#361 Anxiety From Blood Sugar, Overeating Protein, Implementing Mind-Body Medicine In Practice, Naturopathy vs Functional Medicine with Dr. Stacy Barczak Baker

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I’m hanging out with the amazing Brandee Hommerding, a certified nutrition therapy practitioner and founder of Bee Collective Wellness. Brandee is basically a stomach acid detective (yes, really), and she’s on a mission to help women feel better by mastering their digestion and hormones. In this episode, we’re diving headfirst into all things stomach acid—why it’s essential for digestion, how it’s tied to your hormone health, and what happens when you don’t have enough of it. Spoiler alert: it’s a game-changer for everything from nutrient absorption to energy levels. If you’re ready to get to the root of bloating, fatigue, and more, this episode is for you! PSA: Stop chugging water before meals, friends! It’s not helping – it’s diluting your stomach acid and making digestion harder. Instead, sip water throughout your meal, and let your stomach acid do its job!That’s a Wrap: You’re going to love this episode – Brandee’s wisdom on stomach acid will have you rethinking your entire approach to digestion. Plus, we’ll give you actionable tips that you can start using today to feel better, more energized, and less bloated.So, grab a cozy drink (not right before a meal, though!) and hit play. Your stomach will thank you!KEY TAKEAWAYS:Signs/symptoms of low stomach acidWhat are the root causes of low stomach acid?How to find out if you have low stomach acidSteps to support stomach acid productionWhat are the long-term effects of having low stomach acid?The importance of chewing and mindful eating!The dangers of long-term acid-blocking medicationsABOUT GUEST:Brandee is a Certified Nutrition Therapy Practitioner and the driving force behind Bee Collective Wellness. Brandee is on a mission to empower women through personalized nutrition coaching, with a strong focus on digestive and hormone health.As a self-proclaimed "diet-culture dropout," Brandee is dedicated to providing, nutrition support that is sustainable and provides flexibility. Her goal is to guide women through overcoming challenges like bloating, fatigue, PMS, and irregular menstrual cycles. By eliminating these symptoms, Brandee helps her clients feel more connected to their bodies, paving the way for a vibrant and energetic life.WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://www.beecollectivewellness.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beecollectivewellness/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 deadWhole food is soul food and fed is bestSustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)You don’t have to figure it out aloneDo your best and leave the rest

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast,  I had the absolute pleasure of diving deep into the world of breathing, sleep apnea, and all things airway with the fabulous Dr. Kristen Geist. She's not just a dentist; she's a sleep and breathing guru who turned her own health battles into a mission to help others breathe and sleep better. Whether you snore, grind your teeth, or just feel tired all the time, this episode is your wake-up call to the wonders of airway health!Special Offer: Kristen has a limited number of discovery calls up for grabs—mention you’re a podcast pal for a chance to snag one! KEY TAKEAWAYS:Are your breathing issues being missed because you're a woman? Learn the surprising reasons why!Snoring isn’t just annoying—it’s a major red flag for hidden airway problems.Think tongue posture doesn’t matter? It could be the secret to better sleep and breathing!Mold and allergens in your home might be silently wrecking your sleep quality—here’s how to spot the signs.Tired all the time, anxious, or grinding your teeth? Don’t ignore these warning signs of deeper health issues!ABOUT GUEST:Kristen has been practicing dentistry for 8 years, but during the last 5 she has been narrowing her focus to airway, sleep apnea, and adult laser tongue tie release. Several years ago she was struggling with exhaustion, lightheadedness, anxiety, and trouble breathing before she was properly sleep tested and diagnosed with something called upper airway resistance syndrome, which is on the spectrum of sleep apnea. Now, she works together with other providers to help those with sleep apnea, tongue ties, etc. feel their best. She lives in upstate NY with her husband, son, and 2 adorable rescue pups. She is excited to spread awareness about the issues that things like sleep apnea and tongue ties can cause in adults and what signs to look for to see if you should be screened.WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://pranasleepandwellness.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pranawithdrkristenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/smiling_with_confidence/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 deadWhole food is soul food and fed is bestSustainable, synergistic nutrition is in (the opposite of whack-a-mole supplementation & supplement graveyards)You don’t have to figure it out aloneDo your best and leave the rest

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, we're taking a literal "breath of fresh air"! I sit down with breathing expert Patrick McKeown, who explains how something as simple as changing the way you breathe can completely transform your health. Patrick dives into the Buteyko Method, a powerful technique that targets conditions like asthma, sleep apnea, and anxiety by focusing on nasal breathing and reducing over-breathing. He also reveals why mouth breathing is the sneaky culprit behind many common health problems—and how you can start breathing better today for a calmer, more energized life. Trust me, you'll never think about breathing the same way again! KEY TAKEAWAYS:What is the Buteyko Method?Why nasal breathing is life-changingHow mouth breathing hurts kids' developmentHow sleep apnea isn't just an airway problemWhy "take a deep breath" isn't the best advice for anxietyABOUT GUEST: Patrick McKeown is a world-leading breathing expert with over 20 years of experience coaching thousands to improve their health, focus, and athletic performance. He’s the bestselling author of The Oxygen Advantage, Asthma Free Naturally, and Atomic Focus, and his research has been featured in top journals like the Journal of Clinical Medicine. Founder of the Buteyko Clinic International and creator of the Oxygen Advantage® program, Patrick has trained thousands of breathing instructors worldwide. He’s a TEDx speaker and regularly appears in publications like USA Today, MindBodyGreen, and Men’s Health, advocating for the power of breath therapy in healthcare and sports. WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://oxygenadvantage.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxygenadvantage/Website: https://buteykoclinic.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/patrickmckeownofficial/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 deadWhole 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 restRETREAT INFO:

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with the brilliant Dr. Scott Sherr, who’s here to give us the lowdown on a little-known powerhouse called methylene blue. This isn’t your average health talk—Dr. Sherr dives into how this vibrant blue compound can supercharge your cells, boost your energy, and even support fertility!We’re covering everything from the science behind methylene blue to its amazing benefits for chronic conditions like fatigue, long COVID, and mold toxicity. If you’ve been curious about how to optimize your mitochondria and up your energy game, this episode is packed with juicy details you don’t want to miss. Plus, we get into the nitty-gritty of why dosing matters and how to make methylene blue work for you.KEY TAKEAWAYS:What is methylene blue & where does it come from?How methylene blue boosts mitochondrial energy & resilienceOptimal dosing is crucial—too much can cause oxidative stress. Long-term, high doses may affect gut flora, so monitor and adjust as neededSafe for most but watch with high blood pressureEffective for chronic issues like Lyme and mold illness !! For a discount on Troscriptions Methylene Blue use code LESSSTRESSEDat troscriptions.com ABOUT GUEST: Dr. Scott Sherr is a Board Certified Internal Medicine Physician specializing in Health Optimization Medicine (HOMe) and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT). As the COO of Troscriptions, he develops physician-formulated buccal troches for energy, focus, sleep, and more. He also leads Health Optimization Medicine and Practice (HOMe/HOPe), a nonprofit that trains practitioners in health optimization. Dr. Sherr's clinical practice integrates HOMe principles with advanced HBOT protocols, comprehensive lab testing, and targeted supplementation. WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://hbot.plus/integrativehbotInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drscottsherr/Website: https://troscriptions.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troscriptions/Nonprofit: https://homehope.org/WHERE TO FIND CHRISTA:Website: https://www.christabiegler.com/Instagram: @anti.inflammatory.nutritionistPodcast Instagram: @lessstressedlifeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@lessstressedlifeEPISODE SPONSOR:A huge shoutout to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode! Grab a discount on any of their fantastic products. Use the code lessstressed10

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, get ready for an eye-opening chat with the incredible Dr. Bill Rawls. Dr. Rawls is the ultimate expert in turning health crises into opportunities for a vibrant life, and today, he’s spilling all the tea on how herbs can be your secret weapon against chronic illness. 🌱We dive deep into Bill's journey from being knocked down by chronic Lyme disease to rising up stronger with the power of herbs and holistic therapies. Trust me, his insights on cellular wellness will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about staying healthy. We also tackle the big question: Why are herbs so much better than antibiotics?KEY TAKEAWAYS:The five sneaky factors that stress out your cells (and how to fix them!)Why herbs are the real MVPs in your wellness toolkit 🏆How to keep those pesky microbes from taking over your lifeDo microbes create a resistance to herbs?Chronic illness often stems from reactivated dormant microbesA healthy nervous system is key to preventing chronic illnessSymptoms provide more insight into your health than lab testsABOUT GUEST: For over 30 years, Dr. Bill Rawls dedicated his life to medicine. After a chronic Lyme disease diagnosis revealed the limits of modern medicine, he turned to holistic and herbal therapies, restoring his health and inspiring a focus on cellular wellness. Now, through his bestselling books, Unlocking Lyme and The Cellular Wellness Solution, and as the founder of Vital Plan, Dr. Rawls advocates for the power of herbal phytochemicals in defending against illness. His signature Restore Kit™ has helped thousands reclaim their health. As a bestselling author and speaker, Dr. Rawls makes complex science accessible to all. WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://vitalplan.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vitalplan/Website: https://rawlsmd.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rawlsmd/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/linksEPISODE SPONSOR:A huge shoutout to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode! Grab a discount on any of their fantastic products. Use the code lessstressed10

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with the incredible Dr. Jen Johannsen. Jen is a dentist by trade, but she’s also a self-development nerd with a passion for financial, time, and emotional freedom. Join us as we dive into her journey from dealing with seasonal depression to becoming a self-care advocate and nervous system health enthusiast. KEY TAKEAWAYS:The impact of nervous system health on our daily livesPractical tools for emotional well-beingThe transformative power of Dr. David Hawkins' Map of Consciousness.Mentorship’s role in personal growth and self-discoveryWhy regular practice and self-care routines are essential for lasting changeHow understanding the polyvagal theory can help you manage stressABOUT GUEST:Dentist by profession and a self-development nerd by passion. We’re debt-free (mortgage included) and I’ve scaled back to working 12 hours per week. I’m deeply passionate about financial freedom, time freedom, and emotional freedom. I am endlessly fascinated by how we can shift ourselves internally, and radically change our perceptions and experiences. Much of our interaction with the world around us is filtered through the lens of our (often negative) mental chatter. Through a combination of medical knowledge, tools for nervous system regulation, and a lot of trial and error, I’ve drastically improved my baseline mood and have teachable tools to return to it. If any small thing I’ve learned helps someone else or builds belief, that’s a win!WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://grounded-now.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grounded.now.with.dr.jen/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/linksEPISODE SPONSOR:A huge shoutout to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode! Grab a discount on any of their fantastic products. Use the code lessstressed10

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I am joined by the amazing Dr. Tom Ingegno, clinician, speaker, and bestselling author of "The Cupping Book." In this episode, we dive into the world of cupping and acupuncture, exploring how these ancient practices boost blood flow, enhance lymphatic drainage, and support overall health. Dr. Tom shares fascinating history, emotional benefits, and practical tips for safe home use. Discover why consistency is key and how these therapies can elevate your self-care game! Tune in for a lively conversation that blends ancient wisdom with modern wellness, and let's get less stressed together! 🎧✨ KEY TAKEAWAYS:How cupping and acupuncture enhance circulationHow cupping improves lymph flowSafe and effective ways to use cupping at homeHow cupping effects physical and emotional well-beingRegular therapy sessions lead to better, faster resultsABOUT GUEST: Dr. Tom Ingegno, DACM, LAC, is a clinician, speaker, and the best-selling author of The Cupping Book: Unlocking the Secrets of Ancient Healing.Dr. Tom owns and operates Charm City Integrative Health, which provides a multidimensional approach to reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and regulating the immune system to help people thrive.In addition to a quarter century of clinical experience, Dr. Tom has taught at two universities of East Asian Medicine and served as Chair of the Maryland Board of Acupuncture. His professional passion is to help patients and like-minded practitioners develop no-nonsense practices to allow people to maximize their health.WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://www.charmcityintegrative.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ccintegrative/ 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/linksEPISODE SPONSOR:A special thanks to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode. Get a discount on any of their products. Use the code lessstressed10

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I am joined by Dr. Stacy Barczak Baker, a traditional Naturopath who specializes in Functional Medicine. In this episode,  we explore the importance of blood sugar regulation, mindset, and lifestyle to help in achieving optimal health. We discuss cultural differences in dining habits, highlighting how community and movement in European countries contribute to better health despite late meal times. Dr. Stacy also covers signs of blood sugar issues, the impact of subconscious thoughts on physical health, and the value of observing and changing thought patterns to support long-term well-being.KEY TAKEAWAYS:How to understand and manage blood sugarThe impact of mindset on health and healingHow aligning eating habits with circadian rhythms can optimize metabolic healthAre you overeating protein?How our thoughts influence our biochemistryABOUT GUEST: Dr. Stacy, a traditional Naturopath who specializes in Functional Medicine, holds a Doctorate in Traditional Naturopathy, a Master's of Science in Holistic Nutrition and after 10 years in the wellness industry, has found her passion in functional and alternative medicine. She has combined her love of Ayurveda, Functional Medicine Testing, Naturopathy, Holistic Nutrition and Fitness and has created a one of a kind bio-individualized approach to wellness. This includes looking at the body as one beautiful and synergistic system, which needs to be treated as so, focusing on the mind, body and spirit connecting to achieve the highest form of health imaginable. WHERE TO FIND:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.stacy.nd/Podcast: Vibing Well with Dr. StacyWHERE 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/linksEPISODE SPONSOR:A special thanks to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode. Get a discount on any of their products. Use the code lessstressed10

