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
May 3, 2021 • 43min
The Vicious Trap of Conditioned Food Sensitivity with Wendy Busse, MSc, RD
Have you ever thought about how your perceptions can significantly influence your body's reaction to food?Food should be pleasurable, but unfortunately for so many people, it's a source of fear, anxiety and overwhelm.In our world of influencer marketing and Dr. Google, it’s no wonder we’re more confused than ever about what and how to eat.The anxiety and confusion that happens when we view food as bad or evil, can lead to beliefs that create poor health perceptions, and even a stress response that can impact the body in more ways than we realize.In today's episode, I'm talking with Wendy Busse, a registered dietician from Alberta, Canada, and nationally recognized food sensitivity expert.Wendy has over 25 years of experience in the field of food allergies and sensitivities. Her interest in the mind-body connection and experience in seeing clients in the “gray zone,” who do not fit neatly into any clinical practice guidelines and often fall through the cracks, led her on a journey to develop the food avoidance and sensitivity trap FAST model, and the theory of conditioned food sensitivity.Currently she is the director of the FAST Freedom Program, a guided self-reflection process that helps food-sensitive clients rebuild body and food trust so they can expand their diet and enjoy the simple pleasure of a good meal.Listen to the full episode to hear:The definition of conditioned food sensitivity and common red flags you might be stuck in this cycleHow mistrust of our bodies can lead to a cascade of symptoms and restrictionsWhy taking research holidays can be key to accepting that there isn’t always an answerWhat you can do to start healing your relationship with food and your bodyClick here for resources.
Apr 19, 2021 • 54min
Autism: Underlying Causes and Biochemistry with Dr. Judith Bowman
Autism is the fastest-growing developmental disability in the world.2020 CDC statistics estimate that 1 in 54 children in the United States is born with autism spectrum disorder. That's 1 in 37 boys and 1 in 151 girls.And epidemiological studies estimate a global prevalence of 1 in 132 children!What is happening to create this disturbing statistic?And more specifically: how are our genes interacting with our environment that would cause such an exponential rise?In this week's episode, I've brought back Dr. Judith Bowman MD, co-founder of Mensah Medical, to talk about the underlying causes of this multifactorial condition.We talk about the role folic acid plays in the in utero environment, gut inflammation, and high oxidative stress, as well as copper's impact on the brain and body.We also clarify that vaccines are an environmental insult in those who are genetically susceptible.Dr. Bowman and her colleague, Dr. Albert Mensah, combine traditional medicine with a biochemical approach to treating behavioral and cognitive disorders, autism spectrum disorder, depression, including postpartum depression and women's health anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other biochemical imbalances.Dr. Bowman has treated over 30,000 patients using all-natural, non-pharmaceutical targeted nutrient therapy, trains physicians in advanced nutrient therapy techniques, and facilitates outreach clinics all over the United States.My hope is that this episode will give you a better understanding of how autism impacts us all and how we can reduce, and dare I say, eliminate the occurrence of this disorder.Listen to the full episode to hear:The “Bermuda Triangle” of autism – high oxidative stress, undermethylation, and epigenetic insultsThe role severe oxidative stress and genetic predisposition play in the occurrence of autism spectrum disorderThe effect folic acid has on the in-utero environment and how copper overload impacts the brainWhy lumping autism and Asperger’s syndrome together is based on a lack of understandingSome common misconceptions and myths surrounding autism spectrum disorderClick here for resources.
