#408 Listener Q&A: Mast Cells, RA, Fertility Qs & Skin Signals with Christa Biegler, RD

Send us a textIt’s the end of June, and I’m wrapping up our listener-powered Q&A series with a jam-packed solo episode. I tackle three big questions from Sarah, Jeanine and Wendy that span swollen fingers after COVID, mast-cell mayhem, bumps around the eyes, fertility prep, and even rheumatoid arthritis. Thanks for being here! KEY TAKEAWAYS:Swollen Fingers Post-COVID: Often linked to cellular stress, mineral imbalances (esp. low potassium), and mast cell activation. Support adrenals and mineral status first.Mast Cell & Eczema: Consider nervous system inputs (EMDR, breathwork, stress history), liver drainage, and gentle anti-inflammatory support like Holy Basil.Fertility Prep: Focus on mitochondrial support, nutrient repletion, progesterone monitoring, and nervous system regulation at least 3 months preconception.Skin Bumps Around Eyes: Often tied to liver sluggishness and drainage issues. Use face mapping as a tool; consider low-level toxin load and mineral depletion.RA vs. OA: RA = immune dysfunction; assess food reactivity (e.g., nightshades), gut health, and family toxin exposure. OA = structural; consider regenerative injections (e.g., prolozone).Family Symptom Clusters: Think environmental—evaluate for mold, radon, or metals (e.g., uranium on HTMA). Toxic burden may explain “mystery” symptoms.Rate • Review • Reach OutLove these quick-fire case breakdowns? Share the episode, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and drop your next burning question here https://www.christabiegler.com/questions and I might answer it on air after our July 4th hiatus.See you in July, Christa 🧡

Send us a text 🌟 ⚠️ This is the episode you didn’t know you desperately needed. 💥 Wills, trusts, probate... sounds boring? Think again. This convo might just save your family thousands—and a whole lot of stress. 👀💸 This week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I’m joined by estate attorney and certified performance coach Ali Goff, who’s not only brilliant but also shows up to legal talks in a T-shirt that says “Future Dead Person.” So you know we’re going to have fun while talking about something that usually feels… well, kind of morbid.In this honest and surprisingly juicy convo, we’re digging into trusts, wills, and the documents every adult needs—but most avoid until it’s too late. I brought Ali on the show (and to our upcoming retreat in Salt Lake City 🎉) because she knows how to make complex stuff digestible and, dare I say, enjoyable. She also drops some wild stories that might just light a fire under your adulting.Whether you’re 35 or 75, this episode will make you laugh and realize just how much stress (and money) you can save your family by planning now.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Why estate planning isn’t just for the rich or the retiredWhat actually happens when you die without a will or trust (hint: it’s not pretty)The $50K+ mistake most families make without realizing itWhy online legal templates might cost you more than they saveThe difference between a will and a trust—and why one skips court dramaWhat documents every parent must have in place (especially for guardianship)How to make sure your family isn’t left scrambling in a medical or financial emergency👯‍♀️ Want to hang with Ali and me in person? There are still a few seats left for the fall retreat. It's not just about health—it's about protecting your peace, your people, and your legacy. Apply now: https://www.lessstressedliferetreats.com/saltlakeABOUT GUEST: Alexandria “Ali” Goff is the founder and CEO of Goff Legal, a boutique California law firm specializing in estate planning and administration. A passionate educator and certified performance coach, Ali empowers fiduciaries and business owners to grow with clarity and confidence. She frequently speaks for professional organizations and serves on the UC Davis School of Law Alumni Board. Outside of work, Ali lives in Loomis with her husband, two sons, and their menagerie of pets. She’s also a Level 1 Sommelier who enjoys wine tasting, travel, and live music. WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://gofflegal.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goff.legal/ WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I’m answering two listener questions—one about histamine intolerance and another about gut testing for a 3-year-old with allergies and chronic symptoms. If you’ve ever wondered whether histamine is really the problem or if stool testing is worth the investment, this episode is for you.In this episode, I share why histamine intolerance is almost always a secondary issue (not the root cause), what body systems need support instead, and how I approach gut testing in young kids—especially when allergies, itching, and immune symptoms are involved. I also walk through how to think critically about testing and what questions to ask before you invest.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Why histamine isn’t the root cause—and what usually isHow symptoms like allergies, flushing, anxiety, or hives can signal deeper dysfunctionWhen DAO enzymes might help—and why I rarely use themWhat the GI MAP stool test actually reveals (and what it doesn’t)The #1 mistake people make with testing—and how to avoid itHow to think like a practitioner when evaluating symptoms, history, and lab data❓Questions for Christa? Submit it here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions 🚨Christa is currently taking clients through the end of June! Book a call here: https://www.christabiegler.com/scheduleWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeLeave a review, submit a questions for the podcast or take one of my quizzes here: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksNUTRITION PHILOSOPHY: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone 💛 Do your best and leave the rest

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I’m answering two listener questions around childhood eczema—when it flares from pool exposure and when gut healing alone isn’t enough. If you’ve been navigating eczema with your child (or yourself) and feel like you’ve hit a wall despite diet changes and supplements, this one’s for you.In this episode, I break down the different types of eczema and how they react to things like chlorine, chemical sensitivity, and gut imbalances. I also share what clues to look for (like how symptoms show up after swimming or starting solids) and why doing things in the right order can make all the difference.❓Got your own question for Christa? Submit it here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions 🚨Christa is currently taking clients through the end of June! Book a call here: https://www.christabiegler.com/scheduleKEY TAKEAWAYS: • When chlorine (or other pool chemicals) may calm vs. flare eczema • How to identify different eczema types and what they really mean • Why gut healing protocols don’t always work—and what to do instead • What birth stories, antibiotics, and early solids can tell you about root causes • Why order of operations matters (especially in kids under 5) • When it’s time to stop guessing and get fresh eyes on the caseWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeLeave a review, submit a questions for the podcast or take one of my quizzes here: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksNUTRITION PHILOSOPHY: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone 💛 Do your best and leave the rest

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I’m joined by Nicole Sachs for a juicy and mind-blowing convo that just might change the way you think about your symptoms.Nicole is a total powerhouse when it comes to helping people heal chronic pain, anxiety, long COVID, and all the mystery symptoms that make you feel like a walking question mark. We get into her story of being diagnosed with a gnarly spinal condition at 19, how she healed without surgery, and what that has to do with repressed emotions, a dysregulated nervous system, and a little tool she created called JournalSpeak.We’re talking science, soul, and the sneaky ways our bodies try to keep us “safe” by holding onto stuff we were never meant to carry. If you’ve been spinning your wheels trying to fix your pain, fatigue, gut issues, skin flares, or anxiety, you are going to want to take notes on this one.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Why your pain is real even if it’s not coming from where you thinkHow your body uses symptoms to protect you from emotional overloadWhat the emotional reservoir is and why it keeps overflowingWhy some people feel emotionally frozen and how to safely thawHow to rewire your brain and regulate your nervous system with JournalSpeakWhy self-compassion is not fluffy—it’s freaking necessary for healing ABOUT GUEST:Nicole Sachs, LCSW is a psychotherapist, author, speaker, and creator of the JournalSpeak method and The Cure for Chronic Pain platform. A direct student of Dr. John Sarno, Nicole has helped hundreds of thousands of people around the world heal from chronic pain, anxiety, and other mind-body conditions without medication or surgery. Through her books (Mind Your Body, The Meaning of Truth), podcast, courses, retreats, and practitioner training program, Nicole teaches the science and soul of self-healing with compassion, clarity, and a little bit of sass.WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://www.yourbreakawake.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicolesachslcswWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeNUTRITION PHILOSOPHY:Over restriction is dead.Whole food is soul food and fed is bestSustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)You don’t have to figure it out aloneDo your best and leave the rest

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I’m joined by the one and only Danielle Kepics, who you might remember from our hair loss episode not long ago. Danielle is a certified fertility educator, functional medicine practitioner, former mental health therapist, and all-around powerhouse in women's health.In this juicy and eye-opening conversation, we’re talking all about hormonal birth control and the things most women are never told. Danielle shares her own story of being put on the pill before she was even sexually active, how it impacted her mood and health for years, and the lightbulb moment that changed everything. If you’ve ever wondered how the pill affects your body beyond preventing pregnancy, this one is for you. Danielle brings the fire and the fun while dropping truth bombs that every woman needs to hear. You are going to love this one.KEY TAKEAWAYS:What your period is really telling you about your healthWhy the pill does not regulate hormones or give you a real cycleHow birth control impacts mood, anxiety, and nutrient levelsThe connection between IUDs, the vagus nerve, and mental healthWhy some women feel completely different (or even pick different partners) after stopping the pillWhat you can do to support your body when coming off hormonal birth controlCheck out Danielle's other episode: #399 Ultimate Guide to Hair LossABOUT GUEST:Danielle Kepics, PA-C, is a functional health practitioner, certified fertility educator, mental health therapist, nutrition coach, and former personal trainer — earning her the title of "unicorn" in women’s health. After a decade in conventional medicine, she founded Empowered Mind + Body and now helps women optimize their health through lifestyle and clinical deep dives. Danielle is also the co-founder of Unconventional Collaborative, a mastermind for health pros. Outside of work, she's an adventure-loving Enneagram 8w7, passionate about movement, connection, and living authentically. WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielle.kepicsWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlife

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I’m doing something a little different. In this solo episode, I’m sharing a raw, real behind-the-scenes reflection on the costly mistakes I made by outsourcing my financial decisions and the powerful shift that happened when I decided to take my power back.If you’ve ever felt intimidated, overwhelmed, or just checked out when it comes to money, this episode is for you. You’ll walk away with clarity, confidence, and 4️⃣ powerful questions to start reclaiming your financial well-being starting today.🌿 KEY TAKEAWAYS:✨ Why outsourcing too much—in health or wealth—can cost you big 🧘 Christa’s personal story of financial overwhelm (and what changed) 📝 4 confidence-boosting money questions to ask yourself today 🌱 What it really means to stop outsourcing your power🌿 Want to go deeper? Join Christa this September in Salt Lake City. The Well-thy Woman Retreat is a 4-day immersive experience for women ready to reclaim their power in health and wealth without burnout or confusion.✔️ Get your financial systems in order ✔️ Clear lingering health roadblocks ✔️ Walk away with a personalized, doable plan✨ Gorgeous setting. Incredible food. Zero judgment. 🪩 Apply now → https://www.lessstressedliferetreats.com/saltlakeWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeLeave a review, submit a questions for the podcast or take one of my quizzes here: https://www.christabiegler.com/links❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questionsNUTRITION PHILOSOPHY: 🍽️ Over restriction is dead 🥑 Whole food is soul food and fed is best 🔄 Sustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards) 🤝 You don’t have to figure it out alone 💛 Do your best and leave the rest

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I’m joined by Morley Robbins, creator of the Root Cause Protocol and expert in mineral metabolism, to unpack why high-dose vitamin D supplements might actually be making your symptoms worse instead of better.In this eye-opening conversation, we talk about why low vitamin D on a lab doesn’t always mean deficiency, how inflammation and hidden infections can disrupt vitamin D metabolism, and why minerals like magnesium, copper, and retinol are critical for proper function. If you're struggling with fatigue, hormone issues, or have been told you’re vitamin D deficient, this episode will help you rethink your approach to healing.KEY TAKEAWAYS:What low vitamin D really means and why it may be a sign of inflammationHow infections and immune dysfunction impact vitamin D metabolismThe vital roles of magnesium, copper, and retinol in supporting vitamin DWhy supplementing vitamin D without cofactors can make symptoms worseHow to test for both storage and active vitamin DHow to safely restore mineral balance using the Root Cause ProtocolMegan Mangin's paper mentioned in episode: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25048990/ABOUT GUEST:Morley Robbins is the creator of the Root Cause Protocol and founder of the Magnesium Advocacy Group. Known as the “Magnesium Man,” Morley left a decades-long career in hospital administration after a personal healing experience led him to question everything he thought he knew about health. Since then, he’s become a passionate educator on mineral balance, performing thousands of consults and digging deep into the roles of magnesium, copper, and iron in chronic illness. Through his research and coaching, Morley helps people get to the root cause of fatigue, inflammation, and hormonal imbalances—one mineral at a time.WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://therootcauseprotocol.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therootcauseprotocol/WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeSPONSOR:Thanks to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode! Struggling with dry, cracked hands? Try their Alaska Cod Liver Oil for omega-3s + vitamins A & D to support skin and immune health. Use code LESSSTRESSED10 at JigsawHealth.com for 10% off—unlimited use!

Send us a text 🎉 IT’S OUR 400TH EPISODE, BABY!! 🎉 This week on The Less Stressed Life, we’re joined by integrative psychiatrist Dr. James Greenblatt, who has spent over 30 years using nutrition and functional testing to support mental health.We’re breaking down how deficiencies in B12, magnesium, zinc, vitamin D, and even lithium can mimic or worsen anxiety, depression, ADHD, and eating disorders—and why standard lab work often misses the full picture.If your labs say “normal” but you still don’t feel like yourself, this episode explains why and what to consider next.Get free access to the webinar Answers to Anorexia: Malnourished Minds through May 31, 2025 with code LESSSTRESSED → https://www.courses.psychiatryredefined.org/courses/anorexia-nervosa-malnourished-minds-webinarPsychiatry Redefined offers clinician training programs starting this spring/summer—including an intensive for therapists and a new Pediatric Functional Psychiatry Fellowship. Learn more: https://www.psychiatryredefined.org/💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS:💥 Why your brain is the ultimate nutrient hog💥 How low B12, D, magnesium, and zinc can mimic anxiety, depression & ADHD💥 Why zinc deficiency looks a LOT like anorexia (👀 shocking but true)💥 The most misunderstood brain nutrient ever: lithium (nope, not the prescription kind)💥 How to use testing smartly to find what your brain's really missing ABOUT GUEST: Dr. James Greenblatt is a board-certified child and adult psychiatrist and a pioneer in integrative and nutritional psychiatry. Since 1988, he’s been using personalized, evidence-based approaches to treat mental health conditions by addressing underlying nutrient and biochemical imbalances. He trained at George Washington University and completed a fellowship at Johns Hopkins, has served as a clinical professor at Tufts and Dartmouth, and is the author of eight books—including Finally Focused and Answers to Anorexia. He’s also the founder of Psychiatry Redefined, an educational platform for integrative mental health professionals. WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://www.jamesgreenblattmd.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychiatry_redefinedWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeSPONSOR:Thanks to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode! Struggling with dry, cracked hands? Try their Alaska Cod Liver Oil for omega-3s + vitamins A & D to support skin and immune health. Use code LESSSTRESSED10 at JigsawHealth.com for 10% off—unlimited use!

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, we’re diving into the surprisingly emotional (and super frustrating) world of hair loss, stress, and scalp health with the one and only Danielle Kepics, PA-C.Danielle is a certified fertility educator, functional medicine practitioner, and former PA with a unicorn-level background in women’s health—and she’s sharing her real-life, two-year journey through post-COVID hair loss, scalp breakage, mold scares, and what finally helped her regrow healthy, strong hair (spoiler: it wasn’t just about shampoo).We’re talking about why your hair might be falling out even if you’re “doing everything right,” what role stress, nutrient depletion, and medications play, and how to support your scalp like you do your skin. If your hairbrush has been looking a little scary lately, this conversation is going to feel like a deep breath and a game plan. 🙌💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS:Why “poverty calories” stall healthy hair growth (and how to fix it)The hidden role of post-viral infections, mold, and chronic stress in hair lossThe meds that quietly contribute to hair thinning (think birth control, SSRIs, thyroid meds)How to treat your scalp like skin for better hair regrowthWhy patience, persistence, and a microscope were key to Danielle’s recoveryABOUT GUEST: Danielle Kepics, PA-C, is a functional health practitioner, certified fertility educator, mental health therapist, nutrition coach, and former personal trainer — earning her the title of "unicorn" in women’s health. After a decade in conventional medicine, she founded Empowered Mind + Body and now helps women optimize their health through lifestyle and clinical deep dives. Danielle is also the co-founder of Unconventional Collaborative, a mastermind for health pros. Outside of work, she's an adventure-loving Enneagram 8w7, passionate about movement, connection, and living authentically. WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://www.empoweredmindbody.co/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielle.kepicsWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeSPONSOR:Thanks to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode! Struggling with dry, cracked hands? Try their Alaska Cod Liver Oil for omega-3s + vitamins A & D to support skin and immune health. Use code LESSSTRESSED10 at JigsawHealth.com for 10% off—unlimited use!