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
Oct 19, 2020 • 38min
When Narcissism Comes to Church: A Conversation with Chuck DeGroat
Many of us have been touched by narcissism.Up close or from the sidelines, we have experienced its effects from a teacher, our parents, or from the leaders in our lives.Often this narcissism surprises us and comes from the most unexpected of places where we feel safe to let our guard down and allow ourselves to be vulnerable.One of these places is the Church.Typically we don’t relate narcissism to the Church. But, even though it is rarely talked about, narcissism is often experienced in the Church today. Many of us have experienced disappointment and heartache as a result.Today’s guest has been studying and working with narcissism for decades as a pastor, therapist, and spiritual director. Chuck DeGroat is the Professor of Pastoral Care and Christian Spirituality at Western Theological Seminary and senior fellow at Newbigin House of Studies, San Francisco. Chuck is also an author, speaker, consultant, and therapist.In today's show we talk about his most recent book, When Narcissism Comes To Church: Healing Your Community From Emotional and Spiritual Abuse.I love how Chuck speaks truth into narcissism and gaslighting and calls out church leaders who are playing out this phenomenon in our world today.If you've been the victim of spiritual abuse, my prayer is that this episode provides hope, healing and deeper insight into why you were harmed.As Chuck so eloquently writes in his book: Healing requires radical honesty with ourselves and the courage to follow through on the wilderness path to healing.Listen to the full episode to hear:What has contributed to the rise in systemic narcissism in churchHow to identify a narcissistic pastor and better understand the inner life of a narcissistic pastorWhy we are attracted to narcissistic leadersAnd what we can do to protect ourselves without losing our faithClick here for resources.
Oct 5, 2020 • 58min
Breast Cancer and the Truth About Folic Acid in Cell Division with Dr. Albert Mensah
It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This is a topic that’s near and dear to my heart because breast cancer runs in my family—not only am I a nutrition therapy practitioner, I’m also a patient.I believe I would have had a very high likelihood of getting breast cancer had I not learned about my own biochemical imbalances along with the help of my guest today, Dr. Albert Mensah.There is so much confusion as well as genetic and epigenetic factors that contribute to breast cancer. So, in today’s episode, we are going to expand on the conversion that we started in Episode 03 with Dr. Mensah and Episode 10 with Dr. Bowman by going deep into uncovering two major factors that contribute to susceptibility—undermethylation and copper toxicity.Dr. Mensah is the co-founder of Mensah Medical in Warrenville, Illinois, a clinic that specializes in the treatment of biochemical imbalances and the cognitive and physical disorders caused by those imbalances. Since 2005. Dr. Mensah has treated over 30,000 patients using all-natural non-pharmaceutical targeted nutrient therapy and is a world-renowned leader in orthomolecular medicine.Listen to the full episode to hear:The role methylation plays in cancer developmentHow all forms of folic acid create cell division and are pro-cancer agentsHow copper toxicity and its relationship to estrogen increases cancer riskThe supportive role nutrient therapy plays during radiation and chemotherapy treatments Click here to read the full transcript.
