11 Benefits to Fasting

Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson shares 11 benefits to fasting on the Holistic Health Bites podcast
This episode of the Holistic Health Bites Podcast explores the multitude of benefits associated with fasting. One of the standout advantages is insulin regulation; fasting significantly reduces blood insulin levels by allowing the body a break from constant digestion. This rest period also aids in reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, promoting better overall health and lowering the risk of chronic diseases.

Fasting also contributes to improved heart health by normalizing blood pressure and reducing triglycerides, positively impacting heart disease, the leading cause of death globally. Additionally, periods of fasting can facilitate damaged tissue repair, as the digestive organs rest and energy is redirected toward cellular regeneration and repair. Enhanced brain function is another benefit, with people often experiencing clearer minds and improved memory during fasting periods.

Other notable benefits include greater appetite control, potentially lower cancer risks, higher levels of Human Growth Hormone (HGH), and a more robust immune system. Fasting also triggers autophagy, a process where the body regenerates at a molecular level, which plays a crucial role in antiaging. These combined benefits suggest that fasting has a cumulative positive effect on overall health and longevity.
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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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Troubleshooting Autoimmunity with Divya Dhawan

Troubleshooting Autoimmunity with Divya Dhawan on the Holistic Health Bites podcast with Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson
On this episode of the Holistic Health Bites podcast, host Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson has special guest Divya Dhawan discussing holistic health, with a particular focus on autoimmunity and its relationship with metabolic health. Divya shared her personal journey with an autoimmune disorder and her research on alternative medicine, emphasizing the importance of eating organic, seasonal, and local foods. She also discussed the challenges faced by individuals with autoimmune conditions and unexplained symptoms, the potential negative impacts of high cortisol levels on blood sugar and the risk of diabetes, and encouraged viewers not to give up on their health.
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How Genetics and Lyme Disease Impact Metabolic Health

Genetics and Lyme Disease with Wendy Jean Hacker on the Holistic Health Bites podcast with Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson

On this episode of the Holistic Health Bites podcast, my guest Wendy Hacker explains her story of battling Lyme disease for years without progress resonated deeply with many. She highlighted the transformative power of understanding your own genetic landscape. After discovering how genes influence susceptibility to infections and response to treatment, Wendy utilized genetic testing to uncover underlying factors like mold exposure and methylation issues impacting her health. By tailoring her diet, environment, and lifestyle based on this personalized roadmap, she achieved significant improvement. Importantly, Wendy emphasizes that genes are not fate, stressing the power of epigenetics to modify their expression. Inspired by her own journey, Wendy now empowers others struggling with chronic illness by analyzing their genetic data and providing customized health guidance. This talk serves as a powerful reminder: don't underestimate the power of genetic insights, explore alternative healthcare options, advocate for yourself, and remember, even complex illnesses can have paths to healing.
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Long COVID and Chronic Illness

Long COVID and Chronic Illness with Sandy Sanderson, interview by Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson
Sandy, a nurse practitioner, shared her journey of starting a private practice focused on telehealth and in-person services for hormone balancing and medical weight loss during the pandemic. She also shared her personal health journey, including her success with a gluten-free diet, struggles with autoimmune issues and weight gain, and recent Covid-19 diagnosis with dysautonomia. She is now interested in helping others with long Covid syndrome and discussed the potential triggers for autoimmune conditions, the need for food sensitivity testing, and the ongoing challenges of Covid-19's long-term effects.
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