78. Mast Cell Activation Syndrome: Understanding This Overlooked Immune Disorder

Ever wonder why you’re still exhausted—even after a full night’s sleep? Or why brain fog and hormone imbalance seem to linger no matter how “healthy” your habits feel? If alcohol is still in the picture, even just a little, that could be a missing link. In this episode, I talk with intuitive drinking coach Colleen Freeland about alcohol’s hidden role in disrupting your sleep, spiking cortisol, and draining your energy—especially for women navigating perimenopause, chronic stress, or stubborn fatigue. We’re breaking down the science and psychology behind how alcohol affects your metabolism, hormone balance, and nervous system, even if you're not a heavy drinker. Whether you’re someone who winds down with wine or drinks socially without thinking twice, this conversation will shift how you see alcohol—and give you tools to reconnect with how you actually want to feel. What You’ll Hear Inside This Episode: How alcohol secretly spikes cortisol and leaves your nervous system stuck in stress mode The overlooked way drinking impacts your progesterone levels and sabotages deep sleep Why "just one drink" can still disrupt blood sugar, digestion, and next-day energy The simple mindset shift that helps you reduce drinking—without guilt or restriction Alcohol isn’t just a lifestyle choice—it’s a hormonal disruptor. From poor sleep to midday crashes, alcohol quietly rewires your body’s stress and recovery systems. If you’re navigating perimenopause, low energy, or weight loss resistance, this episode unpacks why cutting back might be the most impactful change you can make—and how to do it intuitively. You’ll learn why alcohol affects your gut health, sleep cycles, cortisol rhythms, and even contributes to hormonal imbalance like estrogen dominance or adrenal fatigue. It’s not about willpower—it’s about understanding the biology and building habits that support your best energy. We’re not here to ban alcohol. We're here to help you think critically about it. When you shift your intention, you get your energy, sleep, and clarity back—without feeling like you're giving anything up. If you’re tired of waking up groggy, feeling inflamed, or wondering why your stress feels worse after a night out, this one’s for you. Struggling with bloating, IBS, constipation, fatigue, brain fog, or hormone imbalance? Get expert guidance on gut health, hormone balance, detox, nervous system regulation, weight loss resistance, and upleveling your health. Join the Women's Wellness Collective, your go-to community for real solutions to boost energy, balance hormones, and improve digestion. Get 1/2 off your first month with code HEALTH at www.megmill.com/collective. WellPower is a free health magazine by Dr. Meg Mill, packed with expert insights, in-depth articles, and practical tips on hormone balance, gut health, and metabolic wellness for women in perimenopause and beyond. Get your free copy at https://go.megmill.com/wellpower and start optimizing your health today! Get clarity on your hormones with The Hormone Fixer—a free checklist to help you identify imbalances and take the first steps toward better health. Download now at https://go.megmill.com/hormonefixer. Let’s connect on Instagram for daily health tips at @drmegmill. Learn more about how Dr. Meg can help you uplevel your health at www.megmill.com How to reach Colleen: Website: https://www.emotionalsobrietycoaching.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehangoverwhisperer/?igsh=MTZhNnk5aWozOXk0Nw%3D%3D#  Podcast: https://www.emotionalsobrietycoaching.com/podcast    This content is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program. This podcast is for women in perimenopause and beyond who are struggling with fatigue, brain fog, bloating, weight loss resistance, and unpredictable hormones. If you’re dealing with exhaustion, low energy, digestive discomfort, or hormone imbalances, you’ll learn how to support your metabolism, balance hormones naturally, beat IBS and bloating, and finally break through stubborn weight gain. Discover science-backed strategies to optimize digestion, improve gut health, and manage perimenopause symptoms—without restrictive diets or endless supplements. Whether it’s addressing estrogen dominance, blood sugar balance, or adrenal fatigue, this podcast gives you the tools to take control of your health and feel vibrant again. If you are enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a review or share it with a friend.  If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll like ours too!  Pursuit of Wellness with Mari Llewellyn, Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow, Just Ingredients Podcast, Longevity with Nathalie Niddam, Wellness Mama, The Dr. Josh Axe Show, Ancient Health Podcast, The Model Health Show, Grounded Wellness By Primally Pure, Be Well By Kelly Leveque, The Hormone Solution with Karen Martel, The Dr. Hyman Show, The Thyroid Fixer with Dr. Amie Hornaman, Treated with Dr. Sara, Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin, Better! with Dr. Stephanie, Energized with Dr. Mariza

