The Healthy Skin Show

Wondering if parasites are behind your skin or health issues? With social media buzzing about parasite cleanses, it's easy to feel confused (or even panicked).The truth is, not all parasites are harmful—some may even regulate your immune system. But others can silently contribute to chronic hives, cystic acne, and food sensitivities. And a poorly done parasite cleanse can backfire.Joining me is Robin Foroutan, MS, RDN, an integrative nutritionist and stealth pathogen expert, to help you separate facts from internet hype and explore whether parasites are part of your root cause puzzle.⭐️Mentioned in This Episode:- Find Robin Foroutan online | Instagram - See all the references

Calling all Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) warriors – if you've wondered whether diet changes could help. The short answer? It might. While diet alone won't be a cure-all, many people have seen fewer flares and less pain by making specific changes.In this episode, I'm breaking down what we do know about the Hidradenitis Suppurativa diet connection, what's still unclear, and how you can start experimenting with a diet for HS without getting overwhelmed.⭐️Mentioned in This Episode:- Master + optimize your liver detox

Peptides for skin and gut health are all the rage—but do they really work?From BPC-157 to KPV and GLP-1 meds like Ozempic, these compounds are gaining traction for their potential to calm inflammation, support leaky gut, and improve chronic skin issues (psoriasis and eczema). But with so much hype, what's real?Joining me is Nathalie Niddam—holistic nutritionist, longevity educator, and host of the Longevity Podcast. She breaks down what peptides and bioregulators are, how they work, and whether they're worth the investment.⭐️Mentioned in This Episode:- Find Nathalie: https://www.natniddam.com/ - Nathalie's IG: @nathalieniddam - Join in the conversation with Jennifer at http://instagram.com/jenniferfugo - Stop My Rashes FREE eGuide - https://bit.ly/stopmyrashespod - Fix your skin using Jennifer's method (trusted by 900+ skin rash warriors)! Get started NOW

Coffee enemas are hyped online for liver detox and gut health, but the risks are often overlooked.While influencers claim coffee enema benefits like boosted energy and toxin removal, coffee enemas can actually trigger liver and gut imbalances, toxin buildup, systemic inflammation, and even dependency.If you're serious about supporting your liver safely, tune in to learn why I don't recommend coffee enemas — and what to do instead.⭐️Mentioned in This Episode:- Optimize your liver detox in my Liver Detox Masterclass – https://bit.ly/liverdetox-pod - See all the references

Do you feel like your PMS is “on steroids”? Maybe it shows up with intense mood swings or what feels like “period flu” every month. If so, you could be dealing with Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)—a condition that affects 5–8% of women, yet is often brushed off by conventional doctors.PMDD symptoms can be incredibly disruptive, especially if you're also struggling with histamine intolerance. In fact, there's a growing connection between PMDD and histamine issues—something that can be even more dysregulating for neurodivergent women.To unpack this and explore natural PMDD treatments and relief strategies, I'm joined by Dr. Jolene Brighten—renowned hormone expert, nutrition scientist, and bestselling author of Beyond the Pill and Is This Normal. With her background in naturopathic endocrinology and passion for root-cause healing, Dr. Brighten is here to help you better understand your hormones and take back control of your health.⭐️Mentioned in This Episode:- Dr. Jolene Brighten - http://www.drbrighten.com/- Book: Is This Normal? by Dr. Jolene Brighten - https://amzn.to/3gNiHIB- Beat Histamine Intolerance Masterclass - https://bit.ly/hist-intol-MC - Join in the conversation with Jennifer at http://instagram.com/jenniferfugo - Stop My Rashes FREE eGuide - https://bit.ly/stopmyrashespod - Fix your skin using Jennifer's method (trusted by 900+ skin rash warriors)! Get started NOW

Are elimination diets really the holy grail for gut healing and clearer skin—or are they quietly creating problems no one warns you about?In this personal episode, I share my journey of cutting out gluten, dairy, and eggs for years—and what happened when I finally tried to reintroduce them. Spoiler: it wasn't smooth. From misinterpreting food sensitivity tests to developing deep food fears, I open up about how “clean eating” ended up taking a toll on my health, happiness, and social life.If you're stuck on an elimination diet, afraid to reintroduce foods, or wondering if restriction is really the answer—this episode is for you. Let's bust some myths and get real about what true healing actually looks like.⭐️Mentioned in This Episode:- See the references + transcript

Ever been diagnosed with stasis dermatitis? If you're dealing with swelling, redness, or relentless itchiness on your lower legs, it's not just dry skin or aging—it could be a sign of poor circulation.Stasis dermatitis is more than just a rash. If left unchecked, it can lead to painful ulcers, infections, and serious complications. It's often mistaken for cellulitis, which means unnecessary antibiotics—and in one case, a patient was hospitalized 11 times before getting the right diagnosis. And heads up—it doesn't just show up on legs. It can also affect areas like the belly and lower back where blood tends to pool.To help us unpack this overlooked condition, I'm joined by Dr. Peter Lio—a board-certified dermatologist and eczema expert. He's a Clinical Assistant Professor at Northwestern, Harvard-trained, and has published over 100 papers, including a textbook on integrative dermatology.Dr. Lio breaks down what stasis dermatitis is, why it's often missed, and how to spot it early. If you or someone you love has unexplained swelling, itchy legs, or chronic redness—don't miss this episode!⭐️Mentioned in This Episode:- Dr. Peter Lio - https://chicagoeczema.com/ - See all the references

Because I've been asked over the years, “is sourdough bread gluten free?” AND could it be a healthy, safe option for someone living with chronic health issuesI've finally got some very clear answers for you!To be honest, trying to answer these questions opened up a pandora's box for me. I was then faced with questions I didn't even think to ask like what makes bread labeled “sourdough”… real sourdough?I came to discover that, especially if you live in the US, there's not only a lot of fake sourdough sold on store shelves, but ideas shared on social media about how to make everything from sourdough pancakes or sourdough cookies is probably wrong.We'll get into all of this in today's episode, but I first must acknowledge that for years, gluten has been demonized as a health wrecker. This led countless people to eliminate it (and sourdough bread) from their diets.I spent years teaching how bad gluten was for health…But after 15 years spent avoiding gluten, I've made some really startling discoveries.And that's where sourdough bread comes in (underscoring my long journey to answer that “is sourdough bread gluten free” question).In today's episode, I chat with Dr. Bill Schindler, an archaeologist and food scientist, about the ancient techniques that could revolutionize how we approach bread. He explains why modern wheat is causing problems for so many people and how fermentation transforms grains into a gut-friendly sourdough bread.Dr. Schindler is leading the charge in reviving traditional food preparation methods that can help restore our health. Through his work at the Modern Stone Age Kitchen located in Chestertown, MD, he's proving that sourdough bread can be both nourishing and delicious.If you've ever wondered whether sourdough bread could be worth a try, this episode is for you!In This Episode:Why modern bread is making people sickThe difference between ancient + modern wheat varietiesWhat fermentation does to gluten (and why it matters)Benefits of sourdough breadIs sourdough bread gluten free? (and my experience trying sourdough bread)The hidden truth about “store-bought sourdough”Why fermentation time of sourdough bread is crucial for digestibilityBefore you eat a sourdough cookie or sourdough pancakes…What to look for when buying sourdough bread so you know it's realHow Bill + the Modern Stone Age Kitchen is reviving ancient baking techniquesQuotes“Anybody who's starting to dip their toes into this world of not only eating in this way, but also making your food from scratch at home, fermentation is a great sort of gateway into that world.”“Typically if [the label] says yeast… citric acid, lactic acid, or acetic acid, then I can guarantee you it isn't sourdough and they're trying to fool you.”LinksFind Dr. Bill Schindler + the Modern Stone Age Kitchen online | online | Instagram | InstagramGet Dr. Schindler's book Ready to figure out your skin's root causes so you can finally fix your skin + break free from meds to manage your skin?My virtual clinic works with adults worldwide struggling with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria, hives, dandruff, perioral dermatitis + more.Trusted by over 1000 clients, we get results WITHOUT restrictive elimination diets.Schedule an assessment call at https://skinrepaircall.com/

If your body is super reactive… even the tiniest change can set off awful symptoms – then you should consider the spectrum of mast cell activation diseases.What most people find enjoyable, like healthy foods, exercise, or even sunlight, can make some feel horrible. Often these symptoms are beyond just “histamine intolerance symptoms.”And while others around you might think you're just “being dramatic” or “making a mountain out of a molehill,” it's clear to you that your body is extremely more reactive than others.It can be hard to get a clear diagnosis and help if you are struggling with mast cell activation diseases – including those with hypermobility syndrome issues like Ehlers-Danlos.If your life feels like you're constantly navigating a minefield of unexpected symptoms to the smallest things, I'm joined by Michelle Shapiro, RD, to talk about what causes you to have a “highly sensitive body.”Michelle Shapiro, RD is an Integrative/Functional Registered Dietitian in NYC who has helped over 1000+ clients reverse their anxiety, heal long-standing gut and immune issues, and approach their weight in a loving way. Michelle has a virtual private practice of 5 nutritionists where she and her team work one-on-one towards these goals. She is the host of the Quiet the Diet Podcast, where she helps listeners bridge the gap between body positivity and functional nutrition.If you've been searching for answers about your own body's unpredictable reactions or want to better understand these complex conditions, let's dive in!In This Episode:What's a “highly sensitive body” problem (that you'll be stuck with forever)?The role of mast cells as “guards” of your immune systemHistamine intolerance symptoms (and why a histamine intolerance diet doesn't help long-term)Histamine intolerance versus Mast Cell Activation DiseasesThe surprising link between MCAS, POTS, and hypermobility syndromeWhy POTS isn't a heart problemThe long COVID–histamine intolerance connectionPractical tips for managing symptoms histamine intolerance symptomsQuotes“Highly sensitive bodies often react in ways we don't expect—things that are supposed to be good for you, like healthy foods or exercise, can make you feel worse.”“Histamine issues don't just cause rashes or itchy skin; they can trigger severe insomnia, anxiety, and even psychosis.”LinksFind Michelle online | InstagramMichelle's podcast, Quiet the DietMichelle's Highly Sensitive Body Hub WaitlistHealthy Skin Show ep. 319: Mast Cell Activation Syndrome: What is MCAS + Why It's So DevastatingHealthy Skin Show ep. 166: Mold + Histamine ConnectionReady to figure out your skin's root causes so you can finally fix your skin + break free from meds to manage your skin?My virtual clinic works with adults worldwide struggling with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria, hives, dandruff, perioral dermatitis + more.Trusted by over 1000 clients, we get results WITHOUT restrictive elimination diets.Schedule an assessment call at https://skinrepaircall.com/

Natural liver detox remedies and cleanses are all the rage online – especially if you've had chronic skin problems.While poor liver detox can contribute to skin inflammation symptoms, it's critical that you ask WHY is your liver struggling.That way, a natural liver detox remedy or diet cleanse doesn't trigger a flare-up (which can and does happen).When you ask why there's so much skin inflammation, you'll discover that the balance of your gut-skin axis plays a HUGE role in throwing your liver's detox capacity over the edge.So in today's episode, I'm sharing an interview that I did on Resiliency Radio hosted by Dr. Jill Carnahan where we dive into ways to support and optimize natural liver detox, how to reduce fatty liver (especially for those with psoriasis), the liver-gut-skin-axis connections, and the emotional toll that skin issues can cause.If you're newer to figuring out our root causes, THIS GUIDE is a great place to start.So let's dive in!In This Episode:Why overloaded liver detox pathways can make skin inflammation worseThe key nutrients to boost natural liver detoxCommon signs of a hidden skin infection and when to see a doctorHow elimination diets can harm your relationship with foodThe emotional toll chronic skin conditions takeConnection between cytokines in chronic skin inflammation + biologic drugsInterplay between nervous system regulation + calming skin flare-upsHow imbalances within the gut-skin axis trigger skin inflammationHow to reduce fatty liver (especially if you have psoriasis)Quotes“People think skin issues are just cosmetic, but they don't realize the pain and trauma that come with it—especially when others judge you based on how you look.”“You can't predict your skin. One day it's inflamed and painful, the next it's cracking and bleeding. That unpredictability is what breaks people mentally and emotionally.”LinksMy Favorite Natural Liver Detox Support ProductsStop My Rashes eGuide (Free Resource)Healthy Skin Show ep. 305: Eliminations Diets, Food Fear + Healing Skin Rashes {NEW RESEARCH}Healthy Skin Show ep. 177: Liver Detox – Skin Rash Connection, Part 1Healthy Skin Show ep. 157: How Your Immune System Can Trigger Skin Rashes w/ Heather Zwickey, PhDReady to figure out your skin's root causes so you can finally fix your skin + break free from meds to manage your skin?My virtual clinic works with adults worldwide struggling with eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria, hives, dandruff, perioral dermatitis + more.Trusted by over 1000 clients, we get results WITHOUT restrictive elimination diets.Schedule an assessment call at https://skinrepaircall.com/

