Following Your Gut Podcast

What happens when the body stays in a state of stress long after the original threat is gone?In this episode of Following Your Gut, Roland Pankewich sits down with health coach Jen Moriya, CHHC, DC (non-practicing) to explore the connection between trauma, the cell danger response, and nervous system regulation.Jen shares her personal journey from traditional chiropractic practice to a more integrative approach to health after her own experiences with stress and chronic health challenges changed the way she viewed healing. Together, Roland and Jen discuss how early-life experiences may influence the nervous system, how the body responds to ongoing stress, and why understanding the connection between the mind and body can be an important part of building resilience.The conversation also gets practical. Jen shares accessible strategies for supporting nervous system regulation, including breathing exercises, grounding, movement, emotional awareness, and lifestyle practices such as walking and sauna therapy.If you've ever wondered how stress and past experiences can influence the way you feel today, this episode offers a fascinating look at the nervous system—and practical tools for creating greater balance, resilience, and well-being.In this episode, you'll discover:The cell danger response and its relationship to stress and healthHow childhood experiences may influence nervous system regulationThe principles behind polyvagal theoryWhy mind-body integration mattersPractical breathing, grounding, and movement techniquesLifestyle strategies that can support resilienceJen's personal journey and evolution as a health professionalJoin Roland and Jen for a thought-provoking conversation about trauma, the nervous system, and the journey from simply managing symptoms to understanding the body as a whole.About the Guest:Coach Jen Moriya is a health coach with a career spanning over 15 years. She graduated from Palmer Chiropractic College in 2007 and spent a decade in private practice before transitioning to the operating room, where she monitored nervous systems. This environment led her to experience significant stress and health challenges, prompting her journey into understanding the cell danger response. Jen’s personal health struggles, including celiac disease and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS), have fueled her passion for holistic healing. She is now focused on helping others through techniques rooted in polyvagal theory and nervous system regulation, emphasizing the integration of body and mind for effective trauma recovery and stress reduction.Jen's Website: https://mygenetichealthsolution.com/home-130965 “The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body." 

Summary:Join Roland Pankewich and Dr. Chris Meletis ND, as they explore the intricate world of holistic health care. This episode delves into the challenge of balancing traditional medical training with naturopathic approaches to uncover the root causes of health issues. With decades of experience, Dr. Meletis shares insights into the historical blending of disciplines like naturopathy and Chinese medicine, emphasizing an integrative perspective beyond quick-fix solutions. Listeners will gain valuable perspectives on embracing continuous learning and cross-disciplinary collaboration to better serve patients in today’s complex health landscape.About the Guest:Dr. Chris Meletis ND, is a prominent naturopathic physician, educator, international author, and lecturer with more than three decades of experience in natural and integrative medicine. After initially pursuing conventional medical education, Dr. Meletis discovered naturopathic medicine and was drawn to its holistic approach to understanding health and the interconnectedness of the body.Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Meletis has served as Dean of Naturopathic Medicine and Chief Medical Officer at the National College of Naturopathic Medicine, now the National University of Natural Medicine, for seven years. He has authored more than 15 books and over 200 scientific articles and has lectured extensively on natural, functional, and integrative medicine, including for the Institute for Functional Medicine.Dr. Meletis is a passionate advocate for lifelong learning and believes healthcare practitioners are best equipped to serve their patients when they remain open to diverse medical philosophies and continually expand their understanding. His approach integrates perspectives from conventional, naturopathic, and functional medicine while emphasizing the importance of foundational health practices, nutrition, and patient education.His commitment to improving health extends beyond clinical practice. Dr. Meletis spearheaded the creation of 16 free natural medicine healthcare clinics serving underserved communities throughout the Portland metropolitan area. In recognition of his contributions to naturopathic medicine, he was named the 2003 Physician of the Year by the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians.Dr. Meletis’s personal mission is simple: “Changing America’s Health One Person at a Time.” He believes meaningful change begins when people are empowered with knowledge about their bodies and the tools to make informed decisions about their health.“Perseverance wins the race. I tell my patients that, keep on going, don’t lose faith and you will manifest.”Resources:Dr. Melides’ website: https://drmeletis.com/“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body." 

In this episode of the “Following Your Gut” podcast, host Roland Pankewich welcomes back Dr. Kelly Halderman. Known for her expertise in holistic health and product formulation, Dr. Halderman shares fascinating insights about the gut urinary axis. She underscores the importance of considering interconnected bodily systems, advocating an approach that acknowledges the complex relationships between the gut, urinary tract, and overall wellbeing. They dive into the significance of addressing the root causes of recurrent urinary dysfunction, moving beyond mere symptom treatment, and considering emotional and physiological barriers to health.This engaging dialogue highlights the interconnectedness of the body and the importance of a comprehensive approach to healing, particularly for chronic issues like recurrent UTIs. With an eye towards practical solutions, Dr. Halderman shares her journey of formulating “Cranxym,” a supplement designed to support the gut-urinary pathways health by aiding microbial balance. The conversation unravels the role of emotional health and trauma in physiological conditions, drawing from both Western and Eastern medical perspectives. Filled with personal anecdotes and enlightening details, this episode is packed with strategies for optimizing whole-body health through both modern supplements and traditional wisdom.About the Guest:Dr. Kelly Halderman is a prominent figure in the field of holistic health and nutraceuticals. With a background in practicing medicine, she has pivoted her career toward research, education, and the development of nutraceutical products. Having held a position as a Chief Medical Officer in biotech, Dr. Halderman focuses on empowering individuals to enhance their health by strengthening their physiological terrain. As a passionate educator, she teaches both medical professionals and laypeople about holistic health and wellness strategies.Key Takeaways:Gut-Urinary Connection: Understanding the intricate link between the gut’s microbiome and the urinary tract is key to addressing recurrent UTIs effectively.Holistic Treatment Approach: Focus on treating the root causes rather than only the symptoms of urinary dysfunction.Role of Emotional Health: Emotions and past traumas can significantly influence organ function, including the kidneys and urinary system.Supplements as Signals: View supplements like Cranxym as a way to support the body’s natural healing processes and improve physiological functionality.Hydration and Lifestyle: Importance of adequate hydration, fiber intake, and lifestyle factors in maintaining optimal kidney and urinary tract health.Notable Quotes:“Biology is going to follow your behavior.”“Seek not for health, but seek the obstacles that are in the way of health.”“Recurrent urinary dysfunction represents a breakdown of coordinated biological systems rather than a specific infectious event.”“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body." 

Roland Pankewich explores the intricacies of diet-building and its importance for those on a healing journey. Discussing how readiness for change, lifestyle, sourcing, cooking methods, and diet frameworks shape a personalized nutritional plan, Roland emphasizes practicality over perfection. He delves into the significance of quality ingredients and understanding cooking techniques, highlighting how they affect nutritional value. Dive into the complexities of selecting the right diet based on individual goals and needs, avoiding dogma, and fostering a sustainable journey towards better health and self-reliance.About the Host:Roland Pankewich is a renowned health and nutrition expert and the host of the “Following Your Gut” podcast. Currently based in Georgia, Roland has an extensive background in nutrition, working with both amateur and professional athletes to optimize their dietary habits. With years of experience in the field, Roland specializes in creating sustainable diet frameworks, focusing on personalized nutrition strategies that take into account individual lifestyle and readiness for change. Roland is passionate about empowering his clients and audience with knowledge about food sourcing, preparation, and the importance of healthy eating as a foundation for well-being.Key Takeaways:• Before altering one’s diet, it’s crucial to assess how much change a person is realistically ready to make to ensure sustainability.•  Understanding a person’s lifestyle and responsibilities is fundamental to recommending realistic dietary changes.• The quality of ingredients and food sourcing significantly impacts nutrition; local and responsibly farmed products are often best.• Cooking methods can enhance or diminish the nutritional value of food, making this an essential part of dietary planning.Notable Quotes:“The first thing I have learned, the most important in terms of working with people, is figure out the amount of change that the person is ready for.”“Knowing where your food is grown and how it was killed, slaughtered or plucked out of the ground is the optimal scenario for sourcing ingredients.”“If you take a fruit or a vegetable and you add heat to it, you destroy enzymes, which are crucial for the digestive process.”“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body." 

In this episode of the “Following Your Gut” podcast, host Roland Pankewich engages with Michael Kessler, DC in an enlightening discussion about the intersection of bioenergetic medicine and practical health applications. Dr. Kessler shares his extensive experience in utilizing bioenergetic diagnostics to empower more informed health choices. The conversation navigates through Dr. Kessler’s pioneering journey from athletics to chiropractic medicine, eventually evolving into his current focus on cutting-edge health technologies.Focusing on the nuances of bioenergetic practices, Dr. Kessler emphasizes the importance of integrating emotional well-being with physical health interventions. This episode delves deep into the use of technologies like HeartQuest and how they bring legitimacy to bioenergetics through measurable data, such as heart rate variability. Dr. Kessler and Roland discuss the potential of these methodologies to fundamentally transform patient outcomes by emphasizing personalized health solutions, assessing emotional load, and fostering significant disease prevention through a holistic approach.HeartQuest Technology: Dr. Kessler is instrumental in its U.S. adaptation and training. https://www.heartquestglobalsolutions.com/Key Takeaways:•             Bioenergetic medicine leverages the non-physical realm of energy and information to understand and correct imbalances in the body.•             Technologies like HeartQuest provide pivotal insights into a person’s adaptability and stress management by utilizing heart rate variability analyses.•             An integrative approach focusing on personnel emotional states can profoundly impact the effectiveness of health interventions.•             Transitioning into bioenergetics from a conventional medical background involves learning new testing methodologies and an open mindset towards innovative diagnostic tools.•             Dr. Kessler’s approach showcases the power of combining bioenergetic insights with traditional lab results for comprehensive health assessments.“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body." 

In this episode of the “Following Your Gut” podcast, recorded live at HealCon, host Roland Pankewich dives into a compelling conversation with nutrition expert Mira Dessy, famously known as The Ingredient Guru. This episode explores the intriguing journey of  Mira Dessy from a career in database management to becoming a leading voice in holistic nutrition. As a survivor of multiple autoimmune disorders, Mira shares her personal transformation through nutrition and introduces listeners to her book, “The Pantry Principle,” which guides readers on navigating food labels and making informed dietary choices.Mira Dessy passionately emphasizes the critical role of understanding food labels beyond the nutrition facts, shedding light on the deceptive nature of food marketing. She explains how the lack of awareness about non-nutritive ingredients—like artificial colors and preservatives—can negatively impact health over time. Throughout the conversation, Mira offers practical advice on how consumers can make more informed choices, highlighting strategies for identifying potential ‘Trojan horses’ in seemingly healthy foods. As she advocates for a diet rich in whole foods, Mira presents actionable insights on reducing exposure to harmful substances and the importance of brand disloyalty in navigating today’s complex food industry landscape.About the Guest:Mira Dessy: Mira Dessy, widely known as the “Ingredient Guru,” is a renowned nutrition educator and author of “The Pantry Principle: How to read the label and understand what’s really in your food.” Mira started her journey as a database administrator before health challenges led her to uncover the power of nutrition. After overcoming multiple autoimmune disorders through dietary changes, she pursued holistic nutrition education at Bowman College. Mira’s expertise lies in educating consumers on the importance of understanding food labels and the potential impacts of non-nutritive ingredients on health.Key Takeaways:Mira’s transition from database administration to a nutrition educator underscores the transformative power of nutrition in overcoming health challenges.Emphasizing the importance of reading food labels, Mira highlights how manufacturers use misleading marketing and non-nutritive ingredients to influence consumer choices.Artificial colors and preservatives, as discussed by Mira, can have long-term adverse effects on the body, calling for a more informed approach to food selection.Practical strategies include focusing on whole foods, understanding the ‘dirty dozen,’ and the need to be brand disloyal due to industry practices.Mira advocates for increased consumer education on nutrition and label reading as critical steps in promoting health and well-being.Notable Quotes:“It’s not like you eat a Twinkie and wake up with diabetes tomorrow. It’s a long term effect.”“Artificial colors, petrochemical consumption is overstimulating to our brains. It’s bad for children with attention-related disorders.”“It’s not just what you eat. It’s what you digest and absorb and assimilate into your body.”“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body." 

In this episode of the “Following Your Gut” podcast, hosted live at the NANP convention Healcon, Roland Pankewich sits down with Dr. Brandy Cummings to delve into the complexities of health beyond traditional protocols. Dr. Cummings shares her insightful journey from focusing solely on nutrition to embracing the emotional and energetic dimensions of health, a shift driven by her own experiences with debilitating illness and unresolved childhood trauma. The discussion is a profound exploration of how unchecked emotional baggage can sabotage physical health and the necessity of aligning the subconscious mind for true healing.Throughout the episode, Dr. Cummings challenges the conventional do-have-be mentality, advocating instead for a be-do-have approach that prioritizes emotional balance and self-awareness. She and Roland discuss the need for cultivating awareness of one’s subconscious triggers, and how embracing emotional healing can significantly enhance resilience and overall health. With references to influential figures like Dr. Gabor Maté and Bashar, the dialogue seamlessly navigates topics including the relationship between subconscious mind, emotional states, and chronic conditions, as well as practical strategies for personal growth and health optimization, making this episode an enlightening experience for anyone inquisitive about holistic health.About the Guest:Dr. Brandy Cummings is a seasoned practitioner in the field of holistic health, with ten years of experience since opening her practice. Initially focused on nutrition and food as medicine, Dr. Cummings expanded her approach after experiencing significant personal health challenges. Her traumatic health journey led her to explore the emotional and energetic components of health, which now play a central role in her practice. Her work emphasizes the importance of addressing emotional inflammation and unresolved negative emotions to achieve overall well-being.“Your subconscious mind doesn’t speak in English. It speaks in energetics and emotions and physiology.” Dr. Brandy Cummings - (0:09:29)Key Takeaways:Emotional and energetic issues can hinder the effectiveness of health protocols, highlighting the importance of addressing unresolved negative emotions.The transition from a traditional nutrition-focused practice to an integrative approach has helped Dr. Cummings achieve better health outcomes for herself and her clients.A shift from the do-have-be mentality to a be-do-have approach allows for improved well-being by fostering personal responsibility and emotional intelligence.Chronic pain and illness often correlate with emotional distress, signaling a need for holistic approaches to healing.Understanding and addressing subconscious triggers are crucial for achieving emotional resolution and optimizing health.“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body." 

In this enlightening episode of the “Following Your Gut Podcast,” host Roland Pankewich sits down with Nicole Hodson, a pivotal figure in the world of holistic nutrition. Recorded live at HealCon, this episode delves into the valuable work of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP) in shaping the education and careers of holistic nutrition professionals. Nicole Hodson shares her insights on the transformative power of nutrition education, focusing on the distinctiveness of the NANP’s approach in comparison to other nutrition certifications.This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a career shift or expansion into the field of holistic nutrition. Nicole elaborates on the prerequisites and standards that NANP-approved schools meet, ensuring a comprehensive and rigorous educational experience that equips graduates for success. She stresses the importance of understanding bio-individuality, the interconnectedness of lifestyle factors with health, and the expanding opportunities within the nutrition industry. With her seasoned perspective, Nicole warns of the pitfalls of transient trends and underscores the enduring value of food as a fundamental element of health.About the Guest:Nicole Hodson is the Executive Director of the National Association of Nutrition Professionals (NANP). With nearly two decades of experience at NANP, she is dedicated to advancing the field of nutrition through education and advocacy. Nicole is deeply committed to the principles of holistic nutrition, emphasizing whole foods and individualized care. Her extensive background and strategic insights have played a critical role in shaping the NANP and its educational standards for holistic nutrition professionals, certified dietary supplement professionals, and natural chefs.“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body." 

Roland Pankewich hosts Dr. Shawn Talbott at the NANP conference, where they dive into the science of the gut-brain axis. Dr. Shawn explores the staying power of peptides, the role of the microbiome in mental health, and the importance of dietary fiber diversity. They discuss how short-chain fatty acids, signaling molecules, and digestion impact mood and behavior. Learn about practical steps for improving gut health, the significance of probiotic strain specificity, and how lifestyle choices influence your overall well-being in this enlightening conversation.About the Guest:Dr. Shawn Talbott is a renowned expert in nutritional biochemistry and nutritional psychology, which are fields that explore the impact of nutrition and diet on mental health. With a PhD in nutritional biochemistry, Dr. Talbott has dedicated nearly 30 years to studying the intricate connections between the gut and brain, known as the gut-brain axis, investigating how nutritional elements influence human psychology and physiology. He has also published extensively on the subject and conducts seminars that dive into the interplay of emotions, behavior, and biochemistry.Explore more of Dr. Shawn Talbott’s insights and education through his website: doctalbott.com, where you can find courses on mental wellness coaching and other free resources.Episode Summary:Dive into an enlightening episode of the “Following Your GUT” podcast featuring Dr. Shawn Talbott during the NANP Healcon conference. In this engaging conversation, host Roland Pankewich and Dr. Talbott discuss the rising interest in peptides, the nutritional psychology realm, the gut-brain axis, and how our gut health significantly impacts our mental and physical wellbeing. Dr. Talbott, a leader in nutritional biochemistry, sheds light on how our diet, particularly fiber intake, can either disrupt or enhance this vital connection, reflecting on emerging science and its implications for mental health.In this episode, you’ll uncover the pivotal role fiber diversity plays in nurturing a balanced gut microbiome and how short-chain fatty acids serve as critical signaling molecules impacting everything from metabolism to immune health. Dr. Talbott emphasizes the importance of dietary variety and strategic supplement use in supporting gut health. He shares his knowledge on the significance of maintaining a gut environment conducive to beneficial bacteria while explaining behavioral and mood disturbances caused by gut imbalances. An exploration of probiotics, enzyme use, and the broader picture of gut-brain interplay awaits listeners seeking to enhance both physical health and mental wellness.Key Takeaways:Peptides are a significant area of interest, and there’s growing research surrounding their uses and regulation.The gut is referred to as the “second brain,” where it plays a critical role in producing neurotransmitters that influence mood and behavior.Dietary fiber diversity is crucial for microbiome health, impacting mood, metabolism, and immune function.Dr. Talbott recommends supplementing strategically to support gut health—such as using enzymes and probiotics with specific strain designations.Behavioral changes and gut health are intricately linked, and understanding this relationship can guide better health decisions.“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body." 

Join Roland Pankewich and Dr. Deanna Minich live from HealCon as they delve into the complexities of perimenopause. With insights grounded in medical science and functional medicine, Dr. Minich unpacks hormonal shifts, their impact on women’s bodies, and the cultural perceptions surrounding menopause. Discover practical lifestyle and dietary strategies to manage symptoms, emphasizing the importance of hydration, protein, and embracing change. The conversation extends to the spiritual dimensions of perimenopause and encourages building supportive communities. Explore the intertwined nature of science and spirituality in navigating life’s inevitable changes.About the Guest:Dr. Deanna Minich is a healer and thought leader with a background deeply rooted in medical science and nutrition. Armed with a Master’s and Ph.D. in Medical Science with a focus on nutrition, Deanna has leveraged her scientific knowledge throughout her career to specialize in the field of functional medicine. Based in Chicago originally, she is now an educator for the Institute for Functional Medicine. Dr. Minich has devoted herself to understanding holistic healing, gracefully merging science with spirituality, particularly in the exploration and betterment of women’s health during transitional phases like perimenopause.Resources:Dr. Deanna Minich’s website: deannaminich.comInstagram: Find Dr. Deanna Minich for creative science and spirituality explorations.Institute for Functional Medicine: Learn more about the institute where Dr. Minich lends her expertise on functional medicine.Key Takeaways:Perimenopause spans 7-14 years leading up to menopause and involves complex interactions within the endocrine system, affecting the hypothalamus, pituitary glands, thyroid, adrenals, and ovaries.Symptom severity during perimenopause can be influenced by various factors, including lifestyle choices, stress levels, and circadian rhythm alignment.Culturally varied perceptions of perimenopause could influence women’s experiences. For instance, there is less emphasis on associated symptoms such as hot flashes in some cultures.Simple life adjustments, such as increased water intake and correct protein digestion, are crucial during this transitional period.A supportive community, awareness, and acceptance of bodily changes are vital to navigating through perimenopause more smoothly.“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body."