Histamine intolerance is a complex and often misunderstood condition that can present with a wide range of symptoms—from digestive issues like abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome to allergy-like symptoms such as skin rashes, nasal congestion, runny nose, and headaches.

In this episode of Balance Banter, Kristie Calise breaks down the most common symptoms of histamine intolerance and explains how histamine—an important natural chemical derived from amino acids—plays a key role in the immune system, blood vessels, nervous system, and inflammatory response.

When there is too much histamine in the body or reduced activity of DAO (diamine oxidase), the enzyme responsible for breaking down dietary histamine, symptoms can begin to appear. This can be due to DAO deficiency, enzyme deficiency, gut dysfunction, or increased histamine production within the intestinal mucosa.

You’ll learn about:
• Common symptoms of histamine intolerance and allergy-like reactions
• The role of mast cells, histamine receptors, and the release of histamine
• How DAO enzyme activity impacts histamine levels
• Possible causes including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, gut infections, and underlying health conditions
• The connection between histamine, the menstrual cycle, and hormonal imbalances
• Why tools like a food diary, elimination diet, or low-histamine diet can be a helpful starting point

Kristie also shares her personal experience navigating severe symptoms, uncovering root causes like mold, infections, and gut dysfunction, and why histamine intolerance should be viewed as a symptom—not the final diagnosis.

If you’re dealing with unexplained health issues, food intolerance, or a wide range of symptoms that don’t seem to make sense, this episode will give you clarity, validation, and a new perspective on your healing journey.

Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
⚫Instagram
⚫Facebook
⚫Youtube

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle. 

When daylight saving time arrives on the second Sunday of March, the clocks spring forward and most people suddenly lose an hour of sleep. While a one-hour shift might not sound like much, this sudden change can disrupt your circadian rhythm, affect your sleep schedule, and impact your body’s internal clock.

Research from sleep experts—including findings discussed in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine and commentary from organizations like the American Academy of Sleep Medicine—shows that seasonal time changes can temporarily disrupt sleep patterns, energy levels, and even mental health. Some studies have even linked the annual change to increases in traffic accidents, heart attacks, and emergency room visits in the days following the shift.

Why does this happen? Your circadian clock depends heavily on light exposure to regulate your sleep cycle. When the clocks change and evening light extends later into the night, your internal body clock can struggle to adjust to the new schedule.

In this episode of Balance Banter, Kristie Calise explains how daylight saving time affects sleep quality, sleep routines, and the timing of other daily routines like meals and wake-up time. She also shares 6 simple strategies to help your body adapt to the new time.

Whether you’re experiencing sleep disruption, fatigue, or struggling to maintain enough hours of sleep after the clocks change, these 6 simple adjustments can help your body transition more smoothly!

Supporting your circadian rhythm during seasonal time changes can improve sleep quality, stabilize energy levels, and support long-term health.

Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
⚫Instagram
⚫Facebook
⚫Youtube

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle. 

Chronic diseases are now the leading causes of death in the United States—impacting everything from heart disease and cardiovascular disease to diabetes mellitus, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory bowel disease, and even Alzheimer’s disease. But are these chronic conditions simply the result of genetic predisposition?

In this episode of Balance Banter, Kristie Calise challenges the conventional medicine narrative that genes determine your destiny. Instead, she explores how lifestyle factors, environmental toxins, food sensitivities, chronic stress, and hidden infections often play a far more important role in the origins of disease.

Drawing from a root cause medicine perspective, Kristie walks through the five underlying issues that drive most symptoms of chronic disease:

• Chronic stress & elevated stress levels affecting the immune system, blood vessels, hormonal imbalances, and mental health
• Environmental toxins & heavy metals disrupting organ systems and increasing oxidative stress
• Adverse food reactions, trigger foods, and gut health imbalances contributing to irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and autoimmune disorders
• Chronic infections & infectious agents such as Lyme disease and Epstein-Barr virus impacting immune defenses
• Nutrient deficiencies that impair immune response, energy production, and overall health

Rather than focusing solely on symptom management or single-event diagnoses, this episode explores how modern medicine often overlooks the molecular mechanisms and systems biology behind chronic inflammation and chronic illness.

If you’re navigating chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, high blood pressure, persistent fatigue, or other health issues, this episode offers important questions to consider and the first step toward building a personalized treatment plan.

Your genes may load the gun—but environment pulls the trigger. And when you address the root cause of disease, significant improvements in your healing process are possible!

Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
⚫Instagram
⚫Facebook
⚫Youtube

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle. 

