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Honest and eye-opening conversations with functional nutritionist Erin Holt. Erin shares insight into hot topic nutrition, plus interviews with thought leaders in the functional medicine and wellness world. Get informed and empowered with this funky spin on mainstream health information.
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This minisode is Part 1 of a 3 part series Erin is doing on Metabolic Health, where she answers some of the most common questions she has received on all things metabolism! Tune in as Erin covers topics like high blood sugar, insulin, weight loss, and menopause.
In this episode:
-Why metabolic health and blood sugar regulation are SO important [3:24]
-What does high blood sugars/insulin have to do with weight loss? [5:47]
-What should I consider if weight loss is my goal? [12:29]
-What is the link between insulin & COVID? [14:01]
-Why does perimenopause cause a lot of struggles to metabolic health? [22:13]
-After intermittent fasting for a year, my labs came back as me being prediabetic. Doesn’t fasting regulate sugars? [29:16]
FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/187-metabolism-1-high-blood-sugar-insulin-weight-loss
If you’re interested in the gut, get ready and grab a pen - because Erin is doing a deep dive into all things gut health! Today’s episode is a Gut Workshop that was recorded earlier this year and is now being released to the public for the first time. There is a WEALTH of information in this replay - Erin talks about the gut from top to tail, things that can go wrong, what to be aware of, and helpful tips for supporting a healthy gut. Stay tuned until the end for a great Q+A!
In this episode:
-Leaky Gut diagnoses - are they legit? [5:52]
-Reflux, bloating, belching, constipation, & other irregular GI symptoms that over 70% of Americans suffer from - and WHY [9:10]
-Long term consequences of the widespread use of antibiotics, medications & acid blockers [11:33]
-Factors collectively impacting the extremely fragile ecosystem of a healthy gut [12:48] Comparing the “modern gut” with a healthy one [13:33]
-The North-to-South process of digestion, and what to look for BEFORE you focus on Leaky Gut [14:28]
-Pre-digestion: The importance of chewing your food [15:18]
-Peristalsis: How stress impacts the speed and direction of digestion [17:08]
-Stomach Acid: The unsung hero & first line of defense against pathogens, bacteria and viruses [18:14]
-Food sensitivities, low minerals and other signs of low stomach acid [20:13]
-Gallbladder issues: The single MOST overlooked issue in women [22:25]
-How you can have gallbladder issues even if you don’t have a gallbladder & what can help [24:16]
-Bile: How it helps with detoxification, insulin signaling, and your overall metabolism [25:45]
-Small Intestines: Where we absorb the nutrients from eating well, and where intestinal permeability (leaky gut) comes into play [27:24]
-Weight gain, brain fog, depression, anxiety, asthma, allergies, hormone imbalance, and autoimmunity - Leaky Gut symptoms that aren’t just digestive [31:25]
-Specific causes of Leaky Gut [40:45]
-Hormones of over-training, over-achieving, overdoing & how it impacts your gut [45:58]
-How to support a diversity & abundance of healthy bacteria in the gut [51:19]
-Q+A with Erin [57:51]
-Can you reverse autoimmune diseases through gut health? [58:40]
-What should you look for in a nutritional health provider? [1:01:15]
-What are the first few action steps to improve gut health? [1:02:24]
-Stool urgency with running [1:03:44]
-Can you discuss the continuous glucose monitor and how the average person can get one? [1:05:07]
-What would something like taking antacids do that would be potentially negative & what's a better alternative? [1:11:34]
-What are your recommended bitter tinctures? [1:14:27]
https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/ccp - The Carb Compatibility Project™ is officially open for enrollment! (Starts on January 10th)
FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/186-leaky-gut-microbiome-digestion
Today Erin is sitting down with Lara Adler, who is an environmental toxin expert and educator. Every time the “environmental toxicity” conversation comes up there is potential for overwhelm, but Lara presents this really complex (and important!) information in such a way that you can walk away with low-cost action steps that don’t feel overwhelming.
This episode is filled with practical, budget-friendly strategies that you will feel confident implementing. Whether you're someone looking to better their health OR to support others in their health journey, this is a convo you don’t want to miss.
Lara Adler is an Environmental Toxins Expert & Educator who teaches health coaches, nutritionists, and other health professionals how to eliminate the #1 thing holding their clients back from the results they are seeking – the unaddressed link between chemicals and chronic health problems.
