Episode #58: Exploring Ky’Osha's Crazy Health Journey with Pneumonia, Chronic Constipation & Parasites

Taking the mystery out of women’s hormonal issues, struggles and the many things that dance in between.

Guest: Ky’Osha Williams

In this episode of the Hormone Lifestyle Zone, I had an amazing conversation with today's guest and present client– Ky'Osha Williams. She is a mobile crisis clinician working on the front lines of mental health, helping individuals in serious crisis. Metaphorically, Ky'Osha is the person who talks countless people off the ledge. A job of incredible intensity that she expressed as frequently challenging to turn off at the end of a workday.  

I emphasize the degree of stress because it landed Ky’Osha in the hospital 16 years ago with a serious bout of viral pneumonia that was "misdiagnosed" as bacterial pneumonia and subsequently included an unnecessary and avoidable 5-day course of intravenous antibiotics. 

Shortly after her hospitalization, Ky'Osha's health started to slide and spiral downward into an array of symptoms ranging from indigestion, acid reflux, and constipation to fatigue, tingling, flank pain, and brain fog, including parasites.

Today's conversation is about peeling back the onion on working with Ky'Osha to address a 16-year struggle that countless doctors couldn't or didn’t address. During this episode, I share my root cause approach, honing in on specific labs, lifestyle recommendations, supplements, and anti-inflammatory diet, which brings us to today's podcast. And, yes, we take a deep dive into the world of parasites!

Welcome to The Hormone Lifestyle Zone!

Sweet Lovelies, If you haven’t alredady, please subscribe on SPOTIFY OR ITUNES. You can also watch episodes on MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

Episode #57: The Gut-Hormone-Lifestyle Reset

Today's episode is a sequel to my previous Podcast, The-Gut-Hormone Connection- Connecting the Dots. During that episode, I took a deep dive into various aspects of gut function and integrity, including a detailed explanation of how dysbiosis and leaky gut are directly linked to hormone imbalances. If a woman doesn't address underlying gut issues, she'll never balance her hormones.

During today's podcast, I'll discuss how women can optimize their gut health, including lifestyle and supplement recommendations (see below at the bottom of show notes) to rebalance their hormones.

Food is powerful Medicine! What you eat and assimilate is sent into your bloodstream to fuel every cell in your body. Influencing every aspect of who you are, including cellular mitochondrial energy essential in supporting the production of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid hormones, cortisol, neurotransmitters, insulin, glucose signaling, and so much more!

I'll also discuss the "Rootiest-Root Causes" of WHY your gut and hormones have gone awry and why you may not be thriving.  Sweet Lovelies, it isn't just about taking a probiotic or being on a restrictive diet.

Whether you're struggling with endometriosis, funky pap smears, recurrent UTI, vaginosis, PCOS including psoriasis, acne, fatigue, fibromyalgia, or Brain fog- this episode may provide the answers you need to start healing.

I'll unpack how and why creating a healthy gut includes optimal drainage and detoxification, efficient digestion, healthy bowel habits, and a vibrant, diverse microbiome, allowing optimal hormone signaling and hormone balance. Sweet Lovelies welcome to The Hormone Lifestyle Zone.

Supplement Recommendations: Click on products to order supplements

Similase BV (Integrative Therapeutics): A comprehensive, microbial enzyme supplement that aids in the digestion of all food groups while also providing additional enzyme activity for the digestion of beans, legumes, and cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cabbage, and brussels sprout) that produce gas in sensitive individuals. Dosage: 1-2 capsules with each meal.

Ther-Biotic Complete Probiotic (Klaire Labs/SFI Health):  One of my favorite full-spectrum probiotics! Dosage: 1-2 capsules daily with meals.

HPA Adapt (Integrative Therapeutics): Encourages calm, reduces stress-related fatigue, & supports cognitive function. It supports the HPA axis in maintaining hormonal balance and a healthy stress response. Follow dosage recommendations & don't take if pregnant or nursing.

Total Vegan (NuMedica): This is a great tasting plant-based high protein shake that supports your immune system, digestive system, body composition, bone health, and detoxification. Note: Don't take if pregnant or nursing.

Magnesium Citrate (Pure Encapsulations): 2-4 capsules at bedtime to help with constipation. Note: If pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before taking this product.