It's pretty common to be frustrated by aging skin, especially if years of skin problems seem to have accelerated the process. Between common skin treatments and medications, the matrix of collagen for skin can become damaged.The loss of skin hydration (aka. Increased skin dryness) and overall skin barrier damage only make things worse!And this doesn't take into account possible decades of sun exposure (and damage) along with poor diet choices and more that can all play a role in aging.What can you do to support your skin?My guest today – Dr. Barbara Paldus – joins us to explore natural strategies to support skin barrier repair, helping your matrix of collagen for skin health and reducing skin inflammation.Dr. Barbara Paldus founded Codex Labs, developing biotech solutions for nearly every skin condition, approaching skincare from the inside out with a focus on the skin-gut-brain axis, which was inspired by her son's severe allergies to mainstream skincare products.With a Stanford Ph.D., Barb began her founder journey at Picarro, inventing a leading greenhouse gas detection system, then at Finesse Solutions, advancing biotech equipment for vaccine production, and ultimately finding herself on the other side of two successful exits, holding over 50 U.S. patents.Let's dive in!In This Episode:Surprising link between gut health + skin barrier functionWhy inflammation is more than a buzzwordHow genetics and filaggrin deficiencies play a role in eczemaSkin turnover rate in babies vs adultsWhat's M3? (How it can help your skin barrier)The downside of overusing anti-aging products like retinoids and chemical peels.Tips to protect collagen for skin health so you can maintain hydration as you ageQuotes“Inflammation isn't just a buzzword; it's a chemical process that, when unmanaged, can break down collagen, damage cells, and disrupt skin health.”“About 60% of skin improvement can be achieved through gut health, but to get to 90%, you need the synergy of supplements and topicals working together.”LinksGet 20% OFF your Codex Labs orderHealthy Skin Show ep. 355: Is It Just Bad Genes? (What Are The Causes Of Eczema + Psoriasis On Skin)Healthy Skin Show ep. 001: How to Protect & Strengthen Your Skin BarrierHealthy Skin Show ep. 095: Can Histidine Supplementation Help Leaky Skin & Eczema? [RESEARCH]

“Is melatonin bad for you?” is the most common question I get whenever I suggest melatonin.They've heard on a podcast (or read on a blog) the dangers of melatonin.And how you can become addicted to melatonin, wrecking your own body's ability to produce it if you take melatonin supplements.I totally understand the concern – no one wants to shut down their own melatonin production.If you've been convinced that this melatonin side effect is real – you've been duped.And in today's episode, you'll discover WHY this claim is not only false, but physically impossible.For everyone wondering “is melatonin bad for you?,” you're about to discover why melatonin is so powerful and much more than just a sleep aid. Its potential for regulating your body goes far beyond sleep given that it's produced in your skin and your gut.My guest today – Dr. Deanna Minich – has extensively studied melatonin to uncover its hidden potential to transform your health.Deanna Minich, PhD, is a nutrition scientist, educator, and author, with over twenty years of experience in academia and in the natural product industries, currently serving as Chief Science Officer at Symphony Natural Health. She has been active as a functional medicine clinician in clinical trials and in her own practice (Food & Spirit™).She is the author of six books on wellness topics, four book chapters, and over fifty scientific publications. Through her talks, workshops, groups, and in-person retreats, she helps people to transform their lives practically and artfully through nutrition and lifestyle.Today we'll cover a lot of ground so you can get the full picture of melatonin benefits!Let's dive in!In This Episode:What melatonin is and how it's produced in the bodySurprising discovery of melatonin in 1958Melatonin as a potent antioxidantHow melatonin supports brain detox during sleep (impacting neurodegenerative diseases risk)Melatonin role in gut health, immune function, and mitochondria healthIs melatonin bad for you and can melatonin supplements be addictive?Is melatonin in pregnancy safe?Melatonin dosing tipsWhat foods naturally contain melatonin?Quotes“Melatonin is not just a sleep molecule—it's an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective powerhouse.” – Dr. Deanna Minich“One molecule of melatonin can quench up to 10 free radicals, making it more potent than vitamin C as an antioxidant.” – Dr. Deanna MinichLinksFind Dr. Minich online | Instagram | FacebookHealthy Skin Show ep. 105: Can Melatonin Help Itchy Skin (So You Can Sleep)?Melatonin and brain barriers: The protection conferred by melatonin to the blood-brain barrier and blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrierMelatonin as a master regulator of cell death and inflammation: molecular mechanisms and clinical implications for newborn careMelatoninMelatonin – RxList

Ever feel like your healing journey is stuck in a loop of disappointment even as you watch everyone else around you get better? And you wish you knew the secrets or even the mindset of successful clients who get results?The truth is, lasting relief from chronic skin issues like eczema and psoriasis often requires more than just finding the perfect supplement or diet tweak.Healing involves so much more than the collective “list of things to do” or supplements to take.It's also how you show up for yourself and collaborate with your practitioner.As someone who's walked this road both personally and professionally, I can tell you: healing is not linear.With trust, the right support, and a strategic mindset, it's absolutely possible to see progress.Since I work with adults and Jennifer Brand works with parents trying to guide their rashy children through the healing process, we thought that sharing the mindset of successful clients could be really insightful.In case you've not heard her on the show before, Jennifer Brand, MS, MPH, CNS, LDN is a clinical nutritionist who helps babies and children with chronic rashes navigate the journey to healthy skin so they can enjoy a childhood free from disruptive skin symptoms. As one of the most trusted pediatric skin-focused nutritionists, Jen is passionate about helping families get to the root causes of the problem through her unique method called Rashes Be Gone.Dive in with us now!In This Episode:Why mindset and trust are crucial for long-term healing successHow parents can help their kids overcome setbacks with chronic skin issuesWhy focusing on “one magical fix” can slow your progressCommon traits + mindset of successful clientsHow to stay motivated when healing feels like a slow processThe importance of asking for help and collaborating with your practitionerThe dangers of comparison and unrealistic expectations from social mediaQuotes“The most successful clients are those who view obstacles as opportunities to troubleshoot, not reasons to give up.” – Jennifer Fugo“We're not looking to put someone in a bubble; the goal is to make the body more resilient so it can handle everyday challenges.” – Jennifer BrandLinksFind Jennifer Brand online | Instagram | Facebook | TikTokRashes Be Gone Program (For Kids + Babies)Healthy Skin Show ep. 361: How To Change Your Mindset (So Your Skin Doesn't Control Your Mood)Healthy Skin Show ep. 131: Mindset: What To Do When Nothing Seems To Help Your RashesHealthy Skin Show ep. 350: What Drives Itchy Skin In Kids (And Natural Childhood Eczema Treatment Options To Stop It)

Scalp psoriasis affects nearly half of those with psoriasis, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood and challenging forms of psoriasis to get under control.If you're reading this, you might already know how awful the itching, flaking, and emotional toll can be. Especially as many medications for psoriasis don't seem to work nearly as well for psoriasis on your scalp.Unfortunately, many people assume their scalp issues are due to dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis when, in fact, they are dealing with something far more complex. Especially as the inflammation worsens, there's a greater risk that the hair thinning could turn out to become permanent hair loss.That's why I'm thrilled to have Dr. Jenny Bennett back on the Healthy Skin Show. Together, we unpack the complexities of scalp psoriasis AND talk about some really fascinating organisms that could be lurking on the skin that are helping to drive the problem.Dr. Bennett is a naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist and founder of Aria Integrative Medicine, an autoimmune specialty clinic in Seattle, WA. She utilizes treatments from both Eastern and Western medical practices to find the best approach for treating autoimmune diseases. Dr. Bennett treats a wide variety of conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' Disease, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, lupus and scleroderma.You might recall that Dr. Bennett has shared her knowledge with us in the past on Psoriatic Arthritis and Nail Psoriasis.If you're tired of the relentless itching, worried about thinning hair, or unsure where to begin, this scalp psoriasis episode is packed with actionable insights.Let's dive in!In This Episode:Scalp psoriasis versus plaque psoriasisThe link between scalp psoriasis + psoriatic arthritisKey differences between scalp psoriasis + seborrheic dermatitisHow both your skin + gut microbiomes play a critical role in scalp inflammationWhy hormonal changes + stress trigger scalp psoriasis flaresTreatment options – scalp psoriasis meds + remediesUsing UVB + red light therapy to help scalp psoriasisCan scalp psoriasis cause hair loss?Quotes“Scalp psoriasis is often mistaken for dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, but the key difference is in the texture—psoriasis feels dry, while seborrheic dermatitis feels oily.”“Psoriasis always starts with damage to the top layer of skin, which allows bacteria or fungi to get inside, triggering an immune response and creating plaques.”LinksFind Dr. Bennett online | Instagram | Facebook | TikTokHealthy Skin Show ep. 359: Finger + Toe Nail Psoriasis vs Fungus Infection (How To Tell The Difference)Healthy Skin Show ep. 336: Early Signs & Symptoms Of Psoriatic Arthritis (Don't Ignore These!)Research progress on the neutrophil components and their interactions with immune cells in the development of psoriasisScalp Psoriasis: A Literature Review of Effective Therapies and Updated Recommendations for Practical ManagementBacteria, Fungi, and Scalp Psoriasis: Understanding the Role of the Microbiome in Disease Severity

If you're not sure what is Topical Steroid Withdrawal… Imagine living through a condition so painful and misunderstood that it disrupts every aspect of your life, yet the medical community largely dismisses it.That's the reality of topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) that also creates life-altering health challenges making it extremely difficult to function, sleep or work; show up as a present partner or parent; or live a fun care-free life for kids with TSW.And it presents significant challenges for parents caring for children with TSW who may end up being threatened with having the authorities (or child protective services) called on them for refusing more steroids.As of today, Topical Steroid Withdrawal Syndrome still isn't accepted by the medical community, often labeling those worried about TSW as “steroid-phobic.” Platforms like TikTok have given TSW warriors a voice thanks to millions of views for these videos, helping to raise awareness globally and sparking legislative efforts which document what causes TSW..In this eye-opening episode, filmmaker and advocate Briana Banos returns to share her journey and the powerful impact of her documentaries, Preventable, and the newly released follow-up, Still Preventable.Briana Banos is the creator of the first ever Topical Steroid Withdrawal documentary, Preventable, and the newly released TSW documentary, Still Preventable, which expands on her previous film. From anecdotal stories and doctor interviews, to the history of topical steroids and avenues of reform, Briana continues to shed light on this underrepresented subject.Her battle with TSW began after years of using topical steroids prescribed for eczema—a common treatment that left her dealing with a condition far worse than the original problem. Her first documentary, Preventable, brought awareness to a scattered and overlooked community. But as her own TSW journey stretched into its seventh year, Briana felt compelled to dig deeper, creating Still Preventable to highlight the systemic issues keeping this condition in the shadows and to empower others to use their voices.If you're ready to learn what is topical steroid withdrawal (TSW) and discover ways to make a difference, this is an episode you don't want to miss. Let's dive in!In This Episode:The inspiration behind Still Preventable and why Briana felt compelled to create itWhat is topical steroid withdrawal and how it's misunderstood in medical settingsShocking historical facts about the FDA's role in approving topical steroidsWhy TSW is being updated to include the term “syndrome”What does being a “long hauler” mean in terms of TSWAdvocacy wins: how states like Florida and Maine are acknowledging TSWWhy telling YOUR TSW story helps shift narratives and drives changeHow to get your state to recognize what is topical steroid withdrawal (it's easier than you think)Long-term effects of untreated TSWTips to support individuals and families affected by TSWQuotes“We need to stop feeling helpless—if we use our voices together, we can push the needle forward and create change, even if it takes time.” – Briana Banos“The FDA told us, ‘This is not our problem—you need to bring it up with your doctor,' but patients shouldn't have to educate their doctors on adverse effects.” – Briana BanosLinksFind Briana Banos online | Instagram | YouTubeITSAN Advocacy Page: https://itsan.org/advocacy/

Most people who need help with nervous system regulation, don't realize that they need this type of help on their healing journey.So, have you ever felt like no matter how hard you try, you're stuck in a cycle of frustration with your skin or health? Maybe you've diligently followed every protocol, adjusted your diet, and practiced mindset shifts—yet progress feels just out of reach. It's not your fault. In today's episode, we uncover why mindset alone isn't enough and how your nervous system could be the missing piece in your healing journey.I've long known that surface-level strategies like “positive thinking” or “stress management” don't actually do anything. Maybe you've noticed this too.So if you're familiar with “fight or flight” mode, then you likely know that staying in that state for an extended period is problematic for nervous system regulation.But what's missing from the conversation is “shutdown”… essentially a third state that is your body's ultimate protective mechanism—a state that often goes unnoticed because it doesn't require a catastrophic event to trigger it.Eliza Kingsford joins me for this episode that is perfect for you if you've ever been paralyzed by overwhelm or struggling to follow through with even the simplest self-care steps. Eliza is a licensed therapist who helps people experience breakthroughs using a unique combination of applied neuroscience and nervous system regulation training to guide her clients to permanent change, even if they've been struggling for decades.Because how balanced your nervous system is directly impacts chronic skin issues. This is why learning practical ways to shift your nervous system out of overwhelm and into a state of healing can be a significant step you need toward lasting progress.Let's dive in!In This Episode:The nervous system's role as the body's “control panel” for healing and balance.What most people don't realize about “Fight or flight” mode.How nervous system regulation that's out-of-balance can block mindset work from being effective.Signs that your nervous system is in overload or shutdown mode.The connection between nervous system health and chronic skin flares.Simple tools for nervous system regulation to reduce stress.How to manage your nervous system so it doesn't hit shutdownWhy addressing your nervous system is foundational to root-cause healing.Quotes“Your nervous system is your control panel—it governs everything you think, feel, say, and do. Without addressing it, true healing can't happen.”“It's not your mindset holding you back; it's your nervous system's ability to handle the load. Without tools to regulate it, even small stressors can feel overwhelming.”“Mindset hacks won't work if your nervous system is stuck in a protective state. You can't think your way out of a physiological response.”LinksFind Eliza online | InstagramGet Eliza's FREE Guide: Transform Your Life by Mastering Your Nervous SystemHealthy Skin Show ep. 361: How To Change Your Mindset (So Your Skin Doesn't Control Your Mood) w/ Brad BizjackHealthy Skin Show ep. 368: How To Create A Positive Mindset (Even If You Have A Negative Outlook Right Now) w/ Dr. Sue VarmaHealthy Skin Show ep. 297: Deconstructing Trauma + Chronic Skin Problems w/ MaryCatherine McDonald, PhD

