The Funk'tional Nutrition Podcast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Part three of the Understanding Autoimmunity series explains why autoimmunity is becoming so prevalent. Erin dives into the roles our modern food sources, microbiome, and environmental chemicals each play in autoimmunity. If you have been diagnosed with autoimmunity, this episode should help you understand your own unique story. Erin also provides information to help you understand ways to prevent autoimmunity. Even if you carry the underlying genes for autoimmunity, you have a lot of influence over whether or not these genes are expressed. In this episode: Autoimmunity statistics and causes [5:30] The role that our food source plays in autoimmunity [17:30] The link between autoimmunity and glyphosate [27:30] Why our immune system is dependent upon the health of our microbiome [33:30] How environmental chemicals can trigger autoimmunity [38:00] The good news: autoimmunity responds well to a healthy diet, lifestyle, and mindset [42:30] FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PODCAST, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/228-autoimmunity-series-part3-genetics-microbiome-chemicals-environment Resources mentioned: Organifi supplement powder (Save 20% on your order with code FUNK) LMNT Electrolyte Replenishing powder (Use code FUNK to get a free sample pack with any purchase) Ned Natural Remedies (get 15% off your order with code FUNK) Dry Farm Wines Natural, Organic, Paleo Wine (get an extra bottle for only a penny)

In part two of the Understanding Autoimmunity series, Erin unpacks the immune system. If you missed part one of the series, Episode 226, it is recommended you go back and listen to that episode first. Today, Erin discusses the components of the immune system, things that can get dysregulated with autoimmunity, and some conventional lab testing you can use to establish a baseline that will help you monitor your progress. She will provide some more clarity on what to look for in your lab results and some guidance on how to interpret the numbers. If you have questions about autoimmunity, shoot us an email with your question and we will capture some of them to share more information in future episodes. In this episode: How to submit listener questions [3:30] Two parts of the immune system: innate and adaptive [4:30] Key features of autoimmunity [15:30] Two types of autoimmunity: systemic and organ-specific [18:00] Using the Cyrex Array 5 lab test to test for tissue-specific antibodies [26:30] Three stages of autoimmunity explained [30:30] Conventional and routine labs for autoimmunity [38:30] FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EACH PODCAST, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/the-funktional-nutrition-podcast Resources Mentioned: Organifi supplement powder (Save 20% on your order with code FUNK) LMNT Electrolyte Replenishing powder (Use code FUNK get a free sample pack with any purchase) Ned Natural Remedies (get 15% off your order with code FUNK) Dry Farm Wines Natural, Organic, Paleo Wine (get an extra bottle for only a penny)

When Erin was diagnosed with an autoimmune illness, she found herself in a new, somewhat unknown, world. Her autoimmune illness allowed her to grow to a new level in her career and expanded her understanding of her body and health. She realized that autoimmunity is widely misunderstood by both professionals and patients. Many people are searching for information on autoimmunity and they don't know what to do or where to turn. Erin's goal with this series is to thoroughly explain every aspect of autoimmunity. This series will provide you with information to help you understand autoimmunity and act as a resource you can share with people in your life who can use it. In this episode: - Celebrating The Funk'tional Nutrition Podcast's 5th anniversary [1:01] - Why it's important to share information on autoimmunity [4:45] - Disclaimers and intentions of the series [8:00] - We need to create better resources, understanding, and treatment for autoimmunity [14:00] - What is autoimmunity? [21:00] - Red flags that you might be dealing with autoimmunity [24:00] - Is there a cure for autoimmunity? [28:00] - Two different ways of looking at autoimmunity, conventional health care and functional medicine [33:30] - What causes autoimmunity? [39:00] - Contributing factors to autoimmunity [48:30] FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT EACH PODCAST, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/the-funktional-nutrition-podcast Resources mentioned: Organifi supplement powder (Save 20% on your order with code FUNK) LMNT Electrolyte Replenishing powder (Use code FUNK get a free sample pack with any purchase) Ned Natural Remedies (get 15% off your order with code FUNK) Dry Farm Wines Natural, Organic, Paleo Wine (get an extra bottle for only a penny)

One of Erin's Instagram posts recently received a lot of attention and A LOT of comments. The post was a video showing how to make a no-soak, no-strain (read: CONVENIENT) nut milk. Many of the comments expressed the concern for antinutrients in nuts. Today Erin sits down with nutrition vet Deanna Minich to tag team the antinutrient discussion and answer the question: how concerned should you be with antinutrients? Deanna Minich is a nutrition scientist, international lecturer, teacher, and author. She has over twenty years of experience in academia and in the food and dietary supplement industries.  This discussion will provide you with more context and perspective on antinutrients and dietary diversity, equipping you to make the best - and safest - choices for your health. In this episode: - Why we're talking about antinutrients [2:30] - All about Deanna [6:00] - Nutrition is not black and white [8:00] - Deanna's background and education [9:30] - Digging into the literature to see what the data says about antinutrients [12:30] - What are antinutrients? [16:00] - Environmental contaminants are a bigger concern than antinutrients [18:00] - What do we have control over when it comes to environmental contaminants? [20:30] - Lectins explained [35:30] - Oxalates explained [40:00] - The importance of diversity in all things [45:00] - What does clear communication have to do with health? [49:00] FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PODCAST, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/225-the-funktional-nutritionist Resources mentioned: Organifi supplement powder (Save 20% on your order with code FUNK) LMNT Electrolyte Replenishing powder (Use code FUNK get a free sample pack with any purchase) Ned Natural Remedies (get 15% off your order with code FUNK) Dry Farm Wines Natural, Organic, Paleo Wine (get an extra bottle for only a penny) Is There Such a Thing as “Anti-Nutrients”? A Narrative Review of Perceived Problematic Plant Compounds Learn more about Deanna's work on her website: https://deannaminich.com/

Have you ever wondered what Erin means when she talks about “going deeper” with her clients? This episode explores exactly that. Functional medicine promises a “root cause approach” but in order to do this, we must go deeper than blind testing and cookie cutter protocols. Critical thinking, individuation & a deep reverence and understanding of the mind-body connection is key. Approaching health from a subconscious, brain & emotion-based level creates the most profound, long lasting and sustainable change in the body. In her practice, Erin demystifies the seemingly “magical mystery realm” of the mind-body connection to bridge it with practical strategies that work. If you feel like you've tried everything and you're still stuck… If you're looking for a new approach to health… This episode is for you. In this episode: -Why there is hope for healing autoimmunity, despite the grim stats [6:11] -Erin's education background - why she loves functional medicine AND why it's not a panacea [10:48] -When the “root cause” is deeper than the physical body [12:37] -Can your mind, thought process & beliefs prevent your body from healing? [13:47] -Funk'tional Alchemy: creating a process that actually works [19:46] -A body-up AND mind-down approach to health [23:08] -Somatic work & the gut-brain connection [24:11] -Medical intuition and collecting energy data: why it matters [25:04] -Clearing and recoding for optimal health [40:18] -How belief patterns permeate all aspects of our lives [44:00] -An exclusive and limited time offer from Erin [51:38] -Advice for practitioners who want to get more into the mind-body connection [54:04] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/224-alchemy-clearing-coding-rewiring-health

In this re-release, Erin answers your questions about the effect of fragrance on your hormones - plus what to be aware of with the products we use on our bodies and in our home. Most people have no idea how harmful synthetic fragrances can be - or how often we are using them! The chemicals used to create or prolong these “fresh” scents impact our neurological health, metabolism, and immune system. We're bringing this topic back to the forefront because Erin will be doing a deep dive on autoimmunity here on the show soon, and exposure to certain chemicals is part of why autoimmune diseases are on the rise. Tune in to hear why cutting out fragrance is a simple, easy step to healthy living. In this episode: -Small steps we can take to get closer to non toxic living [9:04] -Starting with the basics [11:08] -Fragrance and endocrine disruptors [12:22] -“Overly sensitive” or canaries in the coalmine? [14:37] -A non exhaustive list of product types that contain artificial or synthetic fragrances [16:29] -The real problem with fragranced products [20:44] -How these fragrances can affect our health [22:56] -Why and how synthetic fragrances linger [28:03] -VOCs: what they are and common sources [29:22] -Best way to protect yourself from outdoor pollution [31:14] -Let's talk about phthalates [31:56] -Xenoestrogens and estrogen dominance [33:46] -How these chemicals impact our metabolism [34:43] -Mitochondrial dysfunction symptoms [36:55] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/223-fragrances-hormones-healthy-living

