Less Stressed Life: Helping You Heal Yourself

Latest Episodes:

#414 Strategies for Reflux, Indigestion and Heartburn with Christa Biegler, RD, LN Aug 13, 2025

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This week on The Less Stressed Life, I’m sharing practical and root-cause strategies for reflux, indigestion, and heartburn. While acid blockers can provide short-term relief, they often miss the deeper issue — low stomach acid, mineral depletion, and the impact of chronic stress on digestion. We’ll talk about the surprising role frequent burping plays, how to soothe symptoms naturally, and why resolving underlying stress is the key to long-term digestive health.

If you’ve dealt with heartburn, unexplained indigestion, or recurring reflux that keeps coming back no matter what you try, this episode will help you understand what’s really going on and how to fix it for good.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Why low stomach acid is often the real culprit in reflux
How stress depletes minerals needed for digestion
When soothing herbs can help heal the stomach lining
The truth about H. pylori and why testing isn’t always accurate
Why addressing unconscious stress is essential to prevent relapse

❓Question for Christa? Submit it here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions

WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife
Leave a review, submit a questions for the podcast or take one of my quizzes here: https://www.christabiegler.com/links

SPONSOR:
Thanks to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode! Looking for a clean, tasty way to stay hydrated this summer? Their Electrolyte Supreme is a go-to for energy, minerals, and daily hydration support. Use code LESSSTRESSED10 at JigsawHealth.com for 10% off—unlimited use!

NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:
🍽️ Over restriction is dead
🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best
🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)
🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone
❤️ Do your best and leave the rest

#413 When the Solution Isn't in Your Body: Healing Chronic Pain with Alexis Joseph, RD Aug 06, 2025

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This week on The Less Stressed Life, Alexis Joseph joins me to share her journey of chronic back pain that wouldn’t go away until she uncovered its emotional root. After trying physical therapy, massage, injections, and more, Alexis discovered the mind-body connection and how repressed emotions were fueling her pain. This conversation dives into the work of Dr. John Sarno and Nicole Sachs, the concept of TMS (Tension Myoneural Syndrome), and the healing power of emotional honesty.
If you’ve ever dealt with chronic pain, nagging health symptoms, or the feeling that your body is betraying you, this episode might completely shift how you see healing.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Why emotions can trigger very real physical pain
The role of unconscious stress in chronic symptoms
What TMS is and how to know if it applies to you
How journaling and nervous system work helped Alexis heal
Why curiosity and self-compassion are more powerful than fear

ABOUT GUEST:
Alexis Joseph is the dietitian, blogger, and mama behind Hummusapien, the food blog she created in 2011 in order to inspire others to eat happy, healthy and balanced. She's also Co-Founder of Columbus-based restaurant group, Alchemy. She uses her passion for cooking and wellness as fuel to help others ignite a more joyful relationship with food. Through years of experience coaching individual clients, consulting with food brands, and conceptualizing restaurants, she combines approachable recipes with nutrition education to bring peace and joy back to the table.

WHERE TO FIND:
Website: https://www.hummusapien.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hummusapien/

WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife

#412 Resolving Back Pain with Barefoot: Why I switched from “normal shoes” and my favorite brands with Christa Biegler, RD Jul 30, 2025

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Watch this week's episode! Click here!

This week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I’m talking about how switching from traditional “normal” shoes to barefoot and transitional footwear helped me resolve my own back pain—and how you can safely make the change, too.

If you’ve ever dealt with nagging back, knee, hip, or foot pain, this episode is for you! I share what “barefoot shoes” really are (and what they’re not), how heel drop and shoe shape can impact your body mechanics, and the brands I love most—from budget-friendly finds to long-lasting options.

