Functional Wellness with Dr. Alison

If you've ever come home from what should have been a normal day and spent the next week in bed, this episode is for you. Today we're talking about post-exertional malaise, ME/CFS, long hauler fatigue, and chronic muscle pain from the perspective of someone who both treats these conditions and lives with them. Dr. Alison DiBarto Goggin walks through the full spectrum of fatigue, from normal soreness after overdoing it at the gym to the kind of debilitating exhaustion where chewing food is an effort and getting to the bathroom leaves you breathless. In this episode you'll learn what myalgic encephalomyelitis actually means and why it matters, how post-exertional malaise differs from ordinary tiredness, why this is not a deconditioning problem and why pushing harder makes it worse, what NIH-funded research is telling us about the gut microbiome and ME/CFS, what testing can and cannot tell us right now, and what a real functional medicine approach to these conditions looks like, including diet, gut health, mitochondrial support, viral protocols, and pacing strategies. This episode is for women who are tired of being told they just need more exercise, more sleep, or more willpower. There are biological reasons your body responds the way it does. There are root causes worth investigating. And there is a path forward. Resources mentioned in this episode are available at https://us.fullscript.com/plans/littleblackbagmedicine-pems and www.littleblackbagmedicine.com. To work with Dr. Alison directly, schedule online at the same link.

Struggling with severe brain fog, insomnia, migraines, or POTS symptoms after a viral infection? You're not alone. In this episode, Dr. Alison shares her personal experience with post-viral cognitive dysfunction and breaks down the science behind long COVID neurological symptoms, chronic fatigue, and nervous system dysregulation. Discover evidence-based strategies for brain recovery including: -Research on immune dysregulation and neuroinflammation after viral infections -Clinical trials for long COVID cognitive symptoms (baricitinib, low-dose naltrexone, metformin) -Essential nutrients for brain health: NAC, CoQ10, omega-3s, vitamin D, B-vitamins -Why Lions Mane and nootropics help some people but worsen ADHD symptoms in others -Dopamine support and saffron spray for post-viral mood and cognitive issues -Nicotine patches for neuroinflammation (watch: https://youtu.be/S9PHDJCncUI) -Game-changing functional neurology brain exercises that rewire your nervous system -Mitochondrial support, phosphatidylcholine, and anti-inflammatory protocols Whether you're dealing with long COVID, Epstein-Barr reactivation, post-viral MCAS, or POTS, this episode provides actionable recovery strategies grounded in current research. Learn why post-viral brain symptoms persist for months or years and what you can do about it today.

Chronic hives, mysterious allergic reactions, and unexplained symptoms? You might have Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). Functional medicine physician Dr. Alison DiBarto Goggin shares everything you need to know about MCAS - from symptoms and diagnosis to root causes and treatment protocols that actually work. Learn about the connection between MCAS, long COVID, POTS, EDS, and gut health. Discover why standard testing often fails, which probiotics make histamine WORSE, and how to implement effective antihistamine protocols, dietary changes, and nervous system regulation. Dr. Alison shares her personal journey with severe MCAS after COVID and the protocols that brought her to remission - including the probiotic mistake most people make, therapeutic supplement dosing, and the brain-gut connection. Download the FREE MCAS & Mold Illness Manual: https://alisondibartogoggin.podia.com/mcas-manual Topics: MCAS symptoms, histamine intolerance, DAO enzymes, low histamine diet, mast cell stabilizers, long COVID, POTS, EDS, gut dysbiosis, biofilms, mold exposure, vagus nerve support, functional medicine protocols. Disclaimer: Educational content only, not medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider. Connect: www.littleblackbagmedicine.com | @AlisonDiBartoGoggin

