The Funk'tional Nutrition Podcast

Pelvic floor health is often overlooked, yet symptoms like bloating and leaking are common. Chronic tension and shallow breathing can lock the pelvic floor into dysfunction, and kegels alone won’t fix the issue. Discover how diaphragmatic breathing is key to stability and muscle coordination. Erin shares her personal journey of recovery, offering practical techniques like yoga poses for pelvic floor release and actionable breathing exercises. Learn how stress, posture, and movement also influence pelvic health.

What if anxiety is your body's way of signaling a need for change? Discover how circadian rhythm disruptions and blood sugar imbalances can trigger feelings of panic. Hormonal shifts, such as low progesterone, amplify anxiety, while neuroinflammation creates a feedback loop of distress. Explore surprising links between lifestyle habits and emotional wellbeing, and learn how to decode these signals for a calmer life. Nutritional support and individualized plans may be key to breaking free from anxiety's grip.

What happens when your body forgets how to feel safe? In this episode, Erin is talking to Beatriz Victoria Albina, a Family Nurse Practitioner, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner, and author of End Emotional Outsourcing – to explore the link between codependency, perfectionism, and chronic stress. “Emotional outsourcing” develops as a survival strategy for safety, belonging, and worth, and it can leave us feeling completely disconnected from our bodies and unable to regulate our nervous systems.Bea explains how somatic awareness helps rebuild interoception, restore digestion, and rebalance the body’s stress response and HOW these patterns show up in everything from poor boundaries to physical symptoms like constipation and fatigue. If you’ve ever struggled with people-pleasing, burnout, or the pressure to hold it all together, this powerful framework will help you return home to yourself.In this episode:How emotional outsourcing shows up as “brilliant survival strategies” like perfectionism, people-pleasing, and codependencyWhy we jump away from imagined cobras as self-protection, and how somatic awareness can helpHow chronic stress rewires your nervous system and literally halts digestion (THIS could be why you feel constipated or constantly run down!)The rise of “therapy-speak” and rigid boundary-setting, and why it has left many of us disconnectedWhy you need to stop outsourcing your safety, worth, and validation and begin the lifelong work of self-sourcing your own power, clarity, and calmResources mentioned:Check out Beatriz’s book, End Emotional Outsourcing The Feminist Wellness PodcastFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/383-beatriz-victoria-albina  Check out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | InstagramOrganifi supplement powder (save 20% on your order with code FUNK) OneSkin (Use code FUNK for 15% off your first purchase)Qualia Senolytic (get up to 50% off and an extra 15% off your first purchase with link + code FUNKS)Bon Charge (Use code FUNK to save 15%)

Could your gut be the missing piece of your skincare routine? If you’ve tried every serum, cleanser, and supplement under the sun but your skin still won’t cooperate, it might be time to look inward. Inflammation, imbalanced bacteria, and sluggish digestion can all show up on your face — and Erin and lead practitioner Rachel Heintz, MS, RDN are breaking down exactly how.Instead of masking symptoms with topicals or medications, they walk through how stool testing and targeted gut support can reveal what’s REALLY driving breakouts beneath the surface.Did you know low stomach acid, poor bile flow, and nutrient malabsorption can block your body’s ability to detox, process hormones, and maintain healthy skin? If you’ve been “doing everything right” without results, this episode connects the dots between your gut and the glow you’ve been working for.In this episode:How hidden inflammation and bacterial imbalances in your gut can fuel acne, even if your digestion seems fineThe single enzyme that can be THE missing link behind those stubborn hormonal breakoutsRoot cause healing, and why Accutane and birth control suppress breakouts without fixing the underlying imbalanceHow functional stool testing can get you real answers about your microbiome, nutrient absorption, and gut functionAn “inside out” approach to supporting the liver, gallbladder, and gut lining to get glowing skinResources mentioned:Apply to work with us 1:1 here!The Gut Panel is on sale for a limited timeFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/382-skin-health Check out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | InstagramOrganifi supplement powder (save 20% on your order with code FUNK) LMNT Electrolyte Replenishing powder (Use code FUNK and get a free sample pack with any purchase!) OneSkin (Use code FUNK for 15% off your first purchase)Qualia Senolytic (get up to 50% off and an extra 15% off your first purchase with link + code FUNKS)Bon Charge (Use code FUNK to save 15%)

Explore the intriguing world of beta glucuronidase, a gut enzyme that can sabotage detoxification by allowing toxins and hormones to re-enter your system. Learn how low-fiber diets and constipation elevate its levels, leading to symptoms of estrogen dominance like bloating and mood swings. Discover short-term solutions, such as calcium D-glucarate, and the importance of long-term microbiome restoration. Erin emphasizes the need to harmonize gut, liver, and hormone health for effective detoxification strategies.

Nicole Antes, MS, RDN, FHP-C™, a registered dietitian specializing in functional nutrition and digestive health, joins to tackle chronic constipation. They reveal surprising root causes like dehydration, low stomach acid, and stress on the nervous system. Discover how the wrong kind of fiber can worsen symptoms and the importance of microbiome balance. Using a successful case study, Nicole highlights holistic approaches that blend digestive strategies, emotional practices, and nutrient support for effective relief.

Move over, protein. There’s a new wellness obsession in town and her name is FIBER.In this episode, Erin talks about the rising trend of “fibermaxxing” and why it’s more than just a catchy Gen Z trend. You’ll learn how fiber fuels your gut microbiome, supports short-chain fatty acid production, and impacts everything from hormone balance to inflammation. But it’s not as simple as loading up overnight. Erin explains the distinct differences between soluble, insoluble, and resistant starch fibers, why variety is key for a resilient, diverse microbiome, and how to add fiber-rich foods and functional fiber supplements without triggering digestive distress. Start slow, stay consistent, and prepare to reap the benefits!In this episode:Why “fibermaxxing” is more than just a TikTok trend, and how to use it to actually improve gut healthThe hidden ways your gut microbiome shapes immunity, mood, hormone balance, and even your detox capacityHow different types of fiber, like soluble, insoluble, and resistant starch, work alongside polyphenols to feed good bacteriaErin’s favorite strategies for upping your fiber game without the gas, bloating, or IBS flare-upsWhy eating 30-40 different plants each week is the simplest path to a stronger microbiomeResources mentioned:Today is the LAST DAY to enroll in the fall 2025 cohort of Funk’tional Nutrition Academy™.Apply to work with us 1:1 here!‘Your Guide to Fiber’ BlogFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/379-fibermaxxing Check out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | InstagramOrganifi supplement powder (save 20% on your order with code FUNK) LMNT Electrolyte Replenishing powder (Use code FUNK and get a free sample pack with any purchase!) OneSkin (Use code FUNK for 15% off your first purchase)Qualia Senolytic (get up to 50% off and an extra 15% off your first purchase with link + code FUNKS)Bon Charge (Use code FUNK to save 15%)

Your thyroid influences nearly EVERY system in your body, from metabolism and digestion to mood, fertility, and energy, and in this episode, Erin is sharing how to support your thyroid health with deep nutrition.You’ll learn why blood sugar regulation is the foundation of hormone health, and how thyroid-supportive nutrients like selenium, magnesium, and zinc can help optimize function and reduce risk for common imbalances.Erin also explores the nuances of “anti-nutrients” like iodine and goitrogens, especially for those managing Hashimoto’s. She outlines practical food choices (think colorful veggies!), supplementation tips, and key labs to keep an eye on, so you can feel more confident in supporting your thyroid health starting today.In this episode:Why unstable blood sugar makes thyroid medication and supplements less effectiveMust-have foods and nutrients to rotate for thyroid support, including selenium, magnesium, and zincThe surprising truth about cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower - and how you can enjoy them without sabotaging iodine uptakeWhen iodine helps and when it can trigger Hashimoto’s flare-upsThe safe supplements nearly everyone can use vs. those that require lab testing firstResources mentioned:Apply to work with us 1:1 here!Erin’s FREE Hormone Food GuideApplications are now open for the fall 2025 cohort of Funk’tional Nutrition Academy™.FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/378-thyroid-health Check out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | InstagramOrganifi supplement powder (save 20% on your order with code FUNK) LMNT Electrolyte Replenishing powder (Use code FUNK and get a free sample pack with any purchase!) OneSkin (Use code FUNK for 15% off your first purchase)Qualia Senolytic (get up to 50% off and an extra 15% off your first purchase with link + code FUNKS)Bon Charge (Use code FUNK to save 15%)

Is it really perimenopause, or just stress, habits, and thyroid shifts at play? In this episode, Erin is debriefing her 6-month thyroid and hormone protocol experiment. After noticing changes in mood, cycle irregularities, fatigue, and PMS, she decided to run a full panel of labs, including thyroid markers, sex hormones, a DUTCH test, and a GI-MAP stool test. Erin breaks down exactly what her labs revealed, the protocols she implemented, and the results she’s experienced that have shifted her energy, mood, and cycles. Her biggest takeaway? Protocols aren’t one-size-fits-all. With the right testing, lifestyle shifts, and targeted support, you can move from feeling “off” to feeling like yourself again.If you’re looking for 1:1 functional support, apply to work 1:1.In this episode:Why a “normal” TSH doesn’t always mean your thyroid is working optimally, plus the key marker Erin found functionally lowErin’s favorite supplements to support thyroid conversion, adrenal resilience, and hormone balanceWhy lifestyle habits, stress, and resiliency matter just as much as labs when addressing hormone healthThe surprising supplement Erin stopped and what she replaced it with that made a “night and day” differenceWhy so many people assume “hormone protocol” automatically means HRT – that’s not always the case!Resources mentioned:Applications are now open for the fall 2025 cohort of Funk’tional Nutrition Academy.Erin’s FREE Hormone Food GuideApply to work with us 1:1 here!Episode 357: Before You Jump to HRT - What Your Perimenopause Symptoms Might Really MeanEpisode 368: Perimenopause Isn’t Just About Hormones: What Every Perimenopausal Woman Should Know Before Starting HRT with Dr. Deanna Minich FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/377-thyroid-protocol Check out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | InstagramOrganifi supplement powder (save 20% on your order with code FUNK) OneSkin (Use code FUNK for 15% off your first purchase)Qualia Senolytic (get up to 50% off and an extra 15% off your first purchase with link + code FUNKS)Bon Charge (Use code FUNK to save 15%)

Discover how functional medicine needs a refresh! Dive into the shift away from rigid protocols to a more personalized and intuitive approach. Learn about the importance of integrating clients' emotional and psychological backgrounds into their healing journeys. Explore the intriguing concept of the 'nocebo effect' and how it can hinder health progress. Plus, enjoy lighthearted insights on the impact of labeling and lab testing in functional medicine, along with a playful take on gummy supplements. It's a paradigm shift designed to deepen client-practitioner connections!