Summary

In this episode, Christa Biegler, a functional nutritionist, discusses the importance of understanding inflammation and its triggers, the role of assessment in health, and common health issues such as dysbiosis and dry skin. She emphasizes the significance of omega-3 fatty acids in managing inflammation and offers practical tips for stress management, especially during the holiday season. The conversation highlights the need for personalized nutrition and the impact of stress on overall health.


Takeaways

-Inflammation is a response to various triggers, including stress and diet.
-Understanding the root causes of health issues is crucial for effective treatment.
-Assessment is the first step in identifying health problems.
-Dysbiosis and inflammation can manifest in various symptoms.
-Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for managing inflammation and overall health.
-Dry skin and eczema require both internal and external treatment approaches.
-Stress management is vital, especially during the holiday season.
-Identifying energy drains and sources of joy can improve mental health.
-Electrolytes play a significant role in managing stress and hydration.
-Personalized nutrition is key to addressing individual health concerns.

https://www.christabiegler.com/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Functional Nutrition
00:57 Understanding Inflammation and Its Triggers
06:11 The Importance of Assessment in Health
12:31 Common Health Issues and Their Root Causes
18:24 The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
24:11 Addressing Dry Skin and Eczema
34:50 Managing Stress During the Holidays

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Summary

In this engaging podcast episode, Dr. Micah J. Eimer shares his journey to becoming a cardiologist, addressing common misconceptions about heart health, the importance of exercise, and the significance of cardiac calcium scoring. He explains the complexities of cholesterol, the role of lipoproteins, and the impact of lifestyle choices like caffeine and alcohol on heart health. The conversation also touches on recognizing symptoms of anxiety versus heart attacks and emphasizes the importance of maintaining meaningful relationships for overall well-being.

Takeaways

• A common misconception is that feeling good means being healthy.
• Exercise is crucial for heart health; the more, the better.
• Calcium scoring is a valuable tool for assessing heart disease risk.
• A score of zero indicates low risk, but not zero risk.
• Cholesterol management is essential, focusing on lowering LDL levels.
• Lipoproteins like ApoB provide insight into heart disease risk.
• Moderate alcohol consumption may have health benefits, while excessive intake is harmful.
• Caffeine can protect against heart failure and coronary disease.
• Recognizing the difference between anxiety and heart attack symptoms is vital.

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Summary

In this engaging conversation, Ashley Koff RD discusses her new book and the concept of weight health as an ecosystem rather than a mere number on a scale. She emphasizes the importance of digestion, the four pillars of weight health, and the role of personalized nutrition. Through case studies and real-life applications, Ashley illustrates how understanding one's body and making informed choices can lead to better health outcomes. The discussion also touches on hydration, the significance of quality nutrition, and the empowerment of patients in their health journeys.

https://thebetternutritionprogram.com/about/

YOUR BEST SHOT Book

Takeaways

• Weight health is an ecosystem, not just a number on a scale.
• Digestion plays a crucial role in overall health and weight management.
• The four pillars of weight health are quality, quantity, balance, and timing.
• Case studies illustrate the importance of personalized approaches to nutrition.
• Supplements can fill gaps in nutrition but should be used wisely.
• Hydration is more than just drinking water; electrolytes matter too.
• Weight health should be prioritized over traditional weight management.
• Empowering patients to understand their bodies is essential for success.
• Quality of food and supplements is critical for optimal health.
• Personalization is key in nutrition and health strategies.

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Happy Holidays! We are still on break, so we are re-releasing one of our and your favorite episodes! Enjoy and we will see you in 2026!

Summary

In the episode, Staci & Melissa invited supplement expert Parth Patel to clear up confusion and clarify the uses of both collagen and colostrum in our daily regimens. Patel first explains the different types of collagen, their absorption, and the benefits of specific patented peptides like Fortibone and Verisol. The conversation then shifts to colostrum, what it is and how it can be used. He highlights its role in boosting immunity and gut health, and helps Melissa get over her concern for animal welfare, as well as its ick factor! Parth emphasizes the importance of consistency in taking these supplements for long-term benefits and addresses common misconceptions about their necessity for everyone.

Takeaways

• Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, crucial for structure and elasticity.
• Type 1 collagen is primarily found in skin, hair, and nails, while Type 2 is found in cartilage.
• Not all collagen supplements are created equal; absorption varies based on processing methods.
• Enzymatic hydrolysis is a superior method for collagen absorption compared to steam hydrolysis.
• Fortibone and Verisol are patented collagen peptides with specific health benefits.
• Colostrum is rich in immunoglobulins and supports gut health and immunity.
• Colostrum can help reduce systemic inflammation.
• Consistency in taking collagen and colostrum is essential for long-term benefits.
• Colostrum can be beneficial for those with autoimmune conditions or gut issues.
• Not everyone needs to take colostrum; it's best for those with specific health challenges.

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Happy Holidays! Here is a re-release of one of our and YOUR favorites! See you next year!

Summary:

In this episode, Ethan Kross discusses his books 'Shift' and 'Chatter' with Staci & Melissa, exploring the intricate relationship between emotions and thoughts. He discusses the usefulness of negative emotions, and when to recognize when they are no longer useful. He also provides strategies for managing that. Ethan emphasizes the importance of self-talk, the potential downsides of excessive positivity, and the need for emotional regulation. Kross provides practical strategies for managing emotions, including the concept of strategic avoidance and the value of perspective. The conversation highlights the significance of understanding and navigating both positive and negative emotions in everyday life.

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Summary

In part two, Dr. Turnpaugh unpacks the exploding use of GLP-1 medications—from from children to adults — and the deeper metabolic crisis behind them. While GLP-1s can reduce inflammation, improve mood, quiet autoimmune symptoms, and lower weight, they were never meant to be lifelong solutions. Dr. Turnpaugh explains the real problem: a broken metabolic and inflammatory system driven by ultra-processed foods, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, chronic stress, and inactivity. He explores why GLP-1s often cause muscle loss, why lifestyle changes remain essential, and how tools like Cali-Curb may help people transition off medications safely. This episode reframes obesity, autoimmune issues, and metabolic dysfunction as solvable environmental mismatches—not personal failures.

Key Takeaways

1. GLP-1s work—but they’re not an off-ramp-less solution.

Without lifestyle change, they simply trade “food addiction for drug addiction.”

2. Metabolism affects immune function and brain health.

When mitochondria underperform, the immune system becomes overwhelmed and behavior, energy, and mood decline.

3. Ultra-processed foods + environmental chemicals = metabolic breakdown.

Endocrine-disrupting compounds, obesogens, and additives drive inflammation and obesity more than genetics.

4. GLP-1s may help “repair” a broken pathway—but only short-term.

He suggests some people may benefit briefly, then maintain results through lifestyle.

5. Muscle matters more than weight.

Many GLP-1 users lose muscle mass, leading to aging, frailty, and metabolic slowdown.

6. There is an off-ramp: behavior, movement & GLP-1 mimicking tools.

He highlights Cali-Curb as a natural GLP-1 booster that works with the body's rhythms.

7. Inflammation is the root of nearly every chronic disease.

Heart disease, autoimmune issues, metabolic dysfunction, osteoarthritis—all stem from chronic, unresolved inflammation.

8. Personal responsibility—not shame—is the long-term solution.

“You can’t give a man a fish forever—you must teach him to fish.”

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Summary

Kids today aren’t “the problem”—they’re having a problem. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Chris Turnpaugh explains why children are struggling more than ever with mood, focus, immune issues, and behavior challenges. Genetics haven’t changed much in the last several generations, but the environment has transformed dramatically: processed foods, chemical exposures, less movement, poor sleep, constant screens, and generational toxic load. Parents aren’t failing—they simply need better tools. Dr. Turnpaugh shares compassionate, practical strategies to help kids regulate emotions, reduce inflammation, improve behavior, and feel successful again. From diet and movement to sleep, sunlight, and incremental pivots, this episode reframes childhood “problems” as solvable environmental challenges—and empowers families to make small changes that truly work.

Key Takeaways

1. Kids aren’t giving you a hard time—they’re having a hard time.

Behavior issues are often environmental, not intentional.

2. The environment has shifted dramatically—even though genes haven’t.

Ultra-processed foods, chemicals, electronics, and sleep disruption are major drivers of mood, immune, and behavior problems.

3. Parents aren’t doing it wrong—they just need better tools.

Empathy + education creates progress, not shame.

4. Small pivots matter more than perfection.

“Consistency looks like nothing is happening—until one day it does.”

5. Clean food is foundational.

The biggest environmental exposure children have is the food they eat. Clean food reduces inflammation and improves behavior.

6. Movement is medicine.

Kids need to move; activity helps regulate emotions, focus, and immune system function.

7. Sunlight & sleep are essential neuro-immune regulators.

Sun exposure improves mitochondria, brain blood flow, and mood. Poor sleep amplifies inflammation and dysregulation.

8. Each child needs an entry point—start where they can succeed.

A small "hook” (like movement before screens) builds trust and motivation.

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Summary

In this conversation, The partners of Local Leaf Farm share with Staci & Missy why they've pivoted to growing microgreens for their neighbors. Discover why microgreens pack 40x more nutrients, how they’re grown locally, and simple ways to add them to everyday meals for better health.

https://www.localleaffarm.com/

Takeaways

• 1. Microgreens Are Extremely Nutrient Dense
  • They contain up to 40x the nutrients of their mature vegetable counterparts.
  • Just 1–2 tablespoons of broccoli microgreens can equal the nutrients in 3–6 pounds of broccoli.
• 2. They’re Easy to Eat and Add to Anything
  • Use them on rice bowls, salads, soups, smoothies, toast, pesto, waffles, and more.
  • They enhance flavor and appearance without needing culinary skills.
• 3. Microgreens Grow Fast and Locally
  • Grown in ~10 days.
  • Ideal for urban environments and indoor farms like Local Leaf Farm.
  • Their farm is literally in a repurposed Chipotle building, emphasizing creative reuse.
• 4. Hydroponic Farming Eliminates Pesticides & Soil Limitations
  • They use a closed-loop hydroponic system with filtered, nutrient-fortified water.
  • No pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic chemicals.
  • Controlled environments help maximize light, nutrients, and quality.
• 5. A Call to Action: Choose Differently
  • You can’t choose whether to eat, but you can choose what you eat.
  • Look into where your food comes from, how long it traveled, and who grew it.

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