GI UltraMax (MotherEarthLabs): Follow the dosage recommendation on the label. Promotes healthy gut tissue and leaky gut repair, supports a balanced, thriving microbiome, Soothes Inflammation, aids in metabolism & weight management, and helps to reduce sugar cravings. NOTE: Don't take if pregnant or nursing.

The following are two of my favorite Fulvic and Humic Acid Product Lines: Fulvic and Humic are essential trace minerals that support Drainage, Detoxification (including heavy metals and environmental chemicals), Nutrient Absorption, GI Health, Immune Function and Brain Health.

Humic and Fulvic SC/Capsules & Fulvic 400X/Liquid (MotherEarthLabs): Follow dosage recommendation on bottle. Note: Consult with your physician if you're pregnant or nursing

Electrolyze and Micro-Boost (Beam Minerals): Follow dosage recommendations for both products. Note: Consult with your physician if you're pregnant or nursing

Sweet Lovelies, if you haven't already, please subscribe to SPOTIFY OR ITUNES and watch episodes on MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL. You can also reach me directly at info@megrichichi.com

Episode #56: The Gut-Hormone Connection

When women inquire about my services, they frequently start the conversation with, “Meg, my hormones are out of balance.” And then I ask, “Tell me, what’s going on with your gut?” Nearly 99% of the women I work with (including many of today’s listeners) have unsuspected underlying gut issues with symptoms ranging from gas, bloat, and constipation to heartburn and loose stool, including undiagnosed parasites and bacterial infections.

If women don’t address underlying gut issues, they’ll never balance their hormones.

Your gut takes front and center stage in every aspect of your health, including hormonal challenges like PMS, infertility, PCOS, fibroids, endometriosis, heavy bleeding, hot flashes, and night sweats.

I sense that many women are confused by what triggers hormone imbalances. My intention and focus throughout today’s episode are to help you better understand and grasp the connection between your gut and your hormones.

As you’ve heard me say over the years- what you eat, assimilate, and what you eliminate has a tremendous impact on your reproductive or sex hormones.

I’ll take a deep dive into the following aspects of gut function and gut integrity impacting women’s hormones:

• Why the GI Tract is your body’s largest immune organ.

• I’ll explain why the microbiome plays a key role in how you eliminate excess estrogen. And how a certain gut enzyme can inhibit estrogen from being excreted via the bowels. Increasing a woman’s risk for fibroid, polyp, PMS, ovarian cysts, and estrogen-related cancers.

• I’ll help you understand WHY it’s crucial for women to have 2-3 daily bowel movements.

• I’ll deconstruct why and how intestinal hyperpermeability (aka leaky gut) and dysbiosis (an imbalance of good and bad gut bacteria) are major contributors to hormone imbalances.

• And why Leaky Gut Syndrome is associated with nearly all autoimmune disorders, compromised immunity, and mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, ADHD.

As always- I want to empower all my Sweet Lovelies with evidence-based information that allows you to take control of your hormones and celebrate the exploration of life’s exquisite journey. Welcome to The Hormone Lifestyle Zone!

Sweet Lovelies, if you haven’t already, please subscribe on SPOTIFY OR ITUNES and watch episodes on MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL. You can also reach me directly at info@megrichichi.com

Episode #55: Breast Implant Illness: Penny's Journey Home

Today’s Guest: Penny Treese

Nearly 300,000 breast augmentations are performed annually in the United States, and 25% of these women will go on to develop Breast Implant Illness. My next guest is Penny Treese, an extraordinary woman, mom, wife, artist, and workshop facilitator.  Penny spent two decades suffering from breast implant illness. During today’s episode of THLZ, she shares her unimaginable story.

Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a syndrome that includes a constellation of symptoms driven by a systemic inflammatory immune response occurring in women who have had breast augmentation.

Common Breast Implant Illness Symptoms that can manifest within weeks, months, or years after receiving breast implants: Joint & Muscle Pain • Fatigue • Brain Fog • Rashes & Skin Issues • Anxiety • Depression • Mood Swings • Food Sensitivity • Allergies • Autoimmune Disorders • Cancer

Dr Lillian Schapiro, gynecologist and dear colleague, referred Penny to my clinical practice.  It took her nearly 6 months to finally contact me and, that one phone call changed her life forever, as well as mine.  Every aspect of Penny's health was in rapid decline, and in her own words, "Meg, I would have died within a few months if I didn't make that call and start working with you."  During our first session, I referred her to Dr. David Brothers, an amazing explant surgeon located here in Atlanta. 

