Less Stressed Life: Helping You Heal Yourself
Welcome to the Less Stressed Life. If you’re here, I bet we have a few things in common. We’re both in pursuit of a Less Stressed Life. But we don’t have it all figured out quite yet. We’re moms that want the best for our families, health practitioners that want the best for our clients and women that just want to feel better with every birthday. We’re health savvy, but we want to learn something new each day. The Less Stressed Life isn’t a destination, it’s a pursuit, a journey if you will. On this show...
#472 How to not hate your closet and loving what you wear with style mentor Gillian Jakob Kieser
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On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we’re switching things up and having a little fun with personal style. I’m talking with style coach Gillian Jakob Kieser about why figuring out what actually feels like you goes way beyond knowing your colors, following trends, or buying the pieces someone says everyone needs in their closet.
Gillian walks me through the six style archetypes and we get into my own mix of natural, dramatic, and gamine. We also talk about why your style can change through different seasons of life...
#471 Herbal Support for Perimenopause with Kari Natwick, RD
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On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we're continuing our September focus on perimenopause with Integrative and Functional Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Kari Natwick to talk about how herbs can support women throughout the perimenopause transition.
We talk about why some women struggle more through perimenopause than others, how changing hormones can amplify stress on underlying systems, and why herbal support may look different depending on where you are in the transition. Kari shares herbs for hot flashes, sleep, mood, libido, and nervous system support, plus where herbs fit alongside HRT.<...
#470 Why Your Skin Ages "Overnight" in Perimenopause with Dr. Rey Hamidi
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On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we're continuing our September focus on perimenopause with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Rey Hamidi to unpack why skin can seem to age so quickly in midlife and what shifting hormones have to do with it.
We talk about how declining estrogen and progesterone can affect collagen, elastin, pigmentation, acne, dryness, sensitivity, and sagging. Dr. Rey also explains why supporting your skin barrier should come before adding actives, which skincare ingredients she prioritizes, how sleep and other internal factors affect aging skin, and when treatments...
#469 Is it perimenopause or something else? Testing, stages and fatigue with Dr. Carrie Jones
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On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we're continuing our September focus on perimenopause with Dr. Carrie Jones, who is back to break down what actually happens to our hormones during the perimenopause transition and why symptoms aren't always as straightforward as they seem.
We talk about the stages of perimenopause, early symptoms, hormone testing, and why fatigue or changing hormones may be related to perimenopause, something else, or both. Carrie also explains how declining estrogen can affect insulin resistance, body composition, belly fat, cholesterol, and blood pressure, plus how...
#468 Patches, Pellets & Progesterone: A Complete Guide to HRT Options with Jennifer Gularson, PA-C, IFMCP
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On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, we're diving into our September focus on perimenopause with Jennifer Gularson, who is back to break down the different hormone replacement therapy (HRT) options available during perimenopause and menopause.
We talk about estrogen patches, progesterone, testosterone, creams, gels, and pellets, including how they work, why one option may be a better fit than another, and what to consider when starting HRT. Jennifer also explains hormone testing, why she often introduces hormones one at a time, and how treatment may change as you move...
#467 Practical Guide to Environmental Mold and Biotoxins with Jenna De Kok, MS, RD
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On this episode of the Less Stressed Life, I'm joined again by my associate registered dietitian, Jenna De Kok, to continue our conversation about CIRS and mold, this time focusing on the health of your home.
After navigating multiple mold exposures herself, Jenna has learned firsthand how overwhelming the environmental side of healing can feel. We talk about what she wishes she had known earlier, including proper mold removal, small particle cleaning, HVAC maintenance, humidity, and when an Indoor Environmental Professional (IEP) may be helpful. We also discuss practical ways to...
#466 Affordable Mold Testing Is Finally Here with Ariana Thacker of MoldCo
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MOLDCO DISCOUNT:
Use code LESSSTRESSED20 for 20% off the Complete Panel and Home Dust Test. Find those tests here https://www.moldco.com/testing.
Mold exposure can feel like an expensive and overwhelming rabbit hole, especially when symptoms span multiple systems and conventional testing keeps coming back normal. This week on The Less Stressed Life, I’m joined by Ariana Thacker of MoldCo to talk about making mold and CIRS testing and treatment more accessible and less overwhelming. We cover the symptoms and environmental clues th...
#465 When It's Not "Just Anxiety”: Diagnosing CIRS with Jenna De Kok, MS, RD
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In this episode of The Less Stressed Life, I'm joined by my associate registered dietitian, Jenna De Kok, to share the deeply personal journey she and her husband have been on with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). After multiple exposures to water-damaged buildings, they both began experiencing unexplained symptoms, with Jenna developing debilitating panic attacks, severe insomnia, neurological symptoms, and overwhelming fatigue. Despite being told by multiple healthcare providers that it was "just anxiety," she continued searching for answers until she finally received a CIRS diagnosis. We also discuss what CIRS is, how...
#464 Origin of Functional Medicine, Post-CV Immune Resilience, Mast Cells, Inflammaging and Fatty Acids with Dr. Jeffrey Bland, PhD
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In this episode of The Less Stressed Life, I'm joined by Dr. Jeffrey Bland for a conversation about the evolution of functional medicine and what we're continuing to learn about immune resilience. We explore why "immune boosting" isn't the goal, how the gut microbiome influences inflammation throughout the body, and why mast cells, the 4R gut restoration protocol, and post-COVID immune changes are important pieces of the immune health puzzle. We also discuss inflammaging (chronic inflammation associated with aging) and how nutrition and lifestyle choices can help support resilience and healthy...
#463 From the Archives: Life Lessons from the Oldest and Wisest with David Romanelli
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The Less Stressed Life turns 10 next year🤯, and as I started looking back through some of the earliest episodes, I realized there were a few conversations I wanted to bring back because they're just as relevant today as when they were first recorded. This week, we're revisiting Episode 54 from 2019 with bestselling author and wellness innovator Dave Romanelli. While this conversation was recorded before the world experienced the isolation of the pandemic, its message about connection, loneliness, and learning from older generations feels even more meaningful today.
In this episode, Dave shares what...
#462 From the Archives: How to Be a Flavor Scientist with Olivia Wagner, RDN, IFNCP
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The Less Stressed Life turns 10 next year🤯, and as I started looking back through some of the earliest episodes, I realized there were a few conversations I wanted to bring back because they're just as relevant today as when they were first recorded. This week, we're revisiting Episode 47 from 2019 with functional dietitian Olivia Wagner, whose practical approach to food as medicine continues to inspire how we think about nourishing our bodies.
In this episode, we explore how every bite of food provides information to the body, why becoming a "nutrient seeker" can...
#461 From the Archives: Functional & Medicinal Mushrooms for Beginners with Jeff Chilton
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The Less Stressed Life celebrates 10 years next year🤯, and as I looked back through some of the early episodes, I realized there were a few conversations I wanted to bring back because they're just as relevant today as when they were first recorded. This week, we're revisiting Episode 39 from 2018 with Jeff Chilton, one of the world's leading experts on medicinal mushrooms and the founder of Nammex.
In this episode, we explore the science behind functional mushrooms, what makes mushrooms like lion's mane, reishi, cordyceps, chaga, and shiitake unique, and why not all...
#460 From the Archives: The Life Changing Benefits of Sauna Use with Dr. Raleigh Duncan
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The Less Stressed Life celebrates 10 years next year🤯, and as I looked back through some of the early episodes, I realized there were a few conversations I wanted to bring back because they're just as relevant today as when they were first recorded. We're kicking off this replay series with Episode 30 from 2018, featuring Dr. Raleigh Duncan, one of the early pioneers in the infrared sauna industry.
In this episode, we talk about what makes infrared saunas different from traditional saunas, what's happening in the body during a sauna session, and the res...
#459 Quantum Leap in Your Sleep with Louise Wilson
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In this episode of the Less Stressed Life, I’m joined by Louise Wilson for a conversation about dreams, intuition, and the possibility that some of our best ideas may arrive while we're asleep. We explore the concepts of 3D, 4D, and 5D reality, why Louise believes dreams can be a powerful source of guidance, and how sleep may be an overlooked opportunity for problem-solving, creativity, and personal growth. We also discuss the power of asking better questions, creating space for deeper rest, and why the answers we're seeking may be closer than we...
#458 Energy Leaks, Building Capacity & Martyrdom with Helen Eimers
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This week, I’m joined by Helen Eimers for a conversation about the hidden beliefs, energy leaks, and patterns that may be keeping us stuck. Helen is also my sister-in-law and one of the very first guests I ever had on the podcast, so it was a special treat to welcome her back for a second conversation. We explore why so many high-achieving women find themselves exhausted despite doing all the “right” things, how self-sabotage often stems from parts of ourselves that simply want to be seen, and why healing isn’t about fixing o...
#457 Anxiety, Panic, Complex Trauma, Ayurveda & a functional perspective with Dr. Nicole Cain
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This week, I’m joined by Dr. Nicole Cain for a conversation about anxiety, panic, stress, and what our symptoms might be trying to tell us. We talk about the difference between fear, anxiety, and panic, why anxiety may be more of a signal than a problem, and how chronic stress can quietly build beneath the surface long before we recognize it. Dr. Nicole shares her perspective on complex trauma, nervous system regulation, and the ways modern life constantly pulls us into reactivity without us even realizing it. We also explore why awareness is...
#456 Thriving with Autoimmunity with Michele Spring, CHC
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This week, I’m joined by Michele Spring for a conversation about Hashimoto’s, autoimmune healing, and the often-overlooked role stress plays in chronic illness. We talk about why food can be a powerful tool for uncovering inflammation, how restrictive diets are meant to be temporary, and what happens when symptoms return after you've already done the work to feel better. We also explore the connection between perfectionism, people-pleasing, overachievement, and autoimmune disease, along with why nervous system regulation became such an important piece of Michele’s healing journey.
KEY TAKEAW...
#455 New treatments for dry eye, light sensitivity, rosacea and eye mites with Dawn Wattenhofer, OD
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This week, I’m joined by optometrist Dr. Dawn Wattenhofer for a conversation about dry eye, light sensitivity, and the surprising ways our modern lifestyle impacts eye health. We talk about how screen use, inflammation, and environmental stressors affect the eyes, why dry eye is becoming increasingly common, and what newer therapies are changing the way practitioners approach treatment. Dr. Dawn also shares how her perspective on sunlight and eye care has evolved over the years and why supporting long-term eye function requires a more whole-body approach.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
#454 Two Words that can Amplify Your Authentic Self with Rianne Klein Getlink
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This week, I’m joined by my friend and fellow mastermind member, Rianne Klein Getlink, for a conversation about authenticity, self-expression, and the subtle ways we learn to wear masks to fit into the world around us. We talk about how conditioning, professional expectations, and social pressure can slowly disconnect us from who we naturally are, along with why the things that feel most effortless to us are often the biggest clues to our authentic selves. We also explore two Dutch words that don’t have direct English translations but completely change the way...
#453 Low libido, testosterone, estrogen and HRT with Jennifer Gularson, PA-C
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🚨🚨🚨Interested in working with Christa? Find out more here:
Momentum Program: https://www.christabiegler.com/momentumChrista's Free Training: https://www.christabiegler.com/blueprintThis week, Jennifer Gularson joins me to talk about perimenopause, menopause, and low libido, along with what’s actually happening in the body during this transition. We break down how stress, sleep, blood sugar, under-fueling, and hormone shifts can all impact libido, mood, cycles, and energy levels. We also discuss why so many women feel dismissed when symptoms start showing up, how testosterone, estrogen, a...
PSA: If you need help with inflammatory symptoms, skin rashes, gut issues or food sensitivities
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In this bonus episode, I’m sharing a behind-the-scenes updates on how we’ve shifted the way we help people inside the Less Stressed Life over the last several years. I talk about how Momentum was created to help people get faster results in a more accessible and streamlined way, why we now offer both one-on-one and group options, and why enrollment is temporarily closing next week while I focus on a new project!
RESOURCES MENTIONED:
Momentum Program: https://www.christabiegler.com/momentum
Christa's Free...
#452 The Secret Language of Your Body with Inna Segal
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This week, Inna Segal joins me to talk about healing in a way that goes beyond quick fixes. Instead of looking for someone else to “fix” you, we break down what it actually means to participate in your own healing and why that shift is often the turning point.
We walk through the stages of healing, why people get stuck, and how the nervous system, past experiences, and overwhelm can slow progress. We also talk about how to start reconnecting with your body through simple tools like breath and awareness, and how...
#451 Behind the Scenes of the Less Stressed Life with Christa & Podcast Manager Lori
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This week’s episode is a behind-the-scenes conversation with my podcast manager, Lori, where we look back on the first quarter of episodes and talk honestly about what stood out, what we liked, what didn’t land as well, and what actually felt useful. We get into some of the bigger topics from the quarter like radon, water filtration, fascia, and detox, share a bit about how we think through guests and episode quality, and wrap up with what’s coming next, including new protocols and where I want to take the podcast this y...
#450 Is Collagen the Answer to Aging? with Christa Biegler, RD
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In 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 ma...
#449 Metal circulation, sensitivities, binder types, post CV histamine with Christopher Shade, PhD
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This 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 st...
#448 Everything Water Filtration with Gerry Bulfin of Clean Water Store
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This 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...
#447 Hydrogen Water Benefits, Delivery Methods and What to Know with Greg the Hydrogen Man
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🚨🚨🚨Watch Christa's free training here: christabiegler.com/blueprint
This 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 w...
#446 What my DUTCH test revealed (and what I’m doing about it) with Christa Biegler, RD
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☘️☘️☘️Enter the March GIVEAWAY: https://www.christabiegler.com/giveaway
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View Christa's DUTCH Test Results: Click Here
In 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...
#445 Fascia, Stress, Trauma and a 50 lb weight loss with Deanna Hansen
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This 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...
#444 Breaking the Migraine Cycle: Patterns, Triggers, and Regulation Tools with Diane Ducarme
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This 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...
#443 Healing Crisis Part 2: How I Trashed My Hormones (And What It Actually Took to Fix Them) with Christa Biegler, RD
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In 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 th...
#442 Financial planning when you have a child with a disability with Michael Pereira of The Autism Voyage
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This 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 pl...
#441 Common Causes of Bloating with Karlee Close
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This 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 h...
#440 You Don't Know What You Don't Know: A Guide to Getting Started with Christa Biegler, RD
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🚨🚨🚨Get your inflammation score & root causes of inflammation guide here: https://www.christabiegler.com/inflammationrootcause
In this episode, I’m giving you a little life update and answering a question I get all the time.
Where do I start with my health?
Using a story about my son’s back pain and how a trained eye caught what others missed, I walk through why assessment has to come first. So often things look fine on the surface. Compensation can look functional. Symptoms can feel normal. A...
#439 Stealth Toxins: Testing Radon and Other Indoor Air Contaminants with Air Quality Expert Justin Liberman
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We often overlook what we cannot see, but stealth toxins like radon, mold, and chemical pollutants may be quietly building up in our homes. This week I’m joined by Justin Liberman, Air Quality Expert and Jaspr’s Head Experience Coordinator, to talk about hidden threats in indoor air and how they can impact health over time. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas formed from the breakdown of uranium in soil, and because it is invisible and odorless, it can accumu...
#438 The Link Between Minerals, Emotions & Fatigue with Hope Pedraza, FDN-P
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You’re eating well, taking the supplements, and following the protocols. So why are your labs still showing burnout? Why do symptoms keep coming back?
This week I’m joined by Hope Pedraza, FDN-P. We unpack the deeper layers behind recurring symptoms, mineral imbalances, and why your nervous system might be the real reason nothing sticks. We talk about how emotional stress shows up on lab work, what a calcium shell actually means, and how subconscious patterns can drain you...
#437 Picky Eating: What Actually Works with Alyssa Miller, RD
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You’ve probably heard it before. “Picky eating is just a phase. They’ll grow out of it.” But what if they don’t? What if it gets worse? And what if your well-meaning bribing and begging is actually making it harder?
This week I’m joined by picky eating specialist Alyssa Miller RD, and we’re diving into what’s really going on when your kid refuses food. Alyssa brings a refreshing, root-cause lens to the mealtime madness and helps us zoom out to see what p...
#436 ENCORE: Digging Deeper to Heal Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, and Autoimmunity with Don Wood, PhD
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This week on the Less Stressed Life marks the final week of our encore series, where we’ve been revisiting listener-favorite episodes from 2025.
In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Don Wood to explore how unresolved trauma can keep the nervous system stuck in survival mode and quietly drive symptoms like anxiety, autoimmune conditions, and chronic pain.
We discussed how past experiences can remain stored in the brain as “high-definition” memories, keeping stress chemistry turned on and contributing to inflammation...
#435 ENCORE: Resolving Eczema & Food Sensitivities Without Skipping Gluten with Christa Biegler, RD
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For the next few weeks on Less Stressed Life, we’re republishing listener-favorite episodes from 2025 that resonated deeply with our community.
In this episode, I sat down with former client Kelli, who shared her journey of healing eczema and food sensitivities in a way that felt surprisingly linear. While healing is rarely a straight path, Kelli’s experience highlighted what was possible when the right root causes were addressed with clarity, consistency, and support.
Kelli came to me after years of mana...
#434 ENCORE: 3 Ways Stress Triggers Skin & Gut Issues—And What to Do About It with Christa Biegler, RD
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For the next few weeks on Less Stressed Life, we’re republishing listener-favorite episodes from 2025 that resonated deeply with our community.
This episode explores something many people overlook: stress is often the hidden trigger behind gut and skin issues. If you’ve been dealing with eczema, rashes, bloating, or food sensitivities and haven’t found lasting relief, stress may be the missing piece.
In this conversation, I break down three major ways stress impacts the body, including how it depletes key nu...
