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Feeling stuck with “normal” labs and lingering symptoms? We sat down with functional nurse practitioner Laurie Love to unpack how a root-cause, systems approach can turn the tide on chronic illness—and why small, consistent changes beat quick fixes every time. Laurie  shares her journey from ICU nursing and conventional primary care to functional medicine, where the focus shifts from diagnosing and matching a pill to building health so disease has less room to thrive.

Together, we explore the stark rise in preventable chronic disease and what that means for families, especially children facing metabolic risks far too early. Laurie breaks down the differences between acute care—where conventional medicine shines—and the complex reality of long-term conditions like diabetes, hypertension, fatigue, and autoimmune issues. You’ll hear how functional medicine personalizes care through detailed life timelines, from birth history to stress patterns and environmental exposures, then uses data to target the real drivers: gut health, micronutrient status, hormones, mitochondria, sleep, and stress.

We dive into labs with a fresh lens, explaining why “optimal” beats “average” and which foundational tests reveal the most without getting lost in expensive rabbit holes. Expect practical, doable steps you can start today: eat closer to how our grandparents did, protect sleep like medicine, get morning light, move daily, lift a bit heavier, breathe on purpose, and spend time outside. These keystones create momentum that supplements and medications can’t match alone.

If you’re ready to swap symptom-chasing for health-building—and want a clear roadmap to feel better for good—this conversation offers concrete next steps and vetted resources, including how to find certified functional medicine providers at IFM. Subscribe, share this with someone who needs hope, and leave a quick review to help more people discover the show. Then tell us: what one habit will you change first?

CONNECT WITH LAURIE:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/protecthealthpreventillness

www.compassionatehealthcareonline.com

https://www.ifm.org/

CONNECT WITH SHELLY:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wellnesswithshellyj https://www.instagram.com/momswhoflourish
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShellyJefferis

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High quality, clean nutrition and beauty products: https://shellyjefferis.isagenix

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Cayla Gray- Non-toxic cologne & perfume: https://caylagray.com/wellnesswithshellyj (10% discount)

JuJu Non-toxic candles & air fresheners:
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Coupon code for 10% off: ShellyJefferis

Thank you for listening to the Words of Wellness podcast with Shelly Jefferis. I am honored and so grateful to have you here and it would mean the world to me if you could take a minute to follow, leave a 5-star review and share the podcast with anyone you love and anyone you feel could benefit from the message.

Thank you and God Bless! And remember to do something for yourself, for your wellness on this day!
In Health,

Shelly