Eat for Life
Samantha Gilbert
In today’s fast-paced world, it is easy to set aside self-care. With long daily to-do lists, many people disregard things that make them miserable. They go on with their lives despite feeling exhausted, sick, or downright depressed. Some can't even afford to stop to take a short breath. As a result, their bodies fail them, and they struggle to understand their ultimate purpose in life. Find the much-needed pause to reinvigorate yourself, right here on the Eat For Life Podcast. This show features free, learn-on-the-go content that can reveal the root causes of your suffering. Connect your physical, emotional, and spiritual health to find your very own path to healing. Tune in to bi-monthly discussions about the next best steps for a fruitful healing process. This non-judgmental space offers everything you need to resolve the challenges hindering you from reclaiming the life you are meant for. Learn how to address your illness, heal from childhood trauma, release negative energy, and experience monumental life change. Listen to conversations that acknowledge your pain and fears, giving you a chance to grow. If you are tired of hearing unhelpful medical findings, signing up for overpriced programs with no actual benefit, or getting unreliable advice from Google, this podcast can help. Dive deep into complex subjects such as neuroscience, epigenetics, functional and micromolecular medicine, trauma and abuse, as well as spirituality and faith. Find out how to apply them to your everyday life and unlock a better version of yourself. This is a safe place to hear advice that addresses depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, eating disorders, and autism. Build a healthy body through proper care of your hormones, heal an autoimmune disease, or get rid of a gut infection you may be suffering from. Most importantly, feel inspired by stories of individuals from all walks of life who overcame their most complicated and enduring obstacles. Host of the podcast is Samantha Gilbert (Sami), a Nutritional Therapy Counselor and Hope Communicator. She specializes in a functional, nutrient-based approach to healing the brain and body using compassionate approaches based on biochemical individuality. In addition to sharing expert advice, she is a living testament to the amazing power of nutrition therapy for those feeling drained of hopes and dreams. Sami had a painful relationship with food caused by biochemical imbalances running in her family. Due to the emotional burden of her childhood trauma, sometimes she ate compulsively, and other times deprived herself of food altogether. Sami also struggled with suicidal ideation, suffered from chronic fatigue, and regularly battled depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. For so long, she felt broken and alone. Trying to fix herself, Sami spent over $100,000 on different practitioners, counselors, and therapists. She tried a myriad of therapies including affirmations, visions quests, and meditation, as well as Prozac, Zoloft, and herbal remedies, that for the most part, made her feel worse. Eventually, Sami found the healing she needed by going back to school to study functional medicine and nutrition therapy. By becoming an expert in these fields, she discovered the best diets for anxiety and depression, the ideal nutrition for mental health, and how food and nutrients balance hormones. Sami’s physical and mental worlds now align as she Eats for Life and turns pain into purpose. This podcast is a bridge to forge empathetic connections and deliver healing advice to people going through a hurtful time. Your health is a puzzle and your unique story matters. Join Sami in putting the pieces back together and getting rid of everything that stops you from the life you are meant to live. You have the right to a healthy relationship with food and your body. Become confident about your passions and unafraid of other people’s opinions. Listen to Eat for Life at http://eatfor.life/podcast/.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 9, 2023 • 1h 2min
Understanding Die-off and Herx Reactions with Steven Wright
It's easy to get sidelined in your healing process and think you're having a particular detox reaction, die-off, or herx response that is actually something else. Or perhaps there's an underlying trigger that you're not quite seeing that's holding you back.So as we usher in 2023, I've brought my friend, Steven Wright of the Healthy Gut Company, back on the show to talk about die-off and detoxification, what it is and what it isn't, and how you can best support yourself through this process, especially if you are working with a practitioner.For years, Steven Wright struggled with a wide variety of severe digestive problems, which led him to create the SCD Lifestyle, and now the Healthy Gut Company.In this episode, we discuss:What an actual die-off or herxheimer reaction is and how long it should lastHow food sensitivities are often misconstrued as a die-off reactionWhy keeping a food mood journal is an important part of the healing processHow trauma, emotions, and your environment impact your gut microbiomeHow supportive therapies such as digestive enzymes, HCL, and postbiotics can minimize symptomsExpert tips on learning how to listen to your body's cues for more effective healingClick here to read the full transcript along with a code for $15 off your Healthy Gut Company order and free shipping.
