Blog Category: Mental health

In a recent episode of The Addiction Nutritionist Podcast, Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson joins host Kelly Miller to discuss the importance of blood sugar handling. With a background in crime scene investigation, Nicholson now focuses on being a Metabolic Health Investigator, helping clients optimize their blood sugar patterns for improved mood, brain function, and overall well-being. Mismanaged blood sugar is a top relapse trigger for those in recovery, making this topic highly relevant. Nicholson explains the significance of blood sugar management as the gateway to overall health, wellness, and longevity. She also shares surprising statistics about the state of the average American's health and recommends valuable laboratory tests for assessing individual blood sugar levels. In addition, Nicholson and Miller explore ways to become a health advocate and utilize real-time data from monitoring devices like CGMs. This episode offers practical tips for managing blood sugar effectively.

In today's world, we have endless access to information about health and wellness, but what most of us truly need is accountability, support, and guidance. Hiring a holistic health practitioner can make all the difference in your journey towards optimal health and well-being. A coach provides accountability, keeping you motivated and on track, while also offering unwavering support, celebrating your successes and guiding you through obstacles. They can also help you see blind spots and patterns that are holding you back, allowing for personal growth and transformation. Even the most knowledgeable individuals can benefit from having a coach who can provide a customized approach tailored to their unique needs and goals. So, if you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed, consider hiring a coach who can provide the right support system to help you overcome challenges and elevate your well-being to new heights.

Brain Wellness Podcast by NP Mandi featuring Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson discussing Celiac, gluten, blood sugar, health technologies, malabsorption, functional lab testing, and strategies people can implement to improve health. 

The gut and brain are closely connected, with the gut having its own nervous system that communicates directly with the brain through the vagus nerve. What we eat and how we digest it can directly impact our mental and emotional health, as the gut microbiome produces neurotransmitters that regulate mood and cognitive function. People with digestive symptoms often experience depression, anxiety, and brain fog. The gut-brain connection is a two-way street, and poor gut health can interfere with the body's response to stress, leading to inflammation, impaired brain function, increased sugar cravings, and more. To support the gut-brain connection, it is recommended to focus on a healthy diet, manage stress, exercise regularly, practice good sleep hygiene, and consider natural supplements tailored to your gut's unique needs.