There is this old, pervasive omnipresent idea that women can't handle information about our own bodies. We've been fed a storyline that our bodies are too complex – AND that we're ill equipped to handle information about the complexity. This is bullshit, and it's one of the reasons so many of us are so twisted up about our bodies. Today on the show Erin is discussing why knowledge is power…but *just* having the information doesn't necessarily create the changes we desire. Creating space to integrate that information is KEY, and Erin is unpacking exactly how to do that in today's episode – including how to cultivate intuition and inner guidance to assist your own health and healing. In this episode: -Cultivating balancing between the Divine Masculine & Feminine [2:20] -The one question to ask yourself every morning [7:30] -An outdated (and bullsh*t) reaction from a pediatrician [12:26] -How the idea that women can't handle information about our own bodies causes harm [14:28] -The link between your hormones & your gut - and why you CAN handle it [15:45] -Why integration is the missing link to your healing journey [17:51] -Why “I already know this” blocks you from transformation [19:59] -Subconscious reprogramming work and somatic release to clear and recode [21:43] -Energy audits: one of the most important thing you can do for your health [23:28] -The link between ACEs (adverse childhood experiences), empaths & health struggles [26:24] -Practicing conscious consumption (and why it matters) [29:45] -What is “energy data” and how do we access it? [35:10] -3 steps to cultivating self trust [43:00] -Your experience IS evidence: why this is a radical concept in healthcare [46:08] -An update (and a little secret share) from Erin [51:24] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/222-creating-sacred-space-healing-transformation

In the past Erin referred to the lymphatic system as an unsung hero of the body. It's responsible for maintaining fluid balance, for circulating hormones and immune cells throughout the body, as well as transporting toxins out of the body—but it wasn't something many people talked much about. Increasingly over the past few years, however, lymph is getting its time in the spotlight: more and more folks in health spaces are discussing lymph and lymph work. Perhaps you've seen some tutorial videos on lymph drainage massage or how to use gua sha stones and dry brushes. While it's great the lymphatic system is getting the credit it deserves, it's important to know how to approach your lymph and lymph work in a mindful way. That's why Erin sat down with Leah Levitan, licensed massage therapist, massage instructor, and Vodder Certified Manual Lymphatic Drainage Practitioner, to dive into the nitty gritty of the lymphatic system, what it does, how interconnected it is to the rest of our body, and things you can do to improve lymph health—in a way that's safe for your body. The thing about lymph work is that it's very gentle, yet very powerful. After listening you'll understand why Leah's work with lymph comes from such a grounded and comprehensive place. If you feel bloated, puffy, wake up with puffy circles under your eyes, or if you've been curious about lymph drainage and lymph work, this will be a helpful episode to hear! In this episode: -All about Leah [2:33] -Why Leah loves lymph [4:34] -Lymph goes viral [7:48] -Taking it from the top with lymph [11:21] -Stagnant lymph [14:29] -Things you can do to improve lymph [16:03] -Movement, lymph & the connection to our gut [17:39] -Breathing & how to know if you have a tight diaphragm [21:57] -Can you be too aggressive with lymph drainage? [26:18] -Signs you may be dealing with a lymphatic drainage issue [30:19] -Changing your breast tissue through lymph work [37:07] -Bras: to wear or not to wear for lymph flow [40:18] -How to support our lymphatic system at home [42:54] -Vibration for lymph flow [46:51] -Where (& how) to start practicing lymphatic work [49:13] -Tattoos and the lymph system [54:55] -Injectables: yay or nay? [59:09] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/221-lymph-love-leah-levitan

Functional lab testing has been gaining in popularity over the last few years. More and more folks are seeking answers to their health issues, and providers are responding by offering various options for hormone and other functional lab testing. But not all providers provide in the same way, and we're increasingly seeing an algorithmic, “if this, then that” approach to labs in the functional medicine space. This doesn't give folks the answers they need, it doesn't get to the root of their issues, and it doesn't help them feel better. Hormone testing is a great tool to help uncover and confirm imbalances in the body, but it doesn't answer ALL the questions you might have. Namely, WHY and HOW the imbalance came to be in the first place. This is where a la carte lab testing falls short because it doesn't consider your full, unique picture. On today's episode Erin explains the approach she and the Funk'tional Nutritionist Team takes to health, healing, and hormone testing in our private practice and in Your Hormone Revival, our 3-month balancing program to revive adrenal, thyroid, and hormone health through root cause restoration. You'll hear not just what kind of hormone testing we do, but also WHY we do it the way that we do, all while sprinkling in answers to a lot of your questions about hormone testing along the way. By the end you'll understand the value of a provider who can not only look at lab markers, but also interpret what those lab markers mean in conjunction with one another, AND in conjunction with YOUR unique context. Whether you're looking to test your thyroid hormones, you're wondering about your estrogen or progesterone levels, or perhaps you suspect something is up with your adrenals or cortisol, you'll want to tune in to this episode! This also provides valuable information to practitioners who want to understand the true meaning of taking a functional, root cause approach to labs and supporting their clients. In this episode: -Big news [1:09] -Questions about hormone testing & how to get it [3:27] -Two schools of thought when it comes to health [4:38] -A third school and why it exists [6:04] -The thing that separates clinicians who take a true, root cause approach… and those who don't [8:08] -How we practice at The Funk'tional Nutritionist [14:15] -What a hormone lab test won't be able to tell you [17:46] -The importance of knowing what to do with lab information [20:05] -Red flags when looking for a functional provider [27:10] -Signs you're a good candidate for hormone testing [31:10] -What to do if your labs are normal (but you feel suboptimal) [34:13] -The different ways to test hormones [35:27] -How hormone testing can help someone with endometriosis [40:57] -New organic acid markers for the DUTCH test (& a word of caution for utilization) [43:41] -When is retesting recommended? [46:00] -What to do if your provider won't run tests [48:53] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/220-hormone-testing

There's a bit of a misunderstanding in the health world that endometriosis is just a hormone problem, but this line of thinking is incomplete. Hormones can absolutely contribute to the endometriosis picture, but they are not the cause of endometriosis. And part of treating endometriosis should include strategies to support the hormones, though that's not where the support should end. Today on the show Erin speaks with Dr. Lara Briden all about endometriosis and why it's such a complex thing to treat. Tune in to hear Lara dive into the immune side of endometriosis, epigenetics, gut dysbiosis, and how all these things can be interconnected. Erin and Lara also discuss testing options and strategies to treat endometriosis, plus and natural remedies you can try at home and lifestyle factors to consider. This episode is important to hear if you've been struggling with endometriosis or suspect you might have it, have been diagnosed with IBS but think there may be more going on, or if you're a practitioner looking to deepen your understanding on the complexities of endometriosis. In this episode: -Lara Briden is kind of a big deal [2:50] -The misunderstanding with endometriosis [4:02] -Looking at endometriosis as a disease of immune dysfunction [7:25] -Lara's philosophy towards women's physiology and women's health [8:57] -What is endometriosis? [13:26] -Retrograde menstruation [16:20] -Autoantibodies associated with endometriosis [20:31] -The link between endometriosis and GI dysfunction [21:47] -The importance of the immune cells macrophages [23:14] -Focusing on bacteria as part of endometriosis treatment [25:30] -The overlap between SIBO, IBS & endometriosis [28:54] -Epigenetic involvement in endometriosis [31:11] -Visceral sensitivity [37:52] -How hormones like estrogen & progesterone can impact endometriosis [39:41] -Why the pill isn't always the best option for endometriosis [44:34] -Progesterone resistance, and what it means for endometriosis [46:26] -Testing options, natural remedies and treatment strategies [48:46] -The role nickel allergy plays [55:13] -The regulating effects of vitamin A [59:20] -Reducing endometriosis lesions [1:00:22] -What to know about taking iodine [1:01:49] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/219-endometriosis-hormone-gut-immune-health-lara-briden

If you've been considering joining the next round of the Funk'tional Nutrition Academy in September, but want to know what the experience of being in the school is all about, listen up! Hear directly from current FNA student Lori Fish Bard, MS, CNS, LDN as she shares why she joined and her experience thus far. Also…Extended Financing for FNA Now Available! Check our full show notes with the link below for more details! FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/218-hear-from-an-fna-student

When navigating healing from food sensitivities and food allergies, the first action step is to remove the trigger. In the case of Celiac disease, that trigger is gluten and gluten-containing grains. However, while removing gluten from the diet is a crucial first step, it doesn't necessarily heal intestinal permeability, reduce gut inflammation, restore a damaged gut lining, and stop the autoimmune response. Today on the show Lori Fish Bard, MS, CNS, LDN sits down with Erin to explain why this is the case. Lori is a licensed clinical nutritionist and board-certified integrative health counselor who works with men, women, children, and families, many of whom have Celiac and/or gluten sensitivity, give up gluten, but still feel crappy. She describes her experience working with her clients, plus her own experience navigating Celiac disease with her daughter and self, an experience that prompted her to dive into the research and even go back to school to receive her masters in Clinical Nutrition. Lori is so committed to a root cause approach to healing that she also enrolled in FNA—stay til the end to hear about her experience! If you suffer from gluten sensitivity, Celiac disease, suspect you may be sensitive to gluten, or have tried going gluten-free but still don't feel better, this will be an insightful episode to hear! In this episode: -Why Celiac disease is hard to diagnose [5:01] -Where a lot of folks get stuck in their healing after Celiac disease [9:41] -Unexpected indications you could be dealing with Celiac disease [11:57] -How Celiac disease contributes to malabsorption (& why healing requires a nuanced approach) [13:42] -Testing options for tracking healing progress [15:45] -Other foods that could potentially be problematic for those with Celiac [18:28] -Molecular mimicry & why this is important for Celiacs to know [19:59] -The empowerment and control from knowing your genetics [23:06] -Eating out safely & confidently after learning you have Celiac [31:02] -Gut healing strategies beyond removing gluten [37:13] -Why Lori chose FNA for deep functional nutrition education [41:34] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/217-going-beyond-gluten-celiac-disease

Investment is a word that often conjures up thoughts around money, especially when it comes to owning, starting or expanding a business. However, money is actually only part of the investment equation. If you're a business owner or entrepreneur, you're also investing your time, your knowledge, your attention and your energy into your business. So where are you investing in your business, and is it paying off? On this Strictly Biz episode of the Funk'tional Nutrition Podcast, Erin continues the conversation about energetics in business and dives into what it means to invest in yourself, when to know it's time to invest, plus the different ways to do it. Erin unpacks the energy surrounding many of our struggles with money and pricing your services, consumer culture, and how to get the return on investment you seek…without feeling like you're bleeding out. This episode is for all the business owners and practitioners who are struggling with investing in themselves, setting or raising rates, or feeling burned out. Tune in to hear why! **Lion's Gate Portal SALE!** The number 8 represents abundance, transformation, rebirth, alchemy and power. On 8/8 the Lion's Gate Portal opened, which is when Sirius, the brightest star in the night sky, aligns with the sun. Named after the Greek word for "glowing", Sirius helps us achieve our highest potential. If you're looking to reach YOUR highest potential, be sure to check out our Lion's Gate Portal SALE on Erin's LIVE-taught, 5-day course, The Energetics of Expansion: Social Media Visibility, Business Growth & Entrepreneurial Expansion! Find more details in the link below! In this episode: -The Lion's Gate Portal [2:02] -The Four Minute Mile mindset [6:28] -Mind, spirit & energy [9:15] -Pricing your services [15:04] -Investing and self importance [17:03] -Wise words from RZA [20:43] -How abundance begets abundance [25:38] -What must happen BEFORE you can feel good about your pricing [29:54] -Reciprocity & “consume-her” culture [31:32] -Finding balance in your free and paid-for content & services [38:03] -Why self-importance is a good thing [44:01] -The relation between fee setting and self-respect [49:04] -The different ways we struggle to invest in ourselves [51:21] -The ROI of investing in yourself [55:57] -Why women don't invest [1:03:04] -Assessing the right type of investment you should make [1:12:17] -Do you need a business coach? [1:14:52] -How to know when to invest [1:18:30] -Coaching vs mentoring [1:20:00] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/216-strictly-biz-pricing-services-investing-coaching

Energy is one of those things that no one can see or hold, but everyone can feel. We feel it when we're in our flow, when we make meaningful connections, and we also feel it when things feel misaligned, inauthentic, or forced in our life. We also feel energy in business. Whether you're a business owner or entrepreneur trying to expand your reach to others, or you're a consumer who's considering a business for a service or product, you can feel when energy is in alignment with business. There's an authenticity to its message, something that draws you in and cultivates a relationship with you. Today's episode is all about energy in business, and how in order to be successful in business (whether that's increased visibility, growth, expansion, or something else), you must first understand how your energy—your subconscious beliefs, your mindset—affect it. In this episode Erin discusses her business expansion and going viral, the framework Erin created for visibility, and how she had to work on her energy and her mindset before she could truly expand and be seen. This is one of those episodes that was originally intended for entrepreneurs and business owners, but actually speaks to anyone looking to expand themselves. Tune in to understand why! In this episode: -Exciting things coming down the pipeline [3:03] -If you're a non-practitioner interested in entrepreneurial training [5:35] -Why it's important for women in business to talk about money [11:12] -Erin's definition of Energy [13:10] -Going viral and the importance of mental white space [17:26] -Synchronicities between fear and going viral [18:34] -Being more visible while staying grounded [22:47] -The Visibility Framework [24:01] -The work behind the success [28:17] -Confidence in your craft [30:23] -Normalizing fear and self doubt [33:03] -Striking while the iron is hot & “going ugly early” [35:53] -The anecdote to Imposter Syndrome [41:19] -Comprehension vs embodiment [43:38] -Recognizing where your personal power is going [47:40] -Egg wisdom, Lighthouse analogy & allowing people to find you [51:16] -Aligning conscious desires with subconscious beliefs [54:19] -Sharing your gifts with aligned energy [1:00:12] -Selling is sacred [1:03:20] -The Long Game in the culture of virality [1:08:11] -If you feel like you're “not there” yet… [1:15:03] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/215-business-growth-expansion-going-viral

Food sensitivities are a growing problem—and the reasons behind it are complex. Unpacking food sensitivities is NOT a straightforward task, and for the first time in nearly 5 years of podcasting, Erin addresses this tricky topic and helps to make sense of all the moving parts and considerations. In today's episode you'll hear Erin discussing food sensitivity testing (the good, the bad, & the confusing), the differences between food allergies and food sensitivities, obvious (and not so obvious) symptoms and signs you might have a food sensitivity, the nitty gritty science behind our body's reactions to foods, how our hormones relate, downsides to restrictive healing diets, and considerations to take if you suspect you may be dealing with a food sensitivity. The truth is, getting to the root of food sensitivities is a lot more complicated than an at home food sensitivity test commercial will ever tell you. After listening to this episode you'll understand why, and come away with more knowledge, potential solutions, and even hope for getting to the root of your own sensitivities. Please share with anyone who could also benefit from this valuable information! In this episode: -Digestion is a top down process [1:53] -The downsides of restrictive healing diets [7:32] -What is the best/most accurate food sensitivity test? [10:28] -When food sensitivity testing becomes problematic [12:32] -Considering how results from labs might be influencing other things in your body [15:55] -How Secretory IgA impacts food reactions [17:06] -How our skin is affected by food sensitivities [20:51] -Food Allergy vs Food Sensitivity [23:00] -Unintended consequences of seeking out food sensitivities [29:38] -Symptoms of food sensitivities + how “strict” do you need to be? [35:21] -The stigma with food sensitivities [38:57] -Why food sensitivities are more common today [42:15] -The interplay of estrogen, cortisol and dendritic cells [48:32] -What your at-home food sensitivity test results might ACTUALLY be telling you [50:14] -Food sensitivity testing: yay or nay? [53:44] -How best to test + what you need to know about elimination diets [56:38] -Clean eating and reactivity [58:01] -What to do and how to truly heal your sensitivities to food [1:02:07] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/214-food-sensitivities-symptoms-testing-complexities

