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Dr. Christina Bjorndal shares her journey into naturopathic medicine after a suicide attempt left her hospitalized, revealing how conventional medications failed to fully treat her mental health issues.  She emphasizes treating patients holistically by addressing their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being, not just symptoms, explaining the four pillars' interconnected roles in health.

Simple changes like reducing sugar, coffee and carbonation intake make a difference by supporting the body's natural functions, while eating nutrient-dense whole foods better nourishes the physical, mental and gut microbiome.  Mindfulness practices like recognizing unhelpful thoughts, relaxing into stillness and rephrasing narratives cultivate presence and self-compassion, countering inner critics and core wounds driving self-sabotage.

To connect with Dr Bjorndal:
https://www.facebook.com/drchrisbjorndal

https://www.instagram.com/drchrisbjorndal/

https://www.drchristinabjorndal.com 


For full show notes and information:
https://www.healthylifewithandrea.com/blog/5864/mental-health-and-metabolic-health 

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On this episode of the Holistic Health Bites podcast, Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson explains the Glucose-Ketone Index. 

The Glucose-Ketone Index (GKI) presents a valuable tool for monitoring metabolic health by measuring the ratio of blood sugar to blood ketones, offering insights into one's energy production mechanisms. This index underscores the misconception that the body needs dietary carbohydrates to maintain adequate blood sugar levels, pointing out the body's innate ability to produce glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. It highlights the processes of gluconeogenesis, which allows the body to create new glucose, thus negating the necessity to consume carbohydrates for energy.

Insulin's role is highlighted as a regulatory hormone that manages blood sugar and signals the storage of excess energy, thus influencing the body's ability to burn fat or lose weight. To optimize insulin levels, the post recommends limiting intake of foods that cause the highest spikes in blood sugar and insulin, alongside adopting dietary practices that encourage lower insulin levels, such as intermittent fasting and reduced carbohydrate consumption. This approach advocates for a deeper understanding of the body's metabolic processes to achieve ideal body weight and enhanced energy levels.

Exploring the advantages of ketones as an alternative energy source, the post reveals how ketones take metabolic priority over glucose due to their ability to be used by nearly every cell in the body, their water solubility, and their capability to cross the blood-brain barrier to fuel the brain. The method for testing and interpreting one's Glucose-Ketone Index is detailed, offering a practical guide for individuals seeking to improve their metabolic health, achieve weight loss, and enhance energy levels naturally. Recommendations are provided for those struggling to achieve desired GKI levels, emphasizing patience and adjustments in diet, lifestyle, and eating patterns.

Click here for full show notes, information, and to enter to win a free Keto-Mojo bundle!
https://healthylifewithandrea.com/blog/5859/glucose-ketone-index

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In this episode of the Holistic Health Bites podcast, holistic nutritionist Thais Harris shares insights on integrating self-love into the journey toward ideal health. Thais emphasizes the critical role of self-love, distinguishing it as a practice that nurtures self-esteem and acceptance through mindfulness and present-moment awareness. Her approach underscores the importance of valuing oneself without conditions, a principle that has guided her both personally and professionally.

Through her work with women and cancer patients, Thais discovered how a deepened sense of self-love, extending beyond mere mindfulness, can significantly enhance health outcomes. She shares intimate details of her own battle with skin cancer, revealing how self-love practices such as mirror work, positive affirmations, and gratitude light-beam visualization played crucial roles in her healing process. Despite undergoing surgery, Thais credits these self-love practices with facilitating recovery and managing recurrences, highlighting their power in fostering resilience and acceptance.

Expanding on the concept of "DIET" as the daily intake of all influences—including thoughts, media, movement, and environment—Thais and her husband have observed how small, love-guided choices can profoundly impact one's health. This holistic perspective encourages listeners to reconsider their approach to health and well-being, emphasizing the transformative potential of self-love in achieving optimal health.

To connect with Thais:
[email protected]
http://www.nourishtogether.com
Group Reset: reset.nourishtogether.com use code "investigator" for 50% off!

