248: Why You're Really Hungry: Decoding the 5 Hunger Types with Dr. Allana Polo

Today, I’m excited to welcome my good friend, Dr. Allana Polo. She’s a licensed naturopathic physician from Canada and the author of The Hunger Code. The Hunger Code is different. It’s not another diet, and it’s not a quick fix. It’s about understanding the real reasons we eat—whether that’s emotional triggers, hormone imbalances, or gut health issues. In this episode, we break down the five types of unhealthy hunger. We discuss why so many women struggle with their weight in perimenopause and menopause, and look at what actually works. Why you should pause before eating: It helps you become aware of why you’re eating (true hunger vs. stress, boredom, fatigue, thirst) It allows you to reconnect with physiological hunger cues instead of eating by the clock It can reduce cravings  It can prevent impulsive eating Bio: Dr. Allana Polo, N.D Dr. Allana Polo, N.D., is a licensed Naturopathic Physician and passionate wellness advocate whose signature weight loss programs have helped transform the lives of thousands of patients. As the owner of Polo Health + Longevity Centre, an integrative health clinic in New Westminster, British Columbia, Dr. Polo is a trusted expert in healthy weight loss, nutrition, hormone imbalance, and the impact of stress on the body- particularly the link between stress and weight gain. She is regularly featured as an expert on various local news platforms. Her 15 years of clinical practice have brought in patients who turn to Dr. Polo for guidance and support in overcoming the difficult journey of weight loss and long-term wellness. For many, working together represents a final, hopeful step toward reclaiming their health. Deeply passionate about Naturopathic Medicine, Dr. Polo believes in the body’s innate ability to heal and achieve balance. By identifying the root cause of illness, she creates personalized treatment plans tailored for each patient’s unique health goals and stages of life. Her mission is to empower, inspire, and motivate her patients to reach their fullest state of wellness. She finds joy in life outside the clinic as a devoted wife and mother of two young boys, spending her free time outdoors at the beach, with friends and family, or staying active in the gym. In this episode: Dr. Polo outlines five unhealthy hunger types she’s identified in practice Practical tips for managing hunger Why intermittent fasting works for some women and not for others How hormone imbalances, particularly in perimenopause and menopause, can lead to weight gain  Dr. Polo’s personal diet and exercise routine Dr. Polo explains the framework and structure behind The Hunger Code and how it differs from traditional diet books Links and Resources: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Sinus Support Use CODE BERBERINE to get 10% off ⁠⁠⁠Berberine Guest Social Media Links: Dr. Allana Polo on Instagram The Hunger Code on Instagram Polo Health on Instagram Relative Links for This Show: Follow Your Longevity Blueprint  On Instagram| Facebook| Twitter| YouTube | LinkedIn Get your copy of the Your Longevity Blueprint book and claim your bonuses here Find Dr. Stephanie Gray and Your Longevity Blueprint online   Follow Dr. Stephanie Gray  On Facebook| Instagram| Youtube | Twitter | LinkedIn Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic Podcast production by Team Podcast

Why does losing weight feel so much harder after 40? If you found it easy to lose weight and build muscle in your 30s, but now those same strategies barely make an impact, you’re not imagining things. Your body is following a new set of rules. In this episode, we break down what happens to your hormones, your metabolism, and your muscle mass as you age, and, more importantly, what you can do about it. We explore everything from GLP-1 medications and peptide therapies to creatine, protein targets, and why resistance training is non-negotiable for maintaining weight loss. Whether you’re just starting your weight loss journey or you’ve hit a frustrating plateau, this episode will help you understand what’s happening in your body and what to do next. How to Maintain Muscle Mass While Losing Weight Do resistance training 2–3 times per week Eat about 100 grams of protein per day  Take 3–5 grams of creatine daily Ensure you are properly hydrated- aim for 100 ounces per day Use peptides  Consider targeted therapies Track your body composition instead of using the scale Bio: Stephanie Gray Stephanie Gray, DNP, MS, ARNP, AGNP-C, ABAAHP, FAARFM, is a functional medicine provider who helps men and women build sustainable, optimal health and longevity.  