If you've ever googled “leaky gut” or “leaky gut diet” because you've seen wellness experts claim that leaky gut is why your skin is a mess…This episode is for you.To be fair, there's a pretty big chance you have leaky gut.BUT, it's not a root cause of chronic eczema or psoriasis or any of the other skin issues we talk about on the show.Leaky gut syndrome (also known more formally as gut permeability) is caused by other factors. So while it's a problem, it's just not THE problem.So in today's episode I'm sharing an interview that I did on the Balanced Bites podcast hosted by Liz Wolfe where we got into this topic along with others that I know will hit home for you.It's my hope that this perspective will offer you some much needed insight about what's really causing skin problem. (If you want to learn more about this, JOIN ME HERE.)So let's dive in!In This Episode:My inspiration to work in the integrative health field (beyond my own skin problems)What functional medicine gets wrong about skin issues by treating them like autoimmunity + leaky gutWhy an elimination diet + leaky gut diet often make skin worseCan you “starve” yeast if you have candida overgrowth?“Steroid phobia” + being traumatized by conventional medical systemQuotes“Functional medicine does a really bad job of actually helping people understand chronic skin problems because they treat them like autoimmunity and they're not.”“If you have chronic skin problems, it's likely you have leaky gut. You don't need to go do a test for it.”LinksREGISTER NOW – Fix My Gut Workshop series starting January 8th!Healthy Skin Show ep. 305: Eliminations Diets, Food Fear + Healing Skin Rashes {NEW RESEARCH}Healthy Skin Show ep. 356: Troubleshooting Candida In Stool Tests (+ Other Labs)Healthy Skin Show ep. 275: Why You're So Itchy (HINT: It's Probably Not Histamine)Healthy Skin Show ep. 279: Chemical That Triggers Eczema (Oh My!)Before you try yet another skin cream, diet or supplement to fix your skin… I'm hosting a free workshop series on Wed, January 8th at 7pm ET / 4pm PT to help you identify your skin rash root causes AND create a plan to beat the hidden inflammation driving your skin nuts.Save your seat at www.RebuildHealthySkin.com

If you're curious to try a continuous glucose monitor (CGM), this episode is a must-watch!Blood sugar regulation and metabolic health are HOT topics right now, and considering that some skin issues (like psoriasis) make you prone towards having issues, I frequently have these conversations with clients.Being that I'm perimenopause with a family history of diabetes, I thought it would be a good idea to try a over the counter CGM monitor purely to gain insight into my blood sugar balance and metabolic health.The most frequent question is “is trying a continous glucose monitor worth it?”While using a CGM monitor is quite straightforward, I can see why someone might wonder about this. And while I went into my two-week experiment with a bit of skepticism, I discovered a few crazy important things that I couldn't have figured out any other way.So let's dive into why I do believe that a continuous glucose monitor can be a useful tool, who should (and shouln't) use this type of device, what the experience was like putting on and removing the CMG monitor, and what I wish I knew before I tried it the first time.Let's dive in!In This Episode:Who should (and shouldn't) try a continuous glucose monitorHow to use a CGM monitorWhat I learned about my blood sugar from using an over-the-counter continuous glucose monitorWhat NOT to do with a continous glucose monitor (I wish I knew this when I tried it the first time)How often should you use a CGM (if you're not diabetic)?CGM monitor tips: What's actually stuck to your arm?The over the counter continuous glucose monitor I triedQuotes“And the group of people who I think…should probably work with a nutrition or medical professional while using a CGM would be somebody who has a history of eating disorders…and those who have significant disordered eating patterns. If you feel like knowing that a particular meal or food is going to make you terrified to eat that food, don't do this on your own.”“The other thing that did seem to spike my blood sugar was when I didn't eat soon enough…if I just pushed through the hunger and pushed off eating in a window of time, that's when I would start to see my blood sugar spike on its own.”LinksUse THIS LINK to save $50 off of your first month on NutrisenseHealthy Skin Show ep. 217: Health Concerns Linked to Psoriasis (You SHOULD Know About)Healthy Skin Show ep. 347: Adult Hormonal Acne + Blood Sugar Dysfunction: What's The Connection?

There is power in having a positive mindset, even if you have a negative perspective right now.No, I'm not talking about toxic positivity, which encourages people to always look on the bright side (often ignoring or glossing over loss, pain, grief, etc.).I'm talking about practical optimism, a concept I learned about from the book Practical Optimism by Dr. Sue Varma.Practical optimism is a way to change your mindset that holds space for negative feelings and experiences, while equipping you with skills to deal with what you are facing and even possibly turn your challenges into opportunities.This may seem impossible, especially if you are dealing with mental health challenges as a result of debilitating chronic skin rashes. But I encourage you to give this episode a listen with an open mind!Joining me to discuss this concept and how to develop a positive mindset is Dr. Sue Varma who is a distinguished psychiatrist and cognitive behavioral therapist based in New York City. With over two decades of private practice experience, she has made significant contributions to the field of mental health, including serving as the pioneering Medical Director and Psychiatrist for the esteemed 9/11 mental health program at NYU for which she was awarded the Mayoral Proclamation. She's also the author of the book Practical Optimism: The Art, Science, and Practice of Exceptional Well-Being.In This Episode:The devastating situation where Dr. Varma discovered optimismAre optimism and a positive mindset genetic?Toxic positivity practical optimismPessimism vs skepticism: what's the difference?Which personality type are you?The eight pillars of practical optimismHow to change your mindset even if you feel like you are “broken”How to know if you're emotionally dysregulatedBenefits of committing to therapyQuotes“A lot of times people dismiss optimism as a variety of things. It's woo-woo thinking, it's pollyannaish, it's very naive, it's toxic positivity, or it's something you're either born with or not. So why do we bother studying it? And what I found instead was that optimism, yes, there is a genetic component, but the reality is that only 25% of it is genetic. Seventy-five percent of it is learned.”“Practical optimism…says, ‘I invite space for your loss and your grief, but I'm also going to equip you with skills that will help you deal with what you're facing right now, but also in the future, and help you prevent some of the bad things that might be coming your way.'”LinksFind Dr. Varma online | InstagramGet Dr. Varma's book Practical Optimism HERE!Healthy Skin Show ep. 131: Mindset: What To Do When Nothing Seems To Help Your RashesHealthy Skin Show ep. 361: How To Change Your Mindset (So Your Skin Doesn't Control Your Mood) w/ Brad Bizjack

Wondering if you have a skin rash from mold? This episode is for you!If you or your child has a skin rash and you can't figure out the cause, you may start to look at mold illness or mold toxicity as a possible trigger.And if you suspect that you live or spend time in “fungally” environments with a high likelihood of mold, perhaps doing a mold test has crossed your mind.I'm often asked if mold testing is necessary or if a chronic skin rash (and other health issues) could be caused by mold. So in this episode, we'll discuss mold illness vs mold allergy, sneaky places mold likes to hide, signs of mold exposure, and much more.Joining me to talk about whether you've got a skin rash from mold is Jennifer Brand, MS, MPH, CNS. She's a clinical nutritionist who helps babies and children with chronic rashes navigate the journey to healthy skin so they can enjoy a childhood free from disruptive skin symptoms. As one of the most trusted pediatric skin-focused nutritionists, Jen is passionate about helping families get to the root causes of the problem through her unique method called Conquer Your Child's Rashes™.So let's dive in!In This Episode:Is your skin rash from mold (and how could you know for sure)?What is mold (and what's its relationship with candida)?How common are mold problems?Current mold exposure vs previous mold exposure (which matters more?)Crazy client stories with sneaky mold symptomsMold toxicity vs mold allergy (and what does mold testing show?)Surprising places mold hidesQuotes“I think one of the things that gets chased nowadays, and it's popular to go down this rabbit hole, is mold. Now, yes, it absolutely can be a problem and I have seen it be a problem. However, what I tell parents is that it really isn't the place to start.”“When it comes to mold testing, we are talking more about a mold toxicity, where the mold is in the person's body. That's what that's detecting, versus a mold allergy, which is like another environmental allergy. So you could be allergic to mold that's in the grass outside of your home.”LinksFind Jennifer Brand online | Instagram | Facebook | TikTokGOT RASHY KIDS? Register for Jennifer Brand's free training – http://www.ConquerYourChildsRashes.comHealthy Skin Show ep. 166: Mold + Histamine Connection w/ Dr. Jill CristaHealthy Skin Show ep. 164: Mold Illness vs. Mold Allergy w/ Dr. Kasey HollandHealthy Skin Show ep. 208: Surprising Sources Of Mold You Haven't Thought Of w/ Brian Karr

What are topical steroids? Often prescribed for chronic skin conditions, I'll bet you've probably used them at some point during your treatment.Sure, they work quickly, but are they without side effects? To answer that question, we need to talk about glucocorticoids, which are hormones naturally produced by the adrenal glands as part of the stress response.Topical steroids fall under the glucocorticoids category, and due to those who've experienced something called topical steroid withdrawal, some people are described by physicians as “steroid phobic.”While there are serious downsides, glucocorticoids can have some incredible anti-inflammatory effects on various health conditions. That's why it's crucial for us to have a nuanced conversation about this!Dr. Luis Franco joins me to discuss everything you've wanted to know about topical steroids, types of glucocorticoids, and concerns about side effects from using topical steroids.Dr. Luis Franco is a Tenure-Track Investigator at the National Institute of Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS). He was born in Colombia and grew up between Colombia, Brazil, Mexico, and the United States. He attended medical school in Colombia before returning to the United States, initially as a postdoctoral fellow at Duke University. Dr. Franco attended Baylor College of Medicine for specialty training in internal medicine and medical genetics. In 2014, he moved to the National Institute of Health (NIH).In This Episode:What are topical steroids versus glucocorticoids?Are topical steroids + glucocorticoids bad?Cortisone vs cortisol (and glucocorticoids examples by name)Side effects of glucocorticoidsWhat is topical steroid withdrawal?How glucocorticoids modulate your immune systemQuotes“Glucocorticoids exist naturally. They are hormones that are produced by our bodies. And they're produced by this very particular gland that's above our kidneys, that's called the adrenal gland or the suprarenal gland. And so our adrenal glands produce these chemicals called glucocorticoids. And those chemicals have many, many roles in biology and the one that is sort of best understood is that they are part of the stress response.”“I think the side effects that are important to know for topical glucocorticoids are one, something called skin atrophy, which is kind of a thinning of the skin that people notice when they've been applying glucocorticoids for a long time. Some people also notice little, kind of red, blood vessels that come up. These are called telangiectasias. These are like reddish blood vessels that become very visible on the skin of people who have used topical glucocorticoids.”LinksFind Dr. Franco onlineHealthy Skin Show ep. 344: NEW RESEARCH On Topical Steroid Withdrawal Symptoms + TSW Red Skin TriggerTopical Steroids Potency ChartImmune regulation by glucocorticoids can be linked to cell type–dependent transcriptional responsesGlucocorticoid-induced eosinopenia results from CXCR4-dependent bone marrow migration

If you've wanted to start growing your own sprouts, this is for you! I learned how to grow sprouts after becoming fed up with the expensive packages from the store getting slimy a day or so after buying them.I've continued to sprout different types of seeds and encourage clients to also do this, since sprouts (especially broccoli sprouts) are so good for your liver detoxification.So if you think that sprouting is hard to learn – it's not!In fact, it's so easy that my husband who doesn't even eat sprouts helps me. It takes less than a minute to care for them, and they add so much nutritional value to your meals.To help you learn more about how to grow sprouts in a jar, the difference between sprouts and microgreens, AND how to keep the mold and slime away, I'm joined by Doug Evans, who is considered to be an early pioneer in the natural food industry.In 2002, he co-founded Organic Avenue, one of the first exclusively raw, organic, and plant-based retail chains in the country. He then founded Juicero, the first fresh, farm-to-glass automatic cold-press juicer. Doug is now the founder of The Sprouting Company and lives in the Mojave Desert at Wonder Valley Hot Springs. He wrote The Sprout Book to teach people about the power of sprouts and how to start sprouting.So let's dive in!In This Episode:Why sprouts are so nutritiousHow to grow sprouts at home (to avoid the slimy store-bought ones)Difference between sprouts, shoots + microgreensBest method to grow sprouts (jar vs tray vs paper towel)Picking the right seeds to sprout to avoid glyphosate + low nutrientsFood-borne illnesses + sproutsHow to store sprouts so they last to avoid MOLD!Tips to add sprouts to your dietBeginner-friendly options to start your sprouting journeyQuotes“For me, there's nothing better, fresher, healthier than consuming sprouts that you get to grow on your own.”“So the sprouting seeds, you can have top shelf and bottom shelf. So just getting a seed from a bulk bin…in a grocery store. We don't know where it came from, we don't know how old it is, we don't know what it's been exposed to. So since we're using these seeds to grow food for you know ourselves and our family, we want to have the best.”LinksFind Doug online | Instagram | Instagram | TiktokGet Doug's book, The Sprout BookHealthy Skin Show ep. 177: Liver Detox – Skin Rash Connection, PT 1