In this episode, I cover:

Why traditional shoes can contribute to back and knee pain
What makes barefoot and “foot-shaped” shoes different
How to safely transition without injuring yourself
My personal favorite barefoot and transitional shoes (some under $30!)
Options for adults and kids, including those with flat feet, bunions, or foot pain

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Strong feet = a strong foundation for your entire body
You don’t have to go all-in on barefoot shoes right away—start with transitional options
Many great shoes now cost $20–$30 instead of $120+
A wide toe box and zero-drop sole make a world of difference
Strengthening your feet can improve posture, agility, and reduce pain

Christa’s favorite barefoot & transitional shoe brands:

Budget-friendly:

Whitin (Amazon) – under $40, multiple styles
ZYEN (Amazon) – slip-on sneaker, ~$20
JBU water shoes – great for rivers, summer wear

Everyday & transitional:

Merrell Trail Glove (more cushion, good starter)
Merrell Vapor Glove (thinner sole, more barefoot feel)
Flux – attractive everyday styles, thick sole (good for concrete)
Storehouse Flats – ballet flats for dressier wear

Long-lasting investment brands:

Groundies (Christa’s personal favorite overall)
Lems – casual & mountaineering looks
Xero – sandals, boots, casual shoes
Wildlings – ultra-flexible, thin sole (best for mild conditions)

Kids & wide feet:

Merrell Trail Glove kids
Whittens boots & tennis shoes
Xero Chelsea boots (great for flat feet)

Other brands to consider:

VivoBarefoot – very popular for flat feet
Bed Stu sandals – zero-drop and cute but slippery on stone

❓Questions for Christa? Submit it here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions

#411 Freedom, Purpose, and Impact: Financial Wisdom with Mel Abraham, CPA, CVA, ASA Jul 23, 2025

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This week on The Less Stressed Life, Mel Abraham shares the mindset shifts and life lessons that helped him rebuild after cancer, single fatherhood, and losing a third of his wealth in a Ponzi scheme. We talk about redefining wealth, the purpose of money, and how to build true freedom—financially and emotionally.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re behind with money or unsure where to start, this episode will help you reframe your relationship with it and move forward with clarity and confidence.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Why most money beliefs are caught, not taught
How to define your own “enough”
The emotional traps that sabotage smart investing
Lessons from losing it all and starting over
Why financial freedom starts with intention, not income

ABOUT GUEST:
Mel Abraham is a USA Today bestselling author, CPA, and entrepreneur who helps people build lives of freedom, purpose, and impact. With over 30 years of experience mentoring entrepreneurs and individuals, Mel shares proven frameworks for creating financial independence and living in alignment with your values. A cancer survivor, single dad, and son of an immigrant, Mel blends real-life resilience with financial wisdom to inspire others to build wealth and lasting legacy—without sacrificing what matters most.

WHERE TO FIND:
Website: https://melabraham.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melabraham9/

WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife

#410 Copper, Ceruloplasmin, Iron & the Energy Crisis Inside Your Cells with Morley Robbins, MBA, CHC Jul 16, 2025

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This week on The Less Stressed Life, Morley Robbins returns to unpack the misunderstood role of copper in energy production, iron regulation, and chronic fatigue. We explore how stress, poor soil quality, and modern health trends have created a widespread mineral imbalance—and why copper might be the missing link for those struggling with burnout, low energy, or hormonal chaos.

If you’ve ever been told you’re “low iron” or feel like your energy tank is always on empty, this conversation might just reframe everything you thought you knew about your metabolism.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Why you can’t make energy without copper
How stress and glyphosate deplete bioavailable minerals
Why most iron labs miss the real issue
The difference between copper supplements and true bioavailable copper
How to start supporting your mineral balance

ABOUT GUEST:
Morley Robbins is the creator of the Root Cause Protocol and founder of the Magnesium Advocacy Group. Known as the “Magnesium Man,” Morley left a decades-long career in hospital administration after a personal healing experience led him to question everything he thought he knew about health. Since then, he’s become a passionate educator on mineral balance, performing thousands of consults and digging deep into the roles of magnesium, copper, and iron in chronic illness. Through his research and coaching, Morley helps people get to the root cause of fatigue, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances—one mineral at a time.

