How does stress impact your hormone health, and what can you do about it? In this episode of Quiet the Diet, Michelle is joined by close friend and colleague, Jillian Greaves, to discuss the intricacies of functional medicine, with a particular focus on functional lab tests like DUTCH and GI-MAP testing.

Tune in to hear:

• What the differences are between conventional and functional lab tests, including the comprehensive insights provided by functional testing [10:41]
• The controversy around the scientific validation of functional lab tests and their utility in identifying underlying health issues [13:29]
• Insight into why functional testing is so important to detecting hormone imbalances, and how they can be addressed [26:23]
• The lifecycle of estrogen in a woman’s body and the significance of estrogen metabolites [28:29]
• How stress affects hormone production and balance, and the importance of addressing stress in functional medicine [35:05]
• What to look at on a DUTCH test when interpreting cortisol levels and their implications [41:20]
• How cortisol is detoxified in the body, and how it’s different from estrogen detoxification [45:46]
• Combining DUTCH and GI-MAP test results can provide a comprehensive view of a client’s health, particularly in understanding stress and gut health connections [54:41]

Watch the full episode on Youtube

This episode is sponsored by Paleo Valley. Use code QTD to get 15% off your first order.

Join the waitlist for our new practitioner program


Connect with Jillian:

IG: @jilliangreavesrd

Website: https://jilliangreaves.com/

Quiet the Diet Podcast Page

Follow the pod on IG 

Episode Page (with full transcript!)  


Work with Michelle: 

Apply to work with a functional Registered Dietitian at MSN LLC

Join our holistic anxiety program

Learn more about the practice

Free Resources: 

Get started with any of our free guides

Sign up for the Newsletter

Join our FREE membership community!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow Michelle on IG

What if understanding your trauma could unlock a new path to better health? In this episode, Michelle hosts Tim Frie to discuss the profound impact of trauma on health, particularly its biochemical implications and the intersection of trauma with nutrition.

Tune in to hear:

• Understanding the fragmented nature of discussions about trauma online, touching on both biological and psychological aspects [9:17]
• What trauma means in the context of this conversation and how Tim uses it as a part of his work [10:09]
• Why trauma is relevant to the field of nutrition, highlighting the biochemical pathways affected by trauma that are dependent on nutrients [12:42]
• What the ACE survey is and how it’s used to understand the long-term health impacts of childhood trauma [14:52]
• The correlation between ACE scores and chronic health conditions like depression and autoimmune diseases [17:42]
• How trauma affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and its impact on various bodily functions [25:55]
• How trauma-induced chronic inflammation leads to systemic health issues, and the role of cytokines [36:26]
• The concept of transgenerational trauma and how trauma can lead to genetic changes passed down through generations [40:02]
• An explanation of the cell danger response and its role in chronic disease, including systemic inflammation and immune dysregulation [44:11]
• The importance of creating a sense of safety in the body and how it influences healing and health. [47:45]
• Key nutrients and dietary strategies to support individuals dealing with trauma, focusing on antioxidants, B vitamins, gut health, and amino acids [50:27]
• The value of a safe and supportive relationship between nutritionists and clients as a critical component of healing from trauma [01:01:35]

Watch the full episode on Youtube

Connect with Tim:

IG: @nutritionfortrauma

Apply to work with Tim 1:1

Quiet the Diet Podcast Page

Follow the pod on IG 

Episode Page (with full transcript!)  


Work with Michelle: 

Apply to work with a functional Registered Dietitian at MSN LLC

Join our holistic anxiety program

Learn more about the practice

Free Resources: 

Get started with any of our free guides

Sign up for the Newsletter

Join our FREE membership community!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow Michelle on IG

How do we bridge the world of body positivity and functional nutrition? In this episode, Michelle and Nicki tackle the complex and controversial relationship between diet culture, disordered eating, and functional nutrition.

You'll hear:

• How labeling weight loss behaviors as diet culture can hinder starting healthy changes [8:07]
• Social media’s role in driving fear of disordered eating from health behaviors [11:12]
• The demonization of diet culture and health behaviors benefits processed food companies [12:55]
• How in our current food system it has become harder to naturally consume healthier foods and requires more intention to make healthy choices [18:08]
• Understanding adaptive thermogenesis and debunking the starvation mode myth in weight loss and metabolism [25:53]
• The importance of tuning in to what we believe is best for our body when making decisions vs what we are seeing online [32:53]
• The challenge of balancing food cravings and health goals [39:15]
• There is a way to be compassionate and still push yourself towards habit changes that improve your well being [43:38]
• Nicki's own journey overcoming disordered eating and how utilizing systems like macros can be helpful vs harmful [44:30]
• Is it possible to have mild calorie deficits without having a restrictive mindset? [47:44]
• Recognizing our own personal triggers and assessing while avoiding fear-driven decisions [55:06]
• Strategies for balancing intention and practicality in a weight loss journey while prioritizing tuning in to our intuition [57:03]