Ever heard of immunoglobulins? While colostrum is experiencing a renaissance, you should seriously weigh the immunoglobulin supplement versus colostrum benefits.Partly because colostrum is a LOWER potency option, that sometimes isn't even standardized (depending on the brand) to guarantee how helpful it will be.That said, immunoglobulins (aka. IgGs) can be incredibly helpful for things like leaky gut (gut permeability), histamine intolerance, recovering from a stomach bug or food poisoning, and supporting your immune system during cold + flu season.Plus, I'm going to share why I prefer immunoglobulin supplements over colostrum, what the difference is between the two, and how to use them.Also, I want to how you how to avoid the fake, over-hyped colostrum + immunoglobulin supplements found online (even on Amazon)!Let's dive in!In This Episode:How I learned about the amazing benefits of immunoglobulin supplementWhy you should use immunoglobulinsDifference between immunoglobulins and colostrum benefitsHow do immunoglobulins work?Benefits of immunoglobulinsHow to take an immunoglobulin supplementBest immunoglobulin supplement + where to get itQuotes“[Immunoglobulins] were traditionally used and still are actually for more diarrhea-dominant problems. So if you've got a lot of loose soft stools, diarrhea, or even something like inflammatory bowel disease.”“IgGs can be found in the serum of your blood, and they also can be found in the serum of the blood of cows. And so historically, when people supplement with colostrum, that's derived from dairy, and it contains IgGs. So they are similar in that colostrum has IgGs and it's one of the major components that makes it so helpful, but it's not as potent.”LinksGET REAL, VERIFIED IMMUNOGLOBULINS HEREHealthy Skin Show ep. 188: Histamine Intolerance + Skin Rashes (PART 1)Healthy Skin Show ep. 192: Histamine Intolerance + Skin Rashes, PART 2

If you're over extreme diets or exercise (especially if you're in perimenopause or menopause),  metabolism-boosting foods such as higher protein intake with amino acids and creatine is a better way to go.This is especially important if you're currently struggling with hormonal or perimenopause weight gain that you just can't seem to lose!The shared challenge that many women face has a lot to do with confusing and mixed messaging you've been exposed to for decades – from counting calories and viewing “thinness” as your marker of being healthy to pretty extreme fitness routines that overtax your system and increase the risk of injury.So how should you eat and move to best prioritize your health?And what intelligent questions should you be asking about worthwhile changesFor example – Do fasting benefits that people rave about online apply to you (or could fasting make things worse)?Are the benefits of creatine for women true or overblown?We're answering these questions and more today to help you decide which metabolism-boosting foods to add and ways to see your pursuit of your best health with Liz Wolfe. Liz helps women 35+ silence decades of diet and health confusion to bring balance and beauty back. She's a Nutritional Therapy Practitioner and Certified Personal Trainer; a best-selling author and podcast host; founder of the IdealAge brand of supplements; and creator of the Own Your Metabolism program and the Own Your Fitness app.In This Episode:How your body changes as you enter your late 30s to early 40sIs it really harder to build muscle as you get older?How to think about metabolism + perimenopause weight gainWays you can inadvertently mess up your metabolismAre there any fasting benefits for women?Carbs: Are they really bad for you?Critically important metabolism boosting foodsBenefits of creatineDitch the black-and-white thinking when it comes to perimenopause nutritionQuotes“It's very hard to build muscle because some of our key signaling factors that enable that easy building of muscle that we experienced in our 20s and probably early 30s, they're just not working as well.”“Calories do come into play in certain ways, but metabolism is so much more than that and so much more important than that. It is the sum total of every chemical physiological reaction in your body that enables you to generate the energy that fuels everything that you do throughout the day.”LinksFind Liz online | online | InstagramLiz's Daily Aminos SupplementHealing Chronic Skin Issues with Clinical Nutritionist & Skin Expert Jennifer Fugo on Balanced Bites PodcastSTUDY about perimenopause weight gainSTUDY: Daily energy expenditure through the human life courseHealthy Skin Show ep. 314: Is A High Protein Diet SAFE? (Or Bad For Skin Problems?) w/ Dr. Gabrielle LyonHealthy Skin Show ep. 323: SNEAKY Perimenopause Symptoms + Signs (No One Talks About) w/ Dena Norton, RDHealthy Skin Show ep. 345: Why Brain Symptoms of Perimeno

Gut parasites can be so frustratingly tricky to get a clear answer whether you have them or not.The topic of   and how they impact chronic skin issues is a fascinating once, especially since it's entirely possible to have parasites, but have NO gut symptoms.Additionally, it can be quite difficult to get accurate test results.So yes, it's worth exploring a parasite and skin rash connection, even if you live in what's considered a “first world country”.Certain skin symptoms (like hives) can be a significant clue, while other signs of gut parasites infection are sneakier (like certain nutrient deficiencies).Joining me to discuss all things gut parasites testing related is Jennifer Brand, MS, MPH, CNS. She's a clinical nutritionist who helps babies and children with chronic rashes navigate the journey to healthy skin so they can enjoy a childhood free from disruptive skin symptoms. As one of the most trusted pediatric skin-focused nutritionists, Jen is passionate about helping families get to the root causes of the problem through her unique method called Conquer Your Child's Rashes™.In This Episode:Are functional stool tests an effective parasite test?Is microscopic stool testing a better for gut parasites?Pros + cons of blood testing for parasitesHow to test for pinworms + are they contagious?Crazy relationship between allergen cross-reactivity + parasitesHow to know if you have parasites (these are surprising!)Do babies always have GI issues if they have gut parasites?Could adults have a parasite and skin rash but NO GI issues?Relationship between biofilms + gut parasitesQuotes“Often, if there is an H. pylori finding and it doesn't necessarily have to be flagged as high, if it's even detected, I consider that a problem. H. pylori often comes along with something parasitic happening.” – Jennifer Brand, MS, MPH, CNS“Parasites move. They don't necessarily all stay in one spot. Some do live in the GI tract and just hang out there, but others can go to other organ systems.” – Jennifer Fugo, MS, LDN, CNSLinksFind Jennifer Brand online | Instagram | Facebook | TikTokLISTEN TO PART 1 OF THIS CONVERSATION → Surprising Skin Signs Of A Hidden Parasites-Gut Problem w/ Jennifer Brand, MS, MPH, CNSGOT RASHY KIDS? Register for Jennifer Brand's free training – http://www.ConquerYourChildsRashes.comHealthy Skin Show ep. 213: Stool Testing Do's + Don't's For Skin RashesHealthy Skin Show ep. 306: Parasites, Worms + Skin Rashes w/ Robin Foroutan, RDHealthy Skin Show ep. 337: New Research On Gut Trigger For Chronic Urticaria Hives (And What I See In Clients)Healthy Skin Show ep. 329: Crazy Eye Rash Trigger! Demodex Mites Treatment + Triggers w/ Dr. Carly Rose

Thinking about how to change your mindset might bring on eye rolls, but shifting how you view your annoying (or debilitating) symptoms can have a huge impact on your quality of life.No one is spared from things in life that cause suffering. And yes, living with chronic skin problems, including Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), can seriously damage your confidence and self-worth.I've often heard from clients that how their day will go is dictated by what their skin will decide to do. And while I understand the challenge inherent to the unpredictability of your skin, allowing external factors like your skin to have such enormous control over your mindset and daily experience sets you up for failure.And with time, you likely will start to feel victimized by your skin (and other symptoms) and rather powerless.Joining me to discuss mindset growth, healthier emotional habits, and more is Brad Bizjack. Brad is a personal development expert and a master mindset strategist who has a decade of experience in igniting human potential. His mission is to awaken individuals to their limitless possibilities and empower them to create the extraordinary success and freedom they deserve no matter their circumstances or health.After working with 60,000 people, Brad is renowned for his ability to shatter mediocrity and inspire profound, lasting change. He excels in uncovering the limiting beliefs and toxic thoughts that lurk in the shadows of the mind, unlocking the doors to unprecedented achievement and fulfillment.In This Episode:Stories you tell yourself that DESTROY your mindset growthWhat exactly is mindset?How to change your mindset (that's more effective)When you allow your skin to dictate how you feelStrategies to create an open mindset aligned with healingThe formula for happinessQuotes“You've had worthiness since the moment you were born. No skin condition, no amount of results, no success, no anything will ever make you more worthy than you already are. Never. And if you think that for some reason the way your skin looks makes you a better or worse person, or more enough or less enough, you're giving your personal power away to something that should not be dictating how you live your life.”“There are gifts in every bit of negativity you could ever experience, because contrast creates clarity.”LinksFind Brad Bizjack online | InstagramJOIN ME → Sign up for the Success Accelerator challengeHealthy Skin Show ep. 131: Mindset: What To Do When Nothing Seems To Help Your Rashes

If you're on the hunt for steroid-free itchy scalp remedy options to end the embarrassment and discomfort of flaky, itchy scalp problems, this episode is for you.From cradle cap in infants to itchy, crusty, flaky dandruff in adults, so many people feel like they've tried every dandruff treatment in the book. From medicated anti-dandruff shampoo to topical steroids and other medications, you know that eventually, the flaking, itching, and redness all return.This is because those treatments don't deal with the root of the issue, which is an imbalanced scalp microbiome, leading to an overgrowth of things like malassezia.AND a compromised skin barrier, which can be a trigger for the atopic march (food allergies, dry skin, allergic rhinitis, eczema, and asthma).Joining me to discuss how to get rid of dandruff, cradle cap removal, and her line of gentle scalp rebalancing products is return guest Ruchi Gupta, MD, MPH. She is a Professor of Pediatrics and Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and a Clinical Attending at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.Dr. Gupta has over 20 years of experience as a board-certified pediatrician and health researcher and currently serves as the founding director of the Center for Food Allergy & Asthma Research (CFAAR).She is world-renowned for her research on the epidemiology, economic impact, prevention, and management of allergic conditions, and strives to find answers and shape policies surrounding these conditions in order to reduce burden and improve health equity.In This Episode:Why Dr. Gupta sought out an effective itchy scalp remedyWhat is cradle cap? (+ cradle cap removal options)Why scalp issues in babies could trigger food allergiesDandruff causes (+ how the scalp microbiome is involved)How Yobee hair products workThoughts on hair products causing MORE scalp inflammationWho can use Yobee products? (Can you use it for beardruff + beard care?)Quotes“So for the scalp, typically your cells should regenerate every month. And what happens when you have dandruff, it's happening more frequently and that's where you're getting those white flakes. So it's happening almost weekly. And what's causing that? So many things. So we all use different hair products now and a lot of the hair products have chemicals in it. And so what are those chemicals doing to disrupt the microbiome? You have to think about that.”“Eczema and the cradle cap and food allergies and allergic rhinitis and asthma, they're all connected. And so if you have one, you have a higher chance of having the rest. So those babies with eczema, just like my daughter, develop food allergies. But now we're seeing more and more, like a lot of the creams or, like you said, shampoos will have a food component and that could be causing that food allergy to start up because it's entering them through their skin.”LinksFind Dr. Gupta online | Instagram | Instagram | Facebook | Facebook | Twitter | TwitterFind Yobee online and on InstagramGet Dr. Gupta's book,

If you have discolored, yellow nails, you could be dealing with finger + toe nail psoriasis. Often, brittle, raised nails can be tricky to figure out what's going on especially when you consider how similar nail psoriasis vs fungus nail infections can look.Nail psoriasis actually forms under the nail bed and can be easy to miss! Eventually, though, the skin becomes red and inflamed, and the nail bed is damaged in the process.And if you have psoriatic arthritis, your risk of developing finger + toe nail psoriasis is greater than 70%! So it's crucial to know what the signs + symptoms of nail psoriasis as well as what nail psoriasis treatment options exist.I'm excited to discuss this with returning guest Dr. Jenny Bennett, a naturopathic doctor, acupuncturist, and founder of Aria Integrative Medicine, an autoimmune specialty clinic in Seattle, WA. She utilizes treatments from both Eastern and Western medical practices to find the best approach for treating autoimmune diseases such as psoriatic arthritis, finger + toe nail psoriasis, Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' Disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and scleroderma.In This Episode:What should a healthy nail look like?What is finger + toe nail psoriasis?Nail changes in eczema cases (How is this different?)Is nail psoriasis a psoriatic arthritis symptom?Finger + toe nail psoriasis vs Fungal nail infectionsNail psoriasis treatment optionsNutrients linked to healing nail psoriasisQuotes"You get this kind of inflammatory process, you don't always see it because it's under the nail. So it can be kind of red and inflamed, and it damages the nail bed. And then your body starts to just make all of these extra skin cells underneath the nail bed. And if you build up enough of them, it can cause damage to the nail, it can actually thin the nail or decrease it. But oftentimes it looks like it's thickening.”“Any kind of microbial changes will increase your risk of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and psoriatic nail changes. So if you have a fungal infection, or even sometimes a bacterial infection, in the nail, it will increase the risk of psoriasis happening in that nail.”LinksFind Dr. Bennett online | Instagram | Facebook | TikTokHealthy Skin Show ep. 217: Health Concerns Linked to Psoriasis (You SHOULD Know About)Healthy Skin Show ep. 336: Early Signs & Symptoms Of Psoriatic Arthritis (Don't Ignore These!) w/ Dr. Jenny Bennett