If you menstruate and have ever experienced pain or discomfort associated with your cycle, you've likely been told that it's normal, and to take hormonal birth control as a treatment option. While this is certainly a viable and beneficial option for some, for others this answer can feel dismissive, especially if you're looking to avoid hormonal birth control or want to dig into WHY you're experiencing these symptoms. These experiences can leave those seeking to better understand their bodies feel as though they have no control, and in a society where access to reproductive care (and even information) is increasingly hamstrung, this loss of control is especially disempowering. Enter Lisa Hendrickson-Jack. She's a Holistic Reproductive Health Practitioner and Fertility Awareness Educator, and in 2019 she sat down with Erin to get into the nitty gritty of everything you ever wanted to know about your period. Tune in to hear Lisa highlight why your cycle is a vital sign, the role blood plays, what's considered “normal” with periods and PMS, how to know your fertile window, differences in birth control options, and how cycle tracking can not only give you insight into your reproductive and overall health, but also help you plan your life. Whether you're trying to get pregnant, trying to NOT get pregnant, or just trying to understand your body better, this is an especially relevant episode that offers up powerful information to take charge of your fertility. Reproductive health affects EVERYONE, so share this episode with anyone you care about! In this episode: -When things feel out of control [1:29] -Additional fertility resources [5:09] -All about Lisa [15:24] -The power of cycle tracking [17:05] -What is a vital sign? [19:02] -What does it mean when you skip periods [23:03] -The Female Athlete Triad [24:03] -Osteoporosis risk factors [25:40] -What a normal, healthy cycle looks like (and why you need to know) [28:06] -Why PMS is NOT NORMAL [30:22] -What to do if you have severe cramping and bleeding [37:11] -How your diet and personal care products contribute to your PMS symptoms [41:00] -How to start paying attention to your cycle [47:03] -The best ways to track ovulation [54:16] -The best ways to track your hormones [56:46] -3 main signs of fertility [57:57] -Rhythm Method vs. Fertility Awareness Method [1:01:46] -IUDs and Copper IUDs [1:07:43] -Using your cycle to plan your life [1:15:44] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/213-understand-your-cycle

Today on the show Erin highlights the differences between functional medicine and conventional medicine in terms of how we approach lab testing. While oftentimes healthcare can be cost prohibitive for some, Erin discusses how you can utilize very basic lab work—that doctors will run and is covered by insurance—through a functional lens. Tune in to hear the differences in functional and conventional lab interpretations, limitations of conventional lab reference ranges, and real world examples of how to approach common lab markers with a functional lens. If you're new to the concept of functional medicine and functional nutrition, this episode will whet your whistle and provide you with tons of additional resources to dive into more deeply. If you're a dietitian, nutrition professional or other health provider looking for ways to help your clients in a more efficient and effective way (and you're not already taking a functional approach), this can help you understand what it's about! In this episode: -The underbelly of going viral [3:09] -Allow me to reintroduce myself [8:03] -Why practitioners (& patients) will benefit from utilizing a functional lens approach [11:41] -How functional medicine interpretation of lab testing differs [17:05] -The problem with conventional lab reference ranges [25:19] -Using blood sugar markers to illustrate the difference between functional & conventional lab reference ranges [27:03] -Viewing basic vitamin D labs through a functional lens [37:08] -How we look at hormone lab work in YHR [43:49] -Limitations of only looking at hormones through blood tests [45:50] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/212-functional-medicine-labs

In America the ability to access healthcare varies widely depending on your healthcare plan, where you live, or resources available to you. Open Path Healing Arts Collective is looking to change that. It's a nonprofit organization that offers nutrition and other healing modalities to people who need care but lack adequate health insurance coverage, and today, Erin sits down with Karie Reinertson, Healing Arts Collective Program Manager, to talk about this nonprofit organization, how it serves communities, and how practitioners can become a part of the Collective. If you see the gaps in healthcare, chances are you want to get involved and this nonprofit is a beautiful, symbiotic way for practitioners to gain experience working one-on-one with people who need care. If you're a practitioner looking to do more for your community or gain more experience working one-on-one with people, or if you're someone who is seeking new avenues to gain access to healthcare, this will be an informative episode to tune into! Open Path Healing Arts Collective is a nonprofit nationwide network of holistic health-focused professionals dedicated to providing healing arts care at a reduced rate to people in need. The Collective includes Massage Therapists, Coaches, Nutritionists, and more. Open Path provides people in need with access to transformative and affordable mental and holistic health care. We envision a just, compassionate world where all people can easily access the care they need to thrive. In this episode: -Why practitioners should listen up [4:37] -Origins of Open Path & the Healing Arts Collective [6:03] -The five disciplines the Healing Arts Collective offers [9:26] -Types of practitioners ideal for this Collective [11:22] -The importance of gaining clinical experience [13:08] -How someone can become a member [20:27] -The beauty of creating a healthcare team [23:31] -Sharing in the mission and message [26:45] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/211-healing-arts-collective

You'll hear this time and time again on the show: there's a lot of nuance and gray area when it comes to our health. What's right for one person may not be right for another. It's your unique context that determines not just WHAT is appropriate for you, but also WHEN—because context can change. Sometimes knowing what's right for us gets confusing, especially when we hear conflicting health information. Today Erin offers insight into coffee, caffeine and the health signs to consider when evaluating your intake. Tune in to hear how caffeine affects our stress response, how to recognize what your body is asking for when you want to drink more and more coffee, how to lessen caffeine withdrawal symptoms, and coffee alternatives to try. This episode packs an informational punch, so be sure to tune in if you have a hard time getting through your day without lots of caffeine, if you have increased stress or anxiety, if you have trouble sleeping at night, or if you're looking for some alternatives to coffee and caffeine. In this episode: -What to do when you hear conflicting health advice [1:16] -A tip for practitioners about taking clients through caffeine elimination [7:41] -Why it's important to evaluate your coffee intake [10:40] -How increased caffeine intake can affect your health over time [12:53] -How caffeine affects our stress hormones & signs it may be affecting yours [16:07] -Recognizing what your body is really asking for [19:18] -Signs you may want to avoid or reduce coffee [24:00] -Caffeine withdrawal and coffee substitutes to try [24:54] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/210-coffee-adrenals-caffeine

On the Funk'tional Nutrition Podcast we typically bring you interviews with clinicians and experts in the health and wellness world—folks in the trenches working with clients to impact real change and transformation. While today's guest isn't a health practitioner, their commitment to building quality relationships, sourcing quality ingredients for their products, their reverence for the environment, and focus on conscious consumption over and above profit speaks volumes. Today Erin sits down with Ret Taylor, cofounder of Ned & Co, to give us a high overview of Ned's full spectrum hemp, how CBD, CBG and CBN interact with our body and affect stress and sleep, plus the importance of magnesium for our overall health. Tune in to hear Erin and Ret discuss consumerism culture, health and environmental effects of sourcing and farming practices, and how Ned truly puts their money where their mouth is. Ned's purpose is to help people feel better and live better through simple means and a deeper connection to the natural world, and after listening you'll understand why we're such big fans and honored to be partnered with a company who cares just as much about their product as they do the people behind the product, their relationships with farmers, and their relationship with the environment. In this episode: -The surprising thing Ned asked before partnering with TFN podcast [2:40] -A high-level overview of hemp and the interplay within the body [6:27] -What is CBG and CBN, and how these cannabinoids affect our stress and sleep [9:42] -Why sourcing, sustainability and the extraction process matters [15:01] -Ned's commitment to diversity in farming [19:51] -The people behind the brand [25:01] -Putting more thought into conscious consumption [28:07] -Does full spectrum hemp contain THC? [32:55] -Broad spectrum vs full spectrum [35:18] -Dosing and where to start with Ned's full spectrum hemp products [36:35] -The importance of magnesium for health [38:08] -How Ned sources magnesium [41:15] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/209-cbd-full-spectrum-hemp

A recurring theme on the show over the past month has been weight loss, and today's episode is actually getting pulled from the archives because it's SO relevant to the concepts discussed lately. It's an info-dense doozy that really speaks to the physical reasons your body might be holding onto weight or not be willing to release weight and things to consider before attempting weight loss. We also have to acknowledge if you've been attempting weight loss for a long time, it probably warrants a new approach. Oftentimes this can be kind of a hard topic to address, especially since we commonly mix up losing weight with gaining health—when the reality is quite often the opposite. It's easy to see why this confusion occurs when we consider our societal beliefs and the stories we've been telling ourselves for so long. So today Erin gets into the nitty gritty with a listener question about deciphering when you truly do need to lose weight, common reasons behind weight loss resistance, and the top questions you should be asking yourself before attempting to lose weight. This episode is jam packed with loads of details and goes far beyond just looking at food for weight loss and overall health, so be sure to listen up for this one! Originally aired June 2019. In this episode: -Looking beyond food and diets for a new approach to weight loss [2:28] -Misattributing weight loss as a health gain [6:14] -The most important question to ask yourself before attempting weight loss [8:16] -Listener question on when you truly need to lose weight [9:25] -Ways that stress affects our ability to lose weight, and what you need to do first before trying weight loss [12:08] -Common weight loss resistance factors [29:25] -Environmental toxins and fat storage [41:34] -How to know if you're in a hypometabolic state [43:59] -Are caloric deficits necessary? [44:55] -How to safely approach weight loss [53:33] -Knowing when a caloric deficit is appropriate [56:28] -Figuring out your exact calorie needs [1:00:57] -The importance of cycling between weight loss and weight maintenance [1:05:27] -Weight loss vs. fat loss [1:07:16] -How to prevent muscle loss, and the three things to always keep in mind [1:11:09] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/208-weight-loss

When it comes to overall gut and hormonal health, the gallbladder is an unsung hero. It plays a crucial role not just in digestion and your ability to access nutrients in food, but also with detoxification and your hormone systems. Unfortunately early gallbladder issues are often missed in conventional treatment, leading to the formation of gallstones and eventual gallbladder removal surgery. While there are certainly instances when gallbladder removal is necessary, removing the gallbladder typically doesn't resolve the gallbladder issue. This is because it doesn't address WHY the gallbladder issues arose in the first place. It's not a root cause approach. Today Erin packs an information-heavy episode all about the importance and roles of the gallbladder, bile production, and alerts you to some of the warning signs you may be having issues with your biliary tract. The purpose of sharing this is so you can not just take in this information and comprehend it, but to really take preventative measures BEFORE you get to the point of surgery. If you deal with bloating, acid reflux, constipation, hormonal issues, thyroid issues, leaky gut, and particularly if you're female (and over 40)… you'll want to listen up! LAST CHANCE to join the CCP this year! Find details in the link below! vv In this episode: -The body is the subconscious mind & a new approach to healing [2:07] -The difference between comprehension and embodiment [9:03] -One of the most common procedures in the US [10:38] -The gallbladder and its functions [13:19] -Why gallbladder removal surgery may not resolve gallbladder problems [17:45] -Why gallbladder issues are often missed in conventional treatment [21:02] -Symptoms of sludge and inefficient bile release [22:23] -Why bile is so important [27:52] -The link between toxins and hormones [31:05] -Signs you're not effectively clearing estrogen [32:19] -Various roles of bile in the gut [33:27] -The impact bile has on hormones, and metabolic health [36:34] -Factors that can increase risk of gallstones [42:09] -How to support overall bile production [44:58] -The importance of bitters for improving bile health [49:31] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/207-gallbladder-bile-gut-health-hormones

Menopause is a phase in women's lives that involves big physiological changes. Like during puberty and pregnancy, women going through menopause experience huge hormonal shifts that can have cascading effects on blood sugar, gut microbiome and adrenal health. These changes can also affect body composition: women who never struggled with weight are suddenly dealing with more belly fat and love handles. Understandably feeling a lack of control, many seek out answers to help understand what's going on. However, many in conventional health still tell women going through perimenopause and menopause to simply work out more and eat less, which can oftentimes exacerbate the new issues these women face. Like Erin discussed in last week's episode: if the approach isn't working, try a new approach. If the physiology changes, we NEED to change the approach. Today Erin peels back the layers on not just what is happening during perimenopause and menopause, but WHY these changes occur and highlights underlying factors that can lead to problems like insulin resistance, adrenal fatigue, cortisol dysregulation, sleep issues, gallbladder problems and weight gain. She also outlines things to consider for adjusting to these physiological changes and ways to support your health during this phase. If you or someone you know is going through menopause and wants to know what a new approach could look like, this will be a valuable episode to hear. In this episode: -Space to have a deeper conversation about weight [5:18] -Preframing the discussion on menopause [9:49] -Understanding the aging body [15:08] -What the hormonal changes during menopause have to do with weight [17:31] -Questions to ask if you notice body composition changes [20:23] -Hormone changes and a potential shift with insulin signaling [21:06] -Imbalanced cortisol and other metabolic changes [23:01] -Signs you might be dealing with insulin resistance and high blood sugars [27:39] -The two huge needle movers when it comes to menopausal changes [30:30] -Building muscle, movement & other ways to improve insulin sensitivity [31:58] -How sleep impacts glucose metabolism [35:40] -Food and gut health considerations for blood sugar during menopause [37:37] -The 3rd most common GI issue for women over 40 [41:04] -The link between insulin and gallbladder problems [43:34] -Symptoms of potential bile issues [45:41] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/206-weight-gain-menopause

Women hear an enormous amount of “you should…” statements on a daily basis—from social media to our family to our friends to our own self-talk. And when it comes to weight, body image and our intentions surrounding it, women often receive messaging that promotes weight loss as salvation AND anti-diet messages that promote body acceptance. These conflicting, black and white, either/or messages creates fragmentation within ourselves and shame surrounding whichever direction we lean. There's no room for gray area, for both thoughts to be true, and this can be especially pronounced for those who have struggled with eating disorders or even dealt with chronic illness. It's not wrong to have a body image goal, but in order to achieve sustainable change, health and wellbeing, it's necessary to understand the “why” behind these goals first. Today on the show Erin taps into these whys to really get to the root of our body intentions and offers up thought provoking questions to uncover our own belief patterns. You might hear yourself in some of the examples Erin showcases, and you wouldn't be alone if you did—these are conversations Erin has had with others both in her group programs and 1:1 work, as well as in real life with friends and family. If, like so many others, you've ever found yourself somewhere in the gray area between diet culture and anti-diet culture, this will be an especially important episode to hear! In this episode: -Body composition goals, our sense of worth and shame [5:32] -Fragmentation and lack of safety as it relates to food [9:56] -Healing Diet Orthorexia and interoceptive awareness [13:47] -Why it's hard to “just let things go” when it comes to emotions, mindset & weight [17:33] -Subconscious reprogramming and identifying the fragmentation [19:48] -Building new pathways in the brain [24:59] -How to approach a structured food plan without restriction [28:00] -Using self-inquiry to better understand ourselves [34:34] -Questions to ask yourself to challenge old belief patterns [39:30] -Why confusion is a good thing when it comes to change [45:23] -The thing that holds people back from making change [46:32] -Shifting into self compassion for deeper understanding [53:19] -What's needed for a true root cause approach to healing [56:36] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/205-shoulds-shames-weight-loss-goals

Being healthy in today's world can often come with a high price tag. Fortunately sleep doesn't have to be one of those things, and in today's episode Erin discusses the top three things that might be impeding your sleep at night and what you can do about them. From circadian rhythm to cortisol, bladder function to blood sugar, Erin highlights why making sure you're getting the basics down is the very first thing you should be doing to improve sleep hygiene. If you have trouble falling asleep, if you often wake up at night needing to pee or wake up with a racing heart, or feel tired and sluggish no matter how many hours you slept, this will definitely be an episode for you to hear! In this episode: -Free wellness and starting with the basics [4:57] -Bladder health and night wakings [7:50] -The first place to start for better sleep [14:55] -The most important thing you can do to help regulate your circadian rhythm [17:34] -How cortisol is related to melatonin and sleep [22:12] -Reasons why cortisol might increase at night [27:12] -Is your dysregulated blood sugar waking you up at night? [30:40] -Pelvic floor health and sleep disruption [37:13] -The potential problem with Intermittent Fasting and sleep [39:02] -Nervine herbs to support our nervous system [41:31] -Effects of CBD and CBN on sleep [44:02] -The power of GABA and L-Theanine [46:06] -Should you use melatonin supplementation? [48:03] -Listener question about sleeping with window curtains open [51:12] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/204-cortisol-blood-sugar-improving-sleep-hygiene

If you've got gut problems, have you considered your pelvic floor function? The pelvic floor is a grouping of muscles that encompasses the center of your body and today, Erin brings back to the show Dr. Cristin Zaimes of Oceanside Physical Therapy to discuss all things pelvic floor and why it's so important to our overall health. Cristin is an expert in pelvic floor physiology and brings deep knowledge on the subject. Tune in to hear her highlight how pelvic floor health is about so much more than doing Kegals - our gut, bladder, sexual health, and even breathing can be tied to how well our pelvic floor is functioning. If you've ever experienced leakage when you sneeze or exercise, have experienced back pain when lifting, have any sexual pain or dysfunction, or have gut problems like constipation, diarrhea or even recurring SIBO, this will be a really informative episode for you! In this episode: -Why Erin recently worked with Dr. Cristin Zaimes [7:09] -What the pelvic floor actually is [8:57] -The relation of the diaphragm [10:20] -How to access your pelvic floor muscles [13:31] -Telltale signs you have a pelvic floor dysfunction [16:18] -Trauma, shame & treating the whole person [20:37] -The crossover between the pelvic floor & GI dysfunction [23:21] -Benefits to having a team [31:43] -When health feels like a struggle [37:48] -A game changer for those with chronic SIBO [40:35] -Next steps for finding pelvic floor therapy [46:51] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/203-bladder-dysfunction-gut-problems-pelvic-floor-health

What do you do when your doctor doesn't listen? When your provider doesn't believe you? A 2019 interview with Selma Blair on Good Morning America brought to light a scary fact: women are not being heard by their medical providers. Chronic conditions are going undiagnosed for YEARS, despite the fact that women are reporting real physical problems. When you layer in intersectionality, the issue gets even worse. This lack of care can have irreversible consequences, and despite increased awareness, the problem still persists today. In this episode, Erin interviews Dr. Cristin Zaimes of Oceanside Physical Therapy to discuss how sexism in healthcare creates shame and distrust in our own bodies. While this episode originally aired in March 2019, Erin and Cristin highlight why this conversation is just as relevant and important today. Tune in as they discuss what we can do to change this—including ways to tap into our innate power to heal. Dr. Cristin Zaimes holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Simmons College and has specialized in the field of orthopedics and pelvic floor dysfunction for over 15 years. She opened Oceanside in 2011, when her frustrations with the healthcare and medical system became overwhelming to her as a practitioner and she broke away to create an environment that supported healing and thrived on providing the best clinical care. She has extensive advanced training in pelvic floor, bladder, bowel and sexual dysfunction for all people. She believes in allowing all those against whom the traditional medical system has biases, to have access to care that supports, connects and empowers. Dr. Zaimes spends much of her time advocating for patients through community connections, workshops and speaking engagements. Her passions include advocating for proper menstrual health and the awareness of abnormalities in period and ovulatory health, supporting new mothers and parents and fighting cultural norms that impede the healing process after delivery, and providing knowledge, guidance and support to women transitioning toward and after menopause. In this episode: -Cristin's real passion points & the relevancy of this conversation [5:51] -Sexism in healthcare [7:43] -Scary statistics that highlight medical sexism [9:37] -Why women aren't being listened to [11:09] -Why does chronic pain go on so long? [16:26] -Neural networks [22:01] -Hypervigilance in the body [25:54] -Re-establishing resiliency in your body [36:22] -Stepping away from generalized health recommendations [39:04] -Building out a health care team [48:42] -Your power to heal [58:32] -How to find trust in healthcare again [1:03:23] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/202-when-your-doctor-doesnt-believe-your-pain-sexism-healthcare

Today on the Funk'tional Nutrition Podcast, Erin sits down with Naturopathic medical student and TikTok aficionado Natosha Ash to separate fact from fiction with the latest fad diets trending on social media. Speaking from both personal experience, through research and in working clinically with real people, Erin and Natosha clear up the confusion surrounding parasite cleansing, food combining and alkaline diets. On top of bringing evidence-based research to the table, they also touch on bigger picture topics like orthorexia, body resiliency and mindfulness surrounding health information sources. If you've ever wondered about the validity of trending diets on social media or have gut issues and considered one of these diets, this will be a great one to hear! Natosha Ash is a Naturopathic medical student, also studying nutrigenetics & nutrigenomics. She has a passion for sustainable health and wellness practices. Natosha believes that you shouldn't have to go to medical school to understand the basics of the body which is partly why she created her IG health page. Natosha is also a genetics and biochemistry junkie. She previously earned her BA in pre-Law and is currently working to merge her passions of health and law together. In this episode: -Why people gravitate to how Natosha puts out information [4:32] -Parasites and “rope worms” [9:52] -What is mucoid plaque? [14:00] -The problem with obsessing over cleanses and cleanliness [17:52] -Food combining: what it is and what you need to know [21:16] -GI confusion: is it gut dysbiosis or are you improperly combining foods? [27:15] -Stress and resistance with food rules [34:16] -The popularity of the alkaline diet [36:30] -The false premise behind acidic foods [38:24] -Potential Renal Acid Load and why this is important [41:08] -Fads, experiments and the resiliency of our bodies [43:11] -Being mindful of where you find health information [45:30] -How distrust in the system affects beliefs [48:24] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/201-parasite-cleansing-food-combining-alkaline-diets-natosha-ash

Today on the show Erin celebrates some big podcast milestones: 200 episodes and 2 million downloads!! Tune in to reminisce with Erin and hear answers to a smorgasbord of listener questions ranging from career pivots (is it ever too late? How about with a baby?) to whether coffee enemas are actually beneficial (and how to do one properly!) She also covers questions about molecular mimicry with gluten and thyroid, detoxing mycotoxins, what you should know about binders and serves up thought provoking questions to ask yourself when healing feels like a struggle. We'd like to extend a huge THANK YOU to you all–our listeners–for tuning in and sharing this podcast over the last 4.5 years. It's your continued support that gives Erin the motivation and inspiration to show up week after week. Here's to another 4 years, 200 more episodes, and 2 million more downloads! In this episode: -The different reasons people come to the podcast [5:36] -How it started, how it's going [7:22] -Reciprocity and changing the culture around expectations and entitlement [12:46] -Alignment with brands [18:23] -Is it ever too late to make a career pivot? [20:03] -Showing up despite feelings of failure and lack of validity [23:12] -The immunology and molecular mimicry of thyroid and gluten [30:41] -Antigenicity and cross reactivity [35:48] -Where to begin when detoxing mycotoxins [41:47] -What are binders and what you should know about them for mold exposure [44:19] -Are coffee enemas actually beneficial? [48:49] -Questions to ask yourself when healing feels hard [53:33] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/special-200th-episode-how-it-started-how-its-going-answering-listener-questions

What did you do to grow your business? What strategy did you use to expand your social media presence? How do you get more clients? These are the questions so many business owners and health practitioners ask when trying to grow or expand their own business; however, the answers don't lie in steps and how-to's. Our subconscious beliefs and how they influence our health has been a theme on the show lately, and today Erin highlights how these beliefs can affect how we show up (or don't show up) in our work, our business and our life. Tune in to hear takeaways from conversations about business and life that Erin has had with other business owners and practitioners, how she uses intuition to guide decisions, creating authentic connections on social media (or any platform), investing in personal growth and why creating a safe space for you to exist in your own work is paramount to success. While she does talk shop about running business, this discussion extends well beyond business and can be applied to your health and life, too. If you're a business owner or practitioner who's looking to grow your business in a way that feels good to you, if you're someone who feels unfulfilled in your work or your life, if you identify as a people pleaser or codependent, or if you're looking for ways to gain more awareness and tap into your intuition, this will be a powerful and thought provoking episode for you! In this episode: -Creating a space in your work for you to exist [5:56] -How work and health intersect [7:22] -Life aspects that contribute to overall health [11:49] -Your inner pilot light [14:54] -How to show up authentically in business [19:43] -The importance of creating space for intuition to come through [23:53] -Why inner work is required in business [25:51] -The one thing you must understand in order to grow on any platform [29:30] -Parallels of personal growth and business growth [34:37] -Shame, self expression and subconscious beliefs [39:42] -The foundation of any powerful brand or platform [46:07] -Do you know what your Personal Philosophy is? [49:09] -Cascading effects of setting boundaries in business [51:57] -Where Erin's marketing & sales differs from others [55:41] -A real-world example of staying aligned in business [57:03] -Women, financial goals and building wealth [1:01:30] -Pressure to get the sale [1:07:31] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/199-creating-space-for-you-to-exist-in-your-work-life