Just Start Somewhere: https://www.quietthediet.com/just-start-somewhere

Watch the full episode on the Quiet The Diet Youtube Channel

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Inside Tracker: Save 20% on all of inside Tracker's plans

Podcast Links: 

Join the Highly Sensitive Body™ Hub

Quiet the Diet Podcast Page

Follow the pod on IG 

Episode Page (with full transcript!)  


Work with Michelle: 

Apply to work with a functional Registered Dietitian at MSN LLC

Join our holistic anxiety program

Learn more about the practice

Free Resources: 

Get started with any of our free guides

Sign up for the Newsletter

Join our FREE membership community!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow Michelle on IG

Managing dizziness starts with understanding its root causes. Taylor Goldberg, a chiropractor turned hypermobility coach, joins Michelle to explore different causes of dizziness, its impact on daily life, and practical solutions for managing and alleviating symptoms.

Tune in to hear:

• Understanding the distinction between vertigo and other types of dizziness [8:18]
• Key symptoms of peripheral vertigo versus central dizziness and the role of the vestibular system  [9:46]
• Dizziness in hypermobility and related conditions like MCAS and POTS [11:45]
• What is proprioception and how it affects dizziness and balance [14:29]
• Strategies to improve proprioception at home [16:33]
• The connection between vision issues and dizziness [24:26]
• Techniques to manage dizziness through non-reactivity. [30:40]
• Common triggers and warning signs of dizziness [33:03]
• Impact of histamines and mast cells on dizziness [36:20]
• Different types of POTS and their relation to dizziness [41:10]
• Practical tips for using compression and positioning to alleviate symptoms [45:15]
• Importance of understanding your body's signals and triggers [46:20]

Watch the full episode on the Quiet The Diet Youtube Channel

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Nerva:  Get a free 7 day trial of Nerva 

Inside Tracker: Save 20% on all of inside Tracker's plans

Connect with Taylor:

Website: https://thehypermobilechiro.com/ 

Instagram: @thehypermobilechiro

Podcast Links: 

Join the Highly Sensitive Body™ Hub

Quiet the Diet Podcast Page

Follow the pod on IG 

Episode Page (with full transcript!)  


Work with Michelle: 

Apply to work with a functional Registered Dietitian at MSN LLC

Join our holistic anxiety program

Learn more about the practice

Free Resources: 

Get started with any of our free guides

Sign up for the Newsletter

Join our FREE membership community!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow Michelle on IG

Have you ever wished testing existed that could give you insight on how to live a longer, healthier life?  Dr. Gil Blander, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Inside Tracker, joins Michelle to discuss the impact of genetics and lifestyle on longevity, and how we can optimize our health through targeted testing and interventions.

Tune in to hear:

• How a personal loss at age twelve sparked Dr. Blander’s interest in studying the aging process and longevity [3:13]
• The importance of studying and focusing on healthspan over lifespan in order to improve the quality of life in later years [5:15]
• Why we need personalized nutrition plans over one-size-fits-all diets for optimal health [7:52]
• The critical role of blood biomarkers in creating personalized health strategies [9:36]
• The difference between functional and conventional lab ranges for better health insights [16:20]
• The common fear of abnormal lab results and why it is so important to look at the whole picture [18:41]
• Using LDL as a biomarker for cardiovascular health and what might actually be a better marker [23:11]
• The significance of early detection and prevention to increase your healthspan [26:25]
• The importance of insulin and ferritin as underutilized but essential biomarkers [31:48]
• How genetics and lifestyle choices work together in determining longevity [42:04]
• Practical steps to start using InsideTracker for personalized health monitoring [45:22]
• The critical role of muscle strength and balance in maintaining longevity and preventing falls [51:58]

Watch the full episode on the Quiet The Diet Youtube Channel

Connect with Dr. Blander:

Instagram: @gilblander

Inside Tracker: Save 20% on all of inside Tracker's plans

Podcast Links: 

Join the Highly Sensitive Body™ Hub

Quiet the Diet Podcast Page

Follow the pod on IG 

Episode Page (with full transcript!)  


Work with Michelle: 

Apply to work with a functional Registered Dietitian at MSN LLC

Join our holistic anxiety program

Learn more about the practice

Free Resources: 

Get started with any of our free guides

Sign up for the Newsletter

Join our FREE membership community!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow Michelle on IG

Are your daily habits undermining your health? Ever wondered if your detox routine might actually be harmful or questioned the effectiveness of your supplements? Dr. John Kim, a functional medicine pharmacist and advocate for holistic health, joins Michelle to discuss how detox, drainage, and addressing environmental impacts can lead to optimal health.

Tune in to hear:

• Dr. Kim's transition from traditional to functional medicine, particularly in the area of hormone therapy [4:28]
• The pitfalls of over-relying on medication to manage health conditions without considering lifestyle factors like diet, sleep, and stress [8:48]
• The role of the liver, kidneys, skin, and bowels in detoxification [16:17]
• Insights on effective detox practices and the principles of drainage [18:33]
• The significance of cellular health and the need for proper fatty acid balance [22:21]
• How over supplementation of vitamin D can cause inflammation [33:04]
• Do you really need a parasite cleanse? [35:50]
• What to do if you suspect mold in your home [42:52]
• Things you can do now to support effective detox and drainage [49:51]
• Encouragement to not overcomplicate our approaches to health and focus on the basics [58:52]

Watch the full episode on the Quiet The Diet Youtube Channel


Connect with Dr. John Kim:

Book a session with Dr. Kim (special discount for QTD listeners)

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.john.pharmd/ 

Website: https://drkimwellness.com/ 

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Inside Tracker: Save 20% on all of inside Tracker's plans

Podcast Links: 

Join the Highly Sensitive Body™ Hub

Quiet the Diet Podcast Page

Follow the pod on IG 

Episode Page (with full transcript!)  


Work with Michelle: 

Apply to work with a functional Registered Dietitian at MSN LLC

Join our holistic anxiety program

Learn more about the practice

Free Resources: 

Get started with any of our free guides

Sign up for the Newsletter

Join our FREE membership community!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow Michelle on IG

Feeling stuck in fight or flight? Do you struggle with managing stress in your daily life? Can somatic practices really transform your mental health? Christine Coen, movement coach and holistic dietitian, joins Michelle to discuss how learning to connect with your body not only helps in coping with immediate stress but also enhances long-term emotional resilience.

Tune in to hear:

• Christine's transition from a conventional dietitian to a holistic practitioner focusing on stress management and mental health [4:09]
• The pivotal role of movement in overcoming mental health struggles and its profound impact on Christine's life [7:24]
• The importance of self-advocacy and intuition in healing [9:24]
• The significance of recognizing stress as a tangible factor in health rather than just an ambiguous concept [10:11]
• Exploring the nervous system's response to our environment and the foundational role of feeling safe in our health [14:44]
• What embodiment means and how it can reduce anxiety and depression symptoms in the longterm [25:26]
• Common misconceptions about cortisol and what high and low cortisol can look like [31:10]
• The connection between cortisol and our nervous system [28:02]
• How cortisol interfaces with other hormones like insulin, thyroid, and sex hormones [39:54]
• How leaning into our stress responses such as fight, flight, freeze and shut down can help us move through them [43:15]
• Practical somatic practices that can be integrated into daily life to help manage stress and anxiety. [47:20]
• Christine's insights on shifting from external validations to trusting one’s intuition and inner guidance in life decisions. [56:15]
• Strategies for nurturing a positive mental state and the importance of embodying feelings of safety and joy. [1:00:02]
• Michelle’s favorite somatic tool [1:07:35]

Watch the full episode on the Quiet The Diet Youtube Channel

Christines’s Resources:
Instagram: @christine.coen
Join the Somatic Serenity Reset

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Nerva:  Get a free 7 day trial of Nerva

Podcast Links: 

Join the Highly Sensitive Body™ Hub

Quiet the Diet Podcast Page

Follow the pod on IG 

Episode Page (with full transcript!)  

Work with Michelle: 

Apply to work with a functional Registered Dietitian at MSN LLC

Join our holistic anxiety program

Learn more about the practice

Free Resources: 

Get started with any of our free guides
Sign up for the Newsletter
Join our FREE membership community!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow Michelle on IG

Join the Highly Sensitive Body™ Hub today

This may be the most vulnerable episode of Quiet the Diet yet. Michelle is sharing her own story of living in a highly sensitive body and navigating mystery symptoms that left her searching for answers after the typical treatment protocols not only didn't work but made things worse. If you've ever felt hopeless when it comes to your health and feel like you're in an information blackout trying to find answers, this episode is for you. 

Tune in to hear:

• Michelle's personal experience navigating mystery symptoms and new health challenges [9:57]
• Healing from mold illness and trying to understand her body's adverse reaction to detox protocols [12:59]
• How a chiropractic adjustment landed her in the ER [16:35]
• Connecting the dots between POTS, MCAS, and Hypermobility [21:14]
• The power of taking radical responsibility for our health [28:25]
• Understanding the triggers of conditions like MCAS [37:56]
• What does it mean to live in a highly sensitive body [41:18]

Watch the full episode on the Quiet The Diet Youtube Channel

Join the Highly Sensitive Body™ Hub today

Podcast Links: 

Quiet the Diet Podcast Page

Follow the pod on IG 

Episode Page (with full transcript!)  

Work with Michelle: 

Apply to work with a functional Registered Dietitian at MSN LLC

Join our holistic anxiety program

Learn more about the practice

Free Resources: 

Get started with any of our free guides
Sign up for the Newsletter
Join our FREE membership community!

Connect with Michelle:
Follow Michelle on IG

A radical overhaul is needed in the dietetics field. Shyla Cadogan, RD, LDN, a recent University of Maryland graduate and fresh dietitian joins Michelle to discuss the evolving role of dietitians in public and digital spaces, challenging the normalization of processed foods, and the importance of a balanced, individualized approach to nutrition.

Tune in to hear:

• Shyla's education journey in dietetics and her personal evolution away from veganism [6:16]
• Why nutrition information can be so confusing for the average consumer [17:48]
• Are dietitians promoting evidence based guidance or just opinions based on their personal experience? [18:35]
• Examination of diet culture vs. anti-diet culture and their impacts on nutrition professionals and clients [20:14]
• The role of personal experiences in shaping dietitians’ professional perspectives and biases [24:07]
• How food freedom messaging can do a disservice to those with chronic illness [26:09]
• Is teaching intuitive eating in the scope for dietitians or psychologists? [27:52]
• The influence of clinical settings on dietetic practice [39:11]
• Exploration of food accessibility, socioeconomic factors, and their influence on dietary choices [48:13]
• The impact of food marketing and corporate interests on dietary recommendations and public health [55:02]
• Why it’s imperative for dietitians to consistently expand and continue their education  [58:13]
• The potential harms of nutrition recommendations on social media based on subjective experience [59:34]
• Shyla and Michelle’s number one controversial nutrition opinions [1:05:06]

Watch the full episode on the Quiet The Diet Youtube Channel

Shyla's Resources:

Join Shyla’s upcoming webinar
IG: @healthyshyla

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Inside Tracker: Save 20% on all of inside Tracker's plans

Podcast Links: 

Quiet the Diet Podcast Page

Follow the pod on IG 

Episode Page (with full transcript!)  

Work with Michelle: 

Apply to work with a functional Registered Dietitian at MSN LLC

Join our holistic anxiety program

Learn more about the practice

Free Resources: 

Get started with any of our free guides
Sign up for the Newsletter
Join our FREE membership community!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow Michelle on IG

Can hypnotherapy really alter the physical sensations in your gut? Claire Hall, research lead at Mindset Health, joins Michelle to discuss gut-directed hypnotherapy for those with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and how their app, Nerva, provides an innovative mangement option that's challenging traditional dietary restrictions and shaping the future of gut health management.

We discuss:

• What is gut-directed hypnotherapy and its distinction from “stage” hypnosis [1:33]
• IBS as a diagnosis of exclusion and its clinical definition using the Rome IV criteria [4:01]
• The biopsychosocial model of IBS, incorporating genetics, psychological factors, and early life experiences. [4:47]
• Comparison of hypnotherapy's effectiveness with other treatments such as the low FODMAP diet [13:22]
• The role of relaxation in managing IBS symptoms through hypnotherapy [15:28]
• The bi-directional relationship between the brain and the gut via the vagus nerve [16:23]
• How Nerva was developed and its focus on clinical trials and retrospective research [33:33]
• Potential expansion of hypnotherapy applications to other GI disorders and chronic pain [40:32]
• Success stories and patient feedback on using Nerva for IBS management. [43:03]
• The role of education in changing the conversation around IBS and its management [46:42]

Watch the full episode on the Quiet The Diet Youtube Channel

Thank you to our episode sponsors:

Nerva:  Get a free 7 day trial of Nerva

Podcast Links: 

Quiet the Diet Podcast Page

Follow the pod on IG 

Episode Page (with full transcript!)  

Work with Michelle: 

Apply to work with a functional Registered Dietitian at MSN LLC

Join our holistic anxiety program

Learn more about the practice

Free Resources: 

Get started with any of our free guides
Sign up for the Newsletter
Join our FREE membership community!

Connect with Michelle:

Follow Michelle on IG