Did you know that skin problems can be signs of hidden parasites-gut imbalances?And that if you have a skin rash like chronic hives, psoriasis, or eczema, the chances that you have gut parasites are quite high?In fact, some symptoms of parasites might seem totally unrelated to your skin or gut health. And my many years of clinical experience has proven over time that some people have no gut symptoms at all, even though they have gut parasites lurking under the surface.So if you've wanted to know how to know if you have parasites or “parasite hot spots” to be careful around – this is the episode for you!Joining me to demystify gut parasites in adults and children is Jennifer Brand, MS, MPH, CNS, a clinical nutritionist who helps babies and children with chronic rashes navigate the journey to healthy skin so they can enjoy a childhood free from disruptive skin symptoms. As one of the most trusted pediatric skin-focused nutritionists, Jen is passionate about helping families get to the root causes of the problem through her unique method called Conquer Your Child's Rashesᵀᴹ.Let's dive in!In This Episode:Types of gut parasitesHow often do we see parasites in clientsHow to know if you have parasites — gut symptoms + beyondFoods that are “parasite hot spots”Are pinworms contagious?Perioral dermatitis parasite connectionParasite and skin rash connection in childrenSurprising signs of gut parasites in adultsReasons why you are itchier at nightQuotes“I found a study that says that the prevalence of parasitic infections in both adults and children who have chronic hives is 75%.” – Jennifer Brand, MS, MPH, CNS“What I tend to see in adults is like nighttime disturbances: You could have really bad dreams, really stressful dreams, night terrors, nightmares, clenching your jaw, TMJ-type issues…” – Jennifer Fugo, MS, LDN, CNSLinksFind Jennifer Brand online | Instagram | Facebook | TikTokGOT RASHY KIDS? Register for Jennifer Brand's free training – http://www.ConquerYourChildsRashes.comFOR SKIN RASH WARRIOR ADULTS! Save your seat for Jennifer Fugo's free training (7 Skin Rash Mistakes) – http://www.RebuildHealthySkin.comHealthy Skin Show ep. 213: Stool Testing Do's + Don't's For Skin RashesHealthy Skin Show ep. 306: Parasites, Worms + Skin Rashes w/ Robin Foroutan, RDHealthy Skin Show ep. 337: New Research On Gut Trigger For Chronic Urticaria Hives (And What I See In Clients)Healthy Skin Show ep. 329: Crazy Eye Rash Trigger! Demodex Mites Treatment + Triggers w/ Dr. Carly Rose​​Chronic spontaneous urticaria and internal parasites – a systematic review

“Why am I so itchy?” If you have itchy skin without rash, including issues like eczema, psoriasis, or chronic hives, you might have neuropathic itch.Though itch is caused primarily by inflammation, neuropathic itch is actually caused by dysfunction of your nervous system!Put simply, this type of itch has no primary skin rash, so you won't see inflamed dry patches or welts. You'll only feel itchy.It is often localized to certain areas of the body. For example, you could have an itchy scalp, back, or arms. The itchy skin can sometimes be mild, but is unfortunately usually quite intense, leading to scratching, which can damage the skin.And because there's no treatment for neuropathic itch, despite it being very common, you might start to feel like there's no hope. Yes, what's causing this is not yet well understood, but it sounds like experts are digging into this.Joining me to discuss neuropathic itch is returning guest Dr. Shawn Kwatra. He is the Chair of Dermatology at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He specializes in medical dermatology areas of clinical expertise, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, chronic itch of unknown origin and dermatology for ethnic skin. Dr. Kwatra also runs a basic science laboratory and clinical trials unit and is funded by the National Institutes of Health and multiple foundations.He currently serves as the National Secretary/Treasurer of the Skin of Color Society. He is a member of the National Eczema Association's Scientific and Medical Advisory Council.Dr. Kwatra has been an author or co-author on over 200 publications and author of the book Living with Itch.In This Episode:What is neuropathic itch (aka. itchy skin without rash)?How could your brain cause itchy skin without rash?Itch intensity of different examples of neuropathic itchTreatment options for neuropathic itchWhich inflammatory cytokines are involved?Could Low Dose Naltrexone help itchy skin without rash?Alternative therapies for neuropathic itchQuotes“[Neuropathic itch is] initiated or caused by dysfunction of the nervous system…so it actually is caused by the nerves. And the core symptoms here are that you have normal skin, or skin only with some secondary skin changes or signs of scratching, excoriation, and it oftentimes favors a localized distribution. And so the scalp is actually a very common site where folks itch.”“Unfortunately, a lot of the medications we use to treat this condition are very sedating. They're drugs that are focusing on the transmission of itch in the central nervous system and spinal cord like gabapentin or anticonvulsants. So those are the type of drugs that we're giving for this condition.”LinksFind Dr. Shawn Kwatra online here and here | TwitterHealthy Skin Show ep. 275: Why You're So Itchy (HINT: It's Probably Not Histamine) w/ Dr. Shawn KwatraHealthy Skin Show ep. 302: What Is Prurigo Nodularis: Triggers, Body Connections + Crazy Itch w/ Dr. Shawn KwatraHealthy Skin Show ep. 331: Eczema Symptoms-Skin Color Connection: Why Skin Tone May Make Certain Symptoms WORSE w/ Dr. Shawn KwatraHealthy Skin Show ep. 03

If you didn't know, markers for candida in stool tests aren't very trustworthy. This is a challenge when you've invested money to figure out what's going on in your gut that is also impacting your skin.Candida overgrowth is tricky to pinpoint if you don't take several factors into account (and often they aren't things you can test for).Sometimes signs of candida overgrowth are fairly obvious, like getting thrush, a vaginal yeast infection, or candida diaper rash in children. Other times, the symptoms are subtle and could be attributed to other problems if you aren't looking at the full case.Because the inflammation triggered by candida overgrowth in your gut can absolutely show up as inflamed skin and rashes.My guest, Jennifer Brand, MS, MPH, CNS, is a clinical nutritionist who helps babies and children with chronic rashes navigate the journey to healthy skin so they can enjoy a childhood free from disruptive skin symptoms. As one of the most trusted pediatric skin-focused nutritionists, Jen is passionate to help families get to the root causes of the problem through her unique method called Conquer Your Child's Rashesᵀᴹ .We're chatting today about what we tend to see in baby, childhood, and adult skin problems when we see or are looking for candida and other fungal overgrowth concerns.So let's dive in!In This Episode:Is candida overgrowth a frequent root cause in skin rash cases?Is it worth it to try a candida cleanse?Pros + cons: Best tests for candidaAre THESE skin issues signs of candida overgrowth?Diet + candida overgrowth (honest thoughts)Upcoming trainings to joinQuotes“I have had multitudes of the thousands of people that are in my Instagram community, on my email list, here on YouTube, how many people have said, ‘I did a candida cleanse and I think I broke myself because my skin flared up so badly. I deeply regret having done this'.” — Jennifer Fugo“When you have an overgrowth of something like candida or something else fungal, you're not going to be able to fix it with diet and prebiotics. I have not had a case where we've been able to do that. It requires some sort of natural anti-microbial antifungal.” — Jennifer BrandLinksFind Jennifer Brand online | Instagram | Facebook | TikTokGOT RASHY KIDS? Register for Jennifer Brand's free training – http://ConquerYourChildsRashes.comFOR SKIN RASH WARRIOR ADULTS! Save your seat for Jennifer Fugo's free training (7 Skin Rash Mistakes) – http://www.RebuildHealthySkin.comHealthy Skin Show ep. 213: Stool Testing Do's + Don't's For Skin RashesHealthy Skin Show ep. 178: Using Probiotics For Eczema in Little Ones w/ Jennifer Brand, MS, MPH, CNSHealthy Skin Show ep. 311: What Causes Candida Overgrowth (and Are you ready to stop your skin rashes? Join me on Wednesday, Sept. 4th at 7pm ET / 4pm PT for my free masterclass on the SEVEN biggest mistakes keeping you frustrated, overwhelmed + itchy.SAVE YOUR SEAT HERE!Even if you can't make it live, register anyway so you can get the replay. This is the final time I'll host this training, so please confirm your seat today.

What are the causes of eczema? Can you get eczema genes? Is psoriasis genetic? These are common questions especially since many doctors still blame skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis on genetics.Many people have been told “Oh, you just got bad genes!”So is it true that the genes are the reason explaining WHY you got the skin condition that you have? Or does this attitude overlook and ignore other possible triggers.With the ability to sequence the genetic code (and even get your own DNA report), genes have essentially become the convenient excuse according to my guest today. And that leaning on them as THE reason you have skin problems (and other health concerns) is something of a flawed approach.In reality, there are a multitude of reasons or triggers that can cause skin problems that include the environment, your microbiome, chemical exposures, nutrient deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and even what fabrics you wear. But if we ONLY point to genes, it becomes really easy to see how these important factors are overlooked.So if you've been told that eczema is genetic or what causes psoriasis on the skin is because of your genes, this conversation will blow your mind. My returning guest Dr. Ian Myles is head of the Epithelial Therapeutics Unit at the National Institute of Health tasked with evaluating the efficacy and safety of a topical, live bacterial treatment for eczema.He did his undergrad at Colorado State University, received his medical degree from the University of Colorado, then trained in internal medicine at The Ohio State University prior to beginning fellowship training in allergy and clinical immunology at NIH. He became a commissioned officer in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and has supported several US and international missions. Also, Dr. Myles received his master's in public health from George Washington University.And he's the author of a fantastic book called Gattaca Has Fallen: How Population Genetics Failed the Populace now available that seeks to answer the question about how genetics research has led care for chronic health conditions (like skin problems) very astray.In This Episode:True or false: Is eczema is genetic?How genetic research has changed the way medicine views chronic health conditionsThe dark history behind using genes to guide treatmentIs there an eczema gene (or even a dyshidrotic eczema gene) or is psoriasis genetic?How does your environment (and chemical exposures) influence your genetic code?Can different fabrics INCREASE Staph aureus on the skin?New research on topical eczema treatments using the skin microbiomeQuotes“It is an easy excuse and it comes from a dark history, but comes from a long time ago where it was just an assumption as to, why would one person get a disease and one person not? And particularly within siblings, right, why would one of your children have eczema and the other one never suffer a second of the disease? And it was just this assumption that there's got to be something innately wrong with the individual.”“…With the advent of the microbiome and a new appreciation of that, now it's finally expanding out to skin organisms, gut organisms, all these other things, which, it's become very clear, there is no you without those organisms. So a mouse that is raised without any microbiome, there is not one single organ system that functions correctly…Not an immune system, the brain, the gut, the heart, the liver. Not one single immune system functions properly in a germ-free, what the term would be, ger

If you've ever been told to “just stop googling” when you've met with a doctor to get help for a skin flare-up, this episode is for you.I'll bet you've had unfortunate experiences in the conventional medical system that's left you feeling dismissed, gaslight, ignored, and even abandoned when you've reached out for help.That's NOT okay.Especially because you're trying your best to do right by your health because you want to get better.You are definitely not alone – which is why I'm sharing responses from other skin rash warriors who've gone through the same thing.Let's dive into the most common response triggered by these types of encounters with providers, and how it eats away at your hope, trust, and motivation.Plus, the best way you can reignite the spark of hope for your skin healing journey!In This Episode:The pivotal moment that makes MOST people give up hope for healingSetbacks + flare-ups in your skinHeartbreaking responses shared by skin rash warriorsWhat TYPE of skin rash warrior are you?The #1 best mindset shift that is the spark for HOPELinksINVITATION >> Save Your Seat For My Upcoming Webinar on Common Mistakes People Make On Their Skin Healing Journey (PLUS I'm going to share more on how to find + work on YOUR hidden skin rash root causes).

Are you ready to stop your skin rashes? Join me on Wednesday, September 4th at 7pm ET / 4pm PT for my free training on the SEVEN biggest mistakes people make when trying to fix their chronic skin rashes. Register at www.RebuildHealthySkin.com to join me live (or to get the replay that will be available for a limited time)!

Ever heard of a tick meat allergy (also known more formally as alpha-gal syndrome)? This is caused by the bite of a very specific type of tick which then triggers an allergy to mammalian meat (that comes from cows, pigs, sheep, etc.).Alpha-gal syndrome is different to other food allergies. Take peanut allergies, for example. Symptoms like hives and wheezing typically show up very quickly after consuming peanuts or peanut-containing foods.If you have an alpha-gal allergy, it usually takes a few hours between meat consumption and the onset of symptoms. This can make it very tricky to diagnose.Because an alpha meat allergy is not just to one type of animal, it causes a significant diet change AND is tricky when it comes to picking supplements (as this type of allergy isn't on the top 9 allergen list).Joining me to shed some light on alpha gal mammalian meat allergy is Dr. David Fitzhugh, an allergist/immunologist in private practice in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.He specializes in food immunotherapy for children and adults with severe food allergies but treats a wide variety of allergic and immunologic conditions, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, mast cell disorders, and anaphylaxis.In This Episode:What is alpha-gal syndrome and what triggers it?Tick meat allergy originsWho is at risk for alpha-gal allergy?How is alpha-gal syndrome diagnosed?Alpha-gal allergy symptomsWhat is pork-cat syndrome?Timeline from tick bite to triggering alpha-gal allergy symptomsAlpha-gal syndrome and dairy: Is it problem?Medications to avoid if you have alpha-gal syndromeIs there treatment available for alpha meat allergy?Quotes“You have to live where the tick is prevalent, number one. And number two, you know the typical person that we might see with alpha-gal tends to be someone who spends a lot of time outdoors because those are people that are getting tick bites…And again I'll reinforce, of course, not everybody who gets bit by Lone Star Tick develops alpha-gal.”“Patients, in my experience, they have this sort of palmar-plantar itching, right? They complain of itching on the palms of their hands, soles of their feet, and then sometimes hives erupt, and then sometimes mild GI symptoms. My stomach was a little upset. I felt a little queasy, but sometimes overt, significant diarrhea and vomiting.”LinksFind Dr. Fitzhugh onlineHealthy Skin Show ep. 339: How Sensitive Are You?: Best Test For Food Allergy (IgE) Sensitivity w/ Dr. David FitzhughHealthy Skin Show ep. 056: Hidden Lyme Disease And Your Skin w/ Dr. Darin IngelsHigh-risk groups for alpha-gal sensitizationSuccessful Treatment for Alpha Gal Mammal Product Allergy Using Auricular Acupuncture: A Case SeriesA Guide for People with Alpha-gal SyndromeCDC – Products That May Contain Alpha-galHealth Care Provider Knowledge Regarding Alpha-gal Syndrome

