Made to be Whole

In this episode of Made to Be Whole, Krista Michener dives into the challenges and opportunities that come with researching your health online in the age of AI. She discusses what to do when your provider’s recommendations don’t align with what you’ve found on the internet. Krista shares her own experiences as both a provider and patient, the importance of individualized care, and strategies for being your own advocate—especially if you’re navigating complex or chronic illnesses such as Lyme disease and co-infections. This episode is packed with practical advice for patients who want to bridge the gap between internet research and professional medical recommendations, all while maintaining hope and remembering the power of community and self-advocacy.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• How to assess the reliability of online health information and AI-generated search results
• Why individualized care matters: What internet searches can’t see about your unique health picture
• Understanding the limitations of online treatment protocols for chronic and complex illnesses
• The role of biofilms, co-infections, and immune system factors missed by internet searches
• Strategies for organizing, tracking, and advocating for your health (and your family’s)
• The power of support networks, coaching, and creative problem solving for healing
• How to maintain perspective, hope, and community during your health journey

Reach out to your coach or support person if you need help organizing your treatment plan or keeping on track!

Start your own system for tracking symptoms, meds, and appointments—it could be as simple as a notebook, spreadsheet, or daily journal.

Remember to look for your tribe—connect with others going through similar challenges and seek ways to both give and receive help.

Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.

All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/

Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Made to Be Whole, Krista Michener explores the multifaceted world of pain—what it means to live with pain, how to understand its sources, and strategies for effective diagnosis and relief. Drawing upon personal experience and clinical insight, Krista Michener breaks down the categories of pain (acute, chronic, nociceptive, neuropathic, and nociplastic), discusses the critical importance of correctly diagnosing pain, and examines both traditional and alternative approaches that aid healing. Learn how realistic expectations, compassionate support, and a holistic approach can help you manage pain and reclaim your wholeness.

• Life Is Pain: Embracing Realistic Expectations
• Defining Types of Physical Pain: Acute, Chronic, Nociceptive, Neuropathic, and Nociplastic
• Diagnosing Pain: The Importance of Accurate Assessment and Imaging
• The Role of Therapeutic Professionals: Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Acupuncture, Massage, and Chiropractic Care
• Inflammation, Infection, and Genetic Influences on Pain
• Structural vs. Inflammatory Pain: Pathways to Targeted Treatment
• Self-Pay vs. Insurance: Navigating the Cost of Imaging and Care
• Building a Toolbox: Combining Strategies for Chronic Pain Management
• Hope and Resilience: Adapting and Thriving Despite Pain

Share your own pain management tips or questions for Krista Michener—call in to the podcast line!

Explore resources and integrative approaches at https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/.

Remember to check in with yourself—what’s one thing you can do today to nurture your own wholeness?

Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.

All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/

Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Made to Be Whole, we dig into the challenges of misinformation, mislabeling of intent, and the human tendency to jump to conclusions about others. Exploring how health issues, trauma, and communication patterns affect our relationships, the conversation offers practical strategies to foster compassion, set healthy boundaries, and address the root causes underlying mood and behavior changes. Learn how to use both self-awareness and medical tools to support your wellbeing and satisfy your need for meaningful, authentic connection.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Why we misjudge others: Understanding human nature and the impact of misinformation
• The role of inflammation, trauma, and physiology in shaping mood and behavior
• Strategies for setting boundaries, practicing self-awareness, and improving communication
• How to approach treatment-resistant mood issues by targeting the underlying causes
• The importance of compassionate care and the value of finding the right mental health support
• Navigating the complexities of autoimmune encephalitis and related conditions

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Inflamed Moods: A Review of the Interaction Between Inflammation and Mood Disorders (Rosenblatt et al.) on ScienceDirect

📝 Have a question or suggestion? Text or call our podcast info line at 330-439-0686!

🧠 Interested in supporting your mental and physical health? Explore more resources at our website.

💬 Share this episode with someone who could use a little extra compassion and understanding today!

Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.