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I am joined by Leisha Drews, RN, FDN-P,  Holistic Hormone Coach and host of the Happily Hormonal Podcast. In this episode, Leisha shares how her transition from conventional to functional medicine occurred. She breaks down the menstrual cycle, explaining how its phases affect women’s energy and productivity. She highlights the importance of listening to your body and using each phase's strengths, from the low-energy period phase to the high-energy follicular phase. Leisha also discusses why some cycling women may have pre-period bloating and shares tips on temperature tracking to monitor cycle health and fertility. I just love that Leisha expresses her passion for helping women, emphasizing that they are often underserved when it comes to understanding their own bodies. She speaks my language! 🥰Try Leisha's quiz: What's causing your Hormonal Imbalances?KEY TAKEAWAYS:Understanding the different phases in the menstrual cycleThe importance of cycle trackingHow to manage pre-period bloatThe impact of hormones on mood and energyThe importance of communicating menstrual cycle symptoms with partners to foster understanding and supportDifferent apps to track your cycle and fertilityABOUT GUEST: Leisha Drews is mom of three, RN, FDN-P and Holistic Hormone Coach and host of the Happily Hormonal Podcast. She brings a unique understanding of how our body systems work together and how stress on the body and mind impact overall health. She believes that as women we can have it ALL when it comes to health and motherhood, and helping women restore energy, balance hormones and feel good in their bodies again is her passion. Hormone balance doesn't have to be overwhelming, and she is here to empower women to understand & trust their bodies again to create change for generations to come.WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://leishadrews.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leishadrewsPodcast: Happily Hormonal 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/linksEPISODE SPONSOR:A special thanks to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode. Get a discount on any of their products. Use the code lessstressed10

Send us a textThis week on The Less Stressed Life Podcast, I am joined by Mollie Eastman. In this episode, Mollie shares her journey into chronobiology, which started with her struggles as a bad sleeper. Through her platform, Sleep Is A Skill, Mollie now helps others optimize their sleep. We discuss strategies for sleep optimization, balancing social habits, and meal timing. We also delve into caffeine timing, exercise, and "thought timing," emphasizing the importance of managing evening stressors and utilizing wearable technology to obtain sleep data.KEY TAKEAWAYS:What does it take to get great sleep?What is chronobiology?How does meal timing affect sleep?How can we have a consistent wake-up time?What is metabolic jet lag?If making changes, how long is it before you see results?When is the best time to exercise during the day to optimize your sleep?How to move the needle on your HRV dataABOUT GUEST:  Mollie Eastman is the creator of Sleep Is A Skill, and the host of The Sleep Is A Skill Podcast. Sleep Is A Skill is a company that optimizes people’s sleep through a unique blend of technology, accountability, and behavioral change. After navigating insomnia while traveling internationally, she created what she couldn’t find - a place to go to learn the skill set of sleep. With a background in behavioral change from The Nonverbal Group, she became fascinated with chronobiology and its practical application to sleep and our overall experience of life. Knowing the difference between a life with sleep and without, she’s now dedicated her life to sharing the forgotten skill set of sleep. In the spirit of that goal, she has created the #2 sleep podcast, written a popular weekly sleep newsletter for over five years, partnered with luxury hotels & lifestyle brands, coached the world’s top poker players, and has appeared on over 150 podcasts. WHERE TO FIND:Website: https://www.sleepisaskill.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mollie.eastmanWHERE 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 restEPISODE SPONSOR:A special thanks to Jigsaw Health for sponsoring this episode. Get a discount on any of their products. Use the code lessstressed10RETREATI have a few spots left for the retreat I’m hosting in a couple months for ambitious women in wellness, service providers and business owners in Bozeman MT. Here’s the results you can expect from coming to the Recharge Retreat in the mountains: + You’ll indulge in less overthinking and overwhelm+ You’ll make decisions faster