Are you struggling with a super itchy skin rash that looks like eczema? If gluten seems to be a trigger – you might be dealing with dermatitis herpetiformis!Dermatitis herpetiformis (DH) is a rare skin rash that starts off as incredibly itchy, small blisters that eventually start to become open sores due to constant scratching.This rash is generally considered to be MORE ITCHY than eczema, and is commonly found in the creases of elbows, knees, and buttocks.What causes DH, you might ask? The answer is surprising: Gluten. Yes, dermatitis herpetiformis is a gluten rash – the skin manifestation of celiac disease. In fact, eliminating gluten from your diet and skincare is necessary to find relief.Joining me to talk about the link between gluten, dermatitis herpetiformis, and celiac disease is fan-favorite guest Dr. Peter Lio, who is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Dermatology & Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.He received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School, completed his internship in Pediatrics at Boston Children's Hospital, and his Dermatology training at Harvard where he served as Chief Resident in Dermatology. While at Harvard, Dr. Lio received formal training in acupuncture. Dr. Lio has written a textbook on Integrative Dermatology and has published over 100 papers.In This Episode:What is dermatitis herpetiformis (DH)?Dermatitis herpetiformis symptomsHow is this gluten rash diagnosed?Other clues that you may have dermatitis herpetiformis (e.g. altered oral health)Autoimmune conditions linked to this celiac rashCan removing gluten from your diet improve dermatitis herpetiformis symptoms?Dermatitis herpetiformis treatment optionsNutrient deficiencies associated with celiac diseaseShould you use gluten-free skincare if you have DH?Quotes“Dermatitis herpetiformis, or DH, is really an inflammatory autoimmune disease that actually results in tiny blisters, although when most patients see it, they tend to look more eczematous…It's incredibly itchy.”“[The itch] can be absolutely crazy. They can be going nuts where they're scratching. And again, it's these funny areas, elbows, knees, buttocks, and they're so uncomfortable. They can't really seem to get to the itch. I find it's even more intense and deeper in general than atopic dermatitis.”LinksFind Dr. Lio online | Twitter | FacebookHealthy Skin Show ep. 216: Could Your Rash Be A Sign Of Lymphoma? w/ Dr. Peter LioHealthy Skin Show ep. 246: Everything You Need To Know About Skin Tests (Done By Your Dermatologist) w/ Dr. Peter LioHealthy Skin Show ep. 275: Why You're So Itchy (HINT: It's Probably Not Histamine) w/ Dr. Shawn KwatraDermatitis Herpetiformis (NIDDK)Dermatitis Herpetiformis (NIH)Dermatitis Herpetiformis: Novel Perspectives

Let's talk about hemp seed oil for skin benefits! This powerful, nutrient-rich seed oil is loaded with skin-friendly vitamins and fatty acids that are fantastic for your skin — especially when it's dry and itchy. But there's also some confusion around hemp seed oil.Even though it's from a plant that's been cultivated for thousands of years for medicinal purposes, people still tend to associate it with CBD or even cannabis, which are definitely not the same thing as hemp seed oil.We're going to take a look at what the differences are between hemp seed oil and its other, more psychoactive cousins. And we're also going to talk about how to use hemp oil for skin rashes. Because it's phenomenal for cooling down inflammation quickly and supporting your skin in a variety of ways.Real talk: healing from a skin rash, especially one you've had for some time, isn't an overnight process. You've got to figure out where the imbalance is, and then address what's driving this problem. And unfortunately, it's usually a combination of a few things that have to be worked out. That's why everything you've tried up until this point hasn't worked. You need a more comprehensive look at the factors that drive skin rashes.When I work with my private clients, I first walk them through the process I'm sharing with you for free here: The Skin Rash Root Cause Finder. It's a workbook that will help you narrow down the underlying causes of your rash so you can get to work stopping it! Download it here and let's figure this out, together!In This Episode:Hemp oil vs CBD vs cannabisWhat are endocannabinoids and how do they compare to cannabinoids?Hemp oil for skin eczema, psoriasis, and other rashesThe benefits of hemp seed oil for skinWhat to watch out for in topical CBD oilsQuell products that feature hemp seed oilQuotes“But, hemp is not psychoactive and doesn't contain Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is the psychoactive part of a marijuana plant that makes you “high.”“It's got a lovely balance of both Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, and it also contains non-psychoactive cannabinoids so you get the benefits of likely interaction with the endocannabinoid receptors in the skin, without the psychoactive nonsense.”LinksDermaQuell Nourish Butter – https://www.quellshop.com/products/nourish-butterALSO – we offer all three full 2oz jars in the Ultimate Quell kit – https://www.quellshop.com/products/ultimate-quell-kitOR try the Quell skincare sample pack that includes all three creams for $12.95 (free shipping) – https://www.quellshop.com/products/dermaquell-skincare-sample-kit (especially great for those who are nervous to purchase a full product without trying it first. Each sample is a sealed 0.26oz sachet packet and includes a $12.95 store credit to use on anything in the shop.)For helpful info on other star ingredients in the DermaQuell line, check out…Healthy Skin Show ep. 346: How to Use Zinc for Eczema + Other Itchy, Painful RashesHealthy Skin Show ep. 335: Why I Love THESE Black Cumin Seed Oil Skin BenefitsHealthy Skin Show ep. 340: Moringa Oil Benefits for Skin: How to Use This For Eczema + Psorias

Childhood eczema treatment options can get confusing fast, especially if you don't know what's driving your child's itchy skin rash in the first place.If your child is scratching constantly, it's easy to blame histamine (and think it's a histamine intolerance issue). Or if they have scaly eczema skin, it's easy to blame food and start to cut more and more out.Couple all this with the stress of watching your child suffer, and childhood rashes can be devastating for the whole family while trying to figure out the best childhood eczema treatment plan.That's why I thought it was time to discuss specific itch triggers that hit children with itchy skin and atopic eczema symptoms especially hard. While the conversation focuses on children and babies, it's definitely still worth tuning in if you're an itchy adult since many of these hidden triggers could still apply.Joining me to demystify itchy skin and talk about childhood eczema treatment options is return guest and my good friend Jennifer Brand, MS, MPH, CNS. Jennifer is a clinical nutritionist who helps children with chronic rashes navigate the journey to healthy skin and enjoy a childhood free from disruptive skin symptoms.As the top pediatric skin referral resource among trusted nutrition experts, Jennifer's passion for helping children with chronic rashes stems from her own health challenges that left her feeling different, judged, helpless, and alone as a child, and her family members' struggles with eczema, psoriasis, and vitiligo.She has helped hundreds of families get to the root causes of the problem through her signature and proprietary step-by-step method called Conquer Your Child's Rashesᵀᴹ . Her work has been widely recognized on a variety of podcasts, and she is a member of the American Nutrition Association, and LearnSkin (where she served as faculty).In This Episode:How itchy skin affects children and parents/caregiversDoes severity of eczema skin impact the severity of itchy skin?Why itchy skin ISN'T necessarily a sign of histamine intoleranceStruggles that parents go through supporting children with atopic eczema symptomsList of itchy skin triggersThoughts on skincare products for kids in need of itchy eczema reliefNutrient deficiencies that trigger itchy skinChildhood eczema treatment options and simple tips to stop itchQuotes“The skin pH is actually a little bit acidic, and that acidity helps maintain the skin's natural oils and protects it from harmful bacteria…If your skin pH becomes more alkaline, that's going to disrupt the natural flora on the skin, and that means that that normal healthy bacteria or the skin microbiome isn't going to grow as well. The skin barrier is going to start to break down.”“When we're talking about eczema, the inflammation, the dryness, and the other damage on the skin that comes along with eczema triggers nerves in the skin that send itch signals to the brain that result in the need or the desire to scratch. So then it becomes such a vicious cycle because excessive scratching can cause more inflammation, a stronger urge to scratch. And so it's really that inflammation on the skin that is triggering the itch. And this has nothing to do with histamine.”LinksFind Jennifer Brand online | Instagram | Facebook | TikTokFREE guide: Ditch the ItchCure Your Child's Rashesᵀᴹ Online Course

Ever wonder what insights could be gained from small intestine bacterial overgrowth testing when you've got IBS gut symptoms?Last week, Dr. Ken Brown and I discussed various reasons why Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a problematic diagnosis that has become a “catch-all” for any digestive symptoms. We also spoke about how SIBO inflammation can spread to other body systems including skin rashes like rosacea.In today's episode, we will dive into the reason why small bacterial overgrowth testing should be run by gastroenterologists. AND how it can lead to clarity on the type of SIBO you're struggling with (and may explain your constipation or diarrhea). Plus, SIBO constipation can lead to unwanted side effects that, unfortunately, worsen long-term constipation!And if you are struggling with SIBO symptoms and want to know how to get better, we'll also dive into conventional and natural SIBO treatment options.My friend and SIBO expert Dr. Ken Brown is back for Part 2 of this interview! He's a board-certified gastroenterologist and has been in practice for over 15 years with a clinical focus on inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Known as the host of the podcast “Gut Check Project”, Dr. Brown's mission is to bridge the gap between medical & natural science, leading to attainable improvements in quality of life for all.For over a decade, he conducted clinical research for various pharma companies but is now focused on natural solution product development for KBMD Health and KBS Research. Dr. Brown has a clinical and research practice based in Plano, Texas. And he is the creator of ATRANTIL, this FIRST proven solution for IBS and bloating, now available in over 20 countries.In This Episode:Methane versus hydrogen gas production (and associated SIBO symptoms)Can laxatives improve SIBO constipation?Can you become addicted to laxatives?Conventional and natural SIBO treatment optionsBenefits of polyphenols in a SIBO dietHow Atrantil could help your SIBO symptoms (as an alternative SIBO treatment option)Quotes“If somebody comes in and they sound like SIBO, and they eat a meal, and they bloat, that tells me that there's SIBO going on in the small bowel.”“If we were to look at what makes vegetables and fruits healthy for you, we know that they have insoluble fiber, they do have some vitamins, but the primary reason is these polyphenols, the things that make the fruits and vegetables colorful.”LinksFind Dr. Ken Brown Podcast | Instagram | TiktokGET ATRANTIL HERE!!TRY DR. BROWN'S SIBO SUPPORT KITHealthy Skin Show ep. 332: SIBO Symptoms Trigger Rosacea, Psoriasis + Eczema w/ Dr. Allison SiebeckerHealthy Skin Show ep. 019: SIBO-Rosacea Connection w/ Dr. Leonard WeinstockEfficacy and Safety of Over-the-Counter Therapies for Chronic Constipation: An Updated Systematic ReviewEfficacy of a Quebracho, Conker Tree, and M. balsamea Willd Blended Extract in a Randomized Study in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation

This is a 2-part interview coming next week so stay tuned!Did you know that many people diagnosed with IBS actually have SIBO (small intestine bacterial overgrowth)?SIBO is unfortunately a rather under-diagnosed condition impacting your gut that often leads people to struggle for very long periods (sometimes several years!) without a clear answer of what's going on beyond just being told “you have IBS.”To be clear, digestive issues like bloating and diarrhea are not normal and can make you miserable. And being told that irritable bowel syndrome explains everything away isn't really all that helpful especially if you experience severe bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and/or gas – all of which can wreck your life and create food fear (as you try to avoid whatever triggers an issue).While small intestine bacterial overgrowth is slowly but surely becoming more accepted amongst doctors, we're still learning more about the different triggers of SIBO symptoms and how it can impact other body systems like your skin (especially for those dealing with rosacea).My friend and SIBO expert Dr. Ken Brown joins me today! He's a board-certified gastroenterologist and has been in practice for over 15 years with a clinical focus on inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Known as the host of the podcast “Gut Check Project”, Dr. Brown's mission is to bridge the gap between medical & natural science, leading to attainable improvements in quality of life for all.For over a decade, he conducted clinical research for various pharma companies but is now focused on natural solution product development for KBMD Health and KBS Research. Dr. Brown has a clinical and research practice based in Plano, Texas. And he is the creator of ATRANTIL, this FIRST proven solution for IBS and bloating, now available in over 20 countries.In This Episode:Why IBS is a total junk diagnosis (and what you more likely have)Fascinating research on small intestine bacterial overgrowthHow overgrowth of SIBO bacteria is an inflammation triggerUnpacking methane production in SIBOHow food poisoning triggers gut (and skin) SIBO symptomsAntibodies that worsen gut + skin SIBO symptomsQuotes“People are walking around with this benign diagnosis called irritable bowel syndrome. And when people come to me, they're like, well, I'm told I have IBS. I'm like, IBS, in my mind, should be viewed as the warning sign. And the most common symptom is bloating. So what I tell my patients is the bloating you're experiencing, although you think it's normal, because it's been normalized either by you accepting it or a doctor saying, it's perfectly fine, you have to live with it, that's the warning sign that you have gut inflammation.”“The skin is the outward manifestation. The skin is another warning sign, including acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis. All of these things can actually start in the gut, and the skin is trying to say, hey, it's not right, something is wrong. And I do see a lot of people with skin issues. And I have treated a lot of people that have seen dermatologists, and we fix their gut and it gets better.”LinksFind Dr. Ken Brown Podcast | Instagram | TiktokGET ATRANTIL HERE!!TRY DR. BROWN'S SIBO SUPPORT KITHealthy Skin Show ep. 332: SIBO Symptoms Trigger Rosacea, Psoriasis + Eczema w/ Dr. Allison SiebeckerHealthy Skin Sho

