In this Episode:

What if your tomato is big, red, juicy… and nutritionally empty? In this episode, Dr. Alex Sandrow breaks down the hidden crisis of nutrient depletion—from glyphosate and “fruitabolic” farming to the collapse of soil microbes. You’ll learn why your food isn’t what it used to be, how industrial agriculture hijacked our nourishment, and what you can actually do about it. From smart supplementation to the power of movement and testing, this episode is your field guide to rebuilding health from the ground up.

Takeaway Moments:

* You are not what you eat; you are what your body can do with what you eat.

* Soil depletion leads to nutrient-poor food.

* Modern farming practices contribute to soil and nutrient depletion.

* Chemical inputs like glyphosate block mineral absorption.

* Regenerative farming practices can restore soil health.

* Diversity in diet is crucial for nutrient intake.

* Testing for nutrient deficiencies is essential for health.

* Movement supports detoxification and overall health.

* Sourcing food from local regenerative farms is important.

* Supplementation may be necessary due to nutrient depletion.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Soil Depletion and Health

02:52 Understanding Nutrient Depletion in Food

06:10 The Impact of Farming Practices on Soil Health

09:02 Chemical Inputs and Their Consequences

11:38 The Role of Monoculture and Regenerative Farming

14:43 Strategies for Improving Nutrient Intake

17:54 Testing and Supplementation for Health

20:35 The Importance of Movement and Detoxification

23:24 Conclusion and Next Steps

🎙 Show Notes — Thrive From Within

🔗 Free Resources & Tools• 5-Day Mineral Mini-Course — Discover your mineral foundation + energy edge• 30-Day Journaling Challenge — Build clarity, presence, and emotional resilience• 5-Min PQ Reset Meditation — Recenter quickly with this guided breath + focus reset• Subscribe to The Proactive Pulse — Weekly insights on health, mindset, and conscious living💬 Stay Connected• Instagram → @absolute_hw — Behind-the-scenes, daily inspo, and podcast clips• Website → www.absolutehw.com — Explore my approach, offers, and new client pathways⚡️ Want to Work Together?• Start Here ← 1:1 functional support + HTMA testing built around youIn Best of Health,Keep Aligning, Keep Thriving, and Keep Becoming More From Within!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theproactivepulse.substack.com

Sound Bites

"You do not rise to the level of your goals."

"Creating a second brain is huge."

"Proactive is the place to be."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Health and Well-Being

02:45 The Importance of Anchoring in Daily Life

05:34 Sleep: The Underrated Health Hack

08:53 Morning Rituals and Supplements

11:41 The Power of Green Juicing

14:25 Creating a Second Brain for Mental Clarity

17:46 Mindfulness and Nervous System Regulation

20:41 Food Prep and Movement for Daily Energy

33:25 Conclusion: Proactive Living for Presence

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theproactivepulse.substack.com

Summary:

Have you ever felt like you know what to do… but your body just won’t cooperate?

Like your mind’s saying “be calm,” but your system’s still stuck in overdrive?

This episode is for those who’ve tried journaling, meditation, and breathing and still feel like they’re wrestling their way to presence.

And for those who gave up on it too soon, thinking something must be wrong with them… because despite what the group chat says, it’s just not working.

Here’s the truth:

🧠 You can’t access peace with a system that’s running on empty.

It’s not your fault. It’s your minerals.

We’re flipping the narrative—because sometimes presence doesn’t come from pushing harder… it comes from finally getting the right kind of support.

👉 Tune in: Which Came First: Mindfulness or Minerals?

Takeaways:

Mindfulness practices can significantly impact your biochemistry.

Breathwork is a foundational practice for regulating the nervous system.

Minerals play a crucial role in supporting mindfulness and overall health.

Practicing presence can lead to physiological changes in the body.

Writing can serve as a tool for emotional release and clarity.

Understanding your mineral levels can enhance your mindfulness practices.

Mindfulness is about reprogramming your internal systems, not just calming the mind.

The relationship between minerals and mindfulness is reciprocal.

Simple practices can lead to profound shifts in well-being.

Presence requires intention and awareness of one's internal state.

Lunch Bites:

"Mindfulness isn't just calming your mind."

"Writing can lower cortisol and increase HRV."

"Your presence isn't just something you force."

"Your minerals can sustain your mindfulness."

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Mindfulness and Breathwork

02:48 The Connection Between Mindfulness and Mineral Health

06:00 The Impact of Mindfulness on Physiological States

08:54 Reciprocal Relationship: Minerals and Mindfulness

15:01 Practical Applications for Mindfulness and Mineral Balance

22:00 Conclusion: The Importance of Presence and Intention

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

🛠️ Want to take action? Start here:

* 📘 5-Day Mineral Mini Course

A free email series to help you understand your body’s mineral blueprint

👉 [Free 5-Day Minerals]

* ✍🏼 30-Day Journaling Prompts for Clarity + Nervous System Support

These aren’t just feel-good questions—these are regulation tools.

👉 [Free 30 Day Link]

* 🧘‍♂️ Free 5-Minute PQ Reset Meditation

A simple, powerful audio to bring you back to center in real time

👉 [PQ Reset Link]

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theproactivepulse.substack.com

Summary:

In this conversation, Dr. Alex Sandrow explores the intricate relationship between health, nutrition, and mental well-being. He emphasizes the importance of understanding one's unique biochemical makeup and the foundational role of minerals in overall health. The discussion highlights the impact of nutrition on children, the significance of addressing mineral imbalances, and the connection between oral health and overall wellness. Sandrow encourages proactive measures and awareness in dietary choices to optimize health and well-being.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theproactivepulse.substack.com

Summary: In this conversation, Alex Sandrow discusses the transformative power of writing as a tool for mental health and personal growth. He shares personal anecdotes about engaging in writing exercises with his daughters, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a love for writing from a young age. The discussion delves into various writing practices, including free writing and morning pages, and explores the scientific benefits of writing on mental and physical health. Sandrow concludes with a seven-day writing challenge to encourage listeners to incorporate writing into their daily routines.

Takeaways

Writing can promote mental health and well-being.

Engaging in writing exercises can create meaningful family rituals.

Free writing helps clear mental clutter and fosters creativity.

Morning pages serve as a daily reflection tool.

Writing can lower stress and improve emotional regulation.

The practice of writing can enhance clarity and decision-making.

Writing impacts cortisol regulation and reduces inflammation.

Expressive writing can boost dopamine and optimism.

Establishing a consistent writing routine can lead to personal growth.

Writing can influence gene expression and resilience.

Chapters

00:00 The Inspiration Behind Writing Practices

02:46 The Power of Writing for Mental Health

06:10 Free Writing: A Tool for Clarity and Growth

08:59 Morning Pages: A Daily Ritual for Reflection

12:03 The Science of Writing and Its Health Benefits

23:55 The Seven-Day Writing Challenge

Links:

- 30 Days of Becoming More, Daily

🧠 Biological & Neurochemical Effects of Writing

1. Expressive Writing Reduces Cortisol. Writing about emotionally charged experiences, especially past failures, has been shown to reduce cortisol output in response to new stressors. It’s not just cathartic—it actually shifts your nervous system out of fight-or-flight.

🧾 Study: PMC5876604

2. Writing Triggers Dopamine Release The physical act of writing (yes, with pen and paper) activates reward pathways in the brain, particularly the striatum. This dopamine response reinforces emotional regulation, clarity, and creativity.

🧾 Study: PubMed 10996444

3. Writing Influences Gene Expression. Through mechanisms like DNA methylation, writing can impact gene expression. Emotional regulation through journaling may positively influence the expression of genes linked to resilience, inflammation, and mental health.

🧾 Nature Review on Methylation

4. Mineral & Nutrient Synergy. Nutrients like magnesium, zinc, and B vitamins are essential for neurotransmitter function. Chronic stress depletes these reserves. Writing helps regulate the stress response, preserving your internal chemistry and supporting emotional clarity.

🧾 Review: PMC9822089

5. Epigenetic Benefits of Reflection. Regular reflective practices like writing can promote adaptive epigenetic changes, influencing how your body expresses genes in response to life. Over time, this contributes to greater resilience, healing, and emotional stability.

🧾 Study: PMC9561637

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theproactivepulse.substack.com

Summary

In this episode, Alex Sandrow shares his personal journey into the world of mineral balancing and its significance in health optimization. He discusses how his health challenges led him to explore functional medicine and the role of minerals in overall well-being. Through his experiences and insights from HTMA testing, Alex emphasizes the importance of understanding one's body (#KnowYourHardware) and collaborating with other health practitioners to achieve better health outcomes.

 

Takeaways

Takeaways

• Mineral balancing is crucial for optimal health.
• Personal health challenges can lead to significant discoveries.
• Functional medicine offers a different perspective on health.
• Understanding your body's needs is essential for wellness.
• Collaboration among health practitioners enhances patient care.
• HTMA testing provides valuable insights into mineral levels. Not all supplements are beneficial for everyone.
• Healthy foods can sometimes be harmful based on individual needs.
• Magnesium plays a vital role in numerous bodily functions.
• Awareness of one's health journey is key to improvement.

 

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mineral Balancing
02:58 Personal Journey into Mineral Health
05:34 Understanding Health Challenges and Solutions
08:15 The Role of HTMA Testing
10:47 Mineral Balancing and Its Importance
13:48 Expanding into Animal Health and Future Topics

 

If this episode sparked something in you, I’d love to stay connected. Whether you’re curious about your current state of mineral balance, exploring functional wellness, or simply looking to grow from within — there’s a space here for you. And if something in this conversation made you pause, reflect, or feel seen, consider sharing it forward with someone else who might benefit too. That’s how we grow — together.

 

🔗 Stay Connected + Explore More

 

✨ Join the community on Substack:

The Proactive Pulse

 

📸 Follow along on Instagram:

@absolute_hw

 

✍🏼 Start the 30-Day ‘Becoming More, Daily’ Challenge:

Join Now

 

🧪 Curious about your mineral balance? Start here:

Free 5-Day Mineral Guide

 

💡 Ready to go deeper with HTMA testing?

Learn More + Order

 

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theproactivepulse.substack.com

Takeaways

• The podcast aims to share insights for personal growth.
• Listeners are encouraged to find their unique strengths.
• Functional medicine offers a different lens on health.
• Holistic health encompasses both physical and mental well-being.
• Community support is essential for individual growth.
• Understanding one's biological blueprint is crucial for health optimization.
• The podcast will feature various health specialists.
• Virtual spaces expand access to health resources.
• A rising tide raises all ships in the health community.
• The journey of health is ongoing and collaborative.

 

🔍 Episode Chapters

00:00 — Introduction to Thrive From Within

01:24 — The Journey to Podcasting

05:34 — Identifying the Ideal Audience

08:39 — Understanding Personal Health and Growth

10:13 — The Unique Approach to Functional Medicine

15:39 — The Importance of Mineral Health

20:07 — Accessing Specialized Care in a Virtual World

24:33 — Collaboration in Healthcare

26:27 — Holistic Approach Beyond Minerals

 

 

If this episode sparked something in you, I’d love to stay connected. Whether you’re curious about your current state of mineral balance, exploring functional wellness, or simply looking to grow from within — there’s a space here for you. And if something in this conversation made you pause, reflect, or feel seen, consider sharing it forward with someone else who might benefit too. That’s how we grow — together.

 

🔗 Stay Connected + Explore More

 

✨ Join the community on Substack:

The Proactive Pulse

 

📸 Follow along on Instagram:

@absolute_hw

 

✍🏼 Start the 30-Day ‘Becoming More, Daily’ Challenge:

Join Now

 

🧪 Curious about your mineral balance? Start here:

Free 5-Day Mineral Guide

 

💡 Ready to go deeper with HTMA testing?

Learn More + Order

In this first episode of Thrive From Within, Alex Sandrow and Laura Stevens share the story behind the podcast, the power of personal growth, and the roots of functional medicine. They explore the role of minerals in health, the impact of virtual care, and the importance of collaboration in healing. The episode ends with a look at holistic wellness—combining physical health, mental fitness, and thriving communities.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit theproactivepulse.substack.com