Eat for Life

Most of us cringe at the thought of setting a boundary—especially with those who are closest to us.

We often hesitate to put boundaries into place because we think it will damage the relationship, make someone angry, or simply make our lives more complicated. Truthfully, it can also be really hard to do.

Some of us even worry that we won’t be loved if we put boundaries in place. But what if you can’t have the love you want without them?

The truth is that if we don’t honor our boundaries, no one else will either.

There can be a lot at stake when we finally give voice to our boundaries. So how do you get started with setting boundaries that you know you need?

Today’s guest has a very unique approach to boundary work that will help you rethink what it means to set a boundary.

Randi is a leadership mentor, author, podcaster, and the creator of Healthy Boundaries for Kind People, The Deep, and Maybe Baby. Randi offers a different way of thinking for something more inspiring and refreshing with an unpretentious twist. Randi works with wildly intelligent individuals and organizations and is a curator of context, nuance, and discernment.Listen to the full episode to hear:

• The difference between nice and kind
• Why people pleasing undermines boundaries—and the toll that carrying the emotional weight of others places on us
• Why creating boundaries makes space for healthier, more loving relationships
• How pushback on our boundaries gives us information which helps inform our choices

Click here for resources.

Well, it's January and I have no words to describe all that we endured last year.

After taking some much needed time for self-care, I’m invigorated to begin anew. That’s why I feel this episode is so important. This time of year is when we set new goals and do everything in our power to achieve them.

But what happens when we don’t?

What stops us from doing what we truly want to do to become a healthier, happier human being?

Achieving our goals seems so simple when we write them down on January 1st. Yet as the days continue, we often see our motivation wane.

We might think: Why can’t we just stick to our goals?

We assume that we don’t have what it takes to truly change—but is it as simple as that?

Our goals are typically tied to behavior change and it’s hard to flip a switch in the New Year without understanding how we can motivate ourselves to take action that lasts.

That’s why I wanted to invite Dr. Perry Passaro back to the podcast. Dr. Passaro shares how to make real, lasting change. Dr. Passaro specializes in the treatment of behavioral disorders, anxiety, spectrum disorders, mood disorders, PTSD, and addiction. Dr. Passaro has been identified as one of the top 10 psychologists in Orange County, California.Listen to the full episode to hear:

• Why behavior change is so hard and how you can move past it
• The role of acceptance and commitment therapy
• Why goals on their own don't have motivating power
• How to develop the motivation to take action
• How nutrient imbalances can significantly impact our ability to move forward in life

Click here for resources.

Understanding the complexities of the human microbiome can be overwhelming.

At its most simple, we can think of the microbiome as an ecosystem that consists of a collection of organisms including bacteria, viruses, fungus, and protozoa.

We often think there is a single ecosystem—or microbiome—found within our bodies, largely residing in the gut. But there are different versions of our microbiome found in different areas of the body.

The microbiome is a complex and miraculous set of systems that exist in our bodies and contributes to our health in innumerable ways that we’re now starting to really understand.

Today’s guest has been blessed with the wisdom and skill to explain the microbiome in a way that creates greater healing, understanding, and purpose.

I’m thrilled to welcome Kiran Krishnan to the show. Kiran is a Research Microbiologist and has been involved in the dietary supplement and nutrition market for the past 18 years. He comes from a University research background having spent several years with hands-on R&D in the fields of molecular medicine and microbiology at the University of Iowa.

Kiran is also a co-founder and partner in Nu Science Trading, LLC., a nutritional technology development and research company. Kiran is also a co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Microbiome Labs.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• The magnificent intelligence that resides in our gut and how these systems that reside there are not accidental
• How we establish our microbiome and how they keep us happy and healthy
• The truth about most probiotics on the market today and the gut-brain connection
• Why breastfed babies have stronger immune systems
• The health implications of C-sections on babies

Click here to read my full article with research links.

Be a boss. Hustle hard. Love yourself. Make it happen. You decide the outcome.

Do these phrases and mantras sound familiar?

Usually, these sayings are used in the self-help world to boost your confidence both in life and work. The self-help industry makes us believe that we can make anything happen—but what if these mantras we hear repeated in the self-help industry actually make you feel worse?

Enter High Functioning Anxiety.

High Functioning Anxiety—HFA for short—is when you experience anxiety but instead of freezing you up from making progress, it actually propels you forward. While this might sound like an efficient way to meet or exceed your goals, it can also lead to over-functioning, perfectionism, self-doubt, and the false belief that endless worry somehow contributes to our success.

On today’s episode, I’m talking with Nancy Jane Smith, an author, counselor, and therapeutic coach all about high functioning anxiety. Nancy has a Masters Degree in Higher Education and in Community Counseling from the University of Dayton.

Nancy is also a licensed professional counselor and coach specializing in high functioning anxiety with 13 years in private practice and has spent over 20+ years working as a counselor and coach. She has written three books on living happier, most notably The Happier Approach: Be Kind to Yourself, Feel Happier and Still Accomplish Your Goals.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• What is High Functioning Anxiety and how is it different than anxiety?
• Tools for working through High Functioning Anxiety
• Why high functioning anxiety makes us believe that there’s only one right way—and once we figure it out, then we’ll be okay in the world
• Myths that keep us stressed out
• How to identify what your inner Monger sounds like and how to deal with it

Click here for resources.

Many of us have been touched by narcissism.

Up close or from the sidelines, we have experienced its effects from a teacher, our parents, or from the leaders in our lives.

Often this narcissism surprises us and comes from the most unexpected of places where we feel safe to let our guard down and allow ourselves to be vulnerable.

One of these places is the Church.

Typically we don’t relate narcissism to the Church. But, even though it is rarely talked about, narcissism is often experienced in the Church today. Many of us have experienced disappointment and heartache as a result.

Today’s guest has been studying and working with narcissism for decades as a pastor, therapist, and spiritual director. Chuck DeGroat is the Professor of Pastoral Care and Christian Spirituality at Western Theological Seminary and senior fellow at Newbigin House of Studies, San Francisco. Chuck is also an author, speaker, consultant, and therapist.

In today's show we talk about his most recent book, When Narcissism Comes To Church: Healing Your Community From Emotional and Spiritual Abuse.

I love how Chuck speaks truth into narcissism and gaslighting and calls out church leaders who are playing out this phenomenon in our world today.

If you've been the victim of spiritual abuse, my prayer is that this episode provides hope, healing and deeper insight into why you were harmed.

As Chuck so eloquently writes in his book: Healing requires radical honesty with ourselves and the courage to follow through on the wilderness path to healing.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• What has contributed to the rise in systemic narcissism in church
• How to identify a narcissistic pastor and better understand the inner life of a narcissistic pastor
• Why we are attracted to narcissistic leaders
• And what we can do to protect ourselves without losing our faith

Click here for resources.

It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

This is a topic that’s near and dear to my heart because breast cancer runs in my family—not only am I a nutrition therapy practitioner, I’m also a patient.

I believe I would have had a very high likelihood of getting breast cancer had I not learned about my own biochemical imbalances along with the help of my guest today, Dr. Albert Mensah.

There is so much confusion as well as genetic and epigenetic factors that contribute to breast cancer. So, in today’s episode, we are going to expand on the conversion that we started in Episode 03 with Dr. Mensah and Episode 10 with Dr. Bowman by going deep into uncovering two major factors that contribute to susceptibility—undermethylation and copper toxicity.

Dr. Mensah is the co-founder of Mensah Medical in Warrenville, Illinois, a clinic that specializes in the treatment of biochemical imbalances and the cognitive and physical disorders caused by those imbalances. Since 2005. Dr. Mensah has treated over 30,000 patients using all-natural non-pharmaceutical targeted nutrient therapy and is a world-renowned leader in orthomolecular medicine.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• The role methylation plays in cancer development
• How all forms of folic acid create cell division and are pro-cancer agents
• How copper toxicity and its relationship to estrogen increases cancer risk
• The supportive role nutrient therapy plays during radiation and chemotherapy treatments

 Click here to read the full transcript.

It’s National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and I am continuing this month’s special two part series with licensed psychologist, Dr. Perry Passaro, and orthomolecular specialist, Dr. Albert Mensah.

In this case study series, we are sharing Sara’s story. Sara is a young woman who spent two years receiving psychiatric treatment with absolutely no improvement in addition to two hospitalizations and two suicide attempts.

In part one, we discussed how nutrients can heal the brain, the biochemical imbalances that lead to suicidal ideation, and why the current healthcare system needs a hands-on, multi-therapy approach. You can listen to the full episode here.

In part two, we look further into the underlying biochemical imbalances that were causing Sara’s severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation that led to hospitalizations and suicide attempts.

In this case study, you will hear again from Dr. Perry Passaro and Dr. Albert Mensah.

Dr. Passaro is a licensed psychologist and a licensed educational psychologist. He works with children, families, adolescents, and adults at the Anxiety and Depression Treatment Center in Newport Beach, California. He specializes in the treatment of behavioral disorders, anxiety, spectrum disorders, mood disorders, PTSD, and addiction. Dr. Passaro has been identified as one of the top 10 psychologists in Orange County, California.