Adult hormonal acne can start to affect every facet of your life. It can cause self-esteem issues, stress, and anxiety. Especially if you have tried the usual conventional treatments (like birth control pills and antibiotics) and alternative options (like an acne diet) — and still, your acne persists (or gets worse over time).That's why digging deeper is so important. Acne (and even hormonal acne) is usually a sign of a bigger problem lurking under the surface pointing towards issues like gut microbiome imbalances, thyroid disease, sex hormone issues, poor sleep, and blood sugar imbalances.Though diet can play a role, acne diet approaches aren't a quick fix, nor are they always successful. While many recommend eliminating dairy consumption, there's a growing number of nutrition professionals pushing back against this.So if you think that figuring out what's going on with your acne is confusing, you're not alone! I hope to help give you clarity on this with today's guest who answers common questions relating to adult hormonal acne.Lienna May, MS CNS LDN is a Clinical Nutrition Specialist and licensed clinical dietician/nutritionist who specializes in gut health, acne, and blood sugar imbalances. She received her Master's Degree in Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport and was certified by Yale University in “The Science of Well-Being.”By viewing health symptoms as parts of a puzzle, Lienna loves connecting the dots for her clients to help them achieve optimal health through sustainable changes.In This Episode:Why can blood sugar imbalances trigger acne?How do sex hormones drive adult hormonal acne?Does high LDL (aka “bad” cholesterol) affect acne?How poor sleep can be a hidden acne triggerAdult acne diet (Is dairy bad for acne)?Why a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) could be helpful for acneWho should NOT use a CGM?Simple tweaks to help achieve an optimal blood sugar levelLinksFind Lienna online | InstagramHealthy Skin Show ep. 330: Everything You Need To Know About Dairy Allergy (In Food + Skincare Products) w/ Dr. Stacy SilversHealthy Skin Show ep. 296: Dairy vs Non-Dairy Milk: Which Is Better For You, Your Skin + The Planet? (PART 3)Healthy Skin Show ep. 220: The Gut Microbiome Of Acne [NEW RESEARCH] w/ Dr. Julie Greenberg

Have you tried using topical zinc for eczema, psoriasis, or other rashes yet? Because spoiler: when you use the correct form of zinc topically, it can be a game changer for your skin rash. Why? So many skin rash warriors are deficient in this crucial mineral. And taking zinc orally just doesn't always cut it for most people, unfortunately.So if you haven't yet explored the skin rash-zinc connection, let's take a look at why topical zinc can be so helpful, things you need to watch out for when using it, and what to look for in a topical zinc formula — because not all zinc is created the same.Before we dive in: Are you tired of chasing skin rash remedies that seem to work for everyone else but you? Do you find something that seems to help…only to have your fleeting victory erased by a massive flare? This happens because everyone's root cause of their rash is different — and most people have several root causes going on at once. So when you get one fire under control, another pops up. It's exhausting.Here's the exact process I take my private clients through to help them heal: my FREE Skin Rash Root Cause Finder. A quick and easy-to-use workbook that will help you narrow down the underlying causes of your rash so you can get to work stopping it! Download it here and let's figure this out, together! In This Episode:What are the topical zinc benefits for skin rashes?If you have a skin rash, does that mean you have a zinc deficiency?Is zinc good for eczema?Should you use nano or non-nano zinc oxide?Drawbacks of topical zinc and why you might not want to use itReal zinc and eczema resultsQuotes“There was also a statistically significant decrease in the occurrence of Staphylococcus aureus in the wounds of study participants, suggesting zinc could have anti-microbial properties.”“Generally, we often see a relationship between lower levels of zinc in the body and eczema (and other skin complications like hidradenitis suppurativa, acne, rosacea, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, vitiligo, and melasma)”LinksHealthy Skin Show ep. 169: Why Is Zinc So Important For Your Skin?Healthy Skin Show ep. 172: Why Use Zinc Cream For Skin RashesDermaQuell Z+ Rebuilder – https://www.quellshop.com/products/z-rebuilderALSO – we offer all three full 2oz jars in the Ultimate Quell kit – https://www.quellshop.com/products/ultimate-quell-kitUse coupon code QUELL10 to get $10 off your first orderOR try the Quell skincare sample pack that includes Z+ Rebuilder along with Daily Butter and Nourish Butter creams for only $12.95 (free shipping) - https://www.quellshop.com/products/dermaquell-skincare-sample-kit (especially great for those who are nervous to purchase a full product without trying it first. Each sample is a sealed 0.26oz sachet packet and includes a $12.95 store credit to use on anything in the shop). 

Night sweats, brain fog, fatigue, joint pain, irregular cycles…these are all symptoms of perimenopause.As you probably know by now, perimenopause is the hormonal transition period leading to menopause. Typically, this starts in a woman's late 30s, continues through your 40s, and even into your early 50s – basically until you hit menopause. If you're in this transition and noticing some extremely frustrating perimenopause symptoms, you're not alone!Unlike different periods of a woman's hormonal journey, most women feel clueless about perimenopause and what changes to expect, especially around hormone replacement therapy.I'm hoping that today's episode will give you clarity about what's going on during perimenopause, so you don't feel so out of sorts AND share with you new options to help you get perimenopause symptom release.Joining me to talk about all things perimenopause (plus discussing whether hormone replacement therapy is safe) is Dr. Carrie Jones.Carrie Jones, ND, FABNE, MPH is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, and educator on the topic of women's health and hormones with over 20 years in the industry.Dubbed the “Queen of Hormones,” Dr. Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who did her 2-year residency focused on women's health and endocrinology. She went on to get her Master of Public Health and was one of the first to become board certified through the American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology. She was the first Medical Director for Precision Analytical (the DUTCH Test) and the first Head of Medical Education at Rupa Health.She co-hosts the highly popular show, the Root Cause Medicine Podcast, which has over 7 million downloads. She is the Clinical Expert for the Lifestyle Matrix Resource Center, was on Under Armour's Human Performance Council, works with the new League One Volleyball (LOVB) organization, and is an advisor to Metapause. Currently, she is the Chief Medical Officer at NuEthix Formulations and Head of Medical Education at Metabolic Mentor University.In This Episode:Surprising symptoms of perimenopauseWhen do perimenopause symptoms stop?How perimenopause majorly impacts your brainWeird symptoms of perimenopause (no one talks about)Which hormones are affected by the symptoms of perimenopause?Liver detox and perimenopause symptomsBig reason for perimenopause sleep problemsIs female hormone replacement therapy safe for perimenopause treatment?Perimenopause test optionsSimple lifestyle changes to make the perimenopause transition easierQuotes“By understanding that this whole brain shift is part of our transition, it helps us really understand it's not just about losing our period or irregular periods or the ovaries or reproduction. In fact, it's way more global than that. It affects all of our systems, but the brain is the big one that gets affected first.”“If you are in your 40s and you're starting to notice some of these symptoms, cycle changes, it's shorter, it's longer, you're noticing hot flashes, night sweats, sleep issues, the brain stuff, all the things that maybe are consistent or come and go. Congratulations, you're perimenopausal. It's the transition time.”LinksFind Dr. Jones online | Instagram | TiktokFREE Hormones 101 Cheat SheetHealthy Skin Show ep. 323: SNEAKY Perimenopause Symptoms + Signs (No One Talks About) w/ Dena Norton, RDHealthy Skin Show ep. 072: Sex Hormone-Skin Rash Co

I've discussed topical steroid withdrawal symptoms and TSW skin concerns extensively on the Healthy Skin Show, but there is still so much about this condition that isn't well understood.Partly because we don't yet have much research on TSW.So when I heard that Dr. Ian Myles was looking into topical steroid withdrawal symptoms, I had to get him on the show to break it down for you in layman's terms (because his paper is complex).Topical Steroid Withdrawal (aka. TSW and also sometimes called red skin syndrome online), is a condition triggered by the use of glucocorticoid steroids often used topically (and typically prescribed for chronic skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis).Because topical steroids are the standard of care for these conditions, many people unfortunately end up using them for extended periods of time (sometimes without any breaks and with increasing potency). And some go on to develop TSW, which is a horribly debilitating condition with symptoms that can drag on for years after stopping all steroid exposure.The research we're discussing in this episode has yet to undergo peer-review, but is in the process. Either way, the ideas are fascinating, albeit complex (especially for those with little to no experience with nutritional biochemistry). So we're hoping that this conversation helps you understand the ideas while also adding context to what's next for TSW research.My guest today is Dr. Ian Myles! He did his undergrad at Colorado State University, received his M.D. from the University of Colorado, then trained in internal medicine at The Ohio State University prior to beginning fellowship training in allergy and clinical immunology at NIH. He became a commissioned officer in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and has supported several US and international missions.Dr. Myles received his MPH from George Washington University before becoming the head of the Epithelial Therapeutics Unit to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a topical, live bacterial treatment for eczema.In This Episode:How Dr. Myles's interest in topical steroid withdrawal and TSW skin beganStudy about topical steroid withdrawal symptomsNiacin and TSW connectionTopical steroids impact on your cells' powerplants (aka. mitochondria)Which type of steroids may be to blameTreatment ideas for topical steroid withdrawal symptomsWhat may be driving TSW symptoms in your brainThoughts on oral and topical berberine for TSW skinQuotes“So we're saying… what distinguishes patients with TSW and patients with atopic derm? And you can say, what's too much, and then what's too little? And so the thing that's too much, like we said, was niacin, the nicotinic acid. And then what was too little was tryptophan.”“Kynurenine shuts off your ability to sweat, and we hear a lot from the patients that during the height of it they would be beet red, they'd be flushed, they'd do all this, but they're not sweating. They'd be feeling super hot, but they wouldn't sweat.”LinksFind Dr. Ian Myles online here and on TwitterPAPER WE DISCUSSED: https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.17.24305846v1.fullDr. Myles's TSW deep dive on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSFiKlrIDUIHealthy Skin Show episodes on Topical Steroid WithdrawalHealthy Skin S

A couple of months ago, I discussed black seed oil benefits on the podcast and was taken aback by the response I received! So many listeners were eager to learn more about black cumin oil and whether it would be a good fit to help support their chronic skin condition.If you're dealing with rashed, itchy skin or even hair shedding, black cumin seed oil might just be the skincare ingredient to provide some relief.Black seed oil has a long history of efficacy across various different cultures. Its active component, thymoquinone, has antimocrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifungal and antiparasitic properties! It is also loaded with essential fatty acids, minerals, and vitamins that promote better skin health.Black cumin seed oil is also typically well-tolerated, even amongst those with sensitive skin!Which is one of the main reasons we put it into all our DermaQuell skin creams.Since I got so many questions after I posted the first episode on this topic, I decided to bring in my friend and natural skincare expert Rachael Pontillo to discuss the star component of black seed oil (thymoquinone), how to use this oil safely, what to look for when choosing products, possible antimicrobial effects of black cumin seed oil, and much more!In This Episode:Black seed oil benefits (and its active constituent thymoquinone)Who should NOT use black cumin oil?Medication interactions with black cumin seed oilDON'T apply black seed oil in these areasBlack cumin seed oil + hair lossHow long before you see results with black seed oil?Benefits of black cumin seed oil for your skin if you have vitiligoHow to choose the best black cumin seed oil for skinDiluting black seed oil (so it doesn't massively irritate your skin)Why we added black seed oil to DermaQuell skin creamsQuotes“In general, there is very low toxicity risk with this ingredient [black cumin seed oil], both when taken internally as directed and when applied topically. And it's just beneficial for a lot of different conditions, and it's a very low risk of allergy in general.”“It's pretty cool that thymoquinone has an antihistamine effect, which can help with the swelling and help calm reaction-prone skin too…If you were to look up studies, it has always been considered a good candidate for something to help with these common topical skin issues such as minor irritations, rashes, dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, even certain things that have a bacterial or a fungal component because the black cumin seed oil does have antimicrobial properties.”LinksDermaQuell Daily Butter – https://www.quellshop.com/products/daily-butterDermaQuell Nourish Butter – https://www.quellshop.com/products/nourish-butterDermaQuell Z+ Rebuilder – https://www.quellshop.com/products/z-rebuilderSave 15% on the Ultimate Quell kit which includes all 3 skin creams (2oz jars)OR get the Quell skincare sample pack which includes all three creams for just $12.95 PLUS free shipping and a $12.95 store credit (especially if you are nervous about purchasing a full product without trying it first)!

