The Kick Sugar Coach Podcast

Have you ever considered the profound ways in which trauma shapes our health, behavior, and the very foods we long for in times of stress? Dr. Aimie Apigian joins us to explore this intricate tapestry, unraveling how our bodies' responses to trauma are far more than psychological - they're deeply rooted in our biology. Journeying through our autonomic nervous system, we examine why certain comfort foods seem irresistible and the unexpected role of the vagus nerve in our quest for emotional balance.Many of us have felt the paradoxical pull towards the very foods that don't agree with us, especially during periods of emotional upheaval. This episode peels back the layers of this mysterious craving, revealing how our bodies may be seeking immediate survival through an energy boost. Dr. Aimie and I discuss the hidden power of gluten and dairy to bind to our nervous system's opiate receptors, offering a temporary numbing effect that can mimic comfort. It's a revelation that underscores the importance of understanding our body's survival responses and the transformative potential of cultivating inner safety.But it's not all about the science. In the latter part of our conversation, we engage in practical strategies and exercises that can help us navigate through and beyond these overwhelming experiences. From the 'push away' technique to the calming presence of a pillow, we provide listeners with tangible tools to foster self-regulation, evoke the body's relaxation response, and embark on a deeper journey of healing. With Dr. Aimie's expertise and heartfelt guidance, this episode is a beacon of hope for anyone seeking to transform their relationship with trauma and find a path to lasting well-being.Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here!Support the showFlorence's courses & coaching programs can be found at:www.FlorenceChristophers.comConnect with Florence on:FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

Sugar has become a staple in modern diets, but the impact it has on our health is far from sweet. Dr. Rob Lufkin, a respected physician and author, brings to light the dark side of sugar consumption and its pervasive role in promoting chronic diseases. From the onset of metabolic syndrome to its influence on Alzheimer's, cardiovascular diseases, and even cancer, sugar's impact is extensive and often underestimated.Dr. Lufkin's personal journey of health enlightenment underscores the urgent need for medical curriculum reform. He points out the flawed nutrition wisdom ingrained in medical education, where the oversimplified mantra of "a calorie is just a calorie" fails to account for the complexity of metabolic health. His recovery from metabolic syndrome not only transformed his own life but also fueled his passion to educate others, particularly future medical professionals, about the intricacies of diet and disease.The podcast episode delves into the science of glycation and the activation of the mTOR protein, both of which are closely linked to aging and are exacerbated by sugar intake. Dr. Lufkin's insights into how our bodies can switch from glucose to ketones as an energy source reveal a potential pathway to better health and longevity. By reducing sugar consumption and embracing intermittent fasting, we can encourage our bodies to use ketones, thus mitigating the detrimental effects of sugar.Moreover, Dr. Lufkin discusses the pervasive prevalence of metabolic syndrome, a condition that's alarmingly common among American adults. He challenges the conventional view of type 2 diabetes as an all-or-none condition, advocating for a perspective that sees it as a gradual progression correlated with aging. This rethinking prompts a proactive approach to dietary choices, regardless of whether one has been diagnosed with diabetes.As the conversation turns towards sugar substitutes and pharmaceuticals like rapamycin, the episode offers a balanced look at lifestyle modifications and medical interventions. Dr. Lufkin emphasizes that while medications can play a role, it is the dietary choices that hold the key to combating the onslaught of chronic diseases and aging. The use of sugar substitutes, for instance, while seemingly beneficial, can still trigger insulin production and may have unintended consequences on the microbiome and taste preferences.In conclusion, the episode leaves listeners with a powerful message of empowerment. By understanding the profound impact of sugar on our health and making informed dietary decisions, we can take control of our well-being and combat the chronic diseases that threaten our quality of life. Dr. Lufkin's transformation and advocacy for change serve as a beacon of hope for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of health and nutrition in pursuit of a longer, healthier life.Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here!Support the showFlorence's courses & coaching programs can be found at:www.FlorenceChristophers.comConnect with Florence on:FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

