Toxic Load, Stealth Infections & Lymphatic Flow: What you need to know with Dr. Steph and Dr. Leah

In this episode of What Happens in Vagus, Dr. Stephanie Canestraro sits down with Dr. Leah to explore the intricate connection between lymphatic health, chronic illness, and the body's ability to heal. They share personal experiences with chronic health challenges and discuss the techniques they are developing to support others on their healing journeys. The conversation highlights the importance of body awareness, emphasizing that understanding the body's signals is key to effective treatment and long-term wellness.Dr. Stephanie and Dr. Leah dive into the role of stealth infections, toxic load, and how external factors like EMF exposure and mold can exacerbate chronic conditions. They discuss the significance of lymphatic drainage, particularly in often-overlooked areas like the abdomen, and explain how maintaining soft tissue health can prevent injuries and support organ function. The conversation also touches on the challenges athletes face, stressing the need for preventative care to avoid chronic issues. They address common misconceptions around conditions like POTS, which can often be misdiagnosed due to its connection with toxic load. Ultimately, the episode encourages listeners to take proactive steps in their health, highlighting the importance of empowerment, self-care, and recognizing the body’s innate ability to heal.Tune in to gain valuable insights into the lymphatic system, chronic illness, and practical ways to support your body in its healing process.Let us know your thoughts on this episode here

In this episode of What Happens in Vagus, Dr. Steph shares her personal journey with upper esophageal issues and the valuable insights she gained throughout her healing process. After experiencing severe esophageal discomfort triggered by oil of oregano, Dr. Steph initially suspected she had a hiatal hernia due to her symptoms. To uncover the root cause, she underwent a biopsy, which fortunately ruled out more severe conditions but required her to follow a clear-liquid diet for several days.Eventually, she confirmed the presence of a hiatal hernia that necessitated surgical intervention. During her recovery, Dr. Steph found that pH structured silver became a transformative part of her healing process. She also highlights the significant role structural health played in her esophageal health and underscores the need to address both internal and physical aspects of the body when pursuing wellness.Dr. Steph discusses how she incorporated high-dose melatonin as part of her comprehensive healing strategy. Her story is an empowering reminder for listeners to take an active role in their health journey, explore diverse healing strategies, and consider the potential of supplements and structured approaches to support digestive and esophageal health.Tune in to this health-focused episode to learn from Dr. Steph’s experience and gain actionable insights to help you optimize your structural and digestive health.Let us know your thoughts on this episode here

In this heartfelt solo episode, Dr. Steph takes a moment to reflect on the past month and the recurring challenges she faces every November. She opens up about a significant hurdle in her health journey, sharing both the joy she experienced recently and the frustration of a new setback. Currently dealing with upper GI issues, Dr. Steph candidly describes her symptoms, which include swelling in her arms, a rapid heart rate, and stomach acid causing irritation.She reveals her diagnosis of a hiatal hernia and severe esophagitis and shares the various tools she’s exploring to support her healing. These include myofascial therapy, methylene blue, and red light therapy.Dr. Steph offers this episode as a source of comfort and solidarity for anyone navigating similar symptoms or health struggles. Her message is simple yet powerful: if you’re going through tough times with your health, keep going. You’re not alone, and healing is possible. Tune in for an honest and encouraging conversation about resilience and self-care in the face of adversity.Let us know your thoughts on this episode here

In this episode, we’re flipping the script once again! Teri Canestraro, Dr. Stephanie’s sister-in-law, takes over as host to interview Dr. Steph in a raw, heartfelt, and revealing conversation that gives listeners a glimpse into Dr. Steph’s brilliant mind.Teri begins by diving into how Dr. Steph defines herself and her practice, addressing the common confusion surrounding titles outside of "medical doctor" in today’s world. Dr. Steph shares her unique approach, painting a vivid picture of how the body is interconnected and emphasizing the importance of empowerment in staying the course to feeling well.The conversation shifts to the challenges of managing energy while helping others, as Dr. Steph reflects on how giving too much in the past affected her well-being. She passionately explains why it’s crucial to invest in finding the root cause of health issues now, rather than ignoring symptoms and facing greater costs—both financial and physical—later.Teri then presents buzzwords commonly seen on social media, such as "autoimmune disease," "gut health," and "chronic inflammation," prompting Dr. Steph to share her insights. She introduces the concept of the internal "toxin bucket," detailing what happens when it overflows and the impact it has on the body.The conversation takes a heartfelt turn as Dr. Steph opens up about her darkest moments during her Lyme disease journey, sharing the emotional toll it took and how it shaped her perspective.To end on a lighter note, the episode wraps up with a fun round of rapid-fire questions, giving listeners a chance to get to know Dr. Steph on a more personal level.This candid and inspiring episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to better understand their health, take control of their well-being, and connect with their body on a deeper level.Let us know your thoughts on this episode here

In this enlightening episode, Dr. Michael Gurevich, a board-certified psychiatrist, takes us on his transformative journey from conventional psychiatry to holistic medicine. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Gurevich shares his evolution toward incorporating neural therapy, trauma resolution techniques, and other holistic methods into his practice. He underscores the significance of treating both physical and emotional traumas through methods like muscle testing and neural therapy injections, which have shown remarkable effectiveness in his work, especially with patients suffering from complex health issues like Lyme disease. Dr. Gurevich reveals his personal battle with Lyme disease and how his healing journey inspired his approach, emphasizing the body's interconnectedness and the impact of infections on mental health. He delves into the role of epigenetics in inherited trauma and how this insight shapes his therapeutic approach. Moreover, he introduces listeners to innovative methods, including bee venom therapy and the crucial need to address dental issues as potential “interference fields” impacting overall health. Throughout the episode, Dr. Gurevich and Dr. Steph discuss the lasting effects of trauma on the body and mind and the importance of a comprehensive approach to wellness. For those interested in neural therapy, Dr. Gurevich highlights educational resources and his commitment to advancing this work through workshops and training. He concludes with a powerful message on the importance of addressing trauma for both mental and physical health and offers his contact information for listeners eager to learn more or seek treatment. Visit his website hereLearn more about the North American Academy of Neural Therapy here.Follow Dr. Stephanie on Instagram here.Follow Dr. Stephanie's Functional Medicine Clinic - Vagus ClinicCheck out our new website hereLet us know your thoughts on this episode here

In this insightful episode of What Happens in Vagus, host Dr. Stephanie sits down with her dear friend Dr. Nicole Rivera, Founder and CEO of Integrative You and creator of The Higher-Self Architecture. They dive right into the fast pace of life, discussing how it’s easy to get swept up in career goals while neglecting personal needs—a shared experience that initially connected them. Both Dr. Stephanie and Dr. Nicole emphasize the importance of living a fulfilling, balanced life and making space for both career and personal growth.Dr. Nicole shares her approach to reframing thoughts, encouraging listeners to view challenging experiences not as setbacks but as lessons. Rather than perceiving life’s difficulties as inherently “bad,” she suggests asking, “What is this teaching me?” They explore the difference between motivation and inspiration, noting how these energies can drive personal growth in unique ways.The conversation also touches on the significance of saying “no” and setting boundaries to gain clarity, an essential step toward achieving inner balance. The two doctors candidly discuss how to become a better leader and address personal trauma, diving into the often uncomfortable process of change and healing.As the episode closes, Dr. Nicole and Dr. Stephanie remind listeners that life’s hard moments can coexist with positive experiences. Real balance, they agree, involves being open to both and learning to navigate life’s complexities with resilience. This episode offers practical insights for anyone looking to cultivate a more mindful, intentional life.Learn more about Dr. Nicole:After 14 years in Integrative Medicine, Dr. Nicole and co-founder Dr. Nick, became experts in the clinical field discovering the root causes behind their patient’s most complex mystery health cases. Understanding we are all an integration of mind, body, and energy they continued to dive deeper into the source of vitality and healing. In their exploration, they began to see far more layers of emotion, frequency, and mental factors required to unlock one’s health potential. They believe our healthcare should reflect the depths and complexities of your unique integrated being. That is when they designed a methodology powered by Integrative Medicine, but also incorporating Quantum Psychology, Human Behavior, Functional Neurology, Quantum Energy, Meditation, and Manifestation, to form their proprietary program: the Higher Self Architecture. Now they provide highly customized concierge healthcare to the movers and shakers of the world who are deeply invested in seeking the best health for themselves and their families!Visit the Integrative You Instagram page here.Follow Dr. Stephanie on Instagram here.Follow Dr. Stephanie's Functional Medicine Clinic - Vagus ClinicCheck out our new website hereLet us know your thoughts on this episode here

In this week’s episode of the What Happens in Vagus podcast, we are joined by Simone Fortier, the Founder of the Fascia Training Institute, who shares her incredible journey of self-healing and discovery. Simone begins by recounting her childhood experiences as a neurodivergent individual with hypermobility, a condition that caused her to walk into walls, trip easily, and suffer from multiple concussions—something that continued into her adult life. Despite presenting her symptoms to various doctors, mild traumatic brain injuries were never considered, leaving her with unanswered questions and lingering health issues.Empowered by this challenging journey, Simone took her healing into her own hands, ultimately learning how to treat her body. She dives deep into an explanation of fascia, explaining what it is and how it functions in the body, as well as the techniques she developed over the years to treat fascia effectively.The conversation then shifts to nutrition's important role in health and healing. Simone shares a heartfelt story about working with two young boys with ADHD, guiding them through her program and watching their commitment to healing unfold. She also touches on her research into neurotransmitters and various types of ADHD, highlighting the complexities of the condition.The episode wraps up with Simone discussing how listeners can find her and her work, along with the release of her new book, Rise Up. This conversation is packed with valuable insights into fascia, neurodivergence, and the power of self-empowerment in the healing process.Learn more about Simone - Simone Fortier is a best-selling author, renowned teacher,  ADHD Consultant, manual therapist, and visionary with 30 years of experience; she is a best-selling author in the book “Rise Up” co-authored with Lisa Nichols.Simone's expertise, which spans clinical trials and case studies on brain nutrition, innovative healing programs, and transformative therapy for professional athletes, Olympic Athletes, kids, and healthcare practitioners, has significantly impacted the field of healing and personal transformation.Founding the Fascia Training Institute, Simone has revolutionized treatments in brain nutrition and Pain Management, providing hope and relief for those suffering from neurological distress and chronic pain. Her intuitive therapy sessions, backed by science, target the root causes of suffering, facilitating recovery and relief.A prolific author, Simone’s works, including How to Beat Brain Burps and How to Heal Plantar Fasciitis, Beyond the Impact: Mastering Headache Relief, and Brain Restoration After Concussion, and her forthcoming title, Concussion Recovery Guide, promise to enrich lives with practical wellness strategies. Check out her websites here: www.simonefortier.com  & www.fasciatraininginstitute.com/brain-health-assessmentFollow Dr. Stephanie on Instagram here.Follow Dr. Stephanie's Functional Medicine Clinic - Vagus ClinicCheck out our new website hereLet us know your thoughts on this episode hereLet us know your thoughts on this episode here

In this episode, Dr. Steph sits down with Autumn Smith, the Co-Founder of Paleovalley, to hear her remarkable health journey and the story behind her thriving business. Autumn begins by sharing her personal experience of growing up with IBS and how she initially accepted daily discomfort as a norm. As she got older, the condition worsened, becoming unbearable. That all changed when she met her now-husband, who helped her discover a healthier way of living, sparking her new journey focused on the Paleo Diet.However, this lifestyle shift came with challenges, particularly finding convenient food options aligned with the Paleo approach. This led Autumn and her husband to venture into the world of food production, despite having no prior experience in the industry.The conversation then shifts to Autumn’s current work on her dissertation, where she dives into the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid ratios in beef, and the ongoing debate between grain-fed and grass-fed cattle. They also explore the often-overlooked nutritional benefits of organ meats, the value of glycine and collagen, and the healing properties of bone broth.Autumn highlights the benefits of whey protein and certain herbs, and the significance of consuming clean, high-quality coffee, explaining what sets Paleovalley's product apart. Finally, the episode concludes with a discussion on cholesterol and its role in health.Learn more about Autumn:Autumn Smith suffered from debilitating digestive issues and crippling anxiety for most of her life. Specialist after specialist told her nothing could be done, and she was ready to give up. But as one final attempt at a life free of health issues, Autumn decided to harness the power of whole foods. She cleaned up her diet and in just 30 days, her IBS was cured. But that was just the beginning. She also had less anxiety, was mentally sharper, and a bubbly side of her that she forgot existed came back. Since then, Autumn has dedicated her life to helping others harness the power of whole foods to live vibrant lives.Check out Paleovalley's website here.Follow Dr. Stephanie on Instagram here.Follow Dr. Stephanie's Functional Medicine Clinic - Vagus ClinicCheck out our new website hereLet us know your thoughts on this episode here

In this special episode of What Happens in Vagus Podcast, Dr. Stephanie takes a break from hosting and steps into the interviewee's seat for an enlightening conversation. The episode kicks off with Dr. Steph reflecting on the early days of her career, sharing stories about the influential people she encountered, such as Charles Poliquin, and how the mentorship and answering her curious questions helped shape her into the practitioner she is today. The conversation quickly heats up as Dr. Steph dives into a hot topic: why so many people today are dealing with stuck lymphatic systems. She provides valuable insight and tips on how to protect yourself from the growing exposure to manmade frequencies, like 5G, reminding us that “the dose makes the poison.” From there, she explores the crucial role drainage plays in any successful protocol and introduces her popular “toxin bucket” analogy to help listeners visualize how toxins accumulate in the body over time.Throughout the episode, Dr. Steph emphasizes the importance of vagal toning and stimulation, sharing techniques that can support the nervous system. She also discusses her favorite biohacks, including the use of organo mushroom coffee as part of her daily routine.In the final segment, Dr. Steph provides an in-depth look at The Vagus Clinic, explaining how her team works collaboratively with clients to create personalized health protocols. This episode is packed with practical wisdom, delivered through the lens of Dr. Steph’s decades of experience in the health and wellness field. Let us know your thoughts on this episode here

In this episode, Dr. Steph chats with Dane Johnson, Founder & CEO of Crohns Colitis Lifestyle, who dives straight into the personal story that fuels his mission today. Dane shares how his life-threatening health journey, marked by a lack of support and resources, became the catalyst for his work in helping others. Reflecting on his childhood, he reveals that what seemed like a typical upbringing was, in hindsight, detrimental to his health, as he had limited exposure to natural and healthier lifestyle choices. He walks us through the repetitive cycle of doctor visits and medication changes that offered temporary relief but ultimately led to a pivotal moment when he decided to take control of his health.Dane emphasizes the importance of consistency over perfectionism in the path to better health, stressing that the first critical step is reducing toxic exposure. As the CEO of his health, he has developed a comprehensive program called S.H.I.E.L.D., which he explains in detail—what it stands for and how it works. Throughout the conversation, they explore the root causes of chronic disease, the power of self-empowerment, and several essential keys to living a truly healthy life.More about Dane: Dane Johnson is the Founder/CEO of Crohn's Colitis Lifestyle and a Holistic Nutritionist specializing in reversing Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. Dane’s story ignited through a life-threatening case of  Crohn’s/Colitis which nearly took his life December 2014. Since committing his life to natural healing he has remained surgery and medication-free while eliminating IBD symptoms. To date, Dane and his passionate team of specialists and coaches have created 500+ success stories for reversing IBD symptoms using his signature S.H.I.E.L.D. Program. His international IBD consulting firm is one of the few organizations in the world that only treat IBD, and see roughly 100+ international IBD cases a week despite any unique needs! Dane and his team have successfully worked with of IBD clients despite surgery, age, medication, past experiences, diet preferences, extreme cases, world location or culture. His passion, unique experience, and niche in the field of IBD have empowered him to create unparalleled value for real, long-term symptom relief for those suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease.Interested in Dane's program, please check it out here  Please click here for Dane's Healing JournalFollow Dr. Stephanie on Instagram here.Follow Dr. Stephanie's Functional Medicine Clinic - Vagus ClinicCheck out our new website hereLet us know your thoughts on this episode here