#070 When Your Healing Protocol Isn't Working: The Metabolism-Gut Connection and When To Rethink Your Routine (But Still Stay Consistent)

Ever feel like you're going through the motions with your health routines, but seeing diminishing returns? This episode dives deep into two game-changing concepts that might revolutionize your healing journey.First, Dr. Stacy tackles the evolution of routines—how to recognize when habits that once served you have become burdens instead of blessings. She reveals the subtle signs that your daily rituals have lost their meaning and explains why being consistent in showing up for yourself while remaining fluid in what that looks like can be transformative. Rather than rigidly following someone else's protocol or morning routine, learn to attune to what your body needs in different seasons of life and how to create meaningful consistency without the all-or-nothing mentality that keeps so many of us stuck.The second half of the episode unveils a powerful paradigm shift in understanding gut health that's rarely discussed in wellness circles: the critical connection between metabolic dysfunction and gut issues. Dr. Stacey explains how insulin resistance, blood sugar instability, and mitochondrial dysfunction can directly drive gut inflammation, disrupt barrier integrity, and impair digestive function—often making gut protocols ineffective until the metabolic piece is addressed.You'll discover why systemic inflammation from metabolic dysfunction is enough to cause leaky gut on its own, how high insulin affects bile flow and nutrient absorption, and why addressing metabolic flexibility might be the missing link in your healing journey. If you've tried multiple gut protocols without lasting success, this episode offers a fresh perspective that could finally connect the dots.Ready to stop chasing symptoms and start addressing root causes? This episode provides the framework to evolve both your daily practices and your understanding of how metabolism and gut health work together. Your persistent health issues might not be about finding that one perfect protocol you haven't tried yet—but about creating the right metabolic environment where healing can actually happen!Blood Sugar and Ketone Testing Masterclass:https://stacy-baker.mykajabi.com/offers/oFFzhFSzComing SOON:Join Dr. Stacy's Master Your Metabolism class this fall to discover your personal metabolic formula and receive a one-on-one consultation to optimize your metabolism for sustainable results. (get notified FIRST!) Hydration recommendations/Minerals/Electrolytes DON'T MISS A BEAT FROM DR. STACY - Get notified for group programs and other LIVE events FIRST when you subscribe! For everything else, check out the links below: My GO-TO CGM: Nutrisense, use code DRSTACY for 33% off!CGM (Code DRSTACY for 33% off!) HUME Health BODYpod code DRSTACYCode: DRSTACYMore:To work one-on-one with me, you can apply HERE!For more from me, follow me on IG @dr.stacy.ndThis information is just that; information only - not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your primary care before changing anything to your routine. This information is not mean to diagnose, treat, or cure disease.

Your body isn't failing you—it's responding logically to the conditions you've created. When hormones plummet, whether sex hormones or thyroid, it's a sign your body is prioritizing survival over optimization.The hierarchy of hormones explains why so many of us struggle with imbalances despite our best efforts. Survival hormones like cortisol always take precedence, and when they're chronically elevated, everything else suffers. I've witnessed countless clients (and experienced myself) the frustration of trying to boost specific hormones while ignoring the environmental factors keeping stress hormones high.What's truly fascinating is how our modern lifestyle creates the perfect storm for hormone disruption. The artificial light environment confuses our circadian rhythm, signaling midday to our brain even at midnight. Erratic meal timing, blood sugar instability, and constant digital consumption keep cortisol and insulin elevated, blocking hormone production and conversion pathways. For women, attempting to live the same way every day despite operating on a 28-day hormonal cycle creates profound confusion in the body.The good news? We have tremendous power to change our internal environment. Strategic shifts in meal timing (prioritizing breakfast and lunch), proper light exposure that respects circadian biology, and blood sugar stability create safety signals that allow hormones to rebuild naturally. You'll be amazed at how quickly the body responds when given the right conditions.If you're struggling with hormone issues, resist the temptation to immediately supplement or replace them. Instead, focus first on creating an environment where your body feels safe enough to allocate resources toward optimization rather than survival. Your hormones aren't randomly failing—they're responding appropriately to the conditions you're creating.Ready to take control of your metabolism and hormone health? Join my upcoming Mastering Your Metabolism class this fall, where I'll teach you exactly how to identify your individual patterns and create the right environment for hormone healing.Resources Mentioned:Blood Sugar and Ketone Testing Masterclass Mentioned:https://stacy-baker.mykajabi.com/offers/oFFzhFSzComing SOON:Join Dr. Stacy's Master Your Metabolism class this fall to discover your personal metabolic formula and receive a one-on-one consultation to optimize your metabolism for sustainable results. (get notified FIRST!) Hydration recommendations/Minerals/Electrolytes DON'T MISS A BEAT FROM DR. STACY - Get notified for group programs and other LIVE events FIRST when you subscribe! For everything else, check out the links below: My GO-TO CGM: Nutrisense, use code DRSTACY for 33% off!CGM (Code DRSTACY for 33% off!) HUME Health BODYpod code DRSTACYCode: DRSTACYMore:To work one-on-one with me, you can apply HERE!This information is just that; information only - not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your primary care before changing anything to your routine. This information is not mean to diagnose, treat, or cure disease.

Dr. Stacy explores the critical differences between food cravings and insatiable hunger, revealing how our biochemistry—not willpower—drives these powerful urges and impacts sustainable weight management.• Cravings are the body's communication system telling us something is out of balance—whether blood sugar, gut health, or mineral deficiencies• Sweet cravings typically indicate blood sugar dysregulation, metabolic inflexibility, or specific nutrient deficiencies like B vitamins, magnesium and chromium• Salt cravings signal adrenal dysfunction, electrolyte imbalances, and cellular dehydration that plain water alone cannot fix• Candida and fungal overgrowth hijack our glucose, directly inhibit mitochondria, and promote further sweet cravings• Insatiable hunger often stems from leptin resistance—when high insulin blocks the "I'm full" signal from reaching the brain• Sustainable weight loss requires becoming metabolically flexible—the ability to switch between burning sugar and fat for energy• Building muscle mass is crucial for maintaining weight loss, as it improves glucose uptake, increases mitochondrial density, and raises metabolic rate• The mindset for maintaining weight differs from losing it—requiring permanently raised standards and identifying with your future self• We get the health we think we deserve—acting from self-love rather than self-hatred creates sustainable change• Proper circadian rhythm alignment through consistent meal timing and light exposure helps regulate cortisol, blood sugar, and appetiteSugar Podcast Episode MentionedWhy where we store fat matters when it comes to inflammation & metabolic health Episode Blood Sugar and Ketone Testing Masterclass Mentioned:https://stacy-baker.mykajabi.com/offers/oFFzhFSzComing SOON:Join Dr. Stacy's Master Your Metabolism class this fall to discover your personal metabolic formula and receive a one-on-one consultation to optimize your metabolism for sustainable results. (get notified FIRST!) Hydration recommendations/Minerals/Electrolytes DON'T MISS A BEAT FROM DR. STACY - Get notified for group programs and other LIVE events FIRST when you subscribe! For everything else, check out the links below: HUME Health BODYpod code DRSTACYCode: DRSTACYMore:To work one-on-one with me, you can apply HERE!Nutrisense CGM (my absolute go-to for all things metabolic health, now 33% off with my code DRSTACY)Blood Sugar and Ketone Testing Masterclass Mentioned:https://stacy-baker.mykajabi.com/offers/oFFzhFSzResources mentioned in this episode:This information is just that; information only - not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your primary care before changing anything to your routine. This information is not mean to diagnose, treat, or cure disease.

Fat distribution matters more than weight alone for metabolic health, with invisible fat deposits in the liver, visceral area, and muscles driving inflammation before subcutaneous fat accumulates. These hidden fat stores can cause metabolic dysfunction even in people who appear thin, with liver fat becoming problematic at just 0.5 pounds while subcutaneous fat allows up to 22 pounds before similar risks develop.• Different fat storage locations have varying impacts on metabolic health• Subcutaneous fat is the least inflammatory and serves as energy storage, insulation, and hormonal signaling• Intramuscular fat directly impairs insulin sensitivity and muscle function• Visceral/abdominal fat secretes inflammatory cytokines and correlates with stress hormones• Liver fat most dramatically impairs metabolic function even in tiny amounts• About 40% of people with metabolic dysfunction have no visible weight issues• Diet composition, stress levels, movement patterns, and sleep all influence fat storage locations• Testing options include DEXA scans, Hume Health Body Pod, liver enzymes, waist-to-hip ratio• Building muscle, reducing refined carbs and alcohol, and managing stress reduce metabolically active fat• Frequent urination often connects to blood sugar issues, mineral imbalances, and dehydrationHydration reccomendations/Minerals/Electrolytes DON'T MISS A BEAT FROM DR. STACY - Get notified for group programs and other LIVE events FIRST when you subscribe! For everything else, check out the links below: HUME Health BODYpod code DRSTACYCode: DRSTACYMore:To get updates on group programs as they open up, you can get on the list HERE to get notified first!To work one-on-one with me, you can apply HERE!Nutrisense CGM (my absolute go-to for all things metabolic health, now 33% off with my code DRSTACY)Blood Sugar and Ketone Testing Masterclass Mentioned:https://stacy-baker.mykajabi.com/offers/oFFzhFSzResources mentioned in this episode:Mycircadian APP DOCTOR (code)Ra Optics (Code DRSTACYND)Bon Charge (Code DRSTACY) red light panel and circadian bulbsHigher Dose (my FAV sauna blanket with low to no EMF) code DRSTACYCGM (Code DRSTACY for 33% off!) Analemma Water (structThis information is just that; information only - not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your primary care before changing anything to your routine. This information is not mean to diagnose, treat, or cure disease.

In today's episode I unpack ALL things STRESS (what it does to our body long term and how it impacts everything from our behavior, to our thoughts and perceptions, and how to find what OUR bodies in particular are tagging as a threat (Hint, it could just be TOO MUCH of even a good thing!) With that, it is imperative to talk about the amount of  (over) information we are constantly consuming - is it helping or harming us? Could it also be contributing to the chronic stress factor?How I navigate all of the noise, how I bridge the mind and body into a common goal with behavior, and SO much more - I hope you all LOVE it!For everything else, check out the links below: HUME Health BODYpod code DRSTACYCode: DRSTACYMore:To get updates on group programs as they open up, you can get on the list HERE to get notified first!To work one-on-one with me, you can apply HERE!Nutrisense CGM (my absolute go-to for all things metabolic health, now 33% off with my code DRSTACY)Blood Sugar and Ketone Testing Masterclass Mentioned:https://stacy-baker.mykajabi.com/offers/oFFzhFSzResources mentioned in this episode:Mycircadian APP DOCTOR (code)Ra Optics (Code DRSTACYND)Bon Charge (Code DRSTACY) red light panel and circadian bulbsHigher Dose (my FAV sauna blanket with low to no EMF) code DRSTACYCGM (Code DRSTACY for 33% off!) Analemma Water (structuring)Spring Aqua (my FAV water system) Thank you all so much for being here!For more from me, head to my IG @dr.stacy.ndSee you all on the next episode!This information is just that; information only - not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your primary care before changing anything to your routine. This information is not mean to diagnose, treat, or cure disease.

In today's episode, I discuss how added sugar and refined/processed foods (yes, even organic, dairy-free, and gluten-free processed foods are STILL processed and refined), still unrecognizable to the mitochondria, still void of nutrients that our gut microbime needs (like fiber!), and also causing MORE inflammation and mitochondria dysfucntion which contirbutes to all METABOLIC diseases including:StokeCVD/Heart Disease/AtherosclerosisKidney DiseaseLiver Disease and Failure, NAFLD, CirrhosisDiabetesDementiaExcess Growth/CancerHyperlipedimia/ObesityWhat they all have in common is that they are METABOLIC in nature, meaning you have to begin to look at what is happening in the LIVER and in the CELLS in order to prevent them. There is NO way we can move forward along our healing journey if we are poisoning our cells with sugar, and in the episode, I delve into the HOW and the WHY sugar does things like wreck our metabolism and mitochondria, how it causes the liver to become fat, which sets the scene for chroinc inflammation, insulin resistance, a lack of ATP (energy), and with that, mitochondira dysfunction.I also talk about how our children are targeted in this mess, how we need to understand the limits in which their bodies can metbaolize (as far as sugar goes), how metablic issues manifest in children, and then of course - how we start supporting these thgins in our own homes (starting with what we bring into the house and what we accept as our normal when it comes to fueling our bodies.) HUME Health BODYpod code DRSTACYCode: DRSTACYMore:To get updates on group programs as they open up, you can get on the list HERE to get notified first!To work one-on-one with me, you can apply HERE!Nutrisense CGM (my absolute go-to for all things metabolic health, now 33% off with my code DRSTACY)Blood Sugar and Ketone Testing Masterclass Mentioned:https://stacy-baker.mykajabi.com/offers/oFFzhFSzResources mentioned in this episode:Mycircadian APP DOCTOR (code)Ra Optics (Code DRSTACYND)Bon Charge (Code DRSTACY) red light panel and circadian bulbsHigher Dose (my FAV sauna blanket with low to no EMF) code DRSTACYCGM (Code DRSTACY for 33% off!) Analemma Water (structuring)Spring Aqua (my FAV water system) Thank you all so much for being here! For more from me, This information is just that; information only - not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your primary care before changing anything to your routine. This information is not mean to diagnose, treat, or cure disease.

In today's episode, I answer all of your questions from IG, and we dive into all things calorie defecit (and why I don't start there!), fasted workouts, navigating anxiety symptoms while working on foundational needs, navigating the social scene (while keeping goals!), hypoglycemia, histamine and blood sugar connections, sugar substitutes, and everything in between!To get updates on group programs as they open up, you can get on the list HERE to get notified first!To work one-on-one with me, you can apply HERE!Nutrisense CGM (my absolute go-to for all things metabolic health, now 30% off with my code DRSTACY)Blood Sugar and Ketone Testing Masterclass Mentioned:https://stacy-baker.mykajabi.com/offers/oFFzhFSzResources mentioned in this episode:Mycircadian APP DOCTOR (code)Ra Optics (Code DRSTACYND)Bon Charge (Code DRSTACY) red light panel and circadian bulbsHigher Dose (my FAV sauna blanket with low to no EMF) code DRSTACYCGM (Code DRSTACY for 30% off!) Analemma Water (structuring)Spring Aqua (my FAV water system) Thank you all so much for being here! For more from me, visit my IG @dr.stacy.nd or my site www.dr-stacy.comThis information is just that; information only - not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your primary care before changing anything to your routine. This information is not mean to diagnose, treat, or cure disease.

In today's episode, I chat about how to bring in protein, strength training, and building muscle in a supportive and intentional way (And WHY we need to always be making this our eventual goal along any healing journey).I talk about the nuance of protein consumption, why it is not favorable to overdo it when living a sedentary lifestyle, but how to strategically increase it as the body is ready, so that we can get to a more foundational place for sustainable health. I also talk about how sedentary living impacts our ability to recover from workouts and how we must ease into movement gently and supportively to increase the "flow" in all systems of the body, the metabolic impact, and so much more! There is so much noise on these topics, but I wanted to show you what and how I support these things clinically, how important they are to incorporate eventually, and how to do so in an intentional and supportive way!To get updates on group programs as they open up, you can get on the list HERE to get notified first!To work one-on-one with me, you can apply HERE!Nutrisense CGM (my absolute go-to for all things metabolic health, now 30% off with my code DRSTACY)Blood Sugar and Ketone Testing Masterclass Mentioned:https://stacy-baker.mykajabi.com/offers/oFFzhFSzResources mentioned in this episode:Mycircadian APP DOCTOR (code)Ra Optics (Code DRSTACYND)Bon Charge (Code DRSTACY) red light panel and circadian bulbsHigher Dose (my FAV sauna blanket with low to no EMF) code DRSTACYCGM (Code DRSTACY for 30% off!) Analemma Water (structuring)Spring Aqua (my FAV water system) Thank you all so much for being here! For more from me, visit my IG @dr.stacy.nd or my site www.dr-stacy.comThis information is just that; information only - not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your primary care before changing anything to your routine. This information is not mean to diagnose, treat, or cure disease.This information is just that; information only - not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your primary care before changing anything to your routine. This information is not mean to diagnose, treat, or cure disease.

In this episode, I delve into all things ketosis, benefits of getting into it, differences among sexes, the healing benefits of achieving not only ketosis, but metabolic flexibility, and how I use it intermittently for its healing powers, but choose not to stay in it long term! Keto Mojo (Ketone Meter) 15% off meter kitsI also chat about how we not only need a FULL spectrum of light for optimized signaling and health, but also brightness to support things like mood, metabolism, and hormonal function! If you want to go into these things and SO much more, join my Summer Series (a collection of 8 weeks of sessions where we go into the biggest "sticking points" I see on one's healing journeys) and learn how to support these in a foundational way!To get updates on group programs as they open up, you can get on the list HERE to get notified first!To work one-on-one with me, you can apply HERE!Blood Sugar and Ketone Testing Masterclass Mentioned:https://stacy-baker.mykajabi.com/offers/oFFzhFSzResources mentioned in this episode:Mycircadian APP DOCTOR (code)Ra Optics (Code DRSTACYND)Bon Charge (Code DRSTACY) red light panel and circadian bulbsHigher Dose (my FAV sauna blanket with low to no EMF) code DRSTACYCGM (Code DRSTACY for 30% off!) Analemma Water (structuring)Spring Aqua (my FAV water system) Thank you all so much for being here! For more from me, visit my IG @dr.stacy.nd or my site www.dr-stacy.comThis information is just that; information only - not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your primary care before changing anything to your routine. This information is not mean to diagnose, treat, or cure disease.

In today's episode, I talk about how the body works to heal itself (and how it compensates to do so), what systems the body enlists to try and maintain this "balance," and how symptoms start to pop up when these systems become overwhelmed. Balance is always key, and my hope in this episode it to shed light on something in your own day-to-day that is lacking balance in some way (especially if you are experiencing chronic symptoms in any way!)I also mention my group programs and will link up active groups below if these resonate with you!HYM (LIVE) Heal Your Metabolism (Heal your metabolic health once and for all!) https://stacy-baker.mykajabi.com/offers/hp4Sk2SyHYM (LIVE) For Practitioners (learn how to coach in metabolic health to all of your clients!) https://stacy-baker.mykajabi.com/offers/MGMKe96oHeal your hormones (learn how to support hormones in a hierarchical way so we can drop the hormones "balancing act" https://stacy-baker.mykajabi.com/offers/oCLz78NkTo get updates on group programs as they open up, you can get on the list HERE to get notified first!To work one-on-one with me, you can apply HERE!Blood Sugar and Ketone Testing Masterclass Mentioned:https://stacy-baker.mykajabi.com/offers/oFFzhFSzResources mentioned in this episode:Mycircadian APP DOCTOR (code)Ra Optics (Code DRSTACYND)Bon Charge (Code DRSTACY) red light panel and circadian bulbsHigher Dose (my FAV sauna blanket with low to no EMF) code DRSTACYCGM (Code DRSTACY for 35% off!) Analemma Water (structuring)Spring Aqua (my FAV water system) Thank you all so much for being here! For more from me, visit my IG @dr.stacy.nd or my site www.dr-stacy.comThis information is just that; information only - not to be taken as medical advice. Please contact your primary care before changing anything to your routine. This information is not mean to diagnose, treat, or cure disease.