In this episode:
-The downstream effects of environmental toxicity exposure. [7:01]
-The most effective approach to get someone to care about environmental toxicity. [8:02]
-The heart attack & air pollution link. [10:52]
-Why reducing exposure can be a “quick fix” for some. [15:43]
-The invisible threat that can lead to microbiome issues, leaky gut, autoimmune flares & hormone problems. [17:27]
-When you feel like you’ve “done all the things” for your health, but you’re still not better. [18:22]
-The connections between leaky gut, cascading symptoms & toxin exposure. [18:52]
-Fetal origins of adult disease: how early life exposures can lead to adult disease. [21:44]
-Why there’s rarely ONE chemical to blame when toxicants are so ubiquitous in commerce. [23:29]
-The difference between persistent & non-persistent chemicals - and why you should care. [26:49]
-The cheapest and MOST effective solutions to start implementing TODAY. [28:36]
-A powerful intervention study on child asthma. [38:29]
-Top priorities for non-toxic eating. [44:47]
-Lara’s thoughts on non-stick pots/pans. [45:29]
-Cookware to avoid & to use. [52:20]
-Lara’s favorite safe cookware brands (with multiple price points.) [1:03:07]
FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.erinholthealth.com/funktional-nutrition-podcast/2021/12/3/episode-185-practical-strategies-to-reduce-chemical-exposure-lara-adler
For the first time ever, Erin’s husband (and web designer, and home reno wrangler) Scott is joining her on the mic to talk about their home reno project. Erin received so many questions about how they navigated this project with health in mind, so they sat down together to bring you all the answers in this episode!
Because these questions aren’t normally asked when people are building or renovating homes, Erin and Scott had to navigate through much of this on their own—and are bringing their experience and newfound knowledge to you! They are by no means experts, but they surely learned a lot along the way! Tune in to hear the products and techniques they used, and advice to help make your next home project a safe and toxic-free one. (Plus, a bonus segment from Scott on advice he would give to someone who may be resistant to prioritizing a healthy eating, non-toxic lifestyle.)
In this episode:
-Rigby Home Giveaway Announcement [1:40]
-Getting partners onboard with a healthy eating, non-toxic lifestyle [2:29]
-What to avoid with autoimmunity or chemical sensitivities [3:43]
-Sustainable cookware & dinnerware [5:27]
-Our budgetary and investment decisions [8:43]
-Getting started: Design, Building and Installation [13:45]
-Floor materials and coatings [16:35]
-Paint that prioritizes air quality [22:18]
-Using an air filter for off-gassing & steps to reinforce detox pathways [23:25]
-Sustainable, non-porous and low-maintenance counters [24:00]
-Cabinets & an awesome resource of questions to ask for a toxic-free home [25:30]
-Furniture & how to check for added chemicals like flame retardants [27:26]
-Venting about the process & things to be mindful of [29:32]
-Bonus segment from Scott on resistance to prioritizing a healthy eating, non-toxic lifestyle [36:16]
FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.erinholthealth.com/funktional-nutrition-podcast/2021/12/3/episode-184-our-non-toxic-home-renovation-all-your-questions-answered
Today’s episode is for you if you are interested in getting started with a functional approach for your health, but not really sure where to start. Erin recognizes that the cost of functional medicine can be a limiter for some, so she makes a case for starting with ONE budget-friendly intervention. This is the ONE PLACE Erin recommends everyone start before jumping into her 1:1 practice!
Listen in as Erin discusses the difference between functional medicine/nutrition & the conventional/allopathic approach, and uses real world case examples of clients as it relates to all of this - where conventional medicine can fall short, where to start with the functional approach, and why you should start there.
In this episode:
-The chief differences between the functional and conventional approach [3:58]
-Specific blood markers you should be aware of [10:19]
-Where the functional approach should always start [12:00]
-How to know if your blood sugar is a problem (without lab testing!) [14:20]
-The body-wide impact of poor blood sugar regulation [17:47]
-Real world case studies that showcases the power of food & how it can move the needle on [23:16]
-When your healthcare providers have no options for you [24:29]
-Why weight should not be used as the primary health marker [25:20]
-Hormonal issues, fatigue, anxiety & how blood sugar strategies & changing diet made a huge impact for one client [28:34]
-Common finding in hormone labs [29:07]
-Food’s impact on metabolic health [31:59] [31:59]
-The positive impact of investing in your health & how it can change the rest of your life [33:02]
Mentioned in this episode:
https://www.erinholthealth.com/carb-compatibility-project - The Carb Compatibility Project™ (next round starts on January 10th & enrollment officially opens on Monday, December 27th
FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.erinholthealth.com/funktional-nutrition-podcast/2021/11/24/episode-183-looking-for-a-functional-approach-where-to-get-started
If you have skin issues, immune issues, autoimmunity, allergies, asthma, food sensitivities, or get sick often - you’ll want to listen in, because Vitamin A is crucial for all of these things!