For full show notes and information: 
https://healthylifewithandrea.com/blog/5784/diet-for-wellness-how-thoughts-shape-your-health

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Today I welcome special guest Katrina Foe to discuss the importance of self-advocacy in health matters, the need for testing to identify underlying health issues, and the impact of environmental factors on health. She also emphasized the role of genetics and lifestyle choices in cancer prevention and treatment.

The conversation focused on the importance of nutrition, particularly in relation to cancer treatment. She also touched upon the challenges and misconceptions related to transitioning to a ketogenic lifestyle. Towards the end, she discussed the importance of understanding cancer causes and effective treatments, and the potential benefits of alternative treatments for cancer.


To connect with Katrina:
https://www.cancerfreedom.com/

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/nutritional.pilates

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/katrinafoe/

The Roadmap to Prevent Recurrence:
https://www.cancerfreedom.com/roadmap-opt-in


For full show notes and information:
https://healthylifewithandrea.com/blog/5687/freedom-from-cancer

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Today marks our 100th episode, and we're diving deep into metabolic health, particularly the often-overlooked topic of insulin resistance. Studies suggest that nearly half of adults worldwide have insulin resistance, yet many remain unaware of its implications.

In this episode, I'll be rapidly covering a comprehensive list of conditions related to insulin resistance. These conditions range from those directly caused by insulin resistance to those exacerbated by it, forming a complex web of health challenges. This is NOT an exhaustive list...essentially every chronic disease or persistent condition is caused by or exacerbated by insulin resistance and poor metabolic health. 

For full show notes and information: https://healthylifewithandrea.com/blog/5667/conditions-related-to-insulin-resistance

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In this episode of the Holistic Health Bites podcast, functional nutritionist Andrea Nicholson hosted Dr. Brandy Cummings, a specialist in pregnancy, postpartum conditions, and the impacts of metabolic health. Dr. Brandy shared insights into the crucial role of environmental medicine in postpartum support, drawing from her personal health challenges, including a harrowing two-year battle with mold illness and its repercussions on fertility. This experience significantly shaped her approach to patient care, emphasizing the need for environmental cleanliness and the importance of metabolic health in postpartum recovery.

Dr. Brandy highlighted the significance of comprehensive preconception health optimization, advising prospective parents on the importance of reducing toxic exposures to ensure a healthy start for future generations. This approach not only benefits the immediate postpartum period but also has multigenerational impacts, underlining the importance of environmental health in reproductive and postpartum care. The discussion included practical strategies, such as prioritizing nourishment, building support networks, and the necessity of specific postpartum tests, like thyroid function tests, to safeguard against increased autoimmunity risks.

Key takeaways from the episode included actionable advice for women at all stages of reproduction, emphasizing the significance of thyroid testing in the postpartum phase, minimizing exposure to environmental toxins before conception, and the health benefits of daily outdoor exposure to fresh air and sunlight. These insights underscore the multifaceted approach needed to support women's health before, during, and after pregnancy, highlighting the importance of environmental factors in the overall well-being of mothers and their children.

To connect with Dr Brandy:
https://www.pivotalorigins.com

For full show notes and information:
https://healthylifewithandrea.com/blog/5523/postpartem-metabolic-health

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Struggling with debilitating fatigue, depression, and an unexpected thyroid cancer diagnosis, Tiffany's conventional treatment path seemed to falter, failing to bring substantive relief to her myriad of symptoms. Frustrated with traditional approaches that did little to alleviate her condition, she embarked on a transformative nutrition journey, discovering that eliminating gluten, dairy, eggs, and soy brought significant improvements. This dietary overhaul not only lessened her inflammation and mood issues but also spearheaded a healing process for her gut, something conventional medicine had failed to address.