Penny suffered for over 20 years with Breast Implant Illness (BII). Her symptoms of fatigue and Raynaud's syndrome developed within months of her breast augmentation. By the time Penny came to see me, she had depilating joint and muscle pain, a diagnosis of connective tissue disease that included Sjogren's syndrome, brain fog, and cognitive decline– so severe that she couldn't remember how she drove to our appointment.

I am honored to have Penny share her BII journey. She displays tremendous honesty, and vulnerability coupled with immense grace and courage as she tells her story. This journey also includes our 9 months of working together and peeling back the onion that has helped her recover and reclaim her life. 

Welcome to The Hormone Lifestyle Zone!

Sweet Lovelies, If you haven’t alredady, please subscribe on SPOTIFY OR ITUNES. You can also watch episodes on MY YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

Episode #54: How I Helped Julia Unravel & Reset Her Health Nightmare

Today’s Guest: Julia Marie B

Taking the mystery out of women’s hormonal issues, struggles and the many things that dance in between.

I'm excited about today's podcast for a variety of reasons. Beginning with this episode, I've decided to bring my clients on as guests to THLZ. I want these lovely women to share their personal stories, health journeys, and life rumbles and tumbles because they are also your stories.

What if YOU were living with chronic lung congestion and sinus infections? What if you had a lifetime of constipation, gas, and bloat? What if your fatigue, unexplained weight gain, aches, and pain made it difficult to move forward with your life? These are just some of the reasons why my next guest, Julia Marie B, came to see me.

Julia has been a fashion content creator and influencer for eight years. She has a tremendous following on TikTok because Julia is so relatable and so creative– she loves helping women look and feel their best. During today’s episode we’ll take a deep dive into Julia’s health crisis and how I helped her turn her life around.

Sweet Lovelies, Welcome to The Hormone Zone Lifestyle Zone!

Episode #53: The Power of Breathwork: Why Now More Than Ever?

Today’s Guest: Lisa Jones

Taking the mystery out of women’s hormonal issues, struggles and the many things that dance in between.

What if you could do something every day, consistently, that becomes non-negotiable? An action that can buffer your stress, help you feel less overwhelmed and more creative, help balance your hormones, boost your immunity, promote sleep quality, and improve your libido. Have I perked your interest?

"The most intimate relationship you will ever have with anyone or anything begins with your own breath. Why? The inhalation is the first action you take upon entering this world.  The exhalation is the last thing you release before leaving this earthly plain and passing on."

Today's conversation is about Breathwork and how the quality of our breathing can shift our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health toward a calmer place in our daily lives. I'm excited to explore this topic with my guest, Lisa Jones, a Breathwork Therapist. She believes our bodies have forgotten how to breathe the way they're designed to breathe, and this is a major contributing factor to many health challenges, including digestive disorders, headaches, anxiety, depression, insomnia, and unresolved trauma.

Stress is related to 95% of disease and illness. So many of us have lost our point of reference because we live in a sympathetic- fight-or-flight response. We don't even know when we're stressed out because it's become the norm.

Sweet Lovelies– may today's episode open doors, allowing you to explore the most intimate relationship that begins and ends with you. The rhythm of your breath reflects the rhythm of your life.

Welcome to The Hormone Lifestyle Zone

Episode #52: Excuse Me, Please Don’t Call Me Agnes!

Today’s Guest: Agnieszka Gasparska

I've been thinking about how best to describe today's episode with my guest,  Agnieszka Gasparska, a dear friend and "soul-searching" sister. I inevitably decided that I'd like you to listen to the podcast and come to your interpretation of her "certain something" that best exemplifies "the divine something" in all of us. 

It's a powerfully lovely, funny conversation about navigating the bumps, the losses, the wins, and the WTF moments that bring us to our knees while raising us up again.   In my case, literally– I had a weird tumble, giving myself a concussion that inevitably changed the trajectory of my life.