A functional approach to healing is a root cause approach. It attempts to unearth, understand and resolve unique root causes of any imbalances going on within the body. Where it can get a bad rap is when it becomes too cookie cutter, relying too heavily on protocols, elimination diets and supplements. Today's conversation is with clinical nutritionist Jessica Flanigan and taps into this growing trend in the wellness world. Erin and Jessica discuss problems seen in our modern culture of healing, how to find a skilled clinician, authority and power versus experience, how restriction can affect oral tolerance and the power that belief work and spirituality have on our healing. While this interview originally aired in 2018, Jessica showcases why, even today, she's always been lightyears ahead of the functional medicine space by offering ways practitioners can approach going deeper with clients to find the root cause of their issues… and ways we can go deeper with ourselves. If you're struggling to get to the root of your health issues, feeling exhausted by the pursuit of wellness, or are wondering if the health answers you seek fall outside the echo chamber, this conversation is definitely one to hear. Jessica Flanigan is an authority on the autoimmune, paleo movement & well beyond. For 25 years she has been a clinical nutritionist and worked extensively in private practice with medical doctors, chiropractors, acupuncturists and body workers. She's the author of The Loving Diet, which she created to help clients have a more comprehensive plan for healing. Using Loving as a way to better health, The Loving Diet is a revolutionary approach to healing. Original air date: November 7, 2018 In this episode: -What is a functional medicine approach? [4:39] -Looking past the echo chamber both in health and in your life [9:41] -Pursuing health and wellness from a place of lack versus abundance [20:59] -The #1 question to ask yourself before attempting any diet [27:04] -Personalized medicine and judgements in the wellness world [29:04] -How to find a skilled provider and the importance of clinical experience [32:56] -Tribalism and modern authorities in health movements [36:22] -The lie you've been told about food sensitivities [39:05] -Oral tolerance - what it is and why it matters [41:30] -How restriction can lead to inflammation, gut problems and autoimmunity [43:20] -Plant-restrictive diets: yay or nay? [49:45] -What to do when we feel stuck [52:02] -Our unconscious belief systems [54:22] -Hot seat coaching [1:03:48] -A different orientation to trauma and safety [1:07:57] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/198-protocols-elimination-diets-the-pursuit-of-wellness

When it comes to gut health, Secretory IgA is kind of a big deal. Secretory IgA is the dominant antibody in our gut mucosal layer and acts as a “first line of defense” against pathogens. When Secretory IgA is low, it's like the bouncer at the bar is GONE - which means anyone who wants to get in, can. In fact, the lower the SIgA is, the more prone you are to acquiring infections AND the less likely you are to clear up existing infections in your gut. Inspired by recent stool test results, today Erin covers Secretory IgA and why it's so important when it comes to overall immune and gut health. She discusses where this antibody is found (not just the gut!) and reasons why it may be low or high on a lab test. In this episode Erin also highlights an important contributing factor that even functional medicine can miss: your mindset. If you're a gut geek, if you struggle with food sensitivities, if you know you have low Secretory IgA, or if you are looking for another way to improve your own immune and gut health, grab a pen because this episode is one you don't want to miss! In this episode: -The noteworthy results in Erin's latest stool test [4:30] -The dominant antibody in our mucosal secretions [8:04] -How Secretory IgA protects us from food sensitivities [10:18] -What happens when Secretory IgA is low (and what it means if it's elevated) [11:33] -Cortisol, burnout and chronic health problems [14:11] -The often overlooked aspect of healing [15:03] -Clinically proven things that increase Secretory IgA [17:18] -How our thoughts, emotions and stressors impact immunoglobulin A levels [21:21] -The entertainment, media and news we consume [22:35] -Stress, leaky gut, cortisol dysregulation and their connection to Secretory IgA [25:11] -Factors that support healthy Secretory IgA levels [27:02] -Self-compassion and releasing guilt [31:39] -Allowing yourself to access joy and pleasure [34:08] -What is “healing diet orthorexia”? [42:20] -Signs you may be entering disordered eating territory [44:02] -Why belief work is so important to health [48:16] -What to do if you can't access feeling good [51:11] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/197-secretory-iga-gut-health-what-you-may-not-know

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” We SAY we want success / financial freedom / bigger audience / more clients / private practice / fill in with your own personal goals… but deep down there is some part of our subconscious that is TERRIFIED of this. (Ain't that a kick in the head?) In order to achieve our goals, hopes and dreams, we have to first acknowledge any mental blocks, limiting beliefs and/or fears that are standing in the way. You MUST have practices in place to clear them, to move beyond them, to recognize them as untruths. (Because PS It's not that you have LESS limiting beliefs and fears as you grow, it's that you get better at NOT believing they are true.) Because of this, we do A LOT of belief work in the Funk'tional Nutrition Academy. As Erin says, FNA is a container for growth. We won't let you sleep on your come up. In today's episode Erin discusses one place where your limiting beliefs may come from, and how to recognize if this is holding you back. Enrollment for the Funk'tional Nutrition Academy is officially OPEN TODAY!!!! Click here to fill out our application form: https://www.funktionalnutritionacademy.com/ From a current FNA student: I just wanted to reach out and express my deepest gratitude for Erin and the FNA program. I'm about halfway through the program and can confidently say that enrolling in FNA was by far one of the best decisions I've ever made, on both a personal and professional level. Not only have I learned so much about functional medicine (like seriously, SO much), but I've also learned a lot about myself along the way. Participating in this program has helped me to gain the confidence and clarity that I needed to leave a comfortable, yet unfulfilling, 8-5 job and move forward with my dream of opening a functional nutrition private practice. If it weren't for this program, I'm not sure if I ever would have built up the courage to make this leap, no matter how many functional nutrition trainings & certification programs I completed. Happy International Women's Day, Erin! Thank you for all you do to build up other women in this field. Your work is making a difference! From a recent FNA grad: I have been over the moon with my experience in this program!! I highly recommend FNA to my fellow practitioners looking to expand on their functional nutrition knowledge, education and application; as well as those looking to embark into the realm of private practice. You have everything to gain, and this program will not disappoint. This program was everything I needed and more - it helped me organize the knowledge I already had while further expanding my understanding of the content and enhancing my ability to utilize this knowledge in practice. Thank you, @the.funktional.nutritionist , and happy international women's day!! View on our website at https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/196-confidence-clarity-courage-for-practitioners

If you're mindful of what you consume and you also drink wine, or if you're looking for a way to enjoy wine without feeling terrible, this is a conversation for you. Today Erin sits down with founder of Dry Farm Wines Todd White to discuss how we can consume and enjoy natural wine in a way that's in alignment with our overall health - and the health of the planet. Tune in to hear about the environmental impact of conventional and natural winemaking, organic, biodynamic farming, the importance indigenous yeast, how wine additives, alcohol content and sulfites affect your health, and even touch on the spiritual and community aspects of wine. While we're not about to tell you that wine is a health food, this conversation does make a good case for enjoying what you consume. As the founder of Dry Farm Wines, a writer, speaker, and a leader in the organic/Natural Wine movement, Todd White has widely educated communities on conscious consumption. Built on a foundation of honesty and peace, Dry Farm Wines are lab tested to ensure each bottle is sugar free (0-0.15g per glass), lower in sulfites, and lower in alcohol (under 12.5% alc/vol). The wines are friendly to low carb & low sugar diets. In this episode: -Allowing yourself to lean into joy and what feels good [6:06] -Why Erin was drawn to Dry Farm Wines [8:45] -How the conventional wine industry compares to the food industry [10:28] -Additives and why there are no ingredient or nutrition labels on wine bottles [13:16] -What you need to know about wine if you're vegan [14:08] -Natural additives found in wines [16:09] -Alcohol content in wine - why it matters [17:32] -What is “natural” wine and how do you know if you're drinking it? [21:49] -Sulfites and sulfur dioxide [24:27] -How wine becomes sugar free [26:41] -How conventional wines contribute to histamine sensitivities [31:31] -How darker wine gets its color [36:01] -Why it's hard to find natural wines [40:59] -The impact of irrigation on grapes [42:04] -The accuracy of the alcohol content stated on wine bottles [44:11] -Differences in farming practices of conventional and organic, natural vineyards [46:15] -About the small, family vineyards that Dry Farm Wines works with [49:54] -Why the Dry Farm Wines subscription expanded Erin's wine horizons [57:20] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/195-why-wine-makes-you-feel-terrible-natural-wines

An often overlooked topic when we are talking about hormone imbalance or adrenal fatigue is how to support hormones by supporting the brain. The brain literally tells our organs and glands how and when to make hormones. So in order to have “healthy hormone balance”, the brain has to be healthy, resilient and balanced. This episode has lots of nuggets of info, with one major message: Your thoughts and stress levels influence your brain and your physical body. If we want to change the physical body and feel better, then we have to start at the top. Listen in as Erin dives into the upstream factors of hormonal health, why information alone won't solve your problems, and her top 3 tips for paying attention to thought patterns. In this episode: -Erin tells a story of synchronicity & signs [3:22] -How investing in yourself can help others [12:35] -Making changes: Are you looking for the problem, or are you looking for the answer? [17:36] -Where to start when regulating your hormones [23:18] -The value of information and education to understand your body [27:22] -Why information won't be the thing to save you: The IIT factor (information, integration, transformation) [29:05] -The HPA (hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal) Axis feedback loop [33:16] -The functional root cause approach to hormone balancing [37:25] -Dismissive providers & validating your lived experience [38:04] -Potential causes of unsuccessful ovulation [42:38] -“Thoughts aren't free”: the cost of negative thought patterns [43:23] -How to change your biochemistry by getting out of fear [48:16] -Why the goal of eradicating all stress is futile - and what the goal should be [52:03] -Erin's 3 tips to pay attention to your own patterns [53:44] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/194-hormone-brain-connection