Ever feel like no matter how clean you eat, how many supplements you take, or how well you manage your stress—you’re still dealing with fatigue, brain fog, hormone imbalance, or weight loss resistance? I’ve been there too—and in this episode, we’re talking about a game-changing factor that’s often completely overlooked: your nervous system, specifically the vagus nerve. This conversation with Dr. Tony Ebel dives deep into why so many of us are stuck in chronic exhaustion and low energy despite doing “everything right.”  If you’ve been navigating perimenopause, digestive issues like bloating or IBS, hormone swings, or stubborn metabolism challenges, this one’s for you. You’ll learn how nervous system dysregulation affects hormone balance, gut health, and even how your body handles stress and detoxification. We’ll explore how the HPATG axis, adrenal fatigue, cortisol, and inflammation are all downstream of a major system most of us don’t prioritize enough. What You’ll Hear in This Episode: A surprising root cause of brain fog and weight loss resistance that has nothing to do with your diet or workout. The overlooked connection between your gut health and vagus nerve—and how it affects bloating, constipation, and IBS. A subtle shift in your exercise routine that could totally transform your energy, metabolism, and hormone regulation. Whether you're struggling with hormonal imbalance, thyroid dysfunction, or just feel like you’re running on empty, what Dr. Tony shares here is essential listening. You’ll leave with a new understanding of why your body’s “fight or flight” mode is working against your healing—and what you can start doing to shift into rest, regulation, and healing. And here’s the best part: you don’t have to overhaul everything. Just learning how to regulate your nervous system could change how your hormones, energy, and gut function—permanently. Tap play and let’s talk about what’s really holding you back from feeling better. Struggling with bloating, IBS, constipation, fatigue, brain fog, or hormone imbalance? Get expert guidance on gut health, hormone balance, detox, nervous system regulation, weight loss resistance, and upleveling your health. Recharge your body and reclaim your energy with the Fatigue to Fabulous Ultimate Energy Boosting Handbook—your go-to guide for beating exhaustion and feeling your best. Download now at https://go.megmill.com/energy. Let’s connect on Instagram for daily health tips at @drmegmill. Learn more about how Dr. Meg can help you uplevel your health at www.megmill.com This content is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program. This podcast is for women in perimenopause and beyond who are struggling with fatigue, brain fog, bloating, weight loss resistance, and unpredictable hormones. If you’re dealing with exhaustion, low energy, digestive discomfort, or hormone imbalances, you’ll learn how to support your metabolism, balance hormones naturally, beat IBS and bloating, and finally break through stubborn weight gain. Discover science-backed strategies to optimize digestion, improve gut health, and manage perimenopause symptoms—without restrictive diets or endless supplements. Whether it’s addressing estrogen dominance, blood sugar balance, or adrenal fatigue, this podcast gives you the tools to take control of your health and feel vibrant again. If you are enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a review or share it with a friend.  If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll like ours too!  Pursuit of Wellness with Mari Llewellyn, Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow, Just Ingredients Podcast, Longevity with Nathalie Niddam, Wellness Mama, The Dr. Josh Axe Show, Ancient Health Podcast, The Model Health Show, Grounded Wellness By Primally Pure, Be Well By Kelly Leveque, The Hormone Solution with Karen Martel, The Dr. Hyman Show, The Thyroid Fixer with Dr. Amie Hornaman, Treated with Dr. Sara, Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin, Better! with Dr. Stephanie, Energized with Dr. Mariza

Ever wonder why you still feel exhausted even when you're eating “healthy”? Why brain fog, bloating, and stubborn weight just won’t budge—despite your best efforts? In this episode, I’m pulling back the curtain on what’s really in your food—and how it's hijacking your metabolism, gut health, hormones, and energy levels. We’re talking about the hidden forces behind fatigue, weight loss resistance, and the rising rates of metabolic disease. From high-fructose corn syrup to toxic seed oils, the modern food industry has transformed our diets in ways that are fueling inflammation, hormone imbalance, and even neurodegenerative diseases. You’ll learn why your mitochondria are struggling, how your gut is silently inflamed, and what it all has to do with your energy crashes, perimenopause symptoms, and that stubborn belly fat that just won’t move. If you’re navigating IBS, brain fog, or unexplained fatigue, this episode is a must-listen. Key Points You’ll Hear in This Episode: The shocking truth about “healthy” foods on your grocery store shelves—and how they’re sabotaging your gut health. The surprising link between perimenopause and your gut microbiome—plus a quick test you can do at home. A subtle hormone shift that might explain your energy crashes—and how to fix it without reaching for coffee. How artificial ingredients and seed oils disrupt your metabolism and may be keeping you stuck in inflammation mode. If you’re searching for real answers about why you're constantly tired, struggling with weight despite eating clean, or wondering how your digestive health might be impacting your hormones—this episode breaks it down. We talk about the food system’s deep flaws, how processed foods lead to insulin resistance and leaky gut, and what you can start doing today to protect your health and energy. Your body deserves better than factory-made fuel. Learn how to become your own food advocate—and why eating nutrient-dense whole foods can be your best defense against fatigue, brain fog, and hormone chaos. Struggling with bloating, IBS, constipation, fatigue, brain fog, or hormone imbalance? Get expert guidance on gut health, hormone