#450 Is Collagen the Answer to Aging? with Christa Biegler, RD

Send us Fan MailIn this episode, I’m breaking down collagen and why it matters more than you might think as you age.After a conversation about my own eyesight, I started digging into how collagen declines over time and how that impacts skin, joints, bones, and more. This episode walks through the different types of collagen, what to look for on labels, and how to actually use it in a way that makes sense.I also share what the research shows, how much you need to see results, and why consistency matters if you want to notice a difference.I’m inviting you to join me in a simple 30-day collagen challenge so you can test this instead of guessing.👉 Join the collagen challenge: https://www.christabiegler.com/collagenKEY TAKEAWAYS:✨ How collagen declines with age✨ The most important types of collagen and where they work✨ What to look for in a quality collagen supplement✨ How much you actually need to see results✨ Why consistency matters📢 Sponsor Shoutout: Jigsaw HealthThis episode is sponsored by Jigsaw Health. I’ve personally been to their warehouse and seen the level of care they put into their products.Their collagen is grass-fed, includes hyaluronic acid for added hydration support, and is third-party tested with results available for full transparency.If you’re looking for a high-quality option, this is one I trust and use.👉 Get 10% off your order with code LESSSTRESSED10 at jigsawhealth.com.❓Questions for Christa? Submit them here: https://www.christabiegler.com/questionsNUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:🍽️ 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 restWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeMore Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksProtocols: https://www.christabiegler.com/protocolshop

Send us Fan MailThis week, Dr. Christopher Shade joins me to talk about detox in a way that actually makes sense. Instead of jumping straight into protocols or pushing things out too fast, we break down how detox really works in the body and why drainage has to come first.We discuss what happens when toxins build up, how they move through the liver, kidneys, and lymph, and why symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, skin issues, and reactivity often point back to a system that isn’t draining well. We also get into why stress, inflammation, and even hormone shifts can slow detox down, keeping you stuck.We also walk through binders, how they actually work, why different types matter, and how to use them in a way that supports your body instead of overwhelming it. This episode helps you think about detox in a more practical, step-by-step way so you can stop guessing and actually make progress.KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Detox starts with drainage • Pushing too fast = feeling worse • Liver, kidneys, lymph all matter • Stress shuts detox down • Not all toxins act the same • Binders help you clear, not recirculate • Skin issues can be detox overload • Histamine = overwhelmed system • Start slow, build up 👍 ABOUT GUEST:Christopher Shade, PhD, founder and CEO of Quicksilver Scientific, continues to be a driving force of development and innovation in Functional and Integrative Medicine, creating high-efficacy detoxification systems for wellness and longevity by employing high-bioavailability delivery systems for nutraceuticals and whole-plant extracts.WHERE TO FIND GUEST:Website: https://www.quicksilverscientific.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quicksilverscientific/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.christophershade/WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeMore Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksProtocols: https://www.christabiegler.com/protocolshopSPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Use code LESSSTRESSED10 anytime for 10% off!

Send us Fan MailThis week, Gerry Bulfin joins me to talk about water filtration in a way that actually makes sense. Instead of chasing the “best” filter, we break down how to think about your water based on what’s in it, whether you’re on city or well water, and what problems you’re trying to solve.We discuss common issues like chlorine, hard water, iron, and bacteria, along with how things like old pipes or mineral buildup can impact both your home and your health. We also walk through the most common filtration options and when they actually make sense, so you can stop guessing and choose something that fits your situation.If you want help simplifying this even further, you can download my free Water Testing & Filtration Guide here: https://www.christabiegler.com/watertestingfiltrationThe Clean Water Store is also offering listeners 15% off water testing or whole house systems. Use code LESSSTRESSED15 at checkout and you’ll be automatically entered to win a Portable Stainless Steel Gravity Water Filter with UV Purification (a $230 value).KEY TAKEAWAYS:• There is no one-size-fits-all water filter• City water can pick up contaminants after it leaves the plant• Hard water causes buildup, appliance damage, and stubborn residue• Iron and manganese are common and affect both water and hair• Activated carbon works well for chlorine but not everything• Reverse osmosis is one of the most comprehensive options for drinking water• Testing your water helps you avoid guessing and overspendingABOUT GUEST: Gerry Bulfin is a Water Quality Association Master Water Specialist and licensed Water Treatment Operator with nearly four decades of experience helping homeowners across the US figure out what's in their water and what to do about it. He founded the Clean Water Store in 1986 and his team is known for giving straight, no-commission advice — they will talk you out of a system if you do not need one. WHERE TO FIND GUEST:Website: https://www.cleanwaterstore.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecleanwaterstore/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/cleanwaterstoreWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeMore Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksSPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Use code LESSSTRESSED10 anytime for 10% off!

