If you’ve ever felt frustrated or confused about your fertility journey, you’re not alone. In this episode, Erin is talking to our lead practitioner Rachel Heintz, MS, RDN, to break down the key factors that influence female fertility beyond just age and ovulation. They dives into how stress, gut health, and nutrient deficiencies can all play a role, and what you can do to optimize your chances of conception naturally.

You’ll also learn the biggest misconceptions about fertility, how to recognize the signs your body is sending, and practical strategies to support hormone balance. Whether you’re actively trying to conceive or just want to better understand your reproductive health, this episode is packed with insights.

In This Episode:

• (04:52) The importance of hormones in female fertility
• (08:11) How stress and lack of ovulation can affect the menstrual cycle
• (09:15) The role of melatonin as a powerful antioxidant that protects egg cells
• (16:07) The impact of gut health on hormonal balance and fertility
• (24:02) Rachel shares her favorite supplements for supporting mitochondrial health, like CoQ10 and NAC
• (29:42) A comprehensive starting point for foundational labs and lifestyle changes to support your fertility journey

FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: 

https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/354-fertility-journey

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If you've ever felt imposter syndrome or self-doubt creeping in before taking a big leap, you're not alone. In this episode, Erin shares her real-time experience of navigating fear and uncertainty before leading a major training. She breaks down how high achievers—whether entrepreneurs, practitioners, or anyone pushing their limits—can reframe fear as a sign of growth rather than a setback. You'll learn how to identify limiting beliefs, recognize emotional triggers, and take action despite self-doubt. Plus, Erin shares the #1 subconscious growth limiter that most people don’t even realize is holding them back.

This episode also includes insights from a live call with FNA students and grads, diving deep into the mindset shifts needed to build confidence, make bold decisions, and grow both personally and professionally. If you've ever asked yourself, Can I really do this?, Erin gives you the tools and real-life examples to prove that you can—and why betting on yourself is the key to success.

In This Episode:

• (07:14) Imposter Syndrome Among FNA Applicants
• (12:35) Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
• (17:40) Embracing Challenges in New Ventures
• (20:01) Yin and Yang: Emotional vs. Logical
• (25:47) Embracing Triggers for Growth
• (28:39) Handling Growth Challenges

FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: 

https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/353-triggers-growth-and-confidence

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If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, felt like you’re not qualified, or doubted whether you’re truly “ready” for the next step in your career or personal growth, this episode is for you.

Here’s the truth: Feeling like an imposter is often a sign of growth—not failure.

In this episode, I break down:

• What imposter syndrome is and why it happens (especially to high-achievers).
• Why imposter syndrome never fully goes away—and how to manage it when it shows up.
• How your brain is wired for survival, not success, and why this creates self-doubt.
• A simple mindset shift to stop fear from holding you back.
• A powerful journaling exercise (from Existential Kink by Carolyn Elliott, PhD) to identify and overcome subconscious fears.
• How taking action helps rewire your brain to build confidence and resilience.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in self-doubt, you’re not alone. Most high-achievers, entrepreneurs, and practitioners experience imposter syndrome at some point. In fact, most of the practitioners who have graduated from The Funk’tional Nutrition Academy (FNA) started in that exact place. The good news? You can train your mind to work for you, not against you.

🎧 Tune in now to learn how to reframe self-doubt and step into the next level of your growth with confidence!

In This Episode:

(01:35) Embrace Imposter Syndrome for Growth

(06:15) Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Tools

(12:49) Balancing Excitement and Anxiety

(15:21) "Mixing Excitement with Safety"

(19:07) Overcoming Self-Doubt with Positivity

(22:14) Uncover Subconscious Fears Exercise

(25:03) Fear of Success and Exposure

(30:33) Reframing Negativity: Embrace Positivity

(35:47) Overcoming Self Doubt

FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: 

https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/352-imposter-syndrome-in-high-achievers

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In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the essential role of fascia and lymphatics in our health, and why these systems are vital for healing. Whether you're dealing with sports injuries, low back pain, chronic pain, digestive issues, or even tension headaches, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss.

I’m joined by Tiffany Cruikshank, founder of Yoga Medicine, a transformative online membership that goes beyond just yoga classes. Tiffany’s expertise spans over 15 years in the wellness space, from her early studies in premed and Chinese medicine to her specialization in sports medicine, acupuncture at Nike HQ, and her recent focus on fertility and women’s health.

