

The Funk'tional Nutrition Podcast
Erin Holt
Holistic Health | Real Food Nutrition | Functional Medicine | Mind-Body
Honest and eye-opening conversations with functional nutritionist Erin Holt. Erin shares insight into hot topic nutrition, plus interviews with thought leaders in the functional medicine and wellness world. Get informed and empowered with this funky spin on mainstream health information.
Honest and eye-opening conversations with functional nutritionist Erin Holt. Erin shares insight into hot topic nutrition, plus interviews with thought leaders in the functional medicine and wellness world. Get informed and empowered with this funky spin on mainstream health information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jan 11, 2021 • 50min
How Hormones Influence the Gut | Ep 138
Exploring the intricate connection between gut and hormones, this episode addresses the importance of addressing gut problems before diving into a gut protocol. It discusses various causes of leaky gut, stress's impact on cortisol and leaky gut, and the specific hormones that can lead to leaky gut. The podcast also delves into the ways stress affects digestion, the gut-brain connection, and where to start with long-term GI issues.

Dec 29, 2020 • 1h 2min
Is Perfectionism Driving Your Hormone Imbalance? Cortisol, DHEA + Adrenal Testing | Ep 137
Erin, an expert in adrenal fatigue and stress response, discusses the symptoms of adrenal fatigue, the relationship between perfectionism and adrenal dysfunction, and the effects of cortisol on sex hormones, thyroid, and gut health. The episode also explores the Cortisol Awakening Response, stress and leaky gut, and the impact of stress on postpartum, PTSD, and autoimmunity.

Dec 28, 2020 • 1h 15min
Cholesterol: Friend or Foe? Everything You Wanted to Know | Ep 136
Unpacking all your cholesterol questions in this episode, and as always, answering this is not as straightforward as “cholesterol is bad/good.” Erin discusses whether cholesterol is a problem, what it does in the body, problems with low cholesterol, underlying reasons for high cholesterol, how your hormones are related and how to support healthy cholesterol levels. Share this episode with the people you care about, because the goal is to help clear confusion surrounding cholesterol and to give you more confidence in choosing the appropriate foods for you and your body. Originally aired October 2019. In this episode:-12 Days of Funk’mas giveaway details, featuring Coyote River Hemp Co. [2:00]-Listener questions on cholesterol [3:23]-A brief history on how we came to demonize cholesterol [8:01]-Current dietary guidelines on cholesterol [10:49]-What is cholesterol? [12:23]-The difference between dietary cholesterol and serum cholesterol [19:31]-Is eating cholesterol a problem? [22:10]-What cholesterol does in the body [24:20]-Problems with low cholesterol [34:49]-Reasons your cholesterol might be low [38:48]-Underlying reasons for high cholesterol [39:30]-Hormones + Cholesterol [42:37]-How to support healthy cholesterol levels [52:50]-Intervention for high LDL and total cholesterol [1:01:47]-Other markers for heart disease risk factors [1:04:46]-Root cause of cardiovascular disease [1:07:32]-Is sugar the real problem? [1:09:20]-Gut health + heart disease [1:10:05]-Statins: the good, the bad, the ugly [1:11:54]Resources mentioned:Coyote River Hemp Co https://coyoteriverhempco.com/BioKult Boosted probiotic supplement (save 20% off one box with FUNK20) https://www.bio-kult.com/bio-kult-boosted/p9FREE Digestive Guide https://mailchi.mp/erinholthealth/digestiveguideCarb Compatibility Project™ (next round starts Jan 4th) https://www.erinholthealth.com/carb-compatibility-projectYour Hormone Revival™ (registration opens Jan 11th) https://www.erinholthealth.com/hormonesEat to Achieve™ (formerly called Fueled & Fit; start any time!) https://www.erinholthealth.com/eat-to-achieveWhy this nutritionist would never buy Isagenix Super Smoothie for my kid: https://www.erinholthealth.com/erin-holt-health-1/2019/10/15/why-i-would-never-buy-isagenix-isakids-super-smoothie-for-my-kidFor links to studies referenced in this episode and other related episodes, head to the website here! -> https://www.erinholthealth.com/funktional-nutrition-podcast/2020/12/28/episode-136-cholesterol-friend-or-foe-everything-you-wanted-to-knowHas this resource helped you in any way over the past 3 years? Spread the love and share this free resource! Let’s show people why the Funk’tional Nutrition Podcast is 1 million downloads strong - and counting.**FOR MORE DETAILS & TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY, HEAD TO OUR INSTAGRAM PAGE** https://www.instagram.com/the.funktional.nutritionist/

Dec 21, 2020 • 1h 53min
Intermittent Fasting: Who it's For, Who it's Not For | Ep 135
Can intermittent fasting be a therapeutic tool? Rich with content and resources, this episode is an extensive, deep dive into intermittent fasting, metabolic dysfunction and how you can assess whether IF is right for you based on your unique context.This episode is perfect for anyone who is fasting-curious, anyone who’s interested in IF or currently trying IF. I dissect who should try it, in what situations is it therapeutic and why, potential benefits, contraindications, whether it works for women’s bodies and the debate over if it’s just another diet culture tool. Have a listen and be sure to share this episode with anyone in your life who has type II diabetes, high insulin, prediabetes, insulin-resistance, metabolic resistance, high blood sugar, anyone going through menopause, or post-menopause. Originally aired April 2020.In this episode:-12 Days of Funk'mas Giveaway details, plus program updates [1:35]-Why this was a timely release for this episode [4:09]-Who this episode is for [8:25]-Erin's stance on Intermittent Fasting, and why you gotta make space for multiple truths in nutrition [9:34]-What is intermittent fasting [16:57]-The difference between time restricted eating/feeding and IF [19:02]-Different ways to approach intermittent fasting [19:58]-Pros & cons of a fat fast [23:41]-Benefits of intermittent fasting [28:34]-Fasting and the gut [33:09]-What does circadian rhythm have to do with it? [38:12]-Conditions where fasting can be helpful [43:31]-What you need to know about insulin [45:50]-Signs and symptoms of insulin resistance and high blood sugars [51:25]-Lab markers of metabolic syndrome [56:15]-Brain health in menopause [1:00:10]-How PCOS is related [1:01:14]-How to reverse insulin resistance [1:02:37]-Considerations for intermittent fasting as a weight loss tool, plus biomarker improvements [1:11:25]-Considerations for those with a disordered eating history [1:18:44]-When is fasting contraindicated, and who should NOT do intermittent fasting [1:20:45]-What fasting does to your hormones [1:24:36]-What’s leptin got to do with it? [1:28:38]-Fasting and the thyroid [1:30:57]-How to start, the #1 thing to do first and different ways to approach intermittent fasting [1:35:27]-Different intermittent fasting schedules [1:37:53]-Listener questions and the common mindset regarding diet culture [1:40:37]-How to transition away from fasting [1:46:01]-Signs it’s not working and it’s time to stop [1:50:42]Resources mentioned:The Carb Compatibility Project™ (next round starts Jan 4th) https://www.erinholthealth.com/carb-compatibility-projectBeautycounter https://www.beautycounter.com/erinholtCCP weekly workouts provided by Steamhouse & Blaze Yoga: https://www.steamhousenh.com/ https://www.blazenh.com/FREE Guided Meditations https://mailchi.mp/erinholthealth.com/meditationsOrganifi Low Sugar powdered supplements (enter code FUNK for 20% off your order)For links to studies and related resources, head to our website! https://www.erinholthealth.com/funktional-nutrition-podcast/2020/12/21/episode-135-intermittent-fasting-who-its-for-who-its-not-forHas this resource helped you in any way over the past 3 years? Spread the love and share this free resource! Let’s show people why the Funk’tional Nutrition Podcast is 1 million downloads strong - and counting.**FOR MORE DETAILS & TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY, HEAD TO OUR INSTAGRAM PAGE** https://www.instagram.com/the.funktional.nutritionist/

Dec 16, 2020 • 1h 32min
Why You Need to Stop Self-Treating Your Gut | Ep 134
Just because something is natural doesn’t mean it can’t harm you. Herbs have the capacity to negatively alter our gut microbiome, so it’s important to know exactly what your needs are before diving into herbal remedies for gut problems. In this episode I take a deep dive into problems with antibiotics and herbal remedies, why the 5R protocol needs a revamp, when it’s time to explore functional lab testing and how to safely treat your gut at home. This episode is teeming with some piping hot early 2020 energy! Originally aired January 2020.In this episode:-The 12 Days of Funk’mas Day 8 giveaway details, featuring sponsor Bio-Kult [2:45]-Upcoming program details (dates are not correct, see resources mentioned for 2021 dates) [8:04]-Why Erin can’t speak for or against your health practitioner, and why Erin never gives black & white recommendations [12:53]-The problem with antibiotics [17:49]-The problem with “natural” herbal antibiotics [19:42]-Pros and cons of grapefruit seed extract/citrus seed extract [26:29]-Ins and outs of oregano oil [32:39]-Why you CANNOT skip the steps if you want to help people nutritionally [39:15]-My thoughts about different nutrition programs like IIN [40:37]-The 5R Protocol for gut health, and why it needs a revamp [43:32]-What is intestinal permeability, aka leaky gut? [1:06:08]-Where to start for at-home treatment, before seeing a practitioner [1:12:03]-Testing for leaky gut, wheat & gluten sensitivity [1:15:03]-When it’s time to do functional labs [1:19:51]-Stool tests, GI mapping, and why finding a practitioner who knows how to interpret your results is so important [1:22:02]-Erin's favorite functional labs for the gut [1:29:10]Resources mentioned in this episode:BioKult Boosted probiotic supplement (save 20% off one box with FUNK20) https://www.bio-kult.com/bio-kult-boosted/p9Carb Compatibility Project (next round starts Jan 4th) https://www.erinholthealth.com/carb-compatibility-projectYour Hormone Revival (registration opens Jan 11th) https://www.erinholthealth.com/hormoneEat to Achieve (start any time!) https://www.erinholthealth.com/eat-to-achieveWheat Zoomer and other functional labs https://www.erinholthealth.com/tests-and-consultsFREE Digestive Guide https://mailchi.mp/erinholthealth/digestiveguideStudies:Aspects of the antimicrobial efficacy of grapefruit seed extract and its relation to preservative substances contained https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10399191Simultaneous identification and quantification by liquid chromatography of benzethonium chloride, methyl paraben and triclosan in commercial products labeled as grapefruit seed extract https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17867553The effectiveness of processed grapefruit-seed extract as an antibacterial agent: II. Mechanism of action and in vitro toxicity https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12165191Essential oils in the treatment of intestinal dysbiosis: A preliminary in vitro study https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20030464 Related episodes:129: How to Eat for True Gut Health https://www.erinholthealth.com/funktional-nutrition-podcast/2020/12/7/episode-129-how-to-eat-for-true-gut-health37: Liver Health, Bile Production & Intermittent Fasting https://www.erinholthealth.com/funktional-nutrition-podcast/2018/12/8/episode-37-liver-health-bile-production-amp-intermittent-fasting Has this resource helped you in any way over the past 3 years? Spread the love and share this free resource! Let’s show people why the Funk’tional Nutrition Podcast is 1 million downloads strong - and counting.**FOR MORE DETAILS & TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY, HEAD TO OUR INSTAGRAM PAGE** https://www.instagram.com/the.funktional.nutritionist/

Dec 15, 2020 • 1h 34min
Healing with Herbs | Ep 133
We have been healers throughout history. Groups of women gathered together to heal each other and heal their community with plants and foods. We all need to go back to that place of trusting ourselves. This week on the show we interviewed herbalist, Amy McKelvey. Amy told us how she got into herbalism, as well as a pretty interesting history of herbs. She also addresses the importance of plants and our connection to the world around us to achieve healing. In this jam-packed 90 minutes, we covered everything from whether or not you can overdo supplements, to maximizing benefits of the supplements, to how to energize your life! You will learn a TON listening to this show! Originally aired May 2018.In this episode:-12 Days of Funkmas Day 7 giveaway details, featuring Amy KcKelvey from Her Vital Way [1:28]-Amy’s health journey to discovering the healing power of herbs [7:38]-Amy’s pivot from marketing to herbalism, and patterns she noticed in her practice [16:22]-Can you overdo supplements? Dosing for herbs [24:53]-Essential oils safety [30:01]-Where to start with supplements [34:45]-How to make tea infusions [38:08]-Zinc and copper balance [41:44]-Herbs for skin & hormonal acne [45:37]-Herbs for constipation [50:54]-Herbs for sleep and anxiety [57:06]-All about adaptogens, how it affects our body and Amy’s favorite adaptogens [1:01:44]-How to energize your life [1:13:54]-Bandaid vs root cause healing, and how to maximize benefits from supplements [1:16:56]-Healing supplements for menstrual cramps [1:22:45]-How to create your own supplement toolbox [1:25:05] Resources mentioned in this episode: Her Vital Way https://www.hervitalway.com/Her Vital Way on Insta https://www.instagram.com/hervitalway/Carb Compatibility Project (next round starts Jan 4th!) https://www.erinholthealth.com/carb-compatibility-projectYour Hormone Revival (registration opens Jan 11th!) https://www.erinholthealth.com/hormonesBioKult Boosted probiotic supplement (save 20% off one box with FUNK20) https://www.bio-kult.com/bio-kult-boosted/p9Has this resource helped you in any way over the past 3 years? Spread the love and share this free resource! Let’s show people why the Funk’tional Nutrition Podcast is 1 million downloads strong - and counting.**FOR MORE DETAILS & TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY, HEAD TO OUR INSTAGRAM PAGE** https://www.instagram.com/the.funktional.nutritionist/

Dec 14, 2020 • 1h 23min
How Much Protein Do We *Really* Need? | Ep 132
You’ve probably heard me say when it comes to nutrition, we can’t do the high level stuff without addressing the foundation and the building blocks first - and in this episode, I mean it literally. We’ll be talking about amino acids today which are the actual building blocks of protein and your body. While this is more of a nutrition 101/back to basics episode about protein, I definitely get into some higher level functional medicine stuff as well. I’ll discuss the different types of protein, best ways to get it and why amino acids are really what run the show in your body. Originally aired January 2020.In this episode:-12 Days of Funkmas Day 6 Giveaway details, featuring Coyote River Hemp Co. [1:39]-“Healthziety,” resources for it [5:19]-Benefits of protein/what it does in the body/why we need it [12:22]-Is too much protein a thing? [17:16]-Reasons you may need more protein in your diet [19:24]-What you need to know about amino acids, including the “fuel source” glutamine [21:24]-Why Erin doesn't use Tylenol [26:20]-Dietary recommendations for protein [31:09]-Symptoms of protein deficiency [33:33]-The different types of proteins [35:49]-Collagen peptides: what they are, how our bodies use it, and things to consider when using it [38:01]-Breaking down all the details on bone broth [43:29]-Why getting enough tryptophan is wildly important, plus whole food sources for it [50:03]-Best sources of protein, and the trap we sometimes fall into [52:48]-Protein powders to look for, and why Erin has a hard time recommending plant protein powders [56:45]-Vegan protein options [1:06:30]-The difference between organic meat and grass-fed meat [1:12:18]-Thoughts on the Impossible Burger [1:17:30] Resources mentioned in this episode: Coyote River Hemp Co (save 10% with FUNK10) https://goodandcompany.co/FREE Digestive Guide https://mailchi.mp/erinholthealth/digestiveguideCarb Compatibility Project (next round starts Jan 4th!) https://www.erinholthealth.com/carb-compatibility-projectStudy: Dietary Guidelines should reflect new understandings about adult protein needs https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2666737/Report: Arsenic, Lead Found in Popular Protein Supplements: https://www.consumerreports.org/dietary-supplements/heavy-metals-in-protein-supplements/Micronutrient Panels, Zoomers and other functional lab tests https://www.erinholthealth.com/tests-and-consultsIced Matcha Recipe (plus a video on how to make nut mylk!) https://www.erinholthealth.com/erin-holt-health-1/2020/3/13/iced-matcha-latteVegan Kale Caesar Salad https://www.erinholthealth.com/erin-holt-health-1/vegan-kale-caesar-saladBioKult Boosted probiotic Supplement (save 20% off one box with FUNK20) https://www.bio-kult.com/bio-kult-boosted/p9Find Coyote River Hemp Co on Insta https://www.instagram.com/coyoteriverhempco/Related episodes:130: Plant Based Diets, Eating Meat & Sustainable Diets https://www.erinholthealth.com/funktional-nutrition-podcast/2020/12/8/episode-130-plant-based-diets-eating-meat-amp-sustainable-diets4: All About Dairy https://www.erinholthealth.com/funktional-nutrition-podcast/2017/11/5/episode-4-all-about-dairy128: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Weight Loss https://www.erinholthealth.com/funktional-nutrition-podcast/2020/12/2/episode-128-everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-weight-loss Has this resource helped you in any way over the past 3 years? Spread the love and share this free resource! Let’s show people why the Funk’tional Nutrition Podcast is 1 million downloads strong - and counting.**FOR MORE DETAILS & TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY, HEAD TO OUR INSTAGRAM PAGE** https://www.instagram.com/the.funktional.nutritionist/

17 snips
Dec 9, 2020 • 1h 16min
Can't poop? Constipation & Gut Health | Ep 131
Learn about the importance of regular bowel movements and strategies to regulate them. Get insights from the hosts' personal experiences with chronic constipation. Discover the connection between gut health and hormones, and the top 4 things to help with constipation. Explore how low-carb diets and stress can contribute to constipation. Understand the correlation between sleep, melatonin, and gut health. Discuss the role of the vagus nerve in gut-brain communication. Address leaky gut and the importance of considering the emotional and energetic components of gut health.

Dec 8, 2020 • 1h 50min
Plant-based diets, Eating Meat & Sustainable Diets | Ep 130
Get ready for a meaty episode. This was recorded with Erin's good friend and former podcast co-host, Kyle Maiorana, and in it they break down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about vegetarian diets, how to sustainably include animals in your diet and what to consider if you're transitioning from a vegetarian diet to an animal-inclusive one (and vice versa). Originally aired November 2018.In this episode:-12 Days of Funk’mas Day 4 giveaway details, featuring Vernon Family Farm [1:37]-Listener question about how to eat enough protein with a plant-based diet [6:00]-Erin's experience with a vegetarian diet, and why she started incorporating meat [10:32]-Why it’s important to experiment and pay attention to the foods you eat in order to feel your best [15:45]-Common nutrient deficiencies and supplements to consider on a vegetarian/vegan diet [23:11]-How to get the most of out of a vegetarian diet [39:30]-How to transition to an animal-inclusive diet [51:07]-The difference between animal protein and non-animal protein [54:03]-Is organic meat more nutritious than factory-farmed meat? [1:01:01]-Environmental & sustainability concerns of eating meat [1:06:03]-How animals help improve the environment and soil [1:19:09]-All the variations of a vegetarian diet and how to get the most bang for your buck [1:25:05]-The moral and ethical dilemma [1:32:49]-Best ways to approach the healthiest diet for you [1:42:21]-Red meat, cancer and why context matters [1:43:09]Resources mentioned in this episode:Vernon Family Farm https://www.instagram.com/vernonfamilyfarm/FREE Digestive Guide https://mailchi.mp/erinholthealth/digestiveguideEat to Achieve™ https://www.erinholthealth.com/eat-to-achieveErin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.funktional.nutritionist/Has this resource helped you in any way over the past 3 years? Spread the love and share this free resource! Let’s show people why the Funk’tional Nutrition Podcast is 1 million downloads strong - and counting.**FOR MORE DETAILS & TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY, HEAD TO OUR INSTAGRAM PAGE** (linked above)

Dec 7, 2020 • 1h 10min
How to Eat for True Gut Health | Ep 129
This podcast episode delves into the importance of feeding our gut microbiome and using food as medicine. Topics include the role of the microbiome, dietary factors that nourish or harm it, antibiotic use, and surprising facts about glyphosate. The episode also explores the impact of medications on the gut, dietary risk factors for dysbiosis, and the importance of eating more plants for gut health.