#436 ENCORE: Digging Deeper to Heal Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, and Autoimmunity with Don Wood, PhD

Send us a text🚨🚨🚨Watch Christa's free training here: christabiegler.com/blueprintYou’ve probably heard it before. “Picky eating is just a phase. They’ll grow out of it.” But what if they don’t? What if it gets worse? And what if your well-meaning bribing and begging is actually making it harder?This week I’m joined by picky eating specialist Alyssa Miller RD, and we’re diving into what’s really going on when your kid refuses food. Alyssa brings a refreshing, root-cause lens to the mealtime madness and helps us zoom out to see what picky eating is actually about. Spoiler alert: it’s not about the chicken nuggets.We talk about how to stop the power struggles, what’s driving the pickiness beneath the surface, and why this stuff hits so hard as a parent. If you’ve ever left the dinner table wondering what just happened or questioned your entire parenting strategy over a side of broccoli, this one’s for you.KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Why picky eating is a symptom, not the actual problem • How to spot the root cause behind your child’s food refusals • Why your own childhood feeding experience might be impacting your parenting • What to do instead of pressuring, bribing, or sneaking foods • Why “they’ll grow out of it” is not always true • The long-term effects of mealtime control and clean plate expectations • What real progress looks like and how long it actually takes • How to create calmer, more connected meals starting now ABOUT GUEST:Alyssa is a registered dietitian, picky eating specialist, founder of Nutrition for Littles and mama of three. She is also a podcast host for the Nutrition for Littles Podcast and creator of Table Talk, a Picky Eating Reversal Program for families. She has a gentle root cause approach for more peaceful mealtimes where little ones can learn to like new foods. She is passionate about teaching moms how to raise healthy, independent eaters and is dedicated to seeing families have success at mealtimes and seeing lifelong healthy eating patterns start at a young age. Her work has been featured on Good Morning America, Huffpost and more.WHERE TO FIND:Websites: https://nutritionforlittles.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nutrition.for.littles/WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeMore Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksSPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Use code LESSSTRESSED10 anytime for 10% off!I released a free training that shares the 4 steps I use to help clients reduce eczema, inflammation, and food-reaction symptoms by 50%+ in a few months — without restriction or overwhelm. The feedback has been incredible, and I answer every question inside the training. Watch here: christabiegler.com/blueprint

Send us a text🚨🚨🚨Watch Christa's free training here: christabiegler.com/blueprintThis week on the Less Stressed Life marks the final week of our encore series, where we’ve been revisiting listener-favorite episodes from 2025.In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Don Wood to explore how unresolved trauma can keep the nervous system stuck in survival mode and quietly drive symptoms like anxiety, autoimmune conditions, and chronic pain.We discussed how past experiences can remain stored in the brain as “high-definition” memories, keeping stress chemistry turned on and contributing to inflammation, immune imbalance, and physical symptoms long after the original event has passed. Don also shared how reprocessing these patterns can help the body return to regulation, improve performance, and free up energy that had been tied up in chronic stress.Don's FREE video series "3 Hacks To Reset Your Mind". Here's the link: https://www.inspiredperformanceinstitute.com/3-hacks-video/KEY TAKEAWAYS:How unresolved trauma keeps the nervous system stuck in survival modeThe surprising link between stress, DNA, and inflammationWhy depression is often unresolved anger (and what to do about it)How past emotional wounds show up as physical symptomsA simple test to know if you’ve fully processed past traumaWhat happens when you release stored traumaABOUT GUEST:Dr. Don Wood discovered the link between unresolved trauma and chronic health issues while searching for answers to his daughter's autoimmune condition. This led him to develop the TIPP program, a neuroscience-based approach that provides immediate and lasting relief. His work has helped trauma survivors, elite athletes, and executives, including a double-amputee marathon runner who broke a world record and the first athlete with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman. He is also the author of You Must Be Out of Your Mind and Emotional Concussions. WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://www.inspiredperformanceinstitute.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdonwood/ WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeMore Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksSPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Use code LESSSTRESSED10 anytime for 10% off!I released a free training that shares the 4 steps I use to help clients reduce eczema, inflammation, and food-reaction symptoms by 50%+ in a few months — without restriction or overwhelm. The feedback has been incredible, and I answer every question inside the training. Watch here: christabiegler.com/blueprint

Send us a text🚨🚨🚨Watch Christa's free training here: christabiegler.com/blueprintFor the next few weeks on Less Stressed Life, we’re republishing listener-favorite episodes from 2025 that resonated deeply with our community.In this episode, I sat down with former client Kelli, who shared her journey of healing eczema and food sensitivities in a way that felt surprisingly linear. While healing is rarely a straight path, Kelli’s experience highlighted what was possible when the right root causes were addressed with clarity, consistency, and support.Kelli came to me after years of managing eczema through food restriction, topical treatments, and trial and error approaches that never fully resolved her symptoms. Together, we uncovered what was actually driving her flare-ups, including nervous system stress and environmental mold exposure, and focused on restoring balance rather than chasing symptoms.This episode is a powerful reminder that eczema and food sensitivities are not something you are destined to manage forever. Symptoms are signals, not failures, and when you learn how to listen and respond, real healing becomes possible.If you are stuck in restriction, overwhelmed by conflicting advice, or wondering why your symptoms keep returning, this conversation offers both hope and practical insight.❓Questions about your own health struggles? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questionsKEY TAKEAWAYS:How Kelli resolved her eczema without long-term food restrictionsWhy food sensitivities aren’t always the root cause of symptomsThe nervous system work that helped speed up her healingHow she tackled mold exposure without getting overwhelmedWhy symptoms are just messages from your body and how to respond WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeMore Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksNUTRITION PHILOSOPHY: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone 💛 Do your best and leave the restSPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Use code LESSSTRESSED10 anytime for 10% off!I released a free training that shares the 4 steps I use to help clients reduce eczema, inflammation, and food-reaction symptoms by 50%+ in a few months — without restriction or overwhelm. The feedback has been incredible, and I answer every question inside the training. Watch here: christabiegler.com/blueprint

Send us a text🚨🚨🚨Watch Christa's free training here: christabiegler.com/blueprintFor the next few weeks on Less Stressed Life, we’re republishing listener-favorite episodes from 2025 that resonated deeply with our community.This episode explores something many people overlook: stress is often the hidden trigger behind gut and skin issues. If you’ve been dealing with eczema, rashes, bloating, or food sensitivities and haven’t found lasting relief, stress may be the missing piece.In this conversation, I break down three major ways stress impacts the body, including how it depletes key nutrients, shuts down digestion, and suppresses immune function. I also share practical strategies to help rebuild resilience, replenish nutrients, and support both gut and skin health so you can move toward real, sustainable healing.❓Questions about your own health struggles? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questionsKEY TAKEAWAYSHow stress depletes key nutrients needed for gut and skin healthThe surprising way stress shuts down digestion, leading to bloating and food sensitivitiesWhy immune suppression from stress can trigger eczema and chronic skin issuesThe role of gut imbalances, blood sugar stress, and inflammation in ongoing symptomsPractical ways to build resilience and support your body through stressWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeMore Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksNUTRITION PHILOSOPHY: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone 💛 Do your best and leave the restSPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Use code LESSSTRESSED10 anytime for 10% off!

Send us a text🚨🚨🚨Watch Christa's free training here: christabiegler.com/blueprintFor the next four weeks on the Less Stressed Life, we’re republishing listener-favorite episodes from 2025.This week, we’re revisiting a powerful conversation with Morley Robbins, creator of the Root Cause Protocol and expert in mineral metabolism, to unpack why high-dose vitamin D supplements might actually be making symptoms worse instead of better.In this eye-opening episode, we explore why low vitamin D on a lab test doesn’t always equal deficiency, how inflammation and hidden infections can disrupt vitamin D metabolism, and why minerals like magnesium, copper, and retinol are essential for proper function. If you’re struggling with fatigue, hormone issues, or have been told you’re vitamin D deficient, this conversation may completely shift how you think about healing.To find cliff notes from this episode visit our blog here: https://www.christabiegler.com/blog/encore-why-vitamin-d-supplements-could-be-making-you-worse-with-morley-robbinsKEY TAKEAWAYS:What low vitamin D really means and why it may signal inflammationHow infections and immune dysfunction impact vitamin D metabolismThe vital roles of magnesium, copper, and retinol in supporting vitamin DWhy supplementing vitamin D without cofactors can worsen symptomsHow to test for both storage and active vitamin DHow to safely restore mineral balance using the Root Cause ProtocolMegan Mangin's paper mentioned in episode: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25048990/ABOUT GUEST:Morley Robbins is the creator of the Root Cause Protocol and founder of the Magnesium Advocacy Group. Known as the “Magnesium Man,” Morley left a decades-long career in hospital administration after a personal healing experience led him to question conventional health models. Since then, he’s become a passionate educator on mineral balance, conducting thousands of consults and researching the roles of magnesium, copper, and iron in chronic illness. Through his work, Morley helps people address fatigue, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances—one mineral at a time. WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://therootcauseprotocol.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therootcauseprotocol/WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeMore Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksSPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Use code LESSSTRESSED10 anytime for 10% off!I released a free training that shares the 4 steps I use to help clients reduce eczema, inflammation, and food-reaction symptoms by 50%+ in a few months — without restriction or overwhelm. The feedback has been incredible, and I answer every question inside the training. Watch here: christabiegler.com/blueprint

Send us a text🚨🚨🚨Watch Christa's free training here: christabiegler.com/blueprintThis week on the Less Stressed Life, I’m welcoming back two of my favorite humans, Patrick Sullivan Jr. and Ashley Leroux Sullivan, the married duo behind our amazing podcast sponsor, Jigsaw Health. If you’ve been around here for a while, you already know I love partnering with brands that truly care and Jigsaw walks the walk while making it fun to feel good!We go behind the scenes on supplement quality, why third party testing matters, and why supplements should supplement real food, not replace it. We also nerd out on clean, mycotoxin tested coffee, functional lattes with collagen, and their new documentary Breaking Big Food, which explores how local food systems and informed consumer choices can help fix what’s broken in our food supply.Check out Patrick's previous episode: #347 5 Types of Magnesium and 2 types of Muscle CrampsKEY TAKEAWAYS: • Supplements work best on a strong whole food foundation • Third party testing is non negotiable • Mold and mycotoxins in coffee matter more than you think • Pairing coffee with protein supports energy and blood sugar • Small consistent upgrades can create meaningful changeJigsaw Health Links:Website: https://www.jigsawhealth.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jigsaw_health/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/JigsawHealthTVDocumentary: https://www.jigsawhealth.com/pages/breaking-big-foodFirefly Coffee: https://www.jigsawhealth.com/pages/fireflyABOUT GUESTS:Patrick Sullivan Jr. and Ashley Leroux Sullivan are the married CEO and CMO of Jigsaw Health, a family owned supplement company founded in 2005 by Patrick and his father, Pat Sullivan Sr., built on the belief that life is too short to feel crappy and it’s fun to feel good. Jigsaw is known for magnesium and potassium focused supplements like the fan favorite Potassium Cocktail, plus weekly fun edu-taining videos. They are also the producers of Breaking Big Food and the founders of Firefly Organic Coffee and Market in Scottsdale, Arizona, home of Ashley’s collagen boost latte, Firefly Glow. WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeMore Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksSPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Use code LESSSTRESSED10 anytime for 10% off!I released a free training that shares the 4 steps I use to help clients reduce eczema, inflammation, and food-reaction symptoms by 50%+ in a few months — without restriction or overwhelm. The feedback has been incredible, and I answer every question inside the training. Watch here: christabiegler.com/blueprint

Send us a text🚨🚨🚨Watch Christa's free training here: christabiegler.com/blueprintThis week, Dr. James Greenblatt returns to talk about the root causes of depression that often get missed. We dig into why many people still struggle despite medication and therapy, the surprising importance of amino acids for neurotransmitters, and how stress and low stomach acid quietly disrupt protein and nutrient absorption.We also cover key deficiencies linked to depression, including zinc, B12, folate, magnesium, vitamin D, and omega threes, and why “normal” lab ranges are not always helpful. Dr. Greenblatt explains why very low cholesterol can increase depression risk, and we explore new research on nutritional lithium and its potential for mood, cognition, and long-term brain health.You can now preorder Dr. Greenblatt’s upcoming book, Finally Hopeful, which releases January 13, 2026. It offers a whole-body, personalized roadmap for understanding and treating depression. Check out Dr. Greenblatt's other episode on the LSL: #400 Malnourished Mind: Nutrient Deficiencies In Mental Health & AnorexiaKEY TAKEAWAYS: • Amino acids are foundational for neurotransmitters • Zinc, B12, folate, magnesium and vitamin D strongly influence mood • Stress and low stomach acid impair nutrient absorption • Very low cholesterol increases depression risk • Nutritional lithium shows promise for mood and brain healthFind Dr. Greenblatt’s free webinars here: https://www.psychiatryredefined.org/webinars-in-functional-medicine/ABOUT GUEST: James M. Greenblatt, MD, is a board-certified child and adult psychiatrist and a leading voice in functional and integrative psychiatry. In practice since 1988, he has authored seven books, including Finally Focused and the upcoming Finally Hopeful, and lectures internationally on nutritional approaches to mental health. He is the founder of Psychiatry Redefined and a member of the Orthomolecular Hall of Fame.WHERE TO FIND:Websites: https://www.jamesgreenblattmd.com/ & https://www.psychiatryredefined.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychiatry_redefinedWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeMore Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksSPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Use code LESSSTRESSED10 anytime for 10% off!I released a free training that shares the 4 steps I use to help clients reduce eczema, inflammation, and food-reaction symptoms by 50%+ in a few months — without restriction or overwhelm. The feedback has been incredible, and I answer every question inside the training. Watch here: christabiegler.com/blueprint

Send us a textI released a free training that shares the 4 steps I use to help clients reduce eczema, inflammation, and food-reaction symptoms by 50%+ in a few months — without restriction or overwhelm. Watch here: christabiegler.com/blueprintThis week our favorite naturopathic oncologist returns and I am so excited! Michael Robinson always brings the nerdy gems and I learn something new every single time. We dive into advanced decision making for cancer and how to think clearly about screening, diagnosis, and treatment long before you are in crisis. We talk about the value of yearly tumor markers and whole body MRI, why tumor mutations matter more than where cancer appears, and how personalized targeted therapies can meaningfully shift outcomes.Michael also shares what he would do if he were diagnosed, how integrative care can reduce chemo side effects and boost effectiveness, and why air, water, and food quality matter more than extreme diets. We also explore the emotional and mental sides of cancer and why mindset, support, and clarity are essential parts of any treatment plan.KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Early screening helps you act before symptoms appear • Tumor genetics, not location, guide treatment • Integrative care improves tolerance and results • Air, water, and whole foods support immunity • Mindset and emotional support influence outcomesCheck out Michael's previous episode here: 307 Integrative Oncology Tumor marker testing: https://www.nourishhealthcare.org/labs-guidesABOUT GUEST:Dr. Robinson is a naturopathic doctor specializing in naturopathic oncology in the Chicago suburbs. He is the owner of Nourish Healthcare, a multidisciplinary clinic with a team of naturopathic doctors, nutritionists, and acupuncturists, and also serves as a staff doctor at the Ayre Clinic of Contemporary Medicine, the oldest low dose chemotherapy clinic in the U.S. He is a professor of oncology and immunology for the University of Western States and holds degrees in health sciences, applied clinical nutrition, and naturopathic medicine. He is certified in oncology nutrition and is a licensed naturopathic physician, licensed dietitian nutritionist, and Certified Nutrition Specialist.WHERE TO FIND GUEST:Website: https://www.nourishhealthcare.org/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nourishhealthcare/WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeMore Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksSPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Use code LESSSTRESSED10 anytime for 10% off!I released a free training that shares the 4 steps I use to help clients reduce eczema, inflammation, and food-reaction symptoms by 50%+ in a few months — without restriction or overwhelm. The feedback has been incredible, and I answer every question inside the training. Watch here: christabiegler.com/blueprint

Send us a textI released a free training that shares the 4 steps I use to help clients reduce eczema, inflammation, and food-reaction symptoms by 50%+ in a few months — without restriction or overwhelm. Watch here: christabiegler.com/blueprintThis week, I’m breaking down the simplest, most practical steps I use with clients to spot mold issues and support cleaner indoor air. After talking with naturopathic oncologist Michael Robinson (his new episode airs next week), I was reminded how foundational air and water quality are for immune resilience and cancer prevention. Mold is far more common than most people realize, and with a few inexpensive tools and a calm, empowered approach, you can get a clearer picture of what’s happening in your home and your body.KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Mold symptoms can look like skin issues, sinus congestion, yeast, or frequent illness • Stress can reactivate old mold exposures • Check water areas for bubbling floors, stains, or separating walls or baseboards • Use humidity meters in bathrooms and the kitchen • Fans and fast drying prevent many issues • Thermal guns help spot cold or moisture areas • ERMI dust testing is better than air samples • Supporting your nervous system helps immune recovery • I upgraded to Jaspr for stronger filtration and cleaner air⚡Jaspr Air Scrubber Commercial-grade, steel-built, and filters 5× more than typical purifiers. Removes 100% airborne mold (per their testing) in 3 hours and may reduce snoring and throat clearing. $799 ($400 off) with code “lessstressed” through 12/1, then it goes back to $200 off.Episodes Mentioned:245 I split tested urine mycotoxins (mold) and here are my results with Christa317 Environmental Mold Remediation with Michael Rubino, Founder of HomeCleanse334 Mold Remediation Made Easier with Dr. Emily Kiberd336 DIY Mold Inspection & New Construction (Part 2) with Michael Rubino355 Air Quality After Floods and Fires with Mike FeldsteinCLICK HERE for more mold episodes! ❓Question for Christa? Submit here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questionsWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeMore Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksSPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Use code LESSSTRESSED15 for 15% off during Nov 2025. After that, use LESSSTRESSED10 anytime. I released a free training that shares the 4 steps I use to help clients reduce eczema, inflammation, and food-reaction symptoms by 50%+ in a few months — without restriction or overwhelm. The feedback has been incredible, and I answer every question inside the training. Watch here: christabiegler.com/blueprint

Send us a textI released a free training that shares the 4 steps I use to help clients reduce eczema, inflammation, and food-reaction symptoms by 50%+ in a few months — without restriction or overwhelm. The feedback has been incredible, and I answer every question inside the training. Watch here: christabiegler.com/blueprintThis week on the Less Stressed Life, I’m talking with Elizabeth Wells, also known as Naturally Wells or the Liver Flush Queen. After decades of candida, fatigue, sensitivities, and adrenal burnout, discovering liver flushing in 2016 changed her health. Now she helps clients around the world address chronic gut and liver symptoms that often get overlooked.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Stress lowers stomach acid and slows bile flowSluggish bile drives dysbiosis, SIBO, and recurring gut issuesBiliary dyskinesia and why gallbladder symptoms often flare postpartumSimple bile-supporting tools: bitters, minerals, fiber, nervous-system regulationWhen liver flushing may help—and when it isn’t the right starting pointABOUT GUEST: Elizabeth Wells, known as Naturally Wells or the Liver Flush Queen, is a UK-based nutritionist specializing in liver detox and gut health. After reversing her own chronic Candida, fatigue, and sensitivities through liver flushing, she now coaches clients worldwide on detox and bile-flow support. She’s also trained in EFT and other energy techniques. Elizabeth lives on the Kent coast with her family. RESOURCES FROM ELIZABETH, find on her website listed below: • Free bile-flow guide • Educational webinars on bile flow + Candida • 6-week group program for liver detox and flushing WHERE TO FIND GUEST:Website: https://www.naturallywells.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturallywells/WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeLeave a review, submit a questions for the podcast or take one of my quizzes here: ****https://www.christabiegler.com/linksSPONSOR:Thank you to our friends at Jigsaw Health for being such an incredible sponsor and partner. 😎 If you’re listening during November 2025, use code LESSSTRESSED15 at JigsawHealth.com for 15% off every order. If you’re listening after November 2025, use LESSSTRESSED10 for 10% off anytime.I released a free training that shares the 4 steps I use to help clients reduce eczema, inflammation, and food-reaction symptoms by 50%+ in a few months — without restriction or overwhelm. The feedback has been incredible, and I answer every question inside the training. Watch here: christabiegler.com/blueprint