Did you know that what's living up in your nose could be a trigger for what causes sinusitis? The nasal microbiome is a vast new frontier and when things are out of balance, there is a ripple effect that can drive inflammation not just in the sinuses, but also in your body.So yes, a dysbiotic or imbalanced nasal microbiome can be a trigger for chronic nose rash, sinus yeast infection symptoms, and even chronic skin rashes like eczema and psoriasis!Now, I want to reiterate that it is normal to have bacteria and certain fungi as part of your sinus microbiome. Just like how you need diverse bacteria for a robust gut microbiome and oral microbiome!  It is when certain bacteria overgrow in the sinuses that you might start noticing problems, like chronic sinus infection, a sore throat that seems to have no cause, and even nasal thrush.Similar to how a dysbiotic gut microbiome can cause digestive problems, and an unbalanced oral microbiome can cause eczema around the mouth.And that's what this episode is all about. Dr. Anastasia Stocker and I are diving deep into the sinus microbiome and the cascade of issues (some of these are REALLY surprising!) that can occur if the bacterial community up there becomes unbalanced.Dr. Stocker is a Naturopathic Physician and Acupuncturist with clinical expertise in autoimmune diseases and digestive wellness. Her interest in autoimmune disease was born of her clinical observations that gastrointestinal dysfunction and environmental toxicity are a major contributor. Additionally, Dr. Stocker is the current Vice President of the Gastroenterology Association of Naturopathic Physicians and practices at Aria Integrative Medicine in Seattle, WA.In This Episode:Hidden triggers of what causes sinusitisMeet your sinus microbiome!Candida overgrowth in the nose (aka. Nasal thrush)Causes of imbalanced nasal microbiomeCould your sinus microbiome be to blame for nose rash or eczema around mouth?Causes of facial pain and pressure (Is it a sinus infection or something else?)How to test your sinus microbiomeThoughts on whether probiotics, herbs, or essential oils are safe to use inside your noseSuggestions to support your nasal microbiomeQuotes“Just like in your gut or in your mouth, you have a microbiome in your sinuses and in your nose.”“We're kind of coming to understand that changes in the microbiome can trigger autoimmunity in the nose. And then what are the implications of that systemically? So with things like psoriasis, and psoriatic arthritis, things like eczema, we see these all have connections with altered microbiome in the sinuses.”LinksFind Dr. Stocker online | Instagram | InstagramAirDoctor HEPA Air PurifierHealthy Skin Show ep. 309: Ear Inflammation + Ear Infection (How To Get Ear Pain Relief) w/ Dr. Haley Overstreethttps://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/falgy.2021.737086/fullhttps://www.annallergy.org/article/S1081-1206(18)30375-2/fulltext

If you're serious about figuring out what type of diet is best for you – your answer is nutrient dense foods. Let me explain…Food fear is rampant right now, with social media demonizing different common foods/ingredients as well as promoting “healthy” diets that lack necessary nutrient dense foods.Nutrients are the raw materials that the human body needs to survive and thrive. If you are not consuming nutrient dense foods, you may have nutrient insufficiencies, which puts a strain on various systems in the body.So when you believe in this idea that some foods are “good” and others are “bad”, it can create a restrictive way of eating, which can then lead to insufficiencies or deficiencies later on. All this can become incredibly confusing, especially when you're being inundated daily with influencer messages telling you to follow this diet or that.You may get to a point where you are afraid to eat!That's why today's conversation is SO important. I'm joined by Dr. Sarah Ballantyne to discuss how to approach optimal nutrition without dangerous elimination diets or dogma around eating.Dr. Sarah Ballantyne, PhD is the founder of Nutrivore.com. She creates educational resources to help people improve their day-to-day diet and lifestyle choices, empowered and informed by the most current evidence-based scientific research.The Nutrivore approach is positive and inclusive dietary guidance, based on science and devoid of dogma, using nutrient dense foods as a foundational principle encompassed by the simple phrase: Nourishment, not judgment.Her new book, also called Nutrivore, is now available everywhere you can purchase books. We'll talk about some of the eye-opening points I discovered in the book, and why I found it such a valuable read to help you pick nutrient dense foods.In This Episode:Why nutrient deficiencies are such a HUGE problem (and how they happen)Why changing your mind is a good thing (even if you feel embarrassed)How morality applied to diet and foods is disastrousWhy you need protein (and what amino acids are used for in your body)The Nutrivore approach to optimal nutrition and nutrient dense foodsMost nutrient-rich foods to include in your dietQuotes“Deficiency technically refers to such low regular dietary intake of a nutrient that you develop a disease of malnutrition. There's scurvy, rickets, pellagra, beriber, night blindness, iron deficiency anemia. So we have these really well-characterized diseases caused by a single nutrient being too low.”“The more black-and-white we think about foods, the more it increases the risk for disordered eating, for weight regain cycles, so yo-yo dieting, the more it increases the stress response. And it's actually driving, I think, what is currently a big problem in society right now, which is that we think that a diet is about what we cut out. We think a diet is about bad foods that we have to eliminate. We're bad if we eat that bad food, we're good if we eat these good foods.”LinksFind Dr. Ballantyne online | Instagram | Facebook | Tiktok | YouTubeGET THE BOOK NOW – Nutrivore: The Radical New Science for Getting the Nutrients You Need from the Food You Eat5 Free Guides to NutrivoreHealthy Skin Show ep. 305: Elimination Diets, Food Fear + He

Unless you're a skincare aficionado, you may not be familiar with moringa oil. It's a traditional skincare ingredient that's been used for centuries and is currently soaring in popularity. There's good reason for that — the moringa oil benefits for skin are impressive. It's chock full of monounsaturated fatty acids which are fantastic skin barrier support, and it's widely regarded as a gentle, soothing oil ideal for sensitive skin.But the moringa oil benefits for skin go beyond its fantastic topical feel. It's positively packed with powerful active ingredients like quercetin, which has a reputation for cooling inflammation and histamine reactions. Just one of the many things that makes it an ideal choice when you're dealing with rashes.Before we take a look at all of the amazing things moringa oil can do, I'd love to recommend my completely FREE Skin Rash Root Cause Finder. It's a quick and easy-to-use workbook that will help you narrow down what's at the root of your rash so you can get to work stopping it! It's the same process I take my private clients through to help them heal from rashes for good! Download it here and let's figure this out, together!In This Episode:Moringa Oleifera drumsticks for the winThe seriously diverse health benefits of moringa oilTop 3 ways this ‘miracle' oil helps your skinHow to use moringa oil for rashesWhat to look for in moringa oil formulasQuotes“Moringa oil is packed with more than 40 natural powerful compounds that potentially explain why it's adept at fighting inflammation and oxidation. Among these, quercetin is one of the most interesting for rash fighting. Quercetin is an antioxidant that's got an incredible reputation for inhibiting histamine. Which we know can be a possible driver of skin rashes.”“Moringa oil's also loaded with vitamin E, a known skin-supportive ingredient that's considered an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and a fantastic moisturizer. “LinksDermaQuell Daily Butter – https://www.quellshop.com/products/daily-butterDermaQuell Nourish Butter – https://www.quellshop.com/products/nourish-butterDermaQuell Z+ Rebuilder – https://www.quellshop.com/products/z-rebuilderALSO – we offer all three full 2oz jars in the Ultimate Quell kit – https://www.quellshop.com/products/ultimate-quell-kitOR try the Quell skincare sample pack that includes all three creams for $12.95 (free shipping) – https://www.quellshop.com/products/dermaquell-skincare-sample-kit (especially great for those who are nervous to purchase a full product without trying it first. Each sample is a sealed 0.26oz sachet packet and includes a $12.95 store credit to use on anything in the shop.

If you've ever wondered the best way to test for food allergy sensitivity, this episode is for you!What do I mean by food allergy sensitivity?Many people think that you're either allergic (and thus highly reactive) to specific foods or you're not. And that's not actually true as there's a scale of reactivity or sensitivity that you could be on for IgE food allergies.Making this even more complex is that your level of reactivity can change with time (this is especially true for children) which is why today's episode is so important!Food allergy testing isn't perfect and can sometimes show false positives. Unfortunately, many practitioners (including many in the functional or integrative space) may recommend unnecessary elimination of foods that came back as a positive IgE reaction yet lacked any real-life reactivity.Though it might seem harmless, it deserves to be repeated that unnecessary food eliminations can potentially lead to IgE food allergy reactivity if left out of your diet for too long.Throw in chronic skin rashes like eczema, which increase the risk of food allergy (especially in children), and the question of what food is safe becomes increasingly confusing.That's why I wanted to bring in a food allergy immunotherapy specialist to talk about this important topic.So if you're wondering if skin tests are the gold standard, whether blood tests are accurate, and what the pros and cons are when trying oral food challenges or subcutaneous allergy shots, tune in to this fascinating episode with my guest, Dr. David Fitzhugh.Dr. Fitzhugh is an allergist/immunologist in private practice in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.He specializes in food immunotherapy for children and adults with severe food allergies but treats a wide variety of allergic and immunologic conditions, including allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis, mast cell disorders, and anaphylaxis.In This Episode:Options that test for food allergyCan positive serum IgE blood tests be wrong?Food sensitivity vs food allergyBenefits of doing oral food challengesWhat is more likely to trigger a reaction like food allergy hives: subcutaneous allergy shots or oral food challenges?Is it possible to tolerate (to some degree) something you're allergic to?Oral food challenges dos and don'tsHow to reduce your food allergy reactivitySublingual versus oral immunotherapyThoughts on elimination diets and food allergiesQuotes“In our field, we consider someone sensitized who's test-positive to an IgE test. That could be a skin test or a blood test. So you are sensitized. But if you're test-positive and you eat the food routinely with no issue, you're not allergic, right? Allergic means a clinical syndrome of having an allergic reaction. And where we see this most commonly is the eczema kids.”“...every allergist in North America is doing subcutaneous allergy shots. These are the typical allergy shots to desensitize people against hay fever, grass pollen, dust mite, et cetera. And we see a decent rate of really serious reactions that occur with those. And so every allergist needs to be prepared to manage an allergy shot reaction, sometimes requiring multiple rounds of epinephrine, IV fluid. Those don't happen commonly, but they do happen. But yet the dichotomy is, there's in many ways a reluctance to do oral food challenge because parents and/or providers are worried about the possibility of reaction. And the thing is with carefully selected food challenges, we have the luxury of knowing where most kids will tolerate, following the blood test to the skin test.”LinksFind Dr. Fitzhugh online

Finding a hidradenitis suppurativa treatment that works can be frustrating and difficult, especially with certain symptoms like intense pain.Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) pain can severely impact your day to day quality of life — I speak from experience here!When I first discovered a swollen, painful lump in my armpit, I panicked, and immediately worried about getting checked for breast cancer. Fortunately, the lump wasn't cancer – it was hidradenitis suppurativa.For me, laser hair removal was the key to stopping hidradenitis suppurativa symptoms in their tracks, but that's not the case for everyone. Plus, laser hair removal isn't always a permanent solution.Because I personally know how awful this skin condition can be, I want to share more on what causes hidradenitis suppurativa pain, how the immune system and inflammation play a role here, as well as sharing some hidradenitis suppurative home remedies and other conventional treatment options.Dr. Steven Daveluy is back to share more on HS! He is an associate professor and program director at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, and holds special interests in teledermatology, noninvasive skin imaging, skin of color, integrative dermatology, and complex medical dermatology, including hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).Dr. Daveluy serves on the board of the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation. He serves on the editorial board for the JAAD and is building a growing body of publications of his own.Let's dive into this really important topic!In This Episode:What causes hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) pain?Hidradeniis suppurativa tunnelsImmune response, cytokines + hidradenitis suppurativa symptomsNew research bacteria found in the fluid + pus from HS lesionsStages of HS (hidradenitis suppurativa)Can HS surgery help with pain?Is laser hair removal a permanent hidradenitis suppurativa treatment?Hidradenitis suppurativa home remediesHow to get help with pain management because of HSMedication options for hidradenitis suppurativa treatmentQuotes“Even where you don't have lesions, your skin microbiome is still different than someone who doesn't have HS, which then sort of talks to this picture of HS isn't just something in your hair follicles, it's something that affects your whole body. And things are different in your gut, in your skin, in the skin that doesn't even have HS lesions. Things are just really out of balance.”“...It's not to say that stage one can't be severely painful, but as a general trend, the more tissue damage you have, the more risk you have for the pain becoming more severe.”LinksFind Dr. Daveluy on Instagram | TwitterHS Foundation websiteHealthy Skin Show ep. 103: Hidradenitis Suppurativa: The Tip That Stopped My FlaresHealthy Skin Show ep. 232: How Yeast + Zinc Can Play A Role In Hidradenitis Suppurativa w/ Steve Daveluy, MD

If you've found it frustrating that no one can tell you why you have chronic urticaria hives (including chronic spontaneous urticaria, dermatographia, and even angioedema), I feel you.Especially when IgE allergies are ruled out (testing is negative) or even avoiding what you're allergic to isn't helpful. At that point, most doctors will say that there is no answer or clear trigger to what causes urticaria, basically leaving you with an increasing number of medications that may or may not help to control your skin.To say that this leaves many like you feeling enormously helpless and hopeless is an understatement.In my clinical practice, I've worked with many cases of chronic urticaria hives around the globe, helping to troubleshoot when doctors have all but given up in seeking an answer. Some cases have dated back decades, often having been seen at some of the most prestigious health institutions only to be told that there's nothing to be done beyond antihistamines (which have their own problematic side effects) and biologics like Xolair.I love helping people stop having hives and urticaria, especially since I get to explore the complex causes of chronic urticaria, which conventional medicine often ignores or assumes is impossible. So when new research starts pointing out connections to what I have seen in practice, I must share it!If you missed my previous article on hidden causes of chronic urticaria, check it out here! This will help you see that what this new paper demonstrates is highlighting a big missing link to chronic spontaneous urticaria, hives, and other histamine-driven issues.Before we dig into gut-chronic urticaria hives connection, I highly recommend that you download my Skin Rash Root Cause Finder. This is the exact method I've used with thousands of my private clients to help them discover what's really causing their rash (and yes, this works for hives, dermatographia and angioedema issues) >> Get the easy-to-use Skin Rash Root Cause Finder.In This Episode:Chronic urticaria (hives) gut causesProblems with urticaria treatment options (even Xolair)Gut imbalances noted in chronic spontaneous urticaria (hives)What are lipopolysaccharides + short-chain fatty acids (and why are they important)?Key findings from new research on gut-skin connection (specifically for hives)Quotes“The incidence of true histamine intolerance is much lower than you're led to believe and is based on old assumptions that need a serious update.”“Nearly 50% of those living with urticaria experience depression and anxiety (especially when the flare-ups are severe).”LinksGut microbiota facilitate chronic spontaneous urticariaHealthy Skin Show ep. 261: Chronic Hives: Why Aren't They Going AwayHealthy Skin Show ep. 265: Problem with Antihistamines That No One Tells You w/ Dr. Chris Thompson, MDHealthy Skin Show ep. 317: Itchy, Painful Rash From Thyroid Disease: Your Guide to Stopping ItHealthy Skin Show ep. 188: Histamine Intolerance + Skin Rashes (PART 1)