Sep 21, 2020 • 35min
Suicide Prevention Case Study: How Nutrients Can Heal the Brain - Part 2
It’s National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and I am continuing this month’s special two part series with licensed psychologist, Dr. Perry Passaro, and orthomolecular specialist, Dr. Albert Mensah.In this case study series, we are sharing Sara’s story. Sara is a young woman who spent two years receiving psychiatric treatment with absolutely no improvement in addition to two hospitalizations and two suicide attempts.In part one, we discussed how nutrients can heal the brain, the biochemical imbalances that lead to suicidal ideation, and why the current healthcare system needs a hands-on, multi-therapy approach. You can listen to the full episode here.In part two, we look further into the underlying biochemical imbalances that were causing Sara’s severe anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation that led to hospitalizations and suicide attempts.In this case study, you will hear again from Dr. Perry Passaro and Dr. Albert Mensah.Dr. Passaro is a licensed psychologist and a licensed educational psychologist. He works with children, families, adolescents, and adults at the Anxiety and Depression Treatment Center in Newport Beach, California. He 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.Dr. Mensah is the co-founder of Mensah Medical in Warrenville, Illinois, a clinic that specializes in the treatment of biochemical imbalances and the cognitive and physical disorders caused by those imbalances. Since 2005. Dr. Mensah has treated over 30,000 patients using all natural non-pharmaceutical targeted nutrient therapy and is a world renowned leader in orthomolecular medicine.If you are feeling suicidal, please know that help is available. I encourage you to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at +1 800-273-8255.Listen to the full episode to hear:The importance of a comprehensive wellness valuation with a team of practitioners that includes counseling, biochemical testing, nutrient and dietary therapyOther forms of support that include movement meditation and other mindfulness practicesHow the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy methodology is used in treatment
Sep 7, 2020 • 38min
Suicide Prevention Case Study: How Nutrients Can Heal the Brain – Part 1
It’s National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.In this month’s special two part series, I’m sharing Sara’s story with you along with licensed psychologist, Dr. Perry Passaro, and orthomolecular specialist, Dr. Albert Mensah.This is a story of a young woman who spent two years receiving psychiatric treatment with absolutely no improvement in addition to two hospitalizations and two suicide attempts.In this episode, we question: why was no testing done prior to prescribing a wide array of heavy duty medications? And why did no one think to look at underlying biochemical imbalances and diet as a way to help her?In this case study, you will hear from Dr. Perry Passaro and Dr. Albert Mensah.Dr. Passaro is a licensed psychologist and a licensed educational psychologist. He works with children, families, adolescents, and adults at the Anxiety and Depression Treatment Center in Newport Beach, California. He 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.Dr. Mensah is the co-founder of Mensah Medical in Warrenville, Illinois, a clinic that specializes in the treatment of biochemical imbalances and the cognitive and physical disorders caused by those imbalances. Since 2005. Dr. Mensah has treated over 30,000 patients using all natural non-pharmaceutical targeted nutrient therapy and is a world renowned leader in orthomolecular medicine.If you are feeling suicidal, please know that help is available. I encourage you to call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at +1 800-273-8255.Listen to the full episode to hear:How nutrients can heal the brainBiochemical imbalances that lead to suicidal ideationWhy the current healthcare system needs a hands-on, multi-therapy approachHow our healthcare system is designed to fail people Click here for resources.
Aug 24, 2020 • 37min
Healing from Copper Toxicity with Deb Tokarz
Could copper overload be at the core of your anxiety and depression?Copper toxicity is a condition that negatively impacts both the brain and body—and, unfortunately, this simple chemical imbalance is not common knowledge among women and doctors.On today’s special women’s health episode I’m talking with Deb Tokarz who is a copper toxicity survivor and author of I Cu Copper, which is an open and honest look into her experience with copper toxicity.For many years, Deb suffered from severe anxiety, depression, and fatigue. Despite these symptoms, Deb was either dismissed by her doctors or prescribed a one-size-fits-all treatment.Eventually, Deb sought out a natural way to treat anxiety and depression. Soon, she learned that copper toxicity was the underlying cause of her suffering and has been on the path to healing ever since.Listen to the full episode to hear:What the symptoms of copper overload can look likeDeb’s journey with anxiety and depression, her symptoms of copper toxicity, and how she found out that copper was causing her anxiety and depressionWhy she was inspired to write her book, I Cu CopperHow Deb detoxed from copper overloadWhy copper toxicity can sometimes be misdiagnosed as mental illness Click here for resources.
Aug 10, 2020 • 45min
How Copper Toxicity Impacts Women with Dr. Judith Bowman
High anxiety, depression, brain fog, chronic fatigue, insomnia, and PMS.If you've struggled with any of these health challenges, you're not alone. It’s estimated that over 50% of females are estrogen dominant and one in eight will develop breast cancer.These are staggering statistics but there is another insidious invader of our bodies. It's called copper toxicity, a condition that wreaks havoc on both the mind and body. And, unfortunately, most women and doctors are completely unaware of it.On today’s special women’s health episode, my personal physician, Dr. Judith Bowman and I talk about the ins and outs of this volatile metal.Dr. Bowman specializes in biochemical imbalances and co-founded Mensah Medical in 2008 with her colleague, Albert Mensah, MD. Dr. Bowman combines traditional medicine with the biochemical approach to treat the symptoms of behavioral and cognitive disorders, autism spectrum disorder, depression (including postpartum depression), anxiety, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other biochemical imbalances.Listen to the full episode to hear:Why women are impacted by copper toxicityThe intricacies of copper toxicity and how this condition affects the brain and the bodyThe connection between copper, estrogen, and breast cancerCopper toxicity and menstrual disorders: endometriosis, PCOS, PMS, PMDDCopper toxicity and anxiety, depression (especially postpartum), and psychosisWhy hair tissue mineral analysis is not an accurate testing methodThe myth of copper deficiency and at the same time, excessClick here to read my full article with research links.
Jul 13, 2020 • 1h 9min
The Biochemistry of Narcissism, Sociopathy, and Psychopathy with Dr. Albert Mensah, MD, BCIP
More and more, we are seeing headlines exposing the narcissistic and criminal behavior of several high profile predators. We’ve seen a top recording artist finally be indicted after years of abusing young girls and women. We’ve seen convictions for a well-known movie mogul and long-standing comedian and actor, as well as a US Gymnastics National Team doctor—just to name a few.Unfortunately, so many people—beyond the scope of these high profile cases—have been harmed by those with narcissistic, abusive, and criminal behavior.Today on the show, I’m discussing the biochemistry of narcissism, sociopathy, and psychopathy with Dr. Albert Mensah, MD, BCIP. I’ve had Dr. Mensah on the show before, both in Episode 3 where we discussed how biochemistry and genes impact your brain, and in Episode 4 with a discussion about COVID-19 depression, anxiety, and immunity.If you’ve been harmed by narcissism and gaslighting, I hope this conversation with Dr. Mensah brings hope, healing, and an understanding of why you were harmed.Dr. Mensah is a world-renowned leader and teacher in micro molecular medicine. He is the co-founder of Mensah Medical in Warrenville, Illinois, a clinic that specializes in the treatment of biochemical imbalances and the cognitive and physical disorders caused by those imbalances. Since 2005 Dr. Mensah has treated over 30,000 patients using all-natural, non-pharmaceutical targeted nutrient therapy.His practice focuses on the management and treatment of cognitive disorders such as autism, behavior and learning disorders, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety syndromes, childhood and adult schizophrenia or Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease, as well as family medicine.Dr. Mensah regularly presents at international conferences, trains physicians in advanced nutrient therapy techniques, and is board certified in integrative pediatrics by the American Association of Integrative Medicine.Listen to the full episode to hear:The biochemistry of narcissism, sociopathy, psychopathyThe role of epigenetics and trauma in criminal behaviorHow copper toxicity and deficiency, undermethylation, and Pyrrole disorder impact behaviorThe role parents can play in the creation of a strong family foundationHow an underdeveloped amygdala cortex impacts the ability to have empathy and emotional connectivity with others
May 18, 2020 • 50min
COVID-19 Depression, Anxiety, and Immunity with Dr. Albert Mensah, MD, BCIP
In honor of mental health awareness month, and in these challenging times, I feel it's important to provide you with accurate information on how to support your mental and physical health.Supermolecules, as well as dietary and lifestyle modifications that support both brain and immune function, can be powerful allies against the Coronavirus outbreak.In episode 2, I discussed how nutrient deficiencies and overloads impact the brain and body.In episode 3, I talked with Dr. Albert Mensah about how biochemistry and genes impact your brain.Today I am having Dr. Mensah back on the show to discuss supermolecules that support both brain and immune function, what’s missing in the treatment of COVID-19, and insights to help you overcome depression and anxiety during this difficult time.Dr. Mensah is a world-renowned leader and teacher in micromolecular medicine. He is the co-founder of Mensah Medical in Warrenville, Illinois, a clinic that specializes in the treatment of biochemical imbalances and the cognitive and physical disorders caused by those imbalances. Since 2005 Dr. Mensah has treated over 30,000 patients using all-natural, non-pharmaceutical targeted nutrient therapy.His practice focuses on the management and treatment of cognitive disorders such as autism, behavior and learning disorders, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety syndromes, childhood and adult schizophrenia or Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's disease, as well as family medicine.Dr. Mensah regularly presents at international conferences, trains physicians in advanced nutrient therapy techniques, and is board certified in integrative pediatrics by the American Association of Integrative Medicine.Listen to the full episode to hear:How brain and immune health are inextricably linkedThe role supermolecules play in supporting both brain and immune functionHow diet and lifestyle modifications are powerful allies against COVID-19What we can do to take care of ourselves mentally and emotionally during the pandemic isolation Click here for resources.
May 4, 2020 • 58min
How Biochemistry and Genes Impact Your Brain with Dr. Albert Mensah, MD, BCIP
Our stories are extremely powerful and contain genetic, epigenetic, and transgenerational narratives.Educating yourself with the facts surrounding accurate testing and treatment provides a powerful pathway to healing the brain and body.In my last episode, I discussed how nutrient deficiencies and overloads impact the brain and body.In today's episode, I'm speaking with Dr. Albert Mensah about genetics, epigenetics, the controversial MTHFR test, as well as misconceptions and dangers about the different forms of folic acid and their impact on the in utero environment.Dr. Mensah is a world-renowned leader and teacher in methylation disorders. He is the co-founder of Mensah Medical in Warrenville, Illinois, a clinic that specializes in the treatment of biochemical imbalances and the cognitive and physical disorders caused by those imbalances. Since 2005 Dr. Mensah has treated over 30,000 patients using all-natural, non-pharmaceutical targeted nutrient therapy.His practice focuses on the management and treatment of cognitive disorders such as autism, behavior and learning disorders, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, anxiety syndromes, childhood and adult schizophrenia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, as well as family medicine.Dr. Mensah regularly presents at international conferences, trains physicians in advanced nutrient therapy techniques, and is board certified in integrative pediatrics by the American Association of Integrative Medicine.Listen to the full episode to hear:The difference between genetics, epigenetics, and transgenerational epigenetic inheritanceThe dangers of folic acid beyond the first trimester of pregnancy and its impact on the in utero environment (including the rise in autism, depression, ADHD, OCD, and anxiety disorders)MTHFR genetic testing flaws and the truth about how methylfolate actually works in the bodyThe importance of designing a diet based on your unique biochemistry Click here for research links and resources.
Apr 20, 2020 • 31min
How Nutrient Deficiencies and Overloads Impact the Brain and Body
One month in, my client Amanda told me: “I had no idea my anxiety, racing thoughts, and fatigue were due to being severely undermethylated and overloaded with copper!”Her lab tests had just confirmed the underlying causes of her suffering.When Amanda first came to me for nutritional therapy counseling, she was frustrated with doctors that told her nothing was wrong, she was a healthy young woman, and that basically, she was just overreacting.“I know I’m not making this up,” she told me. “I can feel in my body that something is off, I just don’t know what it is or how to pinpoint it.”Although lab work from her doctor showed no abnormalities, I knew that going deeper and supporting her in a way she had not experienced before was the key to figuring it all out.After 6 months of working together, Amanda told me “My brain feels better, which allows my body to feel better. I no longer struggle with energy issues and my daily anxiety is gone. This is so liberating.”If Amanda’s story resonates with you, you’re not alone. I hear this every week in my clinic and it’s a sad aspect of our global healthcare system. The good news is that healing is always possible, we just need to know where to look.In our first episode, I shared what nutrients are and how they impact both the body and the brain.In today’s episode, I’m going to give you a crash course into some of the underlying causes of depression and anxiety, autism, eating disorders, OCD, and ADHD – and how these root causes have a significant impact on the way you think, act, and feel.We’re going to dive into what nutrient deficiencies and overloads are, and how they impact the brain and body. By the end of this episode, you’ll have an entirely new understanding of how nutrient deficiencies and overloads may be affecting you.Listen to the full episode to hear:What nutrient deficiencies and overloads are and how they impact the brain and bodyUnderlying causes of depression and anxiety, autism, eating disorders, OCD, and ADHDWhat 5 root causes I work with in my clinic:UndermethylationOverrmethylationCopper toxicityZinc deficiencyPyrrole disorderClick here for resources.