Dec 26, 2022 • 1h 1min
The Truth About Hysterectomy and Ovary Removal with Dr. Elizabeth Plourde
As late as the 1950’s The Journal of Obstetrics Gynecology and Surgery had an editorial suggesting that all women should have a hysterectomy after their childbearing years. It seems the general consensus among doctors was that a woman's reproductive organs are good for only one thing: childbearing, and after a woman has had all the children she wants, these organs are expendable, which then led to a worldwide push to perform these surgeries at an alarming rate. The highest rates are in the United States, followed by Canada and Australia.I realize today's show may be a trigger for some of you, but the topic of reproductive health is just too important not to discuss, so I brought back Dr. Elizabeth Plourde, a clinical laboratory scientist and North American Menopause Society Certified Menopause Practitioner, to the show. In addition to being a practitioner and scientist who worked with hormone testing, and cutting edge cancer and DNA medical research laboratories, she spent over a decade researching women's hormones, learning how women's bodies function.From that research and those findings, she wrote Your Guide to Hysterectomy, Ovary Removal and Hormone Replacement, which explains how our ovarian hormones are critically important to maintain healthy tissues and women's bodies.20 years after her book was published, we now have studies published in 2021 and 2022 medical journals confirming her conclusions that our ovarian hormones are important throughout our lives and well past menopause. The studies confirm her findings that women who have had their ovaries removed and do not take hormone replacement die younger with heart disease than women who take hormones.In this episode, we discuss:Why women who have had their ovaries removed and do not take hormone replacement die younger with heart disease than women who take hormonesThe important role ovarian hormones play in keeping our tissues healthy and eliminating debilitating osteoporosisWhy looking at root causes of excessive bleeding, fibroids, and cancer are the keys to healingQuestions to ask your doctor if you are considering a hysterectomyClick here to read the full transcript along with links to Elizabeth’s website, books, and research.
Dec 12, 2022 • 1h 6min
The Hidden Harms of Antidepressants with Robert Whitaker
On December 29, 1987 Prozac was approved by the FDA. I was 12 years old at the time and one of the first children to be put on this medication. Despite an initial feeling of relief, the results were short lived and came with nasty side effects that led me to discontinue it.I would suffer for another 20 years before finally figuring out the root causes of my severe depression and often suicidal ideation. A combination of two little known conditions: copper toxicity and undermethylation, both of which have a profound affect on thinking, feeling, and behavior. I was able to treat these conditions with nutrient and dietary therapy, which saved my life.To learn more about both of these conditions and the other chemistries I work with in my clinic, please listen to Episode 2 How Nutrient Deficiencies and Overloads Impact the Brain and Body. I also have many free articles here on my website that provide a deep-dive into how they impact us in so many ways.This is a very important and personal episode for me because depression and mental illness continue to rise despite all the drugs available today to treat them. Drugs that don't and never did have the necessary safety studies to ascertain their validity.In fact, a historical review of the scientific literature reveals how antidepressants and other psychotropic drugs, over the long term, increase the risk that a person will become chronically depressed and functionally impaired, which correlates with what we are seeing worldwide.Today I'm talking with founder and president of the Mad In America Foundation, Robert (Bob) Whitaker, to discuss the history and effects of psychotropic drugs.In this episode, we discuss:The history of psychiatric drugsThe skyrocketing number of people disabled by mental illnessHow industry-funded randomized clinical trials are always biased in favor of the drugWho benefits from the distribution and use of psychiatric drugsHow psychotropic drugs (including SSRIs, stimulants such as Ritalin, and benzodiazepines) affect the brainClick here to read the full transcript along with links to Bob's website, books, and research.
Nov 28, 2022 • 35min
Top Mold and Mycotoxin Myths Exposed with Jason Earle Part 2
We spend at least ninety percent of our time indoors. So the effects of volatile organic compounds, know as VOCs, on indoor air quality and the resultant effect on your health, vitality, cognition, productivity, and longevity are profound.Hence, understanding how this process works, what to look for, and how you can protect yourself is priceless.After having watched several of my clients suffer from the consequences of poor indoor air quality has made me appreciate the importance of good air quality even more. In fact, according to the American Lung Association, poor indoor air quality can lead to the development of lung cancer, infections, and even chronic lung diseases such as asthma.Today I’m joined again by Jason Earle to talk about VOCs, air purifiers, how you can test that your indoor air problem has cleared, and so much more.In this episode, we discuss:What VOCs are, which ones are harmful, and where you can find themThe effects of VOCs on indoor air quality and the effects on your healthHow you can protect yourself against VOCsThe importance of indoor microbial diversity for good healthHow to tell if mold remediation has been successfulClick here to read the full transcript.Get 10% off your Got Mold test kit using coupon code EATFORLIFE10Get $15 off your first Medify Air purifier using coupon code EATFORLIFE15
Nov 14, 2022 • 1h 7min
Top Mold and Mycotoxin Myths Exposed with Jason Earle
Do you worry about mold and mycotoxin exposure? Well, it’s no wonder. The statistics are quite sobering. In fact, almost half of houses in the United States have significant levels of mold, and close to 90 percent of commercial and office buildings have water damage that may lead to mold. What’s more, up to 21 percent of asthma cases may be attributed to toxic mold. With all the risks, it's inevitable that mold and mycotoxin myths abound.In this episode, I talk about the top mold and mycotoxin myths with Jason Earle, a nationally recognized expert in mold, mold remediation, building science, and healthy homes. We tend to think of mold as the enemy, but it’s more nuanced than that. Mold when it’s outdoors is beneficial as it turns plant matter into dirt. It’s nature’s great recycler. However, when mold is indoors, it wreaks havoc on our buildings and our health.In this episode, we discuss:How mold spores can be particularly harmful to those who are highly sensitive to them.Why common mold tests on the market are not reliable.How you can use your five senses to detect mold.The questions you should ask mold remediation companies when you're looking for a reputable mold remediation company.The ultimate goal of mold remediation.The #1 source of mycotoxin exposure; the answer may surprise you!Click here to read the full transcript.Get 10% off your Got Mold test kit using coupon code EATFORLIFE10Get $15 off your first Medify Air purifier using coupon code EATFORLIFE15
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Oct 31, 2022 • 50min
Why You Can’t Live Without Iodine with Dr. David Brownstein M.D.
Dr. David Brownstein, a board-certified family physician and holistic medicine expert, dives into the vital role of iodine in our health. He explains how iodine supports thyroid function, boosts metabolism, and aids in detoxification while also addressing its connection to autoimmune diseases and cancer risks. Dr. Brownstein reveals the dangers of bromide and fluoride, which inhibit iodine, and discusses why iodized salt alone isn't enough. He emphasizes the need for regular iodine supplementation and shares practical applications for healing.
Oct 3, 2022 • 49min
The Harmful Effects of Sunscreen with Dr. Elizabeth Plourde
We have been told many times over that exposing your skin to the sun is a big no-no, and sunscreens are the way to go. But in reality, there are tons of sunscreen dangers that we may be ignoring, slowly and painfully killing our bodies – and the entire environment.Samantha Gilbert talks with Dr. Elizabeth Plourde to discuss the life-threatening effects of sunscreen chemicals. She dives deep into its devastating impact on marine life, its contribution to the upwards trend of melanoma cases, and how it causes hormonal imbalances that mess up children’s sexual maturation.Dr. Elizabeth also explains why every single person must become an active and knowledgeable health advocate, especially when sunscreen manufacturers try to pass their products as completely safe.Learn more about Dr. Elizabeth Plourde, C.L.S., NCMP, Ph.D.Website: Best EMF ProductsElizabeth’s Sunscreen Books Elizabeth’s Books:EMF Freedom: Solutions for the 21st Century Pollution – 3rd Edition 2018Sunscreens – Biohazard 2: Proof of Toxicity Keeps Piling Up 2018Sunscreens – Biohazard: Treat As Hazardous Waste 2012Hysterectomy: The Best or Worst Thing that Ever Happened to Me? 2003Your Guide to Hysterectomy, Ovary Removal & Hormone Replacement 2002Click here to read the full transcript and research links.
Aug 1, 2022 • 1h 4min
Birthing, Prenatal, and Postpartum Care with Dr. Lindsay Mumma, DC
Pregnancy is one of the most magical moments in a woman's life. It feels powerful to know that you are creating another human inside of you. It is a very exciting and enjoyable time that may also bring fears and uncertainties to both mother and baby.A woman's body is forever altered by pregnancy. Without proper nutrients, it can be weakened by the physical and psychological changes in pregnancy and childbirth, making mothers-to-be more at risk in future pregnancies. This is why access to prenatal care is vital to every pregnant woman.Equally important is postpartum care, which helps mothers adjust to the changes their bodies go through. Postpartum care also includes making sure that the social and emotional changes caused by giving birth are addressed.Today, cesarean (C-section) intervention is 500% higher than in the 1970s. Not surprisingly, we’ve also seen higher maternal mortality rates. One in three babies are born via C-section, compared to 1 in 20 in the mid-1970s.Though a very common procedure, C-section is still major surgery with a wide range of complications including organ injury, hemorrhage, and a three-fold higher rate of infection. Despite the risks, hospitals often push for C-section birth because it costs less money to perform a C-section and they are paid more in insurance reimbursements.In today’s episode, Dr. Lindsay Mumma and I talk about preparing for pregnancy, birthing, postpartum care, and our grave concerns about COVID injections for children and pregnant women.Lindsay Mumma, DC, is the owner of Triangle Chiropractic and Rehabilitation Center in Raleigh, NC, a multidisciplinary practice she opened in 2012 after graduating with a Clinical Excellence Award. She began her career with a focus on sports rehab, but when she wanted to get pregnant, she realized the approach of prehabilitation and rehabilitation techniques was irrelevant to (and missing from) most perinatal care.Please note: for the next several weeks I will be taking some time off for self-care and to create more amazing content for you. Thank you for your patience and for being a loyal listener.Take a seat and listen to this very important conversation, especially if you are a mom or are about to embark on a new parenting journey.Listen to the full episode to hear:Lindsay’s turning point to specialize in prenatal and postpartum careWhy natural birth is better than surgical birthThe challenges of surgical birthWhy taking medications during pregnancy can be problematicThe concerns about scheduling birth as a trendWays to prepare for a natural birthHow COVID-19 injections affect mother and childClick here for the full list of resources and studies mentioned.
Jul 18, 2022 • 48min
The Gut and Gum Disease Connection with Dr. Al Danenberg
Are amalgam fillings really safe? Do antibacterial mouthwash and fluoride-based toothpaste live up to their claims? What about Waterpiks and flossing up into the gumline?Is it possible that these conventional approaches to oral health create more problems?The relationship between your gut and oral microbiome is profound, so it stands to reason that it’s important to investigate the role poor diet, gut infections, and nutrient deficiencies play in gum disease and overall health.So today, I’m talking with Dr. Al Danenberg about what conventional dentistry doesn’t consider when it comes to treating and preventing gum disease and how we can best care for our oral health.Dr. Al Danenberg goes by “Dr. Al”. He is a periodontist and was in private practice for 44 years. He incorporated ancestral nutrition & lifestyle with his leading-edge laser protocol to treat periodontal disease. Currently, Dr. Al consults with patients all over the world regarding animal-based nutrition, lifestyle, oral & overall health, and the importance of a healthy gut and immune system. Content warning: Brief, non-graphic mention of verbal and sexual abuse.Listen to the full episode to hear:How conventional dentistry treats symptoms of oral health issues but doesn’t address root causesThe three main functions of healthy dental plaqueThe relationship between gum disease, gut dysbiosis, and chronic inflammationHow to gently and effectively care for your teeth, gums, and tongueClick here for resources.
Jul 4, 2022 • 47min
What Your Doctor May Not Know About Thyroid Function with Jim Paoletti, BS Pharmacy, FAARFM, FIACP
According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, an estimated 27 million Americans have thyroid disease, and more than half of those individuals are undiagnosed and unaware that they have a thyroid condition.However, it’s important to understand that if more comprehensive thyroid testing was used by doctors and functional reference ranges were used to interpret that testing instead of the overly lax lab reference ranges, a much larger number of people would be classified as having some type of thyroid dysfunction.Most doctors rely almost exclusively on the thyroid stimulating hormone or TSH test to detect thyroid dysfunction, yet TSH is not even technically a marker of thyroid function, it’s actually a marker of pituitary function. Even worse, the medical community can’t even agree on what the normal reference range is for the TSH test.My other issue with conventional medicine is its refusal to actually look at underlying causes of thyroid dysfunction including but not limited to gut inflammation, chronic stress, adrenal issues, nutrient deficiencies, toxins in our food, air, and water, and chronic infections such as periodontal disease and h. Pylori.The thyroid’s primary function is to control the body’s metabolism – the rate at which cells perform duties essential to living. It manages how we turn our food into energy by facilitating the processes of energy production in the mitochondria. I want you to think of your thyroid as your body’s “engine,” which sets the pace at which the body operates. Too little thyroid hormone can cause the body’s systems to slow down, and too much thyroid hormone can cause the body’s systems to speed up.In today’s episode, I’ve brought back my friend and pharmacist Jim Paoletti to talk about this amazing gland that does so much for us. In fact, there’s not a single cell in the body that doesn’t depend on thyroid hormone in some way.Jim Paoletti, B.S. Pharmacy, FAARFM, FIACP is an independent clinical consultant on hormones, nutrition, and wellness. Jim has 40 years of experience with bio-identical hormone therapies in clinical practice, both in retail pharmacy and as a consultant and educator. Jim served previously as Director of Provider Education for ZRT Laboratory, Beaverton, Oregon, and as consultant and Education Director for Professional Compounding Centers of America of Houston, TX.He is a graduate and former faculty member of the Fellowship of Anti-Aging and Functional Medicine. Jim has lectured extensively and internationally on all aspects of compounding and BHRT to medical practitioners and consumers, and has several articles published on BHRT and compounding pharmacy issues.Listen to the full episode to hear:Why your doctor may be relying on testing that provides an incomplete picture of thyroid functionHow laboratory reference ranges don’t reflect optimal functional ranges that end up leaving patients frustrated and without resolutionWhy assessing adrenal function is key to evaluating and treating thyroid issuesWhy synthetic vs natural thyroid hormone replacement is misleadingClick here to read the full transcript and resources.