All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/

Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Made to Be Whole, Krista Michener dives deep into the practical tools and benefits of tracking your symptoms to become a better advocate for your health. Discover why traditional memory can fail us, how to record your health changes effectively, and what modern (and classic) tools can help you see progress and partner better with healthcare providers. You'll learn about the power of the SYMPLE symptom tracker app, tips for succinct provider communication, and strategies to incorporate tracking into your daily routine—all centered on the theme of becoming whole through empowered health advocacy.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• Why consistent symptom tracking matters for both patients and providers
• How to use apps like SYMPLE for recording symptoms, photos, and health factors
• Best practices for preparing concise and relevant health summaries for medical appointments
• The importance of customizing symptom tracking to your needs and not striving for perfection
• Overcoming barriers to regular record-keeping and turning tracking into a sustainable habit
• Insights into how tracking helps illuminate progress—even when it feels slow

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• SYMPLE symptom tracker app (Apple App Store)
• AHPI Integrative Health
• Dirty Dozen produce list (for reducing pesticide exposure)

📱 Try out a new symptom tracking method this week—whether it's paper, the SYMPLE app, or another tool—and notice how it changes your perspective on your progress!

📝 Before your next provider visit, prepare a summary of key changes in your symptoms, medications, and questions you want answered to make the most of your appointment time.

💬 Share with us your favorite tools or strategies for keeping health records—your tip could help others on their journey to wholeness!

Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.

All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/

Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Made to Be Whole, Krista Michener offers a deep dive into comprehensive urine testing for mycotoxins, heavy metals, and environmental toxins. Drawing from personal experience and expert insight, Krista Michener unpacks why these advanced urine screenings are included in the Foundation’s package, how they reveal crucial health clues, and what steps listeners can take based on their results. She explores nuances like test selection, mold exposure sources, toxins in foods and the home, and the relevance of organic acid testing in understanding chronic symptoms. If you’re searching for answers about persistent health issues or want an actionable approach to chronic illness and toxic exposures, this episode is a must-listen.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• How urine testing for mycotoxins, heavy metals, and toxins supports chronic illness recovery
• The difference between Mosaic Diagnostics and Real-Time Labs urine tests—and why the comparison matters
• Understanding sources of mold exposure in the home, food, and environment
• Identifying symptoms and risks associated with mold, heavy metal, and pesticide exposure
• The role of organic acid testing in uncovering microbial imbalances, nutrient deficits, and toxin burdens
• What to do if you suspect environmental exposure: from moving to remediation and reducing risks
• Practical tips for minimizing exposure to parabens, plastics, glyphosates, and phthalates in daily life
• How to approach test results without overwhelm and use them to take concrete next steps towards health

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Mosaic Diagnostics (formerly Great Plains Labs)
• Real-Time Labs
• The Dirty Dozen produce list

📝 Feeling overwhelmed by test results? Start with the summary page and prioritize changes one step at a time!

🏡 Suspect mold or toxins at home? Consider a thorough inspection—ideally by companies who also check for asbestos—to protect your healing space.

🥕 Try swapping out your top foods from the Dirty Dozen list to reduce pesticide and glyphosate exposure in your diet.

Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.

All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/

Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Made to Be Whole, host Krista Michener dives into the challenges and emotional complexities of navigating the healthcare system, especially when facing chronic illness or lengthy medical journeys. Krista, drawing on both her professional experience and personal insights as a patient, shares practical tips and compassionate guidance on how to focus on healing, foster peaceful interactions, and resist letting illness define your identity. This episode emphasizes kindness, realistic expectations, and spiritual resilience, providing listeners with strategies to find hope and community even in the midst of medical adversity.

• Setting Realistic Expectations for Your Healthcare Providers
• Moving from Victimhood to Empowerment: Focusing on What You Can Control
• The Power of Kindness: Why Compassion in the Healthcare System Matters
• Responding to Systemic Dysfunction Without Anger or Bitterness
• Building a Community and Not Letting Illness Define Your Identity
• Minimizing Social Media Negativity and Protecting Your Mental Health
• Shifting Your Hope: Finding Spiritual and Emotional Anchors
• The Unique Gifts of Suffering: Connecting Through Shared Experiences
• The Benefits of Choosing Smaller/Rural Hospitals for Care
• How Genuine Gratitude Can Transform Your Healthcare Experience

• AHP Integrative Health Plasmapheresis Information & Scheduling
• For appointments or questions about plasmapheresis: 330-804-7000 or [email protected]

Reflect on your own healthcare journey and identify one way you can extend kindness or gratitude to a provider or fellow patient this week.