WHERE TO FIND:
Website: https://therootcauseprotocol.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therootcauseprotocol/

WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife

#409 Healing from Cancer, Crohn’s & Mold with Dr. Jill Carnahan Jul 09, 2025

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This week on The Less Stressed Life, I’m joined by Dr. Jill Carnahan, a functional medicine physician who’s no stranger to adversity. From breast cancer at 25 to Crohn’s disease and mold toxicity, Jill has walked through deep suffering—and shares how those experiences became her greatest teachers. We talk about what happens when your body breaks down, why high achievers struggle to rest, and how healing starts with radical self-compassion.

If you’ve ever felt like you had to push through, prove your worth, or handle everything on your own—this conversation might just offer a new way forward.

📽️ Watch the documentary: DoctorPatientMovie.com

📘 Read the book: Unexpected: Finding Resilience through Functional Medicine, Science & Faith

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Why survival doesn’t equal healing
The connection between overachievement and chronic illness
How self-compassion actually creates space for physical healing
Why your story matters—and might be the key to recovery
What it looks like to rebuild trust with your body

ABOUT GUEST:
Dr. Jill Carnahan is a board-certified functional medicine physician, bestselling author of Unexpected, and host of Resiliency Radio. Known for her compassionate, whole-person approach, she helps high-performing individuals unravel complex health issues by addressing the root cause. A survivor of breast cancer, Crohn’s disease, and mold toxicity, Dr. Jill brings rare insight to her work—blending science, faith, and hard-won wisdom to help others heal physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

WHERE TO FIND:
Website: https://www.jillcarnahan.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjillcarnahan/

WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife

NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY:

Over restriction is dead.
Whole food is soul food and fed is best
Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)
You don’t have to figure it out alone
Do your best and leave the rest

#408 Listener Q&A: Mast Cells, RA, Fertility Qs & Skin Signals with Christa Biegler, RD Jun 26, 2025

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It’s the end of June, and I’m wrapping up our listener-powered Q&A series with a jam-packed solo episode. I tackle three big questions from Sarah, Jeanine and Wendy that span swollen fingers after COVID, mast-cell mayhem, bumps around the eyes, fertility prep, and even rheumatoid arthritis. Thanks for being here!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Swollen Fingers Post-COVID: Often linked to cellular stress, mineral imbalances (esp. low potassium), and mast cell activation. Support adrenals and mineral status first.
Mast Cell & Eczema: Consider nervous system inputs (EMDR, breathwork, stress history), liver drainage, and gentle anti-inflammatory support like Holy Basil.
Fertility Prep: Focus on mitochondrial support, nutrient repletion, progesterone monitoring, and nervous system regulation at least 3 months preconception.
Skin Bumps Around Eyes: Often tied to liver sluggishness and drainage issues. Use face mapping as a tool; consider low-level toxin load and mineral depletion.
RA vs. OA: RA = immune dysfunction; assess food reactivity (e.g., nightshades), gut health, and family toxin exposure. OA = structural; consider regenerative injections (e.g., prolozone).
Family Symptom Clusters: Think environmental—evaluate for mold, radon, or metals (e.g., uranium on HTMA). Toxic burden may explain “mystery” symptoms.

Rate • Review • Reach Out

Love these quick-fire case breakdowns? Share the episode, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and drop your next burning question here https://www.christabiegler.com/questions and I might answer it on air after our July 4th hiatus.

See you in July,
Christa 🧡

#407 The Business of Being Dead: How to Protect Your Family, Assets & Sanity with Ali Goff Jun 18, 2025

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🌟 ⚠️ This is the episode you didn’t know you desperately needed. 💥
Wills, trusts, probate... sounds boring? Think again. This convo might just save your family thousands—and a whole lot of stress. 👀💸

This week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I’m joined by estate attorney and certified performance coach Ali Goff, who’s not only brilliant but also shows up to legal talks in a T-shirt that says “Future Dead Person.” So you know we’re going to have fun while talking about something that usually feels… well, kind of morbid.

In this honest and surprisingly juicy convo, we’re digging into trusts, wills, and the documents every adult needs—but most avoid until it’s too late. I brought Ali on the show (and to our upcoming retreat in Salt Lake City 🎉) because she knows how to make complex stuff digestible and, dare I say, enjoyable. She also drops some wild stories that might just light a fire under your adulting.

Whether you’re 35 or 75, this episode will make you laugh and realize just how much stress (and money) you can save your family by planning now.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Why estate planning isn’t just for the rich or the retired
What actually happens when you die without a will or trust (hint: it’s not pretty)
The $50K+ mistake most families make without realizing it
Why online legal templates might cost you more than they save
The difference between a will and a trust—and why one skips court drama
What documents every parent must have in place (especially for guardianship)
How to make sure your family isn’t left scrambling in a medical or financial emergency

👯‍♀️ Want to hang with Ali and me in person? There are still a few seats left for the fall retreat. It's not just about health—it's about protecting your peace, your people, and your legacy. Apply now: https://www.lessstressedliferetreats.com/saltlake

ABOUT GUEST:
Alexandria “Ali” Goff is the founder and CEO of Goff Legal, a boutique California law firm specializing in estate planning and administration. A passionate educator and certified performance coach, Ali empowers fiduciaries and business owners to grow with clarity and confidence. She frequently speaks for professional organizations and serves on the UC Davis School of Law Alumni Board. Outside of work, Ali lives in Loomis with her husband, two sons, and their menagerie of pets. She’s also a Level 1 Sommelier who enjoys wine tasting, travel, and live music.

WHERE TO FIND:
Website: https://gofflegal.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goff.legal/

WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:
Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/
Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionist
Podcast Instagram: @lessstressedlife
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife

#406 Listener Q&A: Histamine and Is GI Map the Best Diagnostic Test? Jun 11, 2025

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This week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I’m answering two listener questions—one about histamine intolerance and another about gut testing for a 3-year-old with allergies and chronic symptoms. If you’ve ever wondered whether histamine is really the problem or if stool testing is worth the investment, this episode is for you.

In this episode, I share why histamine intolerance is almost always a secondary issue (not the root cause), what body systems need support instead, and how I approach gut testing in young kids—especially when allergies, itching, and immune symptoms are involved. I also walk through how to think critically about testing and what questions to ask before you invest.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

Why histamine isn’t the root cause—and what usually is
How symptoms like allergies, flushing, anxiety, or hives can signal deeper dysfunction
When DAO enzymes might help—and why I rarely use them
What the GI MAP stool test actually reveals (and what it doesn’t)
The #1 mistake people make with testing—and how to avoid it
How to think like a practitioner when evaluating symptoms, history, and lab data

❓Questions for Christa? Submit it here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions
🚨Christa is currently taking clients through the end of June! Book a call here: https://www.christabiegler.com/schedule

NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY:

🍽️ Over restriction is dead
🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best
🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)
🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone
💛 Do your best and leave the rest

#405 Listener Q&A: Chlorine and Gut Healing In Child Eczema with Christa Biegler, RD Jun 04, 2025

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This week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I’m answering two listener questions around childhood eczema—when it flares from pool exposure and when gut healing alone isn’t enough. If you’ve been navigating eczema with your child (or yourself) and feel like you’ve hit a wall despite diet changes and supplements, this one’s for you.

In this episode, I break down the different types of eczema and how they react to things like chlorine, chemical sensitivity, and gut imbalances. I also share what clues to look for (like how symptoms show up after swimming or starting solids) and why doing things in the right order can make all the difference.

❓Got your own question for Christa? Submit it here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions

🚨Christa is currently taking clients through the end of June! Book a call here: https://www.christabiegler.com/schedule

KEY TAKEAWAYS:
• When chlorine (or other pool chemicals) may calm vs. flare eczema
• How to identify different eczema types and what they really mean
• Why gut healing protocols don’t always work—and what to do instead
• What birth stories, antibiotics, and early solids can tell you about root causes
• Why order of operations matters (especially in kids under 5)
• When it’s time to stop guessing and get fresh eyes on the case

NUTRITION PHILOSOPHY:

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