Mental health

On this episode of the Holistic Health Bites podcast, Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson interviews Nutrition Therapist Kelly Miller on how to use nutrition therapy for addiction recovery. Kelly finds that many people struggling with addictions have nutritional deficiencies and poor lifestyle habits.

Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson discusses how to achieve better sleep naturally without relying on medications. Quality sleep is essential for overall health and well-being, as it allows our bodies and minds to recharge and repair. Chronic lack of sleep or poor sleep quality can lead to negative health outcomes, such as increased risk of depression, anxiety, and weight gain.

Nicholson provides several helpful tips and strategies for improving sleep quality. Creating a sleep-conducive environment by ensuring a quiet, cool, and dark bedroom is important. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends, can help regulate the body's internal clock. Practicing relaxation techniques before bed, such as taking a warm bath or reading a book, can reduce stress and promote relaxation. Additionally, avoiding stimulants like caffeine and nicotine, limiting screen time before bed, and getting regular exercise can all contribute to better sleep. By implementing these strategies, one can enjoy the many benefits of a restful night's sleep.

In a recent episode of The Wellness Puzzle Podcast, Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson discusses her journey from being a crime scene investigator to a metabolic health investigator and how her skills in investigation help her clients solve various health challenges like weight problems, hormone imbalances, and digestive issues. Nicholson shares her personal experience of following mainstream advice, which only led to ongoing health issues and how she transitioned to a low carb and more carnivorous eating approach. She also discusses how a high fiber, plant-based diet ended up negatively affecting her gut bacteria and ultimately finding the right path for her own health. After listening to the episode, Nicholson encourages listeners to reach out to her to discuss their own health concerns.

Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson discusses the different sources of stress that may be affecting our lives and impeding our progress. While many of us are aware of stress, we often only consider a few factors that we have little control over. The post emphasizes the importance of recognizing and understanding all sources of stress to achieve desired outcomes.

The article covers a variety of stress-related topics, including different types of stress, sources of stress, and the effects of stress on various systems in the body. It also highlights the distinction between stress that we can control versus stress that is beyond our control. Additionally, the post introduces the Adrenal Stress Indicators test, which can provide insight into a person's specific response to stress.

Overall, "Is Stress Holding You Back?" offers valuable information for those seeking to identify and address the impact of stress on their lives and achieve better results.

In this blog post, Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson explores the concept of adrenal health and HPA axis dysfunction. The term "adrenal fatigue" has been used to describe fatigue and exhaustion caused by cortisol imbalance from chronic stress. However, research has shown that this issue involves more than just the adrenal glands and doesn't always cause fatigue or exhaustion.

The HPA axis refers to the interaction between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands. This axis regulates energy and stress levels, metabolism, and immune response. Imbalances in these systems can lead to various symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain or loss, poor sleep quality, difficulty handling stress, and more.

Fortunately, HPA axis dysfunction is reversible with lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and appropriate supplementation. Strategies such as reducing stress levels, practicing yoga or meditation, prioritizing sleep, maintaining a balanced diet, and engaging in exercise can help improve adrenal health. Additionally, adaptogenic herbs can counteract the effects of stress on the body. It's important to work with a practitioner to select the right adaptogen for individual needs. Functional testing can also provide insight into the root causes of HPA axis dysfunction for targeted treatment.