For years, I felt "trapped" in my own body—struggling with a metabolic fog, GI issues, and hormonal imbalances while following a plant-based tradition. At 55, I am finally thriving post-menopause without BHRT, caffeine, or supplements, but it took decoding my nutrigenetics to understand why.

In this episode, I share the "aha" moments from my DNA reports that explained my struggles with vitamin A conversion, B12 deficiency, and more. Join me as I discuss the tug-of-war between the guilt of leaving tradition and the freedom of finally honoring the unique biochemical blueprint God gave me. It’s time to stop guessing and start harmonizing with your biology!

To work with me, head on over to my website.

Let's chat on Instagram. @gut.and.hormone.harmony

In the final episode of this insulin miniseries, I explain that certain protein powders can spike insulin, building on an earlier discussion of veggie meats and free glutamate in soy and tamari sauce. Repeated insulin spikes can contribute to insulin instability and eventual insulin resistance, which may be worsened during perimenopause, menopause, post menopause, and andropause due to hormonal shifts. 00:00 Series Recap01:03 Protein Powders Warning01:51 Why Isolates Spike Insulin04:02 Blood Sugar vs Insulin05:33 Aging and Insulin Resistance06:37 Minerals and Gene Nutrition07:38 Wrap Up and Next Steps

Part two explains how insulin can spike even when blood sugar doesn’t rise significantly, emphasizing that repeated insulin spikes contribute to insulin resistance and related metabolic conditions such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, and may affect transitions like perimenopause to postmenopause and andropause. #insulinresistance #metabolichealth #hormonehealth #guthealth 00:00 Insulin Spikes Without Blood Sugar Spikes (Part 2 Intro)00:33 Why Insulin Resistance Matters: Chronic Disease + Menopause/Andropause02:04 The Umami Trap: MSG, Soy Sauce & Mushroom Seasonings03:52 Free Glutamate Explained: How It Triggers a Pancreas Insulin Dump07:00 Smarter Swaps & Meal Pairing: Coconut Aminos + Chicken Adobo Tips09:09 Restaurant “Heavenly” Flavor Boosters: Synergists + Sugar = Double Whammy10:57 Better Seasoning Alternatives + Series Wrap & How to Get Help

In this episode, the focus is on the hormone insulin, its vital role in our bodies, and the potential issues that arise from insulin overproduction. I delve into the impact of ultra-processed veggie meats on insulin spiking due to their concentrated protein isolates. The importance of consuming whole foods for better metabolic health is emphasized. #insulinresistance #metabolichealth 00:00 Introduction to Insulin Series00:35 Understanding Insulin's Role01:45 The Hidden Dangers of Insulin Spikes04:09 The Impact of Veggie Meats07:40 The Importance of Whole Food

In this episode, I address a common misconception about stomach acid and its relation to bloating and acid reflux. I delve into the role of chewing in stimulating stomach acid and the impact of low acid on digestion and bacterial balance in the gut. I also outline the steps being taken to improve my client's digestive health. 00:00 Introduction: Client's Stomach Acid Concerns00:37 Initial Observations and Suspicions02:12 Understanding Acid Reflux Misconceptions03:54 The Role of the Lower Esophageal Sphincter06:30 Importance of Proper Chewing and Stomach Acid Production07:15 Impact of Low Stomach Acid on Digestion09:14 Balancing Beneficial and Opportunistic Bacteria11:20 Addressing the Root Cause and Path to Recovery12:19 Conclusion and Call to Action

Welcome back to Harmonized!

In this episode, I discuss a case from my practice involving a client suffering from poor sleep, mushy stools, and occasional diarrhea. As we dive deeper, we explore the impact of consuming hydrogen-rich, alkaline water on her gut health, emphasizing its effects on the stomach's acidity levels and subsequent digestion issues. I provide a detailed review of how different pH levels impact various parts of the digestive tract and highlight the potential negative consequences of disrupting the natural acidic environment of the stomach. I also share evidence-based research related to this topic and encourage viewers to share their experiences with alkaline water. 00:00 Introduction and New Year Greetings00:13 Client's Sleep and Gut Health Issues01:11 The Importance of Gut Health02:10 Discussion on Alkaline and Hydrogen-Rich Water02:58 Understanding pH Levels in the Body07:25 Impact of Alkaline Water on Digestion14:14 Client's Decision and Final Thoughts17:10 Conclusion and Call for Viewer InteractionConnect with me on Instagram @gut.and.hormone.harmony

Is your "healthy" sourdough habit secretly driving systemic inflammation? In this episode of Harmonize, we’re pulling back the curtain on the "Sourdough Halo." While long fermentation is often praised for making bread easier to digest, as a functional registered dietitian, I’m explaining why reduction is not elimination. We dive deep into the biochemical reality of modern wheat and why the sourdough process fails to fully degrade pro-inflammatory ATIs (Amylase-Trypsin Inhibitors) and residual gliadin fragments.

Discover the hidden link between these wheat proteins and your hormones. We discuss how chronic gut irritation triggers zonulin release, leading to leaky gut and a "pregnenolone steal" that tanks your progesterone. Whether you are navigating PCOS, Hashimoto’s, menopause weight gain, or andropause, understanding the metabolic impact of your daily bread is the first step toward true healing. We also explore why ancient grains like Einkorn may be the only safe path forward for those looking to silence the inflammatory static and restore hormonal health.

#Sourdough #inflammation #wheatandhormones #MenopauseInflammation #hashimotos #zonulinandsourdough

Let;s connect and chat on Instagram! @gut.and.hormone.harmony

In this episode of Harmonized, we explore the popular adaptogen Ashwagandha and its effects on stress. However, we delve into why it may not work well for everyone, particularly those with hypothyroidism or certain genetic variations such as MTHFR and COMT. Learn how these conditions can exacerbate the effects of Ashwagandha, making it essential to understand one's unique body composition before taking supplements. 00:00 Introduction to Ashwagandha and Adaptogens01:03 How Adaptogens Work in the Body02:47 Ashwagandha and Hypothyroidism04:23 Gene Variations and Their Impact07:07 The Importance of Knowing Your Body09:27 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsLet's connect on Instagram! @gut.and.hormone.harmony

In this episode of Harmonized, we discuss the nutritional benefits and pitfall's of raw nuts vs. dry nuts. We delve into topics such as nutrient retention, contamination risks, enzymatic features, and the best storage practices for both types of nuts.

Let's connect on Instagram! @gut.and.hormone.harmony

Nutrigenetics is key to truly meeting your specific nutritional needs. In this episode, I focus on the gene that is involved with producing salivary amylase. Knowing which gene variation you have is key to managing blood glucose levels.Let's chat on over at Instagram! @gut.and.hormone.harmony