The Natural Health Influencer Podcast

We tend to think a lot about mental health and often overlook brain health. Well, not today! If you've ever felt like your brain is lacking energy, if you are worried about neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, or perhaps you’ve had a few concussions, then this is the episode for you! Today, we are joined by Matthew Bennett, the brains behind Brain Evolve. Matthew has extensive experience as an athletic therapist working with professional athletes.  When he started to recognize common patterns among concussion survivors, he became interested in brain health and developed the supplement Brain Evolve. Today, he sheds light on how brain health differs from mental health, what we can do to nourish our brain health, how the effect of COVID-19 on the brain compares to other brain issues, and tips for overcoming a concussion and restoring your optimal brain health. Matthew has three easy things that you can do to start improving your mental and brain health today, tune in to find out what they are! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• An introduction to Matthew Bennett and Brain Evolve.
• How brain health differs from mental health. 
• Some of the things we can do to nourish our brain health.  
• How Matthew came to be so passionate about brain health. 
• Some of the ingredients found in Brain Evolve and the benefits of the ingredient Curcumin. 
• How Brain Evolve aids sleep and why this is the number one thing that the brain needs for recovery.
• What to do if you have brain issues and you can’t sleep.
• The effects of COVID-19 on the brain and how this compares to a brain issue.
• Three easy things that you can do to start improving how you’re feeling in terms of mental and brain health. 
• Allison’s recent second concussion and why being female puts you at greater risk.
• How the treatment for concussions has changed over the past few years. 
• Some of the lesser-known symptoms of concussion such as low libido and constipation. 
• How to get energy back in the brain after a concussion. 
• The antioxidant of astaxanthin and its effect on reversing macular degeneration. 
• The role of fatty acids in brain health and why they aren’t included in Brain Evolve.  
• The benefits of ginkgo biloba. 
• How to know when it’s safe to start exercising again as a concussion survivor.
• Matthew’s final words of advice on emotional support.
• How to find out more about Matthew or Brain Evolve.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Matthew Bennett 

Matthew Bennett on Twitter

Your HAVN Life - Brain Evolve

Molecules - January 2022 

The World Database of Happiness

Deliciously Geeky

Allison Tannis on LinkedIn

Allison Tannis on Instagram

Natural Health Influencer on Instagram 

Natural Health Influencer Facebook Group

Pure-Lē Natural

Vista Magazine 

Vista Magazine on Instagram

It is time to start living your better life, and seaweed can help you do it! Believe it or not, seaweed has what it takes to alleviate a range of health issues as well as cosmetic benefits. In fact, scientific studies have shown the massive health benefits that seaweed has to offer but is it probably more complicated than you think. Here today to talk everything seaweed with us is Courtney Howell, brown seaweed lover and co-founder of 7 Fathoms Skin Care which creates seaweed-based healthcare products. Courtney and her husband first became interested in seaweed after a storm caused seaweed to wash up along a cove near their home. They noticed a gel-like substance on the fronds when their daughter was playing with one, which started a chain of events that lead them to become the seaweed experts they are today. In our conversation, we talk about the different healthcare uses of seaweeds, why seaweed-based products are rising in popularity, examples of some of the products available, what bioactive compounds are in seaweeds, how Courtney first became interested in seaweeds, and why she is so focused on brown seaweeds. We also learn what to consider when buying seaweed-based products and why the extraction process is essential to create products that work. Don’t miss out on this fascinating conversation with seaweed pioneer Courtney Howell!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introduction and background about today’s guest and seaweed expert, Courtney Howell.
• Why seaweed has not been popular in Canada and the potential to grow the industry.
• An outline of the different uses of seaweeds.
• Seaweed as a safe and sustainable option for harvesting bioactive compounds.
• Why seaweeds are ten times more bioactive than land-based sources.
• The reason why brown seaweed is the focus of her business.
• Some examples of the benefits of using seaweed for healthcare.
• Longevity-based properties of populations that eat seaweeds.
• What you need to consider when buying a seaweed-based product.
• Rundown of the different bioactive compounds in seaweeds.
• The role that seaweed can play in alleviating a range of skin conditions.
• Courtney shares what got her first interested in seaweed.
• We discuss the various applications and the huge potential seaweed has. 
• More details about what a consumer should consider when buying a seaweed-based product.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Courtney Howell on LinkedIn