Dr. Mensah is the co-founder of Mensah Medical in Warrenville, Illinois, a clinic that specializes in the treatment of biochemical imbalances and the cognitive and physical disorders caused by those imbalances. Since 2005. Dr. Mensah has treated over 30,000 patients using all natural non-pharmaceutical targeted nutrient therapy and is a world renowned leader in orthomolecular medicine.

If you are feeling suicidal, please know that help is available. I encourage you to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at +1 800-273-8255.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• The importance of a comprehensive wellness valuation with a team of practitioners that includes counseling, biochemical testing, nutrient and dietary therapy
• Other forms of support that include movement meditation and other mindfulness practices
• How the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy methodology is used in treatment

It’s National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

In this month’s special two part series, I’m sharing Sara’s story with you along with licensed psychologist, Dr. Perry Passaro, and orthomolecular specialist, Dr. Albert Mensah.

This is a story of a young woman who spent two years receiving psychiatric treatment with absolutely no improvement in addition to two hospitalizations and two suicide attempts.

In this episode, we question: why was no testing done prior to prescribing a wide array of heavy duty medications? And why did no one think to look at underlying biochemical imbalances and diet as a way to help her?

In this case study, you will hear from Dr. Perry Passaro and Dr. Albert Mensah.

Dr. Passaro is a licensed psychologist and a licensed educational psychologist. He works with children, families, adolescents, and adults at the Anxiety and Depression Treatment Center in Newport Beach, California. He specializes in the treatment of behavioral disorders, anxiety, spectrum disorders, mood disorders, PTSD, and addiction. Dr. Passaro has been identified as one of the top 10 psychologists in Orange County, California.

Dr. Mensah is the co-founder of Mensah Medical in Warrenville, Illinois, a clinic that specializes in the treatment of biochemical imbalances and the cognitive and physical disorders caused by those imbalances. Since 2005. Dr. Mensah has treated over 30,000 patients using all natural non-pharmaceutical targeted nutrient therapy and is a world renowned leader in orthomolecular medicine.

If you are feeling suicidal, please know that help is available. I encourage you to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at +1 800-273-8255.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• How nutrients can heal the brain
• Biochemical imbalances that lead to suicidal ideation
• Why the current healthcare system needs a hands-on, multi-therapy approach
• How our healthcare system is designed to fail people

 Click here for resources.

Could copper overload be at the core of your anxiety and depression?

Copper toxicity is a condition that negatively impacts both the brain and body—and, unfortunately, this simple chemical imbalance is not common knowledge among women and doctors.

On today’s special women’s health episode I’m talking with Deb Tokarz who is a copper toxicity survivor and author of I Cu Copper, which is an open and honest look into her experience with copper toxicity.

For many years, Deb suffered from severe anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Despite these symptoms, Deb was either dismissed by her doctors or prescribed a one-size-fits-all treatment.

Eventually, Deb sought out a natural way to treat anxiety and depression. Soon, she learned that copper toxicity was the underlying cause of her suffering and has been on the path to healing ever since.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• What the symptoms of copper overload can look like
• Deb’s journey with anxiety and depression, her symptoms of copper toxicity, and how she found out that copper was causing her anxiety and depression
• Why she was inspired to write her book, I Cu Copper
• How Deb detoxed from copper overload
• Why copper toxicity can sometimes be misdiagnosed as mental illness

 Click here for resources.

High anxiety, depression, brain fog, chronic fatigue, insomnia, and PMS.

If you've struggled with any of these health challenges, you're not alone. It’s estimated that over 50% of females are estrogen dominant and one in eight will develop breast cancer.

These are staggering statistics but there is another insidious invader of our bodies. It's called copper toxicity, a condition that wreaks havoc on both the mind and body. And, unfortunately, most women and doctors are completely unaware of it.

On today’s special women’s health episode, my personal physician, Dr. Judith Bowman and I talk about the ins and outs of this volatile metal.

Dr. Bowman specializes in biochemical imbalances and co-founded Mensah Medical in 2008 with her colleague, Albert Mensah, MD. Dr. Bowman combines traditional medicine with the biochemical approach to treat the symptoms of behavioral and cognitive disorders, autism spectrum disorder, depression (including postpartum depression), anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other biochemical imbalances.

Listen to the full episode to hear:

• Why women are impacted by copper toxicity
• The intricacies of copper toxicity and how this condition affects the brain and the body
• The connection between copper, estrogen, and breast cancer
• Copper toxicity and menstrual disorders: endometriosis, PCOS, PMS, PMDD
• Copper toxicity and anxiety, depression (especially postpartum), and psychosis
• Why hair tissue mineral analysis is not an accurate testing method
• The myth of copper deficiency and at the same time, excess

Click here to read my full article with research links.