In Podcast 61, I sit with Dr. Karen Hurd to discuss HRT.

Episode Focus: Re-examining the risks of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in light of new scientific rhetoric, The biological mechanism of hormonal damage, and the power of lifestyle in navigating menopause.

1. The Core Scientific Risk: DNA Damage

Dr. Hurd challenges the idea that "bioidentical" hormones are inherently safer than synthetic ones.

• The Mechanism of Action: Hormones (both endogenous/innate and exogenous/prescribed) are very small molecules known scientifically as nuclear receptors.
• Crossing Barriers: These molecules are so tiny that they can bypass normal cellular defenses by diffusing directly through the cell membrane (plasma membrane) and the nuclear envelope.
• The DNA Barrage: Once inside the nucleus, the hormone-transcription factor complex randomly attaches to the DNA3. This is not a one-time event; a daily pill or patch creates a constant barrage on the nuclear envelope.
• Mutating Genes: If this random attachment occurs at a critical site, such as the P53 gene (often affected in nearly 50% of hormonally receptive cancers) 5, it can disable the cell's stop mechanism (stop codon)6. The damaged cell then reproduces daughter cells carrying the same mutation, leading to tumors.

The Power of Diet and Lifestyle

• The Natural Menopause: Menopausal symptoms (bone loss, brain fog, hot flashes) are often the result of entering menopause in a non-healthy state
• Estrogen Drivers: Hormones are naturally produced, but their excess can be driven by lifestyle. Caffeine is a more powerful driver of estrogen production than sugar.
• Adrenal Role: The adrenal glands are meant to take over producing weaker, protective estrogens after menopause16. Stressing the adrenals with caffeine, sugar, and over-exercising diverts resources away from hormone production, leading to symptoms like vaginal atrophy and hot flashes.
• The Bean Protocol Solution: Eating soluble fiber (like beans) does not stop innate hormone production; rather, the fiber acts by carrying out what the liver dumps into the gut.. This prevents the excessive recycling (up to 72 times daily) of hormones, allowing the body to naturally bring elevated estrogen levels back down to a safe, post-menopausal level

You can learn more about working with Karen Hurd at www.karenhurd.com

and you can learn more about my courses and working with me at www.youregreat.com

Wishing you well on your human journey.

X

From diet culture to thriving.

In this powerful episode of the Your Great Podcast, host Unique sits down with her client, Catherine's, to share an incredible transformation story. Catherine's came to Unique feeling "at war" with her body, struggling with eczema, chronic sickness, and food sensitivities that left her at rock bottom.

But through the foundational principles of the Bean protocol™, Catherine moved beyond simply managing symptoms. She healed her relationship with food and her body, rediscovering vitality and joy. This isn't just a story about a diet; it's about a complete mindset shift, from feeling like a victim of your health to becoming the empowered hero of your own life.

Listen in as Catherine reveals how she went from being sick more weeks than she was well, to having the energy to say "yes" to life, all by learning to nourish her body from within. If you've ever felt like healing is a struggle, this conversation will inspire you to look at your health journey with new eyes.

You can find out how to work with Unique at https://www.youregreat.com/oneonone-consults

In this episode, host Unique and guest Luis Mojica discuss the concept of "food ideologies" and how they can become a person's identity, often to the detriment of their health.

Podcast Summary: Food Ideology vs. Personal Health

In this episode, Unique Hammond and her guest, Luis Mojica, discuss the concept of food as identity and how it can become a limiting factor in personal health journeys. Unique emphasizes that while the Bean Protocol was a tool that helped her heal from autoimmune conditions like Crohn's and endometriosis, she doesn't want it to be her sole identity.

Both hosts share personal stories of how they subscribed to strict food ideologies—first vegetarianism, then veganism and macrobiotics—as a means of finding health. Luis recounts his journey from eating a highly processed diet to becoming a "militant vegan" after a traumatic experience at a factory farm. He initially thrived on a whole-foods vegan diet but later began to experience fatigue, brain fog, and weight gain. He realized his body was craving animal proteins and fats.

They both highlight a key issue: when a food ideology becomes a person’s identity, it can lead to social and internal conflict if they need to change their diet for health reasons. Luis shares his experience of losing friends and a book deal after he started incorporating eggs and fish into his diet. Unique notes that many of her clients, particularly women, feel better after adding in legumes and some animal protein, but are afraid to do so openly due to social pressure.

The conversation touches on the psychological and emotional components of eating. They discuss how a strict diet can sometimes be a trauma response, a way of exerting control or protecting oneself. They also note that a balanced diet, like the one offered by the Bean Protocol™, can create a sense of internal stability that allows people to address deeper emotional issues. Unique concludes by saying her upcoming book will frame the Bean Protocol ™ as an omnivore plan for healing, emphasizing that wellness requires effort, consistency, and a willingness to listen to one’s body.

Scientific Correction:

• Clarification: The human body needs a total of 20 amino acids to build proteins, 9 of which are essential and must come from food. The body can create complete proteins from a variety of plant sources, provided the diet is varied enough to supply all the essential amino acids. The feeling of improved health from adding animal protein is likely due to the higher concentration and more easily digestible form of protein (a complete protein) and fat-soluble vitamins found in animal products, which may be more challenging to obtain in sufficient amounts on a vegan diet, not due to an inability to break down carbohydrates.

A Note on Veganism:

It's important to recognize that not everyone chooses a vegan lifestyle for health reasons. For many, the choice is driven by a deep ethical commitment to animal welfare and environmental sustainability. For these individuals, the diet is a core part of their moral belief system, and they may be willing to sacrifice their own health if needed for the life of an animal. This is a powerful and personal choice that goes beyond the conversation about food as medicine.

In Podcast Episode 57, I sat down with my inspiring client, Micaela, to talk about her incredible health journey. Micaela has achieved Natural remission from Ulcerative Colitis not once, but twice, thanks to her dedicated work with The Bean Protocol™.

Her story is truly inspiring, showcasing the power of nutrition, persistence and grit. I hope hearing about her transformation encourages you as much as it does me.

Ready to start your own healing journey?

My next 12-week Bean Protocol™ course kicks off on July 11th. Don't miss your chance to join – registration closes July 7th!

Follow this link for more info

https://www.youregreat.com/join-the-bean-protocol

Disclaimer: This is not medical advice. Please consult with your doctor before making any changes.

Podcast 56: The Fundamentals of Great Health.

This week, I'm thrilled to welcome Dr. Karen Hurd to the podcast! We're diving deep into the core principles of great health, covering the five crucial elements that are often overlooked:

1. Soluble Fiber (found in powerhouses like beans and psyllium husk)
2. Water - ( key for great energy)
3. Complete & Efficient Protein ( this combo is key for great health and aging gracefully)
4. Good Fats (healthy oils for happy hormones, your hair, skin and nails)
5. Vegetables (packed with insoluble fiber, essential vitamins, and minerals)

This foundational conversation sets the stage perfectly for anyone looking to optimize their health.

My next 12-week LIVE Bean Protocol with special guest Karen Hurd kicks off July 11th! This will be the last live protocol of 2025. Hope to see you there!

More info here- https://www.youregreat.com/join-the-bean-protocol

Looking to understand the Bean Protocol on a whole new level? In Episode 55 of You're Great, I have a fascinating conversation with the one and only Dr. Karen Hurd! We delve into the core of her protocol, dissecting the famous "No List" and revealing the "why" behind it. And for those who like a little heat, we also dive into some "spicy" topics, including Hormone Replacement Therapy. Get ready to gain clarity and new insights from the expert herself. Enjoy! #beanprotocol #karenhurd #fiber #fiberfuled #livingwell #uniquehammond #youregreatpodcast #nolist #thebeanprotocol

Podcast 54: Navigating Type 1 Diabetes, the Bean Protocol, and Embracing Discomfort

In this beautiful episode, I have the pleasure of sitting down with Sam, a remarkable individual who openly shares her journey with Type 1 Diabetes. Sam's story is an inspiring account of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of embracing healthy discomfort for the sake of growth..

To find out more about Sam, you can visit-https://www.samanthashay.art

To work with me and learn about my courses and groups-https://www.youregreat.com/oneonone-consults

In Episode 53, I sit with Linsey, who shares her extraordinary gallbladder healing story with The Bean protocol. Yes, you can heal your gallbladder. Your diet matters. Share this with any doctor who tells you your gallbladder can't be saved.

Interested in the bean protocol? You can find out more info here.

https://www.youregreat.com/oneonone-consults

I create healing plans to support your best gallbladder, hormonal, weight, fertility, vitality, and long-term health. Food is foundational for excellent health.

I also offer courses, group coaching, and more!

In great health,

Unique

In episode 52, I had a great discussion with my client, Hayley, about her healing journey. We started working together in October 2021 when she was 26 years old. In January 2024, she joined my 12-week course to address her relationship with nourishing her body and healing her cystic acne, gut health, and canker sores. It was a pleasure supporting her as she developed healthier long-term habits for her well-being.

My final 12-week course of the year starts September 13th!

Join us in creating your best health.

More info here.

https://www.youregreat.com/join-the-bean-protocol

In podcast 51, I have a personal and intimate conversation with Dani Beinstein about navigating significant life transitions through the lens of Astrology. We delve into the beauty of change, embracing age, and the unexpected life.

Danielle Beinstein, MA, is a psychological and intuitive counseling astrologer based in Nashville. Born and raised in NYC, she received BA from NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study, where she crafted a major in Humanities, Literature and Art History in 2003. After moving to Los Angeles and working in Hollywood and Tech, she returned to school, completing her Masters in Spiritual Psychology with an Emphasis in Consciousness, Health and Healing in 2014. She offers ongoing private and group consults and facilitation, as well as circles and retreats. You can connect with Danielle and learn more about her offerings at www.daniellebeinstein.com and for more regular astrological musings, you can follow her on Instagram @DaniBeinstein

Seeking to deeply ground in nutrition through the various transitions in your life? I offer a 12 week group for ladies - the last one of the year starts in Sept. More info here www.youregreat.com/the-bean-protocol

and follow me on IG @uniquehammond