Ready to reclaim your mindset? Challenge yourself to avoid illness-based labels and instead focus on your core values and relationships.

Looking for hope and community? Visit AHP Integrative Health to access resources and connect with compassionate care.

Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.

All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/

Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode of Made to Be Whole dives into actionable patient advocacy tips and real-life experiences on navigating complex healthcare situations. The conversation focused on practical self-advocacy strategies for patients, including organizing appointments, handling specialist visits, effectively communicating with healthcare teams, and keeping expectations realistic. Listeners will gain insight into maximizing care, maintaining kindness and flexibility, and ensuring better health outcomes through empowered, informed participation in their own care journey.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• How to advocate for yourself in scheduling procedures and appointments
• The importance of flexibility and willingness to travel for timely healthcare
• Why kindness and creativity matter when working with healthcare staff
• Realistic expectations for providers’ time and roles during appointments
• Strategies for organizing your health information for efficient care
• The significance of bringing a support person or utilizing a coach
• Tips for effective communication and planning ahead with your provider
• The importance of not seeking emotional validation from medical specialists
• Practice policies on billing and how to make the most of time-based appointments

Take charge of your appointments: Start organizing your health information and reach out directly to schedule crucial procedures!

Show appreciation: Practice kindness and flexibility with healthcare staff to open doors and expedite care.

Prep for your next appointment: Write down your key concerns and bring a support person or coach to maximize each visit.

Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.

All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/

Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Made to Be Whole, Krista outlined some of the profound ways hormones influence energy, mood, and cognitive well-being. Unpacking foundational hormone education, the discussion explored why hormone imbalances can be at the root of chronic fatigue, mental health symptoms, and more. Listeners will learn about the interconnectedness of the endocrine system, reasons for hormone testing, and practical steps for seeking root causes rather than quick fixes. The episode emphasizes how understanding hormones can advance personal healing and wholeness.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• What Are Hormones? Understanding the Basics of the Endocrine System
• Why Energy, Mood, and Cognition Are Tied to Hormonal Health
• Key Hormones to Test First When Experiencing Fatigue or Mood Changes
• The Pitfalls of Focusing on Only One Hormone (like Thyroid or Adrenal Function)
• How Hormone Receptors and Genetics Affect Symptoms
• The Role of Sex Hormones in Men and Women’s Cognitive and Physical Health
• The Surprising Influence of Fat Tissue, the Gut, and Other Organs on Hormone Production
• How Specialized Testing Brings Clarity—Saliva, Blood, and DNA-Based Approaches
• Risks of Quick Medication Fixes for Mental Health Without Hormonal Assessment
• Personalized Approaches and the Importance of Compounding Pharmacies
• Practical Steps for Getting to the Root Cause of Hormonal Imbalance
• How to Advocate for Yourself When Seeking Answers to Energy and Mood Issues

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Compounding pharmacies and their role in custom hormone therapy
• GoodRx for affordable medication options: https://www.goodrx.com/
• Past episode on thyroid health

Have a question about hormones? Text or call the show’s info line at 330-439-0686 to get answers on a future episode!

Ready to uncover your root cause? Explore hormone and genetic testing options at https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/

Share your journey or episode suggestions—your question could inspire our next discussion!

Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.

