system has two jobs

1. To protect us from pathogens
2. Internal housekeeping

It is intended to discriminate between self and other, and friend and foe.

But...the immune system gets overworked when constantly exposed to triggers and it makes bad decisions.

Allergies have an IgE response and noticeable symptoms directly follow exposure.

Food intolerance occurs when we lack the digestive capacity to break a food down properly and digestive symptoms directly follow.  One common example is lactose intolerance.  We need sufficient lactase to break down lactose, and if we don't have enough, we get GI discomfort.

Food sensitivities can be tricky!  There are multiple mechanisms of action, and the symptoms may be extremely vague and delayed by several days.

Food sensitivity testing used alone is not enough!

Stool/gut testing to determine underlying causes is necessary so that true healing can occur while the sensitive foods are eliminated for 3-6 months.

Margaret doesn't use antibody testing.  An IgG test shows and immune response, but doesn't directly indicate inflammation is being caused.

She prefers the Mediator Release Test (MRT).

Margaret shares her journey with eczema that progressed into her twenties.  When it was on her eyelids and continuing to get worse, a friend suggested she see a Naturopath.

Margaret was put on an elimination diet, and her eczema cleared.

This was her intro into the idea that food could heal.
Margaret watched her mom lose her battle with multiple autoimmune conditions, including Lupus and Rheumatoid Arthritis, and is on a mission to help change the outcomes for others with complex autoimmunity.

Margaret runs Restorative Wellness Solutions, training other practitioners to use the same methodology and process she does to help others heal.  Over 1,000 practitioners from 15 countries have completed the training.

Margaret's 1 thing:
If you haven't already...GIVE UP GLUTEN FOR GOOD

If you have already gone completely gluten free, take an inventory of your lifestyle.  Consider how you are sleeping, eating, exercising, and managing stress and notice where you need to uplevel.

James Schmachtenberger is a successful serial entrepreneur, with a lifelong focus on using business and innovation to effect large-scale change for the benefit of humanity.  He is the co-founder and CEO Neurohacker Collective, a company focused on making groundbreaking products for health and well-being through complex systems science.  His areas of expertise include nootropics, anti-aging and regenerative medicine, sleep, and fast-paced entrepreneurialism.

James shares his story with us, beginning with his mother’s journey with interstitial cystitis, which nearly killed her when he was a young boy.  His mom found alternative medicine, recovered, and learned that sometimes allopathy isn’t the answer to our health challenges.

Through his first entrepreneurial experience of working himself to sickness, as the owner of a school, James learned first-hand, at age 21, how it feels to be exhausted, suffering from brain fog, depression, and existential challenge.
He sought novel IV treatment at a clinic in Mexico, where he was completely turned around after 3 days and experienced an overwhelming sense of empathy.
This experience greatly shaped what is now Neurohacker Collective, as well as his mission to truly contribute to making the world a better place.

Let’s talk about senescence!Our cells have a life span and, ideally, through apoptosis they die off and free up resources for healthy cells.

Senescent cells are no longer dividing and contributing, but haven’t died off.
Not only are they consuming valuable resources, but they also encourage senescence in other cells.
Hence the term zombie cells.

Health SpanCell senescence is one of the 9 Hallmarks of Aging.

Improving health at a cellular level has a net-net benefit.

Anti-aging isn’t just living longer…It’s living better.

Senolytic studies by Mayo Clinic and Scripps highlighted targeted approaches to reducing senescent cells and that was the starting point for the research into Senelytic.
Different cells types are best targeted by different substances and that’s is where this product really shines.  By combining these substances in a way to enhance the whole body.

Senolytic is used as a “hit and run” therapy.
By cycling the supplement using it two days in a row, once a month, it is most effective at “pruning” those senescent cells.

Ideally, it is used as an enhancement to healthy lifestyle that includes good sleep, clean diet rich in polyphenols, intermittent fasting, and optimal exercise.

It is not a remedy for the big mac!

James’s 1 Thing…Pursue that which makes you feel most alive! And that will fuel the rest.

15% OFF any purchase at Neurohacker
Use promo code INSPIRED to get 15% off your purchase at Neurohacker → CLICK HERE

Felice Gersh, MD is an award winning physician with dual board certifications in OB-GYN and Integrative Medicine.  She is the founder and director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, providing comprehensive health care for women by combining the best evidence-based therapies from conventional, naturopathic, and holistic medicine.  Dr. Felice is a prolific writer and lecturer who speaks globally on women's health and is the best selling author of the PCOS SOS series and Menopause:  50 Things You Need to Know.

Dr. Gersh was an early entrepreneur, starting her own medical practice from scratch early on.  She added additional practitioners to best support her patients with services such as Chinese Medicine.

After deciding to stop seeing patients full time, she went back to school to learn more ways to help her patients.  She did a fellowship in Integrative Medicine and has continued to be a leader in her field.

Expanding beyond pharmaceuticals and surgery is essential!

It wasn't until 2015 that the FDA required that women be included in studies.

The female body evolved for optimal success.

Women have very different immune systems than men.  We need to be able to keep a body alive.
XX chromosomes help to program the immune system of females to be stronger.

There are estrogen receptors on every cell in the body.

Innate immune systemCreates a life saving inflammatory response

Estrogen is an immune modulator

When you are pregnant you make Estriol, which binds to beta receptors which quiets the immune system to sustain the foreign invader...the baby.
The immune response is down regulated during pregnancy.

Estradiol is an immune modulator, ramping up and down regulating the immune system.

Estrogen is amazing!Micronutrients are essential and nutritional deficiencies can lead to issues with the ovaries.

The menstrual cycle is a reflection of women's health.  If there are issues with the cycle, the underlying cause needs to be addressed.

When we hit menopause, reproduction ends, but life does not.  We are one of few animals that survives after reproduction has ended.

All of our hormones interact.  So when we go through menopause, that balance is shifted.

Integrative vs. alternative...using the best of both worlds

Not sex hormones but "life hormones"

Hormones are neuro-protective - essential for brain function

Molecular mimicry - our cells look similar to infection or other protein which can lead to autoimmunity
Women have higher immune response - 80% of autoimmunity

Osteoporosis - hormone deficiency

Metabolic homeostasis

One Step:1-define the problem (choices you control that you could do better with)

Pick the one that you can actually do tomorrow - make a commitment- and keep it!

If someone loses their thyroid, they never say...that's ok, you don't need it anyway.
But when ovaries stop working, that is what women are told.

Ever felt like you've tried everything for your health, but something's still missing? In this episode I chat with Dr. Tabatha Barber about why fasting might be that missing piece. 

We dive into how fasting could be a game-changer for women's health, especially during and after menopause. Dr. Barber shares her personal journey and how it led her to combine fasting with faith for overall wellness. 

If you're curious about fasting but not sure where to start, this episode is for you. We also touch on hormone replacement therapy and the importance of being your own health advocate. 

Join us for a down-to-earth conversation that might just change how you think about your wellness journey.

For the complete show notes and links visit inspiredliving.show/160

In today's episode, Mark Carlson shares how shifting our focus from disease management to building health can allow even the toughest health challenges to heal.

Today we are joined by Beth O'Hara, Functional Naturopath specializing in complex, chronic cases of Mast Cell Activation Syndrome, Histamine Intolerance, and Mold Toxicity.  She is the founder of Mast Cell 360 where she provides healing protocols for patients, as well as providers.

Beth's health journey began in childhood.  Growing up on a farm in a rural area, she was exposed to mold and Lyme and they didn't know anything about the risks back then.  A TBI threw her a curveball, and then a car accident that kept her out of high school for almost a year had her in bed and on pain meds.  College was a continued physical struggle.  Pain, fatigue, anxiety..all as she was working three jobs during her undergrad studies.  Although she had earned scholarships to medical school, which had been her lifelong dream, Beth knew that her health would never allow her to make it through residency, if she managed to survive med school.

By age 28 Beth was walking with a cane or wheel chair.  She was misdiagnosed with Palandromic Arthritis.
Because doctors didn't know what was wrong with her, they told her it was emotional.
Years of therapy were helpful, but not for her health.
Finally, Beth was diagnosed with Lyme Disease, but was too sick to tolerate treatments.

Eventually, she learned she had mold toxicity.  And she learned how to reboot her nervous system.
She slowly improved and was able to tolerate treatments.

She eventually became a Doctor of Naturopathy.  And now

What is Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
Mast cells are immune cells that are found throughout our body.

We have over 200 known kinds of mast cell receptors.  Their job is to keep us safe.  They respond to immune threats, like infection, and even stress.
The problem occurs when mast cells don't have a chance to reset themselves.

MCAS is a multisystem issue.
It takes an average of 10 years to get diagnosed.  It still isn't taught in medical school.

MCAS effect up to 17% of the population.

Mold exposures are all across the country and world.  And numbers are rising which is increasing MCAS as well.
EMF exposure increases mold activity as well.

Multi systemic:
with our without allergies
with or without anaphylaxis
with or without sensitivity
Presentations are different!

Mastcell360 is your resource for all things Mast Cell.
Free Symptom Survey
Courses are available for lay people and practitioners.

Healing takes time!
Lifestyle change.
We start with nervous system.  Vagal nerve system and lymbic system.
MC360 Method:
1-Stabilization of nervous system
-Structural issues top of neck
2-Remove triggers
3-Mast cell calming
modulate inflammosomes

The order of operations is key!

Message of hope.
WE CAN HEAL!!!!  AND DO!!!

One Thing to do
Alternate nostril breathing...it's free!

Learn more about mast cell activation syndrome here

Monica Cox is a top Holistic Functional Fertility Coach and Infertility Warrior. She's supports women in finding the root cause of their fertility issues and become the conscious mother they were born to be! She dealt with years of unexplained infertility, failed IVF's & survived several miscarriages before becoming an IVF mom & getting pregnant natural even though the doctors said there was nothing she could do to improve her situation. Author of the best-selling journal "Boost Your Embryos" and host of the highly popular podcast Finding Fertility, Monica is dedicated to inspiring women to look beyond their infertility diagnosis and take control of their health. Her signature online program, The Fertility Formula & personal Fertility Focused Coaching, has helped woman increase their chances of creating the family of their dreams.

Monica didn't have any glaring autoimmune symptoms, and was unaware of her autoimmune challenges until her fertility struggles shined a light.

Through her fertility journey, she found out that she has high natural killer cells and that by eating nightshades she was making her symptom expression worse.
From IBS, to bloating, brain fog and joint pain, Monica's symptoms were being normalized until her IVF failed.

"Your body is a healing machine, and if it wasn't you'd be f-ing dead!"

We want you eating the most varied diet that supports your body.
AIP is a lifestyle, not a diet.

There is no one size fits all.

When you get to a certain level of health, the sacrifice that AIP is, becomes totally worth it.  The health is the motivator.

Mindset is shoulder to shoulder with diet in importance for healing.
Self love and self worth are key.
You have to tap into those subconscious beliefs in order to stay on track.

Repeating to yourself what you want to be.
Consistent message, even if you aren't successful.

It is a form of love to show up for yourself every day!

The healing journey doesn't have to be hard!

Use the word "when" instead of "if"

When I get pregnant....
When I heal....

Imagine yourself how you want to be...
Be, do, have

Hope is the driver of change...keep that hope...

Use our intuition...
Trust yourself and be unstoppable.

Where to start...
A fertility health coach doesn't fix fertility...
Working on the root cause is key.
healing the gut, restoring the microbiome, mental and emotional health

Find community
Get a coach you connect with.
Find support where the knowledge, experience, and expertise connect.

Work on mindset.
Give yourself grace!
Get back up when you stumble.

In today's episode, Dr. Sandra Sheinbaum shares about the field of health coaching and how working with a coach can be especially helpful for chronic illness.

Dr. Sandi is the founder and CEO of the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy, a collaboration with the Institute for Functional Medicine.  She is a leader in the field of health coaching.  She is the author of How to become a Health Coach, Functional Medicine Coaching, and Stop Panic Attacks in 10 Easy Steps.

Dr. Sandi began her career as a teacher and then became a licensed clinical psychologist.  She founded FMCA when she was 65 years young, along with Elyse Wagner.
"We don't go it alone."

What is a Health Coach?

Health coaches are behavior change specialists that support you in getting from where you are to where you want to go.
Health coaches educate, listen, foster trust, create rapport and accountability, cheer lead...
Heart centered coaching can also support emotional and mental health for those reasons.
Coaches are sub-clinical providers in that way.
We help you initiate and SUSTAIN change.

A randomized clinical trial shows that participants with coaches maintained their work out routines a year after starting, while those without a coach were much less likely to still be working out.

"What is real in the mind is real in the body."

Mindset is a powerful healing tool.

Coaches work in a variety of settings.
Some physician offices have coaches on staff, or can recommend a coach.
Some work in private practice.
Many work virtually/some in person.
Group coaching programs offer a sense of community.

Dr. Sandi's one thing:
When you are down, or struggling, ask yourself "am I in the gap, or the gain?"
You are in the gain when you are noticing how far you have come.  The progress you have made.
Look over your shoulder and notice the improvements you have made.
And be grateful.
Gratitude is healing!!!

Shawn Borup, is the founder of Show Me Healthy Living. For three decades, she has researched, studied, and practiced the healing power of food and taught kids and adults how to eat more real food at every meal. She is a Healthy Living Coach, Certified Fermentationist®, Real Food Chef, and is living proof that implementing simple healthy habits promotes optimal health and wellbeing.

Today, we are talking about using real food to promote healing.
Shawn struggled with illness and asthma growing up, and when her daughter struggled with the same, she was determined to find the better way to heal.
Having grown up on the standard American diet, and taken many rounds of antibiotics, Shawn decided to create a different reality for her children.

Food as Fuel
You wouldn't knowingly put the wrong type of gasoline in your car...don't put the wrong fuel in your body!

Eliminating white sugar and white flour was where Shawn started.
White flour is all starch, which can stick in the intestines and create a swampy environment.

How do we change our eating habits?
It takes patience.

Shawn recommends swapping out your sugar for raw honey, local if possible.
We need to include live, raw, single ingredient foods.
Adding foods like bananas and butternut squash in baking to sweeten baked goods is one of Shawn's tricks.

Sugar is so addictive that to change your habits it is important to get it out of your house.

Today's wheat is not what we used to eat.  It is not sprouted, it has higher gluten, and higher starch.

Our bodies don't recognized processed, GMO, foods as food, which triggers immune response and lends to autoimmunity.

We need to be replenishing our systems with good foods that feed our gut and nourish our bodies.
If we aren't eliminating properly and regularly, we cause inflammation.
We aren't eating enough fiber.
We get. half or less the recommended amount.
Exercising supports our perspiration pathways and we need to be sweating.

In order to heal we need to look at what we are putting on our fork.

Everyone has gifts to share, and we need to feel well to do it.

Fermented foods feed your good bacteria.
Sour kraut, kefir, yogurt
Just a little bit daily!!
You can make nondairy yogurt.
Go from the SAD diet to the RAD diet!

Keep your energy up...avoid those sugar dips.

If you aren't ready to make your own fermented foods, look for:
Glass Jar
Raw (unpasteurized)
Local when possible
Watch out for fillers! Especially in plant based milks and alternative products.
Read labels!

If you eat dairy...be sure to look for grass fed products.

Take this 1 Step!
Get refined sugar and flour out of your house and add in more real foods.

In this episode, Dr. Navaz Habib shares the importance of the Vagus Nerve in connection with autoimmunity and inflammation, and how we can improve our vagal tone to improve our health.

Dr. Habib is the author of Activate Your Vagus Nerve and host of "The Health Upgrade Podcast."  He is the founder of Health Upgraded, an online Functional Medicine and health optimization clinic.  He teaches how we can optimize productivity, focus and energy levels, and ultimately our health by upgrading the Vagus Nerve.

At the time he graduated from chiropractic school, Dr. Habib was very unhealthy.  He was overweight, had high blood sugar and blood pressure, and felt like an imposter teaching others about wellness.  He and his (now) wife, wanted something different for their children.

"Being healthy is different than simply being without diagnosable conditions."

What is the Vagus Nerve?

The Vagus Nerve is the 10th cranial nerve.  (We have 12.)
It is the only cranial nerve that leaves the head and it connects to every organ system in the body.
It is "The Wandering Nerve"

It travels down either side of the neck in the carotid sheath and reconnects as one in the thoracic region, goes through the diaphragm, and on to connect with all of the other organ systems.

It sends information from the organs to the brain.  This is how it directly relates to inflammation.  When inflammation is sensed in the body, the Vagus nerve signals the brain.

The Vagus Nerve IS the Gut-Brain axis!

The Vagus Nerve can hit the brakes on inflammation, which is why vagal tone is so important.  If you don't have good vagal tone, the gas stays stuck on and the inflammation continues unchecked.

How do you know if you have good Vagal Tone?

If you have a resting heart rate between 50-70, you are likely in the parasympathetic state and it would indicate good vagal tone.
A resting heart rate over 70, indicates that you are likely in a sympathetic state - fright or flight - stress state...gas pedal stuck on.

Wearable trackers are useful in assessing and observing both heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV).
HRV is the time (milliseconds) between heart beats.  Ideally, that time is varied, which shows as a higher HRV and indicates resilience.

Tracking with a device such as Oura ring, Whoop strap, or Elite HRV can allow you to observe trends and work on improving health by strengthening vagal tone.

Take Action for Free!

Chant, hum, gag, gargle!

Dr. Habib recommends gargling twice a day, when you brush your teeth.
Aggressive gargling!  Gargle until tears come out of your eyes.  That is how you know you have activated your brain stem.
Practice and work your way up... you will get there!

The one thing you can start today...

BREATHE
Deep, diaphragmatic, belly breathing.
Place one hand on your chest and one on your belly.
Breathe so that your belly is moving, and not your chest.
Three diaphragmatic breaths will get you into the parasympathetic state...which is essential for healing and optimized health.
Do this several times a day!

In today's episode, Dr. Emily Kiberd shares her experience and expertise with us regarding the right way to work out with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, or any autoimmune disorder.

Dr. Kiberd is a chiropractor, mother of two, and the creator of Thyroid Strong; a workout program for women with Hashimoto's to learn how to work out without the burnout.  She put her own Hashimoto's into remission, and now helps other women do the same.

Dr. Kiberd shares her all too familiar journey with hypothyroid and challenges in getting a proper diagnosis.  Like so many, she was told that she was tired and had brain fog because she was a new mom.  Once properly diagnosed and making the lifestyle changes needed to begin healing, she continued to struggle to lose weight.  Turning to aerobics and intense exercise didn't help.
Once she switched gears and focused on a resistance training routine to fuel muscle, she began to get results with greater ease than imagined.

Why most doctors have it wrong:

Often those of us with autoimmunity are told to only do gentle exercise such as stretching, walking, or gentle yoga or pilates.  Dr. Kiberd has a completely different approach.  We need to fuel muscle, which is the largest endocrine system, in order to improve metabolism, reduce inflammation, and support soft tissue to improve pain.

With hypothyroid, systems are slow and we don't turn over tissues as quickly as other people.  Regeneration takes longer.  It is imperative to avoid overuse injuries.
Tendons also get stronger under load, which is why resistance training is so important.

Frozen shoulder syndrome is often related to hypothyroid, not injury.  Stretching isn't the answer.

Ask yourself...
What is not moving enough (stiff)?
What is moving too much (hyper-mobility)?

Hyper-mobility is a common issue with autoimmunity.
It can be assessed using the Baten Score.

Doing the basics consistently is key!

Using kettle bells, low reps and rest period in between is key.
Dr. Kiberd typically starts clients off with two 12 kilo bells, equivalent to 50lbs.  It may sound like a lot, but LOW REPS!

All of the power you need is in there!

Don't be under a load for more than 20 seconds.
Don't suck your belly in for "skinny belly".
Use an audible exhale to tap into your power.

Check out Thyroid Strong for the six or twelve week program!

#1 thing to do:

Get enough protein to build muscle.  30 grams per meal.

In today's episode, Dr. Meg Haworth shares the importance of getting to the emotional root cause of illness and releasing those emotions to allow for true healing.  We are talking about the effect of emotions and beliefs on the physical body over time.

Dr. Meg is an Holistic Health and Wellness Expert and Transpersonal Psychologist.  She is also the best-selling author of Get Well Now.

Dr. Meg shares a bit of her journey with us, which begins at the beginning of her life.  During childhood, she experienced all forms of abuse, including sexual, physical, and emotional, and even survived a childhood drowning incident, where she needed to be revived.

By her 20's, she was experiencing multiple illnesses and diagnoses including: IBS, ulcers, severe depression, scoliosis, fibromyalgia, Mixed Connective Tissue disease, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

She read an article about alternative medicine and began to explore that world, starting with chiropractic care.  She incorporated meditation, yoga, energy work, and nutrition, and each modality helped her slightly improve.  Transpersonal Psychology, and getting connected with her body, allowed her healing to make a quantum leap!  The key was getting to the emotion root cause of her illnesses.

Through her work with her clients, she has created an emotional release technique that allows clients to get in touch with, address, and replace the stuck emotions that are making them sick.
BUT...this technique does it in a way that allows her clients to feel happier, lighter, and more free at the end of the session.  There is no two week recovery from reliving trauma in order to heal.

We are constantly learning, growing, and evolving.
"The fun never stops!"

Your body holds the answers and the wisdom you need in order to get to the next level of health.

Freedom comes from healing!

We tend to hold resentments and anger, and we all do it differently.

Dr. Meg considers these to be "teaching emotions" instead of negative emotions.

Using the emotional release technique and learning the tools to use moving forward leads to emotional self mastery - which is FREEDOM!

Exercises:
Close your eyes, place your hand on your belly and take a deep breath, inhaling through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.
Focus on your body.
Scan it.
What does it need in this moment?

Get up and MOVE.
Stretch...dance...Move!

Khara struggled with stomach pains and digestive issues for three years in college, only to be told that it was a virus.  When she finally got properly diagnosed, the doctors told her that she had advanced Crohn's Disease, and should avoid the stress of medical school, as she would have to deal with being ill for the rest of her life.

After several surgeries, Khara finally turned to Reiki, essential oils, and alternative medicine for healing, which brought improvement and led her to Functional Medicine.

Stress
Stress is not just one thing.
Eustress - good stress counts too!
Distress - bad stress can stay and compile and lead to chronic stress, in turn leading to illness.

Gut-Brain Connection
Of course there is a connection!
50% of dopamine is made in the gut, as is over 90% of serotonin.
It is not just brain health, but full body health. Including emotional.
We are not one dimensional!
Holding stuff in can derail health!

We can handle acute stress in about 90 minutes.

We are living a life of convenience today which leads to rushing and stress.

Mindfulness
Your ability to be fully present in the moment.
We need to slow down!

There is no such thing as a quick fix!
Being mindful is a PRACTICE!

Pause, Breathe, Reflect!

JOY - Vitamin J
Joy is essential
We need to have little moments of fun!  It will lead to being more positive and less stressed.

Little small things, minute by minute present opportunities to tune in and be mindful.
Relax down to the cellular level.

Ask yourself...what is the one thing that my body says it needs right now?

Today Dr. Aimie Apigian joins us again to continue our conversation from episode 37 on the biology of trauma.

Dr. Aimie is a Double Board-Certified Medical Physician in both Preventive and Addiction Medicine and holds Double Masters Degrees in Biochemistry and in Public Health.
She is the leading medical expert on addressing stored trauma in the body through her signature model and methodology, The Biology of Trauma™: a new lens that courageously uplevels the old methods of trauma work and medicine by reverse-engineering trauma's effects on the nervous system and body on a cellular level.

In our last conversation, Dr. Aimie shares why everything we have been taught about trauma was wrong!

We pick up this week digging into how to tell where trauma is showing up in our lives, and how your patterns may be covering up who you really are.

We all create patterns around coping mechanisms.

Over Responders and Under Responders
We tend to use these patterns in order to avoid feeling a certain emotion
Lonliness, grief, etc…fill in the blank.
These unresolved emotions will always come back up.

These patterns are programmed from early experiences (before we can remember) and we think that it is just how we are…our personality, when it isn’t!

Over Responders
Tend to not be able to calm the system down and react to even the smallest disruptions as if they are big.
Our amygdala is designed to take in sensory information and decide in a millisecond if it is a current threat or not…often in an over responder, everything seems like a current threat.

Under Responders
Typically experience overwhelm early on and utilize the dorsal-vagal brake as an infant to stop the runaway train.  This creates a collapse, an escape within oneself…
The freeze response. Always an under reaction.
Many under responders physically have a posture of shame.

The gift of acute stress is sacred!
It is designed to protect us.

It is never too late to grow and heal!
As long as you are still breathing, you can step into neuroplasticity and retrain.

There is an essential order and timing to the steps to heal, in order to avoid further trauma and damage.

It can be dangerous to pick up a practice such as meditation or breathwork if you aren’t ready.
Meditation can reinforce the disconnect or be too much too fast for some, depending on where they are in their journey.

There is an essential order to feel safe while growing.

Physical symptoms are messages of the body feeling unsafe.

How do we examine our patterns?
Ask the question “why.”
“Why am I doing this?”

Extend NONJUDGEMENTAL CURIOSITY.

Struggling with menopause? Discover an often-overlooked resource that could change everything.

Dr. Kris Sargent reveals how spirituality and community support can be game-changers in your menopause journey. Learn why traditional approaches might fall short and how embracing these unexpected allies can lead to less anxiety, better mood, and overall wellness.

Uncover practical tips for harnessing the power of connection and inner peace to not just survive, but thrive during this transformative stage of life.

Whether you’re approaching menopause or in the thick of it, this episode offers a fresh perspective that could revolutionize your experience. Don’t miss this episode and transform your menopause journey from a challenge into a gateway for personal growth and vibrant health.

For the complete show notes and links visit inspiredliving.show/159

In today's episode, Scott shares how disruption of our barriers drives autoimmunity, and steps we can take to start to return to health.  From maintaining our barriers, to reducing our exposures...we dive in to how to interrupt the chronic inflammation that may be driving symptoms.

Scott is a physician trained in General Surgery and OB/GYN and realized the need for a more integrative approach, bridging the gap between allopathic and functional medicine when he was practicing obstetrics in New Mexico.
Years after his training in allopathic medicine, Scott looked up the definition of allopathy and realized that the focus was symptom treatment.  He wanted to do more than that, and studied and began practicing functional medicine in 2012.

Living in a microbial/invisible world...we have selective, semipermeable barriers.  How can we support their optimization and keep them from creating a frenzied response that turns into autoimmunity?

King or Queen of the Castle
Let's think of ourselves as the King or Queen of a Castle.
When you build your castle, it will likely have gates, walls, maybe a moat, a drawbridge, friendly villagers waiting to defend you, perhaps and army at the ready.

Our body has protective/selective barriers as well!
Skin
Gut
Lungs
Blood-Brain Barrier
Blood vessels

We can take steps to reduce exposures and also allow our barriers to be selective when they defend us.
These systems operate on pattern recognition.

* Know what you are putting on your skin.  Are you slathering yourself in toxins?
Maintaining hormone balance (insulin/thyroid/cortisol) will keep your skin supple and protective.

*The gut - where up to 75% of the immune cells are in the lining needs to be able to take in nutrients AND fight intruders
Create a ceremony around eating:  think, prepare, smell look at your food...sit down, relax and enjoy your meals.
Chew your food really well.
Our digestive system needs time to break down our food and our enzymes break food proteins (which can be considered dangerous strangers by the immune system) into smaller, safer particles so that the alarms don't sound and the armies don't attack.
BREATHE!
Keep your cortisol and stress response in check in order to support the integrity of your barriers!

In today's episode, Dr. Irene is sharing with us her expertise on why we get sick and how we can use neuroplasticity to change our programming and create true healing.

Dr. Irene shares how her story of catastrophic burnout and near-death experience led her to add to her Doctor of Chiropractic to become a Medical Doctor and expert in neuroplasticity, in order to help others bounce back from burnout to live their most successful, and healthiest lives.

Dr, Irene's wisdom:
We are ALL extraordinary!
You CAN heal yourself!

Programs that are running, whether from childhood, trauma, parents, society, genetics, previous generations... you get the idea.. these are all energy sucks and lead to us unconsciously detaching ourselves.  Eventually leading to flame out and illness.

Flame out syndrome is similar to burnout but includes health and personal life.  It isn't exclusive to the workplace.

We all have a tipping point and often don't realize the stress load we are burdened with.

We are designed for success and set up for failure.

Neuroplasticity is defined as the ability of the brain to grow, change, and heal.
"Nerves that fire together, wire together."

It is impossible to think clearly and find the best solutions in stress mode.

Neuroplasticity = Upgrading your Operating System!

How to do we quickly out of stress mode?
Do an energy practice by rubbing your hands together to create friction and heat.  Then separate your hands and feel your energy field between them, getting wider and stronger.  Play with it!  Take arms up high and out over head (think Superman/Superwoman).  Say... "I am strong, powerful and confident!  I've got what it takes!"

We heal when we prune back the nerves of the connections that no longer serve us, and start growing the connections that do.

In today's episode, Tsao shares the basics of Chinese Medicine, and how they contrast with the Western Medicine approach by focusing on wellness and integration, instead of illness.  We talk about how it is a spiritual medicine that is individualized, and how the 8 branches all need to be integrated for wellness.

Tsao shares her journey that has led her to specialize in Chinese Medicine for the past twenty years, and how her fertility protocols help couples conceive naturally.
Even if fertility is the last thing on your mind...listen in, this applies to us all!

Eastern Medicine:
The body has the natural ability to heal
Health is a transformation
We are regenerative beings
Spiritual medicine - individual

Western Medicine:
Many illness are irreversible and medication will be needed lifelong
Health is transactional
We are degenerative and expected to decline with age
Standardized care...prescription for diagnosis model

The Eight Branches of Chinese Medicine are ...accupuncture, body work, herbal medicine, food, exercise, mindfulness, feng shui, and astrology.
Integrative!!!

Quote from Tsao:  "You are your best doctor!"

Awareness is key in health and healing.  The body is giving us information we need to create balance.

Tsao shares the 7 year cycle and how it relates to us being regenerative beings...always growing and recreating.

Reframing is powerful!
When you experience symptoms, think of it as the process of getting well.

In Chinese Medicine, Autoimmunity is a sign that the nervous system needs to regulate itself.  It is an indication that the adrenals are out of balance and anxiety and overthinking is occurring, and the heart and small intestine need attention.

Similarly, it is common when there are fertility struggles to end up in the overthinking/stress loop, which exacerbates the difficulties.

Start at least 6 months to one year ahead to create the level of health that is optimal for carrying a baby.
It is important to create a lifestyle that is stable and reduces inflammation.
Start with real food, stress management, digestive health, probiotics, reducing toxic load and especially exposure to micro-plastics and other endocrine disrupting compounds.

What to do:
Increase your mind body connection.
1 - Breath work - Tsao likes Wim Hof's guided breathing exercise.
2 - Lymph massage - the big 6 which only takes a few minutes to get your system moving.

Breathe and move!  Breathe and move!  Breathe and move!
Find a practice that incorporates both.

In today's episode, Dr. Shiroko Sokitch shares her experience and expertise in how to heal when it seems impossible. We touch on her seven keys to healing and dive deeper into the power of love.

Dr. Shiroko uses many modalities to bring your body into balance in her Heart to Heart Medical Center in Santa Rosa California.  Her specialty is healing when it seems impossible, and her new book Healing When It Seems Impossible - 7 Keys to Defy the Odds is available now.

Shiroko knew she wanted to be a doctor since the age of 5, when she unexpectedly lost her best friend, her great grandmother.
When she was a second year surgical resident, she listened to her dream that advised her "if you stay in surgery, you will die."
After quitting her residency and beginning her work in the ER, Shiroko found acupuncture and Chinese Medicine and began her training.
She had a dream of opening a medical center that blended the two approaches to wellness...and so she did!

7 Keys to Healing

1. Love - Essential to move from feeling betrayed by your body, to your body is your best friend.
2. Physical Balance - Triangle of Wellness: hormones, nervous system, immune system. YOUR BODY CAN HEAL!
3. Finding your own unique lifestyle
4. Learning to listen to your body
5. Emotions - Every organ has an emotional and spiritual function.  Every physical condition is connected to emotion.
6. The hero's journey - Our bodies are our best tool for our spiritual path.
7. Trust the process - Which can be difficult!

Back to LOVE

The heart is the most amazing organ.  It runs the show.  Considered the emporer in Chinese Medicine because it runs the show.
Oxytocin - the love hormone, counteracts cortisol for a calming, healing effect.

If you give love, you will feel love.

Build love:
Start thinking about where you have love in your life.  Express your love.  It can be with humans, animals. nature, art, the universe...
Try to bring love to every part of your life in any way you can.
Eventually, loving yourself!

You can give yourself love!
Give yourself a hug.  Physically.
Cross your arms and hold opposite upper arms.  Take a few deep breaths.
This will relax you and reduce any anxiety.
Release that oxytocin!

Love truly heals!

Complete show notes: inspiredliving.show/48

In today's episode, Nurse Practitioner and Functional Plant Medicine Expert, Melanie Cross introduces us to using cannabis as a tool to get people over the hump with their healing to improve sleep, energy, and digestive issues.

Through her own health journey, Melanie experienced a seven year time when she didn't sleep well, was experiencing brain fog, and was told she was fine by the doctors she saw.  The typical story of "of course you're tired, you have children" and even offered her anti-depressants.

Within a week of starting cannabis, she was sleeping through the night for the first time in years!