In today’s episode of #BALANCE Banter, we’re taking a holistic approach to healing that isn’t about supplements, labs, or protocols. We’re talking about something that made a world of difference in my own healing process: healing hobbies.

Before my health journey, I lived in constant hustle mode—14-hour days, nonstop productivity, and physical activity as my only “hobby.” But when chronic illness forced me to slow down, healing became my full-time job… and honestly? That hyper-focus kept my nervous system stuck in fight-or-flight and drove my stress levels (and cortisol levels) even higher. This episode is for anyone who feels trapped in symptom scanning, anxious thoughts, negative thoughts, or feelings of isolation—and wants a powerful way to create a safe space inside their daily lives again.

In this episode, we’ll cover:

• Why the benefits of hobbies go way beyond “fun” (think: stress reduction, release of dopamine, improved mental well-being, and better emotional recovery)
• How meaningful activities help regulate the nervous system and support the healing process
• Why social interaction and social support matter—especially when you’re dealing with feelings of loneliness
• My personal experiences with a book club, gardening, knitting, and paint-by-numbers (yes, even when you’re “bad” at it!)
• Practical tips for finding new hobbies at your own pace—without measuring their benefit or turning them into another task

We’ll also talk about how healing hobbies can improve cognitive function, create new neural pathways, strengthen problem-solving skills, and bring a renewed sense of purpose—especially if you’ve lost your identity to illness.

Whether your next step is joining local classes, trying a new hobby, learning a musical instrument, exploring visual arts, testing new recipes, starting a book club, or simply taking a short walk and letting your brain be in the present moment… this episode will help you start with manageable steps. Because sometimes healing doesn’t come from doing more “health things.” Sometimes it comes from peaceful pastimes, creative pursuits, and positive experiences that remind your body: I am safe. I am here. I can feel joy again.

If you loved this episode, share it with a friend or family members who need emotional support and a sense of community right now. 🖤

Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
⚫Instagram
⚫Facebook
⚫Youtube

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle. 

Medical gaslighting has become a silent epidemic within the healthcare system—especially for people living with chronic illnesses, invisible illnesses, and complex health conditions. In recent years, more voices across social media, online support groups, and media outlets have highlighted how often patients are dismissed, minimized, or told their symptoms are “just anxiety” despite very real physical suffering.

In this episode of Balance Banter, Kristie Calise shares her own experience navigating the medical system for over a decade while living with chronic illness. From difficult medical encounters and poor communication in medical settings to emotional distress and medical trauma, Kristie understands firsthand how damaging medical gaslighting can be—especially when labs don’t yet reflect the full picture.

This conversation is especially relevant for those navigating autoimmune diseases, chronic fatigue syndrome, chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome, long COVID, rare diseases, and women’s health issues, as well as individuals who have experienced bias within the medical community. Medical gaslighting disproportionately affects women, people of color, and those with invisible illnesses, often leaving patients feeling unheard and unsupported.

In this episode, Kristie shares five practical strategies to help you prepare for medical appointments and reduce the likelihood of gaslighting—whether you’re seeing a new healthcare provider, seeking a second opinion, or feeling anxious after years of dismissal. You’ll learn how to organize your medical history, bring the right labs and test results, involve supportive family members, and set clear goals so appointments feel more collaborative and productive.

If you’ve ever left a doctor’s office questioning your own reality, this episode is a reminder that your symptoms are valid—and that quality medical care starts with being heard! 🙌🏼

Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
⚫Instagram
⚫Facebook
⚫Youtube

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle. 

In this episode of Balance Banter, Kristie Calise, Functional Nutrition Practitioner and founder of the Balance App, dives into the science and lived experience behind vagus nerve stimulation—a powerful tool for nervous system regulation and healing.

Kristie explains what the vagus nerve is, where it runs in the body, and why it plays such a critical role in heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, inflammation, and overall stress response. She explores how the vagus nerve can become dysregulated not only in chronically ill individuals, but also in those living high-stress, fast-paced lifestyles.

Kristie also shares deeply personal insight into her own experience with nervous system overload, adrenaline surges, mast cell activation syndrome, and extreme fight-or-flight reactions—especially during treatments meant to help her heal. Vagus nerve stimulation became one of the most impactful tools in helping her body feel safe again.