Struggling with POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome)? Functional medicine physician Dr. Alison shares her personal POTS recovery story and comprehensive treatment strategies. Topics covered: ✓ POTS symptoms, diagnosis & subtypes (hypovolemic, neuropathic, hyperadrenergic) ✓ Long COVID and viral-induced POTS ✓ Why doctors dismiss POTS as anxiety ✓ Root causes: EBV, MCAS, dysautonomia, autoimmunity ✓ Compression socks & garments for POTS ✓ FL-41 glasses for light sensitivity ✓ Heart rate monitoring & wearables (Oura, Apple Watch, Visible) ✓ Hydration & electrolyte strategies ✓ Nervous system support & vagal toning ✓ Iron deficiency in POTS ✓ Beta-blockers vs. functional medicine approaches ✓ POTS and chronic illness management Perfect for POTS patients, long-haulers, chronic illness warriors, and anyone seeking functional medicine solutions beyond standard care. Learn more: www.LittleBlackBagMedicine.com

That "immune-boosting" supplement almost put me in the hospital. That fitness program everyone loves left me unable to get out of bed. Those "normal" lab results while I was actively dying. If you have autoimmunity, you've probably experienced the frustration of trying to do everything right and still ending up in flares. In this episode, I'm breaking down the six major trigger categories that keep you stuck, and more importantly, what to do about them. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN: Why herbs like echinacea and mushroom coffee might be destroying you (TH1/TH2 explained) The actual science behind food triggers and molecular mimicry Why you can't work out like that fitness influencer (and what to do instead) The truth about cold plunges and why they're harmful for women with autoimmunity Why your "normal" labs don't invalidate your very real symptoms Practical stress management tools that actually work This isn't about restriction or fear. This is about understanding what your body needs so you can move through life with confidence instead of confusion. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Cyrex Labs: https://www.cyrexlabs.com/ Sequencing.com for genetic testing: https://sequencing.com/ Therapist matching: https://www.theraplist.com/ Psychology Today therapist directory: https://www.psychologytoday.com/ Desbio Mental Emotional Detox Kit: https://dbscript.com/?direct=dralison

In this episode, I'm getting real about what actually causes autoimmunity, and spoiler alert: it's not just your unresolved trauma. While trauma is correlated with autoimmune disease, I'm calling out the dangerous trend of blaming women's emotions and past experiences for complex immune dysfunction. When 80% of autoimmune patients are women, and the message is "you got sick because you didn't process your childhood properly," we've got a problem. I break down the scientifically documented root causes of autoimmunity, including: Genetics and environmental triggers Viruses like Epstein-Barr and COVID Mold exposure and mycotoxins Lyme and co-infections Pregnancy and microchimerism Birth control and prolactin Superfund sites and toxic environmental exposure This isn't about dismissing the mind-body connection. As a shamanic practitioner and reiki master, I work with energetics daily. But we need to stop victim-blaming and start acknowledging the real biological, viral, genetic, and environmental factors making people sick. If you're tired of being told your illness is your fault, this episode is for you. Resources mentioned: Find me at littleblackbagmedicine.com for functional medicine support that combines root cause testing with energetic healing, without the judgment.

Welcome back to Functional Wellness with Dr. Alison. This is the story I never wanted to tell, but the one so many of you need to hear. In 2019, a doctor yelled at Dr. Alison that she had cancer. No tests. No conversation. Just fear. The GI who performed her colonoscopy was aggressive and dismissive. After that scope, everything changed. She went from "a little inflammation" to end-stage colitis in 5 months. When she was dying from sepsis—losing 35 pounds in 3 weeks, hallucinating from pain, with a resting heart rate of 170—her doctor said, "I don't know what you want me to do for you." This episode is about medical trauma, dismissal, and what happens when the system fails you. It's also about resilience, the lessons learned in the darkest moments, and why Dr. Alison will never dismiss a patient the way she was dismissed. What you'll learn: The three things she wishes she'd done differently Why meeting your specialist BEFORE procedures matters How this shaped her devotional approach to functional medicine More Support At: www.LittleBlackBagMedicine.com

Simple Metta Meditation for loving kindness

Free Introduction to the Heart Chakra and the program: Sacred Alignment: A Shamanic Journey Through the Chakras Unlock Hidden Wisdom, Heal Deep Wounds, and Reconnect with Your Soul Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey through your chakras? Join me in this FREE 4-week shamanic journeying course where we will explore the energy centers of your body—uncovering hidden parts of yourself, retrieving lost soul fragments, and realigning your heart, body, and soul for profound healing. Sign up here: https://alisondibartogoggin.podia.com/sacred-alignment-a-shamanic-journey-through-the-chakras Join me in this FREE 4-week shamanic journeying course where we will explore the energy centers of your body—uncovering hidden parts of yourself, retrieving lost soul fragments, and realigning your heart, body, and soul for profound healing. Each week, we will journey into a different chakra, connecting with its energy to release old wounds, rediscover self-love, and create balance in your life. This experience will help with physical healing, emotional integration, and deep spiritual awakening. What You'll Experience in This Course: ✨ Journey to each chakra to reveal hidden wisdom and energetic imbalances ✨ Discover and integrate lost parts of yourself through soul retrieval ✨ Heal physical ailments by addressing their energetic roots ✨ Explore the connection between chakras and life phases (inner child healing, reparenting, past life insights) ✨ Deepen self-compassion and love as you align with your true essence ✨ Strengthen your intuition and body wisdom for lasting transformation

Discover Your Meeting Place: Shamanic Journey with Alison Are you new to shamanic journeying and curious where to start? This class will guide you through your own journey to find your meeting place to ground and center, meet with guides, ancestors, and power animals and enhance your meditation and journeying experiences. Optional: bring journal, pen, and eye mask. Audio includes - Introduction to Alison - Introduction to journeying and shamanism - Guided meditation starts around 11:00 Learn more about Alison at www.JourneywithAlison.com

Not sure you can get better? Tired of nothing working and feeling overwhelmed? Listen to this podcast to dive deeper into how to support your mindset and health! FB community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LBBMedicine Brain Health Prevention Program: https://l.bttr.to/ASx39 Schedule online: www.LittleBlackBagMedicine.com

Does gut health affect mental health? What about the serotonin in your gut? Dr. Alisons shares some myths and truths about gut health and brain health today! Join our FB community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LBBMedicine Free brain health course: https://alisondibartogoggin.podia.com/your-best-brain-program Brain Health Protocol: https://us.fullscript.com/u/protocols/VHJlYXRtZW50UGxhblRlbXBsYXRlLTcxOTc1 Parkinsons, lectins, and herbicides: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/12/181204131105.htm

Dr. Alison shares her top supports for brain balance for the whole family: lifestyle, movement, rehab, eye movements, supplements, oils, and more! Join the Functional Medicine FB community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LBBMedicine Free Brain Balance Program: https://alisondibartogoggin.podia.com/your-best-brain-program Get the Supplement protocol: https://us.fullscript.com/protocols/littleblackbagmedicine-kids-brain-protocol Get the oil protocol: https://doterra.me/j6VJpn Schedule online: www.LittleBlackBagMedicine.com

Learn about the link between soybean and vegetable oil and gut health. New research shows that these oils may be a causative factor for colitis and leaky gut! Schedule online: www.LittleBlackBagMedicine.com

Are you wondering if ice baths, cryotherapy or cold showers are right for you? Dr. Alison shares why she feels that it isn't always the right choice for women (but it's okay if it's working for you) and what the research says. Schedule online: www.LittleBlackBagMedicine.com

Dr. Alison reviews "To Dye For" by Alden Wicker and how chemicals in our clothing, water, air, and food have been linked to almost all health issues and diseases. She shares her take on the information presented and what she recommends for supporting your health. Get the book: https://a.co/d/9uG9uB9 Detox Protocols: https://us.fullscript.com/protocols/littleblackbagmedicine-favorite-detoxification-programs Schedule online: www.LittleBlackBagMedicine.com