balance, detox, nervous system regulation, weight loss resistance, and upleveling your health. WellPower is a free health magazine by Dr. Meg Mill, packed with expert insights, in-depth articles, and practical tips on hormone balance, gut health, and metabolic wellness for women in perimenopause and beyond. Get your free copy at https://go.megmill.com/wellpower and start optimizing your health today! Get clarity on your hormones with The Hormone Fixer—a free checklist to help you identify imbalances and take the first steps toward better health. Download now at https://go.megmill.com/hormonefixer. Let’s connect on Instagram for daily health tips at @drmegmill. Learn more about how Dr. Meg can help you uplevel your health at www.megmill.com This content is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program. This podcast is for women in perimenopause and beyond who are struggling with fatigue, brain fog, bloating, weight loss resistance, and unpredictable hormones. If you’re dealing with exhaustion, low energy, digestive discomfort, or hormone imbalances, you’ll learn how to support your metabolism, balance hormones naturally, beat IBS and bloating, and finally break through stubborn weight gain. Discover science-backed strategies to optimize digestion, improve gut health, and manage perimenopause symptoms—without restrictive diets or endless supplements. Whether it’s addressing estrogen dominance, blood sugar balance, or adrenal fatigue, this podcast gives you the tools to take control of your health and feel vibrant again. If you are enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a review or share it with a friend.  If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll like ours too!  Pursuit of Wellness with Mari Llewellyn, Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow, Just Ingredients Podcast, Longevity with Nathalie Niddam, Wellness Mama, The Dr. Josh Axe Show, Ancient Health Podcast, The Model Health Show, Grounded Wellness By Primally Pure, Be Well By Kelly Leveque, The Hormone Solution with Karen Martel, The Dr. Hyman Show, The Thyroid Fixer with Dr. Amie Hornaman, Treated with Dr. Sara, Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin, Better! with Dr. Stephanie, Energized with Dr. Mariza

Feeling stuck in a cycle of fatigue, brain fog, and hormone chaos? Wondering why no matter how “healthy” you eat, your energy stays low or your weight won't budge? You’re not alone—and it may not be your fault. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Aly Cohen, a board-certified rheumatologist and environmental health expert, to talk about something that affects every single one of us but rarely gets discussed: the toxic chemical overload hiding in our everyday lives. We unpack how environmental chemicals are silently disrupting your hormone balance, gut health, and immune system—especially during perimenopause and menopause, when your body is already more sensitive to stress, inflammation, and hormonal shifts. You’ll hear how toxins are linked to weight loss resistance, IBS, exhaustion, thyroid dysfunction, and even autoimmune flares. Dr. Cohen shares her signature “4 A’s” method to detox your life—without obsessing or aiming for perfection. From common kitchen swaps to what’s lurking in your self-care routine (yep, even your garbage bags), we get into the everyday habits that silently sabotage your metabolism and energy—and how to reclaim your vitality, one simple change at a time. Key Points (Listen for the 'how' in the full episode): • The everyday products disrupting your hormone balance and gut health—especially during perimenopause • How immune-disrupting chemicals could be triggering inflammation, fatigue, and autoimmune flares • A subtle hormone shift that might explain your energy crashes—and how to fix it without relying on coffee • The surprising link between toxins and brain fog, and the four simple steps Dr. Cohen recommends to detox smarter (not harder) If you’re doing “all the right things” for your health but still dealing with bloating, mood swings, constipation, or low energy, it’s time to look deeper. Toxins are the hidden variable no one talks about—but they’re quietly impacting your metabolism, hormone balance, and gut health. This episode helps you understand the “why” behind your symptoms and gives you a practical place to start. Ready to clear the confusion and reclaim your health? Tune in and learn how to assess, avoid, and gently detox without the overwhelm. Because true hormone balance, digestion, and energy start with removing what’s blocking your body from healing.  How to Connect with Dr. Meg:   Free Guide: 6 Essential Steps for an Effective Detox  MegaVitality Supplement Store: www.megavitalityshop.com. Use code PODCAST for 20% off  Apply to work 1:1 with Meg: HERE You can also follow along on Instagram @drmegmill for daily health tips! Website: www.megmill.com   This content is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program. This podcast is for women entering perimenopause and beyond who are struggling with fatigue, brain fog, bloating, weight loss resistance, and unpredictable hormones. If you’re dealing with exhaustion, low energy, brain fog, bloating, IBS, constipation, digestive discomfort, histamine issues, migraines, anxiety or hormone imbalances this show is for you.  You’ll learn how to support your metabolism, balance hormones naturally, beat IBS and bloating, and finally break through stubborn weight gain. Discover science-backed strategies to optimize digestion, improve gut health, and manage perimenopause symptoms and other hormonal imbalances—without restrictive diets or endless supplements. Whether it’s addressing estrogen dominance, blood sugar balance, or adrenal fatigue, this podcast gives you the tools to take control of your health and feel vibrant again.  