Apr 5, 2021 • 31min
Autism and Assumption of Competence with Dr. Vaishnavi Sarathy
Sound nutrition and equal education are the birthrights of every child.This is the rallying call that today’s guest Dr. Vaishnavi Sarathy bases her life’s work – confronting the false belief that children with disabilities are incompetent.She rightly believes that when we bring dignity and respect to all children, regardless of their assumed level of intelligence, anything can happen.For this first episode in National Autism Awareness Month, I am excited to share my conversation with Dr. Sarathy about the assumption of competence placed on children with disabilities.Are the assumptions we have about children with disabilities impeding their healing process? Are these assumptions blocking access to the support and resources that most of us take for granted?It's an important question and one that Dr. Sarathy addresses beautifully.Dr. Sarathy is a chemist turned teacher and functional nutrition practitioner focused on children with disabilities, especially Down syndrome and autism.She is also the host of Functional Nutrition and Learning for Kids, a weekly podcast about out-of-the-box learning and nutrition ideas for kids with down syndrome and autism.Her TEDx talk, Who Decides How Smart You Are, has been hailed as mindblowing and eye-opening. Practitioners and parents alike have attributed 180-degree changes in their attitude towards working with kids with Down syndrome and autism to conversations with Dr. Sarathy.Her perspective is shaped by her 13-year-old son Sid who has Down syndrome and autism, is non-speaking and is slowly carving his space as a poet in the neurodivergent space.This conversation is a passionate and moving call to action that is not to be missed.Listen to the full episode to hear:The history of Assumption of Competence and how it differs from Assumption of IntelligenceHow assumption of competence is an important foundation for children to feel comfortable in their own bodiesHow posturing towards children impacts them more than we knowThe internal stressors children with disabilities deal with every day – stressors that most of us are completely unaware of!How reframing care can help parents and practitioners Click here for resources.
Mar 22, 2021 • 45min
Stress Intolerance and Pyrrole Disorder with Dr. Judith Bowman
Anxiety, anger, and stress are a normal part of the human experience. But if you find yourself unable to tolerate even the smallest amount of stress without feeling lots of anxiety and anger, you may have a little-known stress disorder known as Pyrrole disorder.Pyrrole disorder (also called Pyroluria) occurs when a biochemical abnormality results in the overproduction of pyrrole molecules. Pyrrole molecules are excreted continuously in the urine and are normal by-products of hemoglobin synthesis and other bodily processes.For the average healthy person, this is not a problem. However, for someone with Pyrrole disorder, nutrient deficiencies occur because these molecules have an affinity for zinc and vitamin B6, causing them to latch onto and excrete them in the urine before the body can adequately absorb them, leading to severe oxidative stress.Pyrrole disorder is connected to a plethora of symptoms and disorders such as extreme anger and rage, rapid mood swings, night owl tendencies, high anxiety, depression, morning nausea, alcoholism, and bipolar disorder.Pyrrole disorder is something I regularly test for in my clinic. It is typically seen in people of all ages and is often genetically inherited in Northern European people groups such as the Irish and Scandinavian populations.In today’s episode, I take a deep dive with Dr. Judith Bowman of Mensah Medical into what this disorder is and how it may be impacting your mental and physical health as well as myths that could be potentially harmful.I hope this episode leaves you empowered and educated on this stress intolerant disorder and how focusing on root causes instead of symptoms is how true healing occurs.Listen to the full episode to hear:How Pyrrole disorder can be a root cause of alcoholism and addictionThe connection between stress intolerance and Pyrrole disorderThe role genetics plays in Northern European people groupsWhy zinc and B6 for important for optimal brain functionWhat the differences are between omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acidsThe disturbing myth that manganese is required to treat Pyrrole disorder Click here to read my article on Pyrrole disorder and get research links.
Mar 8, 2021 • 54min
Compassionate Approaches to Healing Addiction with Bryan Vasquez
What if we viewed addiction as a response to something, rather than the common viewpoint that someone is a lost cause and can’t get their life together?What if we embraced people with compassion and empathy, while also acknowledging that addiction is the result of a combination of genetics, who we are exposed to, trauma, abuse, family dynamics, and biochemistry?In this week’s episode, I talk all things recovery with Bryan Vasquez, a Certified Addiction Treatment Counselor in Newport Beach, California.Bryan’s journey to becoming an addiction counselor began with the turmoil surrounding opiate use. Bryan offers concepts from the scientifically supported processes that helped him to realize his own recovery.These techniques do not impose change, but instead, support change in a manner congruent with each individual's goals and values.Bryan has worked in all facets of addiction treatment, including psychiatric hospitals, residential and outpatient programs, and private practice. He conducts both group and individual counseling as well as third-party assessments.He serves as a Smart Recovery Group Facilitator and is versed in traditional as well as holistic modalities for treating addiction in individuals and within the family unit.I can't wait for you to listen in as we talk about genetics, how we become addicted, why one size fits all programs don't work, the difference between abstinence and moderation, and why kindness and compassion are important components to healing from any addiction.I loved how Bryan spoke to the importance of treating addiction through the lens of we are all unique, each requiring different treatment options, and that there is no right or wrong way for healing to occur.As Bryan shared, there is a way out of addiction and it doesn't have to consume you for the rest of your life. There is a way that is unique to you that can lead to sustainable peace and happiness.Listen to the full episode to hear:Why the path to recovery is never one size fits allHow addiction is a result of a combination of genetics, who we are exposed to, family dynamics, trauma, abuse, and biochemistryAn introduction to the SMART Recovery Program as an alternative to more well known recovery programsThe difference between abstinence and moderation and how to find a solution that works best for youClick here for resources.
Feb 22, 2021 • 44min
Disordered Eating Recovery with Mindy Gorman-Plutzer
In honor of National Eating Disorder Awareness Week, I am so honored to share my very real and raw conversation about eating disorders with my friend, colleague, and eating disorder survivor Mindy Gorman-Plutzer.In this episode, Mindy and I share our own experiences with disordered eating and how the path to healing is one that includes deep empathy and a holistic approach that looks at all aspects of a person's health, including gut inflammation, hormonal dysregulation, and early childhood development.As you'll learn, eating disorders are about a disordered relationship to self, brought on by family dynamics, abuse, and genetically inherited biochemical imbalances.Mindy brings 25 years of experience to her private practice as a Certified Functional Nutrition and Lifestyle Practitioner and Eating Psychology Coach. Mindy's life experience and training inspired her to create a framework that combines functional nutrition, positive psychology, and mind-body science, introducing a compassionate resolution to physical and emotional challenges resulting from chronic and complex health issues as they relate to eating disorders.Not only is Mindy a health practitioner but she’s also the author of The Freedom Promise: Seven Steps To Stop Fearing What Food Will Do To You and Start Embracing What It Can Do For You.If you're currently struggling with disordered eating, please know you are not alone. You are not at fault and healing is always possible. And be sure to go back and listen to episode 20 with my personal physician, Dr. Judith Bowman, on the genetic and biochemical imbalances that cause eating disorders. Click here for resources.
Feb 8, 2021 • 42min
Biochemical Imbalances that Cause Eating Disorders with Dr. Judith Bowman
For over 25 years I carried around an immense amount of guilt and shame because of my disordered relationship with food and my body.No matter how hard I tried, I felt like I wasn't strong enough or smart enough to figure out why I had allowed this to take over my life. In my mind, I was a failure and total fraud for pretending everything was fine when in truth, I was in so much pain.When I understood the "why" I was finally able to give myself a much-needed break, free myself of the guilt and shame, and finally begin the healing process.In honor of Eating Disorder Awareness, I brought back my personal physician, Dr. Judith Bowman, to talk about the genetic, environmental, and biochemical causes of eating disorders.Dr. Bowman has treated over 30,000 patients using all natural non-pharmaceutical targeted nutrient therapy. She trains physicians in advanced nutrient therapy techniques and facilitates outreach clinics all over the United States and abroad.If you're currently struggling with disordered eating (or any addiction), please know you are not alone. You are not at fault and healing is always possible.Eating disorders can be safely healed with dietary and nutrient therapy, therapies that literally saved my life.Listen to the full episode to hear:Genetic conditions that create disordered eating such as undermethylation, zinc and B6 deficiencies, as well Pyrrole disorderHow folic acid acts as a "double agent" on our DNAHow these conditions affect neurotransmitter and hormonal development Click here for resources.
Jan 11, 2021 • 55min
Why Behavior Change is So Hard with Dr. Perry Passaro
Well, it's January and I have no words to describe all that we endured last year.After taking some much needed time for self-care, I’m invigorated to begin anew. That’s why I feel this episode is so important. This time of year is when we set new goals and do everything in our power to achieve them.But what happens when we don’t?What stops us from doing what we truly want to do to become a healthier, happier human being?Achieving our goals seems so simple when we write them down on January 1st. Yet as the days continue, we often see our motivation wane.We might think: Why can’t we just stick to our goals?We assume that we don’t have what it takes to truly change—but is it as simple as that?Our goals are typically tied to behavior change and it’s hard to flip a switch in the New Year without understanding how we can motivate ourselves to take action that lasts.That’s why I wanted to invite Dr. Perry Passaro back to the podcast. Dr. Passaro shares how to make real, lasting change. Dr. Passaro specializes in the treatment of behavioral disorders, anxiety, spectrum disorders, mood disorders, PTSD, and addiction. Dr. Passaro has been identified as one of the top 10 psychologists in Orange County, California.Listen to the full episode to hear:Why behavior change is so hard and how you can move past itThe role of acceptance and commitment therapyWhy goals on their own don't have motivating powerHow to develop the motivation to take actionHow nutrient imbalances can significantly impact our ability to move forward in lifeClick here for resources.
Nov 16, 2020 • 1h 14min
Understanding the Human Microbiome with Kiran Krishnan
Understanding the complexities of the human microbiome can be overwhelming. At its most simple, we can think of the microbiome as an ecosystem that consists of a collection of organisms including bacteria, viruses, fungus, and protozoa. We often think there is a single ecosystem—or microbiome—found within our bodies, largely residing in the gut. But there are different versions of our microbiome found in different areas of the body. The microbiome is a complex and miraculous set of systems that exist in our bodies and contributes to our health in innumerable ways that we’re now starting to really understand. Today’s guest has been blessed with the wisdom and skill to explain the microbiome in a way that creates greater healing, understanding, and purpose. I’m thrilled to welcome Kiran Krishnan to the show. Kiran is a Research Microbiologist and has been involved in the dietary supplement and nutrition market for the past 18 years. He comes from a University research background having spent several years with hands-on R&D in the fields of molecular medicine and microbiology at the University of Iowa. Kiran is also a co-founder and partner in Nu Science Trading, LLC., a nutritional technology development and research company. Kiran is also a co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer at Microbiome Labs.Listen to the full episode to hear:The magnificent intelligence that resides in our gut and how these systems that reside there are not accidentalHow we establish our microbiome and how they keep us happy and healthyThe truth about most probiotics on the market today and the gut-brain connectionWhy breastfed babies have stronger immune systemsThe health implications of C-sections on babiesClick here to read my full article with research links.
Nov 2, 2020 • 45min
High Functioning Anxiety and the Practice of Self-Kindness and Joy with Nancy Jane Smith
Be a boss. Hustle hard. Love yourself. Make it happen. You decide the outcome.Do these phrases and mantras sound familiar?Usually, these sayings are used in the self-help world to boost your confidence both in life and work. The self-help industry makes us believe that we can make anything happen—but what if these mantras we hear repeated in the self-help industry actually make you feel worse?Enter High Functioning Anxiety.High Functioning Anxiety—HFA for short—is when you experience anxiety but instead of freezing you up from making progress, it actually propels you forward. While this might sound like an efficient way to meet or exceed your goals, it can also lead to over-functioning, perfectionism, self-doubt, and the false belief that endless worry somehow contributes to our success.On today’s episode, I’m talking with Nancy Jane Smith, an author, counselor, and therapeutic coach all about high functioning anxiety. Nancy has a Masters Degree in Higher Education and in Community Counseling from the University of Dayton.Nancy is also a licensed professional counselor and coach specializing in high functioning anxiety with 13 years in private practice and has spent over 20+ years working as a counselor and coach. She has written three books on living happier, most notably The Happier Approach: Be Kind to Yourself, Feel Happier and Still Accomplish Your Goals.Listen to the full episode to hear:What is High Functioning Anxiety and how is it different than anxiety?Tools for working through High Functioning AnxietyWhy high functioning anxiety makes us believe that there’s only one right way—and once we figure it out, then we’ll be okay in the worldMyths that keep us stressed outHow to identify what your inner Monger sounds like and how to deal with itClick here for resources.