Agnieszka was born in Warsaw in 1977 under the Communist regime. After repeated attempts to escape, her parents decided to give it one last shot, and they arrived in New York City in the Fall of 1988. She came to this country at age 11 and changed her name to Agnes for a few years because she felt Agnieszka was too difficult to pronounce. She had a passion for science and math but life had other plans for her and Agnieszka ended up attending Cooper Union School of Art on a unexpected full scholarship.

Agnieszka is deeply dedicated to her spiritual practice. She is an artist, educator, and designer with 20+ years of experience in visual communication and digital design. She's also the founder and creative captain of Kiss Me I'm Polish (and its only Polish member).

Sweet Lovelies– if any of you are feeling lost, stuck, or living with a bit of uncertainty, today's podcast may help bring clarity and comfort in addition to making you laugh.  I have moments when life feels out of sorts, and I'll hear an inner voice, like a whisper, telling me, "Baby girl, enjoy the ride, just enjoy the ride. 

Welcome to The Hormone Lifestyle Zone

Episode #51: Why Plant-Based Minerals Are Essential For Women To Thrive & Rock Their Lives!

Taking the mystery out of women’s hormonal issues, struggles and the many things that dance in between.

Today’s Guest: Caroline Alan

Women are designed to thrive! All we have to do is give our bodies what they need, specifically starting with our cells. We are comprised of trillions of cells that make up our skin, organs, neurotransmitters, hormones, and every bodily system. 

When I hear clients express how their hormones are out of balance or how they're struggling with fatigue or brain fog or finding it difficult to lose weight, I always include cellular support. WHY? 

Cellular health is the foundational biomarker for overall health and hormonal balance. 

Many women, if not most, are deficient in minerals and why many struggle with a layering of health challenges.

Humic and fulvic acids found in our soil assist plants in absorbing nutrients. Every time we eat a fruit or vegetable, we're ingesting humic and fulvic acids. These extraordinary minerals help our cells absorb nutrients, assist in mitochondrial energy production, and usher toxins out of our cells. 

Sadly, our present farming practices, combined with the effects of pesticides and herbicides, have left our soil depleted of minerals. Vegetables and fruit are lacking in essential minerals like zinc, iodine, manganese, molybdenum including humic and fulvic acids.

I'm thrilled to have Caroline Alan join me today on THLZ. She describes herself as a "humic and fulvic minerals geek," and I'm a big fan! Caroline will share her health journey, which includes adrenal burn-out and systemic inflammation. Many of Caroline's chronic health issues resolved as a result of taking humic and fulvic acids. She experienced such positive health effects from these minerals that Caroline co-founded BEAM Minerals.

May today's episode change how you view supplements and what you need to thrive and rock your life.

Sweet Lovelies, Welcome to The Hormone Lifestyle Zone

BEAM Minerals is The Multi-Mineral Solution for Women and Men! I highly recommend starting your day with MICRO-BOOST & ELECTROLYZE!

Episode #50: The 5 Ways to Find Your Life Purpose & Creating Your Future

Taking the mystery out of women’s hormonal issues, struggles and the many things that dance in between.

Today’s Guest: Adam Harman Banning

We are all on a journey, and the road can get pretty bumpy. At times, it may appear impossible to navigate. Sometimes, we don't know where to turn or what to do to fix the "stuckness."

Finding life's purpose and creating one's future is why I invited my next guest, Adam Harman Banning, to THLZ. He is a dear friend and colleague.

For the past 35 years, Adam has established himself as a recognized lecturer in the fields of Functional Medicine and Consciousness. He has hosted & co-hosted numerous radio programs in NYC and Los Angeles on natural healing and meditation. Adam has authored two books on human potential and mysticism: "Seeing the Angel in the Mirror" and "The Official Wizard's Training Manual."  

He is an incredible "Life Purpose Coach and Business Mentor. I love Adam's approach to coaching because he's so approachable and has the gift of helping people access their unique life purpose to ensure their personal success.

How do I know? Adam has been instrumental in what I do as a Women's Integrative Health Practitioner and Acupuncturist and how I show up in the world.

