The Funk'tional Nutrition Podcast

If you’ve ever struggled with imposter syndrome, felt like you’re not qualified, or doubted whether you’re truly “ready” for the next step in your career or personal growth, this episode is for you.Here’s the truth: Feeling like an imposter is often a sign of growth—not failure.In this episode, I break down:What imposter syndrome is and why it happens (especially to high-achievers).Why imposter syndrome never fully goes away—and how to manage it when it shows up.How your brain is wired for survival, not success, and why this creates self-doubt.A simple mindset shift to stop fear from holding you back.A powerful journaling exercise (from Existential Kink by Carolyn Elliott, PhD) to identify and overcome subconscious fears.How taking action helps rewire your brain to build confidence and resilience.If you’ve ever felt stuck in self-doubt, you’re not alone. Most high-achievers, entrepreneurs, and practitioners experience imposter syndrome at some point. In fact, most of the practitioners who have graduated from The Funk’tional Nutrition Academy (FNA) started in that exact place. The good news? You can train your mind to work for you, not against you.🎧 Tune in now to learn how to reframe self-doubt and step into the next level of your growth with confidence!In This Episode:(01:35) Embrace Imposter Syndrome for Growth(06:15) Overcoming Imposter Syndrome Tools(12:49) Balancing Excitement and Anxiety(15:21) "Mixing Excitement with Safety"(19:07) Overcoming Self-Doubt with Positivity(22:14) Uncover Subconscious Fears Exercise(25:03) Fear of Success and Exposure(30:33) Reframing Negativity: Embrace Positivity(35:47) Overcoming Self DoubtFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/352-imposter-syndrome-in-high-achieversCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram

In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into the essential role of fascia and lymphatics in our health, and why these systems are vital for healing. Whether you're dealing with sports injuries, low back pain, chronic pain, digestive issues, or even tension headaches, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won’t want to miss.I’m joined by Tiffany Cruikshank, founder of Yoga Medicine, a transformative online membership that goes beyond just yoga classes. Tiffany’s expertise spans over 15 years in the wellness space, from her early studies in premed and Chinese medicine to her specialization in sports medicine, acupuncture at Nike HQ, and her recent focus on fertility and women’s health.What we cover in this episode:Fascia & Why It Matters: Learn why the fascial system is essential for overall health, how it impacts pain, mobility, and recovery, and why we need to treat our fascia to support overall well-being.Myofascial Release (MFR) to Support Your Nervous System and Body: Tiffany explains how Myofascial Release (MFR) can be an effective adjunct therapy to support the nervous system, relieve pain, and improve mobility. She also shares practical insights on how to do MFR at home as a tool for self-care and injury prevention.Lymphatics, Glymphatics & Brain Health: We discuss the fascinating connection between the lymphatic system, glymphatics, and brain health. Tiffany emphasizes the importance of considering lymph for anything related to immune health, especially in the context of autoimmunity and immune system dysregulation.Aging and Wellness: As two women who have been in the wellness space for decades, Tiffany and I have an unplanned but heartfelt discussion about aging. We explore how we can reframe the aging body, particularly from the lens of Chinese Medicine, and Tiffany offers her perspective on Chinese Medicine’s view on perimenopause and how it makes sense of the female reproductive system.Tiffany will also be teaching an upcoming masterclass at the Funk’tional Nutrition Academy (FNA), which is currently open for enrollment. If you’re a practitioner looking for a comprehensive, holistic approach to client care, this is the program for you.In This Episode:(02:00) Exploring Fascia and Lymph Health(08:46) Yoga Medicine: Purpose-Driven Practices(12:46) Fascia's Response to Emotional Input(17:47) Hyaluronan Aggregation and Mobility Issues(24:30) Enhancing Proprioception: Yoga vs. MFR(34:28) Fascia Care: Quick, Impactful Techniques(41:12) Thoracic Pump and Pressure Dynamics(44:43) Lymphatic Health Through Movement & Massage(51:46) Embracing Aging Mindset Shift(58:54) Yoga Medicine: Classes, Trainings, & OutreachFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/351-fascia-and-lymphatics-explainedCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram

Have you ever felt dismissed by a doctor when trying to get answers about your health? You’re not alone. In this episode, we dive into the reality of medical gaslighting—especially for women struggling with autoimmune diseases. From misdiagnosis to being told symptoms are “just stress,” we explore why this happens, how it impacts long-term health, and what you can do to advocate for yourself. Tune in for expert insights, real stories, and practical strategies to take control of your health journey.If you're a practitioner looking to better support clients with autoimmunity, our LIVE 4-Day Autoimmunity Training Program is for you. You'll learn clinical clues, how to assess for root causes, and empower patients to reclaim their health. Enrollment is open now—click here to sign up!In This Episode:(06:03) Autoimmunity: Clinical and Emotional Insights(10:34) "Medical Gaslighting in Diagnosis"(15:30) Ignoring Women's Pain in Healthcare(22:55) Dealing with Medical Mystery(27:49) The Burden of Chronic Suffering(32:51) "Earning Trust for Healing"(35:14) The Importance of Listening(38:18) Helping Clients Explore Health Options(41:32) Functional Medicine: Knowing Your Limits(43:24) In-Depth Health Root Cause AnalysisFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/350-womens-health-and-medical-gaslightingCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram

Leaky gut is more than just a buzzword—it’s a key player in autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s, PCOS, and even menopause-related health issues. Your gut barrier isn’t just about digestion; it directly impacts your immune system, hormone balance, and inflammation levels. When this barrier becomes compromised, it can trigger widespread symptoms, from brain fog and joint pain to thyroid dysfunction and insulin resistance.In this episode, we’re diving deep into the gut-hormone connection, exploring how intestinal permeability contributes to autoimmunity and why healing the gut is just one piece of the puzzle. We’ll break down the science behind leaky gut, discuss its impact on thyroid and hormone health, and share strategies for restoring gut integrity using functional medicine. If you’re a practitioner or someone struggling with chronic symptoms, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!In This Episode:(01:26) GI Tract: The Body's Barrier(06:02) Inflammation: The Good and the Bad(08:11) Understanding Leaky Gut Symptoms(12:25) Autoimmunity and Holistic Healing Insights(15:39) Hidden Autoimmune Cause of Hypothyroidism(20:34) Gut Bacteria, Dysbiosis, and Health Impact(25:14) Gut Health's Role in PCOS(26:30) Menopause: Gut Permeability and Bone Health(30:31) Aging and Senescent Cells Explained(35:52) "Diet's Role in Gut Health"(40:10) "Optimal Gut Healing Supplements"FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/349-how-leaky-gut-triggers-autoimmunity?rq=349Check out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram

The podcast dives into the rising concerns about histamine intolerance and its impact on autoimmune conditions. It highlights how gut health influences histamine production and immune function. Discussions include the effects of chronic stress, mold exposure, and digestion issues on histamine levels. Listeners learn about the importance of the enzyme DAO for gut health and how nutrient deficiencies can exacerbate histamine problems. Practical tips for managing symptoms and personalized treatment approaches are also explored.

In this episode, Erin Holt sits down with JP Errico—inventor, entrepreneur, and co-founder of electroCore—to explore the powerful role of the vagus nerve in whole-body health. If you’ve never heard of the vagus nerve before, you’re not alone—but this key player connects the brain, gut, immune system, and autonomic nervous system, impacting everything from inflammation and digestion to stress and chronic illness. Erin and JP dive into the explosion of autoimmune conditions, the mind-body connection, and how vagus nerve stimulation could be the missing link to better health. Tune in to discover how activating this vital nerve may help restore balance and unlock healing.In This Episode:(4:06) Vagus Nerve: The Brain-Body Connection(11:52) Sympathetic vs. Parasympathetic States(12:46) Understanding Heart Rate Variability(16:29) Why Rest-Based Training Produces the Biggest Gains(24:30) How the Brain’s Perception Influences the Immune Response(36:42) The Potential Asthma Treatment You Haven’t Heard of Yet(47:43) Vagus Nerve's Impact on Gut Health(49:55) How the Vagus Nerve Device Boosts Learning & Cognition(53:15) Vagus Nerve: Key to AgingFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/ 347-vagus-nerve-connection-with-jp-errico Check out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram

Discover how gut health directly influences hormone balance, even when tests appear normal. Learn about the Estrobolome and its vital role in estrogen regulation. The discussion reveals signs that your gut may be impacting your hormones and offers natural strategies for support. Explore the significance of a diverse microbiome, along with practical dietary tips to enhance overall wellness. Don't miss expert insights on improving gut health for better hormonal regulation!

Dr. Thomas Fabian, a leading expert in the microbiome's significance for health, shares invaluable insights on gut health. He breaks down the importance of comprehensive stool testing and clarifies misconceptions around pathogens like H. pylori. The discussion covers how gut dysbiosis can lead to digestive issues and autoimmune conditions, emphasizing the role of beneficial bacteria. Listeners learn about effective strategies to support gut health and the complexities involved in interpreting GI test results for tailored patient care.

Discover the daily eating habits of a functional nutritionist focused on gluten-free and dairy-free meals. Learn about essential grocery staples and nutrient-dense recipes that cater to women in their 40s. The podcast emphasizes the importance of proper pre- and post-workout nutrition, showcasing favorite snacks and breakfast ideas. Explore easy dinner strategies that combine protein, veggies, and starches for a balanced diet. Erin shares her personal journey with autoimmune illness, highlighting that healthy eating can be both enjoyable and varied.

Cortisol isn't just the villain it's often made out to be; it's essential for many bodily functions. The hosts discuss the trendy adrenal cocktails—are they truly beneficial or just a fad? They dive into the concept of 'cortisol face' and its implications, debunking myths along the way. Plus, lowering cortisol doesn't necessarily result in weight loss, and the significance of proper testing methods for cortisol levels is highlighted. Tune in for insightful advice that cuts through the noise of social media health trends!