#312 Is the integrative process outdated? a debate with Christa Biegler, RD and Jen Fugo, MSS, CNS

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!WORK WITH CHRISTA: I've streamlined my proven method to help you get to the REAL root of eczema and food sensitivities—without the overwhelm. Join the program at christabiegler.com before doors close!

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!WORK WITH CHRISTA: I've streamlined my proven method to help you get to the REAL root of eczema and food sensitivities—without the overwhelm. Join the program at christabiegler.com before doors close!

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!

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life, we're talking about reversing cognitive decline and optimizing brain health with Dr. Heather Sandison, author of Reversing Alzheimer’s. As a naturopathic doctor and founder of the first memory recovery residential program, Dr. Sandison shares the six root causes of neurodegeneration—and how you can bring the brain back into balance at any age.We’re talking about reversing Alzheimer’s and neurodegenerative conditions (although it is so much more). From toxins to stress to nutrition, this empowering episode offers real hope and practical tools for preventing and even reversing memory loss. Whether you're supporting a loved one or thinking ahead for your own brain, this is one conversation you don't want to miss.Dr. Sandison's free Keto Diet Guide can be downloaded at: https://www.drheathersandison.com/In that website people can also watch all her content and read her blogKEY TAKEAWAYS:The six root causes of cognitive decline (and how to assess them)How toxins and stress quietly sabotage brain healthWhat your ApoE4 gene does—and doesn’t—mean for your futureSigns of early cognitive decline most people missWhat Dr. Sandison’s clinical trial revealed about reversing Alzheimer’sABOUT GUEST:Dr. Heather Sandison is the NYT bestselling author of “Reversing Alzheimer’s The New Toolkit to Improve Cognition and Protect Brain Health”. She is a renowned naturopathic doctor specializing in neurocognitive medicine and the founder of Solcere Health Clinic, San Diego’s premier brain optimization clinic, and Marama, a residential program turning memory care into memory recovery. She has dedicated her career to supporting those suffering with dementia and is the primary author of peer reviewed research published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. She is excited to shatter common misconceptions about Alzheimer’s and share what she has learned about keeping your brain sharp at any age.WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://www.drheathersandison.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.heathersandison/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!WORK WITH CHRISTA: I've streamlined my proven method to help you get to the REAL root of eczema and food sensitivities—without the overwhelm. Join the program at christabiegler.com before doors close!

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, we’re diving into the world of holistic and airway dentistry with Dr. Julia Sadove-Lopez—a biological dentist turned virtual consultant who's helping families decode the wild world of oral development, mouth breathing, and pediatric dental treatment options.After moving from Chicago to Portugal (yes, really!), Dr. Julia shifted from traditional dentistry to guiding parents through finding the right solutions for their kids’ sleep, airway, and oral health challenges. From picky eating to tongue ties, teeth grinding, and sleep apnea—this episode uncovers what might really be going on under the surface.In this episode, Dr. Julia shares what most parents (and adults!) don’t realize about early signs of dysfunction—and what to do when the advice you're getting from different providers feels totally conflicting. We also break down her signature “three-stage” approach to airway-focused care and why you always have options.KEY TAKEAWAYS:Why “you should save for braces” might be a red flag 🚩The connection between mouth breathing, poor sleep, and behavior issuesHow feeding issues, reflux, or gag reflex may point to oral dysfunctionDr. Julia’s 3 stages of treatment: Natural Nurturers, Guided Growers & Foundation FixersWhat’s really behind grinding, crowding, and chronic dental issuesWhy timing, symptoms, and lifestyle all factor into choosing the right treatmentHow adults and kids both benefit from airway evaluationThe power of parental intuition in the treatment decision processABOUT GUEST:Dr. Julia is the founder of Oris Wellness, a consulting company dedicated to empowering parents with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions about their child’s oral and airway health. Through one-on-one sessions, she provides objective guidance on treatment options and helps families connect with qualified airway-focused providers. Her mission is to bridge the gap between professional expertise and parental intuition. Originally trained in Biological and Airway Dentistry in Chicago, she now calls Portugal home.WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://www.oriswellness.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oris.wellness/ Dr. Julia's FREE e-Book: https://oriswellnessnewletter.ck.page/ 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!WORK WITH CHRISTA: I've streamlined my proven method to help you get to the REAL root of eczema and food sensitivities—without the overwhelm. Join the program at christabiegler.com before doors close!

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life, we’re talking about breaking free from diet culture and rebuilding trust with your body. Clinical psychologist, registered dietitian and fitness expert Dr. Supatra Tovar shares how stress, restriction and shame disrupt hunger cues and what it really takes to feel safe, nourished and whole again. If you’ve ever struggled with emotional eating, body image or the pressure to do it all, this empowering episode offers practical tools and a fresh perspective on food, health and healing. KEY TAKEAWAYS:Why dieting fails and how your body fights backHow restriction leads to stress, brain fog and binge cyclesWhat hunger hormones are really telling youHow to reconnect with true hunger and fullness cuesThe surprising reason moms and high achievers ignore their needsA simple daily “vitals” check-in to support your energy and mindsetABOUT GUEST:Dr. Supatra Tovar is one of the only clinical psychologists who is also a registered dietitian and certified fitness expert, uniquely combining behavioral psychology, nutritional science, and exercise to help clients reduce stress, heal from disordered eating, and improve overall wellness. She is the founder of ANEW (Advanced Nutrition and Emotional Wellness) and creator of the “Deprogram Diet Culture” method, available as both a course and book. A sought-after speaker and media expert, Dr. Tovar draws from over 20 years of experience to help others make simple daily changes that transform mindset, relationships, and health. WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://drsupatratovar.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drsupatratovarBook - Deprogram Diet Culture: https://www.anew-insight.com/bookCourse - Deprogram Diet Culture: https://www.anew-insight.com/course✨Dr. Tovar's FREEBIES: https://www.anew-insight.com/freebiesWHERE 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!WORK WITH CHRISTA: I've streamlined my proven method to help you get to the REAL root of eczema and food sensitivities—without the overwhelm. Join the program at christabiegler.com before doors close!

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, we’re diving into the power of breathwork for daily practice with breath expert and fitness professional Josh Seiler. After a long battle with a mysterious lung infection that left doctors stumped, Josh turned to breathwork and oxygen therapy—and fully healed. Now, he teaches others how to use the breath to regulate stress, improve focus, and support overall health.In this episode, Josh shares simple, science-backed techniques to shift out of anxiety, increase mental clarity, and even enhance athletic performance. We also talk about how the way you breathe (nose vs. mouth, belly vs. chest) impacts your nervous system, immune function, and energy levels.Special Offer: Josh offers a free 7-day trial to his online wellness community, where members can kickstart their journey with a 3-day sustainability challenge designed to spark real, lasting change: https://www.skool.com/breathemovebreathe-3218/aboutKEY TAKEAWAYS:Why slower breathing = better nervous system regulationThe “perfect breath” to reduce anxiety and increase oxygen absorptionTechniques for ADHD, anxiety, and improved focusHow breathwork boosts performance through CO₂ trainingWhy diaphragmatic and nasal breathing matterSimple ways to start a daily breathwork habitABOUT GUEST:Josh, a seasoned figure in fitness and wellness, embarked on his journey in 2009. Establishing a prominent Fitness Coaching company in Denver, CO, he encountered a serious lung infection in 2018 that stumped Western Medicine. Turning to breathwork and oxygen therapy, Josh miraculously healed himself and regained his health through focused breathing techniques. This experience propelled him to delve deeper into breathwork, leading to the establishment of a thriving global breathwork company. Now residing in the enchanting Black Hills of South Dakota, Josh continues to share his expertise through online content, teaching engagements, certifications and instructor trainings.WHERE TO FIND:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshseilerofficial/Breathe Move Breathe Wellness Collective: https://www.skool.com/breathemovebreathe-3218/about 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!WORK WITH CHRISTA: I've streamlined my proven method to help you get to the REAL root of eczema and food sensitivities—without the overwhelm. Join the program at christabiegler.com before doors close!

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I'm talking about something huge that most people don’t realize: stress is often the hidden trigger behind gut and skin issues. If you’ve been struggling with eczema, rashes, bloating, or food sensitivities and nothing seems to help, stress could be the missing piece.In this episode, I break down three major ways stress impacts your body, from depleting key nutrients to shutting down digestion and suppressing immune function. I also share practical strategies for rebuilding resilience, replenishing nutrients, and supporting your gut and skin so you can start feeling better for good.❓Questions about your own health struggles? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions🚨Christa is currently taking clients! Click here to book a Root Cause Clarity Call: https://www.christabiegler.com/fssKEY TAKEAWAYS:How stress depletes key nutrients needed for gut and skin healthThe surprising way stress shuts down digestion, leading to bloating & food sensitivitiesWhy immune suppression from stress can trigger eczema & chronic skin issuesThe role of gut imbalances, blood sugar stress, and inflammation in your symptomsPractical ways to build resilience and support your body through stress WHERE 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 restSPONSOR: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!WORK WITH CHRISTA: I've streamlined my proven method to help you get to the REAL root of eczema and food sensitivities—without the overwhelm. Join the program at christabiegler.com before doors close!

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I’m sharing part 1 of my full health journey—the struggles, the mistakes, and the lessons learned—so you don’t have to spend 10 years figuring it out like I did. In this episode, I take you back to two pivotal health crises in my life: one in 2015 and another in 2017. This week, I’m focusing on the 2015 crisis—the wake-up call that led me to truly understand the connection between gut health, food sensitivities, and chronic inflammation.You’ll hear about the symptoms I ignored, the treatments that didn’t work, and how I finally started to heal after months of trial and error. Plus, I’m answering some of the biggest questions my clients have about what finally worked and why food sensitivities, histamine, and hormone imbalances are not the root cause of eczema.❓Questions about my journey or your own health struggles? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questions🚨Christa is currently taking clients! Click here to book a Root Cause Clarity Call: https://www.christabiegler.com/fssKEY TAKEAWAYS: ✅ The subtle warning signs I missed before my eczema spiraled out of control ✅ Why food sensitivities are a symptom, not the root cause ✅ The biggest healing mistakes that set me back ✅ How gut health, chronic stress, and nutrient depletion played a role ✅ Understanding your body’s symptoms as signals ABOUT CHRISTA:Christa Biegler has been a registered dietitian for over 10 years, author of The Eczema Relief Diet & Cookbook, host of top-rated Less Stressed Life podcast and was awarded  Dietitian of the Year for South Dakota in 2020.She worked in a variety of clinical settings, school nutrition, and behind the scenes for a food company and fitness celebrity before starting her private practice focusing on food sensitivities and eczema for adults and pediatrics, which quickly expanded to all aspects of gut health.She lives in the middle of nowhere with her unicycling husband, children and a flock of chickens. WHERE 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 restSPONSOR:Thanks to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode! Struggling with I’ve spent the last 10 years helping others clear their skin and food sensitivities, and I’ve just spent the last few months streamlining my proven method in my Eczema and Food Sensitivity Freedom Program to help you get results easier than ever.  If you’re ready to get to the REAL root of your eczema & food sensitivities and finally feel like yourself again, head to christabiegler.com to join before the doors close!

Send us a textThis week, I’m bringing something new to The Less Stressed Life Podcast! I’m sitting down with my past client, Kelli, who went from struggling with eczema and food sensitivities to healing in a way that felt surprisingly linear. We don’t always expect healing to be a straight path, but when it happens, it’s a relief—and I wanted to dig into what made Kelli’s journey so effective. Kelli’s story is a great example of what’s possible when you take the right steps. If you’ve been told you just have to “manage” eczema or avoid certain foods forever, this episode will give you a new perspective. ❓Have a question❓ Submit it here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questionsKEY TAKEAWAYS:How Kelli resolved her eczema without long-term food restrictionsWhy food sensitivities aren’t always the root cause of symptomsThe nervous system work that helped speed up her healingHow she tackled mold exposure without getting overwhelmedWhy symptoms are just messages from your body—and how to respond WHERE 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; if your practitioner is recommending this, they are stuck in 2010 and not evolvingWhole 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 restSPONSOR: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!I’ve spent the last 10 years helping others clear their skin and food sensitivities, and I’ve just spent the last few months streamlining my proven method in my Eczema and Food Sensitivity Freedom Program to help you get results easier than ever.  If you’re ready to get to the REAL root of your eczema & food sensitivities and finally feel like yourself again, head to christabiegler.com to join before the doors close!