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

Check out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram

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

Check out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram

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

Check out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram

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

Check out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

What does a day of eating look like for a 40-year-old functional nutritionist focused on hormones, health, and longevity? In this episode, Erin shares her gluten-free, dairy-free daily routine, blending over 15 years of experience with her personal journey managing autoimmune illness and disordered eating. With practical tips and insights tailored for women in their 40s, Erin highlights how intentional, nutrient-dense choices can support both health and happiness.

Looking for more support? Join The Funk’tional Nutrition Collective for proven nutrition programs, hormone testing, personalized lab analysis, and one-on-one appointments. Enrollment is open now—we’d love to see you there!

Timestamps:

(0:00) Erin’s health journey

(8:23) Grocery Staples: Essential ingredients for gluten-free, dairy-free meal prep

(24:15) Breakfast and Lunch Ideas: Easy, nutrient-dense recipes for busy days

(38:31) Dinner Strategies: Quick and healthy meals with protein, veggies, and starches

(44:57) Snacks and Desserts: High-protein snacks and indulgent yet healthy treats

(49:15) Nutrition Programs: How to join the Funk'tional Nutrition Collective for expert guidance

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

https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/344-what-a-functional-nutritionist-eats-in-a-day-for-gluten-free-and-dairy-free-meals?rq=344

Check out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Advice can be amazing—or a total miss—depending on who it is for and who it’s coming from. That’s especially true when it comes to hormones, where one-size-fits-all solutions from TikTok and Instagram don’t work. In this episode, Erin clears up the confusion about cortisol’s role in the body, addresses popular trends like adrenal cocktails and cortisol face, and discusses what high and low cortisol levels really mean for your health. Learn why lowering cortisol doesn’t always lead to weight loss and how to navigate testing options to get the most accurate results.

Gain access to our proven, easy-to-follow nutrition programs inside The Funk’tional Nutrition Collective! For those seeking additional support, you can also purchase hormone testing, a personalized lab analysis, a one-on-one appointment, and a custom hormone protocol. Enrollment is open now—we'd love to see you there!

Timestamps:

(7:41) Is cortisol always bad for you?

(15:53) Adrenal cocktails: Are they legit and do you need to be drinking them?

(20:49) Most common reasons for high cortisol and low cortisol

(31:07) Cortisol face – is it real?

(33:49) Does lowering cortisol lead to weight loss?

(35:41) Different methods to test cortisol

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

https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/343-cortisol-face-adrenal-cocktails-testing

Check out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

In this episode, Erin addresses a common concern: the cost of functional nutrition services, and why they may be different than conventional medicine fees. She explains what a functional approach should deliver—and why many big-name clinics fall short despite their high price tags. Learn how to prioritize your health investments, get your partner on board, and discover affordable, effective solutions to support your wellness journey.

Timestamps:

(6:11) Why functional medicine fees might be different than conventional medicine fees

(9:13) How the cost of functional medicine is directly related to the time and attention you receive

(16:01) Individualized treatment plans vs. templated treatment plans

(21:47) Being strategic with functional labs to be impactful but mindful of expenses

(27:08) Considering the availability and accessibility of your practitioner

(33:36) Ways to prioritize health spending and get your partner on board

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

https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/342-cost-and-value-of-functional-root-cause-approach

Check out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

In this episode, Erin is joined by The Funk’tional Nutritionist’s new practitioner and Collective Community Manager, Nicole Antes, RD. They dive into creating an Autoimmune Healing Toolkit—a personalized approach to managing autoimmune conditions and supporting your body during flares. Nicole shares her extensive experience working with clients with autoimmunity, emphasizing the importance of addressing both symptoms and root causes to rebalance the immune system.

Interested in working with Nicole in our Functional C.A.R.E. Method™ 1:1 services? We have limited spots available to get started! Send us your application here.

Timestamps:

(09:50) What is an autoimmune healing tool kit?

(17:30) Diet recommendations for autoimmunity

(22:42) How to figure out food triggers

(31:26) Lifestyle considerations for autoimmunity

(37:00) Importance of supporting detoxification

(39:14) Supplements to support autoimmunity

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

https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/341-building-your-autoimmune-toolkit

Check out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram 

Erin is teaching you how to balance your hormones using the 5 key elements of hormone health in today's re-release of a fan fave episode. Do these things and you WILL balance your hormones.

If you need more specificity, resources and support, then we invite you to join us for Your Hormone Revival™, our 3 month program that teaches you how to balance your hormones (with the option for lab testing for even more insight as to the root cause of your hormone imbalance!). 

Get access to Your Hormone Revival™ within the Funk’tional Nutrition Collective - our monthly health membership to start feeling like your best self again that reopens on January 7th!

Timestamps:

(3:27) Enhance your hormonal health with these dietary strategies

(5:45) Balance your hormones by balancing your blood sugar

(7:54) Why movement is medicine & what specific types of movement supports hormones

(13:07) Skeletal muscle & insulin - why it matters

(17:35) Supporting your hormone detoxification by decreasing your exposure to toxins

(29:00) Nervous system: balancing hormones from the brain down & why perfectionism drives hormone imbalance

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

https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/340-balance-your-hormones-in-under-an-hour

Check out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram