Why is it that women experience stress more intensely than men? Drs. Daina Parent and Annette Schippel discuss the connection between women's hormones and the effects of stress on the female body. Dr. Schippel shares her personal and professional experience navigating the stages of a woman's reproductive journey and how endocrine health plays a significant role in hormone balance. Drs. Parent and Schipple emphasize the importance of working with qualified healthcare providers trained in herbal medicine in order to find the right herbs for each person and symptom picture. Dr. Schippel offers invaluable clinical tools and takeaways to create a strong foundation for any woman to navigate stress management and optimal wellness with nutrition, herbs, lifestyle and more.

Dr. Annette Schippel is a chiropractor and a graduate of Logan College of Chiropractic, she brings over 25 years of experience to her work. She owns two thriving family practices that focus on pediatrics, women's health, and clinical nutrition, and she regularly sees patients from across the United States and around the world.

Known for her expertise in functional medicine and endocrinology, Dr. Schippel has become a respected educator, author, and speaker. She has written and co-authored numerous clinician manuals and lectures domestically and internationally on topics in nutrition and functional endocrinology. She has had the privilege of visiting Medi-Herb in Australia for 3 years to receive advanced training in phytotherapy. She also had the honor to speak on alternative approaches to Metabolic Syndrome at the 2014 International Health Management Forum in Bejing China.

Show Summary

2:24 Female hormones and stress sensitivity

4:00 The HPA Axis and the stress response

5:35 The thyroid adrenal connection

7:57 Cortisol, DHEA and the adrenal cortex

9:15 Prolactin, dopamine and high prevalence of autoimmunity in women

11:30 Key differences in male and female hormones: estradiol, testosterone, and DHEA

15:27 Peri- and menopausal hormone shifts

16:33 Adrenal burnout and perimenopause: the resiliency of the stress response affects hormone balance

21:13 Clinical strategies for adrenal support to mitigate perimenopausal symptoms – diet, exercise, sleep, digestion, and mental health

25:42 Herbs for adrenal support and endocrine balance – rehmania, ashwagandha, chaste tree, schizandra and more

29:33 How herbs modulate and synergize with hormones

30:02 Social media trends – perspectives on ashwagandha

33:06 Why guidance from a healthcare provider with herbal knowledge matters – finding the right herbs for each person

35:35 Choosing the right herb – how patient health history and symptom picture inform herbal selection

44:39 Using blood chemistry to inform patient protocols

45:55 Personalizing herbal protocols for different stages of the lifespan

48:38 Nutrients and herbs for libido and vaginal dryness and how adrenal resilience plays a role in these symptoms

50:32 Circulation, sexual health, and blood-flow support

52:53 Improving vasodilation through nitric oxide; whole foods and herbs that support circulation (beets, mountain spinach, red algae, and more)

54:45 Herbs as modulators – herbs won't increase or decrease hormones too much

55:16 The truth about wild yam creams

58:54 The practitioner-patient journey - navigating better health together

1:01:51 Key clinical takeaway for supporting women's health and stress management – how to build a good foundation and never lose sight of what you're trying to build

Dr. Daina Parent, ND sits down with Dr. Karma James-Dulin to discuss managing blood sugar with a diet that includes complete proteins and important fibers. Dr. James-Dulin shares her personal journey with managing her own blood sugar during pregnancy, and her passion for developing foods that are healthy and taste great. Drs. Daina and Karma discuss a small clinical study that confirms the ability of complete plant-based proteins to balance blood sugar, and how ancient varieties of seeds provide higher protein and lower carbohydrates. They wrap the episode with clinical takeaways to help patients navigate the many high protein options in the marketplace.