She found the root cause of her sleep issues, which was gut health, and address that to heal.  Now she doesn't need or use cannabis for sleep anymore,

Melanie now uses this approach with her clients, whether it is sleep, or pain, or anxiety...to bridge that gap and allow them to have the energy to heal.

Sleep is not a luxury!
It is essential, and we cannot heal without sleeping well.

Functional Plant Medicine - Melanie's approach of combining functional medicine and cannabis for treatment.

We aren't talking about getting high!

How to find symptom relief without feeling high.
No dosing with edibles for medicinal purposes.
You won't know actual dosing and you don't want the sugars, etc.

Customizing dosage and blends that serve you the best.

Balancing your endocanebanoid system.

Tinctures allow you to dial in dosage specifically.
Method of extraction is important.
Different turpines for the results you want.

Patches can be very helpful for pain.
TCH-a in pain patches... no psychoactive effects.

Some areas of the country, there are health care providers connected with dispensaries.

Melanie is a member of the American Cannabis Nurses Association.

Dr. Sulak, healer.com is a great resource to diy it.

Some people should definitely not try dosing on your own!
Seizure disorders
Blood thinners
If you have had a previous bad experience

Your endocanebanoid system as a balancing act.  It's job is to create homeostasis.

Stress Reduction
Mindfulness
Vagus Nerve
Joyfulness

Empowerment to heal the body....

Immune resilience... If you have an endocannabanoid deficiency, using cannabis can help balance you and give your body more resources to begin healing.

Start low and go slow!

#1- Master showing up for ourselves!

When we can create a win in healing and become empowered, it leads to more and more wins in health, and then life!
Life gets more expansive again!

Not settling for the story of illness.

Jumpstart your healing!

Melanie's 1 thing... Show up for yourself!
Becoming 1% better - James Clear Atomic Habits

Instead of always raising the ceiling, why not raise the floor!

Pick one thing, and make a 1% improvement there.
No win is too small!

Complete Show Notes: inspiredliving.show/47

In today's episode, Dr. Alison Danby explores autoimmune fatigue.  We discuss this symptom that 90% of people with autoimmunity experience, and find a challenge.

After working to heal her own autoimmune symptoms, Alison noticed many of her clients were showing up after being told that there was nothing they could do about their autoimmune symptoms, and that's not true!  That led Alison to specialize in autoimmunity, and make her contribution to folks in this community.

Fatigue is often one of the first symptoms we experience with autoimmunity.

It is NOT tired mommy syndrome or depression!

There is overlap with depression such as smaller social life, withdrawal, and change in mood.
And what Alison refers to as "mall eyes" a burning tiredness.

HEAVINESS!

Bone tired!

Rule outs:
iron deficiency
thyroid condition
dehydration!!!
B12
RX interactions
hormones

Cell Danger Response
Mitochondria - plays a role in essentially every chronic illness
When our body senses danger...mitochondria spends energy signaling danger instead of producing energy..toxins, inflammation, etc. can trigger cell danger response.

Leads to big changes in nutrient absorption, etc.

Stress Response - Blunted HPA Axis Function
Hypothalmus-Pituitary-Adrenal

Blunted Cortisol
Hyper Responsive Nervous System

running without hitting the brakes

Inflammation
Inflammation creates oxidative stress, which increases inflammation!

Both are tied to fatigue.
Aging us quicker.

ACES - Advanced Childhood Events   TRAUMA changes immunity and increases chance of autoimmunity.

What we can do:

Why is the the body in cell danger response...Identify cause
Dental is very common!  It can be smoldering infection without symptoms.
Infection
Toxins

Identify and remove trigger...clean it up!

Stress.
Lack of sleep
Diet

Measuring heart rate variability HRV...measure it to help identify stressors you are. not aware of.
You don't have to FEEL stressed out to be experiencing chronic stress.

Learned behavior to take on whatever we can handle.

Track, track, track!!

Alison likes to look back 10 years at labs and look at trends of changes in white blood cells that are indicative of changes leading to autoimmunity.

Living a full live is my goal.
What is your why...is the goal of being medication free is often unrealistic, stressful, and dangerous.

Live your BEST, BIGGEST, FULLEST life!!

Research is starting to slowly catch up with what we know.

Check your HRV, HRV, HRV to see how your environment is affecting you.

Full Episode Notes → inspiredliving.show/46

Podcast production and show notes by Podcast In A Box.

In today's episode, Heather shares her tips for setting the foundation to heal and optimize health.

Heather shares her health journey that began in early childhood with gut issues, included psychiatric events in adolescence, and undiagnosed Celiac, Lyme, and endometriosis.  This journey led her to question "why" and to become a Functional Diagnostic Nutritionist...first to help herself, and then others.

Wellness is a journey and we need to constantly adjust our routine and up level our self care.

Heather discusses the importance of slowing down and addressing trauma that may be hidden in the nervous system to truly heal.

The foundational areas of wellness are diet, rest, exercise, stress management, and supplementation.

Heather's tips include:
Testing for food sensitvities
Paleo Diet
Getting to bed on time
Staying well hydrated

Become your own advocate.  Don't fall for marketing tricks, read ingredients and know what you are eating.

Click here for the Full Show Notes

In today's episode, Dr. Alex shares her approach to healing, which includes addressing emotions, emphasizing self-worth, and using principles from quantum physics.

Dr. Alex's health journey led her to understand that toxic stress and trauma need to be dealt with, or health decline is inevitable.
She went from pushing hard building a successful business to being sick, tired, and losing her hair.  She knew things had to change, and she now helps others make those changes as well.

Quantum physics explains that which we can't see.  There is a universal intelligence that we all have access to, and we can use that to create healing when we create a space where the body is able to receive that intelligence.  We need to energetically clear the path.

We discuss the importance of holding space for a new possibility for yourself.

"What you focus on, you create more of!"

It is important to discover where you feel your emotions in your body.

Dr. Alex talks about using meditation to change brainwave states and increase your perspective.

Selfless Syndrome - the innate desire as women to take care of everyone and everything else but self.
We are important!
It is essential to see ourselves as worthy!

Dr. Alex's one step to take is diaphragmatic breathing.  Take 5 deep breaths!

Click here for the Full Show Notes

In today's episode, Rachel shares how we create beauty and radiance through slowing cellular aging by upleveling our mind, body, spirit, and energy vibrations.  From skincare routine dos and don'ts to biohacking...we touch on it all.

Rachel is focused on helping people live brighter and more vibrant lives.  She shares her professional journey from ICU nurse specializing in palliative care to aesthetics, and ultimately her current business where she helps her clients age impossibly well using her Holistic Science of Beauty.

What to avoid in your skincare products
Parabens
Phlalates
Sulfates
Fragrance

Wash your face with cleanser twice a day!

Finding and identifying mineral sunscreen...don't be fooled by blends.  Only zinc oxide or titanium are safe to use.  Avoid chemicals screens!

Beyond skincare into biohacking.