Erin often thinks of the work that she does in 2 parts. While it's true that we have to work on the physical body - nutrition, movement, lab testing - we have to be open to the fact that our energy body and emotional body impact our physical health as well. This conversation with Andrea Mitchell, intuitive wellness coach and founder of Andrea Mitchell Wellness, explores the other half of healing that often goes overlooked. A lot of folks have been asking us for more “woo”-ish episodes, so we're bringing this conversation to you and hope you can pull some little pieces to use in your day-to-day life! Tune in as Erin and Andrea discuss the purpose of art therapy, somatic healing, breathwork, and hypnosis - as well as diving into some high level topics like the ego and consciousness. Stay through to the end to hear Erin and Andrea's hot takes on manifestation, and how Erin uses it in her life, work and healing. Andrea Mitchell is an intuitive wellness coach and founder of Andrea Mitchell Wellness. She uses a whole body approach to healing. Living in true balance requires the alignment and integration of the mental, emotional, spiritual and physical bodies. Through private and group offerings she empowers her clients to use this awareness of whole body health to take ownership of their healing. She has training in Pilates, Yoga, Reiki, Breathwork, Akashic Records, Intuitive Guidance, QHHT, and is a Licensed Art Therapist in NYC. *Disclaimer* This episode has some swear words! In this episode: -Andrea's journey into working with the whole body approach [8:25] -The purpose of art therapy & how it differs from talk therapy [10:14] -How breathwork & somatic therapy ties into mind-body healing [14:33] -Different styles of breathwork and their effects [18:16] -How physical ailments can be connected to emotional blocks [22:41] -Why the body might deactivate cortisol [29:06] -The variety of trauma & how it impacts your health [32:32] -Opening the brain with hypnosis [35:36] -What makes QHHT (Quantum Healing Hypnosis Technique) unique [38:52] -The conscious ego vs the unconscious state, explained [43:17] -“Feet on the ground, head in the sky”: Caring for the physical body while acknowledging energetic health [49:21] -Erin and Andrea's thoughts on manifestation [51:31] -Questions to ask yourself when manifesting, unpacking fears and limiting belief blocks, and the importance of intention [55:12] https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/193-emotional-body-breathwork-hypnosis-manifestation-andrea-mitchell

There are tremendous health benefits to strength training - including lowering inflammation, supporting hormones, mitochondrial function, metabolic health & immune health. But based on the messages and questions we received, a lot of women out there are intimidated by strength training. Erin wanted to bring on someone who could help, so she's chatting with Nora Matthew about how to approach strength training in a sustainable way - without burning out. Because the benefits of exercise only exist if you're not *overdoing* it, which kind of flies in the face of a lot of mainstream fitness advice. And unfortunately, burnout is a trend that both Erin and Nora have seen working with thousands of women. If you want to be working out more, but you're nervous about how to start…OR you are already exercising, but feeling burnt out & unsure of what you're doing wrong… this episode is for you! This conversation will help you get started (or slow down!) with confidence. Nora owns Her Strength Studio, a female focused strength training gym in upstate NY that primarily utilizes the modalities of kettlebell, barbell, and bodyweight for functional strength training. They offer small group personal training with each client following their own curated program based on their goals, exercise history, injuries and time commitment. Her Strength Studio also offers a selection of self-led online programs and remote personal training for those who are out of the area. In this episode: -Our opinions on the best types of exercise for women's health [5:34] -Nora's journey to strength training (as a former athlete and mom of 4!) [6:54] -The biggest problems in the fitness industry & how doing more isn't always better [10:54] -Considerations for intense workouts [16:20] -Exercise sustainability: when you're in it for the long haul [20:50] -The benefits of going to a coach for guidance [22:18] -Feeling sore post-workout: how to gauge good vs. not good [24:37] -Red flags that you're pushing too hard [31:27] -Why you should prioritize form/technique over intensity [32:46] -How to know when it's time to take time off – and why you should [33:51] -When to know it's time to push for more [36:47] -Specific benefits of resting between sets [39:40] -Where to get started if you're feeling intimidated by lifting weights [44:19] -Nora's tips for finding a coach [47:48] -At home exercise options [49:22] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/192-sustainable-strength-training-nora-matthew

Erin sits down with Rachel Mistry, MS, RDN to discuss some common patterns they see working with clients in The Funk'tional Nutrition™ Clinic. Histamine issues seem to be more and more common - not only are we seeing it more in our practice, Erin received a TON of questions about histamine on Instagram. Because it's such a big deal for clients and listeners, they wanted to bring this discussion to the show. “How to figure out what's causing my histamine intolerance?” seemed to be the million dollar question. While histamine issues can have a lot of contributing factors, Erin & Rachel are focusing on one today: HORMONES. Tune in to hear what histamines are, unexpected symptoms that histamines can cause, the histamine + hormone link, and some real life hormone / histamine case studies. In this episode: -What are histamines, and do they only cause allergy symptoms? [5:59] -Histamine reactions that you might not be aware of [7:31] -Cyclical headaches, migraines, and cramping: is it a histamine thing? [11:40] -The real impact of high stress [12:30] -What a typical cycle looks like [15:00] -The histamine and hormone links [17:21] -Why estrogen needs to be in balance [18:40] -Strategies to help your hormonal balance (hint: test, don't guess) [23:32] -The low histamine diet as a short term solution [25:40] -What a DUTCH test can show you [30:26] -How your home environment and beauty product routine can impact your endocrine system function [34:39] -Overall nervous system support and down regulation for hormonal health [36:51] -Real life hormone and histamine case studies [38:31] -Skin flares and eczema resolved by reducing histamines [38:31] -How hormones responding and reacting can be clues to root causes [40:02] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/191-histamine-hormone-link

Erin sits down with Rachel Mistry, MS, RDN to discuss some common patterns they see working with clients in The Funk'tional Nutrition™ Clinic. Histamine issues seem to be more and more common - not only are we seeing it more in our practice, Erin received a TON of questions about histamine on Instagram. Because it's such a big deal for clients and listeners, they wanted to bring this discussion to the show. “How to figure out what's causing my histamine intolerance?” seemed to be the million dollar question. While histamine issues can have a lot of contributing factors, Erin & Rachel are focusing on one today: HORMONES. Tune in to hear what histamines are, unexpected symptoms that histamines can cause, the histamine + hormone link, and some real life hormone / histamine case studies. In this episode: -What are histamines, and do they only cause allergy symptoms? [5:57] -Histamine reactions that you might not be aware of [7:30] -Cyclical headaches, migraines, and cramping: is it a histamine thing? [11:44] -The real impact of high stress [12:30] -What a typical cycle looks like [14:57] -The histamine and hormone links [17:17] -Why estrogen needs to be in balance [18:40] -Strategies to help your hormonal balance (hint: test, don't guess) [22:32] -The low histamine diet as a short term solution [25:34] -What a DUTCH test can show you [30:20] -How your home environment and beauty product routine can impact your endocrine system function [34:33] -Overall nervous system support and down regulation for hormonal health [36:44] -Real life hormone and histamine case studies [38:13] -Skin flares and eczema resolved by reducing histamines [38:25] -How hormones responding and reacting can be clues to root causes [39:55] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/191-histamine-hormone-link

In honor of the new year, Erin is sitting down today and speaking from the heart with reflections on 2021 and some thoughts on new years goals. Hearing how folks navigate their own struggles & inner beliefs often helps others to do the same, and that's the intention of this episode: to help you in some way - small or large. Listen in as she shares some personal experiences with you, advice you may need to hear, and the biggest lesson she learned in 2021. In this episode: -Is your New Year's goal setting taking you out of the present moment? [6:13] -A limiting pattern you may recognize within yourself [8:54] -Why Erin had to get outta dodge at the start of the year [10:53] -Erin's DIY retreat [15:57] -Are you taking your own advice? [20:16] -The crucial importance of self care (hint: it's not just for you!) [23:49] -Can you glorify your “2.0 self” AND pay enough honor to you, right now? [27:10] -Erin's biggest lesson of 2021 [31:47] FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/190-honoring-old-you-new-year-reflections-lessons