Tackling sugar addiction is more than a battle of willpower; it's a journey of understanding the neuroscience behind our cravings and learning how to heal our brain for lasting change. Dr. Susan Pierce-Thompson's podcast episode is a deep dive into this process. She shares her personal story of overcoming drug addiction and obesity, highlighting her transition from a life ensnared by addictive behaviors to one where she could exercise control over her eating habits through the Bright Line Eating program.The episode addresses the human brain's intricate landscape, which is highly responsive to rewards and susceptible to addiction. Our brains are wired to remember and seek out the cues that predict these rewards, a mechanism that can lead to an increased susceptibility to addiction in environments where food cues are omnipresent. This conversation between the host and Dr. Thompson offers an in-depth exploration of how we can transition from a dopamine-driven existence to one where serenity is achieved through balanced brain chemistry, a state influenced by a mix of neurotransmitters including serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins.Embarking on a journey toward better health often means rewriting one's identity, and the Bright Line Eating program is designed to facilitate this transformation. The conversation emphasizes the difference between a temporary diet and a lifestyle change, where new eating habits become an integral part of one's identity. The four Bright Lines—no sugar, no flour, eating only at meals, and measuring quantities—provide clarity and a structured path for those seeking sustainable weight loss, challenging the promises of quick fixes offered by diet medications.Dr. Thompson also shares her insights on the concept of 'crystal vase recovery,' likening the fragility and strength of recovery to a rare and valuable object that must be cared for diligently. This analogy reinforces the ongoing vigilance required to maintain recovery from addiction. The episode further delves into the healing potential of internal family systems and parts work in psychology, illustrating how engaging with different aspects of our psyche can lead to healthier coping strategies and a more harmonious internal family system.As the episode concludes, there's an expression of gratitude for individuals like Dr. Thompson who have dedicated their lives to improving health and nutrition, inspiring listeners to strive for a balanced existence. The heartfelt appreciation for the work done in distinguishing between effective and ineffective dietary practices is palpable, as is the collective effort to address food-related issues and guide others toward happiness and balance.This episode not only shares the remarkable journey of Dr. Thompson but also serves as an educational resource on the science of addiction and recovery. It's a beacon of hope for those seeking freedom from the clutches of sugar addiction and offers practical, scientifically-backed advice for achieving a healthy relationship with food.For anyone struggling with food addiction or simply seeking to improve their relationship with eating, this podcast episodeEnjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here!Support the showFlorence's courses & coaching programs can be found at:www.FlorenceChristophers.comConnect with Florence on:FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

Discover the transformative power of lifestyle medicine with Dr. David Cavan, who joins us to share his remarkable shift from a traditional to a pioneering approach in diabetes management. Prepare to be enlightened by Dr. Cavan's insights on the potency of nutrition and patient empowerment in turning the tide against type 2 diabetes. Drawing inspiration from Professor Roy Taylor's innovative research, our conversation illuminates how simple dietary modifications, primarily the reduction of carbohydrates, have set patients on a path to reclaiming their health. This episode promises to change your perspective on managing diabetes and introduce you to practical strategies that could lead to its reversal.This week's discussion cuts through the confusion surrounding diabetes, clearly distinguishing between the autoimmune nature of type 1 and the lifestyle-induced type 2. We tackle the stigmas and misconceptions associated with these conditions, emphasizing the importance of a sympathetic understanding of every individual's battle with diabetes. Dr. Cavan and I shed light on the dark corners of food culture, sugar consumption, and their contributions to the diabetes epidemic, offering a compassionate roadmap for making informed changes to one's diet. Through engaging stories and a focus on personalized care, we underscore the significance of dietary choices and glucose monitoring in potentially reversing type 2 diabetes.We wrap up the conversation with an inspiring story of Eric, a patient who found diabetes remission through a holistic approach, and discuss the synergistic roles of diet, physical activity, and intermittent fasting. These practices, which once were ancestral norms, are now powerful tools in our modern fight against diabetes. Dr. Cavan also gives us a glimpse into his forthcoming book, promising to be an invaluable resource for anyone looking to take an active role in their health journey. Tune in for an episode that not only challenges conventional wisdom but also champions the idea that it's never too late to make life-altering improvements to your well-being.Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here!Support the showFlorence's courses & coaching programs can be found at:www.FlorenceChristophers.comConnect with Florence on:FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

