The Functional Fueling® Podcast

The Functional Fueling® Podcast

By Lauren PapanosHealth & FitnessNutrition
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The Functional Fueling® Podcast episodes

  • Episode 115: [The Lodown] Your Guide to Coming Off Birth Control: What to Expect & How to Support Your Hormones
    [The Lodown] Your Guide to Coming Off Birth Control: What to Expect & How to Support Your Hormones

     

    A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇

     

    Important show links 👇👇👇

    • Join waitlist for Inflammation Hormony now
    • Get your hormones tested with our DUTCH test- learn more about our hormone testing packages 
    • Follow me on Instagram
    • Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app
    • 27 min
    • Episode 114: Is It Really ADHD? Focus, Hormones & the Functional Medicine Lens with Christa Biegler, RD
      Is It Really ADHD? Focus, Hormones & the Functional Medicine Lens with Christa Biegler, RD

      In this episode of the Strength in Hormones podcast, we explore the deeper layers behind ADHD—beyond the common diagnosis and medication route. From neurotransmitters and hormones to micronutrients and brain inflammation, we dive into the functional root causes that often get missed. Whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD, suspect it, or just feel chronically unfocused and overwhelmed, this conversation breaks down what's really going on in the body and brain—and where to begin if you want a more holistic, hormone-informed approach to focus and mental clarity.

      A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇
      • What ADHD actually is and how it's typically diagnosed
      • The current treatment landscape and where it falls short
      • The role of the thyroid and adrenals in focus and attention
      • Nutrition and lifestyle approaches for ADHD
      • Nootropics and cognitive support options
      • Why addressing endocrine disruptors and stress play a role in ADHD management
      • Functional vs. conventional approaches to ADHD
      •  

        Important show links 👇👇👇

        • Join our Inflammation Hormony program today
        • Learn more about Christa's practice Less Stressed Life at www.christabiegler.com
        • Follow me on Instagram
        • Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app
        • 49 min
        • Episode 113: Keratosis Pilaris (Chicken Skin): Root Causes & Functional Solutions
          Keratosis Pilaris (Chicken Skin): Root Causes & Functional Solutions

          Keratosis Pilaris (KP) — often referred to as "chicken skin" — is more than a cosmetic issue. In this episode, we break down what KP really is, why it happens, and what it reveals about your internal health. You'll learn:

          • What causes those stubborn bumps on the back of your arms

          • The role of Vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and other key nutrients

          • How gut health and liver function impact your skin

          • Why KP may signal hormonal imbalances like low progesterone or thyroid dysfunction

          • Practical nutrition and lifestyle strategies to smooth your skin from the inside out 

            Important show links 👇👇👇

            • Listen to mentioned episodes with Danielle from ClearStem and leaky gut 
            • Learn more about our 1:1 coaching program
            • Download my Free Hormonal Inflammation Lab Decoder Guide
            • Follow me on Instagram
            • Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app
            • 29 min
            • Episode 112: Your Guide to Egg Quality & Egg Freezing: How to Prepare and Support Your Body for Fertility
              Your Guide to Egg Quality & Egg Freezing: How to Prepare and Support Your Body for Fertility

              In this episode of the Strength in Hormones Podcast, Lauren discusses the critical aspects of egg freezing and egg quality. She emphasizes the importance of hormonal balance, nutrition, and lifestyle choices in supporting egg quality as women age or prepare for egg freezing. The conversation covers the impact of the egg freezing process on hormones, the significance of liver health, the role of antioxidants, and the necessity of stress management for optimal reproductive health. Lauren provides actionable tips for women looking to improve their egg quality and navigate the egg freezing process effectively.

               

              A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇

              1. The role of sex and thyroid hormones in egg quality

              2. Diet and lifestyle's impact on egg quality

              4. How DHEA supplementation can improve ovarian response in women 35+

              5. The role of antioxidants and which ones for egg quality.

              6. Nutrition and lifestyle strategies to support your body before, during and after the egg freezing process.

               

              Important show links 👇👇👇

              • Join the Inflammation Hormony program  to learn how to optimize your mineral levels through food, beverages and supplementation
              • Follow me on Instagram
              • Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app
              • 34 min
              • Episode 111: Case Study: How She Healed From Mold, Recovered Her Thyroid & Progesterone Levels
                Case Study: How She Healed From Mold, Recovered Her Thyroid & Progesterone Levels

                In this powerful case study, I’m walking you through this client's transformation — from severe bloating, brain fog, and fatigue to finally achieving regular, ovulatory cycles and reclaiming her energy.

                After years of loose stools, hair loss, sinus inflammation, and dependence on caffeine just to function, she discovered that her body was battling deep-rooted mold toxicity, adrenal burnout, and hormone disruption.

                We’ll explore the exact functional labs that revealed what her previous functional labs missed, the 10-step roadmap we used to rebuild her gut, hormones, and mitochondria, and the tools that made the difference when nothing else worked.

                Whether you’re dealing with unresolved gut symptoms, chronic fatigue, or thyroid and hormonal  imbalances, this episode gives you real answers — and real hope.

                A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇

                1. The real reason behind her bloating, diarrhea, acne and chronic fatigue

                2. How mycotoxins like ochratoxin and citrinin were impacting her mitochondria, thyroid, progesterone levels, and skin
                3. The surprising connection between low DHEA, low vitamin levels, and hair loss
                4. Why comprehensive blood work, adrenal testing and GI MAP testing were key to uncovering hidden infections and hormonal imbalances
                5. The importance of phased treatment — from binding and elimination to hormonal rebuilding
                6. How we supported ovulation naturally in a woman with anovulatory, short cycles
                7. Why topical antifungals, colostrum, and liver support came before probiotics
                8. What labs showed when her ferritin, progesterone, and estrogen were tanked — and how we brought them back
                9. How she finally got to a regular 29-day cycle with ovulation after years of irregularity
                10. Tools like herbs, sauna, and lymphatic drainage that made all the difference

                Important show links 👇👇👇

                • Learn more about our 1:1 program
                • Follow me on Instagram
                • Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app
                • 29 min
                • Episode 110: [The LOdown] The Hormonal Link to High Cholesterol
                  [The LOdown] The Hormonal Link to High Cholesterol

                  What if your high cholesterol isn’t just about your diet—but about your hormones?

                  In this episode, we explore the surprising hormonal connections behind elevated cholesterol levels. You’ll learn why your liver—not your lunch—is responsible for the majority of your cholesterol, and how thyroid, estrogen, cortisol, insulin, and progesterone all influence cholesterol production, clearance, and conversion in profound ways.

                  In this episode we cover:

                  • Why low thyroid function leads to higher cholesterol (and the history of thyroid meds as cholesterol-lowering therapy)

                  • How sluggish liver detox and reduced bile flow impair cholesterol clearance and ultimately, cholesterol levels

                  • The role of estrogen in boosting HDL and lowering lipoprotein(a)

                  • How cortisol and insulin resistance fuel harmful LDL subtypes and triglycerides

                  • Why progesterone (and mitochondrial health) matter for cholesterol utilization and bile flow

                    This is a must-listen if you have ever been told to "just eat less eggs"—but your labs still tell a different story. Tune in to understand the deeper hormonal roots of lipid imbalances and what it means for long-term metabolic and cardiovascular health.

                     

                    Important show links 👇👇👇

                    • Join our 1:1 coaching waitlist
                    • Follow me on Instagram
                    • Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app
                    • 23 min
                    • Episode 109: [The LOdown] [The LOdown] Your Guide to Electrolytes (for the Adrenals, Thyroid, Pregnancy & Breastfeeding)
                      [The LOdown] Your Guide to Electrolytes (for the Adrenals, Thyroid, Pregnancy & Breastfeeding)

                      In this episode, Lauren dives into the essential—but often overlooked—role of electrolytes in hormone health and daily function. From stress to sweat to pregnancy, your body’s need for key minerals like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium shifts constantly. Lauren breaks down how hormones such as cortisol and thyroid hormones affect your electrolyte balance—and why women, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, need to pay closer attention. Whether you're navigating high stress, training hard, or simply aiming for more energy and better health, this episode gives you the tools to personalize your electrolyte strategy.

                      A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇

                      • What electrolytes are and why you need them
                      • How cortisol and stress impacts fluid retention and mineral balance.
                      • How and why electrolyte needs increase during pregnancy and breastfeeding
                      • A deep dive into the key electrolytes: how much you need, sources and hormonal considerations
                      • An overview of the different types of magnesium and when to use which one
                      • The types of lab testing that can reveal mineral imbalances
                      • The circadian rhythm response of electrolytes and which ones you need at specific times of day
                      • The connection between electrolytes and overnight waking
                      • Important show links 👇👇👇

                        • Join the Inflammation Hormony program  to learn how to optimize your mineral levels through food, beverages and supplementation
                        • Follow me on Instagram
                        • Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app
                        • 49 min
                        • Episode 108: [The LOdown] Cycle Syncing with Imbalanced Hormones
                          [The LOdown] Cycle Syncing with Imbalanced Hormones

                          In this episode of the Strength in Hormones podcast, Lauren discusses the complexities of cycle syncing for women with hormonal imbalances. She emphasizes the importance of understanding individual cycles, particularly for those who do not have a regular 28-day cycle. The conversation covers various aspects of hormonal health, including ovulation, stress management, thyroid support, and dietary adjustments to alleviate symptoms like PMS and histamine reactions. Lauren provides practical advice on how to adapt cycle syncing strategies to better suit individual hormonal needs, ultimately aiming to empower women to take control of their health.

                          A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇

                          • How cycle syncing is often based on the assumption of a regular cycle, however, many women experience hormonal imbalances that affect ovulation.
                          • The role of management of stressors in cycle regularity
                          • How to adjust exercise intensity to support ovulation
                          • How your cycle changes influence histamine reactions and how to manage this
                          • How to cycle sync to navigate PMS symptoms, as well as cyclical BV and yeast infections
                          • The different types of irregular cycles and how to cycle sync with nutrition and workouts accordingly to improve hormones
                          • Important show links 👇👇👇

                            • Get your hormones tested with our DUTCH test- learn more about our hormone testing packages. Use code 'may20' for 20% off through 5/31/25.
                            • Listen to previous episode on Bacterial Vaginosis, Yeast Infections and the Vaginal Microbiome to Hormone Connection
                            • Follow me on Instagram
                            • Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app
                            • 30 min
                            • Episode 107: Why Muscle is Key to Healthier Bones & Metabolic Health in Menopause w/ Dr. Cecily Havert

                              As women move through perimenopause and menopause, the hormonal landscape shifts dramatically—and so does the way the body holds onto muscle and bone. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Cecily Havert of Northern Virginia Family Practice, to break down what happens to muscle mass, metabolism, and body composition in midlife, and why resistance training is your best ally.

                              A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇

                              • The average rate of muscle loss per year and per decade as we age

                              • How hormonal shifts—especially estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—affect muscle maintenance and strength

                              • The critical role estrogen plays in preserving lean muscle and supporting bone density

                              • Why declining hormones also increase the risk for bone loss and fractures

                              • How muscle mass impacts metabolism and insulin sensitivity during and after menopause

                              • Why so many women notice changes in waist circumference in midlife (hint: it’s not just about calories)

                              • The connection between lean muscle and stronger bones—and how to build both

                              • Resistance training vs. weight-bearing cardio: which is best for bone and muscle health post-menopause?

                              • Actionable strategies to maintain strength, improve body composition, and protect long-term health

                                Important show links 👇👇👇

                                •  Learn more about our Strength in Hormones Workout Program - join with a 7 day free trial
                                • Work with Dr. Havert at https://nvafamilypractice.com/
                                • Follow me on Instagram
                                • Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app
                                • 46 min
                                • Episode 106: [The LOdown] Postpartum Thyroiditis
                                  [The LOdown] Postpartum Thyroiditis

                                  Postpartum thyroiditis is one of the most overlooked conditions affecting new moms—and it can leave you feeling anxious, exhausted, and completely out of sync with your body. In this episode, we unpack what postpartum thyroiditis is, why it often goes undiagnosed, and how it differs from other thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s. You'll learn about the immune system shifts during and after pregnancy, the phases of thyroid dysfunction, and the labs, nutrients, and lifestyle strategies that support healing. I’ll also share my own postpartum experience and the key things I wish more women knew ahead of time. Whether you're a new mom or planning a pregnancy this is a must-listen.

                                   

                                  A few things we chat about in this episode 👇👇👇

                                  • What is Postpartum Thyroiditis

                                  • Why It Happens and the Immune System Rebound

                                  • The Two Distinct Phases of the Thyroid Changes

                                  • Risk Factors & Labs

                                  • Nutritional & Lifestyle Support

                                  • My Personal Postpartum Stress Management Recommendations

                                     

                                    Important show links 👇👇👇

                                    • Download Hormonal Inflammation Lab Decoder
                                    • Listen to mentioned Episodes
                                      • My Labor and Post Partum Experience
                                      • My Labor & Post Partum Plan
                                      • Leaky Gut with Abby Hueber 
                                      • Learn more about our Inflammation Harmony Program and Lab Testing Options
                                      • Purchase our Gut Soothe Formula
                                      • Follow me on Instagram
                                      • Rate the show! Please give us a 5 star rating in your podcast app
                                      • 32 min

                                      About The Functional Fueling® Podcast

                                      From the publisher's feed

                                      The Functional Fueling® Podcast is hosted by expert Functional Registered Dietitian and hormone specialist, Lauren Papanos. Join us every Wednesday for a brand new LOdown with Lo solo episode or…

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