Brain and Metabolic Health

Brain and metabolic health; a Holistic Health Bites podcast episode by Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson featuring Dr Spencer Zimmerman
On this episode of the Holistic Health Bites podcast, I am joined by Dr Spencer Zimmerman discussing how brain health and metabolic health are intimately connected. He emphasized the importance of understanding and addressing the underlying causes of health issues, rather than just treating symptoms, with a focus on metabolic health, brain health, and vascular health. He advocated for a collaborative, multidisciplinary approach to healthcare, debunking the idea that a single practitioner can offer comprehensive solutions for complex problems. We also discussed the interconnectedness of these health aspects, the use of specific tools for diagnosis and treatment, and the need for personalized healthcare.

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Adrenal Health with Dr Tricia Pingel

Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson, host of the Holistic Health Bites podcast, talks to Dr Tricia Pingel about adrenal health
On this episode of the Holistic Health Bites podcast, Dr. Tricia Pingel and I discussed the impact of stress on health, the importance of a holistic approach to health, and the significance of mindfulness and self-care in achieving long-term health goals. Dr Pingel also highlighted the negative health impacts of elevated cortisol levels and the interconnectedness of various bodily systems. Lastly, she emphasized the need to address the root causes of health problems and the importance of self-compassion and positive choices for health.
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Thyroid Health with Divya Gupta

Holistic Health Bites podcast with Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson featuring Divya Gupta discussing thyroid health.
Divya Gupta and I discussed the interconnectedness of various health conditions, with a focus on the thyroid gland, gallbladder, and autoimmune issues like Hashimoto's thyroiditis. We also touched on the importance of thorough lab testing, a wholesome diet, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep for maintaining optimal health, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to healthcare, addressing the root causes of health issues, and seeking guidance from knowledgeable practitioners.
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Breast Health with Carol Lourie

Breast Health with Carol Lourie on the Holistic Health Bites podcast with Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson
Carol shared her experience supporting a friend through breast cancer, launching her focus on integrative support. She outlined the multi-step diagnostic process and initial treatment options involving biopsies, oncology meetings, potential neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgery choices and chemotherapy/radiation.  Carol detailed the complex diagnostic journey from discovery to pathology reports to oncology meetings to potential neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgery, emphasizing patients' rights to second opinions on mastectomy recommendations given research on benefits versus risks. She stressed examining nutrition by reading packaged food labels, shopping at health stores and farmers markets, eliminating processed foods and creating a toxin-free home. 
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The Importance of Breath in Ideal Health

Holistic Health Bites podcast with Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson, featuring Sachin Patel discussing the power of breathing on ideal health
Sachin Patel is a functional medicine practitioner and breathwork expert. He got into this field after realizing conventional doctors had no answers for chronic illness patients. Breathwork became his passion for integrating simplicity and sophistication in health.  In this episode, Sachin explained the health consequences of mouth breathing, including poor sleep, inflammation, and hormonal imbalance. Nasal breathing optimizes air through humidification, warming, and filtration before it reaches the lungs.

Sachin outlined various breathing patterns like coherence breathing and bellows breathing that can induce different physiological states. The "right" way to breathe depends on one's needs in the moment and goals.  He recommended finding prompts like checking emails or driving to associate with breath awareness. This helps establish breathwork as a habit. Wearables can also gamify the process and show physiological impacts.

Sachin detailed how mouth taping at night trains nasal breathing, improving sleep, hormones, temperature regulation and more. It strengthens respiratory muscles weakened by devices like CPAPs.  

HRV measures nervous system resilience through heart rate fluctuations with breathing. Higher HRV means better stress handling. Breathwork and lifestyle changes can optimize this important biomarker.

Sachin explained how breathwork impacts cell signaling, energy production and the body's intricate systems through oxygenation, CO2 balance and nervous system regulation. Proper breathing is the body's "steering wheel."
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