In today’s episode Erin explains the Beta Carotene/Vitamin A connection and differences, and why a vegetarian or vegan diet may not give everyone the Vitamin A their body needs. To break down the importance of Vitamin A, Erin dives into the conditions often associated with low Vitamin A, the benefits of having healthy Vitamin A levels, and what you can do to increase your Vitamin A if you have secured the data that you’re low (hint - the first step is to find the reason why!)
In this episode:
-The Nutrition Scoring System episode & Erin’s concerns with the villainization of meat [5:09]
-The difference between Vitamin A / Beta Carotene & why you might not be able to get Vitamin -A from vegetables [10:51]
-Why should we care about low Vitamin A? How it affects skin, immunity, inflammation & more [16:40]
-How to test your Vitamin A status [20:08]
-Reasons your Vitamin A might be low & One way you can support your nutrition [23:52]
-Supplementation for Vitamin A [26:55]
FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.erinholthealth.com/funktional-nutrition-podcast/2021/11/19/episode-182-the-risks-of-low-vitamin-a-amp-how-to-increase-your-levels
We’ve got a special episode for you today. Erin sits down with Dr. Mark Pimentel, researcher, clinician, and cofounder of Gemelli Biotech™, to discuss the latest research on IBS, SIBO, and new testing options for people who have struggled with these conditions. This is definitely a higher level podcast interview, so this episode is great for clinicians, practitioners, anyone who loves to geek out on gut health and research, or anyone who’s been struggling with IBS or SIBO and looking for answers. Erin and Mark discuss leading causes of IBS, the overlap of IBS & SIBO, why patients are often being dismissed in other practices, how the blood tests and breath tests for diagnosing these conditions work, why the treatment strategies are nuanced, and much more.
What makes Dr. Mark Pimentel's insights noteworthy is he’s not just a researcher; he’s also a clinician, and it’s the process of taking that information and applying it to humans where we learn so much. This is an episode you’ll want to refer back to - share with someone who could use this information!
In this episode:
-Why today’s guest is particularly noteworthy [1:08]
-Why Mark Pimentel continues his research [8:42]
-What is the leading cause of IBS? [10:37]
-The value behind the ibs-smart™ blood test [13:32]
-Inferring antibody patterns in post-infectious IBS [16:23]
-New research that debunks two widely accepted concepts about SIBO [21:41]
-The overlap between post-infectious IBS and SIBO [23:26]
-New info on PPI (proton pump inhibitor) use and SIBO [27:45]
-The potential problem with akkermansia as a probiotic supplement & other single-organism treatments [30:43]
-How does Intermittent Fasting or fluid affect the migrating motor complex & should these strategies be considered for IBS? [37:28]
-Hydrogen sulfide and the trio-smart® breath test for SIBO [39:18]
-How treatment differs for hydrogen-dominant SIBO (SIBO-D), Intestinal Methanogen Overgrowth (IMO) & hydrogen sulfide SIBO (H2S SIBO) [45:25]
-Does constipation with H2S occur? [48:55]
-The various types of bacteria that produce hydrogen gas [51:02]
-The mechanism of action of lovastatin as future treatment for methane in constipation [53:26]
-Using prokinetics for low motility [55:35]
-Pimentel’s thoughts on the low FODMAP diet [56:56]
FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.erinholthealth.com/funktional-nutrition-podcast/2021/11/16/episode-181-sibo-amp-ibs-the-latest-research-amp-testing-options-with-dr-mark-pimentel
Today Erin sits down with her own esthetician and friend, Lee Zavorskas. With a lot of overlap and instant clicks on similar outlooks, this episode is full of energy and passion when it comes to the beauty industry and skin care. Tune in as Lee and Erin discuss how skin is often an inside job with a gut/skin connection (for example, start by paying attention to your diet!) but sometimes you need to approach the skin outside-in. Listen to Lee take the mic and jump right into what is broken in the beauty industry, what to avoid when it comes to skin care, how important it is to embrace aging - and natural and safe ways to give you and your skin the love and care they deserve.