🔍 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What the vagus nerve is and how it supports the parasympathetic nervous system
• How stress, illness, trauma, and inflammation affect vagal tone
• Why nervous system dysregulation can worsen conditions like MCAS and POTS
• How vagus nerve stimulation helped reduce adrenaline surges and reactivity
• An overview of three vagus nerve stimulation devices Kristie uses or recommends:
  • Truvaga (neck-based stimulation; Kristie’s personal go-to)
  • VagusStim (ear-based stimulation with strong research backing)
  • Pulsetto (bilateral neck stimulation with app-guided programs)

If you feel wired but exhausted, stuck in fight or flight, or are navigating chronic illness or high stress, this episode offers education, validation, and practical insight into whether vagus nerve stimulation may be worth exploring with your healthcare provider.

Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
⚫Instagram
⚫Facebook
⚫Youtube

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle. 

If mornings feel like your hardest struggle, this episode is for you! ☕

In this episode of Balance Banter, Kristie shares 7 practical tools that helped her wake up with more clarity, energy, and consistency — despite years of living with adrenal fatigue, low cortisol, and chronic illness.

This is a judgment-free, pressure-free episode for anyone who wants to start their day with more ease — and fewer symptoms.

🎧 Hit play and try one new thing this week — your mornings may just surprise you!

Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
⚫Instagram
⚫Facebook
⚫Youtube

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle. 

If setting goals has ever left you feeling overwhelmed, discouraged, or burnt out—this episode is for you.

In this episode, Kristie Lengel, Functional Nutrition Practitioner and founder of the Balance App, walks through how to set SMART goals that actually support your body and your life—especially if you’re navigating autoimmunity, fatigue, hormone issues, or chronic stress.

Kristie breaks down:

• What SMART goals really mean
• Why broad, unrealistic goals fail
• How small, gentle goals create momentum and confidence
• Autoimmunity-friendly goal examples for movement, food, sleep, and recovery
• How checking the box builds consistency without pressure

This episode is about progress—not perfection—and creating habits that help you feel better, one small step at a time!

Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
⚫Instagram
⚫Facebook
⚫Youtube

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle. 

In one of her most personal episodes yet, Functional Nutrition Practitioner Kristie Lengel dives deep into Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) — a condition that played a massive role in her chronic illness journey long before it became widely recognized.

Kristie shares how her symptoms began in 2016, years before MCAS had an ICD-10 code or mainstream awareness. Despite “normal” labs, mast cell–targeted treatment was one of the biggest turning points in her healing. Once she realized MCAS was a syndrome—a reaction, not the root—she kept digging until she uncovered the triggers driving her body into overactivation.

🔍 This episode blends storytelling, scientific research, and practical guidance, including:

• The history of MCAS as a diagnosis and how it only recently gained scientific attention
• Why so many people with MCAS have “normal” test results
• The symptoms that point toward mast cell activation—even when labs don’t
• The link between MCAS, chronic infections, mold exposure, long COVID, and nervous system dysregulation
•  Pharmaceutical treatment options (H1s, H2s, mast cell stabilizers)
 • Natural supports including diet, flavonoids, nervous system tools, and environmental changes
• How to talk to your provider about testing (and why timing matters)

MCAS can make everyday life unpredictable and overwhelming—but understanding how mast cells behave, what triggers them, and how to calm them is an empowering first step.

If you’ve been brushed off, gaslit, or told “your labs are normal,” this episode is your validation and your roadmap.

Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
⚫Instagram
⚫Facebook
⚫Youtube

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle. 

In this episode, Kristie chats with Cory from ProShine Professional Cleaning about one of the most overlooked factors in chronic illness—environmental exposure to hidden mold.

They discuss how humidity in the Lowcountry makes HVAC systems a breeding ground for mold, why indoor air quality matters more than most people realize, and how professional duct cleaning can make a world of difference in your healing journey.

Plus, they tease an exciting Instagram giveaway coming this December, where one lucky listener will win a free professional duct cleaning from ProShine!

If you’re healing from mold illness, fatigue, or chronic inflammation, this episode will help you connect the dots between your home and your health.

✨ Follow along for the upcoming giveaway:

• @balance.workout.app
• @proshineprofessionalcleaning

💡 Learn more about the Balance App → https://balanceworkoutapp.com

Start feeling better today — download the Balance App and start your FREE trial!
Your home for gentle workouts, nervous system support, anti-inflammatory recipes, and healing-focused wellness tools.
➡️ https://balanceworkoutapp.com

Interested in 1:1 Functional Nutrition support?
Schedule your Root Cause Clarity session to see if a root-cause approach is right for you.
🌿 https://balanceworkoutapp.com/nutrition/

Want more #BALANCE in your life?!
⚫Instagram
⚫Facebook
⚫Youtube

Disclaimer: The information shared in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This content is not medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your health, medications, supplements, or lifestyle.