All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/

Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Made To Be Whole, host Krista Michener dives deep into the multifaceted world of gut health, exploring what it really means to heal your gut—beyond just food choices and testing. Discover the pivotal role of micronutrient deficiencies, environmental exposures like mycotoxins, and the complexities of gluten sensitivity. Krista Michener walks you through how the “Foundations of Healing” package uncovers root causes, and shares insights on diet, hormone balance, mold, and why true wellness is always individualized. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating digestive issues, chronic gut symptoms, food sensitivities, or looking to understand holistic approaches in functional medicine.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• What gut health really means: looking beyond diet and traditional stool testing
• The essential role of micronutrients (B-vitamins, glutamine, zinc, and more) in digestive healing
• Understanding leaky gut: Causes, consequences, and why it’s not the root problem
• The power of advanced testing for uncovering hidden drivers of gut dysfunction
• How mold and mycotoxins impact the gut microbiome and overall health
• Separating fact from fiction around gluten, dairy, and “trigger foods”
• The importance of hormone balance in gut health and healing
• Personal stories of transformation: Navigating dietary changes and chronic symptoms
• Taking a practical, personalized approach to gut healing strategies

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• SpectraCell micronutrient testing (SpectraCell Labs Research Library)
• Orthomolecular Products: GlutaShield and InflammaCORE Vanilla Chai
• Immune Function Testing | Food Sensitivity+
• Environmental Toxins & Mycotoxin Testing (see Mosaic Diagnostics | Revealing the Complete Picture and RealTime Laboratories: Mycotoxin Mold Testing Kits for testing options)
• MicroGen and MicrobiologyDx nasal swab testing
• ACS Colloidal Silver Nasal Spray - https://www.resultsrna.com/acs-nasal-2/ 
• Journal references: Toxins 2020 https://www.mdpi.com/journal/toxins/issues & Microbiology Spectrum 2023 -https://journals.asm.org/loi/spectrum/group/d2020.y2023 

Curious about what's driving your gut symptoms? Explore our "Foundations of Healing" package and take the first step to get personalized answers and a holistic healing plan!

1. Not sure if gluten or dairy are right for you? Try a mindful elimination for a few weeks and tune in to how your body responds—then share your discoveries with our community!
2. Want to dig deeper into your own health story? Download our free resources and explore transformative testing options at AHPI Integrative Health.

Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.

All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/

Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Made to Be Whole, host Krista Michener dives deep into rare, often misdiagnosed causes of headaches, including compression syndromes, empty sella syndrome, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks. Krista shares her personal journey through challenging, persistent symptoms and offers crucial guidance on decoding your own lab results, effectively leveraging online resources, and finding the right healthcare providers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone struggling with complex, chronic headaches, positional symptoms, or elusive diagnoses. Krista reveals the pitfalls of relying solely on standard imaging, underscores the importance of patient advocacy, and delivers hope for those on the path to healing.

Topics discussed in this episode:

• How rare headache causes like compression syndromes and CSF leaks can be overlooked by standard medical protocols
• The importance of precise imaging orders and how qualitative vs. quantitative radiology reports affect diagnosis
• Recognizing and advocating through underdiagnosed conditions such as empty sella syndrome and intracranial hypotension
• Navigating patient-driven resources vs. traditional healthcare advice
• Tips for finding experienced specialists and avoiding the internet algorithm trap
• Why patient-driven foundations and support networks are vital for rare and chronic conditions
• The seven “medical sins” affecting diagnosis and care, according to Dr. Richard Asher’s classic framework
• Compassionate advice for self-advocacy and supporting chronically ill loved ones

Resources mentioned in this episode:

• Spinal CSF Leak Foundation
• Empty Sella Syndrome Overview
• Compression Syndromes Episode with Michelle

Feeling stuck with unresolved headaches? Share your story or topic suggestions by texting or calling our info line at 330-439-0686!

Advocate for your own healing: Review your lab results and seek multiple opinions if your symptoms don’t improve.

Connect with a community—join patient forums or reach out to foundations for the support and wisdom you need on your journey.

Stay tuned, and remember: You were made to be whole.

All resources mentioned on the show can be found at: https://ahpintegrativehealth.com/

Any references to any particular people, including family, have been shared with prior consent.

Transcripts and notes generated with Descript and Castmagic and then edited by human eyes and hands. Lightly edited and produced by BiCurean Consulting, BiCurean.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.