When Dr. Philip Ovadia tipped the scales into morbid obesity, he knew something had to give. That realization sparked a revolution in his medical practice and personal health philosophy, leading to profound insights that he shares with us in our latest episode. Join us as we sit down with the heart surgeon and author who is on a mission to keep people off his operating table. Dr. Ovadia recounts the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including his brother's diabetes diagnosis and his own health scare, which led him to challenge the conventional wisdom on diet and disease.The landscape of healthcare is shifting beneath our feet, and Dr. Ovadia is one of the trailblazers navigating new territory. We engage in a candid discussion about the emergence of doctors who are breaking away from traditional medical models in favor of holistic, evidence-based approaches to health. The conversation reveals the obstacles these pioneers face, from professional risks to the exhilaration of embracing telemedicine and the growth of supportive societies. This episode is an eye-opener on the importance of aligning with a healthcare provider who shares your values, and the empowerment that comes from taking charge of your health journey.Sugar, that sweet but dangerous culprit in the narrative of heart disease, takes center stage as Dr. Ovadia helps us unravel its controversial history. We dissect the mechanisms through which sugar and insulin resistance wreak havoc on cardiovascular health, and discuss the dietary complexities that influence our well-being. From plant-based regimens to low-carb and carnivore diets, we examine the misconceptions and truths about what really serves our hearts. Dr. Ovadia's transformative story and expert insights will arm you with the knowledge to take proactive steps toward better health, making this episode a must-listen for anyone looking to make meaningful lifestyle changes.Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here!Support the showFlorence's courses & coaching programs can be found at:www.FlorenceChristophers.comConnect with Florence on:FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

Have you ever considered that your sweet tooth might be an ancient survival mechanism playing tricks on you? Join us as Eric Edmeades, an expert in nutrition and lifestyle change, shares his transformative journey to a sugar-free life, and offers insights that could lead you to your own health revolution. Through a captivating discussion, Eric reveals the evolutionary roots of our sugar cravings and how the modern food industry has hijacked these primal urges to our detriment. You'll be equipped with science-backed strategies to conquer those sugar cravings that our ancestors could never resist. We also tackle the often-overlooked role of fasting in recovery, the success stories emerging from Eric's WildFit program, and how these insights are revolutionizing the way we think about food addictions and eating disorders. And as we wrap up, we'll face the harsh truths about lifestyle diseases and the food industry's role in public health—leaving you with a renewed sense of responsibility and empowerment to take control of your health journey. Join us for a deep and impactful exploration of what it means to eat, heal, and live well in today's world.Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here!Support the showFlorence's courses & coaching programs can be found at:www.FlorenceChristophers.comConnect with Florence on:FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

Prepare to unravel the mysteries of sugar's impact on our health with none other than Dr. Richard Johnson, a leading expert who's spent a quarter-century at the frontier of metabolic research. In our riveting conversation, Dr. Johnson exposes how sugar, particularly fructose, is not just a sweet treat but a key player in the development of metabolic syndrome. His unexpected findings reveal how certain dietary sugars can actually lead to the internal production of fructose, even without direct consumption, potentially derailing our well-being.Our discussion takes a surprising turn as we examine the ordinary elements of our diet that contribute to obesity. Learn about the startling connection between high glycemic carbs, salt, and their combined effect on weight gain and overeating. Dr. Johnson's insights on the importance of hydration will make you reevaluate every salty snack and underscore the substantial role proper water intake plays in metabolic health. His practical tips provide a roadmap to managing uric acid levels and sidestepping the health risks associated with today's sweet-centric diet.Closing the episode, we reflect on the broader implications of our findings with Dr. Johnson's poetic musings on the allure and perils of sugar from his book. This poignant ending encapsulates our deep dive into the transformative power of lifestyle alterations and the hopeful prospect of emerging treatments in the battle against metabolic diseases and beyond. Whether you're looking to revamp your diet or simply gain a deeper understanding of the food you consume, this episode is an eye-opening journey through the science of sugar's intricate dance with our health.Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here!Support the showFlorence's courses & coaching programs can be found at:www.FlorenceChristophers.comConnect with Florence on:FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

Have you ever found solace in the sweetness of sugar, only to discover it's a double-edged sword that cuts deep into the fabric of emotional well-being? Karly Pitman joins us today — whose journey through eating disorders and deep dive into neuroscience and attachment theory sheds light on our complex relationship with food. Throughout our revealing conversation, Carly helps us understand how self-compassion and empathy are key in transforming the way we interact with food, especially sugar, and how these insights can empower us in the recovery process.This episode is an invitation to reflect on the cyclical nature of healing. We emphasize that your journey need not be a solitary one, and that opening doors to healthier coping mechanisms while closing those that harm us is part of the healing process. Karly and I explore the essence of our true selves—compassionate, loving, and kind—distinct from the critical inner voices that often plague us. By embracing this journey to self-compassion, we learn to internalize our experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of ourselves and, ultimately, a more peaceful state of being.Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here!Support the showFlorence's courses & coaching programs can be found at:www.FlorenceChristophers.comConnect with Florence on:FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

Unlock the hidden truths about sugar's role in cancer as we sit down with chemist Dr. Lewis Cantley, whose work on the PI3K enzyme has revolutionized our understanding of this sweet substance's dark side. Picture a world where sugar isn't just a harmless treat but a trigger for one of today's leading health adversaries. This episode takes you on a journey through Dr. Cantley's personal dietary choices, stemming from his own health experiences, to his groundbreaking research that connects the dots between sugar intake, insulin spikes, and cancer cell proliferation. It's a narrative that not only sheds light on the molecular mechanisms of the Warburg effect but also opens the door to potential dietary interventions in chronic disease management.As we navigate the complexities of insulin resistance and its implications for both diabetes and cancer, we discover the pivotal discoveries in Dr. Cantley's lab. Here, the connection between high insulin levels and cancer risk emerges with startling clarity, as does the life-changing impact of insulin's discovery on diabetes treatment. This episode doesn't just leave you with alarming insights; it arms you with the knowledge needed to challenge dietary norms and embrace a path to longevity through informed nutrition. Join us as we dissect the profound impact of lifestyle choices on cancer risks, and learn how a simple decision at the dinner table could drastically alter your health's trajectory.Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here!Support the showFlorence's courses & coaching programs can be found at:www.FlorenceChristophers.comConnect with Florence on:FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE

Have you ever reached for a sugary treat to find comfort during stressful times? Luis Mojica, a somatic experiencing practitioner and holistic nutritional counselor, joins us to unravel his own spiral into sugar addiction against a backdrop of childhood trauma and chronic health challenges. Grappling with PTSD and Tourette's syndrome, Luis candidly shares how he sought solace in the sweetness of sugar, only to discover that his refuge was, in fact, reinforcing his struggles. His transformative journey sheds light on the complex interplay between our emotional state, food choices, and the path to recovery.Luis guides us through the labyrinth of how our bodies react to trauma, seeking balance in ways that can lead to harmful addictions, like that of sugar. This episode peels back the curtain on the body's survival responses and how they can be triggered not just by external threats, but by internal turmoil and suppressed emotions. We talk about food as a communicator, capable of sending powerful signals that influence our stress responses and emotional well-being. Luis's insights into the biological and psychological impact of trauma are a testament to the importance of understanding the nuanced relationship between what we eat and how we feel.Beyond the physiology of addiction, we touch on the potent role of somatic practices in fostering body awareness and emotional processing. Luis introduces us to techniques like pendulation, which can help us navigate through discomfort and find equilibrium. If you're looking for a beacon of hope in the often overwhelming journey to overcome sugar addiction and heal from trauma, this conversation with Luis Mojica offers a compelling blend of personal narrative, scientific exploration, and practical advice that could change the way you perceive and engage with your body and your cravings.Enjoyed this episode? We'd love to hear your thoughts—share your feedback with us here!Support the showFlorence's courses & coaching programs can be found at:www.FlorenceChristophers.comConnect with Florence on:FACEBOOK | TWITTER | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE