Episode 459: Why Insulin Matters

In this episode we celebrate the official release of the Naturally Nourished Kids Cookbook live with Naturally Nourished Podcast fans over a virtual party!  We address all of your burning questions about optimal eating for toddlers through teens! Learn about our personal process of writing, photographing, and publishing this cookbook.    In this episode we share our children's favorite recipes, how to get ample protein into your child, the importance of baby led weaning, why we aren’t a fan of grazing or excessive snacks, and more! We also share top ways to support your child’s immune system this season.   Links featured in this episode:  NN Kids Amazon Store https://www.amazon.com/shop/beckiyoord   Vanilla Bean Marshmallows https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xp-tZg3OL_k   Special Thank You to our Naturally Nourished Kids Book Tour Sponsors! FOND Regenerative bone broth and tallow made from pasture-raised, regenerative farms. Rich & Nourishing. Slow-simmered with herbs, veggies, and spices. Pure & Organic. No additives or preservatives. Shop at FondRegenerative.com and use NATURALLY10 to save!   Wild Foods our favorite clean, purposeful food-as-medicine pantry staples to support your focus, energy, and balance. Shop at wildfood.co and use ALIMILLERRD to save!   Come see us on our book tour for in person events! Book tour link: https://alimillerrd.com/pages/nn-kids-book-tour   Baby Led Weaning podcast resource https://www.naturallynourishedrd.com/podcast/naturally-nourished-episode-239-baby-led-weaning/   Bonus guide including recipes, meal plan, and Immune Guide https://alimillerrd.com/pages/naturally-nourished-kids-bonus   Kids Essentials Bundle  https://alimillerrd.com/products/kids-essentials-bundle   Medicinal Honey w/ Cellular Antiox & Bio-C Plus https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7RZC8FyxkI Sponsor for this episode:  This episode is sponsored by Air Doctor.  The indoor air that we breathe can be up to 100 times  MORE polluted than outdoor air, according to the EPA. Indoor air pollutants can cause respiratory symptoms like sneezing, congestion, scratchy throat, and even more serious health problems like lung and heart disease. Introducing AirDoctor, the air purifier that filters out 99.99% of dangerous contaminants so your lungs don’t have to. This includes allergens, pollen, pet dander, dust mites, mold spores and even bacteria and viruses.AirDoctor comes with a 30-day money back guarantee so if you don’t love it, just send it back for a refund, minus shipping!Head to airdoctorpro.com and use promo code ALIMILLERRD and you’ll receive UP TO $300 off air purifiers! Exclusive to podcast customers, you will also receive a free 3 year warranty on any unit, which is an additional $84 value!   

  In this episode, we debunk the most common misconceptions about the ketogenic diet—from worries about gut health and restrictive eating, to concerns about processed foods, to whether keto is bad for women’s hormones and heart health. If you’ve been curious about keto but held back by these myths, we’re here to clear the air. You’ll learn how keto, when done right, can be a powerful therapeutic tool for healing the whole body, not just a passing fad or quick fix.  We also discuss our Keto Reset Program, a food-as-medicine approach designed to support sustainable health and metabolic balance. This episode highlights why our program stands apart by focusing on nourishing, whole foods and personalized guidance that fits your unique needs. Whether you’re new to keto or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode provides clarity and inspiration to take charge of your health with confidence.  Also in this episode:  Keto Reset Program - Starts 9/24! What is a keto reset? How our approach to mastering your metabolism is unique Naturally Nourished Episode 99 Ketosis As Medicine Busting Keto Myths Myth #1: Keto kills your microbiome because it lacks fiber Beat the Bloat Cleanse Phytofiber Myth #2: Keto is just a fad diet and you’ll gain all the weight back Two Year Clinical Trial Outcomes Provide Evidence for Long-Term Benefits of Virta for Type 2 Diabetes Myth #3: Keto is all processed and packaged What is Dirty Keto? And Why Real Food Matters - YouTube Myth #4: Keto wrecks your hormones Naturally Nourished Episode 190 Keto and Women's Hormones Episode 430: Keto and PCOS Relax and Regulate BroccoDetox Myth #5: Keto causes heart disease from all the saturated fat The effects of low-carbohydrate diet on glucose and lipid metabolism in overweight or obese patients with T2DM: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - PMC Sponsors for this episode:  This episode is sponsored by our Naturally Nourished Keto Reset Program. Ready to take the guesswork out of keto and finally see real results? Whether you're struggling with weight loss resistance, hormonal imbalances, gut issues, or just want more energy and less bloat—our Keto Reset program is your roadmap. You’ll get a structured, functional medicine approach that goes beyond macros and meal plans. We teach you why your body is stuck and how to heal it from the root—through nutrient-dense food, therapeutic tools, and behavior change strategies that last. You’ll be supported every step of the way with weekly classes and Q&As, downloads, real food meal plans, and direct access to us. This isn’t about restriction or gimmicks. It’s about learning to work with your body, building metabolic flexibility, and unlocking your best health. Doors are open now—so join us, reset your metabolism, and transform your relationship with food, your body, and your health. Grab your spot here.

In this episode, we shine a spotlight on insulin—an often overlooked but crucial hormone that plays a central role in metabolism and overall health. While blood sugar gets a lot of attention, insulin is the key regulator behind it, influencing energy storage, fat metabolism, and cellular function. We explore how insulin resistance develops, the early signs to watch for, and why it’s so important to address this root issue to prevent chronic disease. We also discuss how ketogenic and low-carb diets can help regulate insulin levels, improve metabolic flexibility, and support weight management. This episode provides clear, functional insights into insulin’s role and practical strategies for balancing it through nutrition and lifestyle, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in metabolic health and disease prevention. Also in this episode:  Keto Reset Program - Enrollment opens 8/28! Episode 76 Getting to the root of insulin resistance What is insulin and why does it matter? What is insulin resistance? What causes insulin resistance? How does it develop on a cellular level?  What are signs and symptoms of insulin resistance? How do we test for insulin resistance? Fasting insulin <8 C-peptide – Reflects insulin production Glucose-insulin index / HOMA-IR – Measures insulin resistance directly (calculated using fasting glucose & fasting insulin)  Triglyceride:HDL ratio – Optimal <1.5 (higher = higher risk) A1c – Goal <5.5% (but early IR won’t always show up here) hs-CRP – Inflammation worsens insulin signaling Leptin Keto Checkup Lab (Fasting Insulin, A1c, Leptin, CMP, DHEA-s) Continuous Glucose Monitor Nutrisense use code ALIMILLLERD Conventional treatment of insulin resistance Naturally Nourished 323 Ozempic, Wonder Drug or Too Good to be True? Naturally Nourished Episode 359 Oh-No Ozempic Updates, Berberine and Keto Food as medicine for insulin resistance Ditch the drivers: eliminate refined carbs, sugar, seed oils, and artificial sweeteners Top 5 Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar | Let's make an ACV shooter Cinnamon, turmeric, fenugreek Intermittent fasting Movement: Walking after meals Naturally Nourished Episode 424 How Daily Walking Can Transform your Health Keto for insulin resistance A 3-Week Ketogenic Diet Increases Skeletal Muscle Insulin Sensitivity in Individuals With Obesity: A Randomized Controlled Crossover Trial - PubMed Ketogenic Diets for Body Weight Loss: A Comparison with Other Diets Mapping the evolution and impact of ketogenic diet research on diabetes management: a comprehensive bibliometric analysis from 2005 to 2024 Supplements for insulin resistance Berberine Boost Relax and Regulate EPA DHA Extra Vitamin D Balanced Blend L-Carnitine ALA Chromium & Resveratrol Multidefense Sponsors for this episode:  This episode is sponsored by our Naturally Nourished Keto Reset Program. Ready to take the guesswork out of keto and finally see real results? Whether you're struggling with weight loss resistance, hormonal imbalances, gut issues, or just want more energy and less bloat—our Keto Reset program is your roadmap. You’ll get a structured, functional medicine approach that goes beyond macros and meal plans. We teach you why your body is stuck and how to heal it from the root—through nutrient-dense food, therapeutic tools, and behavior change strategies that last. You’ll be supported every step of the way with weekly classes and Q&As, downloads, real food meal plans, and direct access to us This isn’t about restriction or gimmicks. It’s about learning to work with your body, building metabolic flexibility, and unlocking your best health. Doors are open now—so join us, reset your metabolism, and transform your relationship with food, your body, and your health. Grab your spot here.

In this episode, we explore the vital role of the liver in overall metabolic health and why fatty liver disease has become increasingly common. We dive into the liver’s many functions, including detoxification, fat metabolism, and hormone regulation, highlighting how disruption in these processes contributes to fat accumulation in the liver. Understanding the root causes—from diet and lifestyle factors to environmental toxins and insulin resistance—is key to addressing this growing health concern. We also focus on actionable, food-as-medicine strategies to support liver function and promote reversal of fatty liver disease. Listeners will learn about key nutrients, dietary patterns, and lifestyle habits that nourish the liver, reduce inflammation, and improve metabolic flexibility. Plus we discuss how a ketogenic approach can literally reverse fatty liver, supplemental support and favorite recipes to support liver health!  Also in this episode: Keto Reset Masterclass 8/29  Keto Reset Program - Enrollment opens 8/28! Naturally Nourished Episode 109 Liver Function What is the liver and how does it function?  Digestion Blood Sugar Balance Naturally Nourished Episode 266 Why is my A1C Elevated? Detoxification What is fatty liver? How keto can reverse NAFLD Effect of a ketogenic diet on hepatic steatosis and hepatic mitochondrial metabolism in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease - PMC Ketogenic Diet in Steatotic Liver Disease: A Metabolic Approach to Hepatic Health. The effect of a low-carbohydrate, ketogenic diet on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a pilot study - PubMed Omega 3s and fatty liver Effects of triglyceride and ethyl ester forms of EPA on hepatic lipid metabolism in mice with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease - ScienceDirect EPA DHA Extra Probiotics and fatty liver Restore Baseline Probiotic Nutrients to support liver function Nutraceutical Approach to Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): The Available Clinical Evidence - PMC Detox Packs Markers to assess liver function AST, ALT, ALP, Bilirubin, Total Protein, Albumin as markers to test (include in a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel) GGT Lipids Ultrasound, CT Scan, MRI, Liver Biopsy How to support liver function with Food as Medicine Blood Sugar regulation with keto or low glycemic diet Bitter/sour foods, ACV, Dandelion greens YouTube ACV shooter Lemon turmeric ginger shooter Glutathione rich foods Cruciferous veggies support liver detox  Fresh herbs and spices, turmeric  Green tea can lower liver inflammation High antioxidant fruits and veggies, beets, celery  Choline - Episode 102 3 Micronutrients  Supplements Digestaid Super Turmeric Cellular Antiox Ultimate Detox Detox Packs 10 Day Detox Liver as a food  Peanut Butter Liver Pate Liver Pills Caramelized Onion, Bacon + Liver Meatloaf Organ Puree + Pate Epic Liver Bites Wild Foods Liver Pills use code ALIMILLERRD Noble Origins Organ Blend use code ALIMILLERRD   Sponsors for this episode:  This episode is sponsored by our Naturally Nourished Keto Reset Program. Ready to take the guesswork out of keto and finally see real results? Whether you're struggling with weight loss resistance, hormonal imbalances, gut issues, or just want more energy and less bloat—our Keto Reset program is your roadmap. You’ll get a structured, functional medicine approach that goes beyond macros and meal plans. We teach you why your body is stuck and how to heal it from the root—through nutrient-dense food, therapeutic tools, and behavior change strategies that last. You’ll be supported every step of the way with weekly classes and Q&As, downloads, real food meal plans, and direct access to us This isn’t about restriction or gimmicks. It’s about learning to work with your body, building metabolic flexibility, and unlocking your best health. Doors are open now—so join us, reset your metabolism, and transform your relationship with food, your body, and your health. Grab your spot here.

Often referred to as a “Goldilocks” mineral, iodine must be kept in balance—too little can lead to fatigue, thyroid dysfunction, and hormonal imbalance, while too much can exacerbate autoimmunity and disrupt delicate nutrient interplay. In this episode, we take a comprehensive look at iodine’s role in thyroid health, fertility, immune function, breast tissue, and detoxification. We unpack symptoms of both deficiency and excess, explore the connection between iodine and environmental exposures like fluoride, chlorine, and brominated flour, and discuss important considerations for those with Hashimoto’s or other autoimmune conditions. You'll also learn how to assess iodine status through testing, the validity of iodine painting, and the risks and benefits of different supplementation approaches. We highlight topical uses—from wound care and nasal rinses to support for fibrocystic breasts—as well as dietary sources like sea vegetables and seafood. The conversation includes a breakdown of iodized salt, the iodine-selenium relationship, and how to use iodine safely and effectively in your wellness routine. Also in this episode: Keto Reset Masterclass 8/29  Keto Reset Program - Enrollment opens 8/28! What is iodine, and why do we need it? What are the signs and symptoms of too little—or too much—iodine? How can we test iodine levels accurately in a functional medicine approach? Micronutrient Panel What is iodine painting, and does it work? Iodine in wound care and for oral use Iodine for fibrocystic breasts Fertility and hormone balance If we’re using sea salt or Himalayan salt that isn’t iodized, should we be concerned about deficiency? Concerns with iodine displacement from fluoride, chlorine and bromine Naturally Nourished Episode 370 Biological Dentistry with Dr. Joan Sefcik Is Chlorine Messing Up Your Gut? - YouTube Thyroid health and Hashimoto's considerations The selenium-iodine relationship Iodine nasal sprays or mists Supplementation considerations MultiAvail Mama Multidefense Thyroid Optimizer Top Iodine Rich Foods Seaweed Cod and white fish Eggs Shrimp, shellfish Three Seaweed Salad Roasted Almonds with Nori and Sesame Nori Salmon Roll Ups   Sponsors for this episode:  This episode is sponsored by Wild Foods, a company that puts quality, sustainability, and health first in all of their products. They have everything from coffee to turmeric to medicinal mushrooms, and every single product is painstakingly sourced from small farms around the globe. They take their mission seriously to fix the broken food system, and believe real food is medicine. They've partnered with us to give you guys an exclusive discount, so use the code ALIMILLERRD for 12% off your order at WildFoods.co! 

Do you need to be taking creatine? This episode explores the multifaceted role of creatine in the body, extending beyond its common association with athletic performance. From muscle strength and recovery to cognitive function, mood stability, and healthy aging, creatine plays a critical role in cellular energy production and neurological health.  Listeners will learn how creatine functions in the body, who may benefit most from supplementation, and whether it has a place in daily wellness routines beyond the gym. The episode also covers considerations for dosing, form, and timing, along with potential benefits for women, vegetarians, older adults, and those dealing with neurological or mood disorders. Plus learn about food sources of creatine you can easily incorporate into your diet to reap the benefits.  Also in this episode:  Keto Reset Masterclass 8/29 Grab your free spot for exclusive savings! Keto Reset Program - Enrollment opens 8/28! What is creatine?  How creatine supports performance and muscle gain Creatine and women’s health Creatine Supplementation in Women’s Health: A Lifespan Perspective - PMC Brain health and memory Effects of creatine supplementation on cognitive function of healthy individuals: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials Thoughts on fluid retention and creatine bloat Pure Collagen Whey Protect Can you get enough creatine naturally from the diet? Supplementation, form and dosage considerations Wild Foods Creatine - use code ALIMILLERRD for savings   Sponsors for this episode:  This episode is sponsored by Wild Foods, a company that puts quality, sustainability, and health first in all of their products. They have everything from coffee to turmeric to medicinal mushrooms, and every single product is painstakingly sourced from small farms around the globe. They take their mission seriously to fix the broken food system, and believe real food is medicine. They've partnered with us to give you guys an exclusive discount, so use the code ALIMILLERRD for 12% off your order at WildFoods.co! 

Are essential oils the missing link to regulating your stress, supporting lymphatic drainage, and releasing stubborn fascia in your body? This episode will have you more aware of your sense of smell than you ever have been! You will learn about the role of essential oils in HPA-axis regulation, facilitating release of trauma, and opening up lymphatic stagnation.    Guest Jodi Cohen of Vibrant Blue Oils shares about her journey with stress and adrenal dysregulation and how essential oils were a game changer. We discuss best practices and use as well as areas of application and how essential oils are different from synthetic fragrances. Learn about how our sense of smell is the most important for survival and how scent training can enhance cognitive function and even mood stability as well as combat cravings and boost metabolism.    Also in this episode:  Keto Reset Masterclass 8/29 Grab your free spot for exclusive savings! More info on our Keto Reset Program - Enrollment opens 8/28! Get a bottle of the Parasympathetic Blend for just $15 + free shipping! ($38.95) Learn more about Vibrant Blue Oils and Jodi Cohen at www.vibrantblueoils.com  Study on fear and smell + how rose can aid in relaxation Research on smell as somatic responder and use in regulating HPA-Axis Link to get my Free 5 day Detox Express Protocol Reset Restore Renew Detox packs to support your cleanse   Sponsor:  Naturally Nourished Supplements Potency, Purity, and Efficacy in a value you can’t beat Reset your Metabolism, Restore your Digestion and Renew your Vitality with our Detox Support Packs that provide antioxidants, liver and gallbladder support, sulfur-containing amino acids, and botanicals.  Use SUMMERDETOX to save 15% off Reset Restore Renew Detox Packs In this episode I share how I’ve been pulsing in 3-5 day mini-Detoxes to stay on track with travel, mindful indulgences, and ebs and flows of schedule. Steal my template below and save 15% on the Reset Restore Renew Detox packs to take at rise, midday, and bed to facilitate phase 1 and phase 2 detoxification pathways.    7am Detox Pack Lemon water, salt Green tea or matcha with Pure collagen   11am Green Smoothie with scoop of Whey Protect   3pm Detox pack 1 Jar of Fond Bone Broth   6pm Lean Green Meal: 5-6oz protein + ⅔ cup of roasted cruciferous veggies    Bed Detox pack  

This episode explores the common challenges of feeding children —and adults—who seem stuck in repetitive food patterns or resistant to trying new things. From kids in food jags who only want the same food day after day to adults cycling through the same three meals out of habit or burnout, we unpack the behavioral and sensory reasons behind food monotony and how to gently guide more variety. Listeners will learn strategies to raise more adventurous eaters, reduce mealtime battles, and reignite creativity in the kitchen. The episode offers practical tools for introducing new foods without pressure, ways to add novelty to familiar meals, and how to shift the mindset around feeding to support nourishment, flexibility, and joy for the whole family. Also in this episode:  Naturally Nourished Kids Updates Preorder Naturally Nourished Kids  Download the Naturally Nourished Kids Bonus Guide Freebie! Want us to stop in your city for book tour? Want to carry the book wholesale Email [email protected] Recipes in Naturally Nourished Kids Naturally Nourished Kids YouTube Playlist What are food jags and why are these concerning for health Setting realistic expectations Raising a taste adventurer Asking for feedback Meal planning with variety The importance of blood sugar balance Snacking and grazing Setting the tone for food acceptance and baby led weaning The importance of chew Episode 450: Food Hardness and Mandible Activation  - NEED LINK  Naturally Nourished Kids Guidelines   Sponsors for this episode:  This episode is sponsored by FOND Bone Broth, your sous chef in a jar. FOND’s bone broths and tallows are produced in small batches with premium ingredients from verified regenerative ranches. Their ingredients are synergistically paired for maximum absorption, nutritional benefit, and flavor. Use code ALIMILLERRD to save at https://fondbonebroth.com/ALIMILLERRD. 

This episode takes a deep dive into the complex world of inflammation—how it shows up in the body, its essential role in immune response and healing, and what happens when it becomes chronic. Listeners will gain insight into the signs of systemic inflammation, including joint pain, brain fog, skin issues, and digestive symptoms, along with a breakdown of how inflammation can become a driver of chronic disease when left unchecked. We also examine the risks associated with common over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications like NSAIDs, including their impact on gut integrity and long-term health outcomes. The episode offers evidence-based alternatives for pain and inflammation, including food-as-medicine strategies, targeted supplementation (like omega-3s, curcumin, and boswellia), and lifestyle practices that promote healing and regulate immune function without unwanted side effects. Also in this episode: Preorder Naturally Nourished Kids  What is inflammation? Cellular shifts and the inflammatory cascade Primary inflammatory chemicals Testing markers of inflammation hs-CRP CRP ESR Concerns with antiinflammatory medications Steroids and their side effects Top antiinflammatory supplements Super Turmeric Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin/turmeric supplementation in adults: A GRADE-assessed systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials EPA DHA Extra Cellular Antiox Anti Inflammatory Bundle Proteolytic Enzymes Inflammazyme What to eliminate to reduce inflammation MRT Test The Best Food Sensitivity Test [Everly, Pinner or MRT]  Food as medicine support Fatty Fish Berries Olive Oil Turmeric Lemon Turmeric Shooter Avocados   Sponsors for this episode:  This episode is sponsored by Wild Foods, a company that puts quality, sustainability, and health first in all of their products. They have everything from coffee to turmeric to medicinal mushrooms, and every single product is painstakingly sourced from small farms around the globe. They take their mission seriously to fix the broken food system, and believe real food is medicine. They've partnered with us to give you guys an exclusive discount, so use the code ALIMILLERRD for 12% off your order at WildFoods.co! 

Join Ali and her daughter Stella in this light episode on Healthy Eating for Tweens. Nine year old Stella shares how to build a balanced lunch, the importance of blood sugar balance, how a sugar crash feels and why you want to avoid it, her favorite foods, what she wants to be when she grows up and so much more!  In this episode, Ali and Stella talk about the world of whole real foods and how to navigate this approach to eating in the real world. Stella shares her perspective on eating differently than peers and some a-ha experiences she’s had with her nutrition. Learn about combining carbs for blood sugar balance, how to manage anxiety and find calm in your body, why being healthy matters, Disney hacks, and even enjoy some light hearted convos on what Stella would wish for if she had 3 wishes from a genie.  Ali and Stella celebrate the release of Naturally Nourished Kids this coming fall! Stella shares the recipes she’s most looking forward to: Strawberry Collagen Lemonade Bacon Cheddar Egg Bites Cool Kabobs Superfood Chicken Nuggets Citrus Salad with Sprouts Paleo Chicken Tenders with Turmeric Honey Mustard Dipping sauce  Blueberry Muffins Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Muffins   Naturally Nourished Kids Presale is live! Grab your copy here  Other references in this episode: Seedoil-free BBQ in Hill Country Texas Sponsors for this episode:  This episode is sponsored by FOND Bone Broth, your sous chef in a jar. FOND’s bone broths and tallows are produced in small batches with premium ingredients from verified regenerative ranches. Their ingredients are synergistically paired for maximum absorption, nutritional benefit, and flavor. Use code ALIMILLERRD to save at https://fondbonebroth.com/ALIMILLERRD.