Send us Fan Mail🚨🚨🚨Watch Christa's free training here: christabiegler.com/blueprintThis week, Greg “the Hydrogen Man” joins me to talk about molecular hydrogen and what you actually need to know. With hydrogen water gaining popularity, we break down what it is, how it works in the body, and why there’s so much confusion around it.We discuss how hydrogen may influence oxidative stress, mitochondrial function, and energy. Greg also shares his personal story and how his search for answers led him into years of researching and experimenting with hydrogen through both water and inhalation.We also get into why not all hydrogen products are created equal, why water quality matters, and how to think through trends like this without getting pulled in every direction.KEY TAKEAWAYS:• Hydrogen may act as a selective antioxidant• Mitochondria play a role in energy and healing • Delivery method (water vs inhalation) matters • Water quality is foundational • Not all hydrogen products are equal • It’s easy to get pulled into health trends without context ABOUT GUEST: Greg, widely known as “The Hydrogen Man,” spent over 20 years in the medical field before a near-death experience forced him to rethink his understanding of healing. After battling severe health issues—including autoimmune conditions, chronic pain, systemic inflammation, heart disease, and immune collapse—he found little relief from conventional or alternative approaches. His breakthrough came through a spiritual awakening that led him to molecular hydrogen.Today, Greg is a leading voice in hydrogen health, trained with top engineers in Japan and known for pioneering advanced protocols using ultra-pure hydrogen water and gas. In this interview, he explains the science behind molecular hydrogen, its role as a selective antioxidant, why water purity and production methods matter, and how hydrogen therapy may be one of modern wellness’s most overlooked tools.WHERE TO FIND GUEST:Website: https://holyhydrogen.com/ (who Greg endorses)Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uprising144k_/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UPRISING144K WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeMore Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksSPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Use code LESSSTRESSED10 anytime for 10% off!

Send us Fan Mail☘️☘️☘️Enter the March GIVEAWAY: https://www.christabiegler.com/giveaway🚨Watch Christa's free training here: christabiegler.com/blueprintView Christa's DUTCH Test Results: Click HereIn this episode, I’m sharing my hormone test results at 39 and how to interpret them through a root cause lens. I walk through why I chose a DUTCH test, what I hoped to learn, and why it’s easy to chase data while missing what your body is already telling you.I break down what my results showed across hormones and adrenal function, what changed, and where I still have room to improve. It’s a reminder that supporting how your body functions matters more than chasing perfect lab numbers.WHAT HELPED ME IMPROVE MY RESULTS:• Supporting detox and drainage• Reducing excess caffeine• Prioritizing stress and adrenal support• Paying attention to light exposureKEY TAKEAWAYS:• Why symptoms matter more than lab results• What a DUTCH test can (and can’t) tell you• How stress impacts hormone balance• The role of detox and estrogen metabolism• Why trends matter more than perfect numbersOther Episodes🎙️ Mentioned:Ep 393 - Christa's Health Crisis Part 1: https://youtu.be/ssJa_QQODj4?si=USDhf6I_qiRSYdtWEp 443 - Christa's Health Crisis Part 2: https://youtu.be/1WypKk7df18?si=kU89PPm2gEzhlXylEp 332 - How we're missing subclinical hypothyroidism: https://youtu.be/KFG2Xr5HzlA?si=U8CQMIA4HrdS0vHh🗒️Functional Medicine Cliffnotes: https://www.christabiegler.com/protocolshop✨Recharge Room Waitlist: https://www.christabiegler.com/rechargewaitlist❓Questions: https://www.christabiegler.com/questionsWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeMore Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksSPONSOR:🧡Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Use code LESSSTRESSED10 anytime for 10% off!

Send us Fan Mail☘️☘️☘️Enter the March GIVEAWAY: https://www.christabiegler.com/giveaway🚨Watch Christa's free training here: christabiegler.com/blueprintThis week, Deanna Hansen joins me to talk about fascia through a root cause lens. Instead of looking only at pain, posture, or mobility in isolation, we explore how fascia affects the body as a whole and why compression, stress, and loss of flow may contribute to much more than people realize.We discuss how fascia influences circulation, detoxification, lymphatic flow, digestion, alignment, and even emotional health. Deanna explains how trauma, shallow breathing, repetitive stress, and daily movement patterns can all create adhesions in the body that affect how we feel and function over time.We also talk about why breath is such a critical part of healing, how the diaphragm supports both nervous system regulation and cellular health, and why symptoms like pain, bloating, tension, and chronic stress may all point back to deeper patterns of compression. Learning how to create more space in the body may be one of the most powerful ways to support long term healing.Bonus Gift: 9 Part Fascia Sampler https://blocktherapy.com/sampler-program-opt-in/. Use just your body weight + a towel to start decompressing fascia, improve oxygenation, and support better alignment.KEY TAKEAWAYS: • You can’t out supplement a compressed body • Shallow breathing keeps you stuck in stress mode • Fascia affects way more than just pain and mobility • Your diaphragm is a major player in healing • “Tight” often means stuck, not strong • Creating space = better flow, better function ABOUT GUEST:Deanna Hansen is a pioneer in the field of fascia decompression for physical and emotional transformation. With more than 20 years of hands-on clinical experience, Deanna created Block Therapy™, a unique fascia-release protocol, to relieve chronic pain and dis-ease, encourage healthy detoxification, and reverse cellular aging.WHERE TO FIND GUEST:Website: https://blocktherapy.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blocktherapy/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FluidisometricsWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeMore Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksSPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Use code LESSSTRESSED10 anytime for 10% off!

Send us Fan Mail☘️☘️☘️Enter the March GIVEAWAY: https://www.christabiegler.com/giveaway🚨Watch Christa's free training here: christabiegler.com/blueprintThis week, Diane Ducarme joins me to talk about migraines through a root cause lens. Instead of focusing only on pain relief, we explore why the brain goes into pain in the first place and what the body may be trying to signal when migraines show up.We discuss how different migraine patterns can have very different drivers. Diane explains how trauma, perfectionism, nervous system overload, hormone shifts, and digestion issues can all contribute to migraine symptoms, even when life outwardly seems calm or stable.We also talk about why many people do not recognize their own stress levels, how the nervous system can become hypersensitive over time, and why migraines are often delayed signals from the body rather than immediate reactions. Learning your personal patterns can be one of the most powerful steps toward long term relief.Diane’s free Migraine Heroes app: https://migraineheroes.com/download/KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Migraines often reflect deeper system imbalances • Stress patterns can exist even when life feels “normal” • Trauma and perfectionism can keep the body in stress mode • Digestive dysfunction can amplify migraine triggers • Hormones and cycle changes often influence migraine timing • Learning your patterns is key to long term reliefABOUT GUEST:Diane Ducarme is the host of the Migraine Heroes Podcast and Founder of the Migraine Heroes app. She studied Business and Neuroscience with Harvard Business School and HarvardX, and trained in Traditional Chinese Medicine in Shanghai and at the Academy of Healing Nutrition. Diane blends Eastern medicine, engineering thinking, and modern science to uncover the real roots of migraine. Through her podcast, Migraine Heroes, she shares breakthrough insights, practical tools, and empowering strategies to help people reclaim control of their lives.WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://migraineheroes.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/migraineheroes/WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeMore Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksSPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Use code LESSSTRESSED10 anytime for 10% off!

Send us Fan Mail☘️☘️☘️Enter the March GIVEAWAY: https://www.christabiegler.com/giveaway🚨Watch Christa's free training here: christabiegler.com/blueprintIn this episode, I’m sharing Part 2 of my healing crisis and the story of how I unintentionally trashed my hormones. A few years after the skin and energy issues I talked about in Part 1, I started noticing a different set of symptoms: puffiness, shakiness between meals, energy crashes, irritability, and stress patterns that were slowly burning out my adrenals and thyroid. What makes this tricky is that many of these symptoms are easy to normalize when life is busy.I walk through the symptoms that were building, how intermittent fasting and undernourishment played a role, and what actually helped me rebuild my energy and resilience. I also share how testing eventually confirmed what my body had been signaling for a long time: burned out stress hormones and sluggish thyroid function, and why supplements alone cannot fix stress physiology without addressing the nervous system.KEY TAKEAWAYS:• Signs of adrenal and thyroid stress• How undernourishment and fasting impact hormones• Why labs can look normal when you feel terrible• Why supplements alone can’t fix stress physiology• The role nervous system work plays in healingOther Episodes🎙️ Mentioned:Ep 393 - Christa's Health Crisis Part 1: https://youtu.be/ssJa_QQODj4?si=USDhf6I_qiRSYdtWEp 332 - How we're missing subclinical hypothyroidism: https://youtu.be/KFG2Xr5HzlA?si=U8CQMIA4HrdS0vHh🗒️Functional Medicine Cliffnotes: https://www.christabiegler.com/protocolshop✨Recharge Room Waitlist: https://www.christabiegler.com/rechargewaitlist❓Questions: https://www.christabiegler.com/questionsWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeMore Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksNUTRITION PHILOSOPHY OF LESS STRESSED LIFE:🍽️ 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:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Use code LESSSTRESSED10 anytime for 10% off!

Send us Fan Mail🚨🚨🚨Watch Christa's free training here: christabiegler.com/blueprintThis week, Michael Pereira joins me to share his family’s journey after his son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. He opens up about moving from denial to acceptance, how COVID revealed behaviors they could no longer ignore, and the stress it placed on his marriage as they navigated uncertainty about their son’s future. After struggling to find practical, parent-centered resources that were not tied to a sales pitch, Michael left corporate America and created The Autism Voyage®, a platform designed to help families understand the emotional and financial realities of long term planning.We talk about why so many families feel frozen when it comes to planning and how to move from fear into clarity. Michael explains what it means to become the quarterback of your child’s care, why building a trusted team matters, and how thinking in short term, midterm, and long term timelines can bring stability to an otherwise uncertain path. This is an honest conversation about parenting, partnership, and preparing for the future without losing yourself in the process.KEY TAKEAWAYS: • Acceptance creates forward movement • Fear shrinks with clear planning • Be the quarterback, build a team • Protect income before anything else • Start trust and guardianship talks early • Rest and marriage are part of the planABOUT GUEST: Michael Pereira is the founder of The Autism Voyage®, a platform supporting families raising children with autism and other neurodivergent diagnoses. As a father of two, including one neurodivergent child, he brings lived experience alongside professional collaboration to help families navigate long-term planning with clarity. His work focuses on education, trusted resources, and insurance-based strategies within a team-oriented approach to promote long-term stability. WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://theautismvoyage.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theautismvoyageWHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeMore Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksSPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Use code LESSSTRESSED10 anytime for 10% off!

Send us Fan Mail🚨🚨🚨Watch Christa's free training here: christabiegler.com/blueprintThis week, Karlee Close joins me to talk about why so many women stay stuck in chronic bloating despite eliminating foods, running tests, and trying supplement protocols. We unpack how stress physiology, under fueling, and blood sugar swings can quietly shut down digestion, even when you are eating “clean.”Karlee shares her own story of cycling through restrictive diets, repeated food sensitivity testing, SIBO protocols, and candida cleanses before realizing that the missing piece was foundational habits. We dig into how skipping meals triggers cortisol and adrenaline, why digestion starts in the brain, and how eating in a constant fight or flight state can lead to gas, constipation, and that six months pregnant feeling by the end of the day.We also cover the role of sleep, movement, and nervous system regulation in restoring motility and reducing fermentation in the gut. If you feel bloated no matter what you eat, this episode brings you back to the basics that actually move the needle.What's Your Bloat Personality? Find out here: https://www.beyondbloated.com/bloat-personality-quizKEY TAKEAWAYS: • Chronic bloating is often driven by stress physiology, not just food • Skipping meals and under eating trigger cortisol and slow digestion • Blood sugar crashes increase cravings and worsen gut symptoms • Digestion starts in the brain and requires a rest and digest state • Restrictive diets and repeated testing can keep you stuck • Light movement after meals supports motility and reduces gas • Consistent sleep rhythms help stabilize blood sugar and gut functionABOUT GUEST:Karlee Close is a Certified Gut Health Coach, host of The Beyond Bloated Podcast, and founder of Beyond Bloated, where she helps women reduce chronic bloating through simple, sustainable habits.After developing severe digestive issues in her mid-20s, she spent years cycling through restrictive diets and supplements without lasting relief. Now, she teaches a balanced, non-restrictive approach focused on foundational habits so women can feel confident, energized, and comfortable in their bodies.WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://www.beyondbloated.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beyond.bloated/WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeMore Links + Quizzes: https://www.christabiegler.com/linksSPONSOR:Thank you to Jigsaw Health for being such a great sponsor. 😎 Use code LESSSTRESSED10 anytime for 10% off!