Light exposure
Plenty of water that is filtered, structured and mineralized.
Optimizing sleep
Avoiding/ protecting yourself from EMF's
KEEPING YOUR TOXIC BUCKET AS EMPTY AS POSSIBLE

The importance of 3rd party testing in all products and supplements you use.

Never go for first generation supplements, products, and procedures...always wait 7-8 years for data and evidence.  Second and third generation are going to be improved.

Certain rejuvenation procedures are important to avoid if you have autoimmunity...how to know...

Follow your intuition...it is always right!

Click here for the Full Show Notes

In today's episode, Cari shares how trapped energy can create illness, and what we can do about it.

Her story is remarkable, and she shares it with us.  Cari was a participant in the Boston marathon in 2013, and survived the bombings that day.

For a variety of reasons, she told herself that it wasn't her story to tell… and her health rapidly, and drastically, declined. Cari's healing journey inspired her to leave her corporate work and become a Quantum Healer and Trauma Specialist and she now helps others overcome trauma.

"What if all trauma really is is the witnessing of the frailty of humanity?"!!!

Anytime the foundation we stand upon is shaken, we can experience trauma.  This can include watching events on television...we don't need to be there in person.

You can call it a story, and if we don't tell the story, it becomes encapsulated and can lead to illness.  The stories are an energy, and need to be released.

Cari is a guide that can help you bridge the gap between the conscious and subconscious to release those belief systems that create illness.

You have ultimate power over yourself and can heal!

It is okay to make yourself a priority!
It is ESSENTIAL to make yourself a priority!

You can change your story to create healing.  What is it you want to create?

Get curious about why...
Why is this happening?
Why does this keep repeating?

That curiosity is deeply personal, and just for you.

"Huh, isn't that interesting" can shift any situation and shift your perspective.
It is a great habit to create...curiosity!!!
I wonder why...

The ability to trust ourselves needs to be honored and strengthened.
Trust the thoughts that come up...allow ourselves the curiosity...this is the practice.

A constant evolutionary process.

True desire, resilience, and knowing...will get you where you want to go.  Even when you don't know the path.

Cari's one step...take that deep breath...get into curiosity...ask..I wonder why... and ALLOW the answer to come up.  From the body...not your mind...

Click here for the Full Show Notes

Discover how your favorite electronics, like your fitness tracker, might be secretly sabotaging your health.

In this eye-opening episode, I am joined by expert Justin Frandson who reveals the hidden dangers of wearable tech and its surprising connection to chronic pain and inflammation. Learn practical tips to protect yourself and harness the power of nature for healing.

If you’re battling unexplained health issues or autoimmune symptoms, this game-changing information could be the missing piece in your wellness puzzle. Don’t miss out on this must-listen episode that could transform your approach to technology and health!

For the complete show notes and links visit inspiredliving.show/158

In today's episode, Dr. Tim shares with us the top two challenges that may be blocking your healing, and ways we can address them.

Number 1:
Oxygen is the body's most important molecule.  We have evolved into a more vertical jaw that is narrow and may lend to nocturnal hypoxia, or sleep apnea.
Snoring, feeling tired upon awakening, and acid reflux are all potential symptoms of sleep apnea.

Narrowing in the jaw may impinge on the trigeminal nerve, and in turn hinder the vagus nerve, making it more difficult to get into the parasympathetic state, which is our healing state.

Going to a specialist to get proper jaw alignment and widening to correct structure can be essential.

Number 2:
Mycotoxins!!
Mold is the most common activator of the cell danger response in mitochondria, greatly impacting the brain and the heart.
Non-native EMF's activate mycotoxins and newer, airtight, homes exacerbate the problem.

Most species of mold you can't see with the human eye.  So you may have mycotoxin exposure and not know it!
All mycotoxins negatively impact the immune system.

The more bizarre the symptoms, the more systems involved, the more likely mycotoxins are at play.
If you are stuck in a sympathetic state, mycotoxins may be at play.

Dr. Tim gives us tips and tricks to clean up our homes and protect our environments; from getting your air ducts cleaned...to using quality air filters.

The one step he recommends for listeners to start today...breathe through your nose for 20-30 minutes a day.

Complete Show Notes

In today's episode, Amanda shares tips and tricks for converting our favorite recipes to suit our eating plan.  Better than that.. she shares information from her book, The Clean Southern Cuisine Cookbook that will get us started.
That's right!  Delicious, southern food can be clean and nutrient dense.

No matter your culinary heritage, it is possible to eat in a way that supports your health.

Learn about converting recipes for paleo, AIP, Keto, and gluten free.

With her background with cajun, creole, and southern food, Amanda knows all about flavor!

Healthy food doesn't have to be bland and boring!

By setting the mindset of "it will be worth it" and taking one step at a time, anyone can move toward truly clean eating.  Whether you have autoimmune challenges, or simply want to optimize your health...IT WILL BE WORTH IT!

We agree that treats are not only okay, but important to include on occasion.

Want to know how to up-level the nutrient density of a chocolate cookie?  Amanda tells us!

Look at the ingredients when you are grocery shopping.  It is one of the best gifts you can give to yourself.

Complete Show Notes → inspiredliving.show/40

In this week's episode, Kellie tells us, in simple terms, all about DNA blueprints and how we can use our blueprint to prevent and/or correct illness.

Your genes are NOT your destiny!!!

By gaining the knowledge of what your genetic map is, you can gain the power to activate the genes that support wellness and avoid activating the genes that predispose you to illness.
Up-regulating genes that support detoxification, anti-inflammatory processes, antioxidant pathways can help optimize energy, sleep, mood, fitness, and so much more!

The power lies in knowing which lifestyle choices will keep you healthy and young longer, and which are leading you toward illness.

Live young until you're done!

Intro to Nutrigenomics:  How nutrients effect your genes and gene expression...

More of a good thing is not necessarily better!
Overdoing certain nutrients may slow down the work...

Why support Nrf2?  Because it is the master regulator of gene expression.

And then Kellie brings it down to the simple thing we can all do daily...it is free...it is easy...it is powerful
BREATHE intentionally.

Complete Show Notes → inspiredliving.show/39

In today's episode, Tatiana shares her journey working with me as she went from skeptical and resistant to in control of her psoriasis and lighter than she has been in years (in more ways than one).

We discuss the reality of lifestyle change and how what once seemed impossible, with support, becomes an every day reality.

Tatiana candidly shares her insights into how functional medicine has empowered her to reverse her inflammation and her Hashimoto's Thyroiditis before it ever became a problem for her.

The ripple effect is real!  Taking charge of your health will positively impact those around you as well.

As a CPA and money expert who works with entrepreneurs and business owners, Tatiana now has the experience of ease and joy, instead of pushing...and accomplishes more than ever, while enjoying time with her family.

From sleep to stress management and food to exercise...the support of a healthcare team has allowed Tatiana to find better health than she once imagined possible.