A nurse practitioner since 2009, Dr. Gray completed her doctorate focusing on estrogen metabolism from the University of Iowa in 2011 and holds a Master's in Metabolic Nutritional Medicine from the University of South Florida's Medical School. Dr. Gray is one of the Midwest's most credentialed female healthcare providers. She completed an Advanced Fellowship in Anti-Aging, Regenerative, and Functional Medicine in 2013 and became Iowa's first BioTe certified provider—now the state's only platinum provider with over 10,000 pellet placements. She is also certified as a SIBO doctor-approved practitioner, mold-literate provider, and ReCODE 2.0 practitioner for cognitive decline prevention. An Amazon best-selling author, Dr. Gray wrote Your Longevity Blueprint and Your Fertility Blueprint, and hosts the Your Longevity Blueprint podcast. She co-founded Your Longevity Blueprint Nutraceuticals with her husband, Eric. After her own ten-year fertility journey, she now specializes in helping couples optimize reproductive health through functional medicine. Having lost her grandmother to vascular dementia, she is personally committed to helping families avoid cognitive decline. Dr. Gray founded the Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic in Hiawatha, Iowa. In this episode: Why your weight loss strategy will need to change in your forties Why optimizing your hormones should be foundational to your weight loss strategy How resistance training helps to preserve your muscle mass when you’re taking GLP-1s The benefits of creatine and peptides for women over 40 How the Emsculpt Neo can help with fat reduction The value of tracking your protein intake Why proper hydration is crucial for your muscles, metabolism, and regulating stress Links and Resources: Guest Social Media Links: @stephaniegraydnp Relative Links for This Show:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use Code FIBER to get 10% off GLP-1 Fiber⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code CREATINE to get 10% off Creatine Use code Drgray20 to get 20% off ⁠Perfect Aminos Follow Your Longevity Blueprint  On Instagram| Facebook| Twitter| YouTube | LinkedIn Get your copy of the Your Longevity Blueprint book and claim your bonuses here Find Dr. Stephanie Gray and Your Longevity Blueprint online   Follow Dr. Stephanie Gray  On Facebook| Instagram| Youtube | Twitter | LinkedIn Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic Podcast production by Team Podcast

Today, we have a serious discussion that could determine whether you thrive or simply survive in your 70s, 80s, and beyond. We’re talking about protein, and why it matters far more than most people realize. This discussion goes well beyond macros. Tune in to learn how the choices you make today will determine whether you become a vibrant 85-year-old who is still mountain hiking or someone who cannot even get out of a chair without help.   How to preserve muscle while losing weight: Prioritize protein before any other food at each meal Choose dense protein sources when your appetite is suppressed Distribute protein evenly across the day rather than consuming it all in one sitting Do resistance training regularly Plan your protein options in advance to avoid accidental under-eating Bio: Stephanie Gray Stephanie Gray, DNP, MS, ARNP, AGNP-C, ABAAHP, FAARFM, is a functional medicine provider who helps men and women build sustainable, optimal health and longevity.  A nurse practitioner since 2009, Dr. Gray completed her doctorate focusing on estrogen metabolism from the University of Iowa in 2011 and holds a Master's in Metabolic Nutritional Medicine from the University of South Florida's Medical School. Dr. Gray is one of the Midwest's most credentialed female healthcare providers. She completed an Advanced Fellowship in Anti-Aging, Regenerative, and Functional Medicine in 2013 and became Iowa's first BioTe certified provider—now the state's only platinum provider with over 10,000 pellet placements. She is also certified as a SIBO doctor-approved practitioner, mold-literate provider, and ReCODE 2.0 practitioner for cognitive decline prevention. An Amazon best-selling author, Dr. Gray wrote Your Longevity Blueprint and Your Fertility Blueprint, and hosts the Your Longevity Blueprint podcast. She co-founded Your Longevity Blueprint Nutraceuticals with her husband, Eric. After her own ten-year fertility journey, she now specializes in helping couples optimize reproductive health through functional medicine. Having lost her grandmother to vascular dementia, she is personally committed to helping families avoid cognitive decline. Dr. Gray founded the Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic in Hiawatha, Iowa. In this episode: How muscle loss quietly accelerates long before most people notice Why protein is more than just a macronutrient How GLP-1 medications can unintentionally accelerate muscle loss Why losing weight does not always mean better health How muscle functions as a metabolic and immune reserve Why current protein recommendations are far too low for aging adults Why protein timing matters as much as the total daily intake Links and Resources: Guest Social Media Links: @stephaniegraydnp Relative Links for This Show: Your Longevity Blueprint 5HTP – 90 capsules⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use Code FIBER to get 10% off GLP-1 Fiber Follow Your Longevity Blueprint  On Instagram| Facebook| Twitter| YouTube | LinkedIn Get your copy of the Your Longevity Blueprint book and claim your bonuses here Find Dr. Stephanie Gray and Your Longevity Blueprint online   Follow Dr. Stephanie Gray  On Facebook| Instagram| Youtube | Twitter | LinkedIn Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic Podcast production by Team Podcast

Would you believe that there’s a medication that can quiet the constant mental chatter around food for the first time in your adult life, but it could also cause you to lose muscle, age your face, and trap you in a cycle that’s hard to escape? Both of those are true. When a drug can help someone lose 50 pounds and get off diabetes medication, that’s a miracle. But when that same drug leaves someone unable to eat, losing muscle, and facing a lifetime of injections just to maintain their weight—that’s a conversation we truly need to have. So, today we’re taking a deep dive into GLP-1s—Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and what’s coming next. How to preserve muscle when taking GLP-1 medications Consume 1.2–1.6 g of protein per kilogram of body weight daily, spread across meals  Try to eat something containing 25–30 grams of protein within about two hours after doing a strength workout Consume easily digestible protein sources when your appetite is low (shakes, yogurt, collagen, or bone broth) Commit to doing resistance training at least two to three times a week Monitor your body composition for any early signs of muscle loss  Bio: Stephanie Gray Stephanie Gray, DNP, MS, ARNP, AGNP-C, ABAAHP, FAARFM, is a functional medicine provider helping men and women build sustainable, optimal health and longevity. A nurse practitioner since 2009, Dr. Gray completed her doctorate focusing on estrogen metabolism from the University of Iowa in 2011 and holds a Master's in Metabolic Nutritional Medicine from the University of South Florida's Medical School. Dr. Gray is one of the Midwest's most credentialed female healthcare providers. She completed an Advanced Fellowship in Anti-Aging, Regenerative, and Functional Medicine in 2013 and became Iowa's first BioTe certified provider—now the state's only platinum provider with over 10,000 pellet placements. She is also certified as a SIBO doctor-approved practitioner, mold-literate provider, and ReCODE 2.0 practitioner for cognitive decline prevention. An Amazon best-selling author, Dr. Gray wrote Your Longevity Blueprint and Your Fertility Blueprint, and hosts the Your Longevity Blueprint podcast. She co-founded Your Longevity Blueprint Nutraceuticals with her husband, Eric. After her own ten-year fertility journey, she now specializes in helping couples optimize reproductive health through functional medicine. Having lost her grandmother to vascular dementia, she is personally committed to helping families avoid cognitive decline. Dr. Gray founded the Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic in Hiawatha, Iowa. In this episode: How muscle preservation becomes non-negotiable when your appetite is suppressed Why protein timing matters more than total calories when on GLP-1 medications The importance of resistance training when taking GLP-1s The value of in-body scans for catching any muscle loss that may be occurring early on Why tapering off GLP-1 medications starts on day one, not at the finish line How natural GLP-1 stimulation can support or extend the effects of GLP-1 medications Why body composition, not weight loss, determines long-term outcomes when taking GLP-1s How the next generation of GLP-1 agonist drugs could improve our longevity Links and Resources: Relative Links for This Show: Use CODE BERBERINE to get 10% off ⁠⁠⁠Berberine  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use Code FIBER to get 10% off GLP-1 Fiber Follow Your Longevity Blueprint  On Instagram| Facebook| Twitter| YouTube | LinkedIn Get your copy of the Your Longevity Blueprint book and claim your bonuses here Find Dr. Stephanie Gray and Your Longevity Blueprint online   Follow Dr. Stephanie Gray  On Facebook| Instagram| Youtube | Twitter | LinkedIn Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic Podcast production by Team Podcast

I’m delighted to have Ryan Sternagel with me today for Part 2 of a two-part series. Ryan is the father of a child who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma shortly before his first birthday. Their family navigated an incredibly challenging journey and is now committed to educating others to support the body’s natural healing processes.  Today, in Part 2, we explore ways to increase positive emotions, the power of belief, positive intentions, forest bathing, and the interventions the Sternagles used to help their son. Ryan discusses the latest innovative treatments for cancer and shares his recommendations for anti-cancer nutrients. He also shares special offers for listeners for his supplements and memberships. Please listen to Part 1 first if you have not already done so. How to use small positive triggers to reset your mindset and manage stress: Straighten your shoulders, take a few deep breaths, and think of something you’re grateful for each time you go through a doorway. While waiting in line, in traffic, or for water to fill, pause to check your presence and become aware of your vibe. Notice when you’re triggered, take a step back, breathe, and analyze what’s causing it. Use these small repeated actions as intentional positive cues throughout the day. Bio: Ryan Sternagel Ryan Sternagel is the cofounder, along with his wife, Teddy, of The Stern Method, a platform informing and inspiring families preventing or reversing cancer to succeed on all fronts.  In May of 2014, their son Ryder was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer of the nervous system, eleven days before his first birthday.  Through an integrative approach, leaving nothing on the table, and ridding their lives of all possible causes, including building a non-toxic house in the middle of the woods. Today, Ryder is thriving.  Through continually seeking out and interviewing the world’s top integrative cancer doctors to stay up to date, their Going Integrative Plus member community, and their Our Health Naturally supplement line, The Sternagels have committed their lives to making healing and prevention easier for others than it was for them. In this episode: How belief and intention can shape healing and daily life outcomes How patients with the same diagnosis but different mindsets can have very different outcomes  How releasing emotions and strengthening belief can impact healing and bring about spontaneous remissions How the energy and emotional state of the parents can influence a child’s resilience The benefit of using small intentional cues to shift your vibe throughout the day How spending time in nature boosts immune markers and reduces stress The devices and therapies Ryan used initially to aid his son’s nerve function and recovery Links and Resources: ⁠Your Longevity Blueprint: DIM – 60 capsules⁠ Use code HEALGUT to get 10% off ⁠GI Support Use code GRAY15 on ⁠Airdoctorpro⁠ website for discounts Guest Social Media Links: The Stern Method Relative Links for This Show: Going Integrative + Membership: Use the discount code: BLUEPRINT50 for 50% off the first month subscription  Our Health Naturally-Time-sensitive Podcast Special Deal: Use the code BLUEPRINT20 for 20% off during the 2 weeks after podcast launch, OR use the code BLUEPRINT for 10% off, ongoing  Follow Your Longevity Blueprint  On Instagram| Facebook| Twitter| YouTube | LinkedIn Get your copy of the Your Longevity Blueprint book and claim your bonuses here Find Dr. Stephanie Gray and Your Longevity Blueprint online   Follow Dr. Stephanie Gray  On Facebook| Instagram| Youtube | Twitter | LinkedIn Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic Podcast production by Team Podcast

I’m excited to welcome Ryan Sternagel for a two-part series. Ryan is the father of a child diagnosed with neuroblastoma shortly before his first birthday. Their family navigated an incredibly challenging journey and is now committed to educating others to support the body’s natural healing processes. Ryan hosted the Anti-Cancer Revolution, a movement that empowers individuals with integrative strategies to prevent and fight cancer by combining nutrition, lifestyle changes, and cutting-edge science, promoting a holistic, evidence-based approach to healing and wellness. In Part 1 today, Ryan shares their family’s story, and we begin exploring the foundations of health. What you can do when something feels wrong — even if you’re told it isn’t: Notice when multiple “small” concerns start forming a pattern Ask for objective testing instead of verbal reassurance Stay calm but be persistent when explanations don’t align with your instincts Seek a second opinion  Keep a clear record of your concerns to avoid having them minimized or reframed Bio: Ryan Sternagel Ryan Sternagel is the cofounder, along with his wife, Teddy, of The Stern Method, a platform informing and inspiring families preventing or reversing cancer to succeed on all fronts.  In May of 2014, their son Ryder was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer of the nervous system, eleven days before his first birthday.  Through an integrative approach leaving nothing on the table, and ridding their lives of all possible causes, including building a non-toxic house in the middle of the woods, today Ryder is thriving.  Through continually seeking out and interviewing the world’s top integrative cancer doctors to stay up to date, their Going Integrative Plus member community, and Our Health Naturally supplement line, The Sternagels have committed their lives to making healing and prevention easier for others than it was for them. In this episode: The early signs that were easy to dismiss — until they weren’t How Ryan’s initial instincts clashed with the medical reassurance he received How that reassurance obscured patterns that only began to make sense in hindsight What it’s like to push for answers when no one else is alarmed How the situation suddenly shifted from prolonged uncertainty to medical urgency The benefits of being proactive  How everything shifted once the care was individualized rather than standardized Links and Resources: ⁠https://yourlongevityblueprint.com/product/glutathione-60-ct/ Use code BIND to get 10% off ⁠⁠ENVIROBIND Use code TURMERIC to get 10% off ⁠⁠⁠⁠TURMERIC Guest Social Media Links: The Stern Method Relative Links for This Show: Going Integrative + Membership: Use the discount code: BLUEPRINT50 for 50% off the first month subscription  Our Health Naturally-Time-sensitive Podcast Special Deal: Use the code BLUEPRINT20 for 20% off during the 2 weeks after podcast launch OR use the code BLUEPRINT for 10% off, ongoing  Follow Your Longevity Blueprint  On Instagram| Facebook| Twitter| YouTube | LinkedIn Get your copy of the Your Longevity Blueprint book and claim your bonuses here Find Dr. Stephanie Gray and Your Longevity Blueprint online   Follow Dr. Stephanie Gray  On Facebook| Instagram| Youtube | Twitter | LinkedIn Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic Podcast production by Team Podcast

I’m excited to have Ashley Koff, a registered dietitian with over 25 years of experience in functional and integrative nutrition, with me today for the second part of a two-part series. In Part 1, we explained why your satiety hormones may be underperforming, what that means for aging and longevity, and what you can do today to optimize your metabolic health in a natural way. In Part 2 today, we explore what your best shot for weight loss truly is, why people on GLP-1s lose hair, future options in the pipeline, and the problem with info-obesity. Tips for Optimizing Your Satiety Hormones: Get a structured assessment of your weight, body composition, and bloodwork Ensure your meals are balanced Include a variety of fibers to support your gut bacteria and hormone production Pay attention to your meal timing and frequency Prepare meals that you genuinely enjoy to reinforce your satiety signaling and prevent cravings Bio: Ashley Koff Ashley Koff is a registered dietician and who is the founder of the Better Nutrition Program (BNP), the nutrition course director for UC Irvine’s Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute’s Integrative and Functional Medicine Fellowship, and a faculty member at the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy (IFNA), where she teaches “An Integrative and Functional Nutrition Approach to Obesity and Weight Management.”  She is also the author of the upcoming book Your Best Shot (HarperOne, Jan. 6, 2026). A practitioner for more than 25 years, Koff is leading a transformative movement in personalized nutrition, turning “better, not perfect” choices into practical, sustainable strategies that deliver real health outcomes. Through patient stories and personal experience, she shows that optimal health is not just possible — it’s essential to living your fullest life. Koff has been recognized as one of CNN’s Top 100 Health Makers, featured in InStyle as “Hollywood’s Leading Dietitian,” and selected as Westin’s global nutrition ambassador.  In this episode: A five-part assessment to uncover whether your satiety hormone activity is suppressed, delayed, or dysfunctional How weight and digestion are part of a larger ecosystem that impacts your entire health span How GLP-1 agonists can create stress within the body  The differences between biosimilar and non-peptide GLP-1 medications, and what that means for your body How meal timing and frequency, macronutrient balance, and varied flavors support hormone signaling and satiety How “infobesity” creates confusion in midlife, making personalized nutrition essential Why you need to assess your own body, rather than following generic rules  Links and Resources: Guest Social Media Links: Ashley Koff on Instagram  The Better Nutrition Program  Your Best Shot Relative Links for This Show:  📘 Free Guide: Precision Hormone TherapyDownload Dr. Stephanie Gray’s comprehensive guide to bioidentical hormone therapy. 👉 Visit: https://ihhclinic.com/ Scroll to the bottom of the page to access the free download. Your Longevity Blueprint 5HTP – 90 capsules⁠  Calocurb Clinical — Appetite & Craving Support A practitioner-exclusive, plant-based supplement designed to enhance your body’s natural fullness signals (GLP-1 and PYY), helping reduce cravings and calorie intake. Available only through clinics such as the Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic. Visit us or order here: ⁠⁠https://ihhclinic.com/ Follow Your Longevity Blueprint  On Instagram| Facebook| Twitter| YouTube | LinkedIn Get your copy of the Your Longevity Blueprint book and claim your bonuses here Find Dr. Stephanie Gray and Your Longevity Blueprint online   Follow Dr. Stephanie Gray  On Facebook| Instagram| Youtube | Twitter | LinkedIn Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic Podcast production by Team Podcast

What if the explosion of GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy is not a weight loss revolution, but rather a warning sign that something in our metabolic health is fundamentally broken? Today, we take a deep dive into the lesser-known satiety hormones, such as CCK and PYY, exploring how dysfunction in these hormones could be silently accelerating your aging and sabotaging your health span. I’m excited to welcome Ashley Koff, a registered dietitian with more than 25 years of experience in functional and integrative nutrition, for a two-part series. In Part 1 today, we break down why your satiety hormones may be underperforming, how this links to aging and longevity, and simple strategies you can start using today to support metabolic health naturally. How to support your weight-health hormones: Focus on supporting your digestion first, rather than jumping straight into weight loss or metabolic fixes Ensure you’re consuming enough protein and amino acids to support peptide hormone production Reduce gut irritants like alcohol, ultra-processed ingredients, and unnecessary fasting Nourish your body consistently, especially during times of hormonal change, instead of restricting View digestive symptoms as signs of dysfunction instead of problems to push through or ignore Bio: Ashley Koff Ashley Koff is a registered dietician and who is the founder of the Better Nutrition Program (BNP), the nutrition course director for UC Irvine’s Susan Samueli Integrative Health Institute’s Integrative and Functional Medicine Fellowship, and a faculty member at the Integrative and Functional Nutrition Academy (IFNA), where she teaches “An Integrative and Functional Nutrition Approach to Obesity and Weight Management.”  She is also the author of the upcoming book Your Best Shot (HarperOne, Jan. 6, 2026). A practitioner for more than 25 years, Koff is leading a transformative movement in personalized nutrition, turning “better, not perfect” choices into practical, sustainable strategies that deliver real health outcomes. Through patient stories and personal experience, she shows that optimal health is not just possible — it’s essential to living your fullest life. Koff has been recognized as one of CNN’s Top 100 Health Makers, featured in InStyle as “Hollywood’s Leading Dietitian,” and selected as Westin’s global nutrition ambassador.  In this episode: How separating weight from health leads to unhealthy behavior and long-term metabolic dysfunction Why a balanced approach is essential when using GLP-1 agonists and other interventions The importance of viewing digestive distress as an early warning sign, not a side effect to ignore How short-term diet “wins” can feel hopeful, yet fail to solve the underlying issue How metabolic health data points to a larger issue than most people realize The role weight-regulating hormones play beyond hunger and blood sugar Why supporting your weight health is foundational to your longevity  Links and Resources: Guest Social Media Links: Ashley Koff on Instagram  The Better Nutrition Program  Your Best Shot Relative Links for This Show:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Use Code FIBER to get 10% off GLP-1 Fiber ⁠⁠⁠⁠Use code CREATINE to get 10% off Creatine Follow Your Longevity Blueprint  On Instagram| Facebook| Twitter| YouTube | LinkedIn Get your copy of the Your Longevity Blueprint book and claim your bonuses here Find Dr. Stephanie Gray and Your Longevity Blueprint online   Follow Dr. Stephanie Gray  On Facebook| Instagram| Youtube | Twitter | LinkedIn Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic Podcast production by Team Podcast

I am delighted to have Dr. Austin Lake with me for a two-part series. In Part 1, we discussed women’s health, exploring the importance of informed consent around birth control and of finding the root cause of why it was prescribed for you. Today, in Part 2, we cover many topics, including microplastics, praying before meals, deep breathing, supplements, faith, and nicotine. If you have not done so already, please listen to Part 1 first. Ways to regulate your nervous system: Shift into slow, diaphragmatic breathing when your body feels tense or overstimulated Make mealtimes a seated, unhurried ritual instead of something done on the move Reinforce your nervous system balance with proper hydration, minerals, and sufficient magnesium Build small moments of gratitude and prayer into your daily routine Bio: Dr. Austin Lake Dr. Austin Lake is a functional medicine provider, health educator, and founder of Wholly Health, a transformative health program that helps individuals restore energy, balance hormones, and reclaim health using holistic, evidence-based strategies.  He holds a doctorate in physiotherapy, a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology, and board certification in functional medicine.  He has guided thousands of clients through challenges like chronic fatigue, weight struggles, autoimmune disorders, thyroid imbalances, and metabolic dysfunction—addressing the true root causes rather than masking symptoms with pharmaceuticals or medical procedures.  His passion for holistic health was born out of personal experience: watching his brother battle leukemia, his father suffer multiple heart attacks, and his mother live with autoimmune disease. These trials forged a mission to uncover why people get sick—and how to truly heal.  Grounded in biblical principles, Dr. Lake’s approach integrates faith, science, and natural healing. He empowers individuals to break free from the cycle of prescription dependency and to steward their health with intention. With a following of about 1.5 million across social media platforms, his work reaches a global audience with practical insights, myth-busting education, and faith-driven encouragement.  When not working with clients or educating online, Dr. Lake enjoys time with his wife, Carlie, and their four children, where they live a simple, natural life centered around faith, family, and wellness. He is also a passionate advocate for homeschooling and equipping the next generation for healthy, purpose-filled lives. His mission is simple: to help people reclaim their health, their vitality, and their God-given potential—one life at a time. In this episode: The importance of filtering your water at home Tips for regulating the nervous system Why women on birth control must follow a healthy diet, take quality supplements, and be intentional with their daily routines and rhythms Some advice for women trying to conceive Why antioxidants are essential for women who want to conceive What are the benefits of nicotine? How Dr. Lake incorporates faith into his practice with his clients Links and Resources: Get a 10% discount on Dr. Lake’s recommended best basic supplements Purchase Dr. Austin Lake’s ebook, Wholly Health    Dr. Lake’s free health quiz Guest Social Media Links: Dr. Austin Lake on Instagram Dr. Austin Lake on Facebook Relative Links for This Show: ⁠⁠⁠Use code CREATINE to get 10% off Creatine Use Code VITAMIND to get 10% off ⁠VITAMIN K2 Follow Your Longevity Blueprint  On Instagram| Facebook| Twitter| YouTube | LinkedIn Get your copy of the Your Longevity Blueprint book and claim your bonuses here Find Dr. Stephanie Gray and Your Longevity Blueprint online   Follow Dr. Stephanie Gray  On Facebook| Instagram| Youtube | Twitter | LinkedIn Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic Podcast production by Team Podcast

I am delighted to have Dr. Austin Lake with me for a two-part series. In Part 1 today, we dive into women’s health, exploring the importance of informed consent around birth control and of finding the root cause of why it was prescribed for you. How to avoid the methylation problems with long-term birth-control use: • Avoid folic acid, and take active folate to counter folate loss  • Maintain adequate B6 to prevent methylation from stalling • If you have MTHFR, take active folate instead of synthetic folic acid to support proper methylation Bio: Dr. Austin Lake Dr. Austin Lake is a functional medicine provider, health educator, and founder of Wholly Health, a transformative health program that helps individuals restore energy, balance hormones, and reclaim health using holistic, evidence-based strategies.  He holds a doctorate in physiotherapy, a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology, and board certification in functional medicine.  He has guided thousands of clients through challenges like chronic fatigue, weight struggles, autoimmune disorders, thyroid imbalances, and metabolic dysfunction—addressing the true root causes rather than masking symptoms with pharmaceuticals or medical procedures.  His passion for holistic health was born out of personal experience: watching his brother battle leukemia, his father suffer multiple heart attacks, and his mother live with autoimmune disease. These trials forged a mission to uncover why people get sick—and how to truly heal.  Grounded in biblical principles, Dr. Lake’s approach integrates faith, science, and natural healing. He empowers individuals to break free from the cycle of prescription dependency and to steward their health with intention. With a following of about 1.5 million across social media platforms, his work reaches a global audience with practical insights, myth-busting education, and faith-driven encouragement.  When not working with clients or educating online, Dr. Lake enjoys time with his wife, Carlie, and their four children, where they live a simple, natural life centered around faith, family, and wellness. He is also a passionate advocate for homeschooling and equipping the next generation for healthy, purpose-filled lives. His mission is simple: to help people reclaim their health, their vitality, and their God-given potential—one life at a time. In this episode: Dr. Lake recounts his social media controversies How long-term birth control alters B6, folate, zinc, and copper levels, impairs methylation, and disrupts hormone balance How to support methylation Ways to address heavy cycles, acne, or hormonal imbalances without relying on birth control How good nutrition, hydration, and maintaining a healthy circadian rhythm can help you balance your hormones The value of reducing chronic stress to prevent cortisol-driven hormone shifts   The importance of avoiding xenoestrogens and supporting detox pathways Links and Resources: Get a 10% discount on Dr. Lake’s recommended best basic supplements Purchase Dr. Austin Lake’s ebook, Wholly Health Dr. Lake’s free health quiz Guest Social Media Links: Dr. Austin Lake on Instagram Dr. Austin Lake on Facebook Relative Links for This Show: ⁠⁠Your Longevity Blueprint: Methyl B Complex – 60 capsules⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Your Longevity Blueprint Omega 3s – 60 capsules Follow Your Longevity Blueprint On Instagram|Facebook|Twitter|YouTube |LinkedIn Get your copy of the Your Longevity Blueprint book and claim your bonuses here Find Dr. Stephanie Gray and Your Longevity Blueprint online Follow Dr. Stephanie Gray On Facebook|Instagram|Youtube |Twitter |LinkedIn Integrative Health and Hormone Clinic Podcast production by Team Podcast