As her health odyssey persisted, Tiffany stumbled upon the benefits of functional medicine, which offered a more holistic view of her health woes. Through self-advocacy and a relentless pursuit for answers, she added T3 medication to her regime under the guidance of a more understanding and holistic provider, witnessing a marginal but promising improvement in her extreme depression, anxiety, and fatigue. This pivotal moment underscored the importance of empowerment, advocacy, and the right to seek second opinions in the maze of healthcare.

Tiffany's journey didn't just stop at personal discovery; it transformed into a mission to support others navigating similar health challenges. Through her website Rock Bottom Wellness, she offers a membership program that promises guidance, resources, and personalized support to those battling fatigue, depression, anxiety, and weight loss resistance. Her story is a testament to the power of individual advocacy, the potential of dietary changes, and the importance of seeking healthcare providers who listen and validate patient experiences.

To connect with Tiffany:
https://www.rockbottomwellness.com
Fatigue Fix inner a circle membership: https://l.bttr.to/n3lVn

For full show notes and information: 
https://healthylifewithandrea.com/blog/5522/fatigue-depression-and-anxiety

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My practice is entirely virtual, so you don't need to live near me.  

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On this episode, I have special guest Divya Dhawan discussing holistic health, with a particular focus on autoimmunity and its relationship with metabolic health. Divya shared her personal journey with an autoimmune disorder and her research on alternative medicine, emphasizing the importance of eating organic, seasonal, and local foods. She also discussed the challenges faced by individuals with autoimmune conditions and unexplained symptoms, the potential negative impacts of high cortisol levels on blood sugar and the risk of diabetes, and encouraged viewers not to give up on their health.

To connect with Divya:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063721713896
https://www.instagram.com/divya_functional_wellness
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Sjogrenscommunity
https://www.linkedin.com/in/divya-dhawan-b645791b6/

For full show notes and information:
https://healthylifewithandrea.com/blog/5378/troubleshooting-autoimmunity-with-divya-dhawan

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My practice is entirely virtual, so you don't need to live near me.  

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On this episode of the Holistic Health Bites podcast, my guest Wendy Hacker explains her story of battling Lyme disease for years without progress resonated deeply with many. She highlighted the transformative power of understanding your own genetic landscape. After discovering how genes influence susceptibility to infections and response to treatment, Wendy utilized genetic testing to uncover underlying factors like mold exposure and methylation issues impacting her health. By tailoring her diet, environment, and lifestyle based on this personalized roadmap, she achieved significant improvement. Importantly, Wendy emphasizes that genes are not fate, stressing the power of epigenetics to modify their expression. Inspired by her own journey, Wendy now empowers others struggling with chronic illness by analyzing their genetic data and providing customized health guidance. This talk serves as a powerful reminder: don't underestimate the power of genetic insights, explore alternative healthcare options, advocate for yourself, and remember, even complex illnesses can have paths to healing.

To connect with Wendy:
www.clicks4acause.com


For full show notes and information:
https://healthylifewithandrea.com/blog/5327/how-genetics-and-lyme-disease-impact-metabolic-health

Ready to address the cause of your health challenges with a long term, natural solution? 

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Louise shared her personal experience with chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia, and how she became a brain expert through holistic healing. She shared how to identify and manage distractions or obstacles that might hinder intentions or goals. They also discussed the concept of taking on the energies of others, particularly parents, and how this can impact one's sense of self. Additionally, they explored the idea of utilizing Mind Gems to influence energy fields and past relationships.

To connect with Louise:

• https://www.louiseswartswalter.com
• https://www.facebook.com/LouiseSwartswalter1
• https://www.instagram.com/drlouiseswartswalter
• Brain Soul Assessment: https://www.louiseswartswalter.com/brain-soul-success-assessment/
• Mind Gems Exercises: https://www.louiseswartswalter.com/mindgemsgift/

For full show notes and information:
https://healthylifewithandrea.com/blog/5325/creating-a-beautiful-brain

Ready to address the cause of your health challenges with a long term, natural solution? 

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My practice is entirely virtual, so you don't need to live near me.