Full Circle Healing

Jessica Drummond is a leading expert in women’s health, founder of the Integrative Women's Health Institute, and author of "Outsmart Endometriosis”.

In this episode, you're going to learn why chronic conditions like autoimmune disease and long Covid are increasing in women during perimenopause and menopause, how hormonal shifts amplify symptoms of conditions such as chronic fatigue, POTS, and histamine issues, why low cortisol is a major risk factor for women under chronic stress, how viral persistence may be a root cause of chronic illnesses, and practical steps to stabilize symptoms and improve daily life.

Dr. Jessica Drummond, DCN, CNS, PT, NBC-HWC is the founder and CEO of The Integrative Women’s Health Institute and the best-selling author of Outsmart Endometriosis. Dr. Drummond has 22 years of clinical experience as a licensed physical therapist, licensed clinical nutritionist, and board-certified health coach working with women with pelvic pain, including endometriosis, vulvodynia and bladder pain syndrome. She brings a unique, conservative and integrative approach to supporting women to overcome hormonal imbalances and chronic pain conditions. She is a sought-after international speaker on topics such as integrative pelvic pain management, natural fertility options, optimal hormone health, menopause, and female athlete nutrition. Her clinical, coaching programs and educational programs reach thousands of clients and professional students in over 60 countries. Dr. Drummond has a BA in Biology from The University of Virginia, a Master's in Physical Therapy from Emory University, and a Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition from Maryland University of Integrative Health.

Timestamps:

[03:29] Rising rates of chronic illness in midlife women

[04:47] Hormonal shifts and their connection to long Covid

[05:38] How declining estrogen affects symptoms

[07:16] Common comorbidities like histamine issues and dysautonomia

[08:30] Why chronic fatigue is more than being tired

[09:58] The link between viral infections and autoimmune conditions

[10:49] How the immune system reacts to viral reservoirs

[12:06] Why women are more affected by long Covid

[13:16] How stress and hormonal changes amplify symptoms

[17:09] Early signs of vulnerability to chronic conditions

[19:05] Estrogen levels and susceptibility to long Covid

[20:19] Average age of long Covid symptoms

[22:25] How long Covid symptoms begin and progress

[24:03] How Covid impacts the brain and vascular system

[25:13] Recognizing dysautonomia as a common symptom

[26:07] Myocarditis and its connection to long Covid

[27:53] How Covid triggered premature menopause

[29:08] The importance of stabilizing immune and histamine systems

[30:00] Covid as a brain and vascular injury

[31:00] Understanding micro clotting and fatigue

[32:44] The role of lab tests in identifying long Covid

[34:23] The risk of repeated Covid infections

[36:23] Why multiple infections increase long Covid risk

[37:17] How schools and HEPA filters reduce infections

[38:28] Why the immune system weakens after Covid

[40:19] Steps to support recovery from acute Covid

[41:11] Long Covid and its ties to mycoplasma pneumonia

[42:00] Ignoring the long-term effects of Covid

[43:08] How chronic symptoms are often overlooked

[44:05] Addressing the myths about vaccines and long Covid

[47:51] Why diagnoses like POTS and endometriosis are delayed

[48:32] Recognizing symptoms of hormone and chronic health issues

Check out the Integrative Women’s Health Institute through their Website, YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.

Resources Mentioned:

Outsmart Endometriosis by Dr. Jessica Drummond | Book or Audiobook

Mount Sinai Long Covid Center | Website

Find more from Michael on the Rebel Health Tribe's Website and Instagram and be sure to join their Facebook Group.

Dr. Liz Bartman is a naturopathic doctor specializing in hormones, with over a decade of experience in functional medicine.

In this episode, you're going to learn about the three main types of hormone testing and how to choose the best one for your needs. You'll understand why standard blood tests often fail to give a full picture of hormone health. Dr. Liz also explains how hormone fluctuations throughout the day and month affect test accuracy and timing. You'll hear about simple lifestyle changes that can help improve hormone balance and how to address the root causes of hormonal imbalances for better overall health.

Dr. Liz is a naturopathic doctor with over a decade’s worth of experience in functional medicine. She currently serves as the Director of Clinical Sciences at EndoAxis. Dr. Liz is well-versed in conventional standards of care and enjoys bridging the gaps of treatments and research in both the conventional and functional fields to provide tailored, evidence-based therapies to her patients.

She graduated from the National University of Naturopathic Medicine, followed by the completion of a 2-year residency in Portland, OR. She has sought advanced certification and training in the fields of mind-body medicine, herbal research and phytotherapy, nutritional genetics, genomics and epigenetics, and environmental medicine.

Timestamps:

[05:12] Why hormones are key health indicators  

[06:04] Three types of hormone testing explained  

[07:06] What sex hormones are and how they work  

[08:40] The role of fat tissue in hormone production  

[10:25] Daily fluctuations of testosterone  

[12:11] Importance of timing for hormone tests  

[13:20] Tracking menstrual cycles for better insights  

[14:34] Pros and cons of saliva hormone testing  

[17:19] Why salivary cortisol is the gold standard  

[18:52] Impact of topical hormones on saliva results  

[20:49] How urine testing shows hormone behaviour  

[23:23] Why metabolites matter in hormone health  

[25:14] Using progesterone for postmenopausal women  

[28:25] Differences between oral and topical hormones  

[30:53] Estrogen pathways good, bad, and ugly  

[33:48] What influences estrogen metabolism  

[37:31] How to assess hormone clearance efficiency  

[38:47] When to retest hormones for accuracy  

[41:03] Simplifying hormone testing for practitioners  

[43:53] Targeted supplements for hormone balance  

[45:07] Avoiding one-size-fits-all hormone solutions  

[47:53] Three tips for better hormone health  

Check out Dr. Liz and EndoAxis on their Website and Instagram

Resources Mentioned:

The DUTCH Test by Precision Analytical | Website

Find more from Michael on the Rebel Health Tribe's Website and Instagram and be sure to join their Facebook Group.

Dr. Mark Burhenne is a functional dentist and founder of Ask the Dentist, known for his expertise in oral health and preventative care.

In this episode, you're going to learn why the oral microbiome is essential for your overall health and how to test and maintain it, which common dental practices and products can harm your oral microbiome, how oral health connects to systemic issues like cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer's, the history of why dentistry became separate from medicine, and practical strategies to find an oral microbiome-friendly dentist and products.

Mark Burhenne, DDS is a dentist, founder of Fygg Toothpaste, and creator of Ask the Dentist and The Functional Dentist Directory. He is a family dentist focused on functional dentistry and preventative healthcare, with patients who come to him from all over the world. He received his degree from the Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco and is a member of the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine.

Timestamps:

[03:04] What is functional dentistry  

[04:19] Why oral health impacts overall health  

[07:09] When dentistry separated from medicine  

[09:36] How oral infections affect systemic health  

[13:16] What happens during a poor extraction  

[14:53] How oral bacteria contribute to diseases  

[18:27] Addressing dental trauma and phobia  

[20:46] The link between oral health and mental health  

[23:50] Why shaming patients worsens dental phobia  

[28:29] What is the oral microbiome  

[30:40] How bacteria from the mouth enter the bloodstream  

[34:11] Why bleeding gums indicate health risks  

[36:47] What harms the oral microbiome  

[38:12] Why most oral care products are harmful  

[39:29] How diet impacts oral health  

[41:07] Three steps to protect the oral microbiome  

[42:02] How oral microbiome-friendly toothpaste works  

[44:05] Why cooking real food improves oral health  

Use code FULLCIRCLE15 to save 15% at Fygg.com

Sign up for Ask the Dentist’s Newsletter and you'll get Dr. Mark’s FREE 38-page guide: 10 Insider Secrets to Dental Care!

Connect with Dr. Mark through the Ask the Dentist Website, Instagram and on his YouTube Channel.

Resources Mentioned:

The Functional Dentist Directory | Website

The 8-Hour Sleep Paradox by Dr. Mark Burhenne | Book

Find more from Michael on the Rebel Health Tribe's Website and Instagram and be sure to join their Facebook Group.

Master Your Breath, Balance Your Life, Download our FREE Breathing for Nervous System Regulation E-book.

Dr. Eric Gordon is a leading expert in complex chronic illnesses, including Lyme disease, mould toxicity and autoimmune disorders.

In this episode, you're going to learn why chronic illness often stems from layers of emotional, physical and environmental factors, the role of fascia and body structure in healing and energy flow, how the balance between pathogens and the immune system impacts health, why addressing toxin load is essential before targeting infections, and practical strategies to calm inflammation and improve resilience through movement, diet and supplements.

Dr. Eric Gordon is the Medical Director of Gordon Medical Associates. In addition to 40+ years of clinical practice, Dr. Gordon is a consulting expert engaged in clinical research. He has worked with Dr. Robert Naviaux, who has done research into metabolomics, mitochondrial function, and chronic inflammatory disease. In 2016, Dr. Gordon was co-author with Dr. Naviaux on a groundbreaking study, “Metabolic Features of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome”, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science (PNAS).

Timestamps:

[04:17] Discussing the layers of chronic illness

[05:55] The role of toxins in chronic conditions

[07:10] How emotional and psychic experiences affect health

[08:44] Importance of fascia and body structure in healing  

[10:17] Physical restrictions and their impact on symptoms  

[12:40] Bodyworker techniques for chronic illness patients  

[14:42] How tissue toxicity contributes to chronic illness  

[16:36] Differences between osteopathy practices in Europe and the US  

[18:46] Balancing multiple systems for better health  

[20:53] The self-defence mechanism of the body  

[23:32] Understanding autoimmune responses and fear

[25:03] The relationship between emotional states and immune responses  

[27:34] Building resilience on physical, emotional, and psychic levels  

[28:57] Chronic illness as a result of compensatory mechanisms  

[30:22] How the immune system interacts with latent infections  

[32:39] The non-sterile reality of the human body  

[34:26] New tools available for chronic illness recovery  

[35:55] First steps for reducing inflammation and detoxification  

[36:54] Why killing pathogens first often worsens symptoms  

There is a rising tide of Chronic Illness and the current medical model has a major blind spot resulting in incomplete healing, lingering symptoms and debilitating illness. If you are suffering from a chronic medical condition that affects your ability to function in your daily life, download Dr. Eric Gordon’s free Guide called The Healing Cycle: A New Approach to Chronic Illness.

The best way to connect with Dr. Eric is through the Gordon Medical Associates Website or Instagram.

Resources Mentioned:

Metabolic Features of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome by Dr. Robert K. Naviaux, Dr. Eric Gordon, et al. | Article

Find more from Michael on the Rebel Health Tribe's Website and Instagram and be sure to join their Facebook Group.

Master Your Breath, Balance Your Life, Download our FREE Breathing for Nervous System Regulation E-book.

Andrea Nakayama is a leading functional health educator and founder of the Functional Nutrition Alliance.

In this episode, you're going to learn what narrative medicine is and why it matters for patient-centered care, why understanding your personal story is crucial for addressing chronic illnesses, how to identify the mediators and triggers affecting your health, and practical ways to build a therapeutic partnership with your healthcare provider.

Andrea Nakayama is the host of the 15-Minute Matrix Podcast and founder of the Functional Nutrition Alliance. Andrea is leading thousands of students and practitioners around the globe in a revolution to offer better solutions to the growing chronic illness epidemic. By highlighting the importance of systems biology, root cause methodology, and therapeutic partnerships, she helps historically underserved individuals reclaim ownership of their health.

Timestamps:

[04:12] What is narrative medicine

[05:33] Why patient stories matter in healthcare

[06:48] The role of humanities in narrative medicine

[08:29] Functional medicine's limitations and gaps

[09:49] The multi-narrative approach in medicine

[11:07] Key tenets of functional medicine

[12:18] Issues with overuse of medical testing

[13:57] Systems-based approaches in functional medicine

[15:30] Why diagnoses don’t define individual cases

[16:36] The importance of understanding personal health stories

[18:33] How to identify health mediators and triggers

[19:13] Empowering patients with agency over their health

[20:37] What antecedents mean in functional medicine

[22:16] Case study of connecting life events with health issues

[25:08] The difference between healing and curing

[27:28] Using timelines for better patient outcomes

[28:53] Recognizing personal health patterns and connections

[30:25] Uncovering childhood experiences affecting adult health

[32:31] Tools for increasing patient self-awareness

[34:41] How the environment impacts chronic symptoms

[35:42] Personal example of mindful coffee consumption

[37:57] Understanding truth and perspective in health decisions

[38:57] Aligning therapeutic partnerships with patient goals

[41:48] Challenges in teaching functional medicine frameworks

[43:26] Adapting teaching styles for different learners

[45:24] Building trust and safety in patient relationships

[47:16] How to join Andrea's narrative medicine workshops

[48:26] Tools for practitioners to help diverse populations

Connect with Andrea on Instagram, Facebook and her Website!

Resources Mentioned:

15-Minute Matrix Podcast by Andrea Nakayama | Website

Functional Nutrition Alliance | Website

Compassionate Inquiry Training with Dr. Gabor Maté | Website

Find more from Michael on the Rebel Health Tribe's Website and Instagram and be sure to join their Facebook Group.

Alex Manos is a certified functional medicine practitioner and breath worker with a background in personalized nutrition and psychedelic therapy.

In this episode, you’ll learn what resilience means beyond just “bouncing back,” how mental, emotional, and spiritual resilience influences physical health, why community and connection are key in the healing journey, how tools like breath work and psychedelics can help build resilience and self-awareness, and the impact of lifestyle choices on managing health challenges. This conversation offers practical insights on setting boundaries, cultivating self-acceptance, and shifting focus from “fixing” symptoms to building a resilient, balanced life.

Alex is a certified Functional Medicine Practitioner having studied with The Institute Of Functional Medicine. He holds an MSc in Personalized Nutrition. Alex is also a certified breathworker and a certified Psychedelic Practitioner having been in the inaugural cohort of The Synthesis Institute Practitioner Program.

Alex works 1-2-1 with clients and over the last few years has worked primarily with those suffering with mold related illnesses.

Away from the clinic, Alex is co-founder of Healthpath, a company that offers functional testing directly to the consumer with user-friendly interpretations of results and personalized health plans. He is also the CWO of Exhale Coffee - the UK's healthiest coffee.

Timestamps:

[03:41] Defining resilience in health and recovery.

[06:41] Exploring microbiome resilience and health.

[09:55] Importance of setting boundaries for resilience.

[11:44] Misconceptions about resilience in society.

[15:06] Alex’s journey from functional health to psychedelics.

[18:17] Breath work’s role in emotional and physical healing.

[20:15] Psychedelics' potential benefits for physical health.

[24:47] Link between personality traits and chronic illness.

[27:58] Shifting from root causes to building resilience.

[32:08] Insights on dealing with physical pain and stress.

[35:48] Creating distance from symptoms for healing.

[41:00] Meeting clients at their level in the healing journey.

[44:14] Integrating polyvagal theory for emotional safety.

[46:15] Starting with breath work and resilience practices.

Connect with Alex on his website and follow him on Instagram.

To learn more about HealthPath testing, visit their YouTube Channel and website.

Master Your Breath, Balance Your Life, Download our FREE Breathing for Nervous System Regulation E-book.

Resources Mentioned:

How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan | Book or Audiobook

When the Body Says No by Gabor Maté | Book or Audiobook

HeartMath Institute | Website

Exhale Coffee | Website

Find more from Michael on the Rebel Health Tribe's Website and Instagram and be sure to join their Facebook Group.

Deanna Hansen is a leading expert in fascia decompression, known for her fascia release techniques, fluid isometrics, and block therapy.

In this episode, you'll learn why fascia is more than just connective tissue and how it acts as a communication network for the entire body, impacting everything from pain to posture. You'll hear how emotions and past trauma are stored in the fascia, causing physical pain and stagnation, and how proper breathing can help release these adhesions. Deanna explains how to start working with fascia, including simple exercises to unlock the diaphragm and improve alignment, and provides practical tips on how addressing fascia can lead to improved circulation, organ function, and overall well-being.

Deanna Hansen is a pioneer in the field of fascia decompression for physical and emotional transformation and a best-selling author in the wellness space. With more than 20 years of hands-on clinical experience, Deanna created Fluid IsometricsTM and Block TherapyTM, unique fascia-release techniques to help relieve chronic pain and dis-ease, encourage healthy detoxification, and reverse the aging process.

With these simple, step-by-step protocols, you’ll combine diaphragmatic breathing and deep tissue work to release adhesions and scar tissue in the fascia, oxygenate cells, rebuild postural foundations, and, ultimately, reverse chronic structural and emotional issues.

When Deanna isn’t guiding thousands of eager students in the art of fascia decompression for optimal physical, mental, and emotional health, she’s writing best-selling books and sharing her life-changing expertise on other educational platforms.

Timestamps:

[06:28] Understanding fascia as a communication system.  

[08:51] The effects of fascia compression on the body.  

[13:45] Role of diaphragmatic breathing in health.  

[17:30] Importance of maintaining space in the body.  

[21:45] Starting fascia work in the core.  

[27:09] How trauma impacts fascia and breath.  

[32:12] Connection between cold hands/feet and fascia.  

[35:56] Exercise to improve toe alignment.  

[40:51] The impact of tongue positioning on thyroid health.  

[42:21] Posture habits affecting alignment.  

[46:36] Benefits of abdominal massage.

To learn more from Deanna, visit the Block Therapy website and Facebook page.

Master Your Breath, Balance Your Life, Download our FREE Breathing for Nervous System Regulation E-book.

Find more from Michael on the Rebel Health Tribe's Website and Instagram and be sure to join their Facebook Group.

Christopher Blakeslee is a health practitioner who helps clients recover from chronic illness and pain using a system he developed from his own healing journey. 

In this episode, you’re going to learn how tracking symptoms and lifestyle factors can help you identify triggers and speed up your recovery. You’ll hear about the essential lifestyle changes needed for lasting health improvements, how understanding the brain's role in pain response can lead to breakthroughs in your healing and why no matter how difficult your health situation feels, there is hope for recovery.

Christopher is the founder of Recovery Health Coaching. He helps clients recover from chronic illness, improve chronic pain and deal with the limitations of their conditions. He does so with principles from neuroscience, behaviour management, coaching, personalized lifestyle and supplement approaches from a Functional Health perspective. 

He developed this system while reversing his 35 years of autoimmunity and severe neuropathic pain and successfully working in intensive one-on-one sessions with over 100 clients. He is developing two online courses geared toward nervous system health and universal health principles and is the co-host of the upcoming weekly podcast Recover Your Health, where he shares proven strategies for navigating difficult health scenarios. He is also writing a book with former Mayo Clinic doctor, Jim Lemons, about how using an integrated view, Four Pillars of Health and Foundation First, focus on simple impactful health interventions gets optimal results with chronic health problems.

Timestamps:

[03:36] Christopher’s personal health journey and struggles with chronic illness  

[07:48] Severe pain and neuropathy leading to physical decline  

[14:13] The turning point and decision to radically change his lifestyle  

[16:09] The Four Pillars of Recovery: lifestyle, mindset, neuroscience, and functional health  

[26:51] Addressing inflammation and understanding triggers for chronic illness  

[35:00] The importance of mindset and focusing on what you can control  

[45:17] Breathing techniques and their role in calming the nervous system  

[50:59] Personalized approaches to movement and managing chronic pain

To learn more from Christopher, visit the Recovery Health Coaching Website and check out his YouTube.

Master Your Breath, Balance Your Life, Download our FREE Breathing for Nervous System Regulation E-book.

Find more from Michael on the Rebel Health Tribe's Website and Instagram and be sure to join their Facebook Group.

Dr. Christine Schaffner is a naturopathic doctor specializing in chronic illness and bioregulatory medicine.

In this episode, you’re going to learn the underlying factors driving increased sensitivity to food, mold, toxins and more. You'll also hear about how mast cells play a crucial role in chronic illnesses and why stabilizing them is key to healing. Dr. Schaffner explains practical strategies for reducing environmental sensitivities and how to implement therapies that help return the body to a state of safety and balance.

Dr. Christine Schaffner is a board-certified Naturopathic Doctor who has helped thousands of people recover from chronic or complex illnesses. Through online summits, her Spectrum of Health podcast, a network of Immanence Health clinics and renowned online programs, Dr. Schaffner goes beyond biological medicine, pulling from all systems of medicine and healing modalities--helping patients reclaim their wellness and reveal their brightest light.

Dr. Schaffner completed her undergraduate studies in Pre-medicine and Psychology at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville and went on to earn her Doctorate at Bastyr University.

With her diverse skill set, Dr. Schaffner seeks to improve access, outcomes and speed of recovery for patients struggling with chronic, complex, and mystery illnesses. Patients travel from all around the world to reclaim their wellness using her EECO methodology.

Timestamps:

[01:52] The rise in environmental sensitivity and its impact on health

[05:11] The increase in sensitivity to mold, EMFs and toxins

[09:17] Common symptoms experienced by sensitive individuals

[12:48] Understanding the connection between mast cells and chronic illness

[16:33] How the body’s environment affects mast cell reactions

[25:13] The role of fascia in storing trauma and its impact on health

[45:46] Practical therapies to stabilize the nervous system and reduce sensitivity

If you want to learn more from Dr. Christine, visit the Immanence Health Website and follow them on Instagram.

Master Your Breath, Balance Your Life, Download our FREE Breathing for Nervous System Regulation E-book.

Find more from Michael on the Rebel Health Tribe's Website and Instagram and be sure to join their Facebook Group.

In this episode, Michael interviews Brendan Vermeire, a metabolic health researcher and educator with extensive qualifications and personal experience. Brendan dives deep into the concept of neuroinflammation and its impact on mental health. He shares actionable insights on how addressing factors like nutrition, stress, and environmental toxins can alleviate anxiety, depression, and brain fog. Discover how combining functional medicine with mental health therapies can lead to optimal well-being. Brendan’s expertise and dedication to making functional health accessible make this a must-listen for anyone seeking comprehensive healing approaches.

Brendan is a Mental and Metabolic Health Researcher, Functional Medicine Educator, Writer, and Speaker. He is a Board-Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Master Nutrition Coach, Master Personal Trainer, USAW Sports Performance Coach, and Crossfit Trainer. He began his career as a personal trainer and nutrition coach at the age of 18 after disappointingly being medically discharged from the United States Navy Seal training pipeline due to an injury. After being exposed to the power of functional lab testing in the start of his career, he began intensely pursuing that as a career path which has led him to be widely regarded as one of the top leading experts in Metabolic Health and Functional Education.

He is the proud owner and founder of the Metabolic Solutions Institute for Functional Health and Fitness Practitioners and the creator of the Functional Mental Health Practitioner Certificate Course (FMHPTM). He is also the founder of the Metabolic Solutions Research & Education Foundation, a not-for-profit foundation dedicated to ‘changing the way the world views mental health’ through advancing the science of Mental Health Dysfunction. He is also the creator of The Mental M.A.P.TM, a cutting-edge Lab Panel for Mental Health, and the NeuroCeuticalsTM Supplement Line. When he’s not educating doctors/practitioners/professionals, helping clients overcome their most severe health struggles, or producing cutting edge scientific education, Brendan enjoys all things fitness and is probably working out. He also enjoys anything in nature and any activities that expand his heart, mind, and soul.

Timestamps:

8:15 Understanding the role of inflammation in mental health.

13:45 The three main triggers of neuroinflammation.

17:11 Identifying dietary factors that worsen neuroinflammation.

20:42 Balancing mental and physical health with simple steps.

27:34 Connecting mental health interventions with functional medicine.

Does your Brain feel like it’s on Fire? Examine the root causes of neuroinflammation by downloading Brendan’s FREE Guide and learn about the correlating chronic symptoms.

Connect with Brendan through his Instagram and the Metabolic Solutions Institute’s Website.

Resources Mentioned:

Biology of Belief by Bruce Lipton | Book or Audiobook

Compassionate Inquiry Training with Gabor Maté | Website

Find more from Michael on the Rebel Health Tribe's Website and Instagram and be sure to join their Facebook Group.