Complete Show Notes → inspiredliving.show/38

In this episode, Dr. Aimie walks us through why everything we think we know about trauma is wrong!

Her incredible journey that led her to eventually create The Biology of Trauma ™️ may require tissues!

She helps us shift perspective on the historically faulty trauma healing approaches and right away tells us some ideas we may have had wrong.

Time does not heal!
Love does not heal!
Trauma is not about events!

We have had it all wrong!

The Biology of Trauma™️
Instability and insecurity in early childhood leads to nervous system dysregulation.
This subconscious/unconscious process occurs when we feel unsafe and leads us to become someone other than we really are.

The freeze response aka overwhelm
Autoimmunity
Chronic Pain
Chronic Fatigue
Fibromyalgia
and more are expressions of the freeze response

Supporting your system when you're in the freeze response is possible, but typical stress management may flare your symptoms.

LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

Trauma is stored in your body!

Dr. Aimie's one step to take today to improve your health is holding your heart ❤️

Complete Show Notes →  https://inspiredliving.show/37

In today's episode, Dave takes us through his approach to optimizing health by keeping it simple!
The beauty is that everything we discuss supports the healthy stay young and those with chronic illness and autoimmune symptoms reclaim health!

It is time to stop complicating and "stressifying" health and get back to basics.

7 Simple Principles for Extraordinary Health

1. Drink enough water
2. Eat slowly and mindfully
3. Intermittent Fasting
4. Eat healthy proteins, fats, and carbohydrates at every meal
5. Simple supplement strategy
6. Move daily
7. 7-9 hours of sleep

My quote of the day:
'I want to live young until I am done."

Dave encourages everyone to start a meditation practice as his number one step to improve health.

Complete Show Notes →  inspired.living.show/36

In this week's episode we are talking all things Keto Green with Dr. Anna Cabeca and just how this lifestyle supports everyone's health, not just women!

Dr. Anna starts us off by sharing how the Keto Green Lifestyle addresses what she calls the Pitchfork of the Devil:  hormone imbalance, inflammation, and adrenal dysfunction.

Urine PH is an important indicator of how acidic or alkaline you are.  If you are too acidic, your mineral balance is likely to be off.
Eating alkalinizing foods is important, but its not just what you eat!

It is also what you're thinking...who you're eating with, how you've blessed your food...and so much more!

Intermittent fasting is not just ok for women over 40, it provides the rest and restoration we need!

It is in the pauses that the magic happens!

Keto is key!  Yes... even over 40, even with adrenal dysfunction!

Dr. Anna and I are on the same page regarding a healthy plate.
✅  Healthy Fats
✅  High Quality Protein
✅  Loads of low carb Green Veggies!

Listen to your body and change it up!

Full Show Notes → inspiredliving.show/35

Complete show notes → inspiredliving.show/34

Today I am joined by Dr. Eric Osansky, and we are talking about all things thyroid; including the rarely addressed hyperthyroid condition, Graves’ Disease.

Dr. Eric is a chiropractor, clinical nutritionist, and functional medicine practitioner who helps people recover from thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions.

He is the author of Natural Treatment Solutions for Hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Triggers.

Our conversation covers the differences and similarities between Hashimoto;’s and Graves’ including symptoms, triggers, and treatment pathways.

If you have questions about thyroid health, you are in the right place!

Complete show notes → inspiredliving.show/33

Today we are joined by Dr. Jane Brewer, chiropractor extraordinaire.

Dr. Jane focuses on Upper Cervical Chiropractic and Neurostructural Correction, which is a unique approach to restoring balance to the three core aspects of one’s body: the structural framework, function, and auto-regulation.

In this episode, we dive into this unique and effective approach to enhancing wellness and supporting the immune system and how it differs from traditional chiropractic care.

Dr. Jane explains the importance of having your head on straight, and she shares easy-to-do tips for supporting the Vagus Nerve to improve immune health.

Complete show notes → inspiredliving.show/32

In this episode, I welcome back Jason Earle, founder of GOT MOLD? and indoor air quality expert, to discuss the intricate relationship between mold exposure and chemical sensitivities.

Jason shares his recent experience with a sewage backup in his home, highlighting the importance of proper moisture control and the potential risks of using fragranced products during cleanup. We explore the industry standards for water damage restoration and the different types of water damage. Our conversation delves into the role of the trigeminal nerve in detecting volatile organic compounds and how fragrances can trigger inflammatory responses.

Jason emphasizes the need to shift from a fear-based response to a more balanced approach when dealing with environmental toxins. We discuss practical steps for improving indoor air quality, including the benefits of opening windows regularly and keeping spaces clean and dry. Jason also introduces his company’s at-home mold testing kit, designed to make professional-grade testing accessible and affordable. We cover the benefits of using spore trap technology for mold testing and how to interpret the results.

This episode provides valuable insights for anyone looking to create a healthier living environment and manage environmental sensitivities more effectively.

For the complete show notes and links visit inspiredliving.show/157

Dr. Doni is a naturopathic doctor, certified professional midwife, and certified nutrition specialist who has developed her Stress Recovery Protocol through the process of solving her 25-year struggle with migraines.

Using her protocol, she helps her patients reverse challenging health conditions, including autoimmunity.

Her newest book, Master Your Stress, Reset Your Health, is available for pre-order and releases on May 3, 2022.

Today we talk about how important it is to know your stress type in order to dial in your stress recovery; why it is important to measure your cortisol and adrenaline levels; and how to begin to heal your adrenal distress.

Listen in to learn how to increase your resilience…you are worth it!

Complete show notes →  inspiredliving.show/31

Today I am joined by Dr. Dan Cardellichio, a leader and educator in the field of Metabolic Nutrition and Functional Biochemistry. He brings 32 years of clinical experience, and his vast knowledge of Functional Nutrition to Nutrition of Westfield, in New Jersey. 

Today we discuss our shared experiences on just how important food sensitivity testing is in reducing inflammation and improving your health.  Dr. Dan dives deep on intestinal permeability, testing and treatment, and individualized eating plans for true results.  Listen in and learn the difference between food allergies and food sensitivities, and how leaky gut may be driving your symptoms, as well as the steps you can take to jumpstart your healing and feel better and younger as you age.

Full Episode Notes

In today’s episode, we are joined by Jana Short, renowned global influencer and award-winning mindset coach in the health and wellness industry.

Jana is a best-selling author and host of the Oh My Health…There Is HOPE! Podcast, and that is what we are talking about today.  Finding hope in ALL THINGS.

Jana is the editor of Best Holistic Life Magazine, which is an incredible resource for anyone looking to up level their lives. In our conversation, Jana shares her incredible journey with us, and we dive into how changing the stories we tell ourselves can truly change our lives.  Jana makes mindset actionable for us all.

If you want to know the first step to creating wellness, finding true love, or creating the life you desire…don’t miss this episode!

Full Episode Notes