Getting clear on our life's purpose and creating balance and direction paves the path for abundance,  health, joy, happiness, and our soul's growth. This just makes me want to go on a road trip in my mini-cooper with the top down, the radio blasting, and no GPS!

Sweet Lovelies Welcome to The Hormone Lifestyle Zone.

Contact Adam Banning Harman: Text: 310-999-7877, email: theadamharmanshow@gmail.com

Episode #49: Am I Normal? What Is Sexual Intimacy?

Taking the mystery out of women’s hormonal issues, struggles and the many things that dance in between.

Today’s Guest: Sierra Coleman

I wanted to start 2024 on THLZ by exploring sexual intimacy, communication, connection, and re-connection. The title of today's episode is "Am I normal? What is Sexual Intimacy?"

Many consider the beginning of a New Year as a reboot to set new goals or establish new lifestyle habits. Many start with a dry January that opens new doors to self-care and exploration. I believe 2024 holds opportunity for a deeper connection with ourselves and our significant other. Authentic communication makes the world go round, inside and outside the bedroom. And, after a three-year period that I refer to as "The Post-Covid Drag," it's time for a new kind of revolution that celebrates "Sexual Intimacy" with a fresh and positive perspective.

As many as 40 million Americans in romantic relationships aren't having sex.

Today's lovely guest is Sierra Coleman, a marriage and family therapist and certified sexologist. She specializes in working with couples and individuals, especially women, around sexual issues and challenges.

During today's episode, Sierra and I will explore why women struggle with low libido, lack of desire to have sex, and why it may even feel like a chore.

We will also explore: What's going on inside and outside the bedroom? What defines the parameters of sexual intimacy? What factors impact a woman's libido? Why masturbation is good medicine. AND– why you can benefit from listening to today’s conversation!

I deeply appreciate Sierra’s perspective and insights. They’re super helpful, powerful, and positive.

Sweet Lovelies– 2024 may be the year that you roll back your sleeves and take a deep dive into exploring what turns you on from the inside and out and a little sideways. Welcome to The Hormone Lifestyle Zone.

Book recommendations: A Year of Us by Alicia Munoz, LPC & Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski, Ph.D.

Episode #48: Getting Unstuck!

Taking the mystery out of women’s hormonal issues, struggles and the many things that dance in between.

Today’s Guest: Avis Cardella

We all go through times in our lives when we feel stuck. Maybe a relationship has become stale, a job has lost its luster, or procrastination has taken a front seat to motivation and creativity.

There's a Buddhist expression, "Congratulations, you've hit a wall." Today's podcast explores an opportunity to shift and look at what is and isn't working in our lives, even though it may feel difficult, uncomfortable, or downright scary. This wall of stuckness is a metaphoric 'pause button' that allows for possibility– shifting our thinking, revamping lifestyle choices and diet, or nourishing a new approach to life.

I'm delighted to have my dear friend Avis Cardella, an author and writer, join me today. As life happens, Avis and I hadn't spoken in a while, and during a recent Zoom catch-up call, she expressed feeling stuck for the past four months, unable to finish edits and revisions for her newest book manuscript. I suggested writing a blog or article about why she felt stuck. I also asked Avis to join me in unraveling "Being Stuck" on today’s episode.

We spoke again a few days prior to recording this podcast, and Avis had a tremendous breakthrough that she'll share with you. May this conversation allow you to lean into that wall because it's calling you to birth something new within that is intended just for you.

Sweet Lovelies Welcome to The Hormone Lifestyle Zone.

Episode #47: TRACTION-Shattering Myths About Weight Training, Cardio, Belly Fat & Protein

Taking the mystery out of women’s hormonal issues, struggles and the many things that dance in between.

Today’s Guest: Amber Goppert

Earlier this year, I attended a church service on New Year's Day with friends and was introduced to my next guest, Amber Goppert. She's the Founder and Owner of The Training Room ATL– the premier fitness facility in Atlanta, and a highly respected fitness influencer.

We met for coffee a few weeks later, and Amber asked me- if I'd be open to creating and coaching women through a Nutrition-Hormone-Lifestyle Program with "REAL" attainable results inside and outside the gym. And so began our partnership and creation of TRACTION, launching The Women's-Rebel Jumpstart Program.

Various factors and challenges impact women's health, hormones, and body composition. I know many of you struggle with your fitness, unable to find workouts that build healthy lean mass (muscle) while reducing belly and body fat. Women want workouts that create sustainability and lasting traction. A new client recently shared her frustration, "Meg, I'm working out six days a week, lifting and doing serious cardio. I'm gaining weight and have the worst PMS! What am I doing wrong?"

We all want happy hormones! We want to look good, feel good, feel strong, and, most importantly, love who we see in the mirror.

Today's conversation with Amber is about shattering myths around fitness, cardio, and weight training– eating smartly without restricting calories. Most importantly, why leaning into protein combined with resistance training is a gal's best friend. Amber will also share her story about how she hit a wall in her health, bringing life to a screeching halt, and how that experience impacts who she is today.

Sweet Lovelies Welcome to The Hormone Lifestyle Zone.

PS: Click here to learn more about The 4-Week Women's-Rebel Jumpstart Program starting Oct 28th.

Episode #46: Cheryl's Health Tumble Down the Rabbit Hole

Taking the mystery out of women’s hormonal issues, struggles and the many things that dance in between.

Today’s Guest: Cheryl Paswater

Today's guest is my dear friend and colleague- Cheryl Paswater. She is an Integrative Functional Medicine Practitioner, Fermentationist, Educator, and Co-Host of Peeling the Onion Podcast.

Cheryl was also a client of mine many moons ago. I asked her to be on THLZ because I wanted Cheryl to share her crazy-bumpy health journey, which included escaping a massive fire in her Brooklyn apartment during the Fall of 2019.

For years, Cheryl did her best to navigate a conventional healthcare system that didn't provide what she needed to heal. Cheryl's struggles included asthma, allergies, candida, ADHD, undiagnosed mold exposure, and rounds of steroids and antibiotics. She peeled back the onion in every aspect of her life to reclaim her health through diligent detective work and finding the “right” functional healthcare practitioners to set her on a path of true healing. Cheryl is an inspiration to anyone struggling with their own health issues and feeling like they too tumbled down the rabbit hole.

Sweet Lovelies welcome to The Hormone Lifestyle Zone.

Episode #45: Exploring Why Women Develop Thyroid Issues After 40

Taking the mystery out of women’s hormonal issue, struggles and the many things that dance in between.

Today’s Guest: Dr. Brittany Henderson, MD

There's a lot of information on the internet highway that's conflicting and overwhelming. I always aim to provide clarity based on research, science, and nearly 30 years of clinical experience during each podcast. Today, I'm joined by a dear friend and colleague, Dr. Brittany Henderson, MD. We'll explore the underlying triggers and root causes of why so many women are diagnosed with thyroid conditions like Hypothyroid and Hashimoto’s after forty.

Dr. Henderson is board certified in internal medicine and endocrinology. She has advanced training in thyroid disorders, including Hashimoto's, thyroiditis, Graves, thyroid nodules, and thyroid cancer. Her clinic is located in South Carolina at the Charleston Thyroid Center. Dr. Brittany has received prestigious grants from the American Thyroid Association and the Thyroid Cancer Survivors Association. She's also written a book entitled– What You Must Know About Hashimoto's Disease.

Most thyroid issues are linked to inflammation that includes thyroid antibodies, hypothyroid, nodules, and sub-clinical hypothyroid. Inflammation is more than a bruised elbow— fatigue, anxiety, brain fog, weight gain, body aches, burn-out, and hormonal yo-yo-ing can also be signs of inflammation associated with thyroid dysfunction.

The following factors can fuel the fire– leaky gut, parasites, environmental toxins, heavy metals, mycotoxins, chronic stress, poor sleep hygiene, co-infections, viruses, including nutritional deficiencies.  Your body need's a way to drive down inflammation! Brittany and I will explore how these inflammatory markers developed over time and how you can squelch the flames with a nutrient dense diet, lifestyle, drainage-detoxification, supplementation, and proper thyroid medication when necessary. YOU are designed to thrive, and your thyroid wants you to sing with ease, vitality and feeling mighty sexy.

My Sweet Lovelies, Welcome to The Hormone Lifestyle Zone.

PS: Here are two previous episodes with Dr. Brittany Henderson, MD: Episode #4 & Episode #19

Episode #44: Pelvic Floor Dysfunction- Symptoms, Causes & Resolution

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Taking the mystery out of women’s hormonal issues, struggles and the many things that dance in between.

Today’s Guest: Merci Ortenzi Treaster, PT, DPT

Aside from being able to listen to The Hormone Lifestyle Zone on iTunes and Spotify you'll also be able to watch today's podcast and future episodes on my YouTube Channel.

Sweet Lovelies, my mission is to bring deeper awareness and understanding to different aspects of women's health. I've wanted to explore women's pelvic floor issues for a while. It’s more common than many realize and 1 in 3 women will experience a pelvic floor disorder in their lifetime.

PFD refers to a broad constellation of symptoms that include the following: Pain during sex, chronic UTIs, constipation, urinary or fecal incontinence and pelvic floor challenges pre-pregnancy, during pregnancy, postpartum, and after a hysterectomy.

As many as 50% of women with chronic constipation have pelvic floor dysfunction.

As today’s guest, I’m delighted to have Merci Ortenzi Treaster a Pelvic Health Physical Therapist and owner of The Pelvis Pro in Atlanta, GA. I love that one of her moms is an OB/GYN and her other mom is a chiropractor. I guess it’s in Merci’s genes and life’s calling to work with women in this incredible capacity! 

Please join Merci and me as we take a deep dive into demystify various pelvic floor issues. Learn how you can recognize the symptoms and causes to create lasting resolution.

My Sweet Lovelies, Welcome To The Hormone Lifestyle Zone.

Episode #43: Is Low Stomach Acid Making You Sick?

Taking the mystery out of women’s hormonal issues, struggles and the many things that dance in between.

I'm delighted to announce that aside from being able to listen to The Hormone Lifestyle Zone on iTunes and Spotify you'll also be able to watch today's podcast and future episodes on my YouTube Channel.

According to the American Gastroenterological Association, nearly 50% of our lives are affected by digestive woes ranging from gas and bloat to heartburn and acid reflux. Almost 50 million people in the US use stomach acid-blocking drugs like omeprazole and antacids. 

We are what we eat, digest, assimilate, and eliminate. The epicenter of our health and well-being starts in the gut with digestion. Low stomach acid (hypochlorhydria) is front and center of so many health issues. 

Sweet Lovelies– if you don't have a healthy gut, your hormones will never be balanced. 

During today's episode, I'll explain how low stomach acid is an underlying culprit in many health struggles, including anemia, brain fog, constipation, SIBO, parasitic infections, allergies, fatigue, infertility, and dementia. 

 Join me today as I unravel many misconceptions around stomach acid's evils and how taking HCL +pepsin or herbal bitters could be your saving grace. 

My Sweet Lovelies Welcome To The Hormone Lifestyle Zone.

Episode #42: What You Need To Know About Breast Implant Illness

Taking the mystery out of women’s hormonal issue, struggles and the many things that dance in between.

Today's Guest: Sarah Phillipe

Over 315,000 women get breast implants annually in the U.S., and 1 out of 4 will go on to develop breast implant illness.

Nearly three years ago, I planned to do an episode on breast implant illness, and for various reasons, I couldn't record the podcast. This time around, I wanted to create a podcast that included a holistic practitioner who had tumbled and rumbled through the "breast implant illness journey."  Just a few weeks ago, I serendipitously connected with Sarah Phillipe and asked if she would share her story on THLZ and without hesitation she said YES!.

Sarah Phillipe left her conventional nursing career as an RN to become a certified Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner. Sarah also happens to be a badass, Breast Implant Illness Expert! 

Sarah experienced an array of symptoms starting within six months of her breast implant surgery. Her symptoms continued to escalate– including extreme fatigue, rashes, aches/pain, Hashimoto's, endometriosis, and fertility challenges. Sarah believes the solution to reversing breast implant illness is much more than just the explant. It's also about women taking personal responsibility for restoring their health by addressing the root causes contributing to chronic breast implant illness, that include toxicity, infections, trauma, and shame. 

She also uses her personal experience to guide women through the sea of misinformation about breast implant illness in hopes of helping women find their path to true and lasting healing.

Grab a cup of tea or include us on your daily walk as we explore what every Sweet Lovely needs to know about “breast implant illness”.

Welcome to The Hormone Lifestyle Zone. 

Episode #41: Meeting Ourselves Where We Are

Healing has a profound emotional component, asking us to engage our hearts, whether facing endometriosis, bulimia, colitis, PCOS, Lyme, recurrent miscarriages, breast cancer, or the loss of a sister.

How can we take that deep dive within? How do we validate and acknowledge our feelings? Why do childhood triggers still trigger some of us when we least expect it? And how do we get unstuck even after years of therapy?

All these questions lead me to today's conversation with my guest, Christina Haselfeld Wall- a holistic therapist, spiritual coach, and Core Energetic practitioner for over 25 years.

Nearly two years ago, I asked Christina if she would join me when I felt emotionally ready to talk about my healing from childhood trauma involving sexual and physical abuse— also the catalyst for my developing anorexia and bulimia. A startling awakening at 30 brought me to my knees as I questioned my sanity. It was also the impetus to continue leaning into an arduous healing process that eventually led me to Core Energetics therapy and authentically meeting myself where I was.

While preparing for this podcast, Christina shared the following with me, "We can have many self-help tools available to us; however, we must have willingness. We don't need to be 100% willing. Just 51%, the tipping point. Willing to open, look within and experience ourselves in an honest and compassionate way."

Please join Christina and me as we explore the many energetic facets of women's healing journey– meeting ourselves where we are.

Sweet Lovelies, welcome to The Hormone Lifestyle Zone.

Episode #40: Fulvic & Humic Acid- Game changers in Women's Health

Each of us is a culmination of 100 Trillion cells. These cells comprise our tissue, organs, and systems, including nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, digestive, and reproductive systems. 

Fulvic and Humic acids found in our soil assist plants in absorbing nutrients. So, why is this important? When you and I ingest vegetables and fruits, we take in vitamins, trace minerals, amino acids, and micronutrients, including Fulvic and Humic Acids.  

Fulvic and Humic Acids help our cells absorb nutrients, assist in energy production, and usher toxins out of our cells. Sadly, our soil is depleted, and so are our fruits and veggies- when coupled with the standard American diet, we are looking at precursors of hormone dysregulation. 

The Gut is the epicenter for our hormones and Cellular Health is the biomarker for our overall health.

I'm delighted to have Dr. Stuart Hoover joining me today on THLZ.  Dr. Hoover has been a Functional Health Practitioner for over 25 years.  He is a leader in the formulation and manufacturing of Organic Whole Food Dietary Supplementation specializing in Humic and Fulvic charged nutritional products.  Dr. Hoover is also a pioneer in Foundational Medicine and Fulvic and Humic Acids.

Sweet Lovelies- welcome to The Hormone Lifestyle Zone.

NOTE: Here is the link to product recommendations made during today's podcast: MotherEarthLabs

Episode #39: Detoxification: What's Up With Your Mitochondria!

I'm delighted to have Sande Bargeron back as my guest on THLZ! Today's podcast continues our conversation from the previous episode- Constipation– An American Epidemic. I recommend listening to this podcast because constipation challenges make it impossible to detox successfully.

Chronic disease has been on a dramatic rise in the United States over the past few years:

• Presently, nearly 60% of adults have at least one chronic illness.

• Nearly 40% of us will be diagnosed with cancer in our lifetime.

• Early onset dementia increased by a staggering 373% among 30-to 44-year-olds and 311% among 45-54-year-olds from 2013- 2017.

• 1 in every 44 children will be born with autism. 

We are ALL swimming in a sea of toxins, literally and figuratively. Detoxification is much more than a 3-day juice fast and/or taking a handful of supplements. It's a synergistic approach that targets and supports cellular health, honing in on the powerhouses of energy in our cells– the mitochondria.

Sande and I will deconstruct what detoxification entails. Maybe you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, PCOS, Lupus, MS, early onset Alzheimer's, or cancer. The mitochondria is where illness begins and where all healing takes place. 

Join us as we explore a wide range of factors compromising the mitochondria and the inability to detox efficiently. Most importantly, we will share ways you can offset lifestyle and environmental challenges potentially compromising your health.

Sweet Lovelies- welcome to The Hormone Lifestyle Zone.