The Hormone Lifestyle Zone

Guest: Nina Shyne I'm super excited to have Nina Shyne join me on today's podcast. Nina is an extraordinary Empowerment Coach who helps women struggling with emotional eating, binge eating, obsessive yo-yo dieting, and feeling inadequate about their bodies. I love her approach to empowering women to create a new relationship with food by fostering a positive inner dialogue and a healthier relationship with themselves. Nina truly understands the challenges many face. Let me share a bit of her backstory. At the age of 46, weighing 206 pounds and experiencing serious health complications, she made the decision to turn her life around after 36 years of yo-yo dieting. Nina is now a recovered emotional, binge, and compulsive eater. For a long time, food was her escape. In her words, "My body was my enemy, and dieting and exercising were the grueling ways I punished myself for never having a body that was 'good enough,' while turning to food to cope with everything from boredom to crises." In today's episode, Nina and I delve into the importance of shifting our perceptions and beliefs around food and body image. We take a deep dive into the impact of trauma on the nervous system and discuss the significance of processing the internal and physical sensations that hinder our healing. We explore the power of choice in the healing process, cultural shifts in alcohol consumption, and the challenges posed by diet culture. I also share my recovery journey from bulimia and anorexia. The greatest we can give ourselves is learning to love ourselves unapologetically while focusing on self-compassion and understanding that we are not broken.  

In this episode of the Hormone Lifestyle Zone, I had an amazing conversation with today's guest and present client– Ky'Osha Williams. She is a mobile crisis clinician working on the front lines of mental health, helping individuals in serious crisis. Metaphorically, Ky'Osha is the person who talks countless people off the ledge. A job of incredible intensity that she expressed as frequently challenging to turn off at the end of a workday.   I emphasize the degree of stress because it landed Ky'Osha in the hospital 16 years ago with a serious bout of viral pneumonia that was "misdiagnosed" as bacterial pneumonia and subsequently included an unnecessary and avoidable 5-day course of intravenous antibiotics. Shortly after her hospitalization, Ky'Osha's health started to slide and spiral downward into an array of symptoms ranging from indigestion, acid reflux, and constipation to fatigue, tingling, flank pain, and brain fog, including parasites. Today's conversation is about peeling back the onion on working with Ky'Osha to address a 16-year struggle that countless doctors couldn't or didn't address. During this episode, I share my root cause  approach, honing in on specific labs, lifestyle recommendations, supplements, and anti-inflammatory diet,  which brings us to today's podcast. And, yes, we take a deep dive into the world of parasites! Welcome to The Hormone Lifestyle Zone! Sweet Lovelies, If you haven't already, please subscribe on SPOTIFY OR ITUNES. You can also watch episodes on MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

Today's episode is a sequel to my previous Podcast, The-Gut-Hormone Connection- Connecting the Dots.During that episode, I took a deep dive into various aspects of gut function and integrity, including a detailed explanation of how dysbiosis and leaky gut are directly linked to hormone imbalances. If a woman doesn't address underlying gut issues, she'll never balance her hormones. During today's podcast, I'll discuss how women can optimize their gut health, including lifestyle and supplement recommendations (see below at the bottom of show notes) to rebalance their hormones.  Food is powerful Medicine! What you eat and assimilate is sent into your bloodstream to fuel every cell in your body. Influencing every aspect of who you are, including cellular mitochondrial energy essential in supporting the production of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, cortisol, neurotransmitters, insulin, glucose signaling, and so much more! I'll also discuss the "Rootiest-Root Causes" of WHY your gut and hormones have gone awry and why you may not be thriving.  Sweet Lovelies, it isn't just about taking a probiotic or being on a restrictive diet. Whether you're struggling with endometriosis, funky pap smears, recurrent UTI,  vaginosis, PCOS including psoriasis, acne, fatigue, fibromyalgia, or Brain fog- this episode may provide the answers you need to start healing.  I'll unpack how and why creating a healthy gut includes optimal drainage and detoxification, efficient digestion, healthy bowel habits, and a vibrant, diverse microbiome, allowing optimal hormone signaling and hormone balance. Sweet Lovelies welcome to The Hormone Lifestyle Zone. Supplement Recommendations: Click on products to order supplements Similase BV (Integrative Therapeutics): A comprehensive, microbial enzyme supplement that aids in the digestion of all food groups while also providing additional enzyme activity for the digestion of beans, legumes, and cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cabbage, and brussels sprout) that produce gas in sensitive individuals. Dosage: 1-2 capsules with each meal. Ther-Biotic Complete Probiotic (Klaire Labs/SFI Health):  One of my favorite full-spectrum probiotics! Dosage: 1-2 capsules daily with meals. HPA Adapt (Integrative Therapeutics): Encourages calm, reduces stress-related fatigue, & supports cognitive function. It supports the HPA axis in maintaining hormonal balance and a healthy stress response. Follow dosage recommendations & don't take if pregnant or nursing. Total Vegan (NuMedica): This is a great tasting plant-based high protein shake that supports your immune system, digestive system, body composition, bone health, and detoxification. Note: Don't take if pregnant or nursing. Magnesium Citrate (Pure Encapsulations): 2-4 capsules at bedtime to help with constipation. Note: If pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before taking this product. GI UltraMax (MotherEarthLabs): Follow the dosage recommendation on the label. Promotes healthy gut tissue and leaky gut repair, supports a balanced, thriving microbiome, Soothes Inflammation, aids in metabolism & weight management, and helps to reduce sugar cravings. NOTE: Don't take if pregnant or nursing. The following are two of my favorite Fulvic and Humic Acid Product Lines: Fulvic and Humic are essential trace minerals that support DrainingDetoxification (including heavy metals and environmental chemicals), Nutrient Absorption, GI Health, Immune Function and Brain Health.  Humic and Fulvic SC/Capsules & Fulvic 400X/Liquid (MotherEarthLabs):  Supports Follow dosage recommendation on bottle. Note: Consult with your physician if you're pregnant or nursing  Electrolyze and Micro-Boost (Beam Minerals): Follow dosage recommendations for both products. Note: Consult with your physician if you're pregnant or nursing 

When women inquire about my services, they frequently start the conversation with, “Meg, my hormones are out of balance.” And then I ask, “Tell me, what's going on with your gut?” Nearly 99% of the women I work with (including many of today's listeners) have unsuspected underlying gut issues with symptoms ranging from gas, bloat, and constipation to heartburn and loose stool, including undiagnosed parasites and bacterial infections. If women don't address underlying gut issues, they'll never balance their hormones. Your gut takes front and center stage in every aspect of your health, including hormonal challenges like PMS, infertility, PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis, heavy bleeding, hot flashes, and night sweats. I sense that many women are confused by what triggers hormone imbalances. My intention and focus throughout today's episode are to help you better understand and grasp the connection between your gut and your hormones.  As you've heard me say over the years- what you eat, assimilate, and what you eliminate has a tremendous impact on your reproductive or sex hormones.  I'll take a deep dive into the following aspects of gut function and gut integrity impacting women's hormones: • Why the GI Tract is your body's largest immune organ. • I'll explain why the microbiome plays a key role in how you eliminate excess estrogen.  And how a certain gut enzyme can inhibit estrogen from being excreted via the bowels. Increasing a woman's risk for fibroid, polyp, PMS, ovarian cysts, and estrogen-related cancers.  • I'll help you understand WHY it's crucial for women to have 2-3 daily bowel movements. • I'll deconstruct why and how intestinal hyperpermeability (aka leaky gut) and dysbiosis (an imbalance of good and bad gut bacteria) are major contributors to hormone imbalances.  • And why Leaky Gut Syndrome is associated with nearly all autoimmune disorders, compromised immunity, and mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, ADHD. As always- I want to empower all my Sweet Lovelies with evidence-based information that allows you to take control of your hormones and celebrate the exploration of life's exquisite journey. Welcome to The Hormone Lifestyle Zone! Sweet Lovelies, if you haven't already, please subscribe on SPOTIFY OR ITUNES and watch episodes on MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL.  You can also reach me directly at info@megrichichi.com

Nearly 300,000 breast augmentations are performed annually in the United States, and  25% of these women will go on to develop Breast Implant Illness. My next guest is Penny Treese, an extraordinary woman, mom, wife, artist, and workshop facilitator.  Penny spent two decades suffering from breast implant illness. During today's episode of THLZ, she shares her unimaginable story. Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a syndrome that includes a constellation of symptoms driven by a systemic inflammatory immune response occurring in women who have had breast augmentation.  Common Breast Implant Illness Symptoms that can manifest within weeks, months, or years after receiving breast implants:  Joint & Muscle Pain • Fatigue • Brain Fog • Rashes & Skin Issues • Anxiety • Depression •  Mood Swings • Food Sensitivity • Allergies • Autoimmune Disorders • Cancer Dr Lillian Schapiro, gynecologist and dear colleague, referred Penny to my clinical practice.  It took her nearly 6 months to finally contact me.  That one phone call changed her life forever, as well as mine.  Every aspect of Penny's health was in rapid decline, and in her own words, "Meg, I would have died in a few months if I didn't make that call and start working with you."  During our first session, I referred her to Dr David Brothers, an amazing explant surgeon located here in Atlanta.   Penny suffered for over 20 years with Breast Implant Illness (BII). Her symptoms of fatigue and Raynaud's syndrome developed within months of her breast augmentation. By the time Penny came to see me, she had depilating joint and muscle pain, a diagnosis of connective tissue disease that included Sjogren's syndrome, brain fog, and cognitive decline– so severe that she couldn't remember how she drove to our appointment.  I am honored to have Penny share her BII journey. She displays tremendous honesty, and vulnerability  coupled with immense grace and courage as she tells her story. This journey also includes our 9 months of working together and peeling back the onion that has helped her recover and reclaim her life.   Sweet Lovelies, If you haven't already, please subscribe on SPOTIFY OR ITUNES. You can also watch episodes on MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

What if YOU were living with chronic lung congestion and sinus infections? What if you had a lifetime of constipation, gas, and bloat? What if your fatigue, unexplained weight gain, aches, and pain made it difficult to move forward with your life? These are just some of the reasons why my next guest, Julia Marie B, came to see me.  Julia has been a fashion content creator and influencer for eight years. She has a tremendous following on TikTok  because Julia is so relatable and so creative– she loves helping women look and feel their best. During today's episode we'll take a deep dive into Julia's health crisis and how I helped her turn her life around. 

What if YOU were living with chronic lung congestion and sinus infections? What if you had a lifetime of constipation, gas, and bloat? What if your fatigue, unexplained weight gain, aches, and pain made it difficult to move forward with your life? These are just some of the reasons why my next guest, Julia Marie B, came to see me.

Today's conversation is about Breathwork and how the quality of our breathing can shift our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health toward a calmer place in our daily lives. I'm excited to explore this topic with my guest, Lisa Jones, a Breathwork Therapist. She believes our bodies have forgotten how to breathe the way they're designed to breathe, and this is a major contributing factor to many health challenges, including digestive disorders, headaches, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and unresolved trauma.

Episode #16: How to Create the Healthiest Version of You During COVID 19! I know this has been a challenging time for all. So, I'd like to extend a very warm Meg hug to everyone. How I miss our daily hugs! I'm excited about this episode and the opportunity to share some wonderful information that will help optimize your immune health and allow you to be the best version of YOU in today's world. You'll hear some cool lifestyle tips, smart dietary suggestions and science-based supplement recommendations (see below) to help boost your immune response, drive down inflammation and potentially quench this viral storm. At the very least, you'll start rock'n the block with a bit more pep in your step moving forward. Supplement Recommendations: mrichichi.metagenics.com • D3 5000 + K (Vitamin D3): 1 soft gel daily with a meal • Zinc Ag: 1 tablet daily with a meal • PhytoMulti with Iron (Women): 2 tablets daily with a meal • PhytoMulti (Men): 2 tablets daily with a meal • Ultra Potent C 1000: (Vitamin C) 1 tablet, 3 x daily • GlutaClear (NAC): 2 tablets, 2 x daily with meals • UltraFlora Biome Pro (Probiotic): 1 capsule daily at bedtime OR • UltraFlora Spectrum: (Probiotic): 1 capsule daily at bedtime • OmegaGenics EPA-DHA 1000: (EPA-DHA/Omega 3's) 1 soft gel, 2 to 3 times daily with meals Click here: mrichichi.metagenics.com to purchase any or all the supplements above. Click here to contact Hillary Evans- Truehypnosis.com an incredible hypnotherapist that has tremendous success in helping people quit smoking and vaping.

We live in a fast paced society that places tremendous emphasis on perfection in appearance. How do we create balance- embracing a healthy attitude around exercise, food and our sweet, sweet bodies? When does it cross the line when exercising a few days per week become compulsive?When does it cross the line, as food becomes restrictive or intermittent fasting turns into an eating disorder? And, when does it cross that line for a woman as she can only see herself as flawed in appearance and the voice dysmorphia becomes her inner guide to self-worth? Join me on this episode as I explore these questions and much more with two super knowledgable pro's that understand the in's and out's of women's fitness! I'd like to introduce today's guests: Daphanie Yang from NYC- a Certified Personal Trainer and creator of HIT IT! - an ultimate high intensity workout. AND, Rob Spragis a Certified Personal Trainer-presently one of Charleston's elite Fitness Coaches for Orange Theory.

Most people think of sobriety as abstinence from drinking. But, for anyone in recovery, whether it be alcohol, cocaine, weed or another substance- there's a depth of meaning- undeniably multi-faceted. Sobriety is a way of being in the world that extends to every aspect of who we are. Part of my journey and reason for choosing this topic- I struggled with anorexia and bulimia while thinking I could hide it from others around me. It was coping mechanism of survival and a full-blown addiction that held me hostage during my teens and twenty's. I'm honored to have Timo Ellis and Jill Rowley join me on today's podcast. Their willingness to be brutally open about their journey through addiction to sobriety is incredibly moving.

During my last podcast with fertility specialist, Dr. Jonathan Scher  -we took a deep dive into immunological factors contributing to recurrent miscarriages, implantation failure, failed IVFs and unexplained infertility. The reason for today's podcast is to elaborate on that discussion.  I felt it essential to break down further and explain how a compromised microbiome entwined with inflammation are major culprits lending to the vast fertility challenges many women and many couples face today.

On today's episode, we'll be exploring the world of infertility, a topic dear to my heart.  I've been working with women in this area for over 2 decades.  I hesitate to refer to it as infertility- I don't believe women are infertile. There are a variety of factors keeping many from having a child or holding a pregnancy to full term. My guest is Dr. Jonathan Scher and he will detail the multifactorial reasons women experience recurrent miscarriages, repeated failed IVF cycles and unexplained infertility.  He will also discuss the relevance of immune testing and much more. Hormone Lifestyle Zone ALERT!  Stay tuned for a follow up podcast where I'll further highlight and expound upon numerous elements impeding a woman's ability to have a child.  Most importantly, the necessary steps to create, "Root Cause Fertility Resolution".  

What can we do to create more intimacy- inside and outside our bedroom walls?  What are the barriers that keep people from having sex on a regular basis?  Today's guest is Alina McClerklin - an incredible sex therapist practicing in Washington, DC.   • Did you know that 15% - 20% of couples are in a sexless relationship and 15% of the married population below the age of fifty haven't had sex in the past year?   • Less than 20% report having sex a few times per year, or even monthly, under the age of forty.  As a practitioner, I see more and more clients in their twenty's - thirty's struggling with low libido, difficulty having an orgasm and lack of sexual fulfillment.  Please join Alina and me as we take a deep dive under the covers to figure out where the mojo has gone...poof!

Navigating Menopause with Bioidentical Hormones & Lifestyle Medicine My guest is Kim Richardson- owner and head pharmacist of Pitt Street Pharmacy in Mount Pleasant, Kim and I have an incredible conversation about bioidentical hormones that includes the following: • How can woman best utilize bioidentical hormones when transitioning through perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause? • Are bioidentical hormones safe? • How can they enhance the quality of a woman's life? Another big piece of the equation when addressing hormonal changes during menopause is how their impacted by various lifestyle factors. These factors are the same ones I address and I consider during each phase in a woman's life cycle. No woman should suffer from hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia or anxiety. Menopause is a time for openings new doors and not rickety windows.

My lovely guest is Cheryl Paswater- the Chief Fermentationist and CEO of Contraband Ferments. She is an educator, artist and writer that resides in Brooklyn, NY... my old hood. I had such a fun time with Cheryl because we talked about the importance of a healthy microbiome that is strongly influenced by fermented foods, diet and being creative in the kitchen on a budget! Cheryl came to see me about 12 years ago suffering for asthma and a slew of symptoms. Please listen to Cheryl's story because it's powerful and I'm honored to be part of her healing journey. Cheryl makes this world a better place and she makes me laugh HARD.