Dr. Alison shares her journey of looking for her root cause for her autoimmune illnesses, creating a spreadsheet of support, and not giving up hope! Connect with Me: Website: www.DrAlisonGoggin.com IG: @alison.dibarto.goggin FB: @LittleBlackBagMedicine FB community: www.facebook.com/groups/LBBMedicine

Dr. Alison shares her experience with the Chi Machine (aka swing machine) for her digestive and nervous system health. Schedule with Dr. Alison www.LittleBlackBagMedicine.com If you want to learn more about swing machines, visit https://chiexercisemachine.com

May is Mental Health Wellness Month! Dr. Alison shares her top functional medicine strategies for mental wellness and will be doing a full month of education and deep dive into each topic on mental wellness in May: Join the group here (for FB and YouTube): https://www.subscribepage.com/mentalwellnessclassmonth

Stop focusing on being 'cured' and look for the small changes. 10% changes are healing and you can gain the momentum you need to feel 100% over time! Dr. Alison dives into why research and medicine has driven us to look for a cure and how to support yourself daily through small changes. *This podcast is also shared on Chasing Chickens Podcast Connect with Me: Website: www.DrAlisonGoggin.com IG: @alison.dibarto.goggin FB: @LittleBlackBagMedicine FB community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LBBMedicine

Dr. Alison shares why and how her treatment paradigm shifted and why gut health isn't at the root of every problem. Balancing the Nervous System: https://www.facebook.com/groups/5346268822102783 Schedule with Dr. Alison www.LittleBlackBagMedicine.com

Borrowed Live from my Functional Wellness Community: Dr. Alison discusses ADHD diagnoses in women and what you need to know about your mental health. We dive into a study on women in Japan and the cultural, societal, and gender differences in diagnosis, treatment, and care for women with ADHD worldwide. Join our Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/LBBMedicine Schedule with Dr. Alison: www.LittleBlackBagMedicine.com

Redefining our health and life: free community program open this month! What I learned from taking a creative break in March Join our Facebook Community: www.facebook.com/groups/LBBMedicine New Podcast: https://soundcloud.com/chasingchickens

Meet Noelle Robinson, a sound immersion expert. She shares in detail more about her practice, how sound immersion (sound baths) work to improve your health, what a typical session looks like, and shares her passion for helping others! Meet Noelle: www.TheSoundSpa.com Follow: https://www.facebook.com/TheSoundSpaSTL

Could your chronic gut issues, IBS, bloating, reflux, actually be coming from your thyroid? Listen to this week's podcast to learn more! Join our Facebook Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LBBMedicine

Quick introduction to the thyroid: lab levels, how the thyroid works, what to do if your labs are 'normal' and a quick intro to autoimmunity. Join us for the thyroid month in our Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/225270131251390

Can functional medicine help with autoimmune conditions like RA, thyroid (Hashimoto's or Graves), Crohn's and Colitis, Lupus, etc? Dr. Alison shares her functional medicine approach and gives you some quick insight into treatment plans and testing. Schedule your initial consult: www.LittleBlackBagMedicine.com

Dr. Alison shares where to start with your mindfulness eating practice: One of the biggest questions I get about mindfulness is where to start. A few of the concerns my patients have include:- I never know how much to eat, I don't have an 'off switch' so I keep eating until I am sick- I don't feel hungry ever so I don't know how to feel when I do eat- I'm too busy to even think about food, let alone mindfulness! So let's take these big topics and break them down.  Join the free Mindfulness Challenge here: https://bit.ly/3VLRZPh Schedule an appointment: https://www.littleblackbagmedicine.com/scheduleonline

Learn more about the Soul Elements Collective and secure your Founder's Pricing until 1/25/23 here: https://bit.ly/3JI5nQ2