7 Fathoms Skin Care

7 Fathoms Skin Care on Facebook

7 Fathoms Skin Care on Instagram

7 Fathoms Skin Care on YouTube

Laminaria digitata

‘Potential Use of Seaweed Bioactive Compounds in Skincare—A Review’

Allison Tannis on LinkedIn

Allison Tannis on Instagram

Natural Health Influencer on Instagram 

Natural Health Influencer Facebook Group

Pure-Lē Natural

Vista Magazine 

Vista Magazine on Instagram

Do you want to get healthy but find the broad range of supplements confusing? Then this episode is for you! Today, we give listeners the insider scoop and expert advice on sports supplements. Learn which ones are good for pre-workout, post-workout and everything in between. To help us learn more about the subject is Jim McMahon, an industry expert who has over a decade of experience with nutritional supplements and has worked with various major league athletes to help them reach their full potential. In our conversation, we talk about Jim's companies, where protein supplements originated from, why it is better to use a blend of proteins, whether there are suitable plant-based products available, the advantages of fermented options, and the importance of amino acids. We also learn about some new and exciting supplement ingredients, and the fungus that will help your body recover. Tune in to demystify and get an expert guide into the world of sports nutrition and supplements with Jim McMahon!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Outline of today’s topic and background about our guest, Jim McMahon.
• A brief rundown of Jim’s different companies within the nutrition space.
• The challenge that athletes have consuming enough protein when training.  
• What the difference is between isolate and concentrate whey protein.
• How to find the best plant-based alternative protein for your needs.
• Jim provides a definitive method for assessing an aspect of nutritional quality. 
• Find out if branched-chain amino acids can be used for muscle recovery.
• Whether branched-chain amino acids can be sourced from plants.
• We discuss some exciting new ingredients that are entering the market. 
• Where to start for those who are interested in taking supplements.
• The importance of supplements for non-athletes to improve their health. 
• Some natural alternatives to traditional electrolyte supplements. 
• A final takeaway message that Jim has for listeners: keep it simple. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Jim McMahon on LinkedIn

Jim McMahon on Facebook

Fit Foods

Mutant

Mutant on Facebook

Mutant on Instagram

Mutant on Twitter

Mutant on YouTube

Pure Vita Labs

Pure Vita Labs on Instagram

Pure Vita Labs on Twitter

North Coast Naturals

North Coast Naturals on Facebook

North Coast Naturals on Instagram

North Coast Naturals on Twitter

North Coast Naturals on LinkedIn

Allison Tannis on LinkedIn

Allison Tannis on Instagram

Natural Health Influencer on Instagram 

Natural Health Influencer Facebook Group

If you are the parent or caregiver of a fussy eater, this episode is going to change your life! So much we thought we knew about mitigating fussy eating is wrong, and today’s guest, Noelle Martin, is here to share strategies that actually work. If you’ve been using certain foods as rewards for eating other foods, or pressuring your children to eat, don’t feel guilty, we’ve all done it! But those approaches have been shown to actually have negative effects. In this episode, you will learn how to instill the concept of “food is food” in your children and work within their parameters to make eating a more enjoyable process for them and for you. Mealtimes can be a major challenge or a special time for family bonding; this episode will help you transition from the former to the latter! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing today’s guest, registered dietician Noelle Martin.
• Noelle explains why offering rewards for eating certain foods has been shown to have negative consequences.
• Examples of how to instill the concept of “food is food” in your children.
• How to capitalize on your children’s hungry times.
• Why we shouldn’t worry if our children will only eat vegetables with a dip.
• Benefits of presenting your children with options (but not too many).
• Power in using the terms “available” and “not available.”
• Changing your perspective and acting by example to make mealtimes more enjoyable for all.
• Noelle explains why we shouldn’t make a scene when a child eats the food that we want them to eat. 
• Benefits of making food preparation fun and involving your children in the process! 
• Exploring the concept of food-chaining.
• Why we shouldn’t refer to our children as picky eaters. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Motherhood and Meals

Motherhood and Meals on Instagram

Nourished Beginnings

Nourished Beginnings [Kids] on Instagram

Nourished Beginnings [Pregnancy] on Instagram

Deliciously Geeky

Allison Tannis on LinkedIn

Allison Tannis on Instagram

Natural Health Influencer on Instagram 

Natural Health Influencer Facebook Group

Pure-Lē Natural

Pure-Lē Natural Sublingual Active Vitamin B12 Drops

Vista Magazine 

Vista Magazine on Instagram

Conventional agriculture isn’t working; it’s time to go back to our roots! Angela Ferraro-Fanning is a permaculture farmer, which means she grows produce in a holistic and ecologically balanced way that mimics nature. In today’s episode, Angela explains how this approach (which is gaining traction across the world) allows soil, plants, and animals (including humans) to thrive. Angela grows a wide variety of produce on her farm and her “co-workers” range from honey bees to horses. Through her commitment to acting in alignment with nature, Angela has managed to get to the point where her farm is absorbing more carbon from the atmosphere than it is emitting! Don’t have a backyard? No problem! Angela also explains how you can create your own permaculture oasis in a pot!  

Key Points From This Episode:

• Introducing today’s guest, permaculture farmer Angela Ferraro-Fanning.
• How permaculture differs from conventional farming. 
• The downsides of conventional farming. 
• Motivation fuelling the Food Not Lawns movement. 
• How to create nutrient-rich soil for your patio permaculture garden.
• Benefits of adding worms to your soil (just make sure they aren’t the jumping ones!).
• Examples of plants that are “heavy feeders.”
• Angela explains the concept of companion planting.
• Animals who “work” with Angela on the farm.
• Why the permaculture trend is growing.
• Resources to help you get started on your permaculture journey.
• Your food choices matter! 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Axe and Root Homestead

Axe and Root Homestead on Instagram

Axe and Root Homestead on YouTube

The Harvest Table

Little Homesteader

Restoration Agriculture

Dirt to Soil

Food Not Lawns

Deliciously Geeky

Allison Tannis on LinkedIn

Allison Tannis on Instagram

Natural Health Influencer on Instagram 

Natural Health Influencer Facebook Group

Pure-Lē Natural

Pure-Lē Natural Chlorophyll Products

Vista Magazine 

Vista Magazine on Instagram

If you ever struggle with bloating, this episode is for you! Today we are joined by expert digestive health holistic nutritionist Shannon Babic to help you beat the bloat and feel great in your body again. In this episode, she explains what bloating is, the difference between “regular” bloating and chronic bloating, and some of the many common foods that trigger it. Shannon also sheds light on how you can discover the cause of your bloating, discusses whether or not you should take digestive enzyme supplements, and gives some other tips on how to prepare your digestive system before a large meal. You’ll also discover a clever test that you can do at home to help you figure out if you are low in digestive enzymes before we geek out on the vagus nerve, probiotics, and saccharomyces boulardii. 40 percent of the population complains about bloating and distention, so to figure out what may be causing your bloating and learn some simple lifestyle changes that you can make to prevent it, tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Some background into today’s guest Shannon Babic and her career in holistic nutrition. 
• An explanation of what bloating is and what it feels like.
• The difference between “regular” bloating and chronic bloating.
• Common foods that trigger bloating. 
• Sugar alcohols and artificial sweeteners as substances that many people are intolerant towards.
• Why high-fat meals may cause bloating. 
• How to know if you are low in digestive enzymes and a test you can do to measure this.   
• Whether or not you should take digestive enzyme supplements before a big meal.
• Other ways to prepare your digestive system before a large meal.
• Stress, anxiety, and other factors aside from food that cause bloating.
• How to discover the cause of your bloating.
• One of the most overlooked causes of bloating SIBO: Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth. 
• How to find the right probiotic for you. 
• Shannon’s advice for anyone looking to treat their bloating: journal.   
• A full-blown pun-filled geek-out on saccharomyces boulardii.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Be Well with Shan  

Be Well with Shan on Instagram

Probiotic Rescue

Deliciously Geeky

Allison Tannis on LinkedIn

Allison Tannis on Instagram

Natural Health Influencer on Instagram 

Natural Health Influencer Facebook Group

Pure-Lē Natural

Vista Magazine 

Vista Magazine on Instagram

Parenting can be a major challenge to navigate; just when you think you’ve got it, the kids change course and suddenly, you need a new tactic. However, short-term tactic changes will not help you in the long term. You need a long game parenting plan! If you’ve ever had a parenting conundrum or needed some help navigating this windy road that is your child's journey, you’ve come to the right place. We found a parenting GPS! Today we're joined by parenting expert Katie Garzón. She's created Guided Parenting Support, or “GPS”, for parents. Katie explains that the key to good parenting is not about not making mistakes, but more about how you recover from them. She also talks about the importance of ensuring that your kids have at least one really strong relationship with a mature adult caregiver, and how to go about protecting that relationship in challenging situations. From sleep time to playtime, to how to get your kids to do those household chores, and even how to recover from parenting fails, Katie Garzón is here to share her wisdom with us. Tune in today to hear it all!

Key Points From This Episode:

• An introduction to Katie Garzón and Guided Parenting Support.
• The many different stages of parenting. 
• One of Allison’s mom fails, and a reminder that we all screw up. 
• The role of parents: to raise children who become adults who are prepared to be successful in an unknown future.
• Why the key to good parenting is not about not making mistakes but more about how you recover from them. 
• The number one protective factor for your kids as they get older: having at least one really strong relationship with a mature adult caregiver. 
• How to protect your relationship with your children in difficult situations.
• Why you should deal with what is going on emotionally in the moment and deal with the consequences later, not the other way around.
• How to restore your relationship with your child when you have reacted badly as a parent.
• The importance of sleep in the long game of parenting. 
• Sleep deprivation and anxiety; what to do if your children are struggling with this. 
• How to involve your kids in the structuring of a bedtime routine.
• Why unstructured play is so vital to your child’s development.
• How to motivate kids to play. 
• The benefits of imaginary play.
• What to do if you are worried about your child’s psychological wellbeing: lead with curiosity.
• How to get your kids to help out more with chores.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Katie Garzón 

Guided Parenting Support 

Guided Parenting Support on Instagram

Guided Parenting Support on Facebook

Deliciously Geeky

Allison Tannis on LinkedIn

Allison Tannis on Instagram

Natural Health Influencer on Instagram 

Natural Health Influencer Facebook Group

Pure-Lē Natural

Vista Magazine 

Vista Magazine on Instagram

Seafood is an incredible source of two very important omega fatty acids, EPA and DHA. These fatty acids have a wide range of health benefits, from their anti-inflammatory properties to their ability to enhance your mood! We should be eating more fish, but unfortunately, the commercial fishing industry is largely unsustainable. Today’s guest is part of the drive to change this. Kim Stockburn is the sales and brand manager for Raincoast Trading. Raincoat Trading is not your regular seafood company; their products are all sustainably sourced (as you can tell by the certification proudly displayed on their packaging), and because of the way they are packaged, they hardly give off any smell! They are perfect for school lunches, weekend hikes, or just a snack at home. Tune in today to hear about your new favorite seafood brand! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• The health benefits of eating fish. 
• Milligrams of EPA and DHA that you should be consuming per day.
• What Kim’s company, Raincoast Trading, does.
• Kim’s favorite Raincoast Trading products.
• Examples of the Raincoast Trading products that are ideal for outdoor adventures. 
• Where Kim’s passion for ocean conservation originated. 
• Certification which signals that a seafood product is sustainable.
• Gratitude Seafood; the new brand that Kim has recently helped launch. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Raincoast Trading

Raincoast Trading on Instagram

Raincoast Trading on Facebook

Raincoast Trading on Twitter

Gratitude Seafood

Gratitude Seafood on Instagram

Gratitude Seafood on Twitter

Kim Stockburn on LinkedIn

Deliciously Geeky

Allison Tannis on LinkedIn

Allison Tannis on Instagram

Natural Health Influencer on Instagram 

Natural Health Influencer Facebook Group

Pure-Lē Natural

Pure-Lē Natural Chlorophyll Products

Vista Magazine 

Vista Magazine on Instagram

Be warned: today’s episode is going to make you drool! In part two of my discussion with Health And Wellness Coach, Melissa Amato, she shares the inside scoop on some recipes which will help you make the switch to a (more) plant-based diet. Missy takes us on a journey from breakfast to dinner and dessert, explaining the health benefits of everything from chia seeds to jackfruit. If you’re worried about what you’re going to put on your barbeque, worry no longer! If you have a sweet tooth and can’t stand the thought of giving up chocolate (like me), Missy has a solution! Whatever your reason for switching to a plant-based diet, the recipes in this episode will keep your taste buds happy and your body healthy. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why chia seeds are so good for you.
• An easy recipe for a chia seed based breakfast.
• How to ensure you are absorbing the maximum amount of nutrients in the chia seeds.
• Missy’s thoughts on the baked oats trend. 
• Substitutes for the refined sugar and chocolate found in some baked oats recipes.
• The diverse range of ways that jackfruit can be used. 
• A fun fact about jackfruit.
• The multitude of health benefits of jackfruit. 
• Vegetables and other plant-based alternatives for your barbeque. 
• Progress that had been made in the plant-based “meat” and “fish” space over the past few years. 
• Examples of delicious desserts you can make without animal products. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Wellness with Missy

Wellness with Missy on Instagram

Wellness with Missy on YouTube

Melissa Amato on LinkedIn

Frontiers in Nutrition Journal: Sustaining Protein Nutrition Through Plant-Based Foods

Nutritional Health Benefits of Jackfruit

Deliciously Geeky

Allison Tannis on LinkedIn

Allison Tannis on Instagram

Natural Health Influencer on Instagram 

Natural Health Influencer Facebook Group

Pure-Lē Natural

Pure-Lē Natural Chlorophyll Products

Vista Magazine 

Vista Magazine on Instagram

With rising concerns about the environment, as well as the health risks associated with excessive consumption of red meat, it’s no wonder that there’s been a global trend towards plant-based diets. Making the shift to plant-based meals can be intimidating though, and feeling overwhelmed can stop many people from pursuing this substantial lifestyle change. That’s where today’s guest Melissa Amato comes in. Melissa is a Health And Wellness Coach with first-hand experience of what it’s like to make the transition to a plant-based diet. Her blog, Wellness with Missy, is packed with quick, delicious, and inspiring recipes that have helped countless people transition to regular plant-based meals. Tuning in, you'll hear Melissa’s tips on how to take the first step towards a plant-based lifestyle, from adding more greens to your meals to cutting down on processed foods. We discuss the benefits of making small changes and how those can lead to big results. Melissa also shares some of her favorite recipes for replacing the trickiest meals of the day, like lunch and dinner, and how to make sure it has all the ease, flavor, and familiarity of your regular meals. Join us for an exciting conversation on the potential of plant-based foods, how our taste buds can change, and much more!

Key Points From This Episode:

• Insights into the global trend towards plant-based eating.
• Some of the reasons why people are intimidated by a plant-based diet.
• Examples of small steps anyone can take to follow a more plant-based diet.
• How to add more greens to your diet and cut down on processed foods.
• How small changes will lead to bigger shifts in your diet.
• Some of the adverse health outcomes associated with processed foods.
• Your tastebuds and how changing your diet affects them.
• How Melissa helps her clients swap out existing meals with plant-based meals.
• How to have fun with plant-based flavors and build more nutritious meals.
• A breakdown of how to make a plant-based macaroni and cheese.
• Common concerns around a lack of vitamin B12 on a plant-based diet.
• Learn about the benefits of chlorophyll and the Pure-Lē range of chlorophyll products.
• An overview of the many sources of plant-based protein.
• Why Melissa decided to follow a plant-based vegan lifestyle.
• Melissa’s suggestions on how to make a quick and satisfying plant-based dinner.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Wellness with Missy

Wellness with Missy on Instagram

Wellness with Missy on YouTube

Melissa Amato on LinkedIn

Frontiers in Nutrition Journal: Sustaining Protein Nutrition Through Plant-Based Foods

Deliciously Geeky

Allison Tannis on LinkedIn

Allison Tannis on Instagram

Natural Health Influencer on Instagram 

Natural Health Influencer Facebook Group

Pure-Lē Natural

Pure-Lē Natural Chlorophyll Products

Vista Magazine 

Vista Magazine on Instagram