Dr. Karma James-Dulin is a food scientist with over 9 years of experience in the food and dietary supplements industry. She has a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Grambling State University and completed her Ph.D. in food science at Penn State University, where she investigated the effects of green tea on the liver. Dr. James-Dulin is passionate about food, flavor and nutrition, believing that healthy food should taste good. She enjoys cooking, dancing and spending time with family. She is currently a product development manager at Standard Process, Inc, having joined the company to establish the Food Science Team and Lab. In this capacity she oversees many aspects of the development of products from ideation, formulation and prototype development through to commercialization. During her tenure at Standard Process, Inc, she has led the development of serval products, most notably a one-of-a-kind nutrition bar for an adventure athlete on his quest to cross Antarctica. Additionally, she has led the development of the company's first food line comprising of protein powders and whole food nutrition bars.

Blood Sugar Regulation

3:03 Dr. James-Dulin's personal connection to blood sugar management

4:51 Insulin resistance state in pregnancy

5:20 Why proteins and fats fare important for blood sugar regulation

7:02 Dressing up your carbs with proteins and fats

7:44 Developing a high-quality protein blend

11:08 Animal protein versus plant-based protein

12:58 Significance of ancient oats – phytonutrient and macronutrient profile

14:59 Nutrition in ancient seeds versus modern varieties

15:49 Ways to consume protein blends

16:36 Resistance starch fiber's ability to slow blood glucose release

17:12 Golden chlorella as a vegetarian source of B12, plant-based folate and protein

18:07 Small clinical study measures success of protein blend to minimize glucose spikes

20:02 Dr. James-Dulin's passion for Food Science and her focus on nutrition and flavor

22:35 Advice for practitioners to help patients find products to balance blood sugar levels

23:56 Types of fibers and how they affect blood sugar regulation

25:55 Complete protein blend plus fiber gives optimal blood sugar regulation

Dr. Sarah Clarke, DC, IFMCP, and Mimi Hernandez, MS, RH (AHG) take us on a tour of red superfood phytonutrients found in beets, algae, and mountain spinach. They discuss the far reaching benefits of betacyanins, nitrates, electrolytes and more. Learn how each of these phytonutrients impacts overall health and vitality, including increased energy and endurance, as well as cardiometabolic, eye, skin, and muscle health. Mimi also explains the fascinating concept of xenohormesis and how wild-crafted and organically-grown plants contain a higher phytonutrient content, and why that matters.

Mimi Prunella Hernandez is a clinical herbalist with a passion for research-based applications and experience in the natural product industry. She has educated students and medical practitioners in herbal medicine through various platforms, integrating traditional knowledge with scientific insights. She is currently an Herbal Therapy Liaison and clinical educator for Standard Process. She is the author of the National Geographic Herbal and coauthor of the National Geographic Backyard Guide to Edible Wild Plants.

Highlights of the episode include:

• Mimi's experience of visiting the mountain spinach field at the Standard Process Organic Farm
• Red beets – there's more to beets than just nitrates
• Synergy of mountain spinach and beets: connection to exercise endurance and recovery
• Astaxanthin – a green algae turns red when stressed
• Mimi as speaker at the Whole Systems Nutrition Symposium on October 24th – addressing soil health and modern nutrition challenges

Podcast Summary

• 2:23 Mimi's experience of visiting the mountain spinach field at the Standard Process Organic Farm
• 6:54 Betacyanins found in mountain spinach, prickly pear fruit, dragon fruit, and beets
• 9:39 Mimi's passion for connecting tradition with science
• 10:25 Mountain spinach was one of the first cultivated leafy greens, an ancient staple crop
• 13:18 Differences between spinach and red mountain spinach; electrolyte and mineral content, including chromium
• 15:26 Protein content in mountain spinach
• 16:30 Red beets – there's more to beets than just nitrates
• 18:25 The significance of betalains and their influence on endurance and rehabilitation
• 19:39 Beets for postmenopausal women
• 20:30 Synergy of mountain spinach and beets: connection to exercise endurance and recovery
• 23:20 Whole beets grown to optimize nutrient density to create a low glycemic food
• 25:25 Optimal cardiometabolic health – an important study, and helpful tools to maintain healthy habits
• 31:20 Study on astaxanthin and it's affects on endurance and physical activity
• 33:24 Astaxanthin: the red advantage over the blue screen, relief for digital eye strain
• 36:53 Xenohormesis – wild-harvested and organically-grown plants that struggle more produce higher amounts of phytochemicals, therefore offer more benefits to those who consume them
• 39:35 Astaxanthin – a green algae turns red when stressed
• 42:54 When we consume astaxanthin, we may inherit the survival signals from this phytochemical that benefits salmon, algae and more
• 43:14 Astaxanthin trending antioxidant for skin health
• 48:05 The synergy of red foods like beets, astaxanthin, and mountain spinach for cardiometabolic, eye, skin and muscle health
• 49:40 Astaxanthin and it's affect on blood sugar management
• 52:00 Adding life to our years: Red food phytochemicals help to improve quality of life on all levels, including increased energy, endurance, and overall vitality.

Mimi Hernandez, MS, RH (AHG) as speaker at Whole Systems Symposium Virtual Symposium on October 24th

Discover how eating the rainbow can support your brain, heart, and overall vitality in this delightful episode featuring Dr. Deanna Minich, an internationally-recognized teacher, author, scientist, speaker, and artist. Host Dr. Daina Parent, ND, guides an engaging conversation with Dr. Minich about the importance of phytochemicals in whole foods, especially those found in a spectrum of red and purple foods.

The conversation explores the how, when, and why of eating a diverse, colorful diet, the importance of eating seasonally and locally, and the unique ways phytochemicals influence cardiovascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal health. Dr. Minich also shares insights from her latest book, The Rainbow Diet and previews her upcoming keynote at the Whole Systems Symposium.

With more than 20 years of experience spanning clinical practice, product formulation, research, and education, Dr. Minich brings both scientific depth and a creative perspective to food as medicine.

PODCAST SUMMARY

2:11 New edition of The Rainbow Diet book

3:43 What, Why, How and When to eat more whole foods

6:28 Colorful foods for colorful moods – beyond chronic disease prevention, phytochemicals support mental health

8:07 Purple and red foods with polyphenols to benefit the Gut-Brain Axis

11:20 Eating with the seasons

13:10 Health benefits of red food phytochemicals – polyphenols and nitrates

14:37 How color informs us - the world around us and within; the color red as connected to adrenals, stress response, blood, inflammatory immune response, and more

18:28 Red has two sides – certain red foods are high histamine or inflammatory (nightshades, strawberries, etc.); other red foods are less inflammatory and offer powerful phytochemicals

22:09 Spectrum of red foods – deep purple to pink phytonutrients

24:34 Health benefits of phytochemicals in beets when using the whole plant – beet greens, stalks and beetroot

28:01 Heart health – betalains and expansion of blood vessels

29:08 Beets as a top nitrate containing food

30:56 Gut health and it's impact on converting nitrates to nitric oxide; importance of nitric oxide in vasodilation and heart health

35:47 Bloodflow as it connects to parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, and brain health

38:11 Red as connected to muscle, longevity, and vasculature

43:01 Incorporating a variety of red foods to benefit from a diverse group of phytochemicals

47:10 Dr. Deanna Minich as Keynote Speaker at Whole Systems Symposium Virtual Symposium on October 24th – Dr. Minich's talk is called Eating by Nature's Principles: Color, Creativity, Diversity, and Rhythm

52:30 Educational resources and Events from Dr. Minich

Alexis Schultz, a research scientist for Standard Process, focuses on agronomy research, plant breeding, and crop development on the Standard Process certified organic farm. Bridging the connection between healthy soils, resilient crops, and superior nutrition is at the heart of Alexis' work. With a deep understanding that our health begins with the soil and the food we grow from it, she's dedicated to research that strengthens the link between agriculture and well-being.

Listen in as Alexis and Dr. Sarah Clarke engage in an educational and inspirational conversation about healthy soil – how to build it and why it's important for good health.

2:06 What constitutes healthy soil and how healthy soil affects our health

5:10 How the microbiome of each plant compare to the human microbiome

8:32 Keeping soil healthy with regenerative and organic farming practices

11:16 How cover cropping improves the diversity of the root system

14:16 Using compost to enrich soil

17:10 Organic farming practices used to maintain organic certification and prevalence of organic farming in the US

19:45 Plant breeding defined and how it differs from GMOs

22:53 Ancient Oats – history of cultivation and how the nutrient content has changed

25:40 Benefits of seed selection and variety trials

27:38 Growing mountain spinach – does the bright red color of this plant contain more phytonutrients than less vibrant varieties?

29:40 Emphasis on research at the Standard Process Farm

30:56 Alexis as a guest speaker at the Whole Systems Nutrition Virtual Symposium on October 24th

Our guest Jack DuBois – 4th Generation of Family Leadership at Standard Process – has a diverse background in organic and regenerative farming, soil and crop health, sales leadership, and whole food nutrition. He is passionate about educating healthcare practitioners on the benefits of regenerative agriculture, whole food philosophy, and how these approaches translate into improved patient outcomes.

Join us as Jack shares his expertise on farming practices that encourage and preserve nutrient density in crops and how patients benefit from optimal nutrition intake from nutrient dense whole foods and whole food extracts.

SHOW NOTES

2:30 What is regenerative agriculture?

3:47 Why soil is the foundation of nutritious crops

5:46 Regenerative agriculture vs. conventional agriculture

9:05 How regenerative agriculture compares to organic farming

11:50 The role of crop rotation and cover cropping in soil health

14:24 Soil nutrients and their impact on more nutritious foods

17:46 Soil depletion and it's effects on nutrient density

19:38 Avenanthramides: what they are and why they matter

21:40 Benefits of whole food nutrition and the importance of phytonutrients

22:27 Food nutrition labels don't list important phytonutrients

24:14 Farm technology innovations

27:19 Preserving nutrient content after harvest

30:15 Gentle drying processes to retain key phytonutrients

33:15 Highly concentrated extracts of whole plants compared to consumption of the whole food form

34:45 Transparency and education in farming – sharing regenerative and organic practices

36:13 Whole Systems Nutrition Symposium – October 24th – addressing soil health and modern nutrition challenges

REGISTER FOR THE VIRTUAL SYMPOSIUM

Whole Systems Nutrition: Harnessing Nature's Wisdom to Reclaim Our Nutritional Heritage

In this episode, Dr. Daina Parent, ND, sits down with Laurence Katsaras—Naturopath, Acupuncturist, and classically trained Western Herbalist—for a deep dive into incretin hormones, especially GLP-1's and their far-reaching effects on the body. They discuss the interconnected web of health in which all physiological pathways work together, and how GLP-1 medications can distort this web leading to unintended effects elsewhere. They highlight clinical takeaways for keeping the web strong through hormone balance, gut health, herbs, diet, and lifestyle.

They explore the pros and cons of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, herbal and lifestyle recommendations to help manage side effects, and natural approaches that support the body's own ability to regulate these pathways. Laurence also shares insights from his 20 years in the natural medicine industry as a clinician, researcher, and educator. A sought-after speaker in the naturopathic and complementary medicine field across Australia and New Zealand, he is known for translating emerging research into practical, actionable strategies for clinical practice.

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Highlights of the episode include:

• GLP-1 medication effects vs. the body's natural GLP-1 hormone activity
• Risks for women in perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause: muscle loss and bone health impacts
• Herbal compounds that stimulate GLP-1 receptors naturally
• The complex web of health: restoring balance in interconnected physiological systems
• Broad benefits of bitter herbs on the gut microbiome as part of a holistic approach to metabolic health

Podcast Summary

• 1:30 Defining incretin hormones, including GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1)
• 5:06 Organs that are influenced by incretin hormones, and how are they affected
• 7:48 GLP-1 medication effects vs. the body's natural GLP-1 hormone activity
• 8:53 Side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications
• 11:00 Concerns about weight loss, muscle loss and rebound weight gain after discontinuing medication
• 15:30 Importance of continuing holistic diet and lifestyle habits after going off medications
• 18:20 Risks for women in perimenopause, menopause, and postmenopause: muscle loss and bone health impacts
• 20:07 Herbal compounds that stimulate GLP-1 receptors naturally—gentle, holistic alternatives without dramatic or rapid changes
• 29:00 How bitter herbs and foods stimulate incretin hormone production naturally
• 30:30 Herbs with metabolic benefits and that support GLP-1 function
• 32:25 Is long-term GLP-1 medication use sustainable considering side effects and costs? Harnessing the body's innate ability to rebalance
• 33:30 The complex web of health: restoring balance in interconnected physiological systems
• 36:22 Discontinuation rates of GLP-1 medications: potential for combining herbal approaches with medication
• 39:00 Herbal safety: choosing the right herb for the right person, only when truly needed
• 41:14 Broad benefits of bitter herbs on the gut microbiome as part of a holistic approach to metabolic health
• 47:10 The "interconnected web of health"—how a single strand impacts the whole system
• 49:20 Clinical guidance for supporting patients considering or currently taking GLP-1 medications

Dr. Daina Parent, ND and Dr. Sarah Clarke, DC, IFMCP engage in an informative clinical conversation about all things folate. From whole food forms to folate's influence on epigenetics, they transform complex biochemistry into a clear, easy-to-follow, and engaging conversation with clinical gems. They discuss the relationship between folate, vitamin B12, and homocysteine on mental health, brain function, and cardiovascular health and cover biomarkers to help clinicians properly test patients for deficiencies. Drs Parent and Clarke highlight throughout the episode the importance of consuming a whole foods diet that emphasizes foods high in natural forms of folate to support whole body health.

Podcast Summary

• 2:10 Folate (vitamin B9) overview – why is folate important and what is it's role in the body?
• 4:30 Methylation: a folate-dependent process – how is methylation connected to epigenetics and overall healthy functions of body systems
• 7:00 Foods that contain methyl donors for methylation - including turnip greens, collard greens and other leafy greens
• 9:00 Methylation and aging
• 10:00 Natural forms of folate vs. synthetic folic acid
• 15:10 Why folic acid isn't the ideal for everyone
• 17:45 Plant sources of folate when consumed in a whole foods diet
• 21:00 Dangers of the SAD Diet (Standard American Diet) and over consumption of fortified foods with folic acid
• 23:35 How malabsorption of nutrients due to GI conditions can impact levels of folate in the body
• 25:00 When we need more folate and lifestyle habits and medications that impact absorption of folate
• 27:58 Folate's role in mental health, mood and cognition – brain health, brain function, and aging
• 32:10 Folate and it's connection to cardiovascular health and the importance of B12 and folate in creating balanced homocysteine levels
• 35:27 Golden Chlorella – superfood with folate and vegetarian source of B12
• 35:58 How to measure homocysteine and other important biomarkers
• 41:52 The benefits of running a CBC to help determine folate or B12 deficiencies
• 44:20 Clinical case that demonstrates the need to find the right form of folate and B12 for each person
• 45:44 Benefits of whole food form of folate and B vitamins

Dr. Sarah Clarke, DC, IFMCP, interviews Dr. Gena Kadar, Chiropractor, Certified Nutrition Specialist, Sonoran University of Health Sciences Associate VP of Program Innovation, and Dean - College of Nutrition and School of Mental Health

https://www.sonoran.edu/faculty/gena-kadar/

Building a Thriving Chiropractic Practice: The Importance of Nutrition Coaching and Modeling a Healthy Lifestyle

Dr. Sarah Clarke, DC, IFMCP, interviews Dr. Gena Kadar, Chiropractor, Certified Nutrition Specialist, Sonoran University of Health Sciences Associate VP of Program Innovation, and Dean - College of Nutrition and School of Mental Health (https://www.sonoran.edu/faculty/gena-kadar/)

Join Chiropractors Dr. Sarah Clarke and Dr. Gena Kadar in this inspiring conversation about building a thriving practice. Dr. Kadar discusses incorporating nutrition with chiropractic work for improved patient outcomes, and the importance of practitioners modeling healthy lifestyles and practicing self-care. They wrap up the episode with a vision for the future of integrative medicine, and valuable advice for new practitioners building their practices.

1:30 Interest in healthy living from a young age

3:28 How Dr. Kadar came to chiropractic – drawn to the idea of being empowered and how you empower others with knowledge of how to lead healthy lifestyle

7:40 Imposter Syndrome – Challenges of shifting from student-mindset to practitioner-mindset – settling into professional clinical practice

12:30 Working for a cardiologist group and the profound experience that came from that work

14:30 Incorporating nutrition with chiropractic patients produced better outcomes

15:15 Tips for newly graduated chiropractors building their own business and how to incorporate nutrition into their practice – "How you approach nutrition care is very important"

19:20 Beauty of nutrition care and providing access to high quality supplements, in turn also helps to provide a passive income for the clinician

20:56 Motivation to move into the academic sector from private practice – life experience and how that transformed her trajectory

28:59 Milestones and Moments to Celebrate – writing her book A Manner of Living: An Evidence-Based, Realistic, and Sustainable Approach to the Art of Eating Well, Living Well, and Being Well for Life; launched Sonoran University's College of Nutrition; launched a virtual center for customized personal nutrition

34:05 What changes would you like to see in Healthcare? "Having a seat at the table regarding the future of healthcare"; as Integrative Practitioners we can "humbly acknowledge our limitations and proudly, boldly assert our strengths"; increased patient-centered care

38:30 Launching Sonoran University's School of Mental Health – inclusion of healthcare in mental health curriculum

40:40 The importance of teaching students how to manage a healthy lifestyle so they know firsthand the challenges to they can better help their patients; practitioners who practice what they preach have better results with patients; practitioners learning to implement and model self-care so that they can be role models for patients

44:00 The future of Nutrigenomics, personalized medicine, and personalized learning with adaptive learning technology

50:30 Parallels between clinical care and academia

51:25 Advice for new practitioners

Episode 5 – Strategies for Optimal Aging: Leveraging Nutrition and Fitness for Practitioner and Patient

Dr. Sarah Clarke, DC interviews Dr. Kimberly Besuden, DC, CFMP

In this lively conversation, Dr. Besuden, DC, CFMP, shares all of her tips, tricks and recommendations for aging optimally and gracefully. Drs. Sarah and Besuden discuss strategies for maintaining healthy habits and routines for practitioner and patient alike. This episode is full of gems including specific supplementation to fill nutrition gaps, easy-to-maintain exercise routines, and a deep dive into hormesis practices.

Dr. Kimberly Besuden is a Chiropractor and Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner; owner of The Health Factor; and owner of Bay Street Wellness. She has a long history as a competitive athlete, extensive training in clinical nutrition, and many years working as a personal trainer and strength coach.

· 1:30 Inspiration to become a Chiropractor

· 3:30 Inspiration to pursue Functional Medicine and Detox and Purification

· 5:00 Dr. Besuden's Clinical Practice

· 5:45 Active Lifestyles for Aging Populations

· 8:50 Strength Training for the Aging Population – key for optimal aging, and connection between strength training and naturally increased GLP-1

· 13:00 Tips for sticking with a strength training routine – for practitioners and patients

· 16:15 Hormesis and it's role and optimal aging – HIIT, hot and cold therapy, intermittent fasting

· 21:18 Intermittent Fasting

· 26:10 Maintaining healthy diets and habits with busy schedules and traveling

· 29:05 Hot and cold therapy

· 30:50 The Modified Mediterranean Diet – low carb, healthy fats, moderate protein

· 38:55 Super foods for training

· 41:20 Biomarkers, body composition, and metrics – equipment, devices and best practice

· 45:30 Bloodwork Panels and Supplementation for Nutritional Gaps

· 48:00 Other Diet and Lifestyle Recs for optimal aging

· 50:58 Final thoughts for practitioners – Practice what you preach