If you are struggling with what to eat and when, trying to figure out what foods help you feel your best and which ones are causing problems, mindful and intuitive eating might be helpful for you. Today we are going to cover what these terms mean, how to effectively tap into your intuition, and how to figure out what foods are best for you. Join the free Mindfulness Eating Challenge: https://www.subscribepage.com/mindfuleatingchallenge2023 Meet Dr. Alison: www.LittleBlackBagMedicine.com

Have you ever had a concussion, car accident, head trauma, or significant injury? Do you struggle with anxiety, OCD, IBS, SIBO, or POTS? Did you know that brain injuries and physical symptoms are closely linked? You're listening to Functional Wellness with Dr. Alison and today we are going to talk about how brain trauma, of any kind, can affect your health and what to do to care for yourself. Vagus Nerve Exercises Sheet: www.LittleBlackBagMedicine.com/brain-health-and-sibo-ibs-pots Join the Free Brain Balance Program: https://alisondibartogoggin.podia.com/your-best-brain-program Schedule your initial Consult: https://www.littleblackbagmedicine.com/schedule-online

What is Functional Metabolism? How can you lose weight, fat, inches, without sacrificing your health? How do you prep for a weight loss program, diet, or fitness program? What will work best for your body type? Schedule a Functional Metabolism Call: https://bit.ly/3URgt9C MetaPWR Challenge: https://www.subscribepage.com/metapwr

Do you feel overwhelmed with work, house chores, caring for the kids, school, and all the projects you want to get done in the day? And on top of that, you aren't feeling your best: you're tired, cranky, you didn't sleep last night, and the coffee isn't helping? Dr. Alison talks about how to prime your day and health with your ultradian rhythm. Schedule your consult: www.Littleblackbagmedicine.com/links

Today we are going to deep dive into food sensitivity testing, how to know if you need it or not, why cutting out all the foods isn't going to help and might actually make you worse. Schedule your consult: www.Littleblackbagmedicine.com/links

Research shows that taking collagen can improve so many things including: The biggest benefits of taking collagen can be: - improving skin health, elasticity, and strength - improving bone mineral density, research shows that can increase bone density be 5-8%! - reducing leaky gut symptoms and IBS - improved joint function, mobility, and lower pain - boosts metabolism, muscle mass, and energy - improves liver health - supports cardiovascular health - reducing skin complaints like eczema Join the Metabolism Makeover Challenge: www.subscribepage.com/metapwr Grab your own MetaPWR Kit: doterra.me/s5vgeGCw

What is NAD+ and how can it help you? Research shows that taking NAD can improve so many things including: - improved brain function - increase vascular health which would improve blood pressure, heart rate, and exercise recovery - improved liver function and increased capacity to regenerate - improve muscle strength, mass, and recovery - improve insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation - reduce body fat - improve immune function Join the Metabolism Makeover Challenge: https://www.subscribepage.com/metapwr Grab your own MetaPWR Kit: https://doterra.me/s5vgeGCw

Dr. Alison talks about trusting your body, connecting the dots between symptoms, and more. Books mentioned: The Complete Handbook of Quantum Healing by Dr. Deanna Minich The Body Never Lies by Alice Miller When The Body Says No by Dr. Gabor Mate Do this work with us in the Soul Elements Collective group: https://bit.ly/3JI5nQ2 Schedule a consult: https://www.littleblackbagmedicine.com/schedule-online

Dr. Alison discusses hidden causes of weight gain: Mouth wash Anti-histamines Smoking Candida and infections Schedule your consult: www.Littleblackbagmedicine.com/links Supplement Support: https://us.fullscript.com/protocols/littleblackbagmedicine-weight-loss-podcast-9-16-2022 Oral Care support: https://doterra.me/ImaCOivd

If you are struggling with symptoms and health issues and never seeing any progress, biofilm might be at that root cause. Especially if you are struggling with what seems like a mystery illness, all your blood work looks great, testing is clear, but you are fatigued, have brain fog, digestive issues, and chronic headaches. What is biofilm How to reduce biofilm How to PULSE supplements What if you are still sick Get your supplements: https://us.fullscript.com/protocols/littleblackbagmedicine-long-haulers-sibo-safe Schedule your consult: https://www.littleblackbagmedicine.com/schedule-online

How to support your emotional and mental health with physical healing. Resources mentioned: Body Connection Meditation: https://soundcloud.com/alison-dibarto-goggin/body-connection-meditation Soul Elements Collective: https://bit.ly/3JI5nQ2 Schedule a consult: www.LittleBlackBagMedicine.com Join my community: www.facebook.com/groups/LBBMedicine

Body Connection Meditation Join the Soul Elements Collective: https://www.littleblackbagmedicine.com/soulelementscollective

How to track your cycle on paper, what you need to know about family planning as birth control, and more! Resources mentioned: Dr. Alison shows how to take your morning temperature + resources: https://youtu.be/zUaYg7IWdBQ Schedule a consult: www.LittleBlackBagMedicine.com Join my community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LBBMedicine

Dr. Alison shares her top tips to reduce bloating from supporting the nervous system, what supplements you may need, how to know what foods may be causing this, and other tips. Vagus nerve exercises: https://bit.ly/3x7YeDR Supplements: https://doterra.me/0RmVOyw8 Schedule a consult: www.LittleBlackBagMedicine.com

Dr. Alison discusses why you should track your food and count your macros, what they are, what to do with the information, and how this impacts your health. Schedule a consult: www.LittleBlackBagMedicine.com Calculate your Macros on the Matador diet: www.littleblackbagmedicine.com/meal-plan-matador Join the June Weight Loss Class: https://www.subscribepage.com/weightlosswebinaroils Join the June Mindfulness Eating Program: https://www.subscribepage.com/mindfuleatingchallenge2021

Dr. Alison shares information from her Mental Wellness: Functional Support class and how she supports her patients with insomnia, anxiety, depression, and focus. Join the group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/LBBMedicine

Dr. Alison talks about should your body be alkaline? Is it important to your health? And what she really thinks about the whole thing, why this is an issue with SIBO, and what you can do to protect your health. Schedule online: www.littleblackbagmedicine.com/schedule-online

Dr. Alison shares her stories, and patient stories, of advocating for their own health. The process, the tracking, and why it is so important. Schedule online: www.littleblackbagmedicine.com/schedule-online

Dr. Alison shares what you need to know about allergies, root causes, how to test, what to eat, and why you wake up with coughing. RSVP for the Allergy Masterclass: https://bit.ly/3x4c1f8 Supplements for Seasonal Support: https://us.fullscript.com/protocols/littleblackbagmedicine-seasonal-support Oils for Seasonal Support: https://doterra.me/2xPu8arE *Get a FREE Blue Tansy oil from me when you join. Mention this podcast and message me! Schedule online: www.littleblackbagmedicine.com/schedule-online

Dr. Alison shares what you need to know about Vitamin D and what you need to know about supplements, sun, and testing. Schedule online: https://www.littleblackbagmedicine.com/schedule-online Link to Vitamin D Supplements with 35% discount: https://us.fullscript.com/protocols/littleblackbagmedicine-favorite-basics

Dr. Alison shares her top testing tools for chronic fatigue based on how your body is feeling. We cover hormones, gut health, yeast, nutrition, and more! Schedule an initial consultation: https://www.littleblackbagmedicine.com/schedule-online Join the free masterclass: https://www.littleblackbagmedicine.com/event-details/overcoming-fatigue-5-strategies-to-improve-your-energy-now

Dr. Alison reviews the Healy Frequency Device, how she has been using it for herself and family, and what you need to know about the gadget. Schedule an initial consultation: bit.ly/3n8yVvO Message Dr. Alison and schedule a Healy Trial: http://m.me/.littleblackbagmedicine