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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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.
How well did you accomplish your goals in 2023? Do you have new goals for 2024? Today I want you to take a few minutes to reflect on the last year, so we can make a strategic plan in 2024. Grab your pen and paper and let's dive in! Be as detailed as possible in writing out your answers for the best results.Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson discusses the pitfalls of micromanaging lab results. She shares a coaching conversation she had with a woman who had become obsessed with her bloodwork and was constantly trying to bring every single marker into the perfect range, losing sight of her original mission to reverse her symptoms. Nicholson explains that medications and supplements can alter blood values, causing them to appear off even though they are actually due to artificial supplementation. She emphasizes the importance of looking at overall patterns rather than hyper-focusing on individual markers, as individual markers can be influenced by various factors and may not provide a complete picture of optimal health. Nicholson also highlights the impact of outside influences such as strenuous workouts, dietary choices, sleep, and stress on blood markers. She concludes by urging readers to work with professionals who can help interpret their lab results and provide guidance based on their individual needs.
Read more...Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson shares a case study of a woman who suffered for 28 years with exhaustion, mental fatigue, weight gain, and depression, only to find relief through a holistic approach. After being diagnosed with Hashimoto's thyroiditis and being prescribed synthetic T4 medication for a decade with no improvement, she discovered desiccated thyroid, a natural alternative containing T3 and T4 hormones. With the proper dosing of this new medication, she experienced increased energy, mental clarity, and effortlessly lost the excess weight. This case study underscores the importance of advocating for oneself and seeking alternative options when traditional medicine falls short in addressing chronic conditions. The author urges readers not to settle for mere symptom management and to explore a holistic approach to achieve true balance and optimal health.
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