Ep. 232 Beyond Botox: What to Know Before Injectables + Holistic Skin Support w/ Megan McCue

In this episode, I interview Megan McCue and we are talking about something that’s become incredibly common, but not often questioned—Botox. This isn’t about shame or judgment. It’s about informed consent, long-term thinking, and tuning back into how the body actually works.We break down the lesser-discussed side effects of Botox—beyond just bruising and "frozen face"—and offer holistic tools like facial cupping and nervous system work that support both beauty and biology.Here’s what we cover:🧠 The Less Talked About Side of Botox:Why Botox is more than just a local muscle relaxer—and how it impacts the nervous systemFacial asymmetry, muscle atrophy, and skin laxity: what happens over timeHow it may affect facial feedback (yes, that’s a real thing) and emotional processing💆‍♀️ Healthy, Holistic Alternatives That Actually Work:Facial cupping: what it is, how it supports lymph, circulation, and collagenGua sha: not just trendy—why it matters for muscle tone and fascia healthNervous system support + jaw tension: how stress shows up on the faceThe role of hydration, mineral status, and blood flow in skin agingMegan McCue is a medical speech-language pathologist and the author of the books Iatrogenic Botulism 101 and Notox. After developing iatrogenic botulism from just 12 units of Xeomin, she became passionate about educating fellow medical professionals and the public about Botox adverse effects. When she isn't working or writing, she can be found with her husband, kids, or piano.Links:www.iatrogenicbotulism.comIG: @botoxtruthsAuthor page on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Megan-McCue/author/B0DWSJ4JTLNatural remedies Dr. Halie Loves⁠Red light therapy ⁠ code drhalie⁠Facial Cupping and clean spf (code drhalieschoff10) ⁠

In this AMA-style episode, I’m answering your most-asked questions—from navigating coffee when you’re supporting your adrenals to what to eat in pregnancy, plus thoughts on dry skin, period pain, and more.No fear-mongering. No shame. Just real talk, nuance, and context—because your body isn’t broken, it’s communicating.Here’s what we cover:☕️ Coffee & Adrenal Health:Should you stop drinking coffee if you’re supporting your nervous system or hormones?Tips for making caffeine work with your body—not against itWhy the how and when you drink coffee matters just as much as the coffee itself🤰 Pregnancy Nutrition:The key nutrients to focus on in pregnancy (and why it’s more than just “take a prenatal”)Whole food sources that make a differenceWhy blood sugar balance is a quiet MVP during all trimesters🩸 Period Problems:Cramping, clotting, and fatigue—what your period might be trying to tell youHow nervous system support and blood sugar regulation play into cycle healthWhen to dig deeper or seek support🌬️ Dry Skin & What Might Be Driving It:Looking beyond lotions—how dry skin can be a sign of deeper imbalancesThe gut-skin connection, essential fats, and mineral supportWhy hydration is more than just drinking waterWork with meFollow along on social @drhalieschoff

In this episode, I'm challenging the fear-based narrative around high cholesterol and unpacking what your labs are really telling you. Spoiler: high cholesterol isn’t a diagnosis—it’s a data point that needs context.We dive into why dietary cholesterol (hello, eggs and beef) isn’t the cause of clogged arteries, why inflammation and metabolic health matter way more, and how to read your cholesterol panel in a more informed and less fear-driven way.Here’s what we cover:🧠 Cholesterol Basics:What cholesterol actually does in the body (hint: it’s essential, not evil)Why your body makes most of your cholesterol internallyThe difference between total cholesterol vs. meaningful patterns💥 Why It’s Not About the Number:The truth about LDL and why size and density matterWhat HDL and triglyceride levels really tell usWhy the Triglyceride:HDL ratio is one of the best predictors of cardiovascular risk🔥 Inflammation Is the Bigger Issue:How oxidized cholesterol and inflammation—not cholesterol itself—lead to plaqueThe role of blood sugar imbalances, stress, and processed oilsWhy cholesterol shows up to “patch damage” in the body—it’s a response, not the root cause🌿 What to Focus On Instead:Supporting metabolic health and inflammation with nutrition and lifestyleLooking at full labs—including particle size and ratiosThe importance of bile flow, liver support, and nervous system regulation in fat metabolism💬 The Reframe:Cholesterol is not the enemy—it’s a messenger. And when we work with our bodies rather than against them, we can approach health from a place of curiosity, not fear.Work with Dr. Halie HEREShop brands I love

In this episode, I am joined by Anna and Maggie as we are recapping our most recent women's wellness retreat weekend—and wow, was it special. From slow mornings with nourishing farm-to-table meals to kettlebell workshops that left us feeling strong and empowered, every moment was designed to support the body and reset the nervous system.We leaned into deep self-care with castor oil packs, grounding face masks, and restorative rituals that allowed everyone to truly exhale. The energy all weekend felt connected, calm, and expansive—exactly what I hope these retreats continue to be.I’m also sharing a sneak peek at our Fall Retreat, with tickets officially going on sale Friday, June 13th at 11am EST. If this past weekend is any indicator, they’ll go fast—so be sure to mark your calendar if you’re craving a space like this.Tune in for a full recap and some behind-the-scenes reflections from the weekend with Anna, Maggie and myself!Learn more about future retreats and wellness events hereShop brands I love Work with me

In this episode with Dr. Marisol we're taking a grounded look at one of the most underrated multi-purpose oils out there: castor oil. From boosting brows to calming the nervous system, this thick, sticky oil has a long history in both beauty and wellness spaces—and it's having a moment for good reason.Here's what we get into:🌿 Cosmetic & Topical Uses:Why castor oil is a staple for brows, lashes, and scalp careHow it is anti-inflammatoryUsing castor oil on dry patches, cracked heels, and even for cuticle repairWhy quality oil MATTERS🧘‍♀️ Castor Oil Packs: A Ritual for GroundingHow castor oil packs work (and what’s actually happening under the skin)Why this practice is more than just detox—it's deeply nervous-system supportiveMy favorite ways to use a castor oil pack to feel more centered and calmTiming, frequency, and how to incorporate this ritual into a weekly reset💬 Why This Matters:We talk about castor oil as more than just a beauty hack or wellness trend—it’s a way to slow down, care for the body intentionally, and create a moment of connection with yourself. It's not about fixing, it's about supporting.Follow Dr. Marisol on instagram @bewellqueenBuy her new book and shop my favorite castor oil self care here! discount code drhalie

In today’s episode, we’re talking about the sun—not as something to fear, but as something to build a healthier relationship with. I’ll walk you through what “healthy sun exposure” actually means, how to avoid burning without avoiding the sun altogether, and some of my favorite internal tools to help support your skin from the inside out.We’re skipping the fear-based messaging and focusing instead on education, nuance, and giving your body what it needs to thrive—sunshine included.Why the sun isn’t the enemy—and what we really need to know about safe exposureWhen to get sunlight for vitamin D without risking damageWhat it means to build a "solar callus" and why it mattersHow antioxidants and nutrients can help protect your skin from the inside outMy favorite internal skin support tools (from astaxanthin to omega-3s)Simple daily habits to enjoy the sun and protect your skin, naturallyAntioxidant powerhouses: Astaxanthin, Vitamin C, Vitamin EAnti-inflammatory support: Omega-3s from wild salmon, flax, or fish oilSkin-nourishing foods: Berries, cacao, green tea, bone brothHydration + electrolytes for skin resilienceSupplements mentionedTallow sunscreen code drhalieschoff10Be sure to follow along on instagram @drhalieschoff and @alphahealthwellness

If you’ve tried cutting foods, adding probiotics, and drinking all the ginger tea—but you’re still bloated—this episode is for you.Today, we’re digging into a lesser-talked-about (but super important) part of digestion: bile flow and gallbladder health. Your gallbladder isn’t just there to cause pain during a cleanse—it’s a key player in breaking down fats, supporting liver detox, and keeping bloating in check.In this episode, we cover:🧠 What bile is, and why it matters WAY more than most people realize🫙 How sluggish bile flow can lead to bloating, nausea, food intolerances, and hormone issues🫁 Why your gallbladder is not useless—and what happens when it’s not supported🥬 Foods, herbs, and habits that naturally promote better bile flow🚫 Common wellness practices (like low-fat diets or over-cleansing) that might be messing with your gallbladder🧪 Signs your bile flow may be off—even if your labs are “normal”Your digestion isn’t just about what you eat—it’s about how your body breaks it down and moves it through. Bile flow is one of those missing pieces that can shift everything from bloating to energy to skin clarity.✨ Mentioned in this episode:My favorite bile-supportive foods and bittersAegis Formula Liver Gallbladder kit (code drhalieschoff10)Castor oil packsTips for supporting bile flow even if you don’t have a gallbladderMy full script for gallbladder and bile flow support Work with meBe sure to follow along on social media:@drhalieschoff@alphahealthwellness

Electrolytes and minerals have been having a moment in the wellness world—but are they really worth the hype? In this episode, Dr. Abby and I are breaking down why these tiny nutrients play a massive role in energy, hydration, mood, and overall health.We’ll cover:🧂 What electrolytes and minerals actually do in the body (beyond just hydrating you)⚡ Why you might be depleted—even if you’re eating “clean”🧃 The difference between grabbing a trendy electrolyte drink vs. understanding true mineral balance🧪 Why not all supplements are created equal (and how to spot sneaky additives or low-quality sources)You don’t need to take 10 pills a day or chase every new supplement trend—but getting the basics right can be a game-changer. This is your permission slip to stop overcomplicating wellness and come back to what your body actually needs.Dr. Abby Kramer is a Chiropractor and Holistic Physician practicing in the greater Chicagoland area. Through her own experience with chronic migraines, fatigue, and hormonal imbalances in her 20’s and being told repeatedly her symptoms were ‘normal’ she sought out alternative care. Once she realized her symptoms were simply her bodies’ way of communicating deep physical and emotional imbalances - true healing occurred. Changing the course of her professional career, she became a doctor inspired to bring that same time of transformation to her patients - ultimately becoming one of the foremost voices for progressive, holistic medicine in the Greater Chicago area, as well as online.When not working with patients, you can find her working with the brilliant team at Fringe creating innovative high quality wellness products, creating health + wellness content online through instagram and her substack, and recording episodes for her podcast ‘Coffee with the Docs’. On days off, she’s spending time with her spicy 6 year old, wonderful husband, and three dogs. Fringe sale: 15% off all Fringe products May 12-18th code DRHALIE15 (code drhalie10 always gets you a discount) Find Dr. Abby Kramer on IG: @dr.abbykramerFind Fringe on IG: @fringeheals

Feel like you’re checking all the boxes with food and exercise but still not seeing the needle move?You're not alone—and you're definitely not crazy.In this episode, we’re breaking down the most common (and often overlooked) reasons weight loss can stall, even when you're in a calorie deficit. I’m walking you through a more holistic lens that includes:Why how you eat is just as important as what you eatThe role of protein, blood sugar, and real movement (not just workouts)How nervous system dysregulation and chronic stress can silently stall fat lossThe importance of checking for nutrient deficiencies and hormonal patternsWhen to consider deeper root causes like chronic infections or pathogensThis isn’t about quick fixes or extremes—this is about getting your body back to a state where it feels safe and supported enough to let go.Whether you're just getting started or feeling stuck, this episode will help you zoom out, reassess, and reconnect with your body’s deeper needs.Join the membership to dive deeper into the metabolism webinar for May! Let's work together Be sure to follow along on social media @drhalieschoff @alphahealthwellness

If you feel like you’re doing all the things for detox—supplements, clean eating, maybe even coffee enemas—but you’re still bloated, sluggish, or stuck... this episode is for you.Today we’re talking about one of the most overlooked pieces of the detox and digestion puzzle: your vagus nerve.This isn’t just a “nervous system” conversation—it’s a foundational one. Because if your vagus nerve isn’t activated, your body literally can’t shift into rest, digest, or detox mode efficiently.The good news? One of the easiest, most effective ways to support vagal tone and help your liver, gut, and nervous system do what they’re built to do—is completely free: diaphragmatic breathing.The vagus nerve 101: what it is and why it’s key for detox, digestion, and nervous system regulationHow a sluggish vagus nerve can block liver detox and leave you feeling puffy, anxious, or inflamedWhy supporting your nervous system is a non-negotiable step in any healing protocolA simple breakdown of diaphragmatic breathing and why it’s so powerfulWhat to look for if you suspect your vagus nerve needs supportDaily practices (that take 2 minutes or less) to start gently activating vagal toneRemember, detox isn’t just about what you take—it’s about what your body feels safe enough to release.Supporting your vagus nerve is one of the most foundational (and free!) things you can do to unlock deeper healing.Follow on social media: @drhalieschoff @alphahealthwellnessWork with me