If you are enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a review or share it with a friend.  If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll like ours too!  Pursuit of Wellness with Mari Llewellyn, Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow, Just Ingredients Podcast, Longevity with Nathalie Niddam, Wellness Mama, The Dr. Josh Axe Show, Ancient Health Podcast, The Model Health Show, Grounded Wellness By Primally Pure, Be Well By Kelly Leveque, The Hormone Solution with Karen Martel, The Dr. Hyman Show, The Thyroid Fixer with Dr. Amie Hornaman, Treated with Dr. Sara, Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin, Better! with Dr. Stephanie, Energized with Dr. Mariza

Ever feel crushing fatigue, stubborn belly weight, or energy crashes no matter how “clean” you eat? Let’s sort out the confusion around weight-loss resistance, hormone balance, gut health, and a metabolism that suddenly won’t cooperate—especially in perimenopause when brain fog, IBS-style bloating, and low energy can gang-up on you.  Today I walk you through the hidden hormone signals that turn calories into cling-on fat (yes, even if you’re fasting, counting macros, or exercising harder) —so you can finally drop the frustration along with the extra pounds. ​ What we cover in this episode The cortisol trap that stores fat around your organs—and the simple nightly shift that starts reversing it. A subtle estrogen-progesterone imbalance that can tank metabolism in perimenopause and why blood tests often miss it. Why “eat less, move more” backfires when thyroid conversion stalls (hint: it’s not just about calories). A protein-fiber combo that smooths blood-sugar spikes and steadies energy without crash diets. You’ll walk away knowing what hormone patterns sabotage weight-loss, why stress and sleep set the stage for belly fat, and which lab clues flag hidden insulin resistance—so you can tune into the full episode for the “how” and put each fix into action. Expect to reclaim energy, clear brain fog, and see the scale move in the right direction while supporting gut and digestive health along the way.  Struggling with bloating, IBS, constipation, fatigue, brain fog, or hormone imbalance? Get expert guidance on gut health, hormone balance, detox, nervous system regulation, weight loss resistance, and upleveling your health. Join the Women's Wellness Collective, your go-to community for real solutions to boost energy, balance hormones, and improve digestion. Get 1/2 off your first month with code HEALTH at www.megmill.com/collective. WellPower is a free health magazine by Dr. Meg Mill, packed with expert insights, in-depth articles, and practical tips on hormone balance, gut health, and metabolic wellness for women in perimenopause and beyond. Get your free copy at https://go.megmill.com/wellpower and start optimizing your health today! Get clarity on your hormones with The Hormone Fixer—a free checklist to help you identify imbalances and take the first steps toward better health. Download now at https://go.megmill.com/hormonefixer. Let’s connect on Instagram for daily health tips at @drmegmill. Learn more about how Dr. Meg can help you uplevel your health at www.megmill.com This content is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program. This podcast is for women in perimenopause and beyond who are struggling with fatigue, brain fog, bloating, weight loss resistance, and unpredictable hormones. If you’re dealing with exhaustion, low energy, digestive discomfort, or hormone imbalances, you’ll learn how to support your metabolism, balance hormones naturally, beat IBS and bloating, and finally break through stubborn weight gain. Discover science-backed strategies to optimize digestion, improve gut health, and manage perimenopause symptoms—without restrictive diets or endless supplements. Whether it’s addressing estrogen dominance, blood sugar balance, or adrenal fatigue, this podcast gives you the tools to take control of your health and feel vibrant again. If you are enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a review or share it with a friend.  If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll like ours too!  Pursuit of Wellness with Mari Llewellyn, Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow, Just Ingredients Podcast, Longevity with Nathalie Niddam, Wellness Mama, The Dr. Josh Axe Show, Ancient Health Podcast, The Model Health Show, Grounded Wellness By Primally Pure, Be Well By Kelly Leveque, The Hormone Solution with Karen Martel, The Dr. Hyman Show, The Thyroid Fixer with Dr. Amie Hornaman, Treated with Dr. Sara, Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin, Better! with Dr. Stephanie, Energized with Dr. Mariza  

“Is Stress the Real Reason You Can’t Lose Weight or Heal Your Gut?” Are you constantly battling fatigue, weight loss resistance, hormone imbalance, or relentless brain fog—and wondering why nothing is working, even though you're doing all the “right” things? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tricia Pingel to unpack one of the most overlooked but powerful drivers of chronic symptoms: cortisol. We explore how the stress response hijacks your metabolism, messes with your hormones, disrupts your digestion, and can even trigger histamine intolerance and immune system reactivity. If you’re in perimenopause, struggling with IBS, feel stuck despite healthy eating and workouts, or just can’t figure out why your energy has tanked, this conversation is for you. You’ll walk away with fresh insight into how your body is not broken—it’s protecting you. And there’s a way out. Key Points:  The stress-hormone connection that’s wrecking your metabolism and gut health—without you even realizing it. A subtle hormone shift that might explain your energy crashes, and how to fix it without coffee. Why your IBS, histamine issues, or food reactions aren’t always about the food—and what to focus on instead. The surprising link between perimenopause and your adrenal response (plus why fasting could be backfiring). What You’ll Learn Inside the Episode:  We talk about how adrenal fatigue often sneaks up on the most driven, type-A women—the ones powering through life, checking every box, and still feeling awful. Dr. Pingel explains why your body stores fat in a stressed state (especially around the midsection), how perceived stress—not just actual events—triggers hormonal chaos, and what’s really happening in your immune system when you react to the same food one day but not the next. She also walks us through her four-pillar approach to adrenal healing: Functional nutrition that supports cortisol regulation Movement that calms the nervous system rather than overwhelms it Strategic supplementation, including specific vitamins and adaptogens Mind-body rewiring to shift your stress response for good We get into the mindset blocks that keep you stuck in burnout, the dangerous myth of pushing harder to get results, and how joy, boundaries, and nervous system regulation can transform your gut, hormones, and energy levels more than any diet or detox ever will. Fatigue, hormone imbalance, and gut symptoms don’t always mean something’s “broken”—they often mean your body’s under-protected and overstimulated. You can shift your biology by shifting your stress response. This episode offers a roadmap for how to do exactly that, starting with how you think, move, eat, and prioritize yourself.   If you’ve tried everything and still don’t feel better, this might just be the missing piece. Struggling with bloating, IBS, constipation, fatigue, brain fog, or hormone imbalance? Get expert guidance on gut health, hormone balance, detox, nervous system regulation, weight loss resistance, and upleveling your health. Join the Women's Wellness Collective, your go-to community for real solutions to boost energy, balance hormones, improve digestion, and more. Get 1/2 off your first month with code HEALTH at www.megmill.com/collective. Recharge your body and reclaim your energy with the Fatigue to Fabulous Ultimate Energy Boosting Handbook—your go-to guide for beating exhaustion and feeling your best. Download now at https://go.megmill.com/energy. Let’s connect on Instagram for daily health tips at @drmegmill. Learn more about how Dr. Meg can help you uplevel your health at www.megmill.com Our Guest: Dr. Tricia Pingel:      Are Perfectionism & Pressure Draining Your Energy?  Find out if your drive to "do it all" is burning out your body's stress response system. >> Take the Quiz This content is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program. This podcast is for women in perimenopause and beyond who are struggling with fatigue, brain fog, bloating, weight loss resistance, and unpredictable hormones. If you’re dealing with exhaustion, low energy, digestive discomfort, or hormone imbalances, you’ll learn how to support your metabolism, balance hormones naturally, beat IBS and bloating, and finally break through stubborn weight gain. Discover science-backed strategies to optimize digestion, improve gut health, and manage perimenopause symptoms—without restrictive diets or endless supplements. Whether it’s addressing estrogen dominance, blood sugar balance, or adrenal fatigue, this podcast gives you the tools to take control of your health and feel vibrant again. If you are enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a review or share it with a friend.  If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll like ours too!  Pursuit of Wellness with Mari Llewellyn, Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow, Just Ingredients Podcast, Longevity with Nathalie Niddam, Wellness Mama, The Dr. Josh Axe Show, Ancient Health Podcast, The Model Health Show, Grounded Wellness By Primally Pure, Be Well By Kelly Leveque, The Hormone Solution with Karen Martel, The Dr. Hyman Show, The Thyroid Fixer with Dr. Amie Hornaman, Treated with Dr. Sara, Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin, Better! with Dr. Stephanie, Energized with Dr. Mariza

The Hidden Key to Hormone Balance—Why Iodine Matters More Than You Think Are you struggling with fatigue, weight loss resistance, brain fog, or stubborn digestive issues? Have you ever considered that an iodine deficiency might be behind it? Iodine plays a crucial role in hormone balance, metabolism, and thyroid function, yet it’s often overlooked. Many people don’t realize that low iodine levels can contribute to symptoms like IBS, perimenopause struggles, and even estrogen dominance—leading to heavy periods, mood swings, and low energy. In this episode, we dive into the little-known ways iodine impacts your health—from supporting thyroid hormones to protecting your brain and metabolism. If you’re feeling stuck with frustrating symptoms and haven’t found answers, it’s time to consider this missing mineral. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: The shocking connection between iodine and hormone balance—and why most people aren’t getting enough. How iodine deficiency could be behind your fatigue, weight struggles, and brain fog—plus simple ways to check your levels. The hidden reason your metabolism may be slowing down—and how iodine plays a role in digestion, IBS, and gut health. Why too much iodine can backfire—especially if you have Hashimoto’s or other thyroid issues. Why This Episode Matters for You: If you've been frustrated by low energy, hormonal imbalances, or unexplained weight gain, you need to know how iodine plays a role in balancing estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Plus, it helps detox harmful halogens like fluoride and bromine, which can disrupt your thyroid and metabolism. We’ll also talk about the best iodine-rich foods (hint: it’s not just iodized salt) and what to look for when considering supplements. Ready to take control of your hormone health? Hit play now and start making small changes that could have a big impact on your energy, digestion, and metabolism. Don’t forget to subscribe and share this with a friend who needs to hear it! 🚀 Struggling with bloating, IBS, constipation, fatigue, brain fog, or hormone imbalance? Get expert guidance on gut health, hormone balance, detox, nervous system regulation, weight loss resistance, and upleveling your health. Join the Women's Wellness Collective, your go-to community for real solutions to boost energy, balance hormones, improve digestion, and more. Get 1/2 off your first month with code HEALTH at www.megmill.com/collective. WellPower is a free health magazine by Dr. Meg Mill, packed with expert insights, in-depth articles, and practical tips on hormone balance, gut health, and metabolic wellness for women in perimenopause and beyond. Get your free copy at https://go.megmill.com/wellpower and start optimizing your health today! Get clarity on your hormones with The Hormone Fixer—a free checklist to help you identify imbalances and take the first steps toward better health. Download now at https://go.megmill.com/hormonefixer. Let’s connect on Instagram for daily health tips at @drmegmill. Learn more about how Dr. Meg can help you uplevel your health at www.megmill.com This content is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program. This podcast is for women in perimenopause and beyond who are struggling with fatigue, brain fog, bloating, weight loss resistance, and unpredictable hormones. If you’re dealing with exhaustion, low energy, digestive discomfort, or hormone imbalances, you’ll learn how to support your metabolism, balance hormones naturally, beat IBS and bloating, and finally break through stubborn weight gain. Discover science-backed strategies to optimize digestion, improve gut health, and manage perimenopause symptoms—without restrictive diets or endless supplements. Whether it’s addressing estrogen dominance, blood sugar balance, or adrenal fatigue, this podcast gives you the tools to take control of your health and feel vibrant again. If you are enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a review or share it with a friend.  If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll like ours too!  Pursuit of Wellness with Mari Llewellyn, Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow, Just Ingredients Podcast, Longevity with Nathalie Niddam, Wellness Mama, The Dr. Josh Axe Show, Ancient Health Podcast, The Model Health Show, Grounded Wellness By Primally Pure, Be Well By Kelly Leveque, The Hormone Solution with Karen Martel, The Dr. Hyman Show, The Thyroid Fixer with Dr. Amie Hornaman, Treated with Dr. Sara, Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin, Better! with Dr. Stephanie, Energized with Dr. Mariza

Struggling with fatigue, brain fog, hormone imbalance, or weight loss resistance? Ever feel like you’re doing all the right things—eating well, exercising, and taking supplements—yet you’re still exhausted? What if the missing piece wasn’t a new diet or workout but a simple shift in how you start and end your day? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Melissa Sonners to talk about the powerful but often-overlooked connection between brain waves, nervous system regulation, and hormone balance—and how making small changes to your daily routine can have a huge impact on your energy, metabolism, gut health, and overall well-being. Dr. Sonners shares her brain syncing method, a research-backed approach to rewiring your brain to support better digestion, stress resilience, and hormonal harmony—without adding another overwhelming task to your to-do list. Key Takeaways The surprising link between perimenopause, stress, and gut health—and why your body might be holding onto weight despite your best efforts. Why waking up and checking your phone first thing in the morning could be wrecking your hormones, metabolism, and digestive health. The two-minute technique that can shift your energy levels, brain function, and mood—and why it works better than meditation for busy women. The power of brain waves: How understanding theta, alpha, beta, and delta states can help you optimize your focus, relaxation, and healing. The simple morning and nighttime routine that could completely transform your sleep, digestion, and stress levels. If you’ve been stuck in low energy, gut issues, and brain fog, this episode will help you understand what’s happening in your body and how to start feeling like yourself again—with just a few minutes a day. Hit play now and start feeling better today! Struggling with bloating, IBS, constipation, fatigue, brain fog, or hormone imbalance? Get expert guidance on gut health, hormone balance, detox, nervous system regulation, weight loss resistance, and upleveling your health. Join the Women's Wellness Collective, your go-to community for real solutions to boost energy, balance hormones, improve digestion, and more. Get 1/2 off your first month with code HEALTH at www.megmill.com/collective. Recharge your body and reclaim your energy with the Fatigue to Fabulous Ultimate Energy Boosting Handbook—your go-to guide for beating exhaustion and feeling your best. Download now at https://go.megmill.com/energy. Let’s connect on Instagram for daily health tips at @drmegmill. Learn more about how Dr. Meg can help you uplevel your health at www.megmill.com Our Guest:  Freebies: Book Nook- Join my free online book club: https://www.drmelissasonners.com/book-nook Morning Self-WITH challenge: https://www.drmelissasonners.com/resources/5-day-challenge-of-being-self-with The Connection Code: https://www.drmelissasonners.com/resources/connection-code-bundle Regulated Rhythm https://www.drmelissasonners.com/regulated-rhythm  This content is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program. This podcast is for women in perimenopause and beyond who are struggling with fatigue, brain fog, bloating, weight loss resistance, and unpredictable hormones. If you’re dealing with exhaustion, low energy, digestive discomfort, or hormone imbalances, you’ll learn how to support your metabolism, balance hormones naturally, beat IBS and bloating, and finally break through stubborn weight gain. Discover science-backed strategies to optimize digestion, improve gut health, and manage perimenopause symptoms—without restrictive diets or endless supplements. Whether it’s addressing estrogen dominance, blood sugar balance, or adrenal fatigue, this podcast gives you the tools to take control of your health and feel vibrant again. If you are enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a review or share it with a friend.  If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll like ours too!  Pursuit of Wellness with Mari Llewellyn, Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow, Just Ingredients Podcast, Longevity with Nathalie Niddam, Wellness Mama, The Dr. Josh Axe Show, Ancient Health Podcast, The Model Health Show, Grounded Wellness By Primally Pure, Be Well By Kelly Leveque, The Hormone Solution with Karen Martel, The Dr. Hyman Show, The Thyroid Fixer with Dr. Amie Hornaman, Treated with Dr. Sara, Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin, Better! with Dr. Stephanie, Energized with Dr. Mariza  

Struggling with fatigue, brain fog, weight loss resistance, or unpredictable digestion? It might not just be stress—it could be your hormones working against you. If you’ve ever wondered why perimenopause seems to zap your energy or why your metabolism feels sluggish despite your best efforts, this episode is for you. In today’s episode of A Little Bit Healthier, we’re kicking off the Hormone Series by breaking down the HPA-TG Axis—your body’s command center for hormone balance. This system influences everything from stress regulation to metabolism, thyroid function, and reproductive health. Yet, most of us were never taught how it all works or what we can do to support it. I’ll walk you through the missing links between your hormones, gut health, and energy levels—and why chronic stress might be sabotaging your thyroid and metabolism without you realizing it. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: What the HPA-TG Axis is and why it holds the key to hormone balance, metabolism, and digestion The surprising way stress impacts your thyroid, leading to fatigue, sluggish metabolism, and weight gain How high insulin levels can trigger hormone imbalances, making perimenopause symptoms worse The simple lifestyle shifts that can help regulate cortisol, balance blood sugar, and support digestion for better energy When your hormones are in sync, your body thrives. When they’re out of balance, you feel exhausted, struggle to lose weight, deal with bloating, and experience mood swings that seem impossible to control. We’ll cover why cortisol is stealing your progesterone, how insulin resistance contributes to weight gain and PCOS, and what you can do to start regaining control over your energy, metabolism, and gut health. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend who needs to hear it. Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review so we can reach more women ready to take back control of their health. Are you struggling with bloating, IBS, constipation, fatigue, brain fog, or hormone imbalance? Get expert guidance on gut health, hormone balance, detox, nervous system regulation, weight loss resistance, and upleveling your health. Join the Women's Wellness Collective, your go-to community for real solutions to boost energy, balance hormones, improve digestion, and more. Get 1/2 off your first month with code HEALTH at www.megmill.com/collective. WellPower is a free health magazine by Dr. Meg Mill, packed with expert insights, in-depth articles, and practical tips on hormone balance, gut health, and metabolic wellness for women in perimenopause and beyond. Get your free copy at https://go.megmill.com/wellpower and start optimizing your health today! Get clarity on your hormones with The Hormone Fixer—a free checklist to help you identify imbalances and take the first steps toward better health. Download now at https://go.megmill.com/hormonefixer. Let’s connect on Instagram for daily health tips at @drmegmill. Learn more about how Dr. Meg can help you uplevel your health at www.megmill.com This content is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program. This podcast is for women in perimenopause and beyond who are struggling with fatigue, brain fog, bloating, weight loss resistance, and unpredictable hormones. If you’re dealing with exhaustion, low energy, digestive discomfort, or hormone imbalances, you’ll learn how to support your metabolism, balance hormones naturally, beat IBS and bloating, and finally break through stubborn weight gain. Discover science-backed strategies to optimize digestion, improve gut health, and manage perimenopause symptoms—without restrictive diets or endless supplements. Whether it’s addressing estrogen dominance, blood sugar balance, or adrenal fatigue, this podcast gives you the tools to take control of your health and feel vibrant again. If you are enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a review or share it with a friend.  If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll like ours too!  Pursuit of Wellness with Mari Llewellyn, Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow, Just Ingredients Podcast, Longevity with Nathalie Niddam, Wellness Mama, The Dr. Josh Axe Show, Ancient Health Podcast, The Model Health Show, Grounded Wellness By Primally Pure, Be Well By Kelly Leveque, The Hormone Solution with Karen Martel, The Dr. Hyman Show, The Thyroid Fixer with Dr. Amie Hornaman, Treated with Dr. Sara, Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin, Better! with Dr. Stephanie, Energized with Dr. Mariza

Unlocking the Power of Hypnosis for Mental Health and Self-Discovery Are you constantly striving for the next achievement yet feeling unfulfilled? Do you battle anxiety or self-criticism that seems impossible to break? Today's episode explores how hypnosis can be a powerful tool for accessing the subconscious mind and creating lasting change. I spoke with Sara, a hypnotherapist who discovered hypnosis during her own burnout recovery. Like many high achievers, she had all the boxes checked for success but was constantly seeking the next level, leading to exhaustion. This personal journey eventually led her to help others through hypnotherapy. Key Points from Our Conversation: What is Hypnosis? A meditative state that allows access below the logical mind to reach the subconscious where emotions, beliefs, and past experiences reside - formed before our logical mind developed. Stage Hypnosis vs. Therapeutic Hypnosis Entertainment hypnosis differs from therapeutic practices. No one can be made to do anything they don't want to do. Therapeutic hypnosis focuses on healing rather than entertainment.  Working with the Inner Critic Hypnosis identifies how your inner critic has been serving you (often as protection) and allows you to "negotiate" with it, releasing its hold to develop healthier patterns.  Understanding Anxiety Many use worry as a form of protection or control. Hypnosis helps recognize this pattern and create space to choose different responses.  Self-Forgiveness Process Hypnotherapy reveals childhood beliefs (like "I must achieve to be lovable") that drive adult behaviors, facilitating self-forgiveness and reframing. Physical Health Benefits When we release limiting patterns, physical changes follow—shoulders relaxing, breathing improving, and nervous system shifting from stress to relaxation.  Practical Self-Hypnosis Tips Start with awareness without judgment, identify how patterns have been serving you, and create interruption cues to break patterns and choose new responses.  Transform Your Patterns and Beliefs Working with our subconscious through hypnosis can break through barriers that talk therapy or medication alone might not address. By understanding the positive intentions behind our patterns, we can create healthier alternatives. Building new neural pathways takes practice. As Sara mentions, when old thoughts return, we simply redirect to the new pattern until it becomes more familiar than the old one. How to Connect with Dr. Meg: Women's Wellness Collective: www.megmill.com/collective. use code HEALTH to get your first month 1/2 off MegaVitality Supplement Store: www.megavitalityshop.com. Use code PODCAST for 20% off  Apply to work 1:1 with Meg: HERE Free Guide: Health Goal Strategy Guide for simple steps and protocols you can start today to improve your gut health. You can also follow along on Instagram @drmegmill for daily health tips! Website: www.megmill.com Our Guest:  Sara Raymond: Website: https://www.themindfulmovement.com/new-beginnings This content is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new diet or exercise program. This podcast is for women in perimenopause and beyond who are struggling with fatigue, brain fog, bloating, weight loss resistance, and unpredictable hormones. If you’re dealing with exhaustion, low energy, digestive discomfort, or hormone imbalances, you’ll learn how to support your metabolism, balance hormones naturally, beat IBS and bloating, and finally break through stubborn weight gain. Discover science-backed strategies to optimize digestion, improve gut health, and manage perimenopause symptoms—without restrictive diets or endless supplements. Whether it’s addressing estrogen dominance, blood sugar balance, or adrenal fatigue, this podcast gives you the tools to take control of your health and feel vibrant again. If you are enjoying the show, please subscribe and leave a review or share it with a friend.  If you listen to any of the following shows, we're sure you'll like ours too!  Pursuit of Wellness with Mari Llewellyn, Everyday Wellness with Cynthia Thurlow, Just Ingredients Podcast, Longevity with Nathalie Niddam, Wellness Mama, The Dr. Josh Axe Show, Ancient Health Podcast, The Model Health Show, Grounded Wellness By Primally Pure, Be Well By Kelly Leveque, The Hormone Solution with Karen Martel, The Dr. Hyman Show, The Thyroid Fixer with Dr. Amie Hornaman, Treated with Dr. Sara, Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin, Better! with Dr. Stephanie, Energized with Dr. Mariza