Reminder: I’m not a medical doctor. I do not interpret bloodwork. 

But I do get a lot of questions about bloodwork. 

“What’s the difference between normal & optimal bloodwork?” “What do I do if my labs are abnormal?” “What can I do with the information from my bloodwork?”

Whether you’ve been getting bloodwork for years or you’re just about to get your first full bloodwork panel of your life—this episode is sure to help you!

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

Lab ranges are based on large populations—they’re not based on you.

I can’t stress the importance of making sure you have bloodwork done and that you work with a provider who can help you make sense of your unique situation.

Be sure to download the Optimal Bloodwork PDF below and I’ll see you on Instagram!

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Love what you heard? Reviews really help us out! Please consider leaving one for us. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

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What is optimal bloodwork, optimal lab values, normal bloodwork, optimal vs normal bloodwork, ferritin levels, normal bloodwork ranges, TSH, fertility, vitamin D, B12, optimal lab values PDF, full bloodwork panel, abnormal bloodwork, cofactors, optimal health, vestibular migraine, VM, dizziness, PPPD, brain fog, fatigue, gut issues, hormone health

One of the most stressful things to go through—is a move. Or building a brand new home and then moving into it. But that’s just one example of stress.

And stress? That can wreak havoc on a vestibular disorder.

This deep dive into stress, vestibular disorders, and migraine was inspired by this 2016 study I reference all the time. It reveals so much, which is great because this topic doesn’t yield a simple “yes” or “no” answer.

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

Stress is not just mental—it’s physical, emotional, relational, environmental, sensory. And it matters a lot to vestibular disorders, migraine, and PPPD.

So, is stress a migraine trigger? Tune in to find out.

Related Episodes:

Nervous System Regulation for VM

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Love what you heard? Reviews really help us out! Please consider leaving one for us. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

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Most people think regulating their nervous system means being calm all the time or doing breathing exercises. It does not.

Having a regulated nervous system is not about feeling calm all the time. It’s about how you are able to respond to difficult and new stimuli. Because that is a fact of life that’s not going anywhere!

Nervous system regulation looks like a lot of different things depending on the person. We’re going to explore all the things you can do to have a more resilient and regulated nervous system.

Your brain is overstimulated and overreacting to a lot of things. It is not your fault. But you can rewire your way out of VM.

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

It’s not just the symptom—it’s your nervous system’s response to that symptom that makes it feel like X, Y, Z is causing your life to fall apart.

Emotions are not in our control. But we do have control over our thoughts much of the time. Remind yourself this can get better, that you do have a toolkit. Because being in the throes of a migraine attack is scary and unsettling. 

The ability—over time and with practice—to identify what you can do to regulate yourself and start to feel better allows your nervous system to become more flexible.

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Love what you heard? Reviews really help us out! Please consider leaving one for us. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

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nervous system regulation for vestibular migraine, migraine attacks, VM, treating vestibular migraine, dizziness, stress response, improve balance, autonomic nervous system, migraine management, stress relief, survival mode, overstimulated nervous system, vestibular system, avoidance, perfectionism, burnout, chronic illness, fight, flight, fawn, freeze, somatic tracking, PEM

Today on Grounded: The Vestibular Podcast, we are talking all about CGRP medications. These are a class of drugs used to manage migraine attacks.

Interestingly, people with migraine have a higher level of CGRP during migraine attacks, but also have a harder time breaking them down for whatever reason.

In this episode, we’ll dig into:

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, still searching for answers, or supporting someone with VM, this episode was created as a resource for you.

Tune in and discover if we’re fans of CGRPs over here… or not—and everything you need to know about these medications.

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Love what you heard? Reviews really help us out! Please consider leaving one for us. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

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If you’ve ever felt like you’re moving through life with your head wrapped in cotton—unable to think clearly, focus, or find the right words—you’re not alone. In this episode of Grounded: The Vestibular Podcast, we dive into one of the most frustrating and misunderstood symptoms of vestibular disorders: brain fog.

We explore what brain fog really is, how it’s connected to conditions like vestibular migraine, PPPD, and inner ear dysfunction, and why it’s more than just “being tired.” You’ll learn about the neurological and physiological causes behind this cognitive cloudiness—from sensory overload and poor vestibular compensation to medication side effects and chronic stress.

But we won’t leave you hanging in the haze. We’re also sharing 10 practical strategies to help lift the fog and reclaim mental clarity—ranging from diet and hydration tips to pacing, vestibular rehab, and cognitive tools that actually work.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed or years into your vestibular journey, this episode is here to remind you: you’re not broken, and you’re not alone. Tune in for science, support, and strategies that ground you.

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Love what you heard? Reviews really help us out! Please consider leaving one for us. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

Vestibular Migraine is more than just dizziness—it’s a complex, often misunderstood condition that can impact every part of your life. In this episode of Grounded: The Vestibular Podcast, we’re breaking down the 10 essential things you need to know about Vestibular Migraine—from common triggers and diagnostic challenges to treatment options and how it differs from other vestibular disorders.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, still searching for answers, or supporting someone with VM, this episode will empower you with knowledge, validation, and a clearer path forward. Tune in for practical tips, personal insights, and expert-backed facts that will help you feel more grounded in your vestibular journey.

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Love what you heard? Reviews really help us out! Please consider leaving one for us. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

In this episode of Grounded: The Vestibular Podcast, we dive deep into bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVH)—a rare but life-altering condition where both inner ear balance systems are impaired.

We’ll break down:

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting someone with BVH, or a clinician looking to understand more—this episode is packed with insights, tools, and hope.

Tune in and get grounded with us.

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Love what you heard? Reviews really help us out! Please consider leaving one for us. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

Could mold be making you dizzy? In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Corey from We Inspect, a nationally recognized mold inspection company that specializes in identifying hidden environmental triggers.

Corey breaks down:
🏠 How mold exposure can contribute to dizziness, brain fog, and vestibular symptoms
🔍 Why traditional mold tests often miss the root cause
🛠️ What makes a proper inspection different—and how to get real answers
💡 Practical steps you can take if you suspect your home is making you sick

Whether you’ve tried everything or you’re just beginning your healing journey, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to explore the environmental side of vestibular disorders.

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Love what you heard? Reviews really help us out! Please consider leaving one for us. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

In this episode, we break down the essential tools and strategies for managing acute Vestibular Migraine attacks. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or a seasoned vestibular warrior, understanding your options can make all the difference in navigating sudden flares.

We’ll cover:
💊 Acute medications: what they are, how they work, and when to use them
🚨 Rescue meds: fast-acting options for when symptoms spiral
🧰 Your vestibular toolkit: non-medication tools like ginger chews, ice packs, blue light glasses, and more to help ease symptoms on the spot

You don’t have to ride it out alone. Let’s get grounded together—with practical, proven ways to help you feel more in control.

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Love what you heard? Reviews really help us out! Please consider leaving one for us. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.

Summer can be a time of sunshine, vacations, and outdoor fun—but for those with vestibular disorders, it can also mean more dizziness, fatigue, and sensory overload. In this episode of Grounded: The Vestibular Podcast, we break down how the heat, travel, and dehydration can impact your vestibular system—and what you can do about it.

From practical hydration strategies and sun-sensitivity tips to navigating summer events without crashing, we’re sharing ways to protect your nervous system and enjoy the season with more stability and less overwhelm. We also touch on how to plan for travel, manage overstimulation, and build in recovery time so you don’t miss out on the moments that matter.

Whether you’re heading to the beach or just trying to survive a neighborhood BBQ, this episode has your back (and your balance). 🌞🌊

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Love what you heard? Reviews really help us out! Please consider leaving one for us. 

This podcast is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.