The Funk'tional Nutrition Podcast

It’s time to uncover what's ACTUALLY going on in your gut! Are you stuck in the cycle of treating SIBO over and over, only to have your symptoms return? Today, Erin and Rachel Heintz, MS, RDN, are revealing the most common reasons that keep people stuck in the SIBO loop, including why standard protocols and restrictive diets often miss the mark, and the deeper, more nuanced reasons SIBO recurs. You'll learn what your stool test might be trying to tell you, how stress and low stomach acid sabotage gut healing, and the critical roles bile flow, mineral status, and even meal timing play in your recovery. Whether you're dealing with persistent bloating, IBS-like symptoms, or have been told you just need “another round of antibiotics”, this conversation will help you finally move forward.In this episode:Why low stomach acid and bile flow are two of the biggest root causes of recurring SIBO Grazing all day might be sabotaging your gut's natural cleaning system (the Migrating Motor Complex)The surprising role of serotonin and mineral imbalances in gut motility and chronic constipationWhat your breath test and stool test can and can’t reveal about your gut healthWhy SIBO won't truly resolve unless you address large intestine dysbiosis, immune function, and structural issues like valve dysfunction or surgical adhesionsResources mentioned:Join Erin’s Masterclass on August 14th for just $77! How to Turn 1:1 Client Wins into a Scalable Group ProgramApplications are now open for the fall 2025 cohort of Funk’tional Nutrition Academy.FOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/372-sibo Check out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | InstagramOrganifi supplement powder (save 20% on your order with code FUNK) OneSkin (Use code FUNK for 15% off your first purchase)Qualia Senolytic (get up to 50% off and an extra 15% off your first purchase with link + code FUNKS)Bon Charge (Use code FUNK to save 15%)

Is AI coming for your job? Erin tackles this pressing question head-on in a thought-provoking episode designed to help you navigate the rise of AI with clarity and confidence. Instead of reacting from fear, you'll learn how to lean into what makes your work truly irreplaceable (like your presence, intuition, clinical insight, and the ability to facilitate real transformation!)Erin breaks down how buyer behavior has evolved, why information alone no longer sells, and what this means for those building programs, writing content, or delivering client services. Surface-level strategies just won’t cut it anymore. Whether you’re just starting your practice or leading a growing team, this episode will re-ground you in the skills and mindset needed to thrive and stand out in an increasingly noisy and AI-influenced space.In this episode:How consumer behavior has shifted toward craving transformation over info-packed coursesThe 4 essential focus areas you must make to futureproof your business and stay relevant in the age of AIHow overreliance on AI can damage the reputation of functional medicine if misused for lab analysis and protocolsErin’s tips and tricks on designing experiences that are rooted in your own voice, values, and client success storiesWhy presence, intuition, and clinical mentorship are irreplaceable in delivering care that changes livesJoin Erin’s Masterclass on August 14th for just $77! How to Turn 1:1 Client Wins into a Scalable Group ProgramApplications are now open for the fall 2025 cohort of Funk’tional Nutrition Academy.

What if your burnout is not because you're doing too much, but because you're not doing enough of the stuff that lights you up and makes you feel alive?In this energizing solo episode, Erin is reframing burnout through the lens of disconnection: from your creativity, your joy, and your unique voltage. If you’re a high-achieving practitioner feeling the weight of 1:1 work and wondering how to scale your impact without losing the soul of what you do, this episode introduces the power of group programs. There’s no better way to give more people access to you and your inner genius.And Erin is hosting a special 90 minute masterclass on August 14th to help you package up your protocols, insights, and client wins into your next creation, with no fluff. This is a jam-packed session for anyone ready to teach, lead, and create from a place of alignment. Sign up here!In this episode:Why traditional burnout advice misses the mark, and what your energy body has to do with healingThe critical difference between empathy and compassion (one quietly leads to emotional depletion!)How Erin scaled her business by following her inner voltage rather than just tacticsThe signs that you’re running on someone else’s power source instead of your ownWhy group programs should NEVER be created using AI tools like ChatGPT, and how your energy impacts the experiencePLUS, thoughtful journal prompts to reconnect to yourself

When you ignore your own boundaries, your body will set them FOR you – through burnout, hormonal dysfunction, autoimmune flare-ups, and chronic fatigue. So if you’ve ever pushed your needs aside “just for now,” consider this your compassionate wake-up call. In this live call from the Your Hormone Revival program, Erin delivers a tough-love, no-shame framework for your health journey so you can reclaim your vitality, learn how to say no, prioritize yourself, and heal at the root level.Erin highlights the powerful (and often overlooked) mindset shifts that create lasting results, like the difference between intention and commitment, and how subconscious stressors sneak into your system. You’ll also get access to a game-changing visualization exercise to anchor your goals.In this episode:Why symptoms like fatigue, burnout, and autoimmune flare-ups are your body’s way of enforcing boundaries you haven’t set for yourselfThe 7 hidden, subconscious stressors (like hyper-responsibility and the inability to say no), that silently drive hormonal chaosA guided visualization exercise designed to uncover your deepest blocks and clarify your future visionThe critical difference between “setting an intention” and “making a commitment”Actionable tools for setting energetic and time boundaries so you can prioritize your healing - even when life feels too full or chaotic!

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be a powerful tool, but it’s just one piece of the perimenopause puzzle.In this episode, Erin is talking to renowned nutrition scientist and functional medicine expert Dr. Deanna Minich to challenge the “HRT or bust” narrative, diving into the deeper systems involved (like your gut, liver, and brain!) and how they shape your hormonal experience.Dr. Minich introduces a root-cause framework that prioritizes the health of the entire endocrine system, not just hormone levels in isolation. You’ll learn about the five pillars of hormone processing (synthesis, transport, activation, metabolism, and excretion), the emerging role of endocrine disruptors, and why starting with gut health and detox pathways is essential before jumping into hormone therapy. If you’re hormone-curious, this conversation will expand your understanding, AND your options.In this episode:Why jumping straight into hormone replacement therapy might bypass the real issues, like a dysfunctional endocrine systemThe critical role of the HPTA-GLOA Axis and how it regulates your mood, your metabolism, detoxification, and inflammationHow to support the full hormone cascade (not just estrogen/progesterone)A bold parallel between today’s HRT marketing and the diet fads of the '90sHow maca supports hormonal balance, especially when symptoms don’t require or respond to HRT

Imagine eating food that not only nourishes your body, but also heals the planet. In this episode, Erin is exploring the transformative power of regenerative farming with Stan and Eileen from Ramstead Ranch.Together, they break down how regenerative agriculture goes FAR beyond the “organic” label and why it matters for your immune system, gut health, and chronic inflammation. There’s an often-overlooked connection between soil health, animal welfare, and your body’s nutrient absorption!You’ll learn what makes food truly nutrient-dense, how industrial farming practices have stripped our food of bioavailable minerals, and simple questions you should ask your local farmers if you want to navigate your food choices with curiosity and care.In this episode:The differences between “organic,” “pasture-raised,” and truly regenerative food practicesHow modern farming depletes soil and why that matters for your nutrient intakeWhat “grass-fed AND grass-finished” actually means (and why it’s crucial)The surprising role of soil microbes in your immune system and gut healthHow to ask the right questions when sourcing food - even if you’re not a farmer!

If you've ever been told that endometriosis is “just a hormonal issue”, this episode will challenge everything you thought you knew. Endo is not a simple diagnosis - it’s a whole body inflammatory disease, and conventional approaches often miss key contributors like gut dysbiosis, immune dysfunction, and histamine intolerance. Through powerful client case studies, Erin highlights how a root cause lens can bring real relief where protocols alone fall short.You’ll learn how functional testing like stool analysis, SIBO breath tests, and even mold and toxin panels can uncover what's really going on beneath your symptoms. Whether you’ve been living with endo symptoms for years or are just starting your healing journey, this episode will help you reclaim your health.In this episode:Why up to 90% of people with endo ALSO struggle with irritable bowel symptomsHow LPS-producing bacteria and gut imbalances can drive immune dysfunction in endometriosisThe connection between estrogen, histamine, and mast cell activation (and why it matters for symptom relief)What high beta-glucuronidase on a stool test could tell you about hormone detox pathwaysWhen it’s time to look beyond gut and hormone tests and look to mold, toxins, and deeper functional markers

Are you navigating mysterious gut issues, only to be told everything looks “normal”? Erin walks us through a real client case that sheds light on what standard GI testing often misses. After 20 years of stomach pain, bloating, rosacea, and food reactions, a functional stool analysis finally gave this woman answers.Erin breaks down the six major findings from the client’s GI Map stool test, including H. pylori, low commensal bacteria, opportunistic overgrowths, low digestive enzymes, sky-high immune markers, and gluten reactivity. You’ll hear how each result connects to her symptoms and how traditional medicine overlooked all of it.Erin also speaks candidly about why physical healing must be addressed alongside emotional and energetic work and what realistic healing timelines really look like when you're working with a functional provider.In this episode:The GI test that uncovered H. Pylori, low beneficial bacteria, and inflammation, even after years of “normal” endoscopiesWhy symptoms like rosacea, joint pain, and food reactions may be rooted in gut dysfunction (and what to do about it)Opportunistic bacteria like Pseudomonas and Staph aureus can drive food sensitivities, especially to glutenWhat elevated secretory IgA and anti-gliadin IgA REALLY say about your gut’s immune responseErin’s take on realistic healing timelines and why your gut protocol might need constant evolution to truly work

If you’re stuck in a food reactivity rabbit hole, this episode will help you decode what’s really going on. Erin unpacks the difference between food allergies and sensitivities, highlighting how sensitivities can trigger delayed, systemic inflammation days after exposure. She shares why symptoms vary so widely - ranging from headaches to joint pain to brain fog, and how your body’s “weakest link” often determines where symptoms show up.But rather than just treating food as the enemy, Erin digs into the root causes: changes in food production, immune system overreactions, and gut dysfunction. Environmental toxins, stress, and even poor digestion are priming your body to misfire against food, and your $200 at-home test might be leading you down the wrong path.Tune in for a clear breakdown of how to properly execute an elimination and provocation diet, what red flags on a food sensitivity test REALLY mean, and why blindly removing a bunch of foods could actually make things worse in the long run. In this episode:Why food sensitivity tests showing 25+ reactions might say more about your gut integrity than the foods themselvesThe two BIGGEST reasons our modern immune systems are freaking out, and how it connects to foodHow poor digestion and low stomach acid make your body attack food like a threatWhat Erin actually recommends before ever turning to food sensitivity testingThe unexpected role of hormones, Vitamin A, and stress in triggering food reactions

Have you tried probiotics, collagen, and cut out food groups but still feel bloated? Erin unpacks the 7 most overlooked (but common!) drivers behind chronic bloating that often go undetected in traditional care models. True digestive healing starts at the top, literally in your brain. And she’ll walk through how stress, poor digestion, and imbalances in the gut can contribute to that uncomfortable, distended feeling.Rather than just focusing on what to cut out of your diet, Erin will help you zoom out and examine digestion from a functional lens: are you chewing enough? Do you have sufficient stomach acid? Could sluggish bile or bacterial overgrowth be to blame? With practical insights, simple self-tests, and supplement strategies, this episode gives you a checklist to start solving the bloating mystery at its root.In this episode:Why stress and rushed meals shut down digestion before food even hits your stomachThe signs of low stomach acid and why it might be behind your food sensitivitiesHow to tell if poor fat digestion or gallbladder issues are causing bloatingThe “I look 7 months pregnant” symptom Erin hears from clients with SIBOWhy food sensitivities are often a SYMPTOM and not the root cause of digestive issues

Today’s episode of The Funktional Nutrition Podcast is a little different — Erin is bringing back a past show that struck a chord with so many listeners, and it feels more relevant than ever. It’s the only episode she’s ever recorded on the topic of money, and she’s re-releasing it to explain exactly why it deserves a second listen. This isn’t just a conversation about finances — it’s about how we view ourselves, our worth, and where those beliefs come from. It’s a powerful message for everyone, but especially for those who are used to putting others first: moms, caretakers, over-functioners — this one’s for you.The episode also dives into something deeper: how we shape our reality based on the beliefs and narratives we consume. In a world flooded with fear-based and limiting messages (particularly around the economy), it’s easy to fall into a mindset of scarcity and self-doubt. But Erin reminds us that when we train our minds to seek out evidence of possibility — not limitation — everything starts to shift. This is exactly why she created Manifest Your Wealth, a program returning June 1st by popular demand. If you’ve ever struggled to see yourself as a worthy investment and want to understand why that is — this episode is your pep talk… or maybe even your full-on pep rally.In this episode:Why women are more likely to feel guilty investing in themselves, and how to flip the scriptHow subconscious beliefs formed in childhood secretly limit your financial potentialThe emotional connection between receiving support and feelings of shameHow to recognize if you’re permission-seeking OR self-trusting with money decisionsWhy building wealth is about rewiring your brain, not just earning more incomeResources mentioned:Manifest Your WealthFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/362-moneyCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram

Autoimmunity rates are soaring, but is the conventional medical approach keeping up? Dr. Akil, a Harvard-trained MD and integrative medicine pioneer, joins Erin to break down why the autoimmune epidemic is accelerating (especially among children), and how most patients are being underserved by oversimplified advice or symptom-suppressing drugs. Instead of masking symptoms, Dr. Akil shares his “T.I.G.E.R Protocol” - a comprehensive, actionable system to address the real root causes of autoimmunity, from toxins and infections to gut health, diet, and rest.In This Episode:Surprising lab clues (like ANA antibodies) that can appear before autoimmune symptoms surfaceDr. Akil's 5-step protocol that addresses the root causes of autoimmunity beyond just "healing the gut."Why stool pH is a hidden player in gut health, and how to create an environment that makes your body inhospitable to pathogensHow sauna therapy and eating more broccoli sprouts can rapidly lower your toxic burdenThe underestimated power of mind-body practices to break the cycle of fear, stress, and symptom hyper-vigilance in autoimmune healingLearn more about Dr. Akil on his website. You can also follow him on Instagram and TikTok and check out his book, The T.I.G.E.R Protocol: An Integrative, 5-Step Program to Treat and Heal Your AutoimmunityErin’s FREE Hormone Food GuideGet Your Gut Panel HereFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/361-autoimmunityCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram

What's all the buzz about creatine? Should you be taking it? What benefits does it have, especially for women? Erin welcomes back Angelo Keely, Co-Founder and CEO of Kion, to break down the myths, facts, and powerful research behind creatine’s benefits. From muscle performance and body composition to cognitive health and hormone-related brain fog, you’ll learn why this widely studied supplement is gaining a ton of traction among women of all ages.Is creatine actually safe? What about kidney concerns, bloating, or digestive issues? And how does it stack up against (or work alongside) amino acids? Erin and Angelo tackle the big questions and will empower you to make informed decisions so you can decide if creatine fits into YOUR daily routine.In This Episode:Why creatine isn’t just for bodybuilders (and why women typically see strength benefits without “bulking up”)How creatine supports cognitive function, especially during pivotal hormonal shifts like perimenopause and menopauseThe truth about bloating, kidney health, and other commonly misunderstood side effectsHow to determine your ideal dosage based on age, weight, and goals, and how to ease in if you’re sensitiveThe key differences between creatine and amino acids, and why they work better togetherFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/360-creatineCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | InstagramVisit getkion.com/funk for 20% off

If you’ve ever felt like your hormones are off, this episode is for you. Erin is joined by functional dietitian Nicole Antes, MS, RDN, to unpack a MASSIVELY overlooked topic in hormone health: the liver. Together, they explore how nutrient deficiencies, alcohol, synthetic fragrances, and even your cookware may be burdening your detox pathways and leading to hormonal imbalances like estrogen dominance.Nicole shares real-world client cases and practical strategies to support your liver, gut, and overall detoxification without expensive fads or restrictive cleanses. You’ll learn why liver support goes far beyond supplements, what your poop says about your hormone health, and how simple lifestyle swaps can make a profound impact. This is the episode that connects the dots between gut, liver, and hormones in a way that finally makes sense.In This Episode:Why non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is rising, even in seemingly healthy womenHow daily exposure to “low dose” endocrine disruptors like fragrance can disrupt hormone functionThe gut-liver-hormone triangle - and why pooping daily is essential for estrogen detoxNicole’s favorite supplements to support methylation and reduce estrogen dominance symptomsSmart, doable swaps for non-toxic living, from castor oil packs to cookware and water filtersFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/359-liver-healthCheck out The Funk’tional Nutritionist: Website | Instagram

If you’re a high-achieving woman who's ever felt like your ambition was leading you straight into burnout, you’re not alone. In this episode, Erin dives deep into the relationship between ambition, burnout, and hormone health. Guess what? It’s not ambition itself that's the problem, but ambition without rest, support, and self-awareness. She unpacks the hidden patterns of perfectionism, codependency, and over-functioning that so often drive depletion and hormonal dysfunction in high performers, and shares how your mindset and relational patterns may be silently impacting your body’s ability to thrive.You'll learn why common signs like weight loss resistance, thyroid sluggishness, low cortisol, and persistent fatigue aren’t just “part of the hustle” but major signals from your body that it’s time to make a change. Erin also shares her own story of reaching a tipping point and how she transformed both her business and her well-being. In This Episode:Ambition alone ISN’T what leads to burnout - what actually is causing high performers to crash?How perfectionism and perceived lack sabotage hormone health without you even realizing itThe majorly overlooked signs in hormone labs that reveal your body is running on empty Erin’s realization about over-functioning and codependency that completely shifted her personal and professional lifeThe critical role of community and support systems for ambitious womenWhy isolation may be your biggest hidden stressorFOR OUR FULL LIST OF LINKS + RESOURCES, HEAD TO: https://www.thefunktionalnutritionist.com/podcast/358-burnout