Gutsy Health | Nutrition and Medicine

Show Summary: 

“Up to 75% of women with PCOS also struggle with insulin resistance. This undeniable link suggests that managing blood sugar through diet, stress reduction, and potentially with a CGM can significantly improve symptoms like irregular periods and pain.”

If you're an avid Gutsy Health Podcast listener, you know we often discuss how healing starts in the gut.

But there's one pervasive issue that can sabotage even the healthiest gut - blood sugar dysregulation. 

It can lead to insulin resistance, diabetes, and a whole host of imbalances.

That's why we’re thrilled to welcome Emily Johnson, a Registered Dietitian specializing in blood sugar and metabolic health, to the show today! As the Research Lead at Veri, Emily has seen how continuous blood glucose monitoring can help those struggling with PCOS, unexplained infertility, autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's, and other chronic issues driven by metabolic dysfunction.

In this episode, we're exploring the connection between autoimmunity, blood sugar, and hormonal imbalances and how they all work together. 

Ready to take control of your health? Tune in to Season 3, Episode 11 of the Gutsy Health Podcast!

Show Highlights: 

00:00 - Episode start

00:45 - How Emily’s passion for clinical nutrition research led her to Veri

03:58 - The five key markers of metabolic health

08:34 - Why you may be insulin resistant without even knowing it

11:58 - Who should consider using a Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM)? 

19:36 - How metabolic issues can lead to cortisol spikes, inflammation, and autoimmune conditions

20:46 - The shocking way stress hijacks your blood sugar levels

26:13 - How a sedentary lifestyle may be damaging the body from the inside out

27:48 - The critical role of movement and physical activity in improving insulin sensitivity

28:59 - Decoding your body's unique response to diet and lifestyle using CGM data

31:03 - The unexpected way blood sugar impacts your hormones

34:04 - The leading causes of death in the U.S. and how monitoring biomarkers allows taking control of health

36:42 - Why CGMs so are valuable for those with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)

40:32 - Is PCOS just about blood sugar, or are there other lifestyle factors?

42:49 - How Veri is more than just a CGM; it also unlocks personalized metabolic insights 

Important Links: 

“The thyroid is an all-day energy source that acts like a dimmer switch turning your body's power up or down. So if something feels off despite "normal" results, it's important to question that. Remember that thyroid disease is about symptoms rather than just blood tests.”

Have you been told your thyroid levels are "normal" but still feel lousy?

Wondering why so many people struggle with undiagnosed thyroid issues today?

Curious about the hidden thyroid disruptors you should be aware of?

Join us for an eye-opening episode where we delve into the world of thyroid health! Dr. Jeff Wright shares insightful information and reveal the often-overlooked reasons behind the current thyroid crisis. From the immune system to stress and sex hormones, Dr. Wright connects the dots and guides you on optimizing your thyroid function beyond surface-level symptom treatment.

Whether you're seeking solutions for ongoing thyroid struggles or simply want a better understanding of this vital gland, this episode is a must-listen!

Stay tuned until the end for a special treat - learn how to sign up for Dr. Wright's free Thyroid Class. Tune in now to Season 3, Episode 11.

Show Highlights: 

00:00 - Episode Start

01:52 - Introducing Dr. Wright’s upcoming in-depth master's program in the Gutsy Academy

05:37 - Find out why a thyroid crisis exists in our world today

08:47 - The hidden dangers in your iodized salt that could be sabotaging your thyroid

09:49 - Why subclinical thyroid issues are often missed 

11:10 - How bromine, fluorine, and chlorine block thyroid hormone production

12:41 - How to know if you have a thyroid problem

14:29 - Why the standard TSH test may be misleading you about your thyroid health

17:14 - Is it really a thyroid issue or secretly an immune system connection?

19:02 - Can you really reverse Hashimoto's and Graves' disease? 

20:35 - The unseen thyroid disruptors lurking in our water and food from childhood

22:37 - How the standard American diet could be worsening thyroid issues

23:46 - Is it fact or myth that a mother's thyroid disorder impacts the baby?

24:35 - The three critical steps for healing autoimmune conditions

27:02 - Tasty gluten-free substitutes that make going gluten-free a breeze

28:10 - Living in an artificial world and the need to nurture our bodies

29:28 - Decoding your thyroid bloodwork - TSH, T3, T4, and reverse T3 explained

32:28 - The significance of reverse T3 levels

35:05 - Stress as a major factor in worsening Graves' disease

37:17 - The impact of modern, fast-paced lifestyles on our nervous systems

42:18 - Why fixing your cortisol has to come before healing your thyroid condition

45:04 - The connection between sex hormones and the thyroid

51:37 - Blood tests not being the best marker for B12 levels and cellular absorption

54:34 - Dr. Wright’s final advice for those struggling with thyroid issues

Important Links: 

“Our soul is with us in every moment, seeing our ups and downs, holding love and compassion. And when we courageously tap into this part of ourselves, an entire world of possibilities, connection, and fulfillment opens up.”

Tired of trying various treatments, diets, and medications but still not getting complete relief from your symptoms? 

Wondering if there's an unseen energetic component to illness that modern medicine ignores?

Could addressing past issues or unresolved trauma be the key to finding the underlying cause of your condition?

If these questions resonate, then you’re in the right place. 

Join us this week as we speak with Kristi Worful, founder of The SANGA School of Transformational Arts and Sciences. Kristi shares why it can be challenging to unlock the soul piece in our healing journey, and the obstacles that may be preventing us from making progress. She also guides us toward understanding the root cause of our issues and how to access our higher selves to initiate true, inside-out healing. 

We believe in bridging science and soul to offer a more holistic mind-body-spirit perspective to healing. Tune in now to listen to the episode and learn more!

Show Highlights: 

00:00 - Episode start

03:55 - Why healing the soul feels like a struggle

06:21 - Signs that our body is trying to communicate with us when it’s disconnected from the soul

12:15 - Why deep healing can bring up painful emotions and physical sensations

13:43 - How ingrained patterns can block us from connecting with our authentic selves

18:49 - True creation can only come from a place of peace

21:57 - The different stages of self-awareness and awakening

25:42 - Moving from survival to questioning our limiting beliefs and conditioning

28:01 - Exploring our authentic selves without fear of judgment

29:49 - Why doing things that don't spark joy can lead to low emotional states

34:36 - Expressing our higher self and using our gifts to serve the world 

37:36 - The importance of community and collaboration 

38:25 - The stage of true alignment with yourself, your purpose, and humanity

41:09 - Why facing our true selves can be uncomfortable but empowering

42:59 - Seeing illness as a teacher and a catalyst for personal growth 

45:22 - Practical steps to get you started on your healing journey

53:29 - Finding your unique path to healing 

58:58 - The deepest form of love and connection you can experience

Important Links: 

“Crucial minerals like iron, copper, zinc, and iodine are needed during fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum breastfeeding. They play vital roles in red blood cell production, thyroid function, breast milk quality, and overall maternal and fetal health.”

Are you feeling confused by all the conflicting pregnancy diet advice out there?

Unsure which nutrients are truly vital for boosting your fertility? Or perhaps feeling anxious about postpartum recovery?

Take a deep breath. This episode might provide the answers you need!

Joining us on the Gutsy Health Podcast is Lily Nichols, a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist, Certified Diabetes Educator, researcher, and author. Together, we discuss nutrition strategies that can help aspiring moms conceive, expectant mothers nurture a healthy pregnancy, and new moms regain strength and energy postpartum.

Discover which specific foods and supplements can boost fertility, alleviate unpleasant pregnancy symptoms like morning sickness, and provide nourishing support for yourself and your baby. Lily also shares empowering lifestyle strategies for a smoother overall pregnancy experience from conception to childbirth.

Tune in now for a refreshingly honest conversation packed with practical wisdom for embracing every stage of your motherhood journey with more ease and nourishment.

Show Highlights: 

00:00 - Episode start

01:36 - What led Lily Nichols down the path of helping women discover real food nutrition

09:22 - Crucial dietary and supplement considerations for women trying to conceive

11:43 - How to prepare your body for pregnancy by monitoring your menstrual cycle

14:37 - Can being healthier before pregnancy lead to less severe morning sickness?

16:46 - Specific foods and supplements pregnant women should focus on eating 

18:15 - The ideal protein intake for women that could make or break fertility

20:24 - Top prenatal vitamins and when to start taking them for best results

22:30 - Why methylated B vitamins are a must-have in prenatal vitamins

25:00 - Is consuming organ meats safe to consume during pregnancy despite vitamin A toxicity concerns?

31:28 - Important minerals for fertility, pregnancy, and breastfeeding

36:28 - Electrolytes play a bigger role in pregnancy than you might think

39:57 - Combat nausea and food aversions with these nourishing pregnancy meal tips

43:12 - Critical lifestyle factors that impact fertility and pregnancy success

43:27 - Simple swaps to reduce toxin exposure at home and why movement is necessary

50:38 - What women should focus on after giving birth

54:54 - The importance of rest and support for new mothers

57:56 - Increasing protein intake substantially postpartum can support breastfeeding and energy levels

1:00:00 - Should you consider placenta encapsulation?

Important Links: 

“For safe detoxification, first replenish your body with good minerals and then focus on opening elimination pathways (bowels, sweat, breath) to remove the mobilized toxins.”

Are your mineral levels falling short, despite taking large amounts of supplements?

What if getting enough minerals held the key to overcoming heavy metal absorption?

You might think organic foods are safer, but could they still expose you to heavy metals?

And is it truly possible to purge every last heavy metal from your body?

Find out real answers in this episode! 

Today, Dr. Jeff Wright joins us again to discuss the complex but crucial world of minerals. This topic is incredibly relevant because our modern lifestyles have led to widespread mineral deficiencies and heavy metal exposure. We'll explore why minerals are so vital for our bodies, how to ensure you're getting the minerals you need, and how to reduce your heavy metal burden.

If you suspect you're mineral deficient or simply want to boost your mineral intake for better nourishment, you won't want to miss this! Tune in to Episode 8 of Season 3 today! 

Show Highlights: 

00:00 - Episode Start

02:15 - Discover why minerals are absolutely crucial cofactors that power your body's most vital functions

03:56 - Get an insider peek at an upcoming must-attend class on a key hormone influencer

04:24 -Could this surprising mineral be boosting your iron absorption?

05:27 - Weigh the importance of balanced mineral antagonists like zinc and copper 

06:52 - Dive into the major mineral pairs that need to be balanced, like sodium/potassium, copper/zinc, magnesium/calcium

09:41 - Is your typical diet out of balance? Learn how to optimize these minerals

11:38 - Uncover why widespread mineral deficiencies have become so common in modern times 

13:41 - Learn about the misguided push to restrict salt (sodium) intake for everyone

18:57 -  Find out why Dr. Wright prefers getting potassium from food sources like bananas and coconut water over supplements

25:20 - Distinguish trace minerals from major minerals and their crucial roles

26:32 - Did you know the body tries to compensate for mineral deficiencies by substituting toxic heavy metals? Find out why here

28:42 - The safe, step-by-step approach to gently detoxifying heavy metals

31:57 - Why going straight for heavy metal detox could be a critical mistake

38:03 - How to best test for heavy metal burden

41:22 - Discover the advanced spectrophotometry technology (OligoScan) for rapidly measuring mineral/metal levels and why this mineral test deserves more spotlight

46:45 - How often should you re-check your mineral and metal levels during detox

47:39 - Get the complete picture of your mineral status with complementary tests 

48:33 - Signs and symptoms to tell if someone is mineral-deficient or has heavy metal issues

50:23 - Weighing the pros and cons of gentle “low and slow” approach vs aggressive approaches like chelation for detoxing heavy metals

53:09 - Top heavy metal binders for mineral balance

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