Rollinsford, New Hampshire-based Holistic Skin & Tonics focuses on whole skin health and the direct connection between nutrition and our skin. Combining specialized massage techniques and plant based skincare, wellness is not just one treatment; it’s a lifestyle and commitment that Owner and Licensed Esthetician, Lee Zavorskas, is devoted to instill in each client. As a Certified Nutritional Aesthetics Practitioner, who is also certified in Gua Sha, Face Cupping, and Facial Reflexology, Lee’s priority is to teach clients how to properly care for their skin—not just from the outside, but from the inside as well.
In this episode:
-Introduction to Lee and an overview of this episode [2:28]
-Lee’s Rage with the beauty industry [6:44]
-The acid mantle, how to keep it safe, & the dangers of over-exfoliation [9:46]
-Deprogramming the “Beauty Industry Brainwashing” [15:26]
-The three-way between your face, gut, and brain [18:08]
-Rosacea, the many causes/triggers and an outside-in approach [20:22]
-Why your friend’s skin solution might not be yours, internal factors that may be affecting your skin, & the holistic approach [23:40]
-The normalization & long term risks of the Botox industry [30:15]
-Facial massage, the lymph system, and lymphatic drainage [42:32]
-The difference between Gua Sha & lymphatic drainage [48:57]
-Resources, causes and natural techniques to help scarring, hyper-pigmentation, dull skin, puffiness and wrinkles [52:59]
FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.erinholthealth.com/funktional-nutrition-podcast/2021/11/7/beauty-industry-brainwashing-and-holistic-skin-care-with-lee-zavorskas
Dealing with period problems is common for so many women, and today Erin sits down with menstrual health educator Berrion Berry to discuss why this is the case. Listen in as Berrion and Erin get back to basics on common culprits behind period pain (spoiler alert: stress is a big one!) and talk strategies to help relieve problematic periods in a natural way. Tune in to hear how anything that can influence your overall body can influence your cycle, and how implementing certain strategies and principles can not only change your health, but also change your life. Hint: these things don’t have to be hard, overwhelming, or scary! Berrion helps break this all down for us!
Berrion Berry is a Menstrual Health Educator, Practitioner & the Founder of Optimize Your Flo. She teaches modern women to transform their periods and life through menstrual mastery. From hormone balancing to cycle syncing, to mood enhancing and self healing, Berrion covers it all and is excited to help you have your best period yet.
In this episode:
-Premise of today + related past episodes for deep dives [3:07]
-Berrion explains a normal vs abnormal period [8:31]
-How to figure out what’s “normal” for us [11:57]
-Natural options to support painful periods [16:07]
-Why do we collectively struggle with periods so much? [21:06]
-The things that can influence your cycle [26:12]
-Cooking based on your cycle [29:17]
-What’s the deal with seed cycling? [31:51]
-Menstrual cups, period underwear, & other alternatives to pads & tampons [36:39]
-The importance of using fragrance-free, organic cotton menstrual products [40:52]
FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.erinholthealth.com/funktional-nutrition-podcast/2021/10/29/natural-options-to-support-your-period-with-berrion-berry
We’ve been fed a lot of wack nutrition advice over the years.
When I saw the new Tufts Food Compass scoring system claiming that Lucky Charms is healthier than eggs I nearly pooped my pants - like the time I ate too many Fat Free Lay’s chips (remember Olestra? Remember in the 90s when they told us that fat was bad but poop-your-pants fake fat was good?!)
Today on the podcast I am giving you my thoughts on the “new tool” developed by Tufts to help consumers, food companies, restaurants, and cafeterias choose and produce healthier(?) foods and officials to make public nutrition policy.
TL;DL (too long; didn’t listen)
These scores aren’t perfect and they continue to vilify certain nutrients & foods (like fats & meats), which can have negative health consequences.
In this episode:
-The new “food compass” and why we need to talk about this [1:04]
-What is the new Food Compass, who it’s for, and potential uses for it [8:41]
-How these food scores are created [11:42]
-Looking at sugar and fiber levels within the scoring system [14:34]
-Foods that score high vs low on the scoring system and why this is a problem [19:13]
-The perplexing scoring behind Lucky Charms [25:27]
-Why is meat being vilified in this scoring system? [28:57]
-Spotlighting the connection between mental health and meat consumption [31:58]
-The nutrition benefits found in meat versus veggies [38:44]
-Health benefits of cholesterol, including brain and hormone health [41:28]
-Problems linked with low hormone levels [43:09]
-The health importance of minerals [44:19]
Resources mentioned:
FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.erinholthealth.com/funktional-nutrition-podcast/2021/10/25/episode-178-my-thoughts-on-the-new-nutrition-scoring-system
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