Functionally Enlightened - Better ways to heal from chronic pain and illness

In this episode of the Functionally Enlightened Podcast, Sharon sits down with Brad Pitzele, founder of One Thousand Roads, to explore the powerful connection between oxygen utilization, inflammation, and chronic illness recovery.Brad shares his deeply personal health journey—from autoimmune arthritis and malignant melanoma to a later diagnosis of Lyme disease and Bartonella—and how conventional treatments failed to produce lasting healing. His search for answers led him to Exercise With Oxygen Therapy (EWOT), a modality that supports cellular energy production, detoxification, and nervous system resilience.We discuss:How oxygen metabolism breaks down in chronic infection and immune dysregulationThe relationship between oxygen availability and systemic inflammationWhy many chronic illness patients struggle with low cellular energy + “fatigue that doesn’t respond to rest”What makes EWOT different from hyperbaric oxygen therapyThe synergy between oxygen therapy and red light therapy for mitochondrial supportHow oxygen-based therapy can support recovery in Lyme, autoimmunity, POTS/dysautonomia, chronic fatigue, long COVID, and implant-related inflammationBrad’s story is one of resilience, curiosity, and rebuilding a life when the traditional medical model had no more answers.This conversation is especially meaningful for:Those navigating implant illness / ASIA syndromeChronic Lyme and co-infectionsPersistent inflammation or immune dysregulationNervous system recovery and mitochondrial repairAnyone exhausted by protocols that feel overwhelming or unsustainableIf you’ve been searching for a gentle, foundational way to restore energy and function, this episode offers clarity, hope, and strategy.🔗 Guest InformationLearn more about Brad’s work and oxygen therapy research: https://www.OneThousandRoads.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneThousandRoadsHQ Email: [email protected]

In this powerful episode of the Functionally Enlightened Podcast, Dr. Sharon Surita, PhD, BCFDNP sits down with Sally K. Norton, MPH, nutrition expert, public health researcher, and author of Toxic Superfoods: How Oxalate Overload is Making You Sick—and How to Get Better.Sally holds a nutrition degree from Cornell University and a Master’s in Public Health, and her career has spanned major medical schools in medical education and public health research. After years of personal health struggles, Sally discovered the devastating effects of dietary oxalates — plant compounds found in many popular “superfoods” like spinach, almonds, sweet potatoes, and beets.In this conversation, Sharon and Sally explore how oxalates may be the missing link in chronic illness, autoimmunity, and implant-related inflammation, offering life-changing insights for anyone struggling with unexplained fatigue, pain, or inflammatory symptoms.🌿 In This Episode, You’ll Learn:-What oxalates are and how they act as plant defense toxins-How “healthy” foods like spinach and nuts can fuel chronic inflammation-The connection between oxalate overload, immune dysregulation, and implant illness-Why traditional detox methods can backfire — and what to do instead-How oxalates impact minerals, mitochondria, and the gut microbiome-Safe, gradual strategies for lowering oxalates without “dumping”-The link between oxalates, mold, and chronic infections-Why testing isn’t enough — and how to tune into your body’s signals-Sally and Sharon also discuss biofilm formation, surgical site inflammation, and how oxalates can worsen immune reactivity in those with mesh or implant illness.📚 About Sally K. Norton, MPHSally K. Norton holds a nutrition degree from Cornell University and a Master’s in Public Health, and has worked in medical education and public health research at major universities. Her groundbreaking book, Toxic Superfoods: How Oxalate Overload is Making You Sick—and How to Get Better (Rodale Press, 2023), has reached readers worldwide and is now available in Spanish, French, and soon Chinese.🔗 Resources Mentioned📘 Sally K. Norton’s Book: Toxic Superfoods: How Oxalate Overload is Making You Sick—and How to Get Better📗 Data Companion: sallyknorton.com/toxic_superfoods/data_companion🍳 Sally’s Recipe Collection: shop.sallyknorton.com/products/low-oxalate-recipe-book-pdf-only🌐 Website: sallyknorton.com📺 YouTube: Sally K. Norton, MPH📸 Instagram: @sknorton | @toxicsuperfoods_oxalate_book📘 Facebook: @BeFreeToThrive🐦 X (Twitter): @BetterLowOx

In this powerful episode of the Functionally Enlightened Podcast, Dr. Sharon Surita welcomes Frédéric Roscop, an award-winning osteopathic practitioner and scientist from the UK, who shares his deeply personal journey of living with undiagnosed Lyme disease for over 20 years—and how he ultimately healed himself when conventional medicine failed.💡 Frédéric reveals the science behind Liquid Intelligence™, his double-patented healing process that integrates biochemistry, frequency-based therapy, and cellular support to restore systemic balance. He explains how this approach addresses the root causes of fatigue, neurological issues, and immune dysfunction common in chronic Lyme and post-infectious syndromes.Together, Sharon and Frédéric explore:🧬 Why traditional Lyme diagnostics often miss the root problem⚡ How Liquid Intelligence™ helps restore cellular and energetic balance🧘‍♀️ The importance of addressing sensitivity and toxicity in chronic illness🌍 The growing epidemic of chronic Lyme and what patients can do to reclaim health💬 Real-life recovery insights for those navigating chronic fatigue, inflammation, and post-infectious syndromesFrédéric’s work has been recognized globally—earning him Osteopath of the Year (2024) and Wellbeing Startup of the Year for his company AEQUIL, which is bringing hope and healing to thousands.📦 Try Liquid Intelligence™: https://aequil.com/ 📩 Contact Frédéric’s team: [email protected] 🎙️ Tune in for an inspiring and science-backed discussion about what it takes to heal from chronic illness when “normal isn’t good enough.”#LymeDisease #ChronicIllness #HealingJourney #FunctionalMedicine #LiquidIntelligence #FrequencyMedicine #RootCauseHealing #PostInfectiousSyndrome #ChronicFatigue #Aequil #Detoxification #MitochondrialHealth #FunctionallyEnlightenedPodcast👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, like, and share this episode with anyone struggling with chronic illness or Lyme disease. 💬 Drop a comment below with topics or questions you’d love for us to cover in future episodes!

Lyme disease shouldn’t be a guessing game. In this episode, Nicole Bell—MIT/Duke engineer, author of What Lurks in the Woods, and CEO of Galaxy Diagnostics—shares how her husband’s undiagnosed Lyme and co-infections (Bartonella, Babesia) led to a tragic outcome… and why that drove her mission to change the standard of care for tick-borne illness. We break down:-Why antibody tests miss stealth infections -How direct detection (PCR, digital PCR) + sample enrichment improve sensitivity-Smart strategies to test co-infections (e.g., urine antigen for Borrelia, blood enrichment for Bartonella)-Practical tips (timing, pre-test movement/sauna, re-testing windows)-Advocacy: finding clinicians, navigating “normal” labs, and pushing for answersResources mentioned:Galaxy Diagnostics: galexydx.com (education center + testing info)Center for Lyme Action “State of Lyme Disease Research”Pathways for non-licensed practitioners (via Mosaic Diagnostics, Evexia, Rupa) – coming online soonIf you or a loved one is stuck with “inconclusive” results, this conversation offers a roadmap—grounded in science and born from lived experience.👍 Like, subscribe, and share to help someone who needs this. 💬 Drop your questions in the comments—we’ll compile for a follow-up Q&A.Chapters 00:00 Intro & Nicole’s story03:12 How Lyme was missed—and what it cost08:20 Antibody tests vs direct detection (PCR, dPCR)13:55 Sample enrichment: why it matters for stealth pathogens18:30 Co-infections 101: Bartonella, Babesia, more24:10 Practical testing tips (timing, prep, re-testing windows)28:45 Why “normal labs” ≠ no infection33:20 Access & upcoming practitioner pathways (Mosaic, Evexia, Rupa)37:40 Advocacy for patients & caregivers41:55 Resources + final takeaways

In this powerful episode of the Functionally Enlightened Podcast, Sharon sits down with Heather, a functional oncology and nutrition specialist whose personal battle with cancer and autoimmune disease led her to pioneer a holistic approach to healing.Heather shares her journey from cancer diagnosis to choosing alternative treatments over conventional chemo and radiation, and how she rebuilt her health through nutrigenomics, blood sugar regulation, and individualized care. Together, Sharon and Heather dive into:✨ How cancer and autoimmune disease are linked to blood sugar dysregulation and environmental stressors✨ The role of comprehensive lab testing (insulin, ferritin, cortisol, hormone metabolism, and more)✨ Why understanding estrogen metabolism and methylation pathways is critical in cancer care✨ How nutrigenomics (genetic nutrition testing) guides personalized diet and supplementation✨ The risks implants pose for immune distraction and inflammation—and their connection to cancer risk✨ Practical tools for chronic illness warriors navigating detox, stress, and hormone imbalancesHeather also shares her insights into creating safe, tailored plans for patients—highlighting why detox strategies must be adapted carefully, especially for those living with cancer or implants.👉 Don’t miss this eye-opening conversation about the intersection of genetics, nutrition, and implant illness.🔗 Resources & Links:• Heather’s Website: Soil to Soul Nutrition - https://heathercooan.com/