Podcast

Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson highlights that generic health books may not provide the personalized solutions we need. These books often offer one-size-fits-all approaches, which rarely work because they don't take into account our unique needs and circumstances. Moreover, without support, accountability, and strategies to keep us motivated, it can be challenging to implement the solutions correctly and achieve our health goals.

According to Nicholson, a more effective approach is to work with a practitioner who can create a tailored plan specific to our needs, preferences, and health challenges. This one-on-one support helps us achieve results faster, as the practitioner assists in identifying imbalances and deficiencies in our body through detailed assessments and functional testing. The personalized protocol addresses various aspects of our health, such as diet, lifestyle, sleep, stress, necessary supplements, and toxin removal, with the goal of developing sustainable habits.

To get lasting results and find a real solution to our health problems, Nicholson encourages us to invest in a comprehensive solution designed uniquely for us. By combining multiple modalities and resources, providing ongoing communication, and offering support and accountability throughout the journey, a targeted approach can be taken to accomplish our specific health goals.

Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson shares the importance of metabolic health in brain function.  Insulin receptors in every cell, including those in the brain, play a crucial role in cognitive abilities, appetite control, and learning and memory. However, prolonged insulin resistance in the brain can lead to structural and functional changes, increasing the risk of degenerative brain diseases like dementia and Parkinson's.

Insulin resistance has been found to have a strong connection to various forms of dementia, with Alzheimer's now being referred to as type 3 diabetes. Moreover, insulin resistance is also associated with Parkinson's disease and an increased risk of migraines. Addressing insulin resistance and achieving metabolic flexibility, where the body can efficiently switch between burning glucose and fat for energy, is the key to improving brain health. This can be achieved by reducing carbohydrate intake, eating real meals, and practicing mindful eating.

Overall, metabolic flexibility is crucial for optimal brain health and can lead to benefits such as improved memory, mental clarity, sustained energy, and weight management. Building metabolic flexibility takes time and effort, but the results are well worth it. Reducing carbohydrate intake, avoiding snacking, and listening to the body's hunger cues are important steps in achieving metabolic flexibility and improving overall health.

Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson discusses the impact of metabolic health and hormones on conditions like PCOS and erectile dysfunction. She explains that insulin plays a crucial role in reproduction and that both too much and too little insulin can cause problems, including infertility. Insulin resistance in women during pregnancy can lead to gestational diabetes and preeclampsia, while insulin resistance in men and women can contribute to PCOS, the leading cause of infertility in women.

Nicholson also explains how insulin resistance affects hormone balance in both men and women. In women, insulin blocks the aromatase enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to estrogen, resulting in high testosterone levels and low estrogen levels. This can cause menstrual irregularities, ovulation problems, and a range of other symptoms associated with PCOS. In men, insulin resistance can lead to low testosterone levels, impaired sperm production, and erectile dysfunction. Maintaining metabolic health and addressing insulin resistance can help rebalance hormones and address these issues.

In the next blog post, Nicholson will delve into the connection between insulin resistance and brain health, including migraines.

Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson explains that cancer is not solely genetic or random, but actually a metabolic disease. She highlights the importance of understanding the link between cancer and insulin resistance, as high insulin levels can drive cancer cell growth. Nicholson emphasizes the role of nutrition in preventing and fighting cancer, recommending a nutrient-dense diet that eliminates simple carbohydrates and reduces overall carbohydrate intake. She also discusses the benefits of fasting and the importance of functional testing to identify imbalances that may contribute to metabolic dysfunction. In addition to nutrition and testing, Nicholson advocates for addressing stress, sleep quality, toxin exposure, and unresolved traumas as part of a comprehensive approach to preventing and treating cancer. She encourages individuals to seek out various treatment options and make informed decisions based on their individual needs and preferences. Nicholson concludes by urging readers to question conventional medical advice and seek out trusted experts and resources to further their understanding of cancer and metabolic dysfunctions.

Functional Nutritionist Andrea Nicholson discusses the importance of thyroid health and the prevalence of thyroid imbalances in the population. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck that produces hormones that influence metabolism, growth, and body temperature. Imbalances in thyroid hormones can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain or loss, dry skin, and digestive issues. Conventional medical testing often only evaluates a limited range of thyroid function, so it's crucial to seek out comprehensive testing and work with a trained practitioner to address any imbalances. Treatment options may include medications or holistic approaches such as healing the gut, reducing inflammation, and addressing nutrient deficiencies.