What we cover in this episode:

• Fascia & Why It Matters: Learn why the fascial system is essential for overall health, how it impacts pain, mobility, and recovery, and why we need to treat our fascia to support overall well-being.
• Myofascial Release (MFR) to Support Your Nervous System and Body: Tiffany explains how Myofascial Release (MFR) can be an effective adjunct therapy to support the nervous system, relieve pain, and improve mobility. She also shares practical insights on how to do MFR at home as a tool for self-care and injury prevention.
• Lymphatics, Glymphatics & Brain Health: We discuss the fascinating connection between the lymphatic system, glymphatics, and brain health. Tiffany emphasizes the importance of considering lymph for anything related to immune health, especially in the context of autoimmunity and immune system dysregulation.
• Aging and Wellness: As two women who have been in the wellness space for decades, Tiffany and I have an unplanned but heartfelt discussion about aging. We explore how we can reframe the aging body, particularly from the lens of Chinese Medicine, and Tiffany offers her perspective on Chinese Medicine’s view on perimenopause and how it makes sense of the female reproductive system.

Tiffany will also be teaching an upcoming masterclass at the Funk’tional Nutrition Academy (FNA), which is currently open for enrollment. If you’re a practitioner looking for a comprehensive, holistic approach to client care, this is the program for you.

In This Episode:

(02:00) Exploring Fascia and Lymph Health

(08:46) Yoga Medicine: Purpose-Driven Practices

(12:46) Fascia's Response to Emotional Input

(17:47) Hyaluronan Aggregation and Mobility Issues

(24:30) Enhancing Proprioception: Yoga vs. MFR

(34:28) Fascia Care: Quick, Impactful Techniques

(41:12) Thoracic Pump and Pressure Dynamics

(44:43) Lymphatic Health Through Movement & Massage

(51:46) Embracing Aging Mindset Shift

(58:54) Yoga Medicine: Classes, Trainings, & Outreach

FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: 

https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/351-fascia-and-lymphatics-explained

Check out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram

Have you ever felt dismissed by a doctor when trying to get answers about your health? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into the reality of medical gaslighting—especially for women struggling with autoimmune diseases. From misdiagnosis to being told symptoms are “just stress,” we explore why this happens, how it impacts long-term health, and what you can do to advocate for yourself. Tune in for expert insights, real stories, and practical strategies to take control of your health journey.

If you're a practitioner looking to better support clients with autoimmunity, our LIVE 4-Day Autoimmunity Training Program is for you. You'll learn clinical clues, how to assess for root causes, and empower patients to reclaim their health. Enrollment is open now—click here to sign up!

In This Episode:

(06:03) Autoimmunity: Clinical and Emotional Insights

(10:34) "Medical Gaslighting in Diagnosis"

(15:30) Ignoring Women's Pain in Healthcare

(22:55) Dealing with Medical Mystery

(27:49) The Burden of Chronic Suffering

(32:51) "Earning Trust for Healing"

(35:14) The Importance of Listening

(38:18) Helping Clients Explore Health Options

(41:32) Functional Medicine: Knowing Your Limits

(43:24) In-Depth Health Root Cause Analysis

FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: 

https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/350-womens-health-and-medical-gaslighting

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Leaky gut is more than just a buzzword—it’s a key player in autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s, PCOS, and even menopause-related health issues. Your gut barrier isn’t just about digestion; it directly impacts your immune system, hormone balance, and inflammation levels. When this barrier becomes compromised, it can trigger widespread symptoms, from brain fog and joint pain to thyroid dysfunction and insulin resistance.

In this episode, we’re diving deep into the gut-hormone connection, exploring how intestinal permeability contributes to autoimmunity and why healing the gut is just one piece of the puzzle. We’ll break down the science behind leaky gut, discuss its impact on thyroid and hormone health, and share strategies for restoring gut integrity using functional medicine. If you’re a practitioner or someone struggling with chronic symptoms, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

In This Episode:

(01:26) GI Tract: The Body's Barrier

(06:02) Inflammation: The Good and the Bad

(08:11) Understanding Leaky Gut Symptoms

(12:25) Autoimmunity and Holistic Healing Insights

(15:39) Hidden Autoimmune Cause of Hypothyroidism

(20:34) Gut Bacteria, Dysbiosis, and Health Impact

(25:14) Gut Health's Role in PCOS

(26:30) Menopause: Gut Permeability and Bone Health

(30:31) Aging and Senescent Cells Explained

(35:52) "Diet's Role in Gut Health"

(40:10) "Optimal Gut Healing Supplements"

FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: 

https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/349-how-leaky-gut-triggers-autoimmunity?rq=349

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Autoimmune conditions are on the rise, and more people are turning to functional medicine for answers. One emerging factor in immune dysregulation is histamine intolerance, which can manifest in a range of symptoms from digestive issues to chronic inflammation. 

In this episode, we break down the connection between histamine, gut health, detoxification, and immune response. We also explore the impact of chronic stress, mold exposure, and complex treatment reactions—plus, a new training opportunity for practitioners looking to deepen their expertise.

In This Episode:

(05:37) Systems Biology & Histamines Overview

(06:24) Histamines and Immune Response

(12:48) Constipation and Detoxification Factors

(17:59) Navigating Root Cause Analysis Paths

(20:28) Chronic Stress Despite Resolution

(23:45) Addressing Challenges in Diagnosing Histamine Intolerance

(27:02) Reactions to Complex Treatment Protocols

(31:56) Beyond the Gut: Histamine Solutions

(37:10) Living with Mold: Challenges & Realities

(41:48) Coffee Enemas: Advanced Health Strategies

(44:06) Short-Term Low Histamine Diet Tip

FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: 

https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/348-histamine-gut-health-and-immune-system-dysregulation

Check out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram

In this episode, Erin Holt sits down with JP Errico—inventor, entrepreneur, and co-founder of electroCore—to explore the powerful role of the vagus nerve in whole-body health. If you’ve never heard of the vagus nerve before, you’re not alone—but this key player connects the brain, gut, immune system, and autonomic nervous system, impacting everything from inflammation and digestion to stress and chronic illness. Erin and JP dive into the explosion of autoimmune conditions, the mind-body connection, and how vagus nerve stimulation could be the missing link to better health. Tune in to discover how activating this vital nerve may help restore balance and unlock healing.

In This Episode:

(4:06) Vagus Nerve: The Brain-Body Connection

(11:52) Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic States

(12:46) Understanding Heart Rate Variability

(16:29) Why Rest-Based Training Produces the Biggest Gains

(24:30) How the Brain’s Perception Influences the Immune Response

(36:42) The Potential Asthma Treatment You Haven’t Heard of Yet

(47:43) Vagus Nerve's Impact on Gut Health

(49:55) How the Vagus Nerve Device Boosts Learning & Cognition

(53:15) Vagus Nerve: Key to Aging

FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: 

https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/ 347-vagus-nerve-connection-with-jp-errico

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Are you struggling with hormone imbalances despite "normal" test results? The secret to achieving hormone balance might lie in your gut health. In this comprehensive episode of The Funk'tional Nutritionist Podcast, functional medicine practitioner, Erin Holt, explains the crucial connection between gut health, hormone regulation, and overall wellness.

You’ll Uncover:

• The Gut-Hormone Connection: Understanding How Your Microbiome Affects Hormone Balance
• Signs Your Gut May Be Affecting Your Hormones
• Understanding the Estrobolome: Your Gut's Role in Estrogen Balance
• Natural Ways to Support Hormone Balance Through Gut Health
• Testing for Gut-Hormone Issues
• The Impact of Gut Health on Specific Hormones
• Expert Tips for Improving Gut Health and Hormone Balance

In This Episode:

06:16 Building Foundations for Functional Medicine

09:39 Soy Phytoestrogens and Gut Bacteria

12:28 Gut Health Impacts Hormone Balance

15:36 Hormone Metabolites: Liver and Gut Pathways

21:07 Estrogen Recirculation and Symptoms

24:14 Gut Dysbiosis Impacts Hormonal Health

28:18 Hormone Clearance Insight with GI Map

34:22 Episode 129: Eating for Gut Health

FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: 

https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/346-gut-health-and-hormone-balance

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If you’re dealing with bloating, digestive discomfort, food sensitivities, or frustrating conditions like SIBO or H. pylori, you’re in the right place. Gut health isn’t just about digestion—it’s connected to immunity, inflammation, and even your energy levels. Understanding your microbiome and how to support it is key to overcoming these challenges and feeling your best.

In this episode, we’ll break down the science of gut health, explore what stool testing can reveal, and discuss practical strategies to address common issues like dysbiosis, pathogens, and inflammation. Whether you’re looking to improve your digestion or support your overall wellness, this conversation is packed with actionable insights you can use.

Timestamps:

(07:18) Comprehensive Stool Testing Benefits

(15:21) H. Pylori: Context Over Treatment

(27:52) Gut Health: Importance of Commensal Bacteria

(36:18) SIBO Gas Production Misunderstandings

(43:14) Digestion's Role in Immune Reactions

(55:05) Unrecommended Use of Biofilm Disruptors

FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: 

https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/345-gut-health-testing